1/22/2006 ~ Vision
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Apostle Paul was saved, many people think they are.
... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, ... ~ 1st Timothy 1:15
... Who will deliver me from this body of death? ... ~ Romans 7:24-25
... First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ ... ~ Romans 1:8
Thank God he was saved
But when was Paul saved?
... he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. ~ Acts 9:1-9
... And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, ... ~ Acts 22:12-16
Many claim Paul was saved on the road to Damascus,
but this did not happen until he was baptized.
→ Salvation comes from within.
There is a story of a man who while sitting on an "out west" outhouse
saw a moonbeam shining through a knot hole in the door.
And so he took this as a message that his thoughts,
at the moment, were divinely sent.
It has come to be colloquially known as the,
"Moonshine religion"
Anything could apply, ~ "I saw the light."
June Bugs crawling in a certain formation
at a particular time or groundhogs casting shadows
is not justification for the truth.
... these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, ...
~ John 20:30-31
... will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? " ...
~ Acts 13:5-12
... I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." ~ Acts 23:1
... But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 13:8-12
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 14:12
... way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own ...
~ Jeremiah 10:23
Men can make mistakes
Feelings are deceptive
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
~ Romans 10:17
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 2:15
... I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 12:1-5
... the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:14
... he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming ... ~ Acts 10:1-6
"... whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." ...
~ Acts 10:34-36
And we are witnesses of all things which He did ... ~ Acts 10:39
"Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who ..."
~ Acts 10:47-48
Visions and miracles will not save you.
The Gospel saves you and the study of the word.
...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, ...
~ Hebrews 2:1-4
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1/29/2006 ~ Where is Your Treasure?
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... where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21
What have we invested our time in?
Where is your treasure?
"... So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
~ Luke 12:19-21
Addictions: Good or Bad?
... Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, ... ~ Psalm 51:1-6
- God purge me.
~ does your treasure have worth or is it worthless?
Does it hold temporary value or eternal value?
... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." ~ Joshua 24:14-15
You make the life choice.
Admit problems sincerely or purging is worthless.
Either we are dedicated to God or we are not.
How do we invest ourselves?
... As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. ... ~ Revelation 3:14-19
The precious metal is the word of God.
- People not ashamed to be clothed in humbleness.
Our deeds define us.
... Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment? ...
~ Matthew 22:12
Don't replace one bad treasure for another, trade it for a good one.
-Visit the needy, Do good for the needy.
... as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, ... ~ Galatians 6:10
Gather treasure nobody can take away.
... Hades shall not prevail against it." ~ Matthew 16:16-18
Your treasure is from the foundation of Heaven.
→ Study of the Gospel is investing in heaven.
→ Doing for others lays treasures up in heaven.
Where is your treasure?
What do you live for? - Spirit or Flesh?
Which one do you feed?
I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. ~ Psalm 119:162
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1/29/2006 ~ Rules For Happy Living
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Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
~ Proverbs 3:13
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, ... ~ Proverbs 16:20
What makes you happy?
God wants people to be happy.
The word "happy" occurs in the Bible 587 times.
Are you Optimistic or Pessimistic?
... exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," ... ~ Hebrews 3:7-13
We need to build each other up.
Count our blessings and not our shortcomings.
... blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
~ Ephesians 1:3
Honor the Lord everyday.
... I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
Paul lived his life everyday for the Lord.
┌─> ~ a good deed of worship, she went out of her way.
... flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head ...
~ Matthew 26:6-13
"... that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:16
God expects us to love Him from the heart.
We need to be givers and not takers.
... Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, ...
~ Philippians 2:1-8
Jesus was a Giver.
... "It is more blessed to give than to receive." ~ Acts 20:35
Jesus expects us to be givers.
~ Fall in Love with Life and Loving.
Many walk as death has already occured.
→ YOU LIVE UNTIL YOU DIE.
Are you alive as dead?
He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor.
~ Proverbs 21:21
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, ...
~ Philippians 4:6
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ..." ~ Matthew 6:33
... but godliness is profitable for all things, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:8
... with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ...
~ Philippians 4:6
Don't let things bother you.
~
You need to live your life for yourself and not through the eyes of others.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; ....
~ Ecclesiastes 9:10
... in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ...
~ Matthew 7:3-4
Look\
for the good in each of us.
Seek/
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Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ~ Colossians 3:2
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ... ~ Romans 8:35-39
You can not be seperated from God unless you choose to.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? ...
~ Psalm 27:1
Do we trust in our Father?
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2/5/2006 ~ How Much Do You Value Your Life?
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1. Spiritual
2. Physical
What will be the value of your death?
We strive to take care of our bodies, but not just the physical.
Eternal Life or Eternal Damnation?
... exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, ...
~ 1st Timothy 4:8
Physical training means little without spiritual influences.
... it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ...
~ Hebrews 9:27-28
God has given us a finite amount of time in this world.
God knows where our hearts are.
... where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:19-21
We strive to do good things but we all stray.
Repentance and Prayer turns it around.
... wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ ... ~ Romans 6:23
As Christians, if we persist in sin there is no more protection.
For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, ...
~ Hebrews 10:26-31
... each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires ...
~ James 1:13-18
... who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. ...
~ Matthew 13:40-43
Lazarus and the rich man
What does the Bible teach us concerning this?
... beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. ...
~ Luke 16:22
... his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame ...
~ Luke 16:19-31
"And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes ..." ~ Luke 16:23
... between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, ... ~ Luke 16:26
EARTH
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DEATH
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HADES (SHEOL)
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ETERNITY
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HEAVEN
Eternal Bliss
Sheep
"Come"
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K
I
N
G
D
O
M
O
F
N
A
T
U
R
E
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Kingdom
of
CHRIST
The Church
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Paradise,
or
Abraham
Bosom
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Faithful
→
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Resurrection
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↑
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↓
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Infant
→
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JUDGMENT
of
CHRIST
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Great Gulf
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→
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Powers
of
Darkness
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Torments
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↓
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Unfaithful
→
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↑
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Resurrection
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→
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"Depart"
Goat
Eternal
Damnation
Gehenna
Hell
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Above chart inspired from Eugene Britnell
The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God.
~ Psalm 9:17
... though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live," says the Lord God, "
... they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness." ~ Ezekiel 14:20
- We ourselves control our lives and destiny.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:10
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, ...
~ Matthew 25:31-46
... in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:8-9
... And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. ~ Revelation 1:18
... dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. ...
~ Revelation 20:12-15
... because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out ...
~ Revelation 3:15-16
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, ...
~ Galatians 5:19-21
... walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise ...
~ 2nd Peter 2:4-10
... But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, ...
~ Galatians 5:22-26
... kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:5-11
Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, ...
~ 1st Timothy 5:24-25
The value of our souls when we die
is the value of our souls while we were alive.
~ It would appear that it is easier to die than to live.
... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
~ Revelation 2:10
... and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
~ 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
God knows and sees each one of us.
Salvation requires faith, belief in what we hear.
└─> Repentance
└─> Confession
└─> Baptism, immersion
... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins ...
~ 1st John 1:7-9
How much value do you place on your life?
How much on your death?
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2/19/2006 ~ Can you See the Kingdom of God?
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Jesus came to show us the way...
... to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
~ Matthew 4:12-17
... "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent ..."
~ Mark 1:14-15
The "kingdom at hand" does not appear in the Bible after Penecost.
... speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. ~ Acts 1:1-3
They can't believe it, Jesus is gone!
They could not understand the kingdom that had come.
... "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" ... ~ Acts 1:4-8
Holy Spirit? → Kingdom of God?
1. Kingdom
2. Power - Name
3. Saved
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... "I am the way, the truth, and the life. ..." ~ John 14:6
... "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ... ~ Matthew 14:25-31
... He came to them, walking on the sea, ... ~ Mark 6:48-52
... they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near ... ~ John 6:16-21
They still doubted
even after seeing all the miracles performed by Jesus.
"... shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."
~ Matthew 16:28
... standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God ...
~ Mark 9:1
"... standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God."
~ Luke 9:27
... until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."
~ Matthew 26:26-29
... of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
~ Mark 14:22-25
"... I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."
~ Luke 22:14-20
... And He took it and ate in their presence. ~ Luke 24:36-43
And even after He was resurrected,
they still did not understand the Kingdom.
... why do you stand gazing up into heaven? ... ~ Acts 1:9-11
They did not realize the eternal power of the Kingdom.
"... For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." ~ Luke 17:20-21
Luke was reporting in Acts the kingdom's realization,
not as “at hand”... but its’ essential arrival.
It is a recount of how they underestimated the power of Jesus.
... it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved. ~ Acts 2:1-21
Too many people miss the boat, they expect a vision, a miracle,
or speaking in tongues to enlighten them.
They passively wait without actively pursuing the word.
... it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved. ... ~ Joel 2:32
What is your religion doing for you?
Are you waiting or actively believing?
Are you a participant with God or an observer?
In the righteousness of God we live.
Does this empower us?
We repent as we rise away from our former sin.
We pray for strength to continue deepening in His word.
Power is in loving God and His word.
... Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! ...
~ Romans 6:1-4
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; ... ~ James 1:12
My life is unhappy – I need to change.
~ I embrace that Jesus Christ is God.
→ I follow Christ.
... whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus ...
~ Colossians 3:15-17
We pattern our lives as Jesus as Lord.
This puts us close to God and far from this world.
The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, ...
~ Matthew 13:38-43
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, ..." ~ Matthew 16:19
"... is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
~ John 3:3-5
... the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11
Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, ... ~ Proverbs 17:24
... and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ...
~ Colossians 1:13-14
Jesus prayed for us before he was crucified
and makes intercession for us NOW.
Jesus was before all and is after all.
... "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." ~ Revelation 1:8
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2/19/2006 ~ Redemption
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... through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance ...
~ 1st Peter 1:1-21
Jesus was about second chances.
~ We have indebted ourselves to sin ~
"... For the land has committed great harlotry By departing from the Lord."
~ Hosea 1:1-3
A heart given to another hurts.
Why would anyone want a sinner?
... Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; ...
~ Proverbs 6:27-35
If your neighbor commits adultery with your wife,
How would you find redemption?
What price could suffice this injustice?
Why in the world would God want us after we sinned?
"... that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16
... And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ ...
~ 1st John 2:1-2
The forbearance of God is found through His patience
controlled by tolerance with leniency and mercy for us.
... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
let us use them: ... ~ Romans 12:3-8
→ Use your abilities for God.
Once you are saved, use your talents to increase the power of God.
The only way you can amend the fidelity of a marriage
is in forgiveness and forbearance.
How did God come to be able to forgive us?
JESUS CHRIST.
... by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ...
~ Romans 3:21-26
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, ...
~ Ephesians 1:7-14
... in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
~ Colossians 1:13-14
... He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption. ... ~ Hebrews 9:11-15
God frees us from slavery with opportunity.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church ...
~ Ephesians 5:25-33
It is the man that controls love in a marriage
and it is reflected in how much he invests in it.
What commitment do you give to your love?
When Christ redeemed us how much did He give?
So that we might be redeemed,
Be careful how you write people off.
... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:18-19
... not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. ...
~ Romans 14:8-17
... Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.
~ Romans 14:15
Do not lay the path to harm the conscience of another.
Christ died for each one of us.
Let's help each other climb closer to God.
Redemption is found in L♥VE over hate.
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2/26/2006 ~ Don't Quit
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... Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:1-28
Thessalonica was a city in Greece.
The message was that the Lord hasn't come back, but keep it going.
... we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ...
~ Titus 2:11-14
Jesus is coming back ... How?
... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? ...
~ James 4:4
Nearness to God = Close to God
Nearness to world = Distance from God
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... "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ... ~ James 4:5-10
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Distance from God = Darkness
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Ask, if I do this, does it bring me closer to God?
┌──── Faith, Love, Hope ────┐
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.
~ Hebrews 11:1
Trust more in God than ourselves.
... by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. ... ~ Acts 20:35
More blessed to give than to receive.
~
So many youths look for what others do to them.
... whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, ... ~ Matthew 7:12
└──── Golden Rule ────┘
Not what you do to others but for others.
... hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
~ Romans 8:24-25
Hope is not based on what you see.
Many churches gauge there success in numbers.
... putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet
the hope of salvation. ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:8-10
Success lays in the individual.
... comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:12-14
... but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-11
People were lazy in Thessalonica.
Paul wanted them to "Wake Up!"
... always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:14-15
Rejoice always, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice in Christ.
Complainers = Jesus is not coming back
Thankful = Jesus is coming back
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Don't quit because you need to be ready today.
If He dosen't come back today, we have not wasted our time.
CHRIST is a way of Life.
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2/26/2006 ~ Making The Word of Non-Effect
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1.
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Promotion
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1st Corinthians 1:17
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2.
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Law-Flesh
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Galatians 5:4-7
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3.
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Gossip
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1st Timothy 5:14
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4.
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Confusion
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1st Corinthians 14:40
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5.
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Tradition
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Matthew 15:1-9
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Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, ...
~ Matthew 7:15
... preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:17
Promote Christ and not the preacher or deliverer of the word.
... become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; ...
~ Galatians 5:4
Hang-ups on the law of the flesh,
rules of worship being robotic and rigid,
sliced and diced opinion on what God does not require.
... do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love
serve one another. ... ~ Galatians 5:1-15
You have abandoned the grace of God
when too many rights make a wrong.
... not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things
which they ought not. ...~ 1st Timothy 5:11-15
Spiritually shoots yourself in the foot.
... to speak evil of no one, ... ~ Titus 3:1-2
... words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:1-24
Say things with understanding so men will understand with AMEN.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:33
Our God is not of confusion but peace.
Let all things be done decently and in order. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:40
Read scripture and explain things.
"... in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
~ Matthew 15:1-9
"... in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
~ Mark 7:7
We need to promote the word of God
... brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:15
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5-6
Do all things to obey God
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3/5/2006 ~ Are You An Athlete For God?
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... Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 9:24-27
... competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes
according to the rules. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 2:1-6
You have to play by the rules.
... looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, ...
~ Hebrews 12:1-2
Life for a Christian is a race.
1. GOAL → Heaven → In the presence of God.
┌─> I fix my eyes on the goal.
... for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:11-14
... for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, ...
~ Philippians 3:8
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
~ Luke 2:52
Christian's want to be with God, Christ.
... having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. ...
~ Philippians 1:21-24
Hands down, Heaven is better!
... shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or
causes an abomination or a lie, ... ~ Revelation 21:25-27
No one will ask, “Is there something better?”
If we do not commune with God Now, we won’t see Him in Heaven.
Have we lost sight of the goal?
2. TEAM → Effort → Unity
... be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ ...
~ Ephesians 5:1-7
... we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, ... ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
We need to play with Christians.
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
~ 1st Corinthians 15:33
3. RULES → Directives → Declarations
┌─> These are disqualified.
... who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
~ Galatians 5:19-21
"One time is to much and a thousand times is not enough." - Johnny Cash
... let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
~ Philippians 3:12-16
You have to perform according to the rules.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, ... ~ Matthew 5:6
What we desire is what sets our goal.
Don't give a place to Satan.
We must control and play by the rules.
... add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control,
... ~ 2nd Peter 1:5-9
4. DON'T LOOK BACK → Views → Thoughts
... let him not turn back. Remember Lot's wife. ... ~ Luke 17:31-33
Runners looking back are in trouble
and specifically, trouble to a spiritual runner.
We are tempted to go back to a comfort zone we had before.
... they are again entangled in them and overcome, ... ~ 2nd Peter 2:20-22
5. KEEP MYSELF → Faith → Purity
... lest, when I have preached to others,
I myself should become disqualified. ~ 1st Corinthians 9:24-27
It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play your game.
... Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:12-16
Ultimately we need to be responsible for ourselves.
Guard yourself and you will save others.
You need to think about self.
... I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 9:19
1. Goal
2. Team Effort
3. Rules
4. Don't Look Back
5. Keep Myself
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Let's meet Jesus at the finish line.
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3/5/2006 ~ Ever Have One of Those Days?
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Have you had to watch someone die?
Did a funeral give you the blues or possibly two?
All face multiple decisions and emotions daily.
Often, circumstances demand more of us, not less.
None have the fortitude of Jesus.
Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him ... ~ Mark 6:30
Then Jesus hears His cousin John was beheaded.
... beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, ... ~ Mark 6:26-30
└─> Jesus didn't call in sick upon hearing this.
"... whom I hear such things?" So he sought to see Him. ~ Luke 9:7-9
Jesus hears Herod is looking for Him.
And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place ...
~ Mark 6:31-32
But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; ... ~ Luke 9:11
He was weary but had compassion.
... saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, ...
~ Mark 6:33-34
Jesus was tirelessly teaching the word of God.
With women and children, 20-25 thousand? <─┐
... Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men. ...
~ Mark 6:35-45
┌─> I am the food of life.
"For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed."
~ John 6:55
... about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed ...
~ John 6:15
He then wanted to be alone.
And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.
~ Mark 6:46
Ever wish that you were not there for the sheer terror?
... Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ... ~ Matthew 14:23-26
A raging storm had arisen. <─┘
... "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" ~ Matthew 14:27-31
As long as Peter's focus was on Jesus, he could walk on water,
however when he looked away ... he began to sink.
... they had not understood about the loaves,
because their heart was hardened. ~ Mark 6:51-52
They could not see or fathom the spiritual truth of His coming.
... boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
~ Matthew 14:32-33
... And as many as touched Him were made well. ~ Mark 6:53-56
Jesus worked overtime on this day.
Jesus' apostle's witnessed sorrow, joy, confusion, doubt, elation,
desperation, deliriousness, and adoration all in this one day
LIFE IN A DAY OF JESUS.
1. John the Baptist Beheaded.
2. Searching for solitude.
3. Teach, Feed, and Heal the masses.
4. Finally go to pray.
5. Disciples disbelief walking on water.
6. Jesus is worshiped as the Son of God.
7. More came begging for His help.
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~ Just when you think you've had enough, expect more ~
We can depend on Jesus.
Prayer prepares us for our burdens.
How much have you done in advance?
When in need look to heaven as Jesus did.
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3/26/2006 ~ What it Means to Preach Christ
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The Story of Christ needed to be told,
It had been told hundreds of years prior to His coming.
Only One would meet the profile.
... to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent ... ~ Acts 8:26-35
... He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; ...
~ Isaiah 53:1-12
Who is Jesus?
Described as a loser, not attractive.
→ Jesus died for sinners
→ Jesus was for life and its’ advancement
Jesus was successful in life without exception.
Humans are bumbling failures.
People hide things, make up for things gone astray.
→ He became LIFE for us.
~ Eunuch needed help – wanted to be right with God.
The answer is understandable...
1. Christ Jesus as Lord.
2. Kingdom - Power or Rule.
3. Baptized.
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... and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded
... ~ Acts 8:4-12
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body ...
~ 1st Corinthians 12:13
... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom ...
~ John 3:5
... "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ... ~ Acts 8:36-39
He taught of a new life, a new birth rising through belief and baptism.
What should I do to be in Christ?
→ Baptism is just the beginning.
Jesus is not just the Savior but He is also Lord.
No One is more important.
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3/26/2006 ~ Should We Be Content?
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○ YES
- Teachings of John the Baptist
"... not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."
~ Luke 3:12-14
- Teachings of Paul
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ... ~ 1st Timothy 6:6-8
... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ... ~ Philippians 4:11
We need to be content with what God has given us.
... be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. ...
~ Hebrews 13:5-6
- Teachings of Jesus
"... Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." ~ Matthew 6:31-34
... Lord Jesus, that He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
~ Acts 20:35
If we focus on giving it helps us to be content.
Give us this day our daily bread. ~ Matthew 6:11
Do not take from others, but be thankful for what we have.
God uniquely loves each of us and sends us what is sufficient.
→ In this we will find more.
● NO
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called ... ~ Hebrews 11:8-10
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, ...
~ Hebrews 11:17-19
Abraham's contentment was with how he could please God.
→ Not satisfied with the prizes of this world.
... to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 9:24-27
... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward ...
~ Philippians 3:13-14
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust ..."
~ Matthew 6:19-21
BUILD up your Heavenly WORTH.
"... the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ..."
~ Matthew 13:45-46
We should be looking for a relationship with God to make us content.
- We should look to be content with Him more and more.
We strive for physical things and are not content spiritually.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:9-10
We neglect spiritual rewards
if we are discontent with our spiritual lives.
Love God and Life
~
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4/2/2006 ~ Rooted in Christ
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... so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, ...
~ Colossians 2:1-10
We all are challenged by the same adversaries.
We have been given the information to be successful.
→ What is important is what we have done for God.
... Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ...
~ Colossians 2:1-4
True Christian mentality is to gain spiritual wisdom and riches of truth.
There is no philosophy or doctrine that is better.
You need to guard yourself from being pulled away.
... to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. ...
~ Colossians 2:5-7
Faith is like a mustard seed; from tiny to enormous.
We are all like mountains, what holds you back?
If you have Christ, you have the power to climb any height.
Are you grounded or rooted in Christ?
What is your root system?
How tall a building is going to be
depends on how deep the foundation is.
... Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, ...
~ Colossians 2:8-10
The foundation is the word of God unto yourselves.
~ Man
1. Vain - Thinking
2. Philosophy - Empty Deceit
3. Tradition - Human Principles
4. World - Has Deemed Sucessful
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Our attitude right NOW is where we are headed.
If you are shooting a rifle at a target 300 yards away,
is the aim of the first two feet important?
Do you follow Christ or doctrine of man?
... "I am the way, the truth, and the life. ..." ~ John 14:6
Was I crucified for you?
Did you baptize yourself in my name?
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 14:12
Are you filled in Christ?
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 16:25
All thinking and religion is not bad but without Christ there is no fullness.
If you come to God through Jesus Christ, nothing is left out.
In Him you trust something greater than yourself.
Be steadfast in your faith.
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4/2/2006 ~ Why Christ Died
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... more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. ...
~ Hebrews 2:1-3
Was it really worthwhile?
Words not spoken by Moses or any of God’s servants,
but the Son of God.
God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various
miracles, ... ~ Hebrews 2:4
The word has been certified and the miracle is in the word.
... and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
~ Hebrews 2:5-9
He came that He might suffer death.
"... for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
~ Luke 19:10
He came to save the lost.
Christ came for us and in this there is value.
~ I came for you.
... and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
~ Philippians 2:5-8
Jesus emptied Himself obedient to the cross
... He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those
who are tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:10-18
... that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh
but made alive by the Spirit, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:18-22
For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; ... ~ Romans 6:10
... we have been sanctified through the offering of the body
of Jesus Christ once for all. ... ~ Hebrews 10:8-10
... Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. ... ~ Hebrews 9:25-28
Those who are lost need the mercy of God.
... exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
~ Matthew 23:12
It has worth that by faith we confess Jesus Christ and His truths.
... "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, ... ~ Romans 14:11
... above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, ...
~ Philippians 2:9-11
All will be humbled when He comes by sight.
Christ has been merciful so that we might be a family.
... God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
~ Ephesians 2:11-16
Ever wonder why there is so much division in the world?
└─> Because Christ has not been accepted.
God asks for the fellowship of souls in love.
... come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
~ Matthew 19:14
... And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, ...
~ Acts 2:40-43
... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
~ Acts 2:44-47
We want to have close relationships
and Jesus died so we can have fellowship through Him.
We need each other.
Jesus also died to please God.
... given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God
for a sweet-smelling aroma. ~ Ephesians 5:2
... For even Christ did not please Himself; ... ~ Romans 15:1-3
Christ went through gut wrenching suffering
to the point of loathing His momentary experience.
"... nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." ~ Matthew 26:39
WHY CHRIST DIED
1. TASTE DEATH
2. SAVE THE LOST
3. BRETHREN - ONE
4. PLEASE GOD
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He did it to please the Father.
He was meek ~ controlled strength.
The church has no more than what Christ offered.
We can be saved by His redeeming blood.
He died that we might hear Him
and follow Him to Heaven.
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4/9/2006 ~ What is it to Be In The Church?
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... and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, ...
~ Matthew 16:13-20
What is Jesus saying, I will build my church on this rock?
What is the church?
Is it just a civic function?
~ It was Peter’s confession.
... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone, ... ~ Ephesians 2:19-22
you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, ...
~ 1st Peter 2:5-6
... God might be made known by the church to the principalities ...
~ Ephesians 3:10-11
When you want to get into Christ’s church you need to get into Christ.
Christ either helps you or gets in the way.
... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, ... - Hebrews 10:25-26
What is it to assemble in honor of the Lord?
┌─> Called the ancient Israelites to be in the church.
... The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your
brethren. Him you shall hear. ... ~ Acts 7:37-38
┌─>A mob?
But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of
... ~ Acts 17:5-7
┌─>A mob?
... So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed ... ~ Acts 19:21-32
┌─> A lawful assembly?
... lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question ...
~ Acts 19:39-41
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
~ Romans 16:16
↓
Christians are not a mob but a righteous crowd;
not contrary to CHRIST's words
but an assembly of Christ and His people of God.
... desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
... Coming to Him as to a living stone, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:1-5
└─> Stones as an analogy; solid.
Solid as a rock, truth remains.
... God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; ...
~ Colossians 3:15
Love of God bonds us together.
→ If we see church as a STRUCTURE and not the self we are in trouble.
└─> Idol worship.
... to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
~ 1st Peter 2:5
We are all priests, saints who love God.
... qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. ...
~ Colossians 1:9-14
... but now has been revealed to His saints. ... which is Christ in you,
the hope of glory. ... ~ Colossians 1:24-29
... love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have
ministered to the saints, and do minister. ~ Hebrews 6:10
~ Our actions offer sacrifice.
f
l
○ e
What did you sacrifice to JESUS today?
Christians boldly act on their faith in the word.
... praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ...
~ 1st Peter 2:9
We are a chosen race who would love God above all.
... For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 11:1-2
┌─> Parallels the church with marriage.
... that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot ...
~ Ephesians 5:25-27
d
e
m
 e
e
d
e
With our bodies we must GLORIFY God and not ourselves.
~ Is your bride 24/7? ~
Honor the husband, we the people of God.
Do we assemble for ourselves or God?
Human Form
- Israelites
- Mob
- Lawful Assembly
└─> Paul at Ephesus.
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God Ordered
CHRIST
ROCK
ASSEMBLY
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Spirit Form
Assembly
People
Us
Me
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To find the church of Christ
you have to look to yourself and read the word.
|
Common Denominator = The Word
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Christ will carry us into eternity.
... For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, ...
~ Colossians 1:19-20
We are an assembly where the seed of God plants us.
... whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before ...
~ Matthew 10:32-33
... he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
~ Luke 12:8-9
↑
Christians are openly serious about getting to Heaven.
T
I E
N C
I R
F U
N O
Jesus IS the Light!
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4/16/2006 ~ Are You Free?
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"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
~ John 8:32
Truth has an eternal way of not going away.
... Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, ... ~ John 8:1-12
Many Bibles use red letters for the words spoken by Jesus.
Many people focus just on these, but what of the other side of the coin?
What do the black letters tell us?
... "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true." ... ~ John 8:13
Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" ~ John 8:19
If you're not free you will not feel God.
These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; ...
~ John 8:20
... "Will He kill Himself, because He says, Where I go you cannot come?"
~ John 8:22
Then they said to Him, "Who are You?" ~ John 8:25
They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. ~ John 8:27
... "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage ...
~ John 8:33
They did not see needing freedom.
They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." ~ John 8:39
... "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father - God."
~ John 8:41
... "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"
~ John 8:48
... "Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, ...
~ John 8:52-53
... "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
~ John 8:57
Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went ...
~ John 8:59
They did not understand they needed to be set free.
They were willing to kill Jesus because they were not free
and could not see it.
≈
Honestly, how many of us want to kill our neighbors out of confusion?
≈
The Romans were on top of them
yet Jews were afforded religious liberties with commerce privileges.
- There were extremely materialistically successful Jews.
Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, ... ~ John 8:9
How do you know that your not free?
DO YOU
~ When we compare ourselves to others.
... trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ...
~ Luke 18:9-14
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5
Do not focus on fault or darkness will shut out the light.
Many times we see Jesus’ ways and we are ashamed.
→ Escape the shame and don’t leave the light.
These men were bitter.
ARE YOU
→ People get disappointed
These people were not free
... Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, ...
~ Matthew 19:18-19
... wisdom is justified by all her children." ~ Luke 7:31-35
"Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; ...
~ Mark 9:37
... humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
~ Matthew 18:2-4
We should be upset if the afflicted or children are abused.
There are times to be angry or to feel indignation,
But continual bitterness is generated from the self.
Humble yourself before God and bitterness will lose its’ grip.
Do you love as a child?
→ What prevents freedom?
If you are a slave to sin.
HELD BY
Terrible bondage – a path that never gets better;
Consumed in misery and unhappiness; desires of the self.
My Money
My Pride
My Life
|
┐
├─
┘
|
Live according to the world
and be enslaved to the world.
|
We all must confess our sins to be set free.
People who do not know God do not have freedom.
... "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. ...
~ John 8:49-58
Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; ...
~ 1st John 3:9
What makes you not free?
ROAD TO DARKNESS
● DESPISE
● BITTER
● SIN
● DO NOT KNOW GOD
|
IF YOU WANT TO BE FREE
YOU NEED TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THE TRUTH,
GOD'S WORD TO US.
|
†
Stake your life on it.
Where is your LOVE?
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5/14/2006 ~ Behaving Ourselves in the House of God
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... know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:14-16
True church is the pillar and ground of the truth.
~ It is what God calls for.
... this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ...
~ 1st Timothy 2:1-4
Submit ourselves to the will of God.
A person not praying does not have a relationship with God.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing ...
~ 1st Timothy 4:16
Keep self in check.
What is your driving force?
~ It should be what pleases God.
We need to pray together.
... one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ...
~ 1st Timothy 2:5-7
All people including Gentiles need to be in the faith.
... Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:8-15
God is saying women are in power with self-control.
→ We need faith, love and holiness as ordained by God. ←
Men are called to pray without wrath and doubting,
being responsible for the teaching of the word.
Women are to be clothed inwardly.
This woman was prepared to worship God. <─┐
... I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 1:5-7
We are subject to God's will.
... with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which
is very precious in the sight of God. ... ~ 1st Peter 3:1-7
Glory and honor to God is a quiet and peaceful mind
learning His word by male leadership.
... gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules
his own house well, ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:1-7
Men need qualifications to rule in the house of God.
does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household,
he has denied the faith ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:8
... do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
~ Galatians 6:10
It's about family.
Women need to perform to the will of God as to be part of God’s family.
... Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children
and their own houses well. ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:8-13
Men need to take responsibility taking care of certain duties.
Above all, we need to reverence God and His word as a pillar of truth.
As individuals, we need to behave in the house of God
to achieve the goal of salvation.
→ We have to make the effort, it takes work to obey God.
If you do things in God’s way the greatest amount of good is done.
Keep the work simple and souls will be saved.
We should not assume what is pleasing to God.
~ His rules lay before us.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; ... ~ Psalm 19:6-10
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5/28/2006 ~ Patience
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We live in a culture of NOW or we wanted it yesterday.
As Christians we need to view the larger picture.
Patience, Endurance, Perseverance; all words found in the Bible.
The Dictionary defines patience as:
1. enduring pain, trouble, etc. without complaint
2. calmly tolerating insult, delay, confusion, etc.
3. showing calm endurance
4. diligent; persevering
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... the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle
accounts with his servants. ... ~ Matthew 18:21-35
... tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; ...
~ Romans 5:1-5
Along with patience, experience is gained as well as hope.
... through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ...
~ Romans 15:1-5
... to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; ...
~ Colossians 1:10-12
... So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, ...
~ 2nd Kings 5:9-14
If we pray for patience we may be asked to do something demeaning.
Trials of circumstance bring about growth in our lives.
Qualities Associated with Patience.
● PEACE
● PEACEABLENESS
● FORBEARANCE
● CONTENTMENT
● QUIETNESS
● GENTLENESS
● GOODNESS
● KINDNESS
● HUMILITY
● MEEKNESS
● LOWLINESS
● MERCY
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These are the words of the Bible.
Jesus exhibited these traits more than any other man.
~ We are unhappy because we don’t have
what we want found in the future.
- Do we miss the fruits of today?
→ One does if you are miserable under the weight of today.
... peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts ...
~ Philippians 4:7
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... ~ Colossians 3:15
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
~ Romans 12:18
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, ...
~ James 3:17
... with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ... ~ Ephesians 4:2
... bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, ... ~ Colossians 3:13
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
~ 1st Timothy 6:8
... for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ...
~ Philippians 4:11
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. ~ 1st Timothy 6:6
... that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:11
... through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:12
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 2:7
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:24
... fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, ...
~ Galatians 5:22
... (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ...
~ Ephesians 5:9
... the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, ...
~ Colossians 3:12
... to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
~ 2nd Peter 1:7
... serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials ...
~ Acts 20:19
... humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
~ 1st Peter 5:5
... in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:25
... to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility
to all men. ~ Titus 3:1-2
... receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able
to save your souls. ~ James 1:21
... by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
~ James 3:13
... to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,
with meekness and fear; ...~ 1st Peter 3:15
... for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
~ Matthew 11:28-29
... but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
~ Philippians 2:3
... full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
~ James 3:17
... he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. ~ Romans 12:8
Patience is one of the hardest things to do for us as Americans
where we cough to compete with our neighbors and peers.
- Is our culmination that of dismal efforts?
→ It will be if we lack faith in truth; patience.
... as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed
who endure. ... ~ James 5:10-11
... "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. ..."
~ Job 1:21
Does looking for more leave you shallow?
We need to learn patience for the good of our living
and soul contentment.
... Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who ...
~ 1st Timothy 1:15-16
God’s patience is shown throughout time in more than a day or year,
but millenniums.
Noah preached for years before the Lord's flood came.
Lord, when Your hand is lifted up, they will not see. ... ~ Isaiah 26:11
God uses warnings as an incentive to repent.
Lessons can take hundreds of years.
"... and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years."
~ Genesis 15:13
God’s hammer eventually swings in swift judgment.
For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.
~ Lamentations 3:33
Through study and prayer we can become more patient.
Are you ready for God through Jesus Christ?
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6/4/2006 ~Someday we'll be the church We Need to Be
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... beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ...
~ Ephesians 4:1-16
We need to function the way the Lord wills.
~ It is not patterned after institutions of man.
God gave gifts to the church, sometimes us being the gift:
Singers, preachers, teachers that go out into the world.
→ It comes down to close-nit workings;
~ a local congregation working together.
... bondservants of Jesus Christ, ... ~ Philippians 1:1-2
└─> Thank God they existed.
≈ To become full grown in Christ.
1. Each full grown in Christ.
... till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, ... ~ Ephesians 4:13
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation
to all who obey Him, ... ~ Hebrews 5:9
... no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, ... ~ Ephesians 4:14
To be full grown in Christ is to abandon the doctrines of man.
~ We are all part of one another.
┌─> Qualifications of a Christian.
... temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:1-13
How many of us are grown-up Christians?
2. United.
Do we have unity or grid lock?
Do we accomplish for Christ or ourselves?
We need to use the talents found in our local congregations.
... built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ... ~ Ephesians 2:20-22
● Prophets
● Apostles
|
┐
├─
┘
|
Have come and established our foundation.
|
... one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ...
~ 1st Timothy 2:5-6
We have the unmovable works of Christ.
... And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ... ~ Ephesians 4:11
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, ... ~ Hebrews 13:17
... take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, ...
~ Acts 20:28
... not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ...
~ 1st Peter 5:2
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke,
exhort, with longsuffering and teaching. ~ 2nd Timothy 4:2
... how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, ...
~ Acts 20:20
In an ever-changing natural kingdom, reality adjustments are the norm.
Our universe flows forward as it naturally grows in maturity.
As with the infancy state of anything, initial conditions eventually cease.
Babies wean from mothers milk and for God’s children,
growth is expected.
Manna from Heaven, food for the Israelites, in the desert ceased.
And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, ... ~ Exodus 16:35
... Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; ... ~ John 6:29-35
We should not expect those initial conditions, giving rise to the church,
to be still ongoing or necessary as God calls for us to be whole in love.
... whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge,
it will vanish away. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:8-13
Mature
Love (Adult)
↑
Living Stones
↑
GIFTS
TONGUES
PROPHETS
|
┐
├─
┘
|
Apostles, Prophets, and CHRIST
(Child)
|
|
Parents teach their children by talking about the word of God.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ~ 1st Peter 4:10
The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.
~ Proverbs 22:7
Teaching is not just on Saturday or Sunday.
... but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
~ Ephesians 6:4
Learning and teaching is key to church.
Are you close to God everyday?
Are you at peace with yourself?
We are asked to know one another.
What part of your body would you give up? <─┐
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 12:20-26
→ Every part is important ←
● Pray together
● Sing together
● Commune together
The church is our family of One.
|
6/18/2006 ~ Steadfast in the Lord’s Doctrine
|
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, ...
~ Acts 2:42
~ It is important to be saved and to stay saved.
Some did not grow. <─┐
... much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
~ Hebrews 5:11
┌─> Some were hindered.
You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ~ Galatians 5:7
┌─> Some turned and walked no more with Him.
... "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ..."
~ John 6:66-68
It is essential that we individually continue in the word.
... "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." ~ John 8:31
Identifying the Apostles Doctrine
"He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, ..." ~ Luke 10:16
└─> Came from Christ. ○ <───────┐
... And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. ... ~ John 12:44-50
... acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments
of the Lord. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:37
... the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. ...
~ Galatians 1:11-12
○ By revelation of the Holy Spirit:
... has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: ...
~ Ephesians 3:1-5
... the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you
all things, ... ~ John 14:26
... whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth ...
~ John 15:26-27
... when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; ...
~ John 16:12-14
~ We need to read the text and understand what has been made known.
○ Apostles were ambassadors:
... we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:20
"For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; ..."
~ John 17:8
"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them ..."
~ John 17:14
"As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world."
~ John 17:18
"He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him
who sent Me." ~ Matthew 10:40
... and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ~ Acts 2:43
Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:8
The words given to the Apostles’ by Christ are relevant.
○ Earthen vessels:
... that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:7
... but the word of God is not chained. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:8
... the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
~ 1st Timothy 1:11
The message is the treasure entrusted to the Apostles.
... and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. ...
~ 2nd John 1:9-11
It is important to stay or abide in the word of God.
~ It is the doctrine of Christ.
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. ...
~ 2nd John 1:6-7
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life
is in His Son. ... ~ 1st John 5:11-13
We need more than just belief.
"... those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."
~ Revelation 2:14-15
What do we practice?
... beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees ...
~ Matthew 16:12
... He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
~ 2nd John 1:9
|
Doctrine of Christ
=
Apostles' Doctrine
|
→ We need to preach or teach:
... if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received,
let him be accursed. ~ Galatians 1:6-9
... that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, ...
~ 1st Timothy 1:3
... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3
→ We need to have correct conduct:
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, ... ~ Philippians 1:27
... that they may adorn the doctrine of our God our Savior in all things.
~ Titus 2:9-10
... holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. ~ 1st Timothy 3:9
We are not to teach another doctrine and we are supposed
to adhere to the faith living by the gospel delivered once for all.
→ We need to continue in:
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, ...
~ Acts 2:42
... the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received
and in which you stand, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 15:1
... and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, ...
~ Colossians 1:23
→ We need to obey:
... fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who
do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-8
... though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart ...
~ Romans 6:17
Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied ...
~ Acts 6:7
The gospel is something you submit to.
... called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God.
~ Acts 13:7
... seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. ~ Acts 13:8
... he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
~ Acts 13:12
● Jesus gave warnings:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, ...
~ Matthew 7:15
"... many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,'
and will deceive many." ~ Matthew 24:4-5
● Apostles gave warnings:
... men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples ...
~ Acts 20:29-30
... false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles
of Christ. ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15
... some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and
doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocricy, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-3
... For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 4:1-4
... By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; ...
~ 2nd Peter 2:1-3
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, ... ~ 1st John 4:1-3
Some do not want the truth or to be controlled by sound doctrine.
... "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:4
Many do not teach the truth.
... many false prophets have gone out into the world. ... ~ 1st John 4:1-3
We must prove all things. ~ It is all of our responsibilities.
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:21-22
... And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, ...
~ Revelation 2:2
... they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
~ Acts 18:25-26
... be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
~ Titus 1:9
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: ...
~ Titus 2:1
... no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, ... ~ Ephesians 4:14
Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. ...
~ Hebrews 13:9-19
... according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of
the world, and not according to Christ. ~ Colossians 2:8
We must remain vigilant and stable in our knowledge of the truth.
Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.
~ Psalm 119:104
Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right;
I hate every false way. ~ Psalm 119:128
What God says about worship is crucial.
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, ...
~ Colossians 3:17
Truth or Error?
... The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, ...
~ Philippians 1:15-18
For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, ... ~ Galatians 1:13-14
... I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." ~ Acts 23:1
... I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus ...
~ Acts 26:9
... an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly
in unbelief. ~ 1st Timothy 1:13
... false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies,
... ~ 2nd Peter 2:1-2
... note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine
which you learned, and avoid them. ~ Romans 16:17
... if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, ...
~ 1st Timothy 1:10-11
... but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel
of Christ. ... ~ Galatians 1:6-9
... when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel,
... ~ Galatians 2:11-14
... but test the spirits, whether they are of God; ... ~ 1st John 4:1
... By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. ~ 1st John 4:6
There are a lot of sincere and good people who do not obey the truth.
● Believe, teach, obey.
Truth and error is by what is taught.
~ What do we do?
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather expose them. ... ~ Ephesians 5:11-12
... who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine
which you learned, and avoid them. ... ~ Romans 16:17-18
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about
the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. ... ~ Titus 3:9-10
... Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, ...
~ 2nd John 1:7-11
Teach the truth in Love
... every part does its share, causes growth of the body
for the edifying of itself in love. ~ Ephesians 4:16
... seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
~ Colossians 4:6
Our goal is to teach people so they, we may know the truth.
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. ~ Galatians 5:9
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, ...
~ 1st Timothy 4:16
We must follow in the Apostles’ Doctrine
to maintain fellowship with the Father and the Son.
... For you are the temple of the living God. ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 6:14-7:1
... He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:14
Is your worship of God steadfast?
|
6/18/2006 ~ God's Righteous Judgment
|
... He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world
in righteousness ... ~ Acts 17:30-31
→ All men must repent everywhere.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit
the kingdom of God? ... ~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-10
... those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
~ Galatians 5:19-21
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, ...
~ Colossians 3:1
... For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes
are clearly seen, ... ~ Romans 1:17-21
... in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ,
according to my gospel. ~ Romans 2:1-16
Jew or Gentile, man will be judged by God’s righteousness.
The judgment of God is coming to all.
Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:11
... the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law
there is no transgression. ~ Romans 4:15
It is an appointment with God.
... He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man
whom He has ordained. ... ~ Acts 17:31
There will be no postponement.
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, ...
~ Hebrews 9:27
There is no reincarnation, but a day of accounting.
... But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. ...
~ Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1
Enjoy your life as you grow up but remember,
a day of reckoning is coming.
● Certainty of the judgment by the testimony of SOLOMON:
... For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every
secret thing, Whether good or evil. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
● Certainty of the judgment by the testimony of JESUS:
"... more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment
than for you." ~ Matthew 11:20-24
"... they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
For by your words ..." ~ Matthew 12:36-37
"... And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous
into eternal life." ~ Matthew 25:31-46
● Certainty of the judgment by the testimony of PAUL:
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 5:10
"... He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
~ Acts 17:30-31
● Certainty of the judgment by the testimony of PETER:
... the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work,
...~ 1st Peter 1:17
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; ...
~ 1st Peter 4:17-18
● Certainty of the judgment by the testimony of JOHN:
... small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. ...
~ Revelation 20:11-14
God will be the judge.
... in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, ...
~ Romans 2:16
For there is no partiality with God. ~ Romans 2:11
There will be no favoritism in the judgment.
God currently remains patient.
... not willing that any should perish but that all should
come to repentance. ... ~ 2nd Peter 3:9-10
Indeed, a day of judgment is coming.
We will be judged according to the gospel.
"... judges him - the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."
~ John 12:48
"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now."
~ John 16:12
Our divine guide:
"... but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you
things to come." ~ John 16:13
... how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery ...
~ Ephesians 3:3
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 2:10
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
... as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life
and godliness, ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:3
The Bible is an instruction manual meant to be understood.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
~ Ephesians 5:17
... And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, ...
~ John 16:1-8
It will be the words of the gospel that convicts.
... and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus
is revealed ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:7
... but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, ...
~ Romans 2:8-9
Condemnation will be upon those who do not obey the gospel.
... All nations will be gathered before Him, ... ~ Matthew 25:31-32
He will judge the world both universally and individually.
... who "will render to each one according to his deeds": ... ~ Romans 2:6
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:12
... and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
~ 1st Corinthians 3:8
Basis of judgment:
... that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to
what he has done, whether good or bad. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:10
"... words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
~ Matthew 12:36-37
... teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. ...
~ James 3:1-2
... in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ,
according to my gospel. ~ Romans 2:16
All things will come into judgment.
Righteousness
... doing good
seek for glory ...
~ Romans 2:7
|
~ ISSUES ~ |
Wickedness
... do not obey
the truth ...
~ Romans 2:8
|
... great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here
to you cannot, ... ~ Luke 16:19-31
There will be no appeal, the sentence will be eternal.
~ A final accounting is coming.
→ A Great Day is coming:
"... will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." ~ Acts 1:11
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:16
"Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are ..."
~ John 5:28-29
... in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 15:52
... And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. ...
~ Revelation 20:12-14
"... and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd
divides his sheep from the goats." ~ Matthew 25:32
"... more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day
of judgment than for that city!" ~ Matthew 10:15
"... and indeed a greater than Jonah is here." ~ Matthew 12:41
"... and indeed a greater than Solomon is here." ~ Matthew 12:42
All people from all time will be there, before Jesus.
"... Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you ..." ~ Matthew 25:34
Will Jesus call YOU to come or depart?
"... 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for
the devil and his angels: ...' " ~ Matthew 25:41
Hell has not been prepared for us.
If you follow the devil you shall follow him
to the place prepared for him.
It is good to get ready NOW so panic will not set in as time runs out.
No man is guaranteed enough time.
This greatest of Days that is coming should bring joy.
Do you always rejoice in Jesus?
|
6/19/2006 ~ The Promise
|
Theme of the Bible
... Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! ...
~ Galatians 3:13-29
God made a promise and He does not lie.
... God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. ...
~ Genesis 1:30-31
"... you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
~ Genesis 2:16-17
Nothing less than the promise of victory over sin.
... The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." ...
~ Genesis 3:9-15
A promise of redemption (seed of woman).
... And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, ...
~ Genesis 6:5-8
About 10 generations pass as wickedness increases (Genesis 6-9).
The Flood.
↓
By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved
with godly fear, ... ~ Hebrews 11:7
About 10 more generations pass before Abraham (Genesis 12).
"... To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; ..."
~ Genesis 12:1-3
Promises made to Abraham:
"... she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." ...
~ Genesis 17:16-17
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; ... ~ Genesis 18:11
Isaac
... Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born ...
~ Genesis 21:1-5
... your only son Isaac, whom you love, ... and offer him there as
a burnt offering ... ~ Genesis 22:1-5
... I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as
the sand which is on the seashore; ... ~ Genesis 22:17-18
"... and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. ..."
~ Genesis 26:3-4
For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not ... through
the law, but through the righteousness of faith. ... ~ Romans 4:13
... was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises ...
~ Hebrews 11:17
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac ...
~ James 2:21
Jacob
... And give you the blessing of Abraham, To you and your descendants ...
~ Genesis 28:3-4
... the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. ...
~ Genesis 28:13-14
... Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: ... ~ Genesis 35:22-27
Jacob’ son Judah
The scepter shall not depart from Judah, ... ~ Genesis 49:10
... He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Then Joseph took an oath ...
~ Genesis 50:24-26
All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons
(for Joseph was in Egypt already). ~ Exodus 1:5
Joseph
Into Egypt - 70
Then the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about
six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. ~ Exodus 12:37
Out of Egypt - 600,000 +
... for six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men.
~ Exodus 38:26
... And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. ...
~ Exodus 19:5-6
... "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, ..."
~ Exodus 20:1-7
Moses
... So Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord ...
~ Exodus 24:1-8
... And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant,
the Ten Commandments. ~ Exodus 34:27-28
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. ... ~ Galatians 3:16-17
And he said, "Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?" ~ Genesis 15:8
God says exactly what land will be given.
On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:
"To your descendants I have given this land, ..." ~ Genesis 15:18-21
... And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, ...
~ Numbers 14:29-34
They are delayed in wilderness for 40 years.
... "This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
saying, I will give it to your descendants. ..." ~ Deuteronomy 34:4-5
Joshua leads them in to the promised land.
... your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. ...
~ Joshua 1:3-6
... Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken ...
~ Joshua 21:43-45
1. The nation promise is fulfilled.
"... you shall perish quickly from the good land which He has given you." ...
~ Joshua 23:14-16
If you worship other Gods, God will destroy what you have.
"... that you will soon utterly perish from the land ..." ~ Deuteronomy 4:25-26
"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord ..."
~ Deuteronomy 28:1
They retain the land conditionally.
"But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord ..."
~ Deuteronomy 28:15
The Lord will bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation ..."
~ Deuteronomy 28:36
... as he went to recover his territory at the River Euphrates. ~ 2nd Samuel 8:3
David recovered a portion of the land.
So Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the River to the land of
the Philistines, ... ~ 1st Kings 4:21
They served their idols, Which became a snare to them. ... ~ Psalm 106:36-38
... To give it to his descendants. You have performed Your words,
For You are righteous. ~ Nehemiah 9:7-8
● Samaria capital of Northern tribes fell - 722 BC
● Jerusalem capital of Southern tribes fell – 586 BC
● Remnant returned (536, 458, 445 BC)
|
2. The land promise is fulfilled.
And the promise of the seed ... a promise of redemption.
"... her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
~ Genesis 3:15
┌─> Seed of David.
... I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, ...
~ 2nd Samuel 7:12-13
... And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ... ~ Isaiah 9:6-7
... God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; ...
~ Daniel 2:36-44
Four kingdoms preceding Christ’s coming:
Samarian, Babylonian, Greek, and Roman.
... to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, ... ~ Daniel 7:13-14
... the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive
and bear a Son, ... ~ Isaiah 7:14
"... And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." ~ Genesis 12:3
"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because
you have obeyed My voice." ~ Genesis 22:18
"... her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
~ Genesis 3:15
└─ Seed of Woman ─┐
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son,
born of a woman, born under the law, ... ~ Galatians 4:4
"... And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." ~ Genesis 12:3
└─ Seed of Abraham ─┐
... "And to your Seed," who is Christ. ... ~ Galatians 3:16
... And to Him shall be the obedience of the people. ~ Genesis 49:10
└─ Tribe of Judah ─┐
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, ... ~ Hebrews 7:14
I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. ... ~ 2nd Samuel 7:14
└─ Seed of David ─┐
... will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him
the throne of His father David. ... ~ Luke 1:26-33
... will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, ...
~ Isaiah 7:14
└─ Born of a Virgin ─┐
... So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Lord through the prophet, ... ~ Matthew 1:21-23
God keeps His promises.
How does this promise relate to us?
... saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! ..."
~ Mark 11:9-10
They called Him King ...
... But they cried out all the more, "Crucify Him!" ~ Mark 15:12-14
... and crucified Him.
... in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit
through faith. ~ Galatians 3:13-14
... He also presented Himself alive after His suffering
by many infallible proofs, ... ~ Acts 1:3
... Jesus of Nazareth, ... Him, being delivered by the determined purpose
and foreknowledge of God, ... ~ Acts 2:22-24
... David ... spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, ... ~ Acts 2:25-32
... Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
~ Acts 3:12-15
... of the covenant which God made with our fathers, ... ~ Acts 3:25
"... there is no other name under heaven given among men by which
we must be saved." ~ Acts 4:8-12
... "We ought to obey God rather than men. ..." ~ Acts 5:29-32
... and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit ...
~ Romans 1:4
... and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
which is His body, ... ~ Ephesians 1:19-23
... Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall
not be destroyed. ~ Daniel 7:13-14
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ..." ~ Acts 2:38-39
- Promise for the remission of sins.
"I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; ..."
~ Genesis 12:3
... God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, ...
~ Acts 3:26
Our Salvation is a Result of the Seed Promise.
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ ..." ~ Acts 2:38
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ...
~ Galatians 3:26-29
God had each one of us in mind
when He promised those things to Abraham
leading to our opportunity for the forgiveness of sins
through Jesus Christ.
And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according
to the promise. ~ Galatians 3:29
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; ..." ~ Acts 2:38-39
You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made ...
~ Acts 3:25-26
From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel
a Savior - Jesus - ~ Acts 13:23
And we declare to you glad tidings - that promise which was made
to the fathers. ~ Acts 13:32
And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God
to our fathers. ... ~ Acts 26:6-7
... it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, ... ~ Ephesians 3:3-8
There has been generation after generation of the faithful.
... died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them ...
~ Hebrews 11:13
... who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness,
obtained promises, ... ~ Hebrews 11:33
And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith,
did not receive the promise, ... ~ Hebrews 11:39
... according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished
in Christ Jesus ... ~ Ephesians 3:10-11
Are you faithful to the promise?
|
6/20/2006 ~ Power of the Gospel
|
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
The Gospel is efective in changing men.
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God
He created him; ... ~ Genesis 1:27
... the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation ...
~ Romans 1:16
God created man and gave the plan to save man from himself.
Some believe that the Bible is not adequate.
~ Is the Bible sufficient?
I wrote them down so that you may understand. <─┐
... how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery ...
~ Ephesians 3:3
Can the Bible be enough to satisfy man’s heart?
"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; ..."
~ Jeremiah 17:9
Thoughts can drive aches in the back of your heart
causing downward stomach tingles.
... proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. ...
~ Matthew 15:18-20
So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them
the Holy Spirit, ... ~ Acts 15:8-9
Man has to change his heart to conform to God.
~ What is the heart of man?
... that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
~ Genesis 6:5
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ... ~ Proverbs 23:7
● Thinks
... "Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?" ~ Mark 2:8
● Reasons
"...' Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.' ..." ~ Matthew 13:15
● Understands
... "If you believe with all your heart, you may." ... ~ Acts 8:37
● Believes
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with
the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ~ Romans 10:10
● Thinks
● Reasons
● Understands
● Believes
|
┐
│
├┉
│
┘
|
Intellect
|
For the word of God is ... is a discerner of the thoughts and intents
of the heart. ~ Hebrews 4:12
● Plans and Intends
... So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly
or of necessity; ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7
● Puposes
... obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
~ Romans 6:16-17
● Executes Obedience
● Plans and Intends
● Puposes
● Executes Obedience
|
┐
├┉
┘
|
Will
|
... my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.
~ Romans 10:1
● Desires
... 'You shall love the LORD you God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind.' ... ~ Matthew 22:37
● Loves
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not
on your own understanding; ... ~ Proverbs 3:5
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. ~ Isaiah 26:3
● Trusts
● Desires
● Loves
● Trusts
|
┐
├┉
┘
|
Emotions
|
Can we control what we think, hope for, dwell upon? - Yes
... bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 10:5
The heart of man is the will of man.
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, ... ~ Isaiah 1:18
... My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." ...
~ Isaiah 55:8-9
The appeal is to believe in the way of God.
... for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
~ John 8:24
... let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves
is born of God and knows God. ... ~ 1st John 4:7-10
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13
~ What is the Gospel?
... "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel." ~ Mark 1:14-15
It is more than just Jesus’ LIFE/DEATH/RESURECTION.
It's about the truth of mankind.
... as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." ~ Romans 1:16-17
... to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had
passed over the sins that were previously committed, ... ~ Romans 3:23-26
... but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God, ... ~ John 20:30-31
... in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time ...
~ Titus 1:2-3
~ Read Acts Chapter 2
Jesus coming was necessary for the salvation of man.
Jesus came to the earth to establish His kingdom in the hearts of men.
Jesus literally showed that He would heartfully die
for each and every one of us.
Will we feel the same?
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
~ Galatians 3:27
Is your HEART with Him?
Actions or inaction can speak louder than words.
~ I cared and gave to you and what did I receive in return?
Pompous character assassinations? Gossip; those lies to justify the bad?
Pride points out those things below, lust in self is truly our greatest ruin.
Do you embrace the service of giving or the arrogance of taking?
|
Pride = It’s all about me
|
... - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - ...
~ 1st John 2:15.17
... who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts, ...
~ Jeremiah 13:10
The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God;
God is in none of his thoughts. ~ Psalm 10:4
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
~ Proverbs 16:18
... full of idols; They worship the work of their own hands, ... ~ Isaiah 2:8
... and covetousness, which is idolatry. ~ Colossians 3:5
Desire God over any given thing.
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one
and love the other, ..." ~ Matthew 6:24
GOD is telling us to stop it in the heart.
... "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, ..."
~ Matthew 12:25
GOD gave us the gospel.
... God ... who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:6
... that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. ...
~ Romans 3:26
Commandments to be obeyed.
... and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:7-9
... but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, ...
~ Romans 2:8-9
Walk in the light, stay in the word, keep the commandments.
"... for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
~ John 8:24
● Faith
"... Repent, and believe in the gospel." ~ Mark 1:14-15
... God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
... ~ Acts 17:30-31
● Repentance
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. ~ Luke 13:3
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it
in its lusts. ~ Romans 6:12
You get repentance from the heart.
... but afterward he regretted it and went. ... ~ Matthew 21:28-32
Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away
from His fierce anger, ... ~ Jonah 3:9-10
Turning is from Godly sorrow and a commandment to repent.
Anger is the sorrow of happiness.
"... whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father ..."
~ Matthew 10:32-33
● Confession
... with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ... ~ Romans 10:9-10
"... I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ~ Acts 8:37
... he who does not believe will be condemned. ~ Mark 16:15-16
● Baptism
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ ..." ~ Acts 2:38
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ...
~ Galatians 3:26-27
All the Lord’s command are essential.
"... Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
~ Revelation 2:10
● Faithfulness
... be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 15:58
... you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word ...
~ 1st Corinthians 15:1-4
... we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it
with perseverance. ~ Romans 8:24-25
The gospel contains PROMISES in which to trust.
And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise....
~ Hebrews 6:15-16
"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, ..." ~ Acts 2:22-36
Hearts were changed by the preaching of the gospel.
"... that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
~ Acts 2:36
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ ..." ~ Acts 2:38
...the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, ...
~ Acts 2:38-39
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; ... ~ Acts 2:41
The gospel changed Saul of Tarsus
And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" ~ Acts 9:5
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him,
He also will deny us. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:12
... "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." ... ~ Acts 26:28-29
'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, ...' ~ Acts 22:16
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, ... ~ Acts 9:18
From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel
a Savior - Jesus - ... ~ Acts 13:23-32
... earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. ... ~ Acts 26:6-7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:7
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:16
... sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with
the glory which shall be revealed in us. ~ Romans 8:18
... that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
~ 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
Are they ministers of Christ? ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 11:23
Do you trust in God?
Are you looking to the Glory of God?
Is your heart on those heavenly things or on that of the earth?
You can look to God with great confidence
if you believe in the gospel and obey.
... for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3
"... those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever,
that we may do all the words of this law." ~ Deuteronomy 29:29
It's not about what is not written, it's about what is written.
|
6/21/2006 ~ God’s Spiritual Family, The Church
|
... But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been
brought near by the blood of Christ. ... ~ Ephesians 2:11-19
GENTILE
or Uncircumcision
|
|
... I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself
in the house of God, ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:15
The church is the family of God.
The relationship between the Jews and the Gentiles
was that of with God (Jew) and not with God (Gentile).
The wall between the two needed to be removed and was through Jesus.
There are different roles in the church.
The Father.
... according to the will of our God and Father, ... ~ Galatians 1:1-4
Children of God.
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ...
~ Galatians 3:26-27
Brethren.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual ...
~ Galatians 6:1
There are different stages of growth in the church. ~ All start as babies.
... as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:2
... not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:6
... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro ...
~ Ephesians 4:14
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. ~ 1st Corinthians 16:13
└─> We ought to grow up and behave.
... but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. ... ~ 2nd Peter 3:17-18
... and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ...
~ Hebrews 5:9-14
Would we deny God to choose our own thoughts?
... knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
they are again entangled ... ~ 2nd Peter 2:20
"... all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
~ 2nd Peter 3:4
The command is to grow and give diligence to spiritual maturity.
Some qualities of children need to be cultivated ~
... humbles himself as this little child is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven. ... ~ Matthew 18:1-6
Humility over arrogance. (There is no peace in arrogance.)
... Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
~ Proverbs 8:13
Is it foolish pride that holds our walls of fear stopping honesty?
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
~ Proverbs 11:2
Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; ... ~ Proverbs 16:5
... when He noted how they chose the best places, ... ~ Luke 14:7-11
God is unhappy when we elevate ourselves.
... not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, ...
~ Romans 12:3
Don’t inflate our own value.
... in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:20
... laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
as newborn babes, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:1-3
Soft forgiveness without malice.
Ever say, "You know better?"
... Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. ...
~ 1st Samuel 15:3
... "They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people ...
~ 1st Samuel 15:13-15
"... rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king."
~ 1st Samuel 15:22-23
Saul should have known better.
Do we follow our own desires or is it our resolve to please,
~ love God over self with self-control?
... That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. ~ Acts 2:21
"... whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
~ Acts 10:34-35
Then the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing.... ~ Acts 11:12
"... no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith."
~ Acts 15:7-9
... he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of
the circumcision. ... ~ Galatians 2:11-14
The Apostle Peter should have known better.
The is no difference between Gentile or Jew,
→ all can be part of the one body.
Hypocrites are not part of God’s will.
Above all, God wishes us to be direct!
Some are weak...
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, ...
~ Romans 15:1
... warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak,
be patient with all. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:14
Common characteristics are to be found in us all.
● Love each other
... If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; ...
~ 1st John 4:19-21
"... all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:34-35
... abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
~ 1st Corinthians 13:1-13
... look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
~ Philippians 2:1-4
We need to learn how to better love one another.
Christ left His heavenly abode to come here to suffer for us
because He loved us and to compassionately show us how to love.
● Care for each other
... who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, ...
~ Philippians 2:20-21
... but that the members should have the same care for one another. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 12:25-26
... Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor ...
~ Romans 12:9-21
The love and care of a brother is hard to come by.
To be grown is to be kind without vengeance.
The church has physical needs.
... and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. ~ Acts 2:44-45
└─> Because they cared.
... neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, ...
~ Acts 4:32-35
The church needs to grow gaining more true Christians.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them ...
~ Matthew 28:19
All face the challenges and burdens of mortal life.
... In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. ~ Job 1:13-22
... I alone am left; and they seek to take my life." ~ 1st Kings 19:13-14
Do not assume ... for it can be the playground of blind confusion.
... seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, ...
~ 1st Kings 19:18-19
Endurance is tempered through encouragement.
All are called to take on responsibilities.
→ Elders
... the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God ...
~ Acts 20:28
... serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest ...
~ 1st Peter 5:2
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God ...
~ Hebrews 13:7
→ Preachers
... that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought speak. ~ Ephesians 6:19-20
→ Civil Authorities
But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, ...
~ 1st Timothy 1:8
We need to pray for those who care for the church.
→ Address sin
... Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
~ Galatians 6:1-2
Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, ...
~ Ezra 10:1
~ Do we cry for lost brethren with open hearts?
● Desire companionship
... consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves ... ~ Hebrews 10:24-25
We need the encouragement of genuine worship.
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
~ 1st Corinthians 15:33
... press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus. ... ~ Philippians 3:13-15
... I have kept the faith. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
● Examine self
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; ...
~ Luke 17:3
... take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, ... ~ Acts 20:28
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5
... in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
~ 1st Timothy 4:16
Do you pray for yourself and others?
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another,
that you may be healed. ... ~ James 5:16
Do not gossip.
... no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
... ~ James 3:5-10
Lift the downtrodden.
... you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ~ Galatians 6:1
"... First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
~ Matthew 5:23-24
... if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between
you and him alone. ... ~ Matthew 18:15
If it saves a soul it’s worth it.
... he who turns a sinner from error of his way will save a soul from death ...
~ James 5:19-20
The greatest blessing of God’s family is being heirs to eternal bliss.
... if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, ...
~ Romans 8:14-18
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those
who will inherit salvation? ~ Hebrews 1:14
... rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised ... ~ James 2:5
... who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready ...
~ 1st Peter 1:4-5
... for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ... ~ Galatians 3:26-29
God pleads with us to be part of His family.
Will you be subject to His will?
"... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." ~ Joshua 24:14-15
|
6/23/2006 ~ A Marriage That Will Not Fail
|
Matthew 5,6,7
I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ...
~ Matthew 7:24-27
The American home is in trouble.
└─> This is not news.
At the Sermon on the Mound, Jesus spoke of attitudes.
→ Resolving attitudes can help us all.
Lusts, Fears, Jealousies, Angers, Greediness’s, Self Centered Ideals, Sadness ...
... unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes ...
~ Matthew 5:20
Do You Believe God is the Best All?
The wise man is he who hears and then does the will of God.
Right attitudes are necessary to enter the kingdom of God. <─┐
"... enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father ..."
~ Matthew 7:21
God ordained this for the happiness of man. <─┐
... a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ...
~ Genesis 2:18-25
We need council from Godly people.
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, ...
~ Psalm 1:1
|
Godly
=
Relationship with God
|
Our relationship has to be genuine.
1. Be the person who wants to go to heaven more than anything else.
2. Marry someone who wants to go to heaven more than anything else.
Do not murder people but build them up ↑
● Do Not Murder
... and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. ...
~ Matthew 5:21-22
┌─> It's about attitudes.
... casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 10:5
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, ... ~ 1st John 3:15
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
~ Proverbs 15:1
Soft words with kindness in mind.
... be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, ...
~ Ephesians 4:31-32
"Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ...
~ Ephesians 4:26
Don’t forget to guard your anger.
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.
~ Proverbs 29:11
... be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ...
~ James 1:19-25
Many times we treat our partners the worst.
... Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
~ Colossians 3:18-19
Stop murder before it gets there.
● Do Not Commit Adultery
"... whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed
adultery with her in his heart." ~ Matthew 5:27-28
... if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; ...
~ Matthew 5:29-30
Cast off your lust.
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ... ~ Proverbs 23:7
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
~ Proverbs 4:23
... out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. ... ~ Matthew 15:18-20
We need not allow bad things into our minds and hearts.
We need to keep our mind pure.
... Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ...
~ Galatians 5:16-21
Restraint or Free Course?
Learn to flee ...
... he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
~ 1st Corinthians 6:18
... But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
~ Genesis 39:12
Abstain from every form of evil. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:22
Control your thoughts.
● Do Not Divorce
... whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality ...
~ Matthew 5:31-32
Human laws allow much more promiscuities where God’s word does not!
... whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries
another, commits adultery; ... ~ Matthew 19:6-9
Jesus said marriage is permanent except for one cause:
ONE EXCEPTION - “Except for fornication.”
"... what God has joined together, let not man separate." ~ Mark 10:5-9
... Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything
hastily ... ~ Ecclesiastes 5:2-7
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
~ Proverbs 21:23
God wants you to remember your vows and to know He hates divorce.
... the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, ... ~ Malachi 2:14-16
... unless you are converted and become as little children, ...
~ Matthew 18:1-3
"... unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
~ John 3:2-6
Repent and keep to the pureness of you commitment.
~ Love as a child loves.
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. ~ Luke 13:3
~ Resolution not Destruction / Discussion not Threats.
● Avoid Deception
... You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord. ...
~ Matthew 5:33-37
Maintain integrity and honor, stay able to be trusted.
Trust is essential to a successful marriage.
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
... ~ Colossians 3:9
... putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," ...
~ Ephesians 4:25
... speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, ...
~ Psalm 15:1-5
● Avoid Retaliation
"... But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also."
~ Matthew 5:38-39
Vindictive attitudes must not be allowed.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all ...
~ Romans 12:17-21
● Avoid Conditional Love
... pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ...
~ Matthew 5:43-48
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church ...
~ Ephesians 5:25
... love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good,
obedient to their own husbands, ... ~ Titus 2:3-5
... does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ...
~ 1st Corinthians 13:4-8
Is your love for Cars, Looks, Money or Honest Human ties?
Are your cares shallow or deep?
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
~ Romans 12:9
● Avoid Hypocrisy
"... may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward."
~ Matthew 6:1-2
"And when you pray, you shall not be like hypocrites. ..." ~ Matthew 6:5
... do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. ...
~ Matthew 6:16
● Avoid Materialism
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ..." ~ Matthew 6:19-34
What is it you value?
... "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist
in the abundance of the things he possesses." ... ~ Luke 12:15-21
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
~ Colossians 3:2
... "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" ...
~ Luke 14:15-21
Money can buy cosmetics, but not real beauty.
"... gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give
in exchange for his soul?" ~ Matthew 16:26
● Avoid Petty Criticism
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge,
you will be judged; ..." ~ Matthew 7:1-5
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; ... ~ Proverbs 10:20
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
~ Psalm 141:3
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
~ Proverbs 21:23
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
~ Proverbs 25:11
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips
is wise. ~ Proverbs 10:19
... preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
~ Proverbs 13:3
Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool
than for him. ~ Proverbs 29:20
Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with
a contentious woman. ~ Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with
a contentious woman. ~ Proverbs 25:24
Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
~ Proverbs 21:19
... burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.
~ Proverbs 26:21
● Apply the Golden Rule
... whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, ...
~ Matthew 7:12
Being nice goes a long way.
Can you have the right attitude for a happy home?
The problem is sin and we need to repent for wrong attitudes.
● Do not murder
● Do not commit adultery
● Do not divorce
● Avoid deception
● Avoid retaliation
● Avoid conditional love
● Avoid hypocrisy
● Avoid materialism
● Avoid petty criticism
● Practice golden rule
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A soft heart endures while a biting one flees.
To live is to love. To hate is to die.
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7/9/2006 ~ Showing The Face of God
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... could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his
countenance, which glory was passing away, ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 3:1-18
... Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid
to come near him. ... ~ Exodus 34:29-35
Moses was not afraid to see the face of God.
→ When you have the word, you have God.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; ... ~ Psalm 19:7-11
His word is a reflection of His Greatness.
~ We can know Him by His word.
... I would not have known sin except through the law. ... ~ Romans 7:7-12
The truth becomes clearer and simpler from the study of all God’s words.
~ Looking on the glory of God not to justify ourselves or ideas
but do we care enough about God to see God?
- Many do not want to see God in His brilliant glory.
┌─> Not the letter of the law but the spirit.
... new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 3:6
Greet one another with a holy kiss. ... ~ Romans 16:16
God desires us to be genuine.
Are you genuine in your desire to get to heaven?
Do you care for others over yourself?
... God shows personal favoritism to no man ... ~ Galatians 2:6-9
But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 11:16
The issue is not in the cover but in the spirit received.
Opinion is looking to intently on ourselves,
Our own brilliance is not what it is about.
An open humble heart shall receive the truth.
Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 3:16-17
Moses was not afraid of God’s light.
... His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
~ Matthew 17:1-5
... His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ...
~ Luke 9:29-35
Don’t veil Jesus’ face or you will miss His spirit of truth to be like God
– to put away pride and desire to be close to Him
through the study of His words.
Do we want Jesus to wear the veil just like Moses?
... all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 3:18
The mistake is to receive just the word or just the spirit.
To achieve all the glory of God, you need both word and spirit.
Don’t be a hypocrite or a casual Christian.
Do you admit to being a Christian but then converse
about things of the world void of any spiritual content?
"... because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,
I will vomit you out of my mouth." ~ Revelation 3:15-16
How do you glorify God everyday?
To solve giving glory to God is to shine His light through yourself.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works ...
~ Matthew 5:16
Do you glorify God in your image or presentation?
We all need to fix ourselves, we need to examine ourselves.
How do co-workers see us?
The need is to see the Glory of God transmuted through us.
Let people come to us because of God and not ourselves.
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:33
As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before
Your face forever. ~ Psalm 41:12
Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me
a clean heart, ... ~ Psalm 51:9-10
Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes.
~ Psalm 119:135
Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies' sake.
~ Psalm 31:16
... "Your face, Lord, I will seek." Do not hide Your face from me; ...
~ Psalm 27:8-9
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when
I awake in Your likeness. ~ Psalm 17:15
Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!
~ Psalm 80:3
"... But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." ~ 1st Peter 3:12
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man
observing his natural face in the mirror;... ~ James 1:23-25
As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man.
~ Proverbs 27:19
Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! ~ Psalm 105:4
... the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:6
... They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. ...
~ Revelation 22:1-5
Jesus did not have a complaining heart.
What face do you show?
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7/9/2006 ~ Called by God
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○
... of love Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children
of God! ... ~ 1st John 3:1
We have been called to liberty by that is ALL.
... do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love
serve one another. ~ Galatians 5:13
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place ...
~ Hebrews 11:8
We will be called to test our faith.
... power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 1:8-9
It is God that is offering us salvation to come to His holy call.
... He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14
... God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one,`...
~ 1st Corinthians 7:17-20
For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:7
... "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"
~ Isaiah 6:3
... God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. ~ 1st John 1:5
We will be judged by how we respond to this most holy call.
... what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:11
... delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us
into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ... ~ Colossians 1:13-14
"I have come as a light into the world, ..." ~ John 12:46
... strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; ... ~ Ephesians 3:14-19
Is Christ's light of truth your greatest love?
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather expose them. ~ Ephesians 5:11
Which direction will your heart go?
... And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness.
There will be weeping ... ~ Matthew 25:30
"... For many are called, but few are chosen." ~ Matthew 22:13-14
... but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:13-16
It is a personal call by Jesus and gives us purpose.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, ..." ~ Matthew 11:28-30
... proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into
His marvelous light; ... ~ 1st Peter 2:9-10
We must choose between the Light or Darkness.
Darkness will attack the Light.
We are called to patiently suffer for doing what is right.
... when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is
commendable before God. ... ~ 1st Peter 2:18-21
It is a march toward the Light.
If we do what is good, endurance leads to favor with God.
"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."
~ Matthew 10:38
"... let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
~ Matthew 16:24
... "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
~ Acts 14:22
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
~ 2nd Timothy 3:12
God has sent out a calling.
→ We will be asked to be holy.
→ We will be asked to suffer.
~ Why do we suffer?
... when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him ...
~ 1st Peter 2:22-23
We are not supposed to give up, Jesus never complained for love of God.
... since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same mind, ... ~ 1st Peter 4:1-4
... for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:6-9
... by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect,
establish, strengthen, and settle you. ~ 1st Peter 5:10
... that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day
of Jesus Christ; ... ~ Philippians 1:6
... "I believed and therefore I spoke," ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:13
No affliction can tear away true belief and faith.
Why we will suffer.
1. Envy of our joyful commitment and happy family life
2. Anger with God's announcements of truth
3. Differences in not following the ways of the world
4. We don't fight back while holding the truth
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It will not always be comfortable.
... rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
~ Acts 5:41
... knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
~ 1st Peter 3:9
... walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all
lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, ... ~ Ephesians 4:1-6
... that those who are called may receive the promise of
the eternal inheritance. ~ Hebrews 9:14-15
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down
from the Father of lights, ... ~ James 1:17
We have been called for blessings by doing what is right.
"... refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit."
~ 1st Peter 3:10
... through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:2-4
We are given a good life by Christ, better than anything in this world.
A heart of eternal life.
... turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. ...
~ 1st Peter 3:11-12
... let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called ...
~ Colossians 3:15
We have a responsibility to receive these blessings
and God wants us to be righteous.
... grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through
Jesus Christ ... ~ Romans 5:18-21
God wants us to be a blessing on others.
... "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." ... ~ Luke 23:34
Jesus offered a blessing rather than a curse.
... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Romans 12:17-21
We have been called to do good and help all as Jesus did.
... for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; ...
~ 1st Peter 3:8
How do we bless others?
● Harmonious (of one mind)
● Sympathetic (compassion for one another)
● Brotherly
● Kindhearted (tenderhearted)
● Humble in spirit (courteous)
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Life is better because we bless people back.
... walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
~ 1st Thessalonians 2:11-12
God wants us to come to His eternal glory.
"... voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased." ~ 2nd Peter 1:17
The voice of God is the approval of God.
... they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ~ Luke 9:32
We see God’s glory for a brief moment.
~ Jesus gave us the LIGHT of God.
... the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it
may be conformed to His glorious body, ... ~ Philippians 3:20-21
God wants eternal unending glory.
Who would say no to this?
... when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. ...
~ 1st John 3:2-3
... submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, ...
~ 1st Peter 2:12-13
We are not perfect but through God He will accomplish perfection
by bringing us the strength of patience.
... if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
~ Romans 8:16-17
... let those who suffer according to the will of God commit
their souls to Him in doing good, ... ~ 1st Peter 4:19
... knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood
in the world. ... ~ 1st Peter 5:8-10
... knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ...
~ James 1:2-4
... knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,
character; and character, hope. ... ~ Romans 5:1-5
... If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; ...
~ Hebrews 12:4-8
... but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit
of righteousness ... ~ Hebrews 12:11
... our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18
Suffering allows us to become stronger and in the grand scheme,
~ We will suffer little.
... For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for
a little time and then vanishes away. ~ James 4:14
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. ... ~ Revelation 3:20-21
We are sanctified in the bosom of Jesus.
... To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved
in Jesus Christ: ... ~ Jude 1:1
Will you follow the call?
... some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced
themselves through with many sorrows. ~ 1st Timothy 6:10
Everything we accomplish or obtain at the end of our lives
will not be enough to earn eternal life.
~ What would you give?
As for me, I will call upon God, And the Lord shall save me. ~ Psalm 55:16
Here I am Lord, send me.
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7/30/2006 ~ Parable of the Sower
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And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, ... ~ Matthew 13:1-2
The Bible is simple and not so complex as Jesus teaches all truth.
"Behold, a sower went out to sow. ..." ~ Matthew 13:3-8
Is it easier to learn from Jesus or words coined by scholars?
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False Precepts/Calvinism
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Total Depraved
Unconditional Election
Limited Atonement
Irresistible Grace
Perseverance of the Saints
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-
-
-
-
-
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Born Having to Sin
Have No Choice
Select Few will be Saved
God is Who Calls or Not
Once Saved Always Saved
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Doctrinal theory is not as clear as the straight and simple word.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" ~ Matthew 13:9
"... I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing
they do not hear, nor do they understand." ~ Matthew 13:10-13
If a person is not interested they shall not receive it
without pride calling it hogwash.
... Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them. ... ~ Matthew 13:14-17
Jesus is looking for true hearts that search for Him.
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, ..."
~ Matthew 7:6
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." ~ Luke 8:11
"The sower sows the word." ~ Mark 4:14
● By the Wayside
... hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it,
then the wicked one comes ... ~ Matthew 13:18-19
There are those who do not believe.
"Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes ..."
~ Luke 8:12
● On the Rocks
... on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; ...
~ Luke 8:13
A person that panics because it becomes to intense.
"... when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word,
immediately he stumbles." ~ Matthew 13:20-21
● In the Thorns
"Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, ..."
~ Matthew 13:22
Temptations are more appealing.
... when have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and
pleasures of life, ... ~ Luke 8:14
● On Good Ground
... on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble
and good heart, keep it ... ~ Luke 8:15
... understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: ... ~ Matthew 13:23
"... those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: ..." ~ Mark 4:20
"No one can serve two masters; ..." ~ Matthew 6:24
Do you put things of this world before God?
Is there something you hold more precious than God?
It is an act of faith to place your heart in the bosom of God.
... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? ...
~ James 4:4
Test all things; hold fast what is good. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:21
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5
By the Wayside
On the Rocks
In the Thorns
On Good Ground
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=
=
=
=
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Unbeliever
Stumbles
Materialistic
Magnanimous
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=
=
=
=
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Hard Heart
Shallow Heart
Distracted Heart
True Heart
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Jesus wants all to come to His garden
"The seed is the word of God"
⭩ ↓ ⭨ ↓
Good Thorny Rocky Wayside -
Soil Soil Soil impenetrable
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Brought forth Life: Dormant
Germinated
↓ ⭨ ⭨ ↓
Fruitful Unfruitful
(Romans 6:22)
(Romans 6:21)
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... by their fruits you will know them. ~ Matthew 7:15-20
No matter what constructs we construct to
explain God’s word, Jesus’ warning is to be careful,
that we need to take action to remain saved.
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8/6/2006 ~ With All Boldness
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... grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ...
~ Acts 4:29
... Jesus Christ ... by Him this man stands here before you whole. ...
~ Acts 4:1-12
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, ... ~ Acts 4:13
Speaking boldly involves something you would lay your life down for.
... is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ...
~ Acts 4:14-22
Seeing undeniable miracles performed, they still rejected them.
... "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea,
and all that is in them, ... ~ Acts 4:23-24
Peter and John preach knowing God has made all.
"... He gives to all life, breath, and all things." ~ Acts 17:24-25
Why do people deny the miracles given by God delivered to all?
→ It is by His will that all things are.
How is it one cannot give Him credit due?
~ Arrogance and self centered power mongering would deny God.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ...
~ Colossians 1:15-18
... the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.
~ Acts 4:25-26
So it was:
~ Jesus Christ, you are not the Son of God and we will not receive you.
To reject God is to deny your own given life.
... filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
~ Acts 4:27-31
To maintain boldness is to embrace the truth.
There is no shame in speaking the word of God.
God wants us to dwell in His righteousness.
... he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ...~ Acts 9:26-30
No matter what you’ve done,
you can live down your past and live for God.
... but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified ...
~ Philippians 1:15-21
... the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, ...
~ Galatians 2:20
Preach what is defensible, worth dying for.
... that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought speak. ~ Ephesians 6:18-20
└─> Pray for me that I may preach boldly.
... in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access
with confidence through faith in Him. ~ Ephesians 3:9-12
Jesus instructs us how to worship God.
Endless faith enduring in the truth.
... and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. ...
~ 2nd John 1:9
He who would take away or add to Gods word is in trouble with God.
... If anyone adds to these things, ... and if anyone takes away from
the words of the book ... ~ Revelation 22:18-19
... that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, ...
~ 1st Peter 4:11
One can not back down from the word of God.
Should this be a world of anything goes religion?
~ This has never been the will of God.
... 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' ...
~ Matthew 4:1-11
God is exclusive and selfish.
~ Jesus does not come to a summit with Satan.
His word is clear – “Only Him you shall serve.”
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. ... ~ Titus 2:15
If you live up to what is right,
there is no need to compromise or negotiate.
Peter and John didn’t do it.
Paul didn’t do it and Titus was told not to,
and we should not either.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, ... ~ Ephesians 4:29-32
God's word boldly holds our wisdom.
... So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?" ~ Hebrews 13:5-6
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8/13/2006 ~ What Gives You the Right?
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... that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ...
~ Matthew 2:23
_ \ | / _
Jesus came concerned for our eternal lives.
He had preached “The Kingdom is coming.”
→ They wanted to know what gave Him the right.
Jesus’ root authority came from the rock of eternity and everlasting life.
His foundation purely lies above mediocrity.
~ The answer is found in basing your life on the eternal.
By the word, test all things ...
... in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:17-24
One’s core heart must know Jesus is a righteous judge.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince,
rebuke, exhort, with longsuffering and teaching. ~ 2nd Timothy 4:2
... God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth. ~ 1st Timothy 2:1-4
... to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; ... ~ Ephesians 3:19
We need to keep reviewing the word over and over.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ~ John 8:32
We need not forget.
Humans have a tendency to loose what is most precious.
... abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
~ 1st Corinthians 13:13
Let all things be done decently and in order. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:40
... if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith
is also empty. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 15:12-17
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do
be done with love. ~ 1st Corinthians 16:13-14
We need to continue searching the truth.
There is no hypocrisy in the word of God.
Simply, do you believe God’s authoritative word?
... I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: ...
~ Matthew 21:24-27
Contrivers try to validate their own righteousness.
~ This is no way to help a fool.
Hearts can only open humbly.
Authority
Heaven or earth (men)
Everything is either approved or disapproved by Heaven.
~ By the Great “I AM” authority is given.
"... Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was,
I AM." ~ John 8:56-58
... says the Lord, "And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may
know and believe Me, ... ~ Isaiah 43:10-11
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Mark 13:31
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Luke 21:33
... both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
~ 2nd Peter 3:9-10
All material will come and then pass away.
The lesson is that it is not about possessions or stuff.
... that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.
~ Hebrews 13:17-18
... For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, ... ~ Romans 11:33-36
Do you admit that God exits?
... "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth."
~ Matthew 28:18
... I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me ...
~ John 12:48-50
God will still be long after all of us pass away.
This is the authority of God.
... But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 2:6-10
... by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge ...
~ Ephesians 3:4
... how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, ~ Hebrews 2:1-4
Jesus speaks by the authority of the Father.
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority.
Let no one despise you. ~ Titus 2:15
The book of the Bible has been proven true again and again.
United, there is no contradictions and it can withstand all scrutiny.
UNITY
Geography
Sciences
History
Prophesy
Answers
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The Bible gives us the truth we need to know
that bridges from creation until NOW.
... "I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, ...
~ Genesis 46:3
... came to Derbe and Lystra. ... ~ Acts 16:1
... bring forth the living creature according to its kind: ... ~ Genesis 1:24-25
"But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ... ~ John 8:45-47
... many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and
coming out of the graves after His resurrection,~ Matthew 27:51-53
... Bethlehem ... out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler ...
~ Micah 5:2
And they made His grave with the wicked - But with the rich at His death, ...
~ Isaiah 53:9-12
God is the author and has the answers.
"... He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
~ Acts 17:24-31
→ The authority is God;
→ God is our Authority.
GET READY.
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8/20/2006 ~ Christian Pursuits
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But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. ~ 1st Timothy 6:11
COMMANDED PURSUITS
Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Patience
Gentleness
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If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:3-5
If we are not applying these things we are wasting our time.
... some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:6-10
Flee from false teachers and material greed.
"When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. ..." ~ Matthew 10:23
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, ...
~ Philippians 3:12
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call
of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:14
"Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it."
~ 1st Peter 3:11
It is more than a desire or a goal, it's not seeking, but actively pursuing.
... everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, ... ~ Matthew 7:7-8
... that the man of God may be complete, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
Christianity is about taking action to improve.
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace ...
~ 2nd Timothy 2:22
● PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS
... with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...
~ Ephesians 6:14
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled." ~ Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, ..."
~ Matthew 5:10
... unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes ...
~ Matthew 5:20
... do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. ...
~ Matthew 6:1
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ..." ~ Matthew 6:33
We should not pursue salvation based on our many good works.
Don’t seek to be saved by your works,
but seek not to have
a great need for grace and in this perfection is accomplished.
... we also should walk in newness of life. ~ Romans 6:1-4
... through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ...
~ Philippians 3:9
Disciplined in our desire for continual correction toward clarity;
Pursuit of the truth a way of life.
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction
is stupid. ~ Proverbs 12:1
... chastening ... afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness
to those who have been trained by it. ~ Hebrews 12:11
... whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
~ Acts 10:35
... He will judge the world in righteousness ... ~ Acts 17:31
● PURSUE GODLINESS
... having a form of godliness but denying its power. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:1-5
... for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith ...
~ 2nd Peter 1:4-8
... godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that
now is and of that which is to come. ~ 1st Timothy 4:7-8
... His divine power has given to us all things that pertain
to life and godliness, ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:3
... what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, ...
~ 2nd Peter 3:11-12
... prayers, ... that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
... ~ 1st Timothy 2:1-2
● PURSUE FAITH
And now abide faith, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 13:13
... faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ~ Romans 10:17
"... will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" ~ Matthew 6:30
Faith does not quetion the power of God.
... "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" ... ~ Matthew 8:25-26
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, ... ~ James 1:6-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on
your own understanding; ... ~ Proverbs 3:5
For we walk by faith, not by sight. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:7
... he walked on the water to go to Jesus. ... ~ Matthew 14:29-30
● PURSUE LOVE
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 14:1
Pursue Love more than all. <─┐
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
~ 1st Corinthians 12:31
Do not love the world or the things in the world. ... ~ 1st John 2:15
Every command of God is important but don’t forget to love God,
~ being bound up in sound doctrine.
... and pass by justice and the love of God. ... ~ Luke 11:42
Love is not so meticulous but out of the whole heart love is done.
... let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
~ 1st John 3:18
"... all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35
... but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
~ Philippians 2:2-3
"... love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those
who hate you, and pray ..." ~ Matthew 5:44
"... My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ..."
~ John 15:12-13
... this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God
must love his brother also. ~ 1st John 4:20-21
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8
He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ~ 1st John 4:8
Many do not understand true love.
We don’t always get along and surly love not.
~ Love is unmerited self sacrificing.
God is never against us but always for us, exemplified in Christ.
No matter how hard life becomes do not perceive God as forsaking us.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
~ Colossians 3:14
● PURSUE PATIENCE
... to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ... ~ 2nd Peter 1:6
We must pursue perseverance for it is only worth it if we don’t quit.
... you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will
of God, you may receive the promise: ... ~ Hebrews 10:32-36
... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, ... ~ Hebrews 12:1-2
"... heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit
with patience." ~ Luke 8:15
... tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; ...
~ Romans 5:3-4
We must endure through the distractions of this world, money and flesh.
The reward is our hope.
... imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
~ Hebrews 6:11-12
● PURSUE GENTLENESS
... speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility
to all men. ~ Titus 3:1-2
Power under control; Meekness = Gentleness
... Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
~ 1st Corinthians 4:21
... gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:23
Thinking about others is what we are called to do.
... you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, ...
~ Galatians 6:1
... receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able
to save your souls. ~ James 1:21
We need to pursue humbleness.
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
~ Philippians 4:5
... Your gentleness has made me great. ~ Psalm 18:35
Do you pursue the desires of God?
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8/27/2006 ~ The Value of Man's Wisdom
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... preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ
should be made of no effect. ~ 1st Corinthians 1:11-17
Our call should be after Jesus Christ and not any particular man.
All of our associations should be above the petty.
Do we care or have contempt?
A church or preacher does not make your relationship with God.
YOU DO!
¤
The power is in the message and not the messenger.
~ There is no other word of God than what has been given.
... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25
Men have constructed conclusions that may not align with God.
With a church on every corner or block,
beware if we do not submit to God under God.
One needs to pursue that of God as a precious prize.
... Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
~ Luke 2:49-52
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom;
and the grace of God was upon Him. ~ Luke 2:40
We are called to grow in our relationship with God.
It is a path to obtain the truth with God and other humans.
... He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory
of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 2:13-15
┌─> We are smarter than fish and over all other living intelligence.
... dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over ...
~ Genesis 1:26-28
The will of man has taken precedence.
... Give an account of your stewardship, ... ~ Luke 16:1-2
... the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than
the sons of light. ... ~ Luke 16:3-10
Savvy people are shrewd and make money well.
~ Jesus tells us to be savvy.
It is a battle to work with evil.
"... Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." ~ Matthew 10:16
We need to use our experience to best suit us.
Education has value in increasing competence.
... "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." ~ 1st Corinthians 1:26-31
It is not about what we do for ourselves.
... lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, My own hand
has saved me. ~ Judges 7:2
It is greater than any hand of man.
And the LORD said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jerico into your hand, ..."
~ Joshua 6:2-5
It is not about the brilliance of man but God.
... your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
~ 1st Corinthians 2:1-5
Do you blow your horn or confess your short-comings?
~ Paul exposed his weakness in awe of God,
and promoting God was paramount.
● Paul most probably would be unemployable
by today’s electronic standards.
The most wanted by God can be the most undesirable by world standards.
We need to contemplate God and Christ through eternity
and not exalt any individual or so called expert.
If one just analyzes and dissects the word of God,
confusion will be the only result.
... the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation
for everyone who believes, ... ~ Romans 1:16
Is it faith in the power of men OR faith in the power of the Gospel?
~ There is a wisdom that transcends beyond man.
We have all been given to Christ.
... able to comprehend with all the saints ... to know the love of Christ
which passes knowledge; ... ~ Ephesians 3:18-19
... But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 2:6-12
God holds the secrets of creation not man.
~ Most sold book but least read = The Bible
... the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. ...
~ 1st Corinthians 3:18-23
The focus is not to be a stranger of God.
→ The focus is God.
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9/3/2006 ~ Compassion
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Jesus is the epitome of compassion on the earth.
... moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered,
like sheep having no shepherd. ~ Matthew 9:36
⭨
┌─> He saw they were hungry and felt for them.
... moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. ~ Matthew 14:14
... I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ... ~ John 10:7-16
... "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." ... ~ John 8:4-11
"... for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
~ Luke 19:1-10
... "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." ... ~ Luke 23:34
└─> For He had been delivered up by ignorance.
Forbearingly, God forgives us hoping that we put on the new man …
... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, ... ~ Colossians 3:12-14
↑
Compassion identifies with the other soul.
God extends His compassion by giving one chance after another.
God understands our pain through Jesus which gives us our hope.
And we complain because we suffer???
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"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, ..."
~ John 3:16
~ Don’t blame God, blame Satan.
→ Search inside your heart for there lays the true answer. ←
| Brightness |
holds no |
Darkness |
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"... Samaritan, ... And when he saw him, he had compassion." ~ Luke 10:25-33
Samaritans in the 1st century were considered riffraff;
people from the other side of the tracks,
~ to be avoided by the "proper culture".
Where is your Heart? ♥
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Priest
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Walked by
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Levite
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Righteous
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Walked by
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Compassionate
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Stopped to Help
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| ~ Pompous material rich on earth |
= |
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| ~ Destitute and despised on earth |
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Heaven |
⭩
... Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith ...
~ James 2:5-9
The most unlikely can show compassion.
You don’t have to be RICH, you can be anyone.
There are people who will empathize and as Christians,
→ we are called to do this; Have Compassion.
"So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, ..." ~ Luke 10:34
└─> Went to great lengths in his mercy.
"... But Abraham said, Son, remember that in your lifetime ..." ~ Luke 16:19-31
Snobbish Rich = Spiritually Poor / Materially Poor = Spiritually Rich
... everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than
he ought to think, ... ~ Romans 12:1-9
┌─> Again, went to great lengths in his mercy.
"... Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again,
I will repay you." ~ Luke 10:34-35
... And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." ... ~ Luke 10:36-37
└─> Could not say Samarian.
Hate holds no mercy.
"... love ... your neighbor as yourself."~ Luke 10:27
Love or compassion holds no interviews or makes appointments,
It does that it does; this is that.
The lawyer was trying to exclude a group of people. <─┐
But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
~ Luke 10:29
~ Don’t use scripture to nullify helping people.
Conniver or Sympathizer?
... some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, ...
~ 2nd Thessalonians 3:10-12
... anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of
his household, ... worse than an unbeliever. ~ 1st Timothy 5:3-8
People don’t want to take responsibility.
~ There are times where mercy should not be given.
... they worked craftily, and went and pretended to be ambassadors. ...
~ Joshua 9:1-11
This was wrong because it defied the will of God. <─┐
So Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them
to let them live; ... ~ Joshua 9:15
⭦ ↑ ⭧
← EVIL IS EVIL. →
One should have compassion for the people but not for the sin.
Greed shows no mercy.
... But if you do evil, be afraid; ... ~ Romans 13:3-5
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. ..." ~ Matthew 10:16
And on some have compassion, making a distinction; ... ~ Jude 1:22
Some people can’t be helped and will cause us harm.
We need to train our instincts.
"... inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren,
you did it to Me." ~ Matthew 25:31-40
"... as you did not do it to one of the least of these,
you did not do it to Me ..." ~ Matthew 25:41-46
↑ Our actions define our path. ↓
... that faith without works is dead? ~ James 2:20
... Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. ~ Isaiah 49:15
But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, ... ~ Psalm 78:38-39
... The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. ~ Psalm 111:4
But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering
and abundant in mercy and truth. ~ Psalm 86:15
... He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. ~ Psalm 112:4
The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger
and great in mercy. ~ Psalm 145:8
... He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, ...
~ Micah 7:18-20
... "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whomever I will have compassion." ... ~ Romans 9:14-18
For the Lord will judge His people, And He will have compassion
on His servants. ~ Psalm 135:14
↔↕ We have a purposeful God of compassion. ↕↔
... all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; ...
~ 1st Peter 3:8-12
Lord I love you more than anything this world could hold,
I chase after you.
†
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9/3/2006 ~ Abraham’s Decendants
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... "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ..." ~ John 8:31-32
Are you a descendent of Abraham?
... "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
And he was called the friend of God. ... ~ James 2:21-24
"... a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ..."
~ John 8:34-36
Abraham does not prevent someone from being in sin.
They think Jesus has a problem. <─┐
"... you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. ..."
~ John 8:37-39
... "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham. ..."
~ John 8:39-41
To claim being an heir to Abraham you need to put sin away.
"... You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father
you want to do. ..." ~ John 8:41-44
In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: ...
~ 1st John 3:10
You are driven away from God if you condemn others or yourself.
~ If we plant evil, we bear evil.
┌─> They took Jesus as a misfit.
... "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?"
~ John 8:45-48
┌─> Jesus was saying, “I am here to help you!”
"... And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges. ..."
~ John 8:49-51
... "Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, ..." ~ John 8:52-53
└─> They said, “What are you talking about?”
One has to cross over from being a servant of God to a son of God.
"No longer do I call you servants, ..." ~ John 15:15
... receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ...
~ Galatians 3:1-4
Obeying the law didn’t come through Moses
but through the faith Abraham had in Christ.
... know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. ...
~ Galatians 3:6-9
Where is your belief?
... Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
~ 1st Corinthians 10:1-12
"... Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
~ John 8:54-56
"... Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ..." ~ Revelation 14:13
I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. ~ Psalms 118:17
... "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." ~ John 8:57-58
└─> They know now He is claiming to be deity.
Then they took up stones to throw at Him; ... ~ John 8:59
Do you have the faith of Abraham?
Abraham had faith in Christ 2000 years before He mortalized; that’s faith.
Can you stay on the Rock of Christ?
And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs
according to the promise. ~ Galatians 3:29
... Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, ...
~ Psalm 105:9-10
... God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise ...
~ Hebrews 6:13-18
There is no salvation under the law but only through faith.
The Old Testament Law was a temporary path to show our inadequacies
done in order that we may now give and show thanks for Grace.
"The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time
the kingdom of God has been preached, ..." ~ Luke 16:16
... For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise;
but God gave it to Abraham by promise. ... ~ Galatians 3:13-29
... justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope
of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:1-7
(Luke 3:23-38)
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... we are the offspring of God, ... ~ Acts 17:26-29
Faith Saves
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9/10/2006 ~ Counting Our Blessings
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*
"... He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain
on the just and on the unjust." ~ Matthew 5:45
All material blessings bestowed upon us can not be counted.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father of lights, ... ~ James 1:17
… the very air that we breathe ...
┌─> And yet more are to come.
... blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, ...
~ Ephesians 1:3-6
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Ephesians = The Book of Blessings
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... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ... ~ Romans 3:21-26
└─> Includes all who live on the earth.
... For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life
in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:20-23
● 1st Blessing = Forgiveness
... forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ... ~ Ephesians 1:7
● 2nd Blessing = Indwelling of the Spirit
... your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:19-20
... but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered. ... ~ Romans 8:26-27
The Spirit helps us in our prayers.
... to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ...
~ Ephesians 3:16
... God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond
what you are able, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 10:13
His strength is there to help us withstand temptations and trials.
● 3rd Blessing = Divine Providence
Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, ... ~ Psalm 68:19
God is in control and determines what is best for us.
● 4th Blessing = Chastisement
... If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; ...
~ Hebrews 12:4-8
God chastens us when we do wrong
Without discipline there is no maturity.
┌─> Per the Law, they had to show the priests they were healed.
... and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. ... ~ Luke 17:11-19
└─> Only one?
● How many times have you thanked God for forgiving our sins?
We ask for it but do we show gratitude?
● Do we thank the Spirit for helping usin bringing our request
before the Father?
● How many times do we thank God for discipline?
It is for our own good to become better people. <─┘
● We all have blessings we can and cannot count.
Is it always “give me, give me,” or do we say “thank you, thank you.”
● 5th Blessing = Being a Christian
... I go to prepare a place for you. ... ~ John 14:2-4
... And the street of the city was pure gold, ... ~ Revelation 21:21
... He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." ...
~ Revelation 21:5-8
... redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. ...
~ Revelation 14:3-5
To see the amazements of splendor with the Father on the throne
with all the redeemed ... A blessing that can hardly be described.
1st Blessing = Forgiveness
2nd Blessing = Indwelling of the Spirit
3rd Blessing = Divine Providence
4th Blessing = Chastisement
5th Blessing = Being a Christian
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... our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing ...
~ Ephesians 1:3
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
~ Galatians 3:27
When we are in Christ we are entitled
to all these spiritual blessings.
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9/10/2006 ~ Seek To Do Good
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¤ ƒ £ € ¥ $ ¥ € £ ƒ ¤
... "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." ~ Luke 12:13
Greed can be to the detriment of a good family life.
... God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:9-10
We need to be a family that lives in peace with one another.
... walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
~ 1st Thessalonians 2:10-12
... urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound
more and more, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 4:1
Continue in your steps loving stronger and hoping more.
... we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 4:9-10
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:11
... esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:12-13
Acknowledgement for good works is the spice of Encouragement.
... remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 1:3
... but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 1:5
... having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 1:6
Endure through the thorns of mortality to the light of grace.
... how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 1:9-10
We are here to edify one another.
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out
for your souls, ... ~ Hebrews 13:17
Appreciate those who work among us.
... warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak,
be patient with all. ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:14-15
Be aware of the needs of others and certainly,
do not return evil for evil.
Don’t be a finger pointer.
It doesn’t matter who started it, don’t continue it.
This means you. <─┐
... no one renders evil for evil to anyone, pursue what is good
both for yourselves and for all. ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:15
└─> We can not ignore this passage.
... do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; ...
~ Romans 12:19
Put a stop to vicious cycles not just for ourselves, but for us all.
... even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 2:3-8
Seek good even if it makes us suffer,
then we have affection for each other.
... created in Christ Jesus for good works, ... ~ Ephesians 2:10
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
Let God give us the direction.
Seek God.
You can not have God without peace.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:23
Improve yourself, look in the mirror.
... why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, ... ~ Matthew 7:1-5
┌─> Become more like God.
... in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18
Attitude will shine with brightness.
1. Rejoice always
2. Pray without ceasing
3. Give thanks
|
... may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another
and to all, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 3:11-13
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth ...
~ 3rd John 1:3
We give thanks to God always for you all, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 1:2
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
~ Romans 12:15
I thank my God always concerning you ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:4
└─> Even though Paul was being rejected.
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; ...
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:19-22
Focus on yourself and don’t stop talking about things of Spirit.
"And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, ... ~ Matthew 25:8
└─> Will you follow the greedy opulence or choose to lead yourself?
... above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ~ Ephesians 6:16
Don’t dwell on things that go against the Spirit.
... who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:3
Don’t avoid the teaching of scripture.
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, ...
~ 2nd Timothy 4:2-5
... Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ...
~ Galatians 5:16-18
If we do not continue in our studies, problems will arise.
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:21-22
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. ~ Galatians 5:9
Are Christians to grumble?
Are we to just think of the self?
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. ...
~ James 5:9
... for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitable
to one another without grumbling. ~ 1st Peter 4:7-9
→ Do what is best for others.
~ Dedicate ourselves to be better.
Do you seek to do good
for the body of God’s family
or the comfort of man’s body?
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9/11/2006 ~ Do You Believe Jesus is the Christ?
|
~ Let us not be afraid to speak of the Gospel.
... Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ,
the Son of the living God." ... ~ Matthew 16:13-20
The Apostles had been with Jesus for 2 ½ years.
They had a true and mature view of Jesus.
The Galilean ministry was ending and a transition was just ahead.
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ~ John 1:11
Jesus wanted them to know they knew more about Him
and would also bear judgment for their knowledge of the truth.
Do you abandon the truth based on public opinion; band wagon?
~ The nation was in a state of unbelief.
And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him. ...
~ John 7:12-15
But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. ... ~ John 7:26-27
... The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him,
... ~ John 7:31-32
... "Truly this is the Prophet." Others said, "This is the Christ." ...
~ John 7:40-41
... So there was a division among the people because of Him. ~ John 7:42-43
People honored Jesus as a prophet but not as the omnipotent Christ.
If you believe Christ is a prophet then you must believe
what He said about Himself and if you truly believe
He was a prophet, then the only begotten Son of God: Christ.
If you believe He was only a prophet
and not the Son of God you do not believe.
You deny God’s proclamations.
... "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!"
~ Matthew 17:5
"... he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." ~ Luke 10:16
Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? ...
~ 1st John 2:22-24
The Jews knew a universal Kingdom was to come;
a Kingdom of salvation.
⭨ ↓ ⭩
... I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. ... ~ 2nd Samuel 7:12-16
... establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward,
even forever. ... ~ Isaiah 9:7
... God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; ...
~ Daniel 2:44
... And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, ... ~ Isaiah 11:12
... Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, ... ~ Isaiah 7:14
... And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
Jesus, you are the Son of the living God and hold the nature of God.
→ You and you alone are the one who saves us from our sins.
Anything less than this in not belief.
Jesus did not come to build several churches but His church.
... Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ... ~ Ephesians 5:25
Christ died for the church.
"... church of God which He purchased with His own blood." ~ Acts 20:28
He gave of Himself and purchased it with His own blood.
He built the church upon Himself.
~ All other religious constructions are illusions of man.
... that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water
by the word, ... ~ Ephesians 5:25-27
Jesus did for people scarred and disfigured by sin.
→ Sin has made us ugly before God.
There are no small sins because they estrange us from God.
... your iniquities have separated you from your God; ... ~ Isaiah 59:1-2
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
in which you once walked ... ~ Ephesians 2:1-3
Jesus died for the marred.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving various lusts and pleasures, ... ~ Titus 3:3
... such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-11
All members of Christ’s church were once heinous sinners
committing the vilest of all deeds, myself included.
Jesus came to save sinners.
"... for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
~ Luke 19:10
... since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same mind, ... ~ 1st Peter 4:1-4
... to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
~ 1st Peter 2:4-5
... always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:15
Many seem to think Christ’s church foolish and weak.
~ After all, there are no amenities, coffee and sports with music.
... My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves."
~ Luke 19:46
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God
is stronger than men. ~ 1st Corinthians 1:25
... not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble,
are called. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:26-31
We have all been involved in the sins of the flesh.
No one should deny we need to return to the truth of God.
... now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church ...
~ Ephesians 3:8-12
God makes His wisdom known through the church.
... you who once were far off have been brought near
by the blood of Christ. ... ~ Ephesians 2:13-15
The church is made from all kinds of people in all nations.
... that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, ...
~ Ephesians 2:16
The One Body is the church.
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead, ... ~ Colossians 1:18
... that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot ...
~ Ephesians 5:27
There will come a time when the body will be presented to Jesus,
~ all those who faithfully believe.
→ This will be the end of the church.
○ Men of God will be presented to God in this way.
So, how can the church of Christ be unimportant?
● We need to continue to understand
the workings of the church through the word.
Those that belittle Christ’s church will be held accountable.
Turn from sin and be baptized into the One Body under Christ.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body
- whether Jews or Greeks, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 12:13
Don’t wait to believe in Jesus.
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9/12/2006 ~ What Must I Do To Be Saved?
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┌─> What must I do to be saved or obtain redemption?
"... what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, ..." ~ Acts 16:16-31
A most personal question.
In an age of "Feel Good"
→ God’s objective laws or rules are being disregarded.
~ Some say it’s what God puts in a man’s heart that makes it okay.
Some can be Buddhist, Moslem, Hindu, Christian, etc., whatever.
→ It is true that what is in your he♥rt matters.
Man does not author the truth of God or the atonement due Christ.
... to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered ...
~ Jude 1:3
Our knowledge of the truth to be saved
must be through the delivered word as announced.
So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, ...
~ Acts 16:31
⭨ Paul did not say "only" believe.
"... whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16
... but he who does not believe is condemned already, ... ~ John 3:18
"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; ..." ~ John 3:36
... we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, ...
~ Romans 5:1-2
The question of salvation comes up repeatedly in the Book of Acts.
~ Faith is essential but salvation is not only by faith.
Faith in God's word is more comprehensive and not so simplistic.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God
must believe that He is, ... ~ Hebrews 11:6
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled ...
~ Hebrews 11:30
God’s commands are given and executed. <─┐
... sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout ... ~ Joshua 6:2-5
Many things were involved to bring the walls down,
comprehensively, faith brought the walls down.
Faith is Expressed in Actions
──────────────────────
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┌─> Baptism is part of faith.
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as were baptized ... ~ Galatians 3:26-27
|
FAITH
=
EMBRACE OBEDIENCE
|
There is also an antitype which now saves us - baptism ... ~ 1st Peter 3:21-22
Do you not also need repentance as part of your salvation?
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. ~ Luke 13:3
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. ~ Luke 13:5
... "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you,
will seek to enter and will not be able." ~ Luke 13:23-24
If you only need faith
→ then all of God’s laws of obedience come to nothing.
... obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:22
... yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which
you were delivered. ... ~ Romans 6:17-18
... flaming fire ... on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ. ... ~ 2nd Thessalonians 1:8-10
Man is not justified by faith alone.
Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him ... ~ Acts 16:32
└─> Hearing <─┐
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
~ Romans 10:17
The jailer repented for their wounds. <─┐
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. ...
~ Acts 16:33
┌─> The jailer believed what he heard.
... he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. ~ Acts 16:34
... what shall we do?" Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one
of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ ... ~ Acts 2:36-39
Jesus also tells us that we must confess that He is.
"... whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess
before My Father who is in heaven. ..." ~ Matthew 10:32-33
... "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
~ John 6:28-29
... confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God
has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ... ~ Romans 10:9-10
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not ...
~ Mark 16:16
... why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, ...
~ Acts 22:16
... exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation."
~ Acts 2:40
|
FAITH
=
|
● Hear The Gospel Of Christ
● Believe-Have Faith In Christ
● Repent Of Your Sins
● Confess
Jesus Christ
● Baptized-Immersed
|
|
The Keys are in your hands;
turn your heart to open the door to eternity.
... by grace you have been saved through faith, ... ~ Ephesians 2:4-10
... Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace ...
~ Romans 5:1-2
... not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace ...
~ 2nd Timothy 1:8-9
... according to His mercy He saved us, ... ~ Titus 3:4-7
... Do you see that faith was working together with his works,
and by works faith was made perfect? ... ~ James 2:21-24
... faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. ~ James 2:14-17
... a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. ... ~ James 2:24-26
... Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
~ Galatians 3:6
Works must align with God's will to find justification through grace.
Moses’ proud action (work) went against God’s will. <─┐
... the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, ...
~ Numbers 20:8-12
Some believe faith is enough for salvation without righteous works.
God by example and instruction would show us otherwise.
... judged according to their works, by the things, which were written ...
~ Revelation 20:12
"... the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."
~ John 12:47-48
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.
~ Titus 2:11
(Justified)
(Mercy)
Righteousness
Through
⭧ ⭨ ⭩ ⭦
WORK
→
FAITH
→
GRACE
⭨ ⭧ ⭨ ⭧
Compleated
Access
(Believe)
(Justified)
|
Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. ...
~ Proverbs 16:3-8
... - things which angels desire to look into. ~ 1st Peter 1:10-12
... justified freely by His grace through the redemption
that is in Christ Jesus, ... ~ Romans 3:20-26
... to give every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, ...
~ Revelation 22:12-13
... "will render to each one according to his deeds": ... ~ Romans 2:6-11
Do you do the works of God?
Do you do the works of God?
Do you do the works of God?
Do you do the works of God?
Do you do the works of God?
Do you do the works of God?
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9/15/2006 ~ Running with Dogs, Pigs, and Vipers
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Hate and deceptions.
There is apathy and disorder everywhere.
A spiritual disorder combined with a physical one.
Proton decay leaves us with a universe of disintegration.
Hearts hang open.
He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants.
~ Psalm 105:25
... and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth
and the works that are in it will be burned up. ~ 2nd Peter 3:9-10
The world will pass away, will you?
... the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
~ 1st Peter 5:8
There is a BEAST trying to devour souls.
... the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth,
to devour her Child as soon as it was born. ~ Revelation 12:3-4
... serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world;
... ~ Revelation 12:9
... he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, ... ~ Revelation 12:17
Woman Seed
Faithful remnant <─┘
└─> The Faithful
We are all in a spiritual battle.
... we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, ...
~ Ephesians 2:1-3
There is a BEAST that wants to lead us all to ruin.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness ... ~ Colossians 1:13
As Christians "escaped" from the BEAST,
~ he seeks even more to destroy us.
... Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil. ... ~ Ephesians 6:10-13
We can not win this battle without Christ.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 10:4
... let us put on the armor of light. ~ Romans 13:12
... you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ...
~ Ephesians 6:14-18
We must resist the BEAST with the ARMOR of GOD.
Be sober, be alert.
"... I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise
as serpents and harmless as doves." ~ Matthew 10:16
... He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ... ~ 1st John 4:1-6
The beast is an angel of light and works in righteousness.
... For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15
He appears as our friend as working righteousness
... but they are flesh and blood as we are.
False teachers will be prevalent.
... savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. ...
~ Acts 20:28-30
They will speak perverse things
that do not align with the Apostles and Christ.
→ It will be contrary to the Apostolic message.
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing,
but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. ... ~ Matthew 7:15-20
Christ came that the truth would be revealed to us.
... "Go, tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons ... ~ Luke 13:31-32
Subtly, in the shadows, they cunningly work their crafts.
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, ... ungodly men, ... ~ Jude 1:4
They would say all are saved under God’s grace
~ so there is no need to repent.
... false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in
destructive heresies, ... ~ 2nd Peter 2:1-2
... the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine,
but according to their own desires, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 4:2-5
... in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed
to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:1-3
"... many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,'
and will deceive many." ~ Matthew 24:4-5
... "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name,
saying, 'I am He,' ..." ~ Luke 21:8
... "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name,
saying, 'I am He,' and will deceive many." ~ Mark 13:5-6
... false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders
to deceive, ... ~ Mark 13:21-23
... many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. ~ Matthew 24:10-14
" '... in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments
of men.' " ~ Matthew 15:9
... Let no one decieve you with empty words, ... ~ Ephesians 5:5-7
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, ...
~ Colossians 2:8
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:13
Satan’s messengers are treacherously cunning.
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! ...
~ Philippians 3:2-3
"Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, ..."
~ Matthew 7:6
For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked
has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; ... ~ Psalm 22:16
... You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog
to the house of the Lord ... ~ Deuteronomy 23:17-18
Prostitutes and homosexuals will forever remain abominable to God.
His truth remains pure and prophetic!
... "A dog returns to his own vomit, and, "a sow, ..." ~ 2nd Peter 2:20-22
Would you choose weakness over strength?
There are people who do not regard religion as holy.
They can not see any difference between profane and sacred.
A crowd frolicking free to please all desire as they roam.
Some intellectuals put Aristotle, the writings of Confucius,
and the Gospel all in the same pot; historical interest at best.
... The truth remains whole!
┌─> (Acts 19:21-32)
... I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me?
If the dead do not rise, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 15:32
... speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever
they know naturally, like brute beasts, ... ~ Jude 1:10
Unreasoning animals go by impulse by what they feel.
... by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
~ Romans 16:17-18
They don’t react to things outside themselves.
→ We can not afford to be simpletons.
... "Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
~ Matthew 3:7
Gossip, slander, evil things that proceed out of the mouth.
How do you defend yourself in a world where we can’t see the beast?
See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time, ... ~ Ephesians 5:15-17
... praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, ...
~ Ephesians 6:10-18
Watch out for those that tell you we have nothing to fear.
We must rely on God as the Devil wages war.
Be careful as we walk in this battle.
... outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers
and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. ~ Revelation 22:14-15
→ Pray at all times ←
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful
in your prayers. ~ 1st Peter 4:7
|
9/24/2006 ~ Consent Not to Sinners
|
... To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge
and discretion ... ~ Proverbs 1:1-19
~ Solomon wrote to those in their youth.
The young man is allured, sin will entice him,
but beware for its end is death.
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
~ Proverbs 16:25
... For the end of those things is death. ~ Romans 6:21
Heed these lessons so as to be released from their temptations.
... fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~ Proverbs 1:7
Do you want to learn the hard way?
Can you say, “God, you were wrong?”
... each of us shall give account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:11-12
Do you worship by faith or wait to agree by sight?
For we walk by faith, not by sight. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:7
┌─> Solomon sinned by taking 700 wives, some worshipping idols which he condoned.
... his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, ... ~ 1st Kings 11:1-4
Solomon lived richer than any other man both in blessings and sin.
(He built God’s temple possessing great wisdom, given from God.)
... Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all.
~ Ecclesiastes 12:10-14
Solomon wants to tell every young man in Proverbs not to do what I did.
Solomon wants us to know the rules.
... For childhood and youth are vanity. ... ~ Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:1
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; ...
~ Psalm 25:7
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with
those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:22
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will
not depart from it. ~ Proverbs 22:6
We need to not just trust in our circumstances,
for we can not trust ourselves.
He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, ... ~ Proverbs 28:26
"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; ...
~ Jeremiah 17:9-10
God knows and He is always right.
A child goes from not questioning "dad" to not believing him.
→ These passages are to assist getting over the hump of youth.
... although the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; ...
~ Genesis 8:20-21
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, ... ~ Proverbs 1:7
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, But a scoffer does not listen
to rebuke. ~ Proverbs 13:1
Nothing is harder to listen to than a rebuking.
... if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, ...
~ Proverbs 1:8-11
Watch out if sinners by "sheer number" make it okay.
~ Do not follow others but lead your way to God.
... why has Satan filed your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit ... ~ Acts 5:1-11
└─> A lie "together" holds comfort for the fools.
A young man can believe sin can be okay; ~ fun.
... Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; ... ~ Proverbs 1:11-13
Attitudes of better, more deserving, than others. <─┘
... For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. ...
~ Proverbs 1:14-16
┌─────────> A danger in life. <─┐
... These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: ...
~ Proverbs 6:16-19
You only stand once in life so will you go for the gusto or stand with God?
... the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does
the will of God abides forever. ~ 1st John 2:15-17
Do you have the resolve to say, “I will not let sin control me today?”
We need to see sin as something passing.
And it came to pass ... ~ Luke 2:1
God wants us to know real love.
There are things you want to miss out on.
The world is enticing and we know what we like.
... do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is that good ... ~ Romans 12:1-2
The lure of the world is that it will last forever.
Do not conform to the world for it will grow old.
This world is not eternal but temporal.
My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path;
... ~ Proverbs 1:15
Would you choose the world over God?
... everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.
~ Proverbs 1:16-19
Judas
Sorcerer
Joseph’s brothers
Desires of the world lured them.
↓ ↓ ↓
... thirty pieces of silver. ... ~ Matthew 26:14-16
... Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God
could be purchased with money! ... ~ Acts 8:18-24
The desire for power, lust, and more stuff.
So it came to pass, ... ~ Genesis 37:23-24
Christ died to redeem us from the world.
We need to listen, stand as young men,
~ to God so we may build up His ways.
Glory be to God.
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9/24/2006 ~ Abba Father
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... you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
~ Romans 8:12-14
... God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out,
"Abba, Father!" ~ Galatians 4:6
Many do not have a father figure.
“Abba”=tender such as saying “Daddy”
~ A relationship at ease in supportive unconditional love.
● Do you have to make a business appointment
or fearfully wait for time spent together?
● Do you have conversation with your children
caring for one another as family or is it left for coldness?
Abraham and Isaac = Close Relationship
David and Solomon = Somewhat Dysfunctional
Do you want a close relationship?
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to sin,..."
~ Matthew 18:6-7
... "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them;
for of such is the kingdom of heaven." ... ~ Matthew 19:13-16
... unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by
no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ... ~ Matthew 18:1-4
We have to humble ourselves before God as children have trust.
... Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ~ Matthew 6:9-13
└─> Pray to God as Father.
⭦ ↑ ⭧
← ○ →
⭩ ↓ ⭨
... Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ... ~ Luke 11:2-4
What do you think about when you think about your Dad?
As kids get older they trust their earthly father less
because we all have human frailties; faults.
"... blessed is he who is not offended because of Me." ~ Matthew 11:5-8
└─> The pompous see God and His messengers as a PEST.
... John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven
is greater than he. ... ~ Matthew 11:9-13
Amazingly, the faithful have an opportunity to be greater than John.
Together in service to each is where you find love.
"For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John." ~ Matthew 11:13
God knows how to take care of us.
... do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ...
~ Romans 7:24-8:1
→ You have to come to the Father through Jesus in the Spirit.
Above all you need a relationship with your Heavenly Father
over your earthly father.
... you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son,
then an heir of God through Christ. ... ~ Galatians 4:1-7
Would you choose the world over eternal life?
~ You should not dread being in service to God.
Do you turn religion off?
~ Is reading God’s word boring or exhilarating?
God offers us eternity.
... riches of the glory of this mystery ... which is Christ in you, ...
~ Colossians 1:27
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, ... not knowing that
the goodness of God leads you to repentance? ~ Romans 2:4
L♥ving God should not be a job; ~ easy.
And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet
as he ought to know. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 8:2-3
Without a humble relationship with God we have nothing.
We stand to inherit things eternal.
... The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are
the children of God, ... ~ Romans 8:16-17
Have you coughed crying upon your repentance to God?
- You are then on the path.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ... ~ Psalm 23:1-6
We deserve such a tender relationship.
You can only have this if you walk in the Spirit of God.
... to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:13-19
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ...
~ Romans 11:33
Eternity dwells in all that know Him.
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...
~ Ephesians 3:14-19
Don’t waist your opportunities.
We only have a short time to develop this child-Father relationship.
... what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time
and then vanishes ... ~ James 4:14
Thank Him
Praise Him.
If we are not yet there, we need to get there.
Desire it.
Grasp it.
Live it.
"... I, even I, am the Lord, And besides Me there is no savior." ~ Isaiah 43:10-11
"Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God,
and there is no other." ~ Isaiah 45:22
Father, you are the great I AM.
How can one not have an endearing relationship
~ with the God of our salvation?
His Love Gushes Forth
He is for you.
FOREVER
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10/1/2006 ~ Walking Worthy
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... walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ... ~ Ephesians 4:1
Now comes the conclusions:
Beyond what you have learned, do you have the commitment to endure?
... whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess
before My Father who is in heaven. ... ~ Matthew 10:32-33
→ Jesus had requirements and expectations.
This is which constitutes unity. <─┐
... endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ...
~ Ephesians 4:2-6
This is the foundation which will launch us forward to walk worthy.
1. ● one body
2. ● one Spirit
3. ● one hope
4. ● one Lord
5. ● one faith
6. ● one baptism
7. ● one God and Father of all
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... "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men." ... ~ Ephesians 4:7-16
→ To increase your faith and grow individually.
Are you moving forward?
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, ... ~ James 3:17
Look within to see if we measure up to Christ.
~ Have you become new uniting with God?
You have to first get along with yourself. <─┐
... with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love, ... ~ Ephesians 4:2-3
┌─> We are told there is just “one.”
... one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
... ~ Ephesians 4:6-7
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure
of Christ's gift. ~ Ephesians 4:7
└─> It was given to us.
God gave us individual talents.
Do you walk worthy of these gifts?
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some ...
~ Ephesians 4:11
Some can encourage others, some can teach, etc.
Are you setting an example for others?
... submitting to one another in the fear of God. ~ Ephesians 5:21
... till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge
of the Son of God, ... ~ Ephesians 4:13
God wants us to strive for unity Now.
Are you useful NOW or would you choose to wait?
... but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
... ~ 2nd Peter 3:18
→ We need to become full grown in Christ.
~ In Christ you dwell in eternity.
Peace upon the calm.
... may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ -
~ Ephesians 4:15
... that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, ... ~ Ephesians 4:14
└─> The world gets us lost following worthless endeavors.
The world has problems because it does not follow Christ.
... as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word,
that you may grow thereby, ... ~ 1st Peter 2:2
... you have come to need milk and not solid food. ~ Hebrews 5:12-14
Do you still thirst or have you stopped drinking?
For or against?
For, do you put the word of God to use?
Exercise yourself in the word to bring yourself out of the world.
Just to know is not the same as action with"in" the word.
Continued Action
=
Growth
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Don’t be satisfied or bored; seek to excel.
... leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ,
let us go on to perfection, ... ~ Hebrews 6:1-2
When you grow in Christ it gets more exciting everyday.
Do you challenge or question what you originally learned?
Are you at a standstill?
└─> In a world of tolerance?
~ Be careful or you could fall from your original beliefs.
... those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, ...
~ Hebrews 6:4
→ Is your life more important than following Christ?
YOU set the foundation by studying God’s word
and spending time in prayer.
~ Who do you help to get closer to God?
→ Do you read the Bible with others?
Are you on your heels or toes?
God is ambitious and wants us all to help one another.
Surely, we have to practice to get closer to God.
... every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying
of itself in love. ~ Ephesians 4:16
... he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. ...
~ Matthew 10:37-39
ARE YOU STRIVING TO BE WORTHY?
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10/1/2006 ~ Evidence Jesus Christ is the Son of God
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As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, ...
~ Act 8:1-3
Stephen’s prayer was answered. <─┐
... cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." ...
~ Acts 7:60
Paul repented. <─┐
... Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
~ 1st Timothy 1:15
┌─> Saul was saved when he obeyed what he was told, and was baptized.
... why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, ...
~ Acts 22:12-16
Saul became Paul and penned 14 books of the New Testament.
Reasons Paul has no creditability.
~ "Give him the pink slip!" ~
1. Paul is an Imposter
2. He is a Fanatic
3. He was Deceived
4. His Testimony Changed
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... heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" ...
~ Act 9:1-19
If Christ is not Real ...
● Imposter
- Did he do it to get rich?
He went from the Jewish elite to a life of persecution. <─┐
... "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem,
... ~ Acts 9:20-24
... we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 4:9-13
... I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 12:13-14
... but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:1-5
Paul did not covet the gospel for material gain.
... that no flesh should glory in His presence. ~ 1st Corinthians 1:29
... We have been made as the filth of the world, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 4:13
- How about power?
... lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.
~ 1st Corinthians 1:11-15
... Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy ... fellow laborer, ...
~ Philemon 1:1
... I rather appeal to you - being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also
a prisoner of Jesus Christ - ~ Philemon 1:8-9
Not only was he a laborer but he was a servant and prisoner
of Jesus Christ.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 4:5
... God who gives the increase. ~ 1st Corinthians 3:4-7
It is God who gives the increase and he did not boast of himself.
- How about pleasure?
What would be appealing from the fleshly stance for Paul?
... And we labor, working with our own hands. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 4:12
┌─> No ulterior motives.
... in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 11:5-9
... in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure,
in prisons more frequently, ... ~ 2nd Corinthians 11:22-23
He worked hard for the Lord
→ He was close to death many times.
... often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness -
~ 2nd Corinthians 11:24-27
When would he stop being a Christian?
~ Was Paul’s life appealing to you?
You most likely would say he was crazy.
Paul was converted by seeing Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead.
... beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 11:25
● Fanatic
Just a wishy washy fanatic.
~ Was he moody, No, - he was in control.
... he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come,
... ~ Acts 24:24-25
... Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me
to become a Christian." ... ~ Acts 26:24-29
They knew he was sober.
Paul was steadily looking at Jesus Christ for finding his redemption.
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4
● Deceived
... near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
~ Acts 9:3
... And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but
they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. ... ~ Acts 22:6-21
└─> The witnesses didn’t understand the voice. <─┐
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice
but seeing no one. ~ Acts 9:7
1. The great light shone
2. A great noise.
→ It was witnessed.
Why would the Jews with Saul try to fabricate a deception for Christ?
The Christians wouldn’t have lied for him.
┌─> Ananias surly didn’t want anything to do with Paul.
... about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ...
~ Acts 9:13-14
- So everyone hallucinated – highly unlikely.
If Paul had made a mistake ...
● Changed Testimony
┌─> He never wavered from the course.
... declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit
of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. ~ Romans 1:4
The gospel doesn’t change.
Paul is evidence that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
... fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ...
~ 2nd Timothy 4:6-8
Reasons Paul has creditability.
~ "Give him the green card!" ~
1. Paul is a Real Person
2. He is a Sane Man
3. He was Enlightened
4. His Testimony Never Changed
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● REAL
● SANE
● ENLIGHTENED
● TESTAMENT
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Jesus had power over nature, material things, disease, spirits, and death.
(Matthew 8:25-27)
(Mark 6:46-51)
(Luke 9:10-17)
(John 2:1-10)
(Matthew 8:16)
(Revelation 1:18)
JESUS IS HERE!
Would you Give Jesus the Pink Slip?
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10/8/2006 ~ To Sue or Not To Sue
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~ All Christians in the Body of Christ are saints.
... But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! ...
~ 1st Corinthians 6:1-11
Corinth was a busy city of quarrelling commerce.
Paul is saying that Christians should not be so unruly.
Case study of management. <─┐
... hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands,
rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. ... ~ Exodus 18:17-23
Problems are real when they happen to you.
The problem is with the people in bitterness.
~ People on a path of rage.
"Road Rage = Gauge"
┌─> The first court should be with believers.
Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before
the unrighteous, and not before the saints? ~ 1st Corinthians 6:1
Even asking the recently baptized would be better than an unbeliever.
... are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ... ~ 1st Corinthians 6:2-3
"... we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" ...
~ Matthew 19:27-30
The world can not take away your righteousness
which is the crown of life; satisfaction in the knowledge of truth.
... with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; ... ~ Matthew 7:1-2
┌────> Do not judge hypocritically. <────┘
... Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then
you will see clearly ... ~ Luke 6:40-42
... "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."
~ John 8:7
None could judge her.
~ Those close to God are better to judge.
→ How do we show righteousness as instruments of God?
Does the behavior of Christians draw people to God?
Jesus wants us to work things out.
... be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another,
even as God in Christ forgave you. ... ~ Ephesians 4:31-5:4
┌─> There needs to be unity among the brethren.
"... they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
~ John 17:20-21
When the world sees your problems,
that doesn’t sit well with non-Christians.
... that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word
may be established. ... ~ Matthew 18:15-18
Jesus gives us the procedure: confront those directly with 1 or 2 others.
~ If this does not find resolution in the family of God,
then call the lawyer and treat the violator as heathen.
Criminal behavior should be prosecuted.
Too often people use the façade of a church to validate sin.
~ When you fix yourself you save others.
~ Work out your differences.
~ Christians would be better to take a wrong
than to hurt the image of God.
Try God first before you take it to a court of man.
Mercy, redemption, love,
~ A setting of Godly people.
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10/8/2006 ~ Seek ~ Purchase ~ Keep the Treasure
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... the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, ...
~ Matthew 13:44-46
About those being part of the Kingdom:
... always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
~ 1st Thessalonians 5:15
... zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church
that you seek to excel. ~ 1st Corinthians 14:12
Often we have to seek to find something.
Kingdom = Great Treasure
We must not just be satisfied but continue to seek.
Does truth stop?
God continues ...
... eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good
seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ... ~ Romans 2:7
We should be seeking to do good for others ...
~ and the edification of brethren.
... and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ~ John 5:44
Can man find glory by glorifying himself or by that which gave him life?
~ Glory, Honor, Immortality ↑ .
... that they may have glory from men. ~ Matthew 6:1-6
Do you seek the glory of man or God?
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you." ~ Matthew 6:33
Seek with tremendous devotion ...
Above all ... seek.
Grasp or buy what is available.
Pay the price, do whatever it takes.
It will involve commitment and sacrifice.
It is all meant for the salvation of each and every soul.
The truth does not change.
... esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt; ... ~ Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses gave up materialism because it was worth it; life from God.
"... it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish,
than for your whole body to be cast into hell." ~ Matthew 5:29-30
~ Whatever it takes ~
┌─> The rich man could not free his mind to become rich.
"... sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure
in heaven; and come, follow Me." ~ Matthew 19:20-21
Materialism is an anchor away from the Kingdom of God and true peace.
... everyone who has left houses or brothers or ... for My name's sake,
shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life." ~ Matthew 19:27-29
So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all
and followed Him. ~ Luke 5:11
So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. ~ Luke 5:28
└─> Matthew left all behind.
How much do we value Christ?
More than all we "OWN" ?
... "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back,
is fit for the kingdom of God." ~ Luke 9:57-62
Once you start collecting the truth, there is no turning back.
... I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich;
... ~ Revelation 3:17-18
~ We need to be still purchasing the truth.
... "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field." ... ~ Matthew 13:36-43
└─> The end judgment parable of the Tares.
"... for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
~ Matthew 13:44
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→ Kingdom as Great Treasure parables ←
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"... pearl of great price, went out and sold all that he had and bought it."
~ Matthew 13:45-46
The end judgment parable of the dragnet. <─┐
... The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, ...
~ Matthew 13:47-50
The truth encapsulates itself.
If you do not find great value in God's word you will be in danger
of being on the outside of that inner sanctuary treasure trove
which all will desire when we see Him for who He is.
I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure. ~ Psalm 119:162
Will you be thankful or scorned when the end indubitably comes?
Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, Than great treasure with trouble.
~ Proverbs 15:16
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
~ Proverbs 4:23
Blessed are those who keep justice, And he who does righteousness
at all times! ~ Psalm 106:3
... Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:20
There are those that will try to take us from what we have, Guard it.
The truth never changes but man tries to alter it to suit himself.
... take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, ... ~ Acts 20:28-29
┌─> Don’t sell back what you have.
"... beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance
of the things he possesses." ~ Luke 12:15
"... If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents,
forgive him." ~ Luke 17:1-3
Are material things more important than love of heart for another?
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
~ Proverbs 4:13
... Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. ... ~ Hebrews 12:16-17
Greed is the death of peace.
Giving is the pleasure of love.
... Judas ... "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" ...
thirty pieces of silver. ... ~ Matthew 26:14-16
Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. ~ Proverbs 23:23
For following truth, we have been granted Christ’s love
... and entrance into His Kingdom.
How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding
is to be chosen rather than silver. ~ Proverbs 16:16
Are you continually seeking to do good and pursuing righteousness?
Would you deny truth or resign humbly welcoming love from life?
~ Do you hold simple love or rip open complex confusion?
Arrogance is the death of peace.
God says, "Here I AM, find Me, I call."
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.
~ Proverbs 4:13
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10/12/2006 ~ Instrumental Music in Church Worship
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It is God's will what has been reveiled to us.
... how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, ...
~ Acts 20:20
He has assured us that what has been given is all that is NECESSARY.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
He has told us that His word is SUFFICIENT.
... His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life
and godliness, through the knowledge of Him ~ 2nd Peter 1:3
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
~ Acts 20:27
He has told us that His word is COMPLETE.
... contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered
to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3
... If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
that are written in this book; ... ~ Revelation 22:18
... if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God
shall take away his part from the Book of Life, ... ~ Revelation 22:18-19
... Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
~ Proverbs 30:5-6
God does not want His delivered word to be perverted or twisted.
... some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
~ Galatians 1:6-7
... which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction,
as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. ~ 2nd Peter 3:16
God has set the boundaries.
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ
does not have God. ... ~ 2nd John 1:9
"... one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
~ Matthew 5:18
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35
God has promised His word will remain whole.
"... But the word of the Lord endures forever." ~ 1st Peter 1:23-25
... strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, ... ~ Romans 4:20-21
It will be a matter of faith for salvation.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
~ Romans 10:17
... He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ~ Hebrews 11:6
Is it right to accept what man's doctrine has delivered
or that which God has instructed?
... by revelation He made known to me the mystery ~ Ephesians 3:3-4
God tells us that His word will be easy to understand.
... But what does it say? "The word is near you, ..." ~ Romans 10:6-8
I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
~ Romans 1:14
... that His word will be accessible without language barriers.
... if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner ...
~ 1st Corinthians 14:11
"... - we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
~ Acts 2:6-11
... unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand,
how will it be known what is spoken? ... ~ 1st Corinthians 14:5-9
Whether Greek, Russian, Japanese, or English, His word stands sure!
... "By what authority are You doing these things?
And who gave You this authority?" ... ~ Matthew 21:23-25
One will either choose to believe God (humbled) or man (self).
... not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which
also effectively works in you who believe. ~ 1st Thessalonians 2:13
... the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:37
If it not found in the Bible it is not from God but an invention of man.
... if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received,
let him be accursed. ~ Galatians 1:9
So, how does your heart believe?
"The baptism of John - where was it from? From heaven or from men?" ...
~ Matthew 21:25-27
→ We are called to investigate the truth.
● Should mechanical instrumental music be in church worship?
- It is God’s determination, the truth.
The New Testament is what teaches us.
We need to study from unbiased translations of the Bible
~ And not out of any individual church or denominations
that publish there own interpretations.
~ Reliable translations by a consensus of
committees consisting of accredited scholars.
CREDIBLE TRANSLATIONS
1. King James
2. New King James
3. American Standard
4. New American Standard
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Cross scriptural study hones one’s understanding
as to the whole intent of what God wants us to know.
Does the Bible endorse instrumental music?
What is the authority given from the Bible?
What by itself, in English, does the Bible say
about using mechanical instruments of music?
"... I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
~ Romans 15:9
Singing does not infer a mechanical musical instrument.
... I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
~ 1st Corinthians 14:15
... one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord ~ Ephesians 5:19
... admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:16
... suffering? Let him pray. Is there anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
~ James 5:13
Do you cheerfully love God?
This is what the New Testament teaches us.
We are instructed to use our
voices
in heart to sing to our Lord.
~ Is a psalm a mechanical musical instrument?
|
Psalms ≠ Mechanical Instrument Accompaniments
|
... "Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ..." ~ Luke 20:42
↑ It is a literary work. ↓
"... were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms ..."
~ Luke 24:44
~ No mention of a musical instrument.
→ It is a literary work with a message.
For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ... ~ Acts 1:20
... As it is also written in the second Psalm: ... ~ Acts 13:33
Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ... ~ Acts 13:35
└─> A recitation of a literary work.
A musical accompaniment is not implied.
~ Does the New Testament authorize any instrument; harp?
... twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, ...
~ Revelation 5:8
... And I heard the sound of harpists playing harps. ~ Revelation 14:2
... standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. ~ Revelation 15:2
Harps in Revelation are observed in Heaven, not on the earth.
Therefore there is no application in the church on the earth.
Revelation is a book of symbols and deep thoughts.
Lamb = God’s Son
So everything would be symbolic except for the harp?
Symbolism has no application in the real world church.
● It is then that musical instrumentation is from the desires of man;
Derived from human motives, and designed to satisfy the wishes of man
... rather than God.
"... From heaven or from men?" ~ Matthew 21:25
How do you answer to spiritual authority?
Was it
FROM HEAVEN
|
Then
BELIEVE IT
|
Was it
FROM MAN
|
Then
REJECT IT
|
Say You
DON'T KNOW
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So Cowards
WON'T COMMIT
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We all have a right to understand God’s word in plain language.
The real question is whether Old Testament practices may be adapted
for application in the New Testament church
~ without God’s instruction or approval.
This reaches into many areas such as circumcision.
→ There is a physical separation in the Bible,
The first part is the Old and the second is the New.
Where do we NOW stand with God?
Old
Covenant
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Inactive
|
Obsolete
|
Faulty
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Vanished
Away
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Fulfilled
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New
Covenant
|
Active
|
Permanant
|
Perfect
|
Appeared
|
Begun
|
┌─> Christ became the mediator of the New covenant.
... He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the
redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, ... ~ Hebrews 9:15
┌─> God brings forth a New Covenant as told to Jeremiah 600 years before Christ.
... "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete and growing old
is ready to vanish. ~ Hebrews 8:13
... You observe days and months and seasons and years. ... ~ Galatians 4:9-11
↑
┌─> You can no longer be judged by the Old covenant. <─┘
... So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival
or a new moon or sabbaths, ... ~ Colossians 2:14-16
Do not be judged by the traditions of man but condition of the heart.
"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, ..."
~ Matthew 5:18
... we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, ...
~ Hebrews 12:27-28
Should something temporary be added as something permanent?
... He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established
on better promises. ~ Hebrews 8:6
For if that first covenant had been faultless,
then no place would have been sought for a second. ~ Hebrews 8:7
You can’t say that you can use what you like in the OLD in the NEW.
● What about animal sacrifice?
Endorse Part = Endorse All
... the adulterer and the adulteress, shall surely be put to death.
~ Leviticus 20:10
What about transgressions requiring immediate death?
... gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. ... must surely be put to death;
all the congregation shall stone him with stones ... ~ Numbers 15:32-35
If one brings out musical instruments from the Old Testament
then all the Old Testament must be pulled upon.
The Old Testament commands that priests be from the house of Levi.
... Levites shall set it up. The outsider who comes near
shall be put to death. ... ~ Numbers 1:47-53
Jesus came from the house of Judah.
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, ... ~ Hebrews 7:14-17
The law is no longer valid if a priest can be from the tribe of Judah. <─┐
For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change
of the law. ~ Hebrews 7:12
┌─> A curse on who does not keep the whole law.
... "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written
in the book of the law, to do them." ~ Galatians 3:10
The old covenant has been reduced to profitless. <─┐
... that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
~ Galatians 5:2
... every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep
the whole law. ~ Galatians 5:3
The Old Law demands obedience for the whole law.
└─> Only Jesus was able to do this.
One falls from Grace by remaining in the Old Law. <─┐
... you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
~ Galatians 5:4
The use of musical instruments will severe, cut one from Christ.
The cost is too high
Would you endanger your soul by practicing the Old?
It is clear that we are no longer abiding under the Old Law.
The mighty hand of God has been on it all in divine providence.
And so, we have the Bible in the English language.
→ God wants you to understand it.
If you can’t understand it, it is not authorized by God.
The authorization of mechanical musical instruments
is not found
in the New Testament.
~ The Bible is here for our well being.
If it is the command of God to play instrumental music,
then ALL must play one.
? Which one should be used? A harp?
~ Then ALL must play the harp to please God.
→ This is simply not reasonable.
God does not demand so much of us.
His word is simple and clear.
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... one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord ~ Ephesians 5:19
The instrument we are instructed to use identified from the Bible
is the he♥rt.
God wants us to be extra sure.
|
Ephesians 5:19-20
|
† |
Colossians 3:16-17
|
|
|
... speaking to one another
|
= |
teaching and admonishing
one another
|
psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs,
|
= |
psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs,
|
|
making melody in your heart
|
≈ |
singing with grace in your hearts
|
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to the Lord,
|
= |
to the Lord.
|
... giving thanks always
for all things to God the Father
in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, ...
|
= |
... in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father
through Him.
|
|
Discover and apply the word because you love the Lord.
We want our foundation to be the TRUTH.
... as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, ...
~ Ephesians 6:6
We are instructed that our worship of God must be from the heart.
Not one of us can know the heart of another soul,
~ We can only know the bottom of our own.
Let God dwell in the midst of your heart
You, commit to God in your heart.
~ Jesus died for our salvation.
Submit to God’s LOVE.
♪
Following musical instrumentation is not the same
as upwelling spirit from the inner self.
Play your He♥rt for God.
I will praise the name of God with a song, ... ~ Psalm 69:30-32
... let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. ...
~ Psalm 95:1-2
Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works!
~ Psalm 105:2
Look in to your own heart. The Grace of God gives us eternal life.
(John 8:24)
(Luke 13:3-5)
(Matthew 10:32-33)
(Mark 16:16)
(Romans 6:4)
Do we worship the music or does our music worship God?
|
10/15/2006 ~ True Worship
|
Each individual is responsible to understand
and have confidence in God’s word.
~ What does it mean to worship God?
Our object is to worship God acceptably in a way that would please Him.
Knowing true worship is more valuable than "feeling" worship.
"... 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
~ Matthew 4:8-10
TRUE WORSHIP
Worshipping
the One
True God
|
True Desire
to
Worship God
|
Truly Pleases
God's Will
|
|
Worship
|
In Spirit
|
And Truth
|
You shall have no other gods before Me. ~ Deuteronomy 5:7
Worship shall come from the INNERMOST heart.
"My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." ...
~ John 4:31-34
Our appetite or motivation should be to please God; of a spiritual nature.
→ You can’t serve God if you don’t truly desire Him.
Actions of heart are more important than motions of worship.
"... In the volume of the book it is written of Me - To do Your will, O God."
~ Hebrews 10:5-7
Jesus came to do God’s will, not man’s.
└─> This was His motivation, where is yours?
"... this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. ..." ~ John 17:1-5
Glorifying God is simple and clean and not from the creativity of man.
- Jesus glorified God by doing what God wanted.
If we look for those things that please us, who do we worship?
~ We would be worshipping ourselves and not God. <─┘
"... you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength. ..." ~ Mark 12:30
Desire includes the word ALL.
"... Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven." ~ Matthew 6:9-10
Our greatest desire should be for God’s will to be done.
... do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, ... ~ Romans 12:1-2
Is it our desire to do what is acceptable to God?
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ~ 2nd Timothy 2:15
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction, ... ~ 2nd Timothy 3:16-17
~ We find it in Scripture.
... true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for
the Father is seeking such to worship Him. ... ~ John 4:23-24
VAIN WORSHIP
Worshipping
Themselves
|
Seeking to
Please Themselves
|
Content in
Self Fulfillment
|
|
Worship
|
In Self
|
And Lies
|
"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. ..."
~ Matthew 6:7
"... 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me
with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. ...' " ~ Matthew 15:6-9
" '... And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " ~ Mark 7:6-8
Satisfied in the gratification of human desires?
~ Is worship only on Sunday?
Do you desire piped organs, drums or guitars, perhaps a separated choir?
Do you look for statues, stained glass and glittering objects for worship?
Do you use church for social events such as sports or eatery pleasures?
~ False worship can be deceptive, acceptable in the eyes of man;
Not part of God’s word.
Worship of God is all the time and contentment is
satisfaction in doing God’s will found in His word.
"... let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
~ Luke 9:23
... pray without ceasing, ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 5:17
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who does not believe will be condemned." ~ Mark 16:16
Do you fulfill what God wants us to do?
Finding what the Lord wants is simple, plain, and understandable.
Do you search to understand (follow) man or God in your heart?
● Do you worship in Spirit and Truth
OR
● Do you worship in Self and Lies?
|
10/15/2006 ~ Let's Not Be Hypocrites
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... do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. ...
~ Matthew 23:1-12
These Pharisees were proud sitting in the seat of Moses.
... have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges
with evil thoughts? ... ~ James 2:1-9
We are instructed not to show partiality.
... ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, ...
~ John 13:12-17
Jesus showed us to care for others in service.
But all their works they do to be seen by men. ... ~ Matthew 23:5
... a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind
and touched the hem of His garment. ~ Matthew 9:20
It is the inner man that makes stature, not the outer garments.
... tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, ...
~ Numbers 15:38
The Pharisees garments went from remembrance of God to charms.
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! ..." ~ Matthew 23:23
They were out to impress themselves demanding respect.
"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father,
He who is in heaven." ~ Matthew 23:9
└─> There is only one author of your religion.
They emphasized those things that were not so important.
"... Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold
or the temple that sanctifies the gold? ..." ~ Matthew 23:13-24
"... everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~ Luke 18:9-14
It will be the humble that will be justified.
...But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings
about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. ... ~ Titus 3:9-11
We are instructed not to quibble.
... No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life,
that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. ... ~ 2nd Timothy 2:1-7
God calls, can you hear?
Don’t argue over the truth, see the larger picture.
"... have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy
and faith. ..." ~ Matthew 23:23
They emphasized the external.
"... outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are
full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." ~ Matthew 23:25-28
It looked good but it was a pompous abomination.
"... what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God."
~ Luke 16:15
We have no idea what Jesus looked like on the outside,
We can only see Him through the worth that was in Him.
Those who truly believe see Him.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." ~ Matthew 5:8
... circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter;
whose praise is not from men but from God. ~ Romans 2:25-29
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which
no one will see the Lord: ... ~ Hebrews 12:14-15
Mistakes to avoid.
● PROUD
● SWALLOWED A CAMEL
● HYPOCRITES
● MURDERERS
|
... whom you murdered between the temple and the alter. ...
~ Matthew 23:29-36
Hate creates a wall between you and God.
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, ... ~ 1st John 3:15
... who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God
whom he has not seen? ... ~ 1st John 4:20-21
If one is not open for correction,
then the true word of God is not being followed.
The Pharisees had nothing on the inside. <─┐
... as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! ...
~ Matthew 23:37-39
What is it you believe from the inside?
... throughout the time of your stay here in fear; ... ~ 1st Peter 1:17-19
Let us not do it for ourselves but for the Glory of Jesus Christ.
Stand right with God and not exclusively for man.
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10/22/2006 ~ The Living and the Dead
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And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ...
~ Ephesians 2:1-10
One is created through something new.
New is to put off the old.
You were dead in trespasses.
└─> Dead in sin.
... put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication,
uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, ~ Colossians 3:5
Kill the deeds of your flesh. <─┘
┌─> DEAD TO GOD.
DEAD IN SIN ─┐
├┉ A SEPARATION.
DEAD TO SIN ─┘
└─> ALIVE TO GOD.
|
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
~ James 2:20
We need to be dead TO sin.
● Dead people don’t breathe.
● Dead people don’t talk.
● Dead people don’t eat.
● Dead people don’t drink.
● Dead people decompose.
|
Spiritually, dead people don’t have a relationship with God.
"... of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in
the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." ~ Genesis 2:16-17
"... I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." ~ Genesis 3:9-15
~ They were afraid.
They had been severed from God.
Their relationship with God was dead.
Some say, "I sin and yet I live."
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows,
that he will also reap. ... ~ Galatians 6:7-8
... now works in the sons of disobedience, ... ~ Ephesians 2:2
If you are dead, live to appease the flesh, you are dead to God.
... lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind,
and were by nature children of wrath, ... ~ Ephesians 2:3
God is angry with worldliness without Him.
How does the United States show itself better than other nations?
Deceit, hate, violence, apathy, with corrupt morals,
~ where homosexuality is acceptable?
... even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ
(by grace you have been saved), ... ~ Ephesians 2:4-5
└─> God simply wants to help us.
God will forgive us with His Great Love.
Those who follow Him.
Lazarus had been dead and decomposing for four days. <─┐
... "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory
of God?" ... ~ John 11:38-44
... "I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." ~ John 11:25
- Dead in sin.
└─> I can make you alive.
Dead to sin. <─┘
|
Jesus doesn’t want us to go back to our old ways of sin.
Can we pronounce the sin in us dead?
┌─> Jesus did not have a corruptible body.
For our citizenship is in heaven ... Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly
body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, ... ~ Philippians 3:20-21
We need to be alive in Christ.
... For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, ...
~ Ephesians 2:8-10
Are you dead or alive?
Be free transformed by the death of sin.
Replace sin with those things which Christ has given us through His word.
We need to eat the word of God
└─> A sign of Life.
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10/22/2006 ~ The Times Have Always Been Unsettled
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| Much of this world is unsettl |
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There is not much hope in the governments of this world.
● We need to put our hope in God’s Kingdom.
"... the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! ..."
~ Matthew 23:37-39
Jerusalem
Because you are spiritually empty, destruction will pass your way.
"... I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another,
that shall not be thrown down." ~ Matthew 24:1-2
"... when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming,
and of the end of the age?" ~ Matthew 24:3
This great city, the temple?
1. When will these things be?
2. What will be the sign?
3. The end of the age?
|
"... will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous
into eternal life." ~ Matthew 25:45-46
~ No matter the era, All people will be judged so be ready.
"... All these are the beginning of sorrows." ~ Matthew 24:4-8
↓
There will always be wars
so don’t let this sway you as to when the end times are to be.
Only a fool would try to guess the will of God.
Know His will by steadfastness which bestows Grace.
Be ready for the judgment of the Lord if today is your last.
... will betray one another, and will hate one another. ... ~ Matthew 24:9-13
There will be persecutions and hate; and so it has been and is.
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a
witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." ~ Matthew 24:14
No matter what is happening, stand with the Lord in your deepest hollow.
... when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel ...
~ Matthew 24:15
┌─> God’s own people through their blindness.
... the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city
and the sanctuary. ... ~ Daniel 9:24-27
Jerusalem is gone and the Messiah remains.
"... And pray that your flight may not be in winter ..." ~ Matthew 24:16-20
Plan your escape and lighten your burdens.
Be ready to leave; for emancipation to judgment.
Don’t be too late to recognize the Lord.
"... great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world
until this time, no, nor ever shall be." ~ Matthew 24:21
Josephus tells us that ...
Between 1.3 and 1.6 million Jews were killed in 70 A.D.
Blood flowed as rivers in the streets.
┌─> The slaughter only lasted a few days.
"And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; ..."
~ Matthew 24:22
┌─> The carcass is the spiritually empty Jews.
"... See, I have told you beforehand. ..." ~ Matthew 24:23-28
└─> The eagles or vultures were the Romans.
If someone tells you this is how it will occur, don’t believe it.
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days
the sun will be darkened, ..." ~ Matthew 24:29
A major life altering change is obvious for all.
"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then
all the tribes of the earth will mourn, ..." ~ Matthew 24:30
People know when judgment comes.
... and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, ...
~ Matthew 24:31
The saved shall always stand with God.
"... the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts
forth leaves, you know that summer is near. ..." ~ Matthew 24:32-33
Jesus was saying not to stay in the city
if one felt the temple ready to explode.
┌─> It was contemporary to the people of the 1st century, 40 years later.
"... this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place."
~ Matthew 24:34
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
~ Matthew 24:35
Jesus' words are forever.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,
but My Father only." ~ Matthew 24:36
Be ready because it could be today.
"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which
the Son of Man is coming." ~ Matthew 25:13
"But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming
of the Son of Man be. ..." ~ Matthew 24:37-39
It will be abrupt.
"... one will be taken and the other left. ..." ~ Matthew 24:40-41
This plainly states that people will be separated.
This scripture has been used to support man’s rapture fabrication.
It is simpler than this; it means more about judgment to come.
Context!
"... you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour
you do not expect." ~ Matthew 24:42-44
No one will be able to plan it.
... will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that
he is not aware of, ... ~ Matthew 24:45-51
There are no masks with the Lord.
Do you hide from the Lord or does His light shine through you?
"But he who endures to the end shall be saved." ~ Matthew 24:13
● God is allowing evil to continue hoping lost souls will turn to Him.
What solves things is to turn to Christ.
Certainly we need institutions such as the police and the military,
But only true peace is found knowing eternal life starts now.
Stand with God.
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11/5/2006 ~ Parable of the Talents
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It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils.
~ Exodus 25:39
What is the essence of man and his abilities?
The talent of man rises beyond infinite value.
It reaches to that which is unquantifiable.
"... what will be the sign of Your coming, ..." ~ Matthew 24:3
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, ..."
~ Matthew 25:14
God goes away calling us back.
"... And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one,
to each according to his own ability; ..." ~ Matthew 25:14-18
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57–80 lbs of silver = $1,000
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| Hebrew |
= |
3,000 shekels |
| 1 shekel |
= |
4 day’s wages |
| 12,000 days |
≈ |
40 years |
|
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| Roman |
= |
6,000 denarii |
| 1 denarii |
= |
1 day’s wages (skilled labor) |
| 6,000 days |
= |
19 years |
| Slave wages |
= |
38 or more years labor |
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The master gave lifetimes of wage$.
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Talent = Responsibility with Gifted Abilities.
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What do we expect from those responsible?
What about the responsibility given to us?
Would it just be easier to ignore what we have been called to do?
┌─> Given more.
... Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things,
... ~ Matthew 25:19-21
┌─> Given more.
... Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things,
... ~ Matthew 25:22-23
... said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, ... ~ Matthew 25:24-30
└─> He gave nothing back from what was given.
1st Servant
|
Applied himself
|
Rewarded
|
Winner
|
2nd Servant
|
Applied himself
|
Rewarded
|
Winner
|
3rd Servant
|
Did nothing
|
Punished
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Loser
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... once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light ... ~ Ephesians 5:8-16
"... For we are also His offspring." ~ Acts 17:24-28
Give back to the Lord what is the Lord’s.
┌─> Give of yourself.
...you have from God, and you are not your own? ... ~ 1st Corinthians 6:19-20
└─> ... bought at a price.
We are slaves of the master.
~ Thankfulness is key to sanity.
... by this time you ought to be teachers, ... ~ Hebrews 5:12-14
We have been entrusted with God’s knowledge.
We are asked to teach what we know as active participants.
... God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond
what you are able, ... ~ 1st Corinthians 10:13
God does not expect more than what we can handle but
→ He does expect a return for the word He has delivered.
We each have responsibilities for those around us and ourselves.
What is expected:
1. Men/Husbands/Fathers
2. Women/Wives/Mothers
3. Elders/Deacons
4. Teachers/Preachers/Students
5. Civic/Personal/Family/Work
|
"... Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" ~ Luke 2:49
Obviously, Jesus’ parents took the responsibility of teaching seriously. <─┘
But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
~ Luke 10:29
One can not justify oneself by doing nothing or making excuses.
... "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" ~ Luke 18:18
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. ...
~ 2nd Corinthians 13:5-8
~ Put yourself to the test.
What can you do with your gift, for great gain for God?
Truth resides above all human folly.
But to each one of us grace was given according to
the measure of Christ's gift. ~ Ephesians 4:7
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, ... ~ 1st Timothy 4:14-16
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ~ 1st Peter 4:10
A forgiven man would not forgive. <─┐
... So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart,
does not forgive his brother his trespasses." ~ Matthew 18:21-35
┌─────< Gift of Life >─────┐
│ │
Responsibility Forgiveness
with Talents │ 10,000
5,2,1 │ │ Talents
Talents │ │ A debt He did not owe.
│ Judment │
└─────> ──┼─ <─────┘
|
Christ laid His life down for each one of us.
Jesus carries our debt (sin) which can never be repaid.
Through His Mercy and Grace we find redemption.
We are asked to imitate Him.
He is willing to forgive us.
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. ~ 1st Corinthians 11:1
God has given us much and if we return His investment,
in truth with gain, great will be our reward.
~ To achieve the rewards of Jesus ~
We cannot hide what God has asked us to do.
He tells us what to do in the New Testament.
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father,
younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:1-2
We need to encourage and love one another in spirit and truth.
→ Jesus paid a debt He did not owe.
He gave us a responsibility to succeed.
Will Jesus find a return on His investment?
~ Stop burying your talent.
... For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ... ~ Matthew 16:24-28
What will be the judgment of your soul?
Teach your children, relatives, and neighbors.
Jesus died for our sin and paid the price for our salvation.
~ Where will you be when He comes in to your view?
... great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone
about the weight of a talent. ... ~ Revelation 16:21
The plague of death is the weightiest of all;
~ would you trade eternal life for a dead metal
→ or utilize your worth for the benefit of all?
It could be as simple as if you hold anger over sorrow.
Truth over deceptions.
Love over hate.
God over all.
Where is your talent?
I would like to thank my brother in Christ, Scott Hamilton.
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11/12/2006 ~ Focus on the Family
|
... walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, ...
~ Ephesians 5:15-21
It is said, “So goes the family goes the country.”
So too goes the family goes the church.
We live in a society where we look for things for ourselves,
~ more so than what we can do for others.
We need to submit to one another under the one true God.
We need to love one another enough to fear God together.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. ... ~ Ephesians 5:22-23
Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some
do not obey the word, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:1-2
Don’t lecture, harp, or brow beat one another.
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is
very precious in the sight of God.... ~ 1st Peter 3:3-4
Focus on serving God above personal needs.
... in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God
also adorned themselves, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:5
If it doesn’t compromise your service to God,
women need to follow their husbands.
... Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding,
giving honor to the wife, ... ~ 1st Peter 3:6-7
Fear God more than the circumstance.
Strength should feed on strength and not weakness on weakness.
The bottom line is to help one another.
Don’t re-invent your partner but encourage genuine strengths.
Men, learn her needs so as to meet her needs and
In this your needs will be met.
... husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies;
he who loves his wife loves himself. ... ~ Ephesians 5:25-29
Men are the authority so love your wives as yourself
~ and this solves most problems.
If we help her to meet her goals we will benefit ourselves.
A successful family starts at the top and trickles down to all.
Nourish and cherish her.
Tell her she is beautiful and loved everyday!
"... and the two shall become one flesh." ... ~ Ephesians 5:30-31
Marriage is one union apart from parents.
Commitment not just to the self,
but mutually bound for the benefit of the other.
We are in this together.
... let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let
the wife see that she respects her husband. ~ Ephesians 5:32-33
Build each other up as on a staircase to heaven.
Committed in your marriage not only glorifies the wisdom of God,
but it is His will.
... from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female. ...
~ Mark 10:5-9
... "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce
your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. ..." ~ Matthew 19:4-9
If you both believe in God, divorce is not an option,
except if one commits sexual immorality.
... "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, ...
~ Malachi 2:14-16
Tolerance with anything goes marriages is not part of God’s law.
Only Heterosexual Marriage Glorifies God.
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. ...
~ Leviticus 18:22-23
... They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. ...
~ Jeremiah 6:15
... Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals,
nor sodomites, ... will inherit the kingdom of God. ~ 1st Corinthians 6:9-10
... carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
~ Romans 8:5-6
The greatest pleasure is found in a God fearing family.
One building on mutual love,
Questing to find God.
~
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11/12/2006 ~ Three R's Found in Jesus
|
We all know the basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic;
there are also spiritual basics, righteousness, redemption,
and resurrection.
All need these for salvation.
... My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." ...
~ John 5:1-30
We need to confess these by faith rather than by sight when it comes.
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS
2. RESURECTION
3. REDEMPTION
|
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS
... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, .... ~ Romans 3:23
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone
who believes. ... ~ Romans 10:4-10
Many believe anything goes; we have made sin palatable.
|
Safe sex = Safe fornication
|
... Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God - and righteousness
and sanctification and redemption - ... ~ 1st Corinthians 1:29-30
... He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. ~ Psalm 23:3
Only through God comes righteousness.
... God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. ~ 1st John 1:5
→ By our own merits we are all untrustworthy.
... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:18-19
Jesus is the life, and He lived God’s righteousness while on the earth.
2. RESURECTION
"... believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come
into judgment, but has passed from death into life." ~ John 5:24
Jesus was condemned for doing God’s will by the power of God.
"... the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God;
and those who hear will live." ~ John 5:25
└─> Spiritual resurection.
Each of us make the choice to take or reject life from God.
How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? ...
~ Psalm 4:2
We have life in Him.
... "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, ..."
~ John 11:4
... "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though
he may die, he shall live." ~ John 11:25
... "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me." ~ John 14:6
Jesus is all about life.
God will raise you up any day of the week.
The focus is goodness can occur at all times.
... all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those
who have done good, to the resurrection of life, ... ~ John 5:26-29
By sight, resurrection will come to all.
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them
in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. ... ~ 1st Thessalonians 4:17
One chooses between the light or darkness.
... "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk
in darkness, but have the light of life." ~ John 8:12
3. REDEMPTION
... knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, ...
~ 1st Peter 1:18-19
Back in to a relationship with God.
... "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing
come upon you." ~ John 5:14
"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes
in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, ..." ~ John 5:24
It’s all about a second chance.
It cost the blood of Jesus.
God gave us these three things.
↓ ↓ ↓
1.
2.
3.
|
RIGHTEOUSNESS
RESURECTION
REDEMPTION
|
=
=
=
|
GOODNESS
ALIVE AFTER DEATH
DELIVERANCE
|
|
Would we forfeit this?
Would we not seize the moment?
"Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth,
why do you not believe Me?" ~ John 8:46
\ | /
─ JESUS ─
This is the theme of the Bible.
|
11/26/2006 ~ Two Destinies
|
Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things,
and they derided Him. ... ~ Luke 16:14-31
└─> They thumbed their noses at Jesus.
... the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees,
they gathered together. ... ~ Matthew 22:34-40
The rich man had an opportunity to be good.
It is clear that if we help our neighbor we help ourselves.
They chose poorly.
" '... And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines
the commandments of men.' " ~ Matthew 15:9
If we can not find the teachings in scripture, it is doctrine from man.
"... But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me
is taught by the commandment of men, ..." ~ Isaiah 29:13
One is saved, and One is lost.
Abraham
└─> Lazarus
∞
|
GREAT
GULF
"IMPASSABLE"
|
Rich Man
|
"... many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 8:11
Many will come asking yet ~ “I do not know you.”
'... I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me,
all you workers of iniquity.' ~ Luke 13:25-28
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into
the lake of fire. ~ Revelation 20:15
... a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:1
└─> There is somewhere after the material.
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works
is dead also. ~ James 2:26
Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it. ~ Ecclesiastes 12:7
The parable of the rich man teaches no second chances after death.
" '... so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot,
nor can those from there pass to us.' " ~ Luke 16:23-26
Today is the time, NOW is the time.
... I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him
to my father's house, ... ~ Luke 16:27-29
Many claim God speaks to them but it is just not so!
Scripture states God’s word has been delivered for all to review.
God waits patiently to see who will hear Him.
... the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. ~ Jude 1:3
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God
to salvation for everyone who believes, ... ~ Romans 1:16
We are in the law of liberty.
... the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is
not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, ... ~ James 1:25
To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread
a man will transgress. ~ Proverbs 28:21
For there is no partiality with God. ~ Romans 2:11
... wisdom that is from above is first pure, ... without partiality ...
~ James 3:17
... "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality." ~ Acts 10:34
The will of God is plain.
... He who believes and is baptized will be saved; ... ~ Mark 16:15-16
... not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, ...
~ Colossians 1:23
... between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, ... ~ Luke 16:26
No such place as purgatory. <─┘
This teaches us about the foolishness of trusting riches.
... some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, ...
~ 1st Timothy 6:9-10
┌─> Teaches the awfulness of being lost; alone with no help.
... cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, ... ~ Luke 16:24
┌─> All séances are pure fantasy.
"... neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
~ Luke 16:31
● The Greeks sought after wisdom,
● The Jews sought for a sign.
→ Jesus gave them both and it was rejected.
The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him,
But their fate would endure forever. ~ Psalm 81:15
Do we choose to base our spirituality on
Reality or Fantasy?
? ¿
|
11/26/2006 ~ Work of the Church
|
... To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,
with the bishops and deacons: ... ~ Philippians 1:1-2
└─> Had organization.
What is the work of the church?
~ Is it just meetings?
What is it that gets it done?
┌─> Good work had begun.
... that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day
of Jesus Christ; ... ~ Philippians 1:3-6
|
Bishop
=
Overseer
,
Would be Shepherd
|
"... to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood."
~ Acts 20:28
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, ...
~ 1st Peter 5:2
... some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors ...
~ Ephesians 4:10-11
... they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, ...
~ Acts 14:23
... A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:1-7
... and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you ... ~ Titus 1:5-9
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, ...
~ 1st Timothy 3:8-13
... seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, ... ~ Acts 6:3-4
|
All the Saints
=
Faithful Believers
,
Flock of God
|
... you have done well that you shared in my distress. ... ~ Philippians 4:14-19
The work is a sharing.
... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner
of some, but exhorting one another, ... ~ Hebrews 10:25
Attendance
/ | \
A building, Bible classes, a janitor, a preacher; incidentals
Each one is an integral part.
But all these things do not make the church.
... He who has begun a good work in you will complete it ... ~ Philippians 1:6
1st Work = Us ~ Christians
/ Saved
1) Edify
\ Lost
2) Help needy saints
... not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh that is, of the heart.
~ 2nd Corinthians 3:1-3
Hearts can be injured by deceit and cunning.
God watches for genuinely honest souls concerned for others.
The work is us.
It is what we speak.
The fruit is God’s church.
... in whom the whole building, being fitted together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ... ~ Ephesians 2:20-22
That we grow together.
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name,
I am there in the midst of them." ~ Matthew 18:20
For us to be together worshipping God in Jesus Christ is the goal.
... you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church
of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. ... ~ 1st Timothy 3:14-16
To be built up in God’s truth.
We need to be a pillar of truth.
The church builds itself up.
Do we want our light to shine?
~ Do what works for you.
Do we want to help others?
Do you ask others if they read the Bible?
We do this work individually as well as collectively.
... your care for me has flourished again; ... ~ Philippians 4:10-14
There are physical needs.
... whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift ...
~ 1st Corinthians 16:1-3
... their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
~ Romans 15:25-27
... anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those
of his household, he has denied the faith ... ~ 1st Timothy 5:8
The work of the church is to care about one another,
to get involved in God’s word.
Talk about the Gospel.
Have Bible readings.
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:
to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, ... ~ James 1:27
... I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me;
I was sick and you visited Me; ... ~ Matthew 25:31-46
↑
Just visited Jesus and it helps you NOW.
... "It is more blessed to give than to receive." ~ Acts 20:35
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard ...
~ 2nd Timothy 1:13-14
Individuals build God’s church
through His exclusive word.
|
12/2/2006 ~ God's Word Has Been Passed
|
Many have seen the following scripture in football stadiums.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16
└─> An abbreviation.
What is the justice of this whole message?
Jesus is talking to one man.
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ...
~ John 3:1-2
He made it to an individual man, to a Jewish Pharisee.
"... Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" ...
~ John 3:3-6
→ He was born by the Jewish flesh, being his birthright.
~ But you must be reborn of the spirit to inherit the kingdom.
"Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again. ..." ~ John 3:7-8
└─> Don’t try to explain it.
Know this; you need a spiritual birth through water.
Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?" ...
~ John 3:9-11
"If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe,
how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? ..." ~ John 3:12-13
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so
must the Son of Man be lifted up, ... ~ John 3:14-15
Serpents killed the Hebrews in the desert until looking up
to the serpent made by Moses, and they were saved.
Look up and be lifted up.
|
God = The Eternal Maker of All
|
"... whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
~ John 3:16
Many do not know who God is or was.
Nicodemus knew God through His word and revelation.
Who is God then?
~ The only way we can know Him is through His word.
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. ... ~ 1st Corinthians 2:10
... Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ...
~ 1st Corinthians 1:18-25
What is God’s l♥ve?
→ That He would love the whole world.
... And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it.
~ Isaiah 2:2
"... There they shall be called sons of the living God." ~ Romans 9:26
... Then I will say to those who were not My people, You are My people!
And they shall say, You are my God!" ~ Hosea 2:23
~ God loved the Gentiles just as much.
All children will flow in to His kingdom.
→ Children reflect the love of God.
God
Love - World
Son - Blood
Believe
|
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died
for the ungodly. ... ~ Romans 5:6-7
Two types of people though they both pay all their bills.
One helps no one and the other offers help for helpings sake.
- But could or would you sacrifice one of your own children?
For an evil man, God gave His only Son.
God gave the sinless Lamb of God.
He would die.
You don’t just believe in Jesus.
Disciple = Follower; Believer; Learner
... The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace
through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all - ... ~ Acts 10:34-43
Cleave to the word.
|
Everything Jesus Taught = Belief
|
Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water
and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." ~ John 3:5
Do we obey what Jesus tells us?
"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? ..."
~ Luke 6:46-49
┌─> A man who wanted to be redeemed of His sins.
... he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be
clearly seen, that they have been done in God." ~ John 3:17-21
... you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, ...
~ Galatians 6:1
The sign should be:
1. Look to Jesus for help through
all of His instruction.
◊
2. The Father teaches through
the Son.
|
Simple football banners.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, ... ~ Ephesians 2:8-9
It is the whole field we need to review.
All of God's word tells us His will, not just a snippet.
... "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
for the remission of sins; ... ~ Acts 2:38
Let's not fumble the word of God.
|
12/2/2006 ~ National Security
|
We all know the twin toWers in New York.
Many recall Pearl Harbor.
A plea for National Security again goes out.
Our defenses are up as we expect something bad.
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good,
your whole body will be full of light." ~ Matthew 6:22
Unity in the One true God will protect us.
Here resides real strength.
Either 1941 or 2001, evil is evil and if it is only darkness,
it can only put out or yield darkness.
So why doesn’t God just extinguish, stamp out evil?
... "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them,
but gather the wheat into my barn." ~ Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus says evil is allowed with good.
It has to do with a test of leadership, the righteous.
God waits on His children.
... Every morning He brings His justice to light; He never fails,
But the unjust knows no shame. ~ Zephaniah 3:1-5
└─> Corrupt motives, self serving; fleecing the flock.
Most fall short of God's commands.
1. She has not obeyed His voice, ... ~ Zephaniah 3:2
2. ... She has not received correction; ... ~ Zephaniah 3:2
3. ... She has not trusted in the Lord, ... ~ Zephaniah 3:2
4. ... She has not drawn near to her God. ~ Zephaniah 3:2
|
He gave them what they needed to know.
~ He has given us what we need to know.
→ Who do you trust?
... "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ~ James 4:6
Who did Judah Fear?
ASSYRIA
BABYLON
|
MEDETERANIAN
SEA
|
JUDAH
|
|
|
|
What shall we do to remain safe?
I desire therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting; ... ~ 1st Timothy 2:8
Things to do for National Security
1. Faithful
2. Pray
3. Vigilant - Support Military
4. Teach Christ
|
We need to be vigilant.
... whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those
who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ... ~ Romans 13:1-4
It is God that has established governments.
We need a religion that brings peace with God.
We need to stand with God, His given plain word.
The field has been sown.
... the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
... ~ John 1:1-5
We need to bring people in to the light.
... Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, ...
~ Matthew 5:3-9
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore
be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." ~ Matthew 10:16
We all need to be redeemed by Christ
so that our light brings light to the darkness.
... "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, ..." ~ Matthew 13:31-32
Only the strongest trees will withstand the winds of fire.
Where is your heart?
Faithful Fruitful?
Christianity has always been the minority.
With a good and honest heart,
Christians become the way of truth by submitting to God’s truth.
Do we want a better world for our children?
God calls to All.
Strength resides within the collective of individuals; the body of one.
|
|
Reactor
