James 2:1-12
James 2:1-4 1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Common Areas Where We See Discrimination:
• Appearance
• Ancestry
• Age
• Achievement
• Affluence
I. FAVORITISM IS NOT CHRIST-LIKE
James 2:1-5
1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
II. FAVORITISM IS NOT LOGICAL
James 2:5-7
5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
III. FAVORITISM IS NOT LOVING
James 2:8-11 8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
THE ROYAL LAW: Matthew 22:36-40
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Practical Application:
Romans 15:7
"Accept one another just as Christ accepted you ..."
Do you know why people have a hard time accepting others? They confuse acceptance with approval. There's a big difference between acceptance and approval. You can accept somebody without approving of his lifestyle. He may be doing something totally contrary to the word of God, but you can accept him as a person without approving of the sin he's involved in. And how will he ever get cleaned up without the love, grace, and power of God’s Holy Spirit in his life?
Philippians 2:3-5
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others."
This goes a little bit further than acceptance. This is where we look intentionally for a need and seek to meet it without discrimination… just like the Good Samaritan, putting the needs of others above our own! And I am so glad I’m at a church where many of you are doing just that!
Galatians 3:26-27
26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
It was said of the New Testament church, "See how they love one another." "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples that you love each other."
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Forged - James 1:2-12
Forged:
When the Heat is On
James 1:2-12
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
God’s number one purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.
ESSENTIALS FOR VICTORY IN TRIALS:
I. Consider Carefully Your Circumstances
1. Trials are inevitable.
One thing is certain and Jesus said it: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) Scripture doesn't say, "If you face trials consider it joy" but whenever -- count on it, you're going to have problems…no one is exempt.
2. Trials are unpredictable.
3. Trials are of many kinds.
4. Trials are not permanent!
Luke 2:1
“And it came to pass ...” (KJV)
If it came to “pass”, it didn’t come to “stay”!
5. Trials are purposeful.
“...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
II. Submit and Surrender Your Situation
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Note...it doesn’t say the trial will end because of your prayers...it just says that if you lack the wisdom to see this trial as God does...and if you don’t understand the value of these times...go to God, ask Him for wisdom...and you will get it!
Notice also...When you pray, you are not promised that the trial will go away. You are promised wisdom!
“You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way!”
James 1:3, 4 (The Message)
III. ENVISION YOUR ETERNITY
Job 19:25-26 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, YET IN MY FLESH I WILL SEE GOD.”
When the Heat is On
James 1:2-12
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
God’s number one purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.
ESSENTIALS FOR VICTORY IN TRIALS:
I. Consider Carefully Your Circumstances
1. Trials are inevitable.
One thing is certain and Jesus said it: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) Scripture doesn't say, "If you face trials consider it joy" but whenever -- count on it, you're going to have problems…no one is exempt.
2. Trials are unpredictable.
3. Trials are of many kinds.
4. Trials are not permanent!
Luke 2:1
“And it came to pass ...” (KJV)
If it came to “pass”, it didn’t come to “stay”!
5. Trials are purposeful.
“...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
II. Submit and Surrender Your Situation
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Note...it doesn’t say the trial will end because of your prayers...it just says that if you lack the wisdom to see this trial as God does...and if you don’t understand the value of these times...go to God, ask Him for wisdom...and you will get it!
Notice also...When you pray, you are not promised that the trial will go away. You are promised wisdom!
“You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way!”
James 1:3, 4 (The Message)
III. ENVISION YOUR ETERNITY
Job 19:25-26 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, YET IN MY FLESH I WILL SEE GOD.”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Law and Order
Want More and Less!
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
I. THE PROBLEM OF POSSESSIONS
“All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.” Ecclesiastes 6:7
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
II. A CULTURE OF COMPARISON
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23
III. THE PROBLEM OF PERSPECTIVE
Matthew 19:25-26, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Learning to Live for Legitimate Longings:
It’s called contentment. Contentment is the opposite of striving, aching, restlessness, and worry and anxiety. Wouldn’t you like to be freed from your endless pursuit of accumulation?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).
Paul wrote:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Learn to live for legitimate longings: HOW?
1. RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYTHING IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1 Chronicles 29:16 says, “O LORD our God, as for all this abundance … it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
2. RESOLVE TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. RESTRICT YOUR INTAKE
4. RECOMMIT YOURSELF TO GIVE GENEROUSLY
Warren Wiersbe says, “An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand.”
Generosity is a natural expression of our love and gratitude to God.
Maybe our discontentment is telling us something important. C.S. Lewis says: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Our citizenship not here in America…in Heaven! The Apostle Paul understood this when he gave up his wealth and influence and prestige and freedom—and even his life--to serve the Lord as a missionary: Nothing else mattered to him.
Philippians 3:7-8: 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…
In Acts 20:24 Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
Exodus 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17
I. THE PROBLEM OF POSSESSIONS
“All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.” Ecclesiastes 6:7
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
II. A CULTURE OF COMPARISON
“I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23
III. THE PROBLEM OF PERSPECTIVE
Matthew 19:25-26, “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”
Learning to Live for Legitimate Longings:
It’s called contentment. Contentment is the opposite of striving, aching, restlessness, and worry and anxiety. Wouldn’t you like to be freed from your endless pursuit of accumulation?
“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30).
Paul wrote:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Learn to live for legitimate longings: HOW?
1. RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYTHING IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1 Chronicles 29:16 says, “O LORD our God, as for all this abundance … it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
2. RESOLVE TO GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. RESTRICT YOUR INTAKE
4. RECOMMIT YOURSELF TO GIVE GENEROUSLY
Warren Wiersbe says, “An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand.”
Generosity is a natural expression of our love and gratitude to God.
Maybe our discontentment is telling us something important. C.S. Lewis says: “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Our citizenship not here in America…in Heaven! The Apostle Paul understood this when he gave up his wealth and influence and prestige and freedom—and even his life--to serve the Lord as a missionary: Nothing else mattered to him.
Philippians 3:7-8: 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ…
In Acts 20:24 Paul said, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Law and Order
Exodus 20:15-16 Model Integrity
I. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW
God has authorized two primary methods by which people can legitimately increase their possession. When we engage in these 2 areas of getting gain, we are doing it the right way. Notice what they are.
1. As A Reward For Work – Contrary to popular belief, work is not a curse! It is a means, ordained by God, whereby people can obtain the resources they need to function in the world. In fact, work is glorified by God – 2 Thes. 3:10.
2. By The Reception Of A Gift – Another legitimate means of increasing our possessions is by the generosity of another. Some one may give us a gift, or we may receive and inheritance, or we may be the beneficiary of a will or insurance policy. These are all legitimate ways of getting gain. There is nothing wrong with receiving things from others. Often, God may choose to bless your life in this way.
The Corrupt Means Of Getting Gain – This is by taking that which does not belong to us as our own. Also know as stealing. God has condemned this practice and has declared that His children should leave it behind with the other works of the flesh – Eph. 4:28.
II. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF A LOYALTY
1- As An Employee – Employee theft costs companies billions of dollars every year, somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 billion. According to USA Today, 48 % of all American workers took something from an employer last year. People do this by taking thing home, selling things without their employers knowledge and pocketing the money, taking kickbacks, falsifying time records, wasting time while at work, etc.
2- As An Employer – When employees are underpaid, over worked and treated badly, this too is a form of stealing! God has certain principles, which are to be followed by employers
3- In Our Ethics – Often, we are guilty of stealing in various area of our lives. Things like taxes, keeping our word, honoring our debts, borrowing things and not returning them. When we are obligated to do something, we should do it! When we don’t, we have stolen. When we owe a debt, or taxes etc, then we also must pay that, or, again, we are guilty of stealing before God.
III. THE VIOLATION OF A HEAVENLY LOVE
1- The Stealing Of The Tithe – Notice what Malachi says about the tithe – Mal. 3:8-10. God says that when we hold back that which belongs to the Lord, then we are guilty of stealing from God.
2- The Stealing Of Time – You and I have been allotted only so much time in this world. If we waste that time instead of using it for the glory of the Lord, we are guilty of theft! Are you using your time as you should?
3- The Stealing Of Titles - There is also the matter of Lordship. We are guilty of stealing when we hold back areas of our lives from His Lordship.
4- The Stealing Of Talents – The Bible is clear when it tells us that when we become a Christ-Follower, we are given certain gifts from the Heavenly Father – 1 Cor. 12:7-27
Now let’s look at the second integrity area. The 9th commandment!
Ex. 20:16
1- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of Respect You Receive
2- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of The Response You Receive
I. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF THE LAW
God has authorized two primary methods by which people can legitimately increase their possession. When we engage in these 2 areas of getting gain, we are doing it the right way. Notice what they are.
1. As A Reward For Work – Contrary to popular belief, work is not a curse! It is a means, ordained by God, whereby people can obtain the resources they need to function in the world. In fact, work is glorified by God – 2 Thes. 3:10.
2. By The Reception Of A Gift – Another legitimate means of increasing our possessions is by the generosity of another. Some one may give us a gift, or we may receive and inheritance, or we may be the beneficiary of a will or insurance policy. These are all legitimate ways of getting gain. There is nothing wrong with receiving things from others. Often, God may choose to bless your life in this way.
The Corrupt Means Of Getting Gain – This is by taking that which does not belong to us as our own. Also know as stealing. God has condemned this practice and has declared that His children should leave it behind with the other works of the flesh – Eph. 4:28.
II. STEALING IS A VIOLATION OF A LOYALTY
1- As An Employee – Employee theft costs companies billions of dollars every year, somewhere in the neighborhood of $120 billion. According to USA Today, 48 % of all American workers took something from an employer last year. People do this by taking thing home, selling things without their employers knowledge and pocketing the money, taking kickbacks, falsifying time records, wasting time while at work, etc.
2- As An Employer – When employees are underpaid, over worked and treated badly, this too is a form of stealing! God has certain principles, which are to be followed by employers
3- In Our Ethics – Often, we are guilty of stealing in various area of our lives. Things like taxes, keeping our word, honoring our debts, borrowing things and not returning them. When we are obligated to do something, we should do it! When we don’t, we have stolen. When we owe a debt, or taxes etc, then we also must pay that, or, again, we are guilty of stealing before God.
III. THE VIOLATION OF A HEAVENLY LOVE
1- The Stealing Of The Tithe – Notice what Malachi says about the tithe – Mal. 3:8-10. God says that when we hold back that which belongs to the Lord, then we are guilty of stealing from God.
2- The Stealing Of Time – You and I have been allotted only so much time in this world. If we waste that time instead of using it for the glory of the Lord, we are guilty of theft! Are you using your time as you should?
3- The Stealing Of Titles - There is also the matter of Lordship. We are guilty of stealing when we hold back areas of our lives from His Lordship.
4- The Stealing Of Talents – The Bible is clear when it tells us that when we become a Christ-Follower, we are given certain gifts from the Heavenly Father – 1 Cor. 12:7-27
Now let’s look at the second integrity area. The 9th commandment!
Ex. 20:16
1- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of Respect You Receive
2- Your Reputation Determines The Level Of The Response You Receive
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Law and Order...
Love Exclusively - Exodus 20:14; Matthew 19:4-6
“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19:4-6
Sex is a privilege inseparable from the responsibilities of the sacred marriage covenant. Sex and marriage go together. Apart from marriage, the lasting commitment is absent. So the sex act becomes a lie. To claim the privilege apart from the responsibility perverts God’s intention.
MYTH #1: Sex is Merely a Physical Act
"There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never 'become one'" (1 Cor. 6:15–17, The Message).
“Sex is not just something you do; sex is someone you are.” Randy Alcorn
MYTH #2: I Must Satisfy My Desires
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God…The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-8
MYTH #3: I Can Do What I Want With My Own Body
Question: So who does your body belong to?
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
PRACTICAL PURITY STRATEGIES:
1. Flee
Flee from sexual immorality.”1 Corinthians 6:18
“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her…She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” Genesis 39:10, 12
2. Keep Your Distance
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” Proverbs 4:14-15
Scripture says: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
3. Think Through the Consequences
Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all His paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Proverbs 5: 20-23
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. Proverbs 6: 27-29
4. Anticipate and Prevent Temptations
5. Fill Your Mind With Pure Thoughts
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
6. Pray and Don’t Give Up
Jesus taught His disciples to “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18: 1)
If you have fallen, repent and seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
“You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” Matthew 19:4-6
Sex is a privilege inseparable from the responsibilities of the sacred marriage covenant. Sex and marriage go together. Apart from marriage, the lasting commitment is absent. So the sex act becomes a lie. To claim the privilege apart from the responsibility perverts God’s intention.
MYTH #1: Sex is Merely a Physical Act
"There's more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, 'The two become one.' Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never 'become one'" (1 Cor. 6:15–17, The Message).
“Sex is not just something you do; sex is someone you are.” Randy Alcorn
MYTH #2: I Must Satisfy My Desires
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God…The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you.. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-8
MYTH #3: I Can Do What I Want With My Own Body
Question: So who does your body belong to?
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
PRACTICAL PURITY STRATEGIES:
1. Flee
Flee from sexual immorality.”1 Corinthians 6:18
“And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her…She caught him by his cloak and said, ‘Come to bed with me!’ But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.” Genesis 39:10, 12
2. Keep Your Distance
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.” Proverbs 4:14-15
Scripture says: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
3. Think Through the Consequences
Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another man’s wife? For a man’s ways are in full view of the LORD, and He examines all His paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Proverbs 5: 20-23
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished. Proverbs 6: 27-29
4. Anticipate and Prevent Temptations
5. Fill Your Mind With Pure Thoughts
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure…think about such things.” Philippians 4:8
6. Pray and Don’t Give Up
Jesus taught His disciples to “always pray and not give up” (Luke 18: 1)
If you have fallen, repent and seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Law and Order
“You shall not murder.”
Exodus 20:13
1. Think carefully about honoring life.
This command does not prohibit or condemn:
• Accidental homicide: manslaughter
In the OT, God’s people began to differentiate between premeditated murder...and the accidental or unintentional killing of another person. It was the OT law that called for the establishment of “cities of refuge” where someone involved in an accidental death could flee and live in safety until the details of the situation were examined and a just response determined by the community.
• Justifiable homicide is not condemned by this text.
“If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed.”
Exodus 22:2
• Killing in a just war
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. For the (government) is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:1, 3, & 4
• Capital punishment is not prohibited by this command.
In fact, back in Genesis 9 it is frankly stated that capital punishment will be the response to premeditated murder. In Exodus 21, the very next chapter, instructions are given for when capital punishment is appropriate and how it is to be carried out.
2. Embrace values that honor life.
• Refuse to fantasize about murder.
“Don’t take revenge my friends, but leave room for the wrath of God. Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” Romans 12: 20
I want to encourage you to
• Oppose the practice of abortion.
Over 52 million times since January of 1973 when our government followed the leadership of the USSR and England and made abortion on demand legal...over 52,263,000 babies have been killed by abortion.
That’s more American lives than have been lost in all the wars our country has fought in our history. Do you know what that means? The most dangerous place in America is not Detroit...who had the most murders per capital of any city in the US last year
The most dangerous place to live in the world, statistically, is the womb of a mother who does not believe in the sanctity of human life.
Psalm 139:13
“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be. “
Psalm 139: 13-14, 16
• Absolutely reject any thought of suicide.
• Purpose to be innocent of “mental murder.”
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:21-22
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:17
3. Get real personal about honoring life.
1. If your anger is sinful: confess it
2. Genuinely repent of mental murder
3. We need to disavow any desire to see evil come to these people.
4. Leave their judgment to God
Romans 12:19 says “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay.’ says the Lord.”
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:20-21
Exodus 20:13
1. Think carefully about honoring life.
This command does not prohibit or condemn:
• Accidental homicide: manslaughter
In the OT, God’s people began to differentiate between premeditated murder...and the accidental or unintentional killing of another person. It was the OT law that called for the establishment of “cities of refuge” where someone involved in an accidental death could flee and live in safety until the details of the situation were examined and a just response determined by the community.
• Justifiable homicide is not condemned by this text.
“If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed.”
Exodus 22:2
• Killing in a just war
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. For the (government) is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” Romans 13:1, 3, & 4
• Capital punishment is not prohibited by this command.
In fact, back in Genesis 9 it is frankly stated that capital punishment will be the response to premeditated murder. In Exodus 21, the very next chapter, instructions are given for when capital punishment is appropriate and how it is to be carried out.
2. Embrace values that honor life.
• Refuse to fantasize about murder.
“Don’t take revenge my friends, but leave room for the wrath of God. Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” Romans 12: 20
I want to encourage you to
• Oppose the practice of abortion.
Over 52 million times since January of 1973 when our government followed the leadership of the USSR and England and made abortion on demand legal...over 52,263,000 babies have been killed by abortion.
That’s more American lives than have been lost in all the wars our country has fought in our history. Do you know what that means? The most dangerous place in America is not Detroit...who had the most murders per capital of any city in the US last year
The most dangerous place to live in the world, statistically, is the womb of a mother who does not believe in the sanctity of human life.
Psalm 139:13
“For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be. “
Psalm 139: 13-14, 16
• Absolutely reject any thought of suicide.
• Purpose to be innocent of “mental murder.”
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:21-22
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:17
3. Get real personal about honoring life.
1. If your anger is sinful: confess it
2. Genuinely repent of mental murder
3. We need to disavow any desire to see evil come to these people.
4. Leave their judgment to God
Romans 12:19 says “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge, I will repay.’ says the Lord.”
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:20-21
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Law and Order
The Sabbath is a day for rest, Sabbath is a day of reflection – reflect on God’s provisions, reflect on God’s promises (double rainbow Meredith and I saw the other day), Sabbath is a day for renewal - Renewal of commitment, Renewal of conscience (2 ways we can do this – through worship and Fellowship)
Children had the opportunity especial on the Sabbath to listen to their parents and Grand-parents talk about God and what he had done and was doing! But we see that Israel moved away from this and raised up a generation that Did not know God! A look back at the 2nd command shows this! Which leads us to the next command! There’s hardly anything that forms or influences our relationship to God like our relationship with our parents.
Your relationship with your parents has a profound impact on how you view God:
• If you had a really demanding, never-satisfied dad, you end up thinking that about God, too. You end up resenting him.
• If you had a dad who was unfaithful, then a lot of times you have a real problem believing that God is not ever going to leave you, or you have a hard time believing that during painful times God is working everything out for good.
• If you had a dad who was emotionally distant, then if you’re a girl… a lot of times that manifests itself by craving the affection and attention of a boyfriend or a husband… and so you are a serial dater who can never be without a guy and then when you get married you get co-dependent and when, not if, but when your husband disappoints you, you either become really bitter in your marriage or start to with flirt with old boyfriends on Facebook.
• If you’re a guy and your dad was emotionally distant, then a lot of times you’ll have this insatiable craving to succeed, to get to the top. Psychologists say it is because you’re trying to prove you’re worth something and good at something so that someone will “good job,” and “you’re really important…” because your dad never did.
Principle #1:
Honor Your Parents because God commands you to do so.
Principle #2
Honor your parents in age-appropriate ways.
As a young person who is living at home, supported in any way by your parents, God’s call on your life is to immediate obedience with a positive attitude.
For a college/young adult, honoring your parents means going the extra mile to respect and cooperate with them. As a young adult, honoring your parents means accepting them for who they are and respecting them anyway.
As a mature adult, you honor your parents by staying in contact and caring for them.
As a wounded person, honoring your parents means respect for their position and forgiveness for their failures.
Children had the opportunity especial on the Sabbath to listen to their parents and Grand-parents talk about God and what he had done and was doing! But we see that Israel moved away from this and raised up a generation that Did not know God! A look back at the 2nd command shows this! Which leads us to the next command! There’s hardly anything that forms or influences our relationship to God like our relationship with our parents.
Your relationship with your parents has a profound impact on how you view God:
• If you had a really demanding, never-satisfied dad, you end up thinking that about God, too. You end up resenting him.
• If you had a dad who was unfaithful, then a lot of times you have a real problem believing that God is not ever going to leave you, or you have a hard time believing that during painful times God is working everything out for good.
• If you had a dad who was emotionally distant, then if you’re a girl… a lot of times that manifests itself by craving the affection and attention of a boyfriend or a husband… and so you are a serial dater who can never be without a guy and then when you get married you get co-dependent and when, not if, but when your husband disappoints you, you either become really bitter in your marriage or start to with flirt with old boyfriends on Facebook.
• If you’re a guy and your dad was emotionally distant, then a lot of times you’ll have this insatiable craving to succeed, to get to the top. Psychologists say it is because you’re trying to prove you’re worth something and good at something so that someone will “good job,” and “you’re really important…” because your dad never did.
Principle #1:
Honor Your Parents because God commands you to do so.
Principle #2
Honor your parents in age-appropriate ways.
As a young person who is living at home, supported in any way by your parents, God’s call on your life is to immediate obedience with a positive attitude.
For a college/young adult, honoring your parents means going the extra mile to respect and cooperate with them. As a young adult, honoring your parents means accepting them for who they are and respecting them anyway.
As a mature adult, you honor your parents by staying in contact and caring for them.
As a wounded person, honoring your parents means respect for their position and forgiveness for their failures.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Law and Order
Exodus 20:7
The tongue, though relatively small when compared to the whole body, is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It must be! After all, man can split atoms, walk on the moon, yet cannot seem to control his little tongue, James 3:8. In James 3, the Bible gives us valuable insight into this little monster that lives in our mouths, James 3:1-12. Paul tells us that as Christians, we are to use our tongues for noble pursuits, Eph. 4:29. He also tells us in Col. 3:8, that we are to watch our filthy mouths.
I. GOD’S NAME IS SACRED
1. LORD
When you see this word in the bible, it is the English rendering of the Hebrew word "Jehovah." This Name is used to declare God’s nature, that is unchanging and eternal. In the Bible, Jehovah is coupled with other words to form compound names for God which reveal more about His nature and His attributes. Some Are:
a. Jehovah-Jireh – "The LORD will provide" – Gen. 22:14.
b. Jehovah-Nissi – "The LORD is my banner." – Ex. 17:15.
c. Jehovah-Shalom – "The LORD is peace" – Judges 6:24.
2. God – Elohim – Refers to the One Supreme, faithful. Literally, "The Strong and Faithful One!" This is the common word for God in the bible. It is used over 2,000 times in the Old Testament.
II. GOD’S NAME IS VIOLATED
1. When We Use It As A Curse
2. When We Use It Casually
III. GOD’S NAME WILL BE LIFTED UP
The tongue, though relatively small when compared to the whole body, is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It must be! After all, man can split atoms, walk on the moon, yet cannot seem to control his little tongue, James 3:8. In James 3, the Bible gives us valuable insight into this little monster that lives in our mouths, James 3:1-12. Paul tells us that as Christians, we are to use our tongues for noble pursuits, Eph. 4:29. He also tells us in Col. 3:8, that we are to watch our filthy mouths.
I. GOD’S NAME IS SACRED
1. LORD
When you see this word in the bible, it is the English rendering of the Hebrew word "Jehovah." This Name is used to declare God’s nature, that is unchanging and eternal. In the Bible, Jehovah is coupled with other words to form compound names for God which reveal more about His nature and His attributes. Some Are:
a. Jehovah-Jireh – "The LORD will provide" – Gen. 22:14.
b. Jehovah-Nissi – "The LORD is my banner." – Ex. 17:15.
c. Jehovah-Shalom – "The LORD is peace" – Judges 6:24.
2. God – Elohim – Refers to the One Supreme, faithful. Literally, "The Strong and Faithful One!" This is the common word for God in the bible. It is used over 2,000 times in the Old Testament.
II. GOD’S NAME IS VIOLATED
1. When We Use It As A Curse
2. When We Use It Casually
III. GOD’S NAME WILL BE LIFTED UP
Monday, August 30, 2010
Law and Order #2
Exodus 20:4-6
1- The Restriction
Exodus 32:1-14
2. The Reason
John 4:24
John 14:16; 16:13
3. The Results
Psalm 59:8
1 Samuel 5:1-5
1- The Restriction
Exodus 32:1-14
2. The Reason
John 4:24
John 14:16; 16:13
3. The Results
Psalm 59:8
1 Samuel 5:1-5
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
After God's Own Heart - A Disappointed Heart
http://www.lifepointetroy.com/files/Videos/0022%2020100801%20A%20Disappointed%20Heart.wmv
Monday, July 26, 2010
After God's Own Heart - A Passive Heart
2 Samuel 13-18
A few reasons why passivity crepe into the lives of Christ-Followers
Wrong priorities
Entertainment Addiction
Squeaky wheel principle
World view
Growing in Christ-likeness does not happen over night! It takes time! Relationships take time to nurture and grow! Same is true for a Christ-Follower! A relationship with our Heavenly Father through His son Jesus Christ takes time!
Child- or literary a baby in Christ - a brand-new Christ-Follower realizes that he is a child of God and not much else.
Young Man- a spiritual young man is strong in the word of God and has overcome the evil one. A spiritual young man is able to recognize false teaching and not become victimized by false teaching.
Man- it is one thing to know that you belong to the family of God and to know the word of God, but it's another thing to know God intimately. Spiritual growth progresses from knowing you are a Christ-Follower to knowing the word of God to knowing God himself deeply.
Matt 28:19 - Go and make disciples!!
A few reasons why passivity crepe into the lives of Christ-Followers
Wrong priorities
Entertainment Addiction
Squeaky wheel principle
World view
Growing in Christ-likeness does not happen over night! It takes time! Relationships take time to nurture and grow! Same is true for a Christ-Follower! A relationship with our Heavenly Father through His son Jesus Christ takes time!
Child- or literary a baby in Christ - a brand-new Christ-Follower realizes that he is a child of God and not much else.
Young Man- a spiritual young man is strong in the word of God and has overcome the evil one. A spiritual young man is able to recognize false teaching and not become victimized by false teaching.
Man- it is one thing to know that you belong to the family of God and to know the word of God, but it's another thing to know God intimately. Spiritual growth progresses from knowing you are a Christ-Follower to knowing the word of God to knowing God himself deeply.
Matt 28:19 - Go and make disciples!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
After God's Own Heart - A Compssionate Heart
2 Samuel 9:1-13
How would you define grace? Webster's defines it as, "Undeserved divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration and sanctification." Others have defined it as "unmerited divine love and favor extended to sinners." or maybe you have heard the following - " Justice is getting what you deserved. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve." all true!!!
1- Mephiboshethe's Family
2- The Pursuit
3- Lessons to Learn
A new place - this world is not our home!
We have a new provision - as a child of God we become His responsibility! He promises to take good care of His children!
We have a new parent- the instant a person trusts Jesus as his Lord and Savior, that person ceases being just created by God and moves to become a child of God
How would you define grace? Webster's defines it as, "Undeserved divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration and sanctification." Others have defined it as "unmerited divine love and favor extended to sinners." or maybe you have heard the following - " Justice is getting what you deserved. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Grace is getting what you do not deserve." all true!!!
1- Mephiboshethe's Family
2- The Pursuit
3- Lessons to Learn
A new place - this world is not our home!
We have a new provision - as a child of God we become His responsibility! He promises to take good care of His children!
We have a new parent- the instant a person trusts Jesus as his Lord and Savior, that person ceases being just created by God and moves to become a child of God
Monday, July 12, 2010
David: A Man After God’s Own Heart - A Broken and Contrite Heart
2 Samuel 12:1-15
I. THE GAP
Between 11:27 and 12:1 there is a gap of some twelve months. During that time there is no mention of David’s sin by David, by God or by anyone else for that matter. But, this does not mean that those twelve months were a peaceful time for the troubled king. If I may, I would like to pull a couple of thoughts from the space between these two chapters. You see, sometimes what is not said speaks just as loud as what is said!
II. THE CONFRONTATION
Then David hears words that he never thought he would hear. Nathan looks at him and says “Thou art the man! It’s you David! You took the only thing Uriah had in this life and then you took his life. You had it all, but you wanted more! Thou are the man!”
You can almost hear the sadness in the voice of Nathan as he asks that pitiful question in verse 9. “Why did you do this? After the Lord has been so good to you! How could you!?”
III. THE CLEANSING
A. The Sin Is Confessed – When David hears the charges, suddenly his mind is clear. For the first time in months he can see the situation just as it is and he makes a full and honest confession.
B. The Sin Is Cleansed – As soon as David confesses He is told that his sins have been forgiven and that he will not be put to death as the Law demanded, Lev. 20:10. Instead of justice, David has received mercy and grace. He has been forgiven and he has been pardoned! The time of alienation from God is over! He is restored! Here is what David said happened when he dealt with his sins, Psalm 32:1-5IV. THE CONSEQUENCES
God will forgive your sins, but the scars will always be there. Sin is horrible, it destroys everything and everyone it touches; but sin can be forgiven!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Week 2: After God’s Own Heart
After God’s Own Heart:
A Damaging Heart Attack
2 Samuel 11
FAILURE CAN COME WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT.
Those who indulge themselves in sin find that while the sin initially brings them a measure of pleasure that it ends up leaving them with a double portion of grief.
FAILURE COMES WHEN WE FORGET OUR GOD.
We cannot face sin in our own strength.
FAILURE COMES WHENEVER WE IGNORE WARNINGS
Charles Swindoll wrote, “David didn’t fall suddenly; some chinks had already begun to form in his spiritual armor.”
FAILURE COMES WITH CONSEQUENCES.
“There is a great tendency in all of us to camouflage what we have done. But if we have a heart for God, what we cover up is like an internal, physical infection. It grows and grows. We may appear relatively healthy on the outside, but if the internal infection is there, eventually it is going to show. And it is going to affect us in a terrible way.”
“He makes all things work together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 How did he do that? How did God turn adultery into victory? Look at Matthew 1: 1, 6, 16. The Messiah, Jesus Christ came from the line of David. An eternal kingship was given by God.
A Damaging Heart Attack
2 Samuel 11
FAILURE CAN COME WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT.
Those who indulge themselves in sin find that while the sin initially brings them a measure of pleasure that it ends up leaving them with a double portion of grief.
FAILURE COMES WHEN WE FORGET OUR GOD.
We cannot face sin in our own strength.
FAILURE COMES WHENEVER WE IGNORE WARNINGS
Charles Swindoll wrote, “David didn’t fall suddenly; some chinks had already begun to form in his spiritual armor.”
FAILURE COMES WITH CONSEQUENCES.
“There is a great tendency in all of us to camouflage what we have done. But if we have a heart for God, what we cover up is like an internal, physical infection. It grows and grows. We may appear relatively healthy on the outside, but if the internal infection is there, eventually it is going to show. And it is going to affect us in a terrible way.”
“He makes all things work together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 How did he do that? How did God turn adultery into victory? Look at Matthew 1: 1, 6, 16. The Messiah, Jesus Christ came from the line of David. An eternal kingship was given by God.
Monday, June 28, 2010
week 1: After God’s Own Heart - A Heart of Extreme Faith
1 Samuel 17:1-51
Read - 1 Samuel 17:32-37
David took certain steps in setting this situation right that give us a clear picture of the walk of faith that should be exhibited in every Christ-Followers life. David shows us what faith does when faith is faced with giants, battles and obstacles.
I. FAITH REACTS
A Lesson to learn from this! When you accept Jesus as Lord, God places His Spirit within each of our hearts. Now, when one of life's giants appears in our view, there rises up within the heart of the child of God a desire to see that Giant fall! All around there may be those who tell us that the giant is too strong, or that we are unable to overcome it, but while the world and the faithless cry, "God can't!", there is One in our hearts Who rises up and declares with all the force He possesses, "God can, God can!"
II. FAITH RESOLVES
III.FAITH REMEMBERS
What made David's so determined to defeat Goliath? It was the same thing that motivated him to kill the lion and the bear. As the shepherd of the flock, he was responsible for protecting the sheep. So, he killed the attackers and delivered the sheep. When it came to Israel, David had already been anointed to be the next king of Israel (1Sam.16). In effect, he was their shepherd. When he saw the people being attacked by Goliath, he just reacted with the heart of a shepherd.
IV. FAITH RELIES
V. FAITH RECEIVES
Hebrew 11:1
Read - 1 Samuel 17:32-37
David took certain steps in setting this situation right that give us a clear picture of the walk of faith that should be exhibited in every Christ-Followers life. David shows us what faith does when faith is faced with giants, battles and obstacles.
I. FAITH REACTS
A Lesson to learn from this! When you accept Jesus as Lord, God places His Spirit within each of our hearts. Now, when one of life's giants appears in our view, there rises up within the heart of the child of God a desire to see that Giant fall! All around there may be those who tell us that the giant is too strong, or that we are unable to overcome it, but while the world and the faithless cry, "God can't!", there is One in our hearts Who rises up and declares with all the force He possesses, "God can, God can!"
II. FAITH RESOLVES
III.FAITH REMEMBERS
What made David's so determined to defeat Goliath? It was the same thing that motivated him to kill the lion and the bear. As the shepherd of the flock, he was responsible for protecting the sheep. So, he killed the attackers and delivered the sheep. When it came to Israel, David had already been anointed to be the next king of Israel (1Sam.16). In effect, he was their shepherd. When he saw the people being attacked by Goliath, he just reacted with the heart of a shepherd.
IV. FAITH RELIES
V. FAITH RECEIVES
Hebrew 11:1
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week 5: The Big Rocks - Repentance
In Romans 7:19 the apostle Paul himself wrote, " For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
Ezekiel 18:30 is a good summary of the Old Testament prophetic message. Ezekiel, speaking for God, said, "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”
Mark 6:12: “They went out and preached that people should repent.”
Luke 15:7 tells us “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Acts 2, “Repent and be baptized…” Then in Acts 3, 'Repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away and the times of refreshing may come."
Acts 17: "God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent."
2 Timothy 2:25 “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to acknowledge of the truth.”
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation 2:5).
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” (Rev. 3:19).
1. Repentance Requires Change
The great preacher A. W. Tozer said: "Beware of vain and over-hasty repentance. And particularly let us beware of no repentance at all.'
He said in his church, "We are a sinful race, ladies and gentlemen, a sinful people. And until the knowledge has hit us hard, until it has wounded us, until it has gotten through and past our little theology department, it has done us no good. Lots of us believe in the total sinfulness of man who have never been wounded with the knowledge that we have sinned. Repentance is a wound I pray we all will feel."
Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When I have repented, there are two things that immediately happen. Number one, following repentance is confession.
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
The second thing that happens when I genuinely repent is, not only will I confess my sin, I'll make restitution.
2. Repentance is not easy!
2 Corinthians 7:9 says: “yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.”
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Genuine conversion includes godly sorrow, repentance, and until that takes place there is no conversion. The person who is broken and undone in their sinfulness before God is ready to be converted. If repentance was easy, everyone would be doing it. It's not easy, because repentance requires changing your mind—really changing it, coming to the place where you can say, "If I could go back, I would do it differently." That's repentance. There is no pretending. There's no saying the phrase because it's the right one. The words have to reflect your heart.
3. How do I repent?
Luke 15:17-19:
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
Repentance involves my mind. Repentance involves my emotions. Notice also, though, that it involves the will.
Luke 3:8 says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” You'll know you've got it done when you have this going on in your life:
• The absence of rationalization.
• Genuine sorrow.
• Open confession of sin.
James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
• Restitution.
Ezekiel 18:30 is a good summary of the Old Testament prophetic message. Ezekiel, speaking for God, said, "Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”
Mark 6:12: “They went out and preached that people should repent.”
Luke 15:7 tells us “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Acts 2, “Repent and be baptized…” Then in Acts 3, 'Repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away and the times of refreshing may come."
Acts 17: "God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent."
2 Timothy 2:25 “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to acknowledge of the truth.”
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation 2:5).
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.” (Rev. 3:19).
1. Repentance Requires Change
The great preacher A. W. Tozer said: "Beware of vain and over-hasty repentance. And particularly let us beware of no repentance at all.'
He said in his church, "We are a sinful race, ladies and gentlemen, a sinful people. And until the knowledge has hit us hard, until it has wounded us, until it has gotten through and past our little theology department, it has done us no good. Lots of us believe in the total sinfulness of man who have never been wounded with the knowledge that we have sinned. Repentance is a wound I pray we all will feel."
Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
When I have repented, there are two things that immediately happen. Number one, following repentance is confession.
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
The second thing that happens when I genuinely repent is, not only will I confess my sin, I'll make restitution.
2. Repentance is not easy!
2 Corinthians 7:9 says: “yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.”
For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Genuine conversion includes godly sorrow, repentance, and until that takes place there is no conversion. The person who is broken and undone in their sinfulness before God is ready to be converted. If repentance was easy, everyone would be doing it. It's not easy, because repentance requires changing your mind—really changing it, coming to the place where you can say, "If I could go back, I would do it differently." That's repentance. There is no pretending. There's no saying the phrase because it's the right one. The words have to reflect your heart.
3. How do I repent?
Luke 15:17-19:
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
Repentance involves my mind. Repentance involves my emotions. Notice also, though, that it involves the will.
Luke 3:8 says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” You'll know you've got it done when you have this going on in your life:
• The absence of rationalization.
• Genuine sorrow.
• Open confession of sin.
James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
• Restitution.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Week 4: The Big Rocks - Baptism
Acts 16:22-34
Four defining decisions:
1. He decided to admit the real condition of his life.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30
2. He decided to ask the most important question any of us can ask: What must I do to be saved?
"They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" -Acts 16:31
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
-Romans 10:9
3. He decided to repent and strike out in a new direction.
When a person believes in their heart and becomes a follower of Jesus, they start depending on God to make some changes in their life.
4. He decided to honor and obey the Lord by being baptized.
"immediately he and all his household were baptized." Acts 16:33
Simple questions you might have about baptism:
Why be baptized?
I could give a number of reasons right out of scripture, but really the one reason that should compel everyone to be baptized is that your leader and the forgiver of your sins commanded you to do it.
Everyone of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involved - someone admitting their life isn't working, putting their trust in Jesus instead of themselves, walking in a new direction, every one of them ends with the visible expression of baptism.
When am I ready to be baptized?
There's a pattern that we see over and over again in the bible. Here's an example from Acts 8:13, "Simon himself believed and was baptized."
Notice what he did first. He believed. And then he was baptized. The biblical sequence is to believe, and then be baptized.
How should I be baptized?
Baptize means to dip or immerse
Baptism is a drama in which you get to play Jesus in a reenactment of the core issues of our faith: his death, burial and resurrection and you can see that clearly in immersion. That was the pattern in the New Testament: going down into the water, coming up out of the water. So that's what I would encourage you to do.
Four defining decisions:
1. He decided to admit the real condition of his life.
"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30
2. He decided to ask the most important question any of us can ask: What must I do to be saved?
"They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" -Acts 16:31
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
-Romans 10:9
3. He decided to repent and strike out in a new direction.
When a person believes in their heart and becomes a follower of Jesus, they start depending on God to make some changes in their life.
4. He decided to honor and obey the Lord by being baptized.
"immediately he and all his household were baptized." Acts 16:33
Simple questions you might have about baptism:
Why be baptized?
I could give a number of reasons right out of scripture, but really the one reason that should compel everyone to be baptized is that your leader and the forgiver of your sins commanded you to do it.
Everyone of the conversion stories in the book of Acts involved - someone admitting their life isn't working, putting their trust in Jesus instead of themselves, walking in a new direction, every one of them ends with the visible expression of baptism.
When am I ready to be baptized?
There's a pattern that we see over and over again in the bible. Here's an example from Acts 8:13, "Simon himself believed and was baptized."
Notice what he did first. He believed. And then he was baptized. The biblical sequence is to believe, and then be baptized.
How should I be baptized?
Baptize means to dip or immerse
Baptism is a drama in which you get to play Jesus in a reenactment of the core issues of our faith: his death, burial and resurrection and you can see that clearly in immersion. That was the pattern in the New Testament: going down into the water, coming up out of the water. So that's what I would encourage you to do.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Week 3: The Big Rocks... In Essentials, Unity
1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 2:44
One of the ways we honor God as a church is by maintaining a spirit of unity.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Jesus also emphasized the importance of harmony. He said, “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). His final prayer in the garden of Gethsemane was, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me” (John 17:23).
Many of the New Testament letters appeal to the churches to refrain from division and live in harmony. Paul writes in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” In Ephesians 4:3 he says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
When churches bicker, it saps our energy, it quenches our spirit, and it negates our testimony.
3 ways that each of us can help to maintain the unity that we enjoy and that God so desires.
A. AVOID SILLY ARGUMENTS
When Paul was mentoring Titus, the young church leader, he wrote to him in chapter 3 verse 9, “Avoid foolish controversies.”
We need to avoid controversy and those kinds of issues for two reasons. Number one, they accomplish nothing.
A second reason foolish arguments are to be avoided is that they are potentially divisive.
B. Be Devoted to Each Other in Service
William Barclay wrote, “Half the trouble that arises in the church concerns rights, privileges, places, and prestige. Someone has not been given his or her place. Someone has not been thanked. Someone has been neglected. Someone has been given a more prominent place on the platform than somebody else and there is trouble.”
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is not thinking of yourself at all.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant:” (Matthew 23:11).
There is hardly ever any bickering over the basin.
C. Continue to Follow the New Testament Example
You know the Christian Church is special and unique, because we base everything we believe in and stand for on the Bible. We don’t form committees and debate doctrine and pass our answers along to you. What we believe is not based on my opinion or Gus opinion, or the elders’ opinions, but it is based on scripture. When the Christian Church was pioneered…a group of church leaders got together and were frustrated with all the division and disunity in the body of Christ….and so they started a movement based on the Bible…Wow what a unique concept. Some of the earliest Christian Church slogans were: “Were not the only Christians, just Christians only.” “No book but the Bible” “No creed but Christ.” And I especially like this one, “In essentials unity. In non-essentials liberty. And in all things love.”
If you look in the book of Acts, the New Testament church began as a united church. The book of Acts is the story of the birth and growth of the church. And the defining moment in the birth of the church happened in Acts 2:1, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Acts 4:32 says, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.”
It's about community... and community is not a vague thing in the book of Acts. And there's one word that just runs through it like a thread.
Acts 1:14, "All these were constantly together, devoting themselves to prayer."
Acts 2:1, "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place."
Acts 2:42,44, "They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All who believed were together and had all things in common."
What's the word that just keeps running through it? It's "together."
Jesus prayed the night before He was crucified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for us…those who would believe in Him through their message…and His prayer was the same for both groups (That we would be one, just as He and the Father are one).
“Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up unto him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:15, 16).
One of the ways we honor God as a church is by maintaining a spirit of unity.
Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Jesus also emphasized the importance of harmony. He said, “All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35). His final prayer in the garden of Gethsemane was, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me” (John 17:23).
Many of the New Testament letters appeal to the churches to refrain from division and live in harmony. Paul writes in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” In Ephesians 4:3 he says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” “I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
When churches bicker, it saps our energy, it quenches our spirit, and it negates our testimony.
3 ways that each of us can help to maintain the unity that we enjoy and that God so desires.
A. AVOID SILLY ARGUMENTS
When Paul was mentoring Titus, the young church leader, he wrote to him in chapter 3 verse 9, “Avoid foolish controversies.”
We need to avoid controversy and those kinds of issues for two reasons. Number one, they accomplish nothing.
A second reason foolish arguments are to be avoided is that they are potentially divisive.
B. Be Devoted to Each Other in Service
William Barclay wrote, “Half the trouble that arises in the church concerns rights, privileges, places, and prestige. Someone has not been given his or her place. Someone has not been thanked. Someone has been neglected. Someone has been given a more prominent place on the platform than somebody else and there is trouble.”
Humility is not thinking less of yourself. Humility is not thinking of yourself at all.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).
Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant:” (Matthew 23:11).
There is hardly ever any bickering over the basin.
C. Continue to Follow the New Testament Example
You know the Christian Church is special and unique, because we base everything we believe in and stand for on the Bible. We don’t form committees and debate doctrine and pass our answers along to you. What we believe is not based on my opinion or Gus opinion, or the elders’ opinions, but it is based on scripture. When the Christian Church was pioneered…a group of church leaders got together and were frustrated with all the division and disunity in the body of Christ….and so they started a movement based on the Bible…Wow what a unique concept. Some of the earliest Christian Church slogans were: “Were not the only Christians, just Christians only.” “No book but the Bible” “No creed but Christ.” And I especially like this one, “In essentials unity. In non-essentials liberty. And in all things love.”
If you look in the book of Acts, the New Testament church began as a united church. The book of Acts is the story of the birth and growth of the church. And the defining moment in the birth of the church happened in Acts 2:1, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Acts 4:32 says, “All the believers were one in heart and mind.”
It's about community... and community is not a vague thing in the book of Acts. And there's one word that just runs through it like a thread.
Acts 1:14, "All these were constantly together, devoting themselves to prayer."
Acts 2:1, "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place."
Acts 2:42,44, "They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…All who believed were together and had all things in common."
What's the word that just keeps running through it? It's "together."
Jesus prayed the night before He was crucified. He prayed for His disciples and He prayed for us…those who would believe in Him through their message…and His prayer was the same for both groups (That we would be one, just as He and the Father are one).
“Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up unto him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:15, 16).
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week 2: The Big Rocks - "No Book But the Bible"
2 Timothy 3:16-17
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”.
The Scriptures are the words of human beings, but underneath and through them the Holy Spirit was at work to make sure everything was said just as God wanted—everything God said just as God wanted it to be. The whole Bible is inspired, every book, every paragraph, every line. The Spirit inspired the writers. We believe it is God’s perfect and holy word. The significance of this is we don’t get to weasel out of parts we don’t like by saying they’re not inspired.
Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.
I. THE BIBLE IS RELIABLE
But possibly the greatest evidence for the authority of our New Testament are the 1000’s of quotations taken from its pages by the early church fathers. Dean Burgon in his research found in all, 86,489 quotes from the early church fathers (McDowell 1990:47-48; 1991:52). In fact, there are 32,000 quotations from the New Testament found in writings from before 325 A.D. (McDowell Evidence, 1972:52). J. Harold Greenlee points out that the quotations of the scripture in the works of the early church writers are so extensive that the New Testament could virtually be reconstructed from them without the use of New Testament manuscripts. The evidence for the New Testament's reliability is overwhelming!
Somebody asked Charles Spurgeon one time, "How do you defend Scripture?" His response was, "The same way you defend a lion. You just let it loose." The Bible is so reliable it doesn’t even need defending.
II. THE BIBLE IS RELEVANT
That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests. Andrew Jackson.
The N.T. is the very best book that was or ever will be known in the world. Charles Dickens.
It is impossible to righteously govern the world without God and the Bible. George Washington.
Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe. Ronald Reagan.
III. THE BIBLE IS REVOLUTIONARY
You take every book ever written in the history of the world. They have not had as great an impact on the human race as this single book. Still the best selling book of all time…Countless millions have been changed by it. When people suggest it’s unreliable, poorly documented or inaccurate, they’re simply wrong, and in the vast majority of cases they haven’t really read it.
The great movements for education in Western civilization were motivated more than anything else by the desire for boys and girls to be able to read the word of God for themselves. Countless millions have died because they believed this book.
I want to give you three metaphors from scripture for how the word of God forms us, and I’d like to suggest three prayers that you pray this week as you read it. I’m going to illustrate this with three visuals…this is not original to me…John Ortberg used these visuals to encourage these prayers.
The first one is a lamp. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
As you read this week, think about the lamp and pray this prayer, "God, guide me. Use your word to guide me."
The next metaphor is this one. This is a sword.
Ephesians 6:17 “Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The prayer to pray here as you read Scripture is, "God, pierce me. Penetrate my defenses. Cut through my self-deception. Convict me where you need to. Reveal where I need to change—judgmental attitudes, gossiping words, addictions and denial, apathy towards my marriage. God, do surgery on my heart."
Then the last visual is this one: bread. Jesus talked about this when he was tempted in the wilderness. He answered Satan, Matthew 4:4 "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Jesus is saying that what food is to the body, the words of God are to the soul.
The prayer here is, "Feed me, God. Feed me. Nourish my soul."
What is your life being marinated in?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”.
The Scriptures are the words of human beings, but underneath and through them the Holy Spirit was at work to make sure everything was said just as God wanted—everything God said just as God wanted it to be. The whole Bible is inspired, every book, every paragraph, every line. The Spirit inspired the writers. We believe it is God’s perfect and holy word. The significance of this is we don’t get to weasel out of parts we don’t like by saying they’re not inspired.
Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them.
I. THE BIBLE IS RELIABLE
But possibly the greatest evidence for the authority of our New Testament are the 1000’s of quotations taken from its pages by the early church fathers. Dean Burgon in his research found in all, 86,489 quotes from the early church fathers (McDowell 1990:47-48; 1991:52). In fact, there are 32,000 quotations from the New Testament found in writings from before 325 A.D. (McDowell Evidence, 1972:52). J. Harold Greenlee points out that the quotations of the scripture in the works of the early church writers are so extensive that the New Testament could virtually be reconstructed from them without the use of New Testament manuscripts. The evidence for the New Testament's reliability is overwhelming!
Somebody asked Charles Spurgeon one time, "How do you defend Scripture?" His response was, "The same way you defend a lion. You just let it loose." The Bible is so reliable it doesn’t even need defending.
II. THE BIBLE IS RELEVANT
That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests. Andrew Jackson.
The N.T. is the very best book that was or ever will be known in the world. Charles Dickens.
It is impossible to righteously govern the world without God and the Bible. George Washington.
Within the covers of one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems that face us today--if only we would read and believe. Ronald Reagan.
III. THE BIBLE IS REVOLUTIONARY
You take every book ever written in the history of the world. They have not had as great an impact on the human race as this single book. Still the best selling book of all time…Countless millions have been changed by it. When people suggest it’s unreliable, poorly documented or inaccurate, they’re simply wrong, and in the vast majority of cases they haven’t really read it.
The great movements for education in Western civilization were motivated more than anything else by the desire for boys and girls to be able to read the word of God for themselves. Countless millions have died because they believed this book.
I want to give you three metaphors from scripture for how the word of God forms us, and I’d like to suggest three prayers that you pray this week as you read it. I’m going to illustrate this with three visuals…this is not original to me…John Ortberg used these visuals to encourage these prayers.
The first one is a lamp. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
As you read this week, think about the lamp and pray this prayer, "God, guide me. Use your word to guide me."
The next metaphor is this one. This is a sword.
Ephesians 6:17 “Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
The prayer to pray here as you read Scripture is, "God, pierce me. Penetrate my defenses. Cut through my self-deception. Convict me where you need to. Reveal where I need to change—judgmental attitudes, gossiping words, addictions and denial, apathy towards my marriage. God, do surgery on my heart."
Then the last visual is this one: bread. Jesus talked about this when he was tempted in the wilderness. He answered Satan, Matthew 4:4 "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Jesus is saying that what food is to the body, the words of God are to the soul.
The prayer here is, "Feed me, God. Feed me. Nourish my soul."
What is your life being marinated in?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Week 1: The Big Rocks - We Believe in God
Genesis 1:1…the first verse in the Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, by Norman Geisler. Geisler helps us recognize the truth about truth. There are many truths about truth. Hear are some of them:
• Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.)
• Truth is transcultural; if something is true, it is true for all people, in all places, at all times (2+2=4 for everyone, everywhere, at every time).
• Truth is unchanging even though our beliefs about truth change. (When we began to believe the earth was round instead of flat, the truth about the earth didn’t change, only our belief about the earth changed.)
• Beliefs cannot change a truth fact, no matter how sincerely they are held. (Someone can sincerely believe the world is flat, but that only makes that person sincerely wrong.)
• All truths are absolute truths. Truth is simply truth, period.
Basically, contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible. We can believe everything is true, but we cannot make everything true.
There are four major evidences for the existence of God that people throughout time have argued from.
First, there is the COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT.
The name of the argument comes from the Greek word kosmos, which refers to the created order.
This argument goes like this:
1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
Lee Strobel, the famous investigative journalist from the Chicago Tribune, thought he knew the facts. He became an atheist because of his Yale studies concerning evolution. In his book, The Case for a Creator, he breaks apart the four main pillars of evolution that led him to atheism.
• The Miller Experiment
• Darwin’s Tree of Life
• Ernst Haeckel’s Drawings of Embryos
• The Missing Link
Lee Strobel came to say…“It would have taken more faith for me to remain an atheist than to become a Christian.”
II. MORAL ARGUMENT
This argument states that people have a built-in sense of moral values. Naturalistic evolution has a difficult time explaining this one away.
a. The moral law is undeniable.
Remember the self-defeating claim, there is no absolute truth? Then is that statement absolutely true. Same concept here. There is absolute truth and there is a moral law…absolute values.
b. Since we know what’s absolutely wrong, then there must be an absolute standard of rightness.
Let me show. Question…Is there a difference between Hitler and Mother Teresa? How do you come to that conclusion? One more thought…how do you feel about planes crashing into the World Trade Center?
c. If there were no moral law, then we wouldn’t make excuses for violating it.
Why do people make excuses when they do something wrong or immoral?
C. S. Lewis says, "This points to a connection with a supreme moral being who is responsible for stamping that moral code on the life of all people." This line of argument by C. S. Lewis is so powerful that I would suggest his book, Mere Christianity. He relates, “Who or what else would explain this moral code? What set of molecules would produce a moral awareness in the lives of people all over the world?”
III. DESIGN OR TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT
The best illustration of this argument is the story of a watch. Once upon a time my watch was merely a number of disorganized elements and metals lying on a dusty road. Over the process of time, it began to take shape. A few dinosaurs trotting along that dusty road kicked a few of the metals together. Some cavemen in the nearby area passed that way and their shoeless feet kicked a few more elements together. Well, over billions and billions of years this watch began to take shape. Because of the forces acting upon it, the sun, the rain, the wind, and the weather, it began to evolve. It developed hands, and a face, but no legs. Then one day it started ticking. I came along, picked it up, and put it on. And it’s been running ever since. Let me ask you, do you believe the story of my watch?
Voltaire once said, “If a watch proves the existence of a watchmaker but the universe does not prove the existence of a great Architect, then I consent to be called a fool.”
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. — Psalm 19:1
Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! — Romans 1:20
IV. EXPERIENTIAL ARGUMENT
There is a lot of overwhelming evidence, but only one way to prove God's existence and that is by personal experience. No one who has met with God in a real and personal relationship with him as Father and as sovereign Lord can doubt that such proof is sufficient.
By experiencing God personally we can find out for ourselves that God exists.
Romans 1:25 says some people exchange the truth about God for a lie
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." — Psalm 53:1
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future with hope.”
Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Psalm 34:8
I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist, by Norman Geisler. Geisler helps us recognize the truth about truth. There are many truths about truth. Hear are some of them:
• Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.)
• Truth is transcultural; if something is true, it is true for all people, in all places, at all times (2+2=4 for everyone, everywhere, at every time).
• Truth is unchanging even though our beliefs about truth change. (When we began to believe the earth was round instead of flat, the truth about the earth didn’t change, only our belief about the earth changed.)
• Beliefs cannot change a truth fact, no matter how sincerely they are held. (Someone can sincerely believe the world is flat, but that only makes that person sincerely wrong.)
• All truths are absolute truths. Truth is simply truth, period.
Basically, contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible. We can believe everything is true, but we cannot make everything true.
There are four major evidences for the existence of God that people throughout time have argued from.
First, there is the COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT.
The name of the argument comes from the Greek word kosmos, which refers to the created order.
This argument goes like this:
1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause of its existence.
Lee Strobel, the famous investigative journalist from the Chicago Tribune, thought he knew the facts. He became an atheist because of his Yale studies concerning evolution. In his book, The Case for a Creator, he breaks apart the four main pillars of evolution that led him to atheism.
• The Miller Experiment
• Darwin’s Tree of Life
• Ernst Haeckel’s Drawings of Embryos
• The Missing Link
Lee Strobel came to say…“It would have taken more faith for me to remain an atheist than to become a Christian.”
II. MORAL ARGUMENT
This argument states that people have a built-in sense of moral values. Naturalistic evolution has a difficult time explaining this one away.
a. The moral law is undeniable.
Remember the self-defeating claim, there is no absolute truth? Then is that statement absolutely true. Same concept here. There is absolute truth and there is a moral law…absolute values.
b. Since we know what’s absolutely wrong, then there must be an absolute standard of rightness.
Let me show. Question…Is there a difference between Hitler and Mother Teresa? How do you come to that conclusion? One more thought…how do you feel about planes crashing into the World Trade Center?
c. If there were no moral law, then we wouldn’t make excuses for violating it.
Why do people make excuses when they do something wrong or immoral?
C. S. Lewis says, "This points to a connection with a supreme moral being who is responsible for stamping that moral code on the life of all people." This line of argument by C. S. Lewis is so powerful that I would suggest his book, Mere Christianity. He relates, “Who or what else would explain this moral code? What set of molecules would produce a moral awareness in the lives of people all over the world?”
III. DESIGN OR TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT
The best illustration of this argument is the story of a watch. Once upon a time my watch was merely a number of disorganized elements and metals lying on a dusty road. Over the process of time, it began to take shape. A few dinosaurs trotting along that dusty road kicked a few of the metals together. Some cavemen in the nearby area passed that way and their shoeless feet kicked a few more elements together. Well, over billions and billions of years this watch began to take shape. Because of the forces acting upon it, the sun, the rain, the wind, and the weather, it began to evolve. It developed hands, and a face, but no legs. Then one day it started ticking. I came along, picked it up, and put it on. And it’s been running ever since. Let me ask you, do you believe the story of my watch?
Voltaire once said, “If a watch proves the existence of a watchmaker but the universe does not prove the existence of a great Architect, then I consent to be called a fool.”
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. — Psalm 19:1
Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! — Romans 1:20
IV. EXPERIENTIAL ARGUMENT
There is a lot of overwhelming evidence, but only one way to prove God's existence and that is by personal experience. No one who has met with God in a real and personal relationship with him as Father and as sovereign Lord can doubt that such proof is sufficient.
By experiencing God personally we can find out for ourselves that God exists.
Romans 1:25 says some people exchange the truth about God for a lie
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." — Psalm 53:1
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future with hope.”
Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Psalm 34:8
Monday, May 10, 2010
Week 5: Snapshots- Be Realistic
We make choices that determine what our lives will be like.
Luke 10:38-42
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed."
"Be very careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise." Ephesians 5:15
Step One: Evaluate Your Lifestyle
Step Two: Enjoy The Present
- Live in then now
- Don't Procrastinate
Step Three: Embrace What's Most Important
- Be realistic and understand you can't do everything
- Organize your activities around relationships
1. My relationship with God
2. My family
3. My church family
4. My work
5. My world or my community
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only
Luke 10:38-42
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is needed."
"Be very careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise." Ephesians 5:15
Step One: Evaluate Your Lifestyle
Step Two: Enjoy The Present
- Live in then now
- Don't Procrastinate
Step Three: Embrace What's Most Important
- Be realistic and understand you can't do everything
- Organize your activities around relationships
1. My relationship with God
2. My family
3. My church family
4. My work
5. My world or my community
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33
"Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only
Monday, May 3, 2010
Week 4: Snapshots – Unwavering Commitment
Ephesians 5:25-33
Marriage is not something that happens to us. It is a thing we create. This simple statement has profound implications. It means that how I behave in the marriage and how I treat my wife (or husband) profoundly affects my marriage.
”For Husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.
As the scripture say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (NLT)
Husbands are instructed to love their wives with Christ-like love. Paul illustrated this with three comparisons.
In the first comparison, he said that-
1. Husbands are to love their wives with the kind of love with which Christ loved the church (v. 25).
The second comparison
2. Husbands are to love their wives in the same way they love their own bodies (v. 28).
Christian husband, love your wife. Love her by sacrificing your time and energy and resources on her. Love her by lavishing your attention on her. One more thing-
3. Husbands are to love their wives as they love themselves (v. 33).
Paul wrote, "Husbands love your wives." Love them sacrificially. Love them by lavishing your attention on them. And love them by being devoted to them.
Christ-follower marriages require Christ-follower husbands behaving toward their wives with Christ-like love. A Model to the world of Unwavering Commitment!!!
Marriage is not something that happens to us. It is a thing we create. This simple statement has profound implications. It means that how I behave in the marriage and how I treat my wife (or husband) profoundly affects my marriage.
”For Husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.
As the scripture say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (NLT)
Husbands are instructed to love their wives with Christ-like love. Paul illustrated this with three comparisons.
In the first comparison, he said that-
1. Husbands are to love their wives with the kind of love with which Christ loved the church (v. 25).
The second comparison
2. Husbands are to love their wives in the same way they love their own bodies (v. 28).
Christian husband, love your wife. Love her by sacrificing your time and energy and resources on her. Love her by lavishing your attention on her. One more thing-
3. Husbands are to love their wives as they love themselves (v. 33).
Paul wrote, "Husbands love your wives." Love them sacrificially. Love them by lavishing your attention on them. And love them by being devoted to them.
Christ-follower marriages require Christ-follower husbands behaving toward their wives with Christ-like love. A Model to the world of Unwavering Commitment!!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Week 3: Snapshots- Images of a Health Family- Healthy Conflict
Unhealthy conflict destroys families, marriages, relationships
Read 1 Peter 3:8-9 -Five Traits For Christ-followers
1. He says first, all of you be one mind "harmonious,"
2. Next, all of you be "sympathetic,"
3. Next, all of you be "brotherly,"
4. Next, all of you be "tenderhearted."
5. Next, all of you be humble attitude "humble in spirit."
Eph 4:25 – 5:2
Healthy Conflict Guidelines
1. Be truthful v. 25
a. “The Day America Told the Truth,” by James Patterson,
91% of Americans lie routinely about matters they consider trivial
1 out of 3 lie about important matters
86% lie on a regular basis to their parents
75% lie to their friends
7 out of 10 married people lie to their spouses
b. Lying
disrupts unity
creating conflicts
annihilate trust
destroys relationships
c. You can not build a relationship if honesty, integrity, and truth are not valued.
2. Get Mad, but don’t sin. V. 26
a. Learn not to bottle up your anger
b. Learn not to explode in your anger
c. Learn to control your anger.
d. Resolve your issues quickly
If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us
3. Play Nice v. 29
Watch the words that come from your mouth
be careful using words like Never or Always
Don’t define your spouse in the negative.
See your spouse the way God does
Build up your spouse
Ask yourself, will this build up my spouse before you say it.
4. Praise the Lord v.30 & 31
It catches the devil off guard!
It replaces bitterness and rage with holiness and peace.
5. Practice forgiveness v. 32
Let go of past hurts
Let it go and build on a foundation for forgiveness for your future
6. Love as Christ loved v. 5:1-2
Christ loved therefore He confronted in truth
Christ loved therefore He became angry but he did not sin
Christ loved therefore everything that came out of his mouth benefited those who would receive what he said.
Christ loved therefore He led a life of worship
Christ loved therefore He forgave.
You must love as Christ loved and gave Himself up for us.
Which leads us back to the 5traits mentioned at the beginning- Model Christ in our families!!
Read 1 Peter 3:8-9 -Five Traits For Christ-followers
1. He says first, all of you be one mind "harmonious,"
2. Next, all of you be "sympathetic,"
3. Next, all of you be "brotherly,"
4. Next, all of you be "tenderhearted."
5. Next, all of you be humble attitude "humble in spirit."
Eph 4:25 – 5:2
Healthy Conflict Guidelines
1. Be truthful v. 25
a. “The Day America Told the Truth,” by James Patterson,
91% of Americans lie routinely about matters they consider trivial
1 out of 3 lie about important matters
86% lie on a regular basis to their parents
75% lie to their friends
7 out of 10 married people lie to their spouses
b. Lying
disrupts unity
creating conflicts
annihilate trust
destroys relationships
c. You can not build a relationship if honesty, integrity, and truth are not valued.
2. Get Mad, but don’t sin. V. 26
a. Learn not to bottle up your anger
b. Learn not to explode in your anger
c. Learn to control your anger.
d. Resolve your issues quickly
If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us
3. Play Nice v. 29
Watch the words that come from your mouth
be careful using words like Never or Always
Don’t define your spouse in the negative.
See your spouse the way God does
Build up your spouse
Ask yourself, will this build up my spouse before you say it.
4. Praise the Lord v.30 & 31
It catches the devil off guard!
It replaces bitterness and rage with holiness and peace.
5. Practice forgiveness v. 32
Let go of past hurts
Let it go and build on a foundation for forgiveness for your future
6. Love as Christ loved v. 5:1-2
Christ loved therefore He confronted in truth
Christ loved therefore He became angry but he did not sin
Christ loved therefore everything that came out of his mouth benefited those who would receive what he said.
Christ loved therefore He led a life of worship
Christ loved therefore He forgave.
You must love as Christ loved and gave Himself up for us.
Which leads us back to the 5traits mentioned at the beginning- Model Christ in our families!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Week 2: Snapshots- Intentional Forgiveness
I. THE COST OF FORGIVENESS IS ENORMOUS!
Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Secret 1 of Forgiveness: To live through a bad day, and to live an abundant life, begin by forgiving everyone who seems to be trying to ruin your life.
Matthew 18:32-35, “Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.’”
II. The cost of forgiveness is enormous, but THE COST OF UNFORGIVENESS IS ETERNAL!
First, forgiveness is a redemptive response to having been wronged and wounded.
Secret 2 of Forgiveness: To embrace the will to forgive anyone or everyone who seems to be ruining your life, Jesus points you to a starting place… “They don’t know what they are doing.”
Second, forgiveness requires that we wish our wrong doer well.
Third, forgiveness takes time.
C.S. Lewis wrote: “I think I have at last forgiven the cruel schoolmaster who so darkened my youth. I had done it many times before, but this time I think I have really done it.”
Fourth, forgiveness does not require forgetting.
This is Secret 3 of Forgiveness: Forgiving those who hurt you is the key to not being permanently victimized by them.
Fifth, forgiveness ideally leads to reconciliation.
Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Six, forgiveness is something we should freely give.
Lewis Smedes says, “Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free and then discovering that the prisoner was you.”
And that’s Secret 4 of Forgiveness: Forgiving others is the key to living in the liberty of the freeing forgiveness Jesus has given us.
Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Secret 1 of Forgiveness: To live through a bad day, and to live an abundant life, begin by forgiving everyone who seems to be trying to ruin your life.
Matthew 18:32-35, “Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. ‘This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.’”
II. The cost of forgiveness is enormous, but THE COST OF UNFORGIVENESS IS ETERNAL!
First, forgiveness is a redemptive response to having been wronged and wounded.
Secret 2 of Forgiveness: To embrace the will to forgive anyone or everyone who seems to be ruining your life, Jesus points you to a starting place… “They don’t know what they are doing.”
Second, forgiveness requires that we wish our wrong doer well.
Third, forgiveness takes time.
C.S. Lewis wrote: “I think I have at last forgiven the cruel schoolmaster who so darkened my youth. I had done it many times before, but this time I think I have really done it.”
Fourth, forgiveness does not require forgetting.
This is Secret 3 of Forgiveness: Forgiving those who hurt you is the key to not being permanently victimized by them.
Fifth, forgiveness ideally leads to reconciliation.
Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Six, forgiveness is something we should freely give.
Lewis Smedes says, “Forgiveness is setting the prisoner free and then discovering that the prisoner was you.”
And that’s Secret 4 of Forgiveness: Forgiving others is the key to living in the liberty of the freeing forgiveness Jesus has given us.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Week 1: "Snapshots" - Openly Expressed Affection
Matthew 26:6-13 Jesus Anointed at Bethany
6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
I. IT IS EXPENSIVE
II. PEOPLE WON’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND IT
III. JESUS DESIRES IT
IV. THAT’S HOW YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED
The first way that we can express love and affection to somebody. It ought to be on the top of our list, all of our lists. That is, one, come right out and say it.
The second way that you can get love out of your heart and into someone else's is to put it in writing. To write it down.
The third way to convey love is through touch. Appropriate, loving, touch!
The fourth way is through small acts of kindness. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to each other." 1 John 3:18 says, "Don't love each other in word only, but with deeds as well."
Fifth, presence. The Bible recommends this one straight out in Romans 12:15 when it says, "If you want to express your love and affection in a real and powerful way, then rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping."
6While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, 7 a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
8When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. 9"This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor."
10Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 11The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. 12When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."
I. IT IS EXPENSIVE
II. PEOPLE WON’T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND IT
III. JESUS DESIRES IT
IV. THAT’S HOW YOU WILL BE REMEMBERED
The first way that we can express love and affection to somebody. It ought to be on the top of our list, all of our lists. That is, one, come right out and say it.
The second way that you can get love out of your heart and into someone else's is to put it in writing. To write it down.
The third way to convey love is through touch. Appropriate, loving, touch!
The fourth way is through small acts of kindness. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to each other." 1 John 3:18 says, "Don't love each other in word only, but with deeds as well."
Fifth, presence. The Bible recommends this one straight out in Romans 12:15 when it says, "If you want to express your love and affection in a real and powerful way, then rejoice with those who are rejoicing and weep with those who are weeping."
Monday, March 8, 2010
Week 4: Encounter With The Son
Encounter with the Son – Needy 5000
Matthew 14:13-21
"You give them something to eat!"
Compassion Draws the Hurting
"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..." [Col. 3:12]
We are Agents of God's Compassion
God will Make Us Equal to the Task
Matthew 14:13-21
"You give them something to eat!"
Compassion Draws the Hurting
"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..." [Col. 3:12]
We are Agents of God's Compassion
God will Make Us Equal to the Task
Monday, March 1, 2010
Week 3: Encounters with the Son
Encounters with the Son - Satan
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Expect temptation
• No one is exempt from being tempted
• Temptation, however, doesn't come from God
• Temptation often follows a "peak" experience in our lives. Jesus had just been baptized!
• Temptation often follows a "peak" experience in our lives. Jesus had just been baptized!
Understand it.
• Temptation is, by its very nature, deceptive.
• Temptation often promises what God has already provided
• Temptation doesn't last forever.
• Temptation doesn't leave forever, either.
Attack it.
• The God’s Word give us strength in overcoming temptation .
• Attack temptation by confronting temptation.
• Attack temptation by re-affirming your commitment to God.
Text: Matthew 4:1-11
Expect temptation
• No one is exempt from being tempted
• Temptation, however, doesn't come from God
• Temptation often follows a "peak" experience in our lives. Jesus had just been baptized!
• Temptation often follows a "peak" experience in our lives. Jesus had just been baptized!
Understand it.
• Temptation is, by its very nature, deceptive.
• Temptation often promises what God has already provided
• Temptation doesn't last forever.
• Temptation doesn't leave forever, either.
Attack it.
• The God’s Word give us strength in overcoming temptation .
• Attack temptation by confronting temptation.
• Attack temptation by re-affirming your commitment to God.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Week 2: Encounters With Jesus - "Woman at the Well"
Encounters With The Son- “The woman at the well”
John 4
1. The Well
About 100 feet deep. The well is not a spring well of water but a well fed by water that percolates and gathers. It is clearly so deep that you cannot get to the water unless you have you something to draw the water.
2. The woman
VS> 7
Three issues we see rising up in this encounter:
1- The Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans shared the same feelings toward the Jews.
2- But it goes beyond hatred- The Jews had all the Old Testament and the Samaritans had only the first five books of the Old Testament. They were not too careful about the teachings in those books and let a lot of pagan superstitions creep into their religion. They did not go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple! They had their own place of worship in Samaria.
3- This woman was of Samaria and a Rabbi (teacher) was forbidden to greet a woman in public.
3. The Water
Read vs. 10-12
Now what is “living water?” The water of a flowing stream was referred to as “living water” but Jesus is not speaking of that. As water is to earthly life so this “living water” is to eternal life, the true life. Jesus did not refer to Himself as the “living water.” He is the one who has it and can supply it. Jesus is saying that His teaching is God’s revelation and it is the “living water” that can nourish and keep alive our soul.
Jesus is teaching this woman that He can give her salvation and eternal life
4. The Testimony
We now see the disciples returning with the food they had brought. They are surprised to find Jesus talking to this woman. They didn’t ask any questions and the woman left the water pot by the well and went back to the town.
She said vs. 29-30
The disciples had been in town but they made no effort to witness or invite people to Jesus. This woman with the bad reputation did that and people started coming to see Jesus. Jesus was talking to His disciples who were urging Him to eat and Jesus said He had some spiritual food to eat. As the people came toward Him, He told them vs.35.
They came because of this woman’s testimony and many more came to believe as he taught them. They said to the woman, “we no longer believe just because of what you said, we’ve heard His teaching and believe He really is the Messiah, The Saviour of the World.”
John 4
1. The Well
About 100 feet deep. The well is not a spring well of water but a well fed by water that percolates and gathers. It is clearly so deep that you cannot get to the water unless you have you something to draw the water.
2. The woman
VS> 7
Three issues we see rising up in this encounter:
1- The Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans shared the same feelings toward the Jews.
2- But it goes beyond hatred- The Jews had all the Old Testament and the Samaritans had only the first five books of the Old Testament. They were not too careful about the teachings in those books and let a lot of pagan superstitions creep into their religion. They did not go to Jerusalem to worship in the temple! They had their own place of worship in Samaria.
3- This woman was of Samaria and a Rabbi (teacher) was forbidden to greet a woman in public.
3. The Water
Read vs. 10-12
Now what is “living water?” The water of a flowing stream was referred to as “living water” but Jesus is not speaking of that. As water is to earthly life so this “living water” is to eternal life, the true life. Jesus did not refer to Himself as the “living water.” He is the one who has it and can supply it. Jesus is saying that His teaching is God’s revelation and it is the “living water” that can nourish and keep alive our soul.
Jesus is teaching this woman that He can give her salvation and eternal life
4. The Testimony
We now see the disciples returning with the food they had brought. They are surprised to find Jesus talking to this woman. They didn’t ask any questions and the woman left the water pot by the well and went back to the town.
She said vs. 29-30
The disciples had been in town but they made no effort to witness or invite people to Jesus. This woman with the bad reputation did that and people started coming to see Jesus. Jesus was talking to His disciples who were urging Him to eat and Jesus said He had some spiritual food to eat. As the people came toward Him, He told them vs.35.
They came because of this woman’s testimony and many more came to believe as he taught them. They said to the woman, “we no longer believe just because of what you said, we’ve heard His teaching and believe He really is the Messiah, The Saviour of the World.”
Monday, February 15, 2010
Week 1: Encounters with the Son
Encounters with the Son – The Centurion
Matthew 8:5-13
The Centurion practiced Humility and he Recognized and Respected Authority.
Practice Humility –
1- Seeks help from Jesus
2- He calls Jesus Lord
3- He’s concerned about his slave
4- I do not deserve to have you come under my roof
Respecting Authority -
When the centurion describes himself to Jesus he doesn’t describe himself as a man with authority but a man under authority. Did anyone else catch that? Very subtle but very important. Look back at vs.9
You see this guy paints and illustration that no one else gets and that’s why I believe Jesus sets this guy apart as a man with great faith!
You see as a Roman centurion guard I have the power to tell a person to go do this or that or come here or go their. Why because I have the power to do this No! Because I have Rome behind me! I am under the Authority of a power house known as Rome! And because I ‘m under the authority of Rome I have the power that when I snap my fingers people get moving! And in the same way – This is the centurion processing I am imaging! That you Jesus are also under authority! You also have backing and it’s called the power and spirit of God Himself! God the Father! So it’s not just you but you’re under the authority of God and in my world because I have the backing of Rome I can snap my finger and it will be done so since you have the backing of God you can snap your finger and if it’s said it will be done! He is seeing what no one else is seeing! That Jesus Christ is under the Authority of God and He’s God Himself and He has the power to do whatever he wants to do! To say whatever He wants to say and it will happen and that is exactly what we see happen. Just say the word and my servant will be healed. You don’t have to walk over there! Just say the word. He trust in away that no one else trust.
“Faith is confidence that God is who he says he is and he will do everything he promises to do” - Andy Stanley
Matthew 8:5-13
The Centurion practiced Humility and he Recognized and Respected Authority.
Practice Humility –
1- Seeks help from Jesus
2- He calls Jesus Lord
3- He’s concerned about his slave
4- I do not deserve to have you come under my roof
Respecting Authority -
When the centurion describes himself to Jesus he doesn’t describe himself as a man with authority but a man under authority. Did anyone else catch that? Very subtle but very important. Look back at vs.9
You see this guy paints and illustration that no one else gets and that’s why I believe Jesus sets this guy apart as a man with great faith!
You see as a Roman centurion guard I have the power to tell a person to go do this or that or come here or go their. Why because I have the power to do this No! Because I have Rome behind me! I am under the Authority of a power house known as Rome! And because I ‘m under the authority of Rome I have the power that when I snap my fingers people get moving! And in the same way – This is the centurion processing I am imaging! That you Jesus are also under authority! You also have backing and it’s called the power and spirit of God Himself! God the Father! So it’s not just you but you’re under the authority of God and in my world because I have the backing of Rome I can snap my finger and it will be done so since you have the backing of God you can snap your finger and if it’s said it will be done! He is seeing what no one else is seeing! That Jesus Christ is under the Authority of God and He’s God Himself and He has the power to do whatever he wants to do! To say whatever He wants to say and it will happen and that is exactly what we see happen. Just say the word and my servant will be healed. You don’t have to walk over there! Just say the word. He trust in away that no one else trust.
“Faith is confidence that God is who he says he is and he will do everything he promises to do” - Andy Stanley
Monday, February 8, 2010
Week 3: "Call of Duty" - Local
Matthew 16:16-27
1- We will be a one man show! Lpcc is built on Jesus Christ!
2- We will Minister to all of Linclon County!
3- We will not play the control game!
4- We will never play it safe!
5- We will not be passive!
6- We will expect God to Change lives!
Act 2:42-
Revelation 21:4 says, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
Jesus said, "nothing is going to stop His church," it’s going to happen with us or without us, so we might as well get all the way in on what God’s up to in the world. Let’s be the church. Let’s don’t miss out on our opportunity to be what God has called us to be and to be part of accomplishing the most precious thing in the world: helping people find their way back to God in Jesus. Christ-followers, this is our time, let’s be the church.
1- We will be a one man show! Lpcc is built on Jesus Christ!
2- We will Minister to all of Linclon County!
3- We will not play the control game!
4- We will never play it safe!
5- We will not be passive!
6- We will expect God to Change lives!
Act 2:42-
Revelation 21:4 says, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."
Jesus said, "nothing is going to stop His church," it’s going to happen with us or without us, so we might as well get all the way in on what God’s up to in the world. Let’s be the church. Let’s don’t miss out on our opportunity to be what God has called us to be and to be part of accomplishing the most precious thing in the world: helping people find their way back to God in Jesus. Christ-followers, this is our time, let’s be the church.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Week 2: "Call of Duty"-Global
Matthew 28:19-20
Christ's Unwavering Commitment to Gather His Church from All Peoples
Matthew 24:14, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations."
Romans 15:11 where Paul quotes Psalm 117:1, "praise the lord all you gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him."
Revelation 5:9, "You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation."
"How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).
Christ's has a Radical Way of Winning the Nations
Matthew 16:17-27
1- Death to Self! God first me second!
2- Willing lay it all on the line for God
Christ's Unwavering Commitment to Gather His Church from All Peoples
Matthew 24:14, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations."
Romans 15:11 where Paul quotes Psalm 117:1, "praise the lord all you gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him."
Revelation 5:9, "You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation."
"How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).
Christ's has a Radical Way of Winning the Nations
Matthew 16:17-27
1- Death to Self! God first me second!
2- Willing lay it all on the line for God
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Week 1: "Call of Duty"-Three Chairs
Instead of sharring the outline this week - here's the whole sermon! Just click on "Call of Duty"!
“Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you . . . then choose for yourselves (this day) who you will serve . . . but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14 & 15
Monday, January 18, 2010
Week 2: Dollar and $en$e
Dollar and Sense
Haggai 1:2-11
If we are going to put God first specifically when it comes to our finances we have to do it God’s way.
Prov. 3:9-10
Principles concerning the tithe:
1. We tithe off what ever God has blessed us with.
2. It does not matter if you give your tithe every week, once a month or 2x a month
3. The Tithe belongs to God – not us!
Leviticus 27:30-31
4. We bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.
5. We are to bring the whole tithe -10%
6. We are to plan our Giving – 1 Cor. 16:2
7. Since the tithe belongs to God, we should not feel free to direct it wherever we want.
8. The O.T. priests administered the tithes and offerings. Today, church leaders are charged with that responsibility.
1 Timothy 5:17
Acts 11:29-30
Look at what God says, Malachi 3:10 – WOW! What a promise!
Haggai 1:2-11
If we are going to put God first specifically when it comes to our finances we have to do it God’s way.
Prov. 3:9-10
Principles concerning the tithe:
1. We tithe off what ever God has blessed us with.
2. It does not matter if you give your tithe every week, once a month or 2x a month
3. The Tithe belongs to God – not us!
Leviticus 27:30-31
4. We bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.
5. We are to bring the whole tithe -10%
6. We are to plan our Giving – 1 Cor. 16:2
7. Since the tithe belongs to God, we should not feel free to direct it wherever we want.
8. The O.T. priests administered the tithes and offerings. Today, church leaders are charged with that responsibility.
1 Timothy 5:17
Acts 11:29-30
Look at what God says, Malachi 3:10 – WOW! What a promise!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Week 1: Dollar and $en$e
I Chronicles 29:10-14
We see in this passage that David is acknowledging the sovereignty of God over everything he has. I think we see in this passage that we have to have a different attitude toward money than that of culture!
Unfortunately to develop the attitude of David we have to break through the lies we have been taught about money. I want to share three lies that sound like truth and then three truths that sound like lies!
Lies that sound like truth
$ Lie #1 – “All the church talks about is money.”
$ Lie #2 – “Money and things can satisfy me.” (Eccles. 5:10-11)
$ Lie #3 – “It’s my money and I can do whatever I want with it.”
Truth that sound like lies
$ Truth #1- “God is the one who determines how much money I have, not me.”
(Deuteronomy 8:17-20)
$ Truth #2 - “God has the power to shut down my company, my business,
and dry up my sources of income in a moment’s notice.”
$ Truth #3 – “Giving to God is the only way out of my financial problems.”
(Luke 6:38)
We see in this passage that David is acknowledging the sovereignty of God over everything he has. I think we see in this passage that we have to have a different attitude toward money than that of culture!
Unfortunately to develop the attitude of David we have to break through the lies we have been taught about money. I want to share three lies that sound like truth and then three truths that sound like lies!
Lies that sound like truth
$ Lie #1 – “All the church talks about is money.”
$ Lie #2 – “Money and things can satisfy me.” (Eccles. 5:10-11)
$ Lie #3 – “It’s my money and I can do whatever I want with it.”
Truth that sound like lies
$ Truth #1- “God is the one who determines how much money I have, not me.”
(Deuteronomy 8:17-20)
$ Truth #2 - “God has the power to shut down my company, my business,
and dry up my sources of income in a moment’s notice.”
$ Truth #3 – “Giving to God is the only way out of my financial problems.”
(Luke 6:38)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)