What is wrong with anger?
1. It causes conflict
Proverbs 29:22
2. It divides relationships
Gen 27:41-45
3. It makes you vulnerable
Proverbs 25:28
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
How to gain self-control...
What is self- control? Keeping the Commandments; mastering the flesh.
Name the Ten Commandments:
1. No other Gods
2. No idols
3. No taking the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath
5. Honor father and mother
6. No killing
7. No adultery
8. No stealing
9. No lying
10. No coveting
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. (James 2:10 NASB)
1. Controlled by the Spirit
For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:5-14 NASB)
-->There are two kinds of people: those who have the Spirit, and those who do not.
-->Because of the wages of sin, our bodies are aging and dying. But there is Hope! We are given life because of the imputed righteousness of Christ, meaning that God has taken the responsibility for our sins by sacrificing His Son on the cross and in return has ascribed to us Christ's perfection.
-->If that is true (which it is :)), then why bother with the desires of the flesh? It's a waste, right? Live by the flesh and die. Live by the Spirit and live!
-->So how can we know the Spirit lives in us? By our fruit. The path of a Christian is to sin less, repent more.
2. Abide in the Word
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. (Psalms 119:9-11 NASB)
-->God's Word is His Law...and His Law is love. Jesus said, this is my commandment that you love one another. Deuteronomy 6 says love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might.
-->Ask God to put in your heart a love for Him and a love for others. The will of God is that you might have this love. Ask for it and you will receive it abundantly.
-->God also desires that you know His Word. Abide in it. Read it. Make time for it. When you feel your heart pulling away from the Lord Jesus, get back to the Word! The truth of the scriptures will free you from your selfishness.
3. Accountable to all
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB)
-->Be aware of who you spend time with. But do not spend too much time alone either. We are sanctified (sanctification: becoming like Christ) by being with others, and we are encouraged by being with believers.
-->There is no salvation outside of that which God gives. Be aware that the path to salvation is narrow. There is nothing we can do to gain it, for the price is too steep. But we still are called to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." For God is working in us for His will and His pleasure as He seeks to prepare us for His kingdom.
Name the Ten Commandments:
1. No other Gods
2. No idols
3. No taking the Lord's name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath
5. Honor father and mother
6. No killing
7. No adultery
8. No stealing
9. No lying
10. No coveting
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. (James 2:10 NASB)
1. Controlled by the Spirit
For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (Romans 8:5-14 NASB)
-->There are two kinds of people: those who have the Spirit, and those who do not.
-->Because of the wages of sin, our bodies are aging and dying. But there is Hope! We are given life because of the imputed righteousness of Christ, meaning that God has taken the responsibility for our sins by sacrificing His Son on the cross and in return has ascribed to us Christ's perfection.
-->If that is true (which it is :)), then why bother with the desires of the flesh? It's a waste, right? Live by the flesh and die. Live by the Spirit and live!
-->So how can we know the Spirit lives in us? By our fruit. The path of a Christian is to sin less, repent more.
2. Abide in the Word
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. (Psalms 119:9-11 NASB)
-->God's Word is His Law...and His Law is love. Jesus said, this is my commandment that you love one another. Deuteronomy 6 says love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might.
-->Ask God to put in your heart a love for Him and a love for others. The will of God is that you might have this love. Ask for it and you will receive it abundantly.
-->God also desires that you know His Word. Abide in it. Read it. Make time for it. When you feel your heart pulling away from the Lord Jesus, get back to the Word! The truth of the scriptures will free you from your selfishness.
3. Accountable to all
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB)
-->Be aware of who you spend time with. But do not spend too much time alone either. We are sanctified (sanctification: becoming like Christ) by being with others, and we are encouraged by being with believers.
-->There is no salvation outside of that which God gives. Be aware that the path to salvation is narrow. There is nothing we can do to gain it, for the price is too steep. But we still are called to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." For God is working in us for His will and His pleasure as He seeks to prepare us for His kingdom.
John 6 Commentary
The book of John chronicles well the miracles of Jesus. But John also takes his writing a step further and focuses in on the metaphors of Christ. As you read through John, you will notice terms like "born again" and "living water." In John 6 we will know Jesus as "the Bread of Life."
John 6 opens with the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle parallels the Old Testament when God provided manna for the Israelites in the desert. The masses of people loved Him as He fed them with all they desired--and with twelve baskets full of leftovers! They exclaimed, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!"(v. 14) God can and will provide food for hungry people, but even greater than that is the true food that feeds our souls for eternity.
The twelve disciples alone witness Jesus walking on the water in the evening after the crowds were fed. But the multitudes were intrigued by the Lord and wanted to know how He got across the sea when He had taken no boat. Jesus soberly redirects the conversation in verses 26 and 27 when He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give to you..." The people ask Him how to do the works of God. Jesus says to "believe on the One who was sent"... The people ask for signs and works from Him so they can believe, mentioning the manna that their forefathers ate in the wilderness. Keep in mind they were just miraculously fed the day before from two fish and five loaves! I sometimes wonder if they were just hungry again and wanted Jesus to produce more bread.
The text that follows is powerful. Jesus Christ gives account of God the Father providing true bread from heaven that gives life to the world. The people ask for this bread, but they still are hard of heart. They cannot hear the message that Christ is revealing to them because they are focused on fleshly comforts. Jesus speaks to the heart. Verse 48-51, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die...And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." In verse 56, He expresses that those that eat and drink His body and blood abide in Him. Abiding means living as a part of something else. As the vine and branches abide in one another.
But remember what all this is about: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."(v.63) As Jesus teaches His followers about the true food and true drink that His body and blood provides, He is foreshadowing His death on the cross, that the sins of those who believe would be forgiven, and they would receive eternal life. Furthermore, Jesus knew that some would not believe as He stressed, "...no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." Many disciples turned back at this point, a far cry from the response Jesus received at the beginning of the chapter when He met physical needs.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)
John 6 opens with the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle parallels the Old Testament when God provided manna for the Israelites in the desert. The masses of people loved Him as He fed them with all they desired--and with twelve baskets full of leftovers! They exclaimed, "This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!"(v. 14) God can and will provide food for hungry people, but even greater than that is the true food that feeds our souls for eternity.
The twelve disciples alone witness Jesus walking on the water in the evening after the crowds were fed. But the multitudes were intrigued by the Lord and wanted to know how He got across the sea when He had taken no boat. Jesus soberly redirects the conversation in verses 26 and 27 when He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life which the Son of Man will give to you..." The people ask Him how to do the works of God. Jesus says to "believe on the One who was sent"... The people ask for signs and works from Him so they can believe, mentioning the manna that their forefathers ate in the wilderness. Keep in mind they were just miraculously fed the day before from two fish and five loaves! I sometimes wonder if they were just hungry again and wanted Jesus to produce more bread.
The text that follows is powerful. Jesus Christ gives account of God the Father providing true bread from heaven that gives life to the world. The people ask for this bread, but they still are hard of heart. They cannot hear the message that Christ is revealing to them because they are focused on fleshly comforts. Jesus speaks to the heart. Verse 48-51, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die...And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." In verse 56, He expresses that those that eat and drink His body and blood abide in Him. Abiding means living as a part of something else. As the vine and branches abide in one another.
But remember what all this is about: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life."(v.63) As Jesus teaches His followers about the true food and true drink that His body and blood provides, He is foreshadowing His death on the cross, that the sins of those who believe would be forgiven, and they would receive eternal life. Furthermore, Jesus knew that some would not believe as He stressed, "...no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." Many disciples turned back at this point, a far cry from the response Jesus received at the beginning of the chapter when He met physical needs.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday updates
Ms Pam taught a great lesson today about guarding our words. Hurtful words can crush a person's spirit. Spend this week meditating/thinking about your own speech. Let your words be encouraging to others. The verses that we discussed today were James 4:11,12; Titus 3:1,2; and Ephesians 4:29.
1. Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11, 12 NASB)
2. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. (Titus 3:1, 2 NASB)
3. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)
Don't forget to read John 6 this week if you have been following along. I will try to post some words about it later this week.
1. Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11, 12 NASB)
2. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. (Titus 3:1, 2 NASB)
3. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 NASB)
Don't forget to read John 6 this week if you have been following along. I will try to post some words about it later this week.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Out of the Heart...
Understanding our human condition-
-->the tongue and the heart work together to produce our speech--whether good or bad
"The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB)
...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34 ESV)
But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. (Matthew 15:18 NASB)
...for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:45 NASB)
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23 NASB)
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NASB)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NASB)
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host. (Psalm 33:6 NASB)
In the beginning was the Word... (John 1:1)
--> we see the spectrum from man to God in the matter of words and the heart.
James 3:1-12
-->Our words are...
1.Powerful
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
2. Dangerous
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
3. Revealing
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. (James 3:1-12 NASB)
**Our sinful hearts are revealed by our words.
-->the tongue and the heart work together to produce our speech--whether good or bad
"The heart is more deceitful than all else
And is desperately sick;
Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB)
...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34 ESV)
But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. (Matthew 15:18 NASB)
...for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. (Luke 6:45 NASB)
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23 NASB)
The one who guards his mouth preserves his life;
The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NASB)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NASB)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NASB)
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host. (Psalm 33:6 NASB)
In the beginning was the Word... (John 1:1)
--> we see the spectrum from man to God in the matter of words and the heart.
James 3:1-12
-->Our words are...
1.Powerful
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
2. Dangerous
See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
3. Revealing
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. (James 3:1-12 NASB)
**Our sinful hearts are revealed by our words.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Renovation vs Revival
2 Chronicles 34:1-8
1. Remember the Lord
-->seek, hunt, pursue, inquire, draw near
-->is your time and intent for the Lord Jesus lacking? We can always seek Him more!
2. Remove the idols
-->Josiah sought the Lord by removing idols and priests of idols.
-->what idols do we need to remove from our hearts?
**Seeking the Lord gives us:
A. Clarity-finding out God's purpose.
B. Conviction-the Holy Spirit will reveal your idols when you ask in prayer.
C. Confidence-He will give you trust.
1. Remember the Lord
-->seek, hunt, pursue, inquire, draw near
-->is your time and intent for the Lord Jesus lacking? We can always seek Him more!
2. Remove the idols
-->Josiah sought the Lord by removing idols and priests of idols.
-->what idols do we need to remove from our hearts?
**Seeking the Lord gives us:
A. Clarity-finding out God's purpose.
B. Conviction-the Holy Spirit will reveal your idols when you ask in prayer.
C. Confidence-He will give you trust.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
From Rebellion to Restoration
What is revival?
"Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness." (Psalm 119:40 NASB)
--> consider the First Great Awakening and Jonathan Edwards:
The word ‘revival’ infers that something is dead or dying. The early 1700s in America were marked by spiritual decline and immorality. This was a time when few people attended church and there was little interest in spiritual things. But in 1734, in the small, unassuming church of Jonathan Edwards, 25% of the town converted to faith in Christ over the course of six months. The revival spread throughout the region and beyond. The Holy Spirit of God was at work in the souls of humanity.
Jonathan Edwards said, ‘God has also seemed to go out of his usual way in the quickness of His work...on the hearts of many….There was scarcely a single person in the town, either old or young, that was left unconcerned about the great things of the eternal world …The town seemed to be full of the presence of God…it never was so full of love and full of joy.
2 Chronicles 7:11-14
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king's palace, and successfully completed all that he had planned on doing in the house of the LORD and in his palace. Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
I. Pride leads to ... Rebellion
--> when we start to believe that we are ok without the Lord's work in our lives, then we fall into pride and selfishness. We are useless. We are like walking zombies within our church.
--> pride was the first sin that brought the archangel, Lucifer, down to earth as Satan, our enemy. It separated him from God, and it does the same to us.
'... Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.' (James 4:6-8 NASB)
II. Humility leads to ... Restoration
"Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:8-10 NASB)
--> we acknowledge our sin (laughter turned to mourning, joy turned to gloom) and it brings about repentance!
--> here is where we find true JOY, and as we are humbled, we are exalted and restored!
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NASB)
**information on Jonathan Edwards: http://www.revival-library.org/pensketches/revivals/1st_edwards.html
"Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness." (Psalm 119:40 NASB)
--> consider the First Great Awakening and Jonathan Edwards:
The word ‘revival’ infers that something is dead or dying. The early 1700s in America were marked by spiritual decline and immorality. This was a time when few people attended church and there was little interest in spiritual things. But in 1734, in the small, unassuming church of Jonathan Edwards, 25% of the town converted to faith in Christ over the course of six months. The revival spread throughout the region and beyond. The Holy Spirit of God was at work in the souls of humanity.
Jonathan Edwards said, ‘God has also seemed to go out of his usual way in the quickness of His work...on the hearts of many….There was scarcely a single person in the town, either old or young, that was left unconcerned about the great things of the eternal world …The town seemed to be full of the presence of God…it never was so full of love and full of joy.
2 Chronicles 7:11-14
Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king's palace, and successfully completed all that he had planned on doing in the house of the LORD and in his palace. Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
I. Pride leads to ... Rebellion
--> when we start to believe that we are ok without the Lord's work in our lives, then we fall into pride and selfishness. We are useless. We are like walking zombies within our church.
--> pride was the first sin that brought the archangel, Lucifer, down to earth as Satan, our enemy. It separated him from God, and it does the same to us.
'... Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.' (James 4:6-8 NASB)
II. Humility leads to ... Restoration
"Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (James 4:8-10 NASB)
--> we acknowledge our sin (laughter turned to mourning, joy turned to gloom) and it brings about repentance!
--> here is where we find true JOY, and as we are humbled, we are exalted and restored!
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NASB)
**information on Jonathan Edwards: http://www.revival-library.org/pensketches/revivals/1st_edwards.html
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Warning Signs
**your attitudes and actions reveal your level of commitment to Christ
Hebrews 5:11-14
11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
1. Attitude
An apathetic attitude reveals disinterest in the things of God.
V. 11-- "dull of hearing"
-We are unable to discern how to live right, or we just don't care. If this is a struggle for you, then be cautioned! This lack of understanding is a direct result of living outside of God's will and His word.
2. Growth
Lacking spiritual growth in your life means that you are moving backwards. Like the vine from last week's lesson, if we are not growing and living in Christ then we are dying!
V. 12-- we should be much further along in our spiritual journey. The milk is for babies!
3. Effectiveness
What kind of steward are you of God's gift of salvation? Have you been thankful for it? Have you sought to make good choices based on what you know from God's word? Do you want to know more and train your mind to think Biblically?
Vv. 13-14-- "righteousness" means right living. And right thinking = right living! We must train our minds to think right by absorbing God's truth in His word.
**The book of Hebrews is written to the Jews (Hebrews) to help those who followed Christ to move past their "rituals" into a life of obedience. Consider the very best way young people can live out obedience to Christ. There is no better act than to honor your parents. This is a great starting point for you to direct your thinking and living toward the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Christ's example-- obedient to the point of death! (Philippians 2:8)
-the fifth commandment (Exodus 20)
-Ephesians 6...v. 3 "SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."
-Matthew 15
-Deuteronomy 5:16
-Proverbs 23:22
Hebrews 5:11-14
11 Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
1. Attitude
An apathetic attitude reveals disinterest in the things of God.
V. 11-- "dull of hearing"
-We are unable to discern how to live right, or we just don't care. If this is a struggle for you, then be cautioned! This lack of understanding is a direct result of living outside of God's will and His word.
2. Growth
Lacking spiritual growth in your life means that you are moving backwards. Like the vine from last week's lesson, if we are not growing and living in Christ then we are dying!
V. 12-- we should be much further along in our spiritual journey. The milk is for babies!
3. Effectiveness
What kind of steward are you of God's gift of salvation? Have you been thankful for it? Have you sought to make good choices based on what you know from God's word? Do you want to know more and train your mind to think Biblically?
Vv. 13-14-- "righteousness" means right living. And right thinking = right living! We must train our minds to think right by absorbing God's truth in His word.
**The book of Hebrews is written to the Jews (Hebrews) to help those who followed Christ to move past their "rituals" into a life of obedience. Consider the very best way young people can live out obedience to Christ. There is no better act than to honor your parents. This is a great starting point for you to direct your thinking and living toward the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-Christ's example-- obedient to the point of death! (Philippians 2:8)
-the fifth commandment (Exodus 20)
-Ephesians 6...v. 3 "SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH."
-Matthew 15
-Deuteronomy 5:16
-Proverbs 23:22
Sunday, September 23, 2012
How to grow as a disciple: Spiritual disciplines
I. Love Jesus
This is a commandment! But we love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NASB)
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart."(Deuteronomy 6:5, 6 NASB)
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:5-8 NASB)
** abide = live (picture of vine)
2. Read your Bible
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, shows a love for God's Word:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NASB)
"Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,
And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness." (Psalm 119:33-40 NASB)
-many descriptive words for "Bible": statutes, law, commandments, testimonies, ways, word, ordinances, precepts
**Make goals for reading!
3. Pray to God
"pray without ceasing;" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB)
-pray anytime; remember to pray for your parents' wisdom in raising you!
ACTS-adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication (praying for the needs of others)
4. Worship and serve
"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25 NASB)
-this is why we need to be in church!
'If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.' (1 John 4:20, 21 NASB)
-don't undervalue relationships with loved ones. Mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are very important and not to be taken for granted!
This is a commandment! But we love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NASB)
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart."(Deuteronomy 6:5, 6 NASB)
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:5-8 NASB)
** abide = live (picture of vine)
2. Read your Bible
Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, shows a love for God's Word:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NASB)
"Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
And I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
And keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies
And not to dishonest gain. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity,
And revive me in Your ways. Establish Your word to Your servant,
As that which produces reverence for You. Turn away my reproach which I dread,
For Your ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts;
Revive me through Your righteousness." (Psalm 119:33-40 NASB)
-many descriptive words for "Bible": statutes, law, commandments, testimonies, ways, word, ordinances, precepts
**Make goals for reading!
3. Pray to God
"pray without ceasing;" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB)
-pray anytime; remember to pray for your parents' wisdom in raising you!
ACTS-adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication (praying for the needs of others)
4. Worship and serve
"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24, 25 NASB)
-this is why we need to be in church!
'If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.' (1 John 4:20, 21 NASB)
-don't undervalue relationships with loved ones. Mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are very important and not to be taken for granted!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
What does it look like to follow Jesus everyday?
Luke 14:25-33
1. Love Jesus above anyone else.
2. Love Jesus more than self.
3. Love Jesus above stuff.
1. Love Jesus above anyone else.
2. Love Jesus more than self.
3. Love Jesus above stuff.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Why Follow Christ?
With so many faiths and beliefs in the world, why choose Christ?
I. He gives Life
Background of John 6--the Bread of Life vv.41-65
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life."
-->Our earthly bodies will do nothing for our eternal standing!
-->If you embrace the work of the Spirit you will know Eternal Life!
John 6:64-69
"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.
-->Many will follow while it suits them but will fall away as they encounter difficulty.
So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter
answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18
"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
"For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
II. He gives Purpose
2 Timothy 1:8,9
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,"
-->Our works can never gain us eternity, but ONLY His grace, and yet...
James 2:18
But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
III. He gives Rewards
Matthew 19:27-30
Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Jim Elliot, a missionary and martyr of the mid 1900s: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
John Wesley, an evangelist from 1700s: "I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity."
**To know Christ is to know Eternal Life, Eternal Purpose, and Eternal Rewards
I. He gives Life
Background of John 6--the Bread of Life vv.41-65
John 6:63
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life."
-->Our earthly bodies will do nothing for our eternal standing!
-->If you embrace the work of the Spirit you will know Eternal Life!
John 6:64-69
"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father." As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.
-->Many will follow while it suits them but will fall away as they encounter difficulty.
So Jesus said to the twelve, "You do not want to go away also, do you?" Simon Peter
answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18
"For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
"For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men."
II. He gives Purpose
2 Timothy 1:8,9
"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,"
-->Our works can never gain us eternity, but ONLY His grace, and yet...
James 2:18
But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
III. He gives Rewards
Matthew 19:27-30
Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Jim Elliot, a missionary and martyr of the mid 1900s: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
John Wesley, an evangelist from 1700s: "I value all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity."
**To know Christ is to know Eternal Life, Eternal Purpose, and Eternal Rewards
Before You Meet Prince Charming
We are looking at doing a Mother-Daughter book study this fall which deals with properly (and biblically!) relating to boys. The book follows along a fairytale storyline and offers very practical advice. Mothers are urged to join us with the study but are not required to be there! Girls should plan to be there either way as this is such an importance part of God's plan for your lives! I will give more information soon as to where to purchase the book and when we will begin. We plan to meet on Sunday nights after service.
The Day of Judgment
-->God will judge all people in the end
I. Judgment is coming
(Paul speaking at the Aeropagus)
A. Acts 17:30
"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,"
1. The times of ignorance= refers to the time before Christ when believers in God trusted Him that the Messiah would come.
2. Repent=Matthew 3:1,2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
B. Acts 17:31
"because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
1. Fixed a day=there is a day of judgment coming that God knows, but no man knows.
2. Judge the world in righteousness...=God is the ONLY righteous judge, and can accept ONLY perfection.
3. The Man God appointed is the perfect One, Jesus, and
4. Our assurance of salvation is found in Him who conquered death by rising from the dead. Whereby He has become the atoning sacrifice once and for all.
II. Believers are already safe
John 5:24
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."
--> this speaks of the eternal judgment/death that believers in Christ are freed from. And the eternal life that they gain!
III. Unbelievers will be condemned
Revelation 20:11-15
"11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
-->All people will be judged first by what they have done and then by whether or not their name is in the Book of Life. To explain this text, consider these Scriptures:
A. Romans 3:28
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
--> the law/commandments were given to expose our sin that we might recognize it.
B. Ephesians 2:8,9
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
-->there is nothing of our own doing that can save us. It is a gift that we can never repay, and by His grace He gives us the faith to believe and repent.
C. James 2:14-24
"14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'-and he was called a friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
I. Judgment is coming
(Paul speaking at the Aeropagus)
A. Acts 17:30
"The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,"
1. The times of ignorance= refers to the time before Christ when believers in God trusted Him that the Messiah would come.
2. Repent=Matthew 3:1,2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
B. Acts 17:31
"because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."
1. Fixed a day=there is a day of judgment coming that God knows, but no man knows.
2. Judge the world in righteousness...=God is the ONLY righteous judge, and can accept ONLY perfection.
3. The Man God appointed is the perfect One, Jesus, and
4. Our assurance of salvation is found in Him who conquered death by rising from the dead. Whereby He has become the atoning sacrifice once and for all.
II. Believers are already safe
John 5:24
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."
--> this speaks of the eternal judgment/death that believers in Christ are freed from. And the eternal life that they gain!
III. Unbelievers will be condemned
Revelation 20:11-15
"11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
-->All people will be judged first by what they have done and then by whether or not their name is in the Book of Life. To explain this text, consider these Scriptures:
A. Romans 3:28
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
--> the law/commandments were given to expose our sin that we might recognize it.
B. Ephesians 2:8,9
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
-->there is nothing of our own doing that can save us. It is a gift that we can never repay, and by His grace He gives us the faith to believe and repent.
C. James 2:14-24
"14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'-and he was called a friend of God.
24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
Sunday, August 12, 2012
For Ever and Ever
I. We are made for eternity
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
--> God put eternity in our hearts
II. We should live with eternity in mind
2 Peter 3:10-15
a. Nothing will be able to escape God's judgment. (v 10-11)
b. Righteousness will dwell in the new heaven and new earth (v 12,13)
c. We wait for the promise to be fulfilled, and there is time for all to hear the name of Christ! (v 14,15)
III. We have to prepare for eternity now
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
--> consider how you live on earth NOW!
**GIC coming up. Bring money for missionaries.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.
--> God put eternity in our hearts
II. We should live with eternity in mind
2 Peter 3:10-15
a. Nothing will be able to escape God's judgment. (v 10-11)
b. Righteousness will dwell in the new heaven and new earth (v 12,13)
c. We wait for the promise to be fulfilled, and there is time for all to hear the name of Christ! (v 14,15)
III. We have to prepare for eternity now
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.
--> consider how you live on earth NOW!
**GIC coming up. Bring money for missionaries.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
What will heaven be like?
The best-selling book, "Heaven is for Real," shows just how interested people are in heaven.
A. Heaven will be a paradise
(Luke 23:39-43) f3
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
-->As one criminal seemed unconcerned about his eternity, the second man confessed his guilt and accepted the punishment for it. But he also acknowledged Jesus' innocence and His authority as Messiah...
42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
-->"Paradise" means park or garden; the paradise of heaven is nothing like anything we have ever known.
B. We will be with God
Rev. 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
-->Revelation is the vision of John of the end times. This section speaks of "the holy city, new Jerusalem." We see that what God began in the garden will be perfected and made complete in heaven. God promises in Leviticus that He will be our God, and we will be His people. The sin of Adam and his subsequent separation from God had to be dealt with first. We have all "sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," but in heaven we will be reunited to Him.
C. There will be no more sorrow or pain
Rev. 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
D. We will worship and serve God forever
Rev. 22:1-5
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
River of water of Life= from the throne of God signifies life without end
Tree of Life= healing of the cross; sin no longer has a hold
No curse= the Genesis curse is overturned; we will see God and be in His presence forever!
No more night= God is the source of light
Reign forever= no longer like slaves, but sons
A. Heaven will be a paradise
(Luke 23:39-43) f3
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
-->As one criminal seemed unconcerned about his eternity, the second man confessed his guilt and accepted the punishment for it. But he also acknowledged Jesus' innocence and His authority as Messiah...
42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
-->"Paradise" means park or garden; the paradise of heaven is nothing like anything we have ever known.
B. We will be with God
Rev. 21:3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.
-->Revelation is the vision of John of the end times. This section speaks of "the holy city, new Jerusalem." We see that what God began in the garden will be perfected and made complete in heaven. God promises in Leviticus that He will be our God, and we will be His people. The sin of Adam and his subsequent separation from God had to be dealt with first. We have all "sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," but in heaven we will be reunited to Him.
C. There will be no more sorrow or pain
Rev. 21:4
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
D. We will worship and serve God forever
Rev. 22:1-5
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
River of water of Life= from the throne of God signifies life without end
Tree of Life= healing of the cross; sin no longer has a hold
No curse= the Genesis curse is overturned; we will see God and be in His presence forever!
No more night= God is the source of light
Reign forever= no longer like slaves, but sons
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
CPC Work Day
It was good to be a part of such a great ministry as the Carolina Pregnancy Center today. It was a blessing to us to be able to bless them with our time and abilities. Thank you to all the girls who were able to participate.
We enjoyed touring the facility and helping to sort baby clothes. Hopefully, we will be scheduling another work day in the near future to help stuff envelopes. Enjoy these pics of our hard workers, and I hope to see you Sunday!
We enjoyed touring the facility and helping to sort baby clothes. Hopefully, we will be scheduling another work day in the near future to help stuff envelopes. Enjoy these pics of our hard workers, and I hope to see you Sunday!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Work Day Wednesday
We will be meeting on Wednesday morning at 10 to work at the Carolina Pregnancy Center. We should be stuffing envelopes and folding clothes for the center. Work will wrap up around noon. It will be a great time to live out our faith by serving!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Caroline Noland, Graduate of Samford University Going to live in Pakistan in Sept for 2 years
Ecc. 2:11, Matt 6:19-21, James 2:14-17
We all have something to give….you may ask why there is so much pain, suffering, violence in the world; but God asks WHAT can you do about it….God prepares us for what’s ahead….John 14:15 If you believe, you act on it….She prayed that we would all have BSP: Brave Warrior Princess moments where we step out and minister for the Lord….her blog is http://carolinenoland.wordpress.com/
We all have something to give….you may ask why there is so much pain, suffering, violence in the world; but God asks WHAT can you do about it….God prepares us for what’s ahead….John 14:15 If you believe, you act on it….She prayed that we would all have BSP: Brave Warrior Princess moments where we step out and minister for the Lord….her blog is http://carolinenoland.wordpress.com/
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saying "Goodbye"
It was great having all the girls from 7th and 8th grades today in one class. I hope the 7th graders felt welcome. We also shared a bittersweet moment with Ana Price as she informed us she would be moving this afternoon. I thank all of you for coming up to pray over Ana this morning. We will miss you, Ana!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Can I Lose My Salvation?
--> Salvation is based on the promises of God.
I. You are a child of God.
Jesus = Word = God (John 1:1)
John 1:12-13
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
A. To believe in His name= trusting Him completely.
B. We become children of God through reconciliation (we are brought back into right standing with God because of the work of Jesus Christ.)
**Romans 5:10
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
C. We are born "again" as of a work of God apart from anything we can do.
II. God protects His children
John 10: 27-30
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one."
-->This is God's promise. It is not up to us! If we are His, then He has us...period!
III. Nothing can separate you from Him
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-->There is nothing that can separate us from God's love and salvation. He alone can save, and it is by His grace that He does so. As He draws us to Himself, we respond by trusting Him.
--> We are known by our fruit. As you mature in your understanding of who God is and what your salvation is all about, you should begin to notice yourself sinning less and repenting more.
I. You are a child of God.
Jesus = Word = God (John 1:1)
John 1:12-13
12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
A. To believe in His name= trusting Him completely.
B. We become children of God through reconciliation (we are brought back into right standing with God because of the work of Jesus Christ.)
**Romans 5:10
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
C. We are born "again" as of a work of God apart from anything we can do.
II. God protects His children
John 10: 27-30
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
30 I and the Father are one."
-->This is God's promise. It is not up to us! If we are His, then He has us...period!
III. Nothing can separate you from Him
Romans 8:35-39
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
36 As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-->There is nothing that can separate us from God's love and salvation. He alone can save, and it is by His grace that He does so. As He draws us to Himself, we respond by trusting Him.
--> We are known by our fruit. As you mature in your understanding of who God is and what your salvation is all about, you should begin to notice yourself sinning less and repenting more.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Does God Really Care
1. God knows when you are hurting.
Psalm 34:15-16
2. God hears your cry.
Psalm 34:17
3. God comforts you.
Psalm 34:18
4. God heals your brokenness.
Psalm 147:2-3
Psalm 34:15-16
2. God hears your cry.
Psalm 34:17
3. God comforts you.
Psalm 34:18
4. God heals your brokenness.
Psalm 147:2-3
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Am I Really Saved?
How can I know...
There will be EVIDENCE of your salvation!
(1 John 2:3-6)
3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
**You will have a desire to obey!
(1 John 3:14-15)
14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
**You will love other Christians!
(1 John 3:24)
Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
(4:13)
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
**You will experience the presence of the Holy Spirit!
(1 John 4:15)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(5:1)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
**You will confess Jesus!
1. Is your heart's desire to be obedient?
Knowing Christ is a relationship and should change your desires. You don't obey to be saved, your obedience happens because of your inner transformation.
2. Do you love others?
You can't say you love Jesus and not love other believers. How do you show it?
3. Have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit? Has He convicted you of sin, made scripture meaningful, or given you words of truth or encouragement?
4. When was he last time you took a STAND for Christ?
There will be EVIDENCE of your salvation!
(1 John 2:3-6)
3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
**You will have a desire to obey!
(1 John 3:14-15)
14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.
15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
**You will love other Christians!
(1 John 3:24)
Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
(4:13)
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
**You will experience the presence of the Holy Spirit!
(1 John 4:15)
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
(5:1)
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
**You will confess Jesus!
1. Is your heart's desire to be obedient?
Knowing Christ is a relationship and should change your desires. You don't obey to be saved, your obedience happens because of your inner transformation.
2. Do you love others?
You can't say you love Jesus and not love other believers. How do you show it?
3. Have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit? Has He convicted you of sin, made scripture meaningful, or given you words of truth or encouragement?
4. When was he last time you took a STAND for Christ?
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Why Do I Doubt?
Game: which place do you think I have not visited? Why?
1. The grand canyon
2. The great wall of China
3. The Eiffel Tower
What causes you to doubt certain statements, beliefs, or people?
Why do people doubt God?
I. Despair
Psalm 22:1-2
->God may seem far during certain times in your life because of difficult circumstances.
This psalm of David was not for himself. This was spoken prophecy that Jesus referred to on the cross. He endured God's wrath as He became sin (substitutionary atonement), and, for the only time EVER, was completely separated from God (as God cannot look upon sin.)
**[Substitutionary atonement: Biblical teaching that Jesus Christ is God’s substitute sin offering through his death on the cross making it possible for believers to be at one with God and experience his forgiveness and salvation.]
II. Disillusionment
Matthew 11:1-6
John the Baptist had publicly called out King Herod for his inappropriate marriage. Because of this, John was imprisoned, soon to be beheaded. The vileness of the prison and horror of certain death disrupted this man accustomed to living only by his own restrictions.
->Disillusionment is caused by momentary confusion about God. Friends may question your faith and leave you feeling stumped. TV can give you wrong thinking, causing subtle doubts.
**Your Bible is your best source of Truth! Read it and know it to be able to face the onslaught of lies.
III. Distress
Matthew 14:28-31
Peter doubted only after he noticed the wind. But why should he doubt when he was with Jesus? If you take time to notice what is wrong and frightening around you, you surely will. And you will lose focus on your Savior.
**My pregnancy story...
IV. Disbelief
John 20:24-29
Thomas wanted to see for himself, but once he was in the presence of Jesus, there was no doubt left in his mind.
->Seeing is believing for most people. Because of this, our culture considers religion, and Christianity in particular, as a crutch for the weak and unintelligent.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
V. Deception
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
The church is the bride of Christ, and Paul seeks to protect her from being enticed by the destruction of Satan.
Galatians 1:8
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Paul is reminding the people that there is only one truth, but Satan seeks to deceive and destroy us with false teaching. Be aware of how cunningly the serpent deceived Eve. We, too, can be destroyed but subtle false teaching.
**Remember: we can only live right if we first think right!
1. The grand canyon
2. The great wall of China
3. The Eiffel Tower
What causes you to doubt certain statements, beliefs, or people?
Why do people doubt God?
I. Despair
Psalm 22:1-2
->God may seem far during certain times in your life because of difficult circumstances.
This psalm of David was not for himself. This was spoken prophecy that Jesus referred to on the cross. He endured God's wrath as He became sin (substitutionary atonement), and, for the only time EVER, was completely separated from God (as God cannot look upon sin.)
**[Substitutionary atonement: Biblical teaching that Jesus Christ is God’s substitute sin offering through his death on the cross making it possible for believers to be at one with God and experience his forgiveness and salvation.]
II. Disillusionment
Matthew 11:1-6
John the Baptist had publicly called out King Herod for his inappropriate marriage. Because of this, John was imprisoned, soon to be beheaded. The vileness of the prison and horror of certain death disrupted this man accustomed to living only by his own restrictions.
->Disillusionment is caused by momentary confusion about God. Friends may question your faith and leave you feeling stumped. TV can give you wrong thinking, causing subtle doubts.
**Your Bible is your best source of Truth! Read it and know it to be able to face the onslaught of lies.
III. Distress
Matthew 14:28-31
Peter doubted only after he noticed the wind. But why should he doubt when he was with Jesus? If you take time to notice what is wrong and frightening around you, you surely will. And you will lose focus on your Savior.
**My pregnancy story...
IV. Disbelief
John 20:24-29
Thomas wanted to see for himself, but once he was in the presence of Jesus, there was no doubt left in his mind.
->Seeing is believing for most people. Because of this, our culture considers religion, and Christianity in particular, as a crutch for the weak and unintelligent.
1 Corinthians 1:18-19
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
V. Deception
2 Corinthians 11:1-4
The church is the bride of Christ, and Paul seeks to protect her from being enticed by the destruction of Satan.
Galatians 1:8
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Paul is reminding the people that there is only one truth, but Satan seeks to deceive and destroy us with false teaching. Be aware of how cunningly the serpent deceived Eve. We, too, can be destroyed but subtle false teaching.
**Remember: we can only live right if we first think right!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Creation
Right Thinking = Right Living!
A. It all started with God, Gen 1:1
1. God created the world AND time.
2. He is eternal= having no beginning or end.
3. The Hebrew name of God here is Elohim= plural form of El, means "Strong One." (plural is significant of the triune God-Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
B. God spoke all things into being, Gen 1:2-3
1. "Ex Nihilo" is Latin meaning "from nothing" referring to HOW God created the world.
2. Consider the complexity of the world around us, and the universe...Now consider the incredible design of the human eye which has over 2 million working parts.
**All creation points to the sovereignty of God, meaning He is in control of EVERYTHING**
C. God created all things, Gen 1:4-25
1. There is order in His creation
->disorder and chaos are not of God; these things come out of a world corrupted by sin.
2. In six days He created everything, and He rested on the seventh day.
Day 1: Heavens and earth, darkness and light
-> notice there was first darkness, and then God made light (without the sun!)
Day 2: Heaven/sky
Day 3: Dry land, oceans, plants
Day 4: Sun, moon, stars
Day 5: Air and water animals
Day 6: Land animals and people
-> Consider when and how God created mankind...
-> We were created last, yet most important to the purpose of God's plan for creation, and ultimately salvation!
-> We are the only part of creation made in the image of God.
-> God gave Adam dominion over the earth.
-> All of God's creation was made to bring Him glory; therefore we were made to glorify God.
A. It all started with God, Gen 1:1
1. God created the world AND time.
2. He is eternal= having no beginning or end.
3. The Hebrew name of God here is Elohim= plural form of El, means "Strong One." (plural is significant of the triune God-Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
B. God spoke all things into being, Gen 1:2-3
1. "Ex Nihilo" is Latin meaning "from nothing" referring to HOW God created the world.
2. Consider the complexity of the world around us, and the universe...Now consider the incredible design of the human eye which has over 2 million working parts.
**All creation points to the sovereignty of God, meaning He is in control of EVERYTHING**
C. God created all things, Gen 1:4-25
1. There is order in His creation
->disorder and chaos are not of God; these things come out of a world corrupted by sin.
2. In six days He created everything, and He rested on the seventh day.
Day 1: Heavens and earth, darkness and light
-> notice there was first darkness, and then God made light (without the sun!)
Day 2: Heaven/sky
Day 3: Dry land, oceans, plants
Day 4: Sun, moon, stars
Day 5: Air and water animals
Day 6: Land animals and people
-> Consider when and how God created mankind...
-> We were created last, yet most important to the purpose of God's plan for creation, and ultimately salvation!
-> We are the only part of creation made in the image of God.
-> God gave Adam dominion over the earth.
-> All of God's creation was made to bring Him glory; therefore we were made to glorify God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)