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Searching for "corinthians" in the Quiet Time Archive
Displaying results from "50" to "75". (243 found)

2009-01-11 - Raising Awesome Kids - Repect: Eliminate Critical, Harsh Talk
Reckless words pierce like a sword - Proverbs 12:18
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor - Proverbs 11:12
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your months - Ephesians 4:29-32

So thing we just plain need to get rid of:

Harsh words
Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken - Matthew 12:36-37

Name calling
Would you use the same words if Jesus was in the room? Let that be the test.

Rudeness
Love is not rude - 1 Corinthians 13:5

Get rid of all actions, looks, and expression related
God hate haughty eyes - Proverbs 6:16-17
These are signs of disrespect

Recognize > Confront > Eliminate from their behavior

2009-02-02 - Jesus with People - Seeing and Not Seeing
Luke 7:36-50 - Simon, I have something to tell you
Jesus is able to cut through the muck - right to the heart
He had outspoken clarity - Luke 7:40

In truth Simon saw neither the woman or himself for how they really were

Jesus did see the woman - Her sin was obvious as her brokenness
He actions came from her new sense of reality
Once she saw Jesus, she responded the only way she could have - compelled by love - 2 Corinthians 5:14

Jesus' words should have cut Simon deeply - But he who has been forgiven little lives little

He wants to have a relationship with us
Think of trying to have a relationship with ant - talking with it, caring for it and especially dying for it - it is unfathomable!

How many times did Jesus change people's view if God?

Who am I most like: Simon or the sinful woman?

2009-02-17 - Jesus with People - Widows Physical Sacrifice
Physical sacrifice is central to our commitment to Jesus

Physically, priorities must be set, reexamined and set again

God will help us discern what we can give physically
God is capable of giving his strength when ours is failing

Paul learned to rely on the Lord through physical suffering - 2 Corinthians 1:3-9
God grace is sufficient

Each of us, with the help of God must live physically sacrificial lives daily - Philippians 2:12
Sacrifice is our act of worship - Romans 12:1



2009-02-27 - Promises of God - Standing on Promises
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are all "Yes" in Christ - 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Promises from others and one we have made > can make us highly skeptical about promises
They represent efforts to pacify us at the moment; the promiser does not usually have to fulfill the promise immediately

Does he promise and not fulfill? - Numbers 23:19

God fulfills his promises - every last one of them

God is:
  • Trustworthy
  • Reliable
  • Absolutely faithful to every promise he makes
He has the power to do what he says
A promise from God is as good as fact

2009-03-14 - Promises of God - Not tempted Beyond What You Can Bear
He will not let be tempted beyond what yo can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

God has not promised that we will not be tempted - James 1:13-15

No situation will ever be too difficult. God simply will not allow it.
There is never an excuse for sin.

Jesus is our ultimate example
He himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18


2009-03-20 - Promises of God - Lord Delivers
May have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all - Psalms 34:19

Three types of trouble:

  1. Caused by our own bad behavior - the wicked have their fill - Proverbs 12:21
  2. Comes from doing what is right - Persecution because of the Word - Matthew 13:21
  3. Trouble that we all face because we live in this world
    • Each day will be trouble - Matthew 6:34
    • In this world you will have trouble - John 16:33
It is not about taking trouble away but overcoming trouble

Our job is to trust God - John 14:1, 27
He may deliver us from trouble or he may deliver us by using the trouble to teach us important lessons

Our eternal glory far out weights our momentary troubles - 2 Corinthians 4:17


2009-03-21 - Promises of God - Formidable Foe
We have a common enemy that must be overcome

Described as:
  • the accuser
  • the adversary
  • the enemy
  • an evil spirit
  • the father of lies
  • a murderer
  • the power of darkness
  • the prince of this world
  • the ruler of darkness
  • the spirit that in the children of disobedience
  • the temper
  • the god of this work
  • the wicked one
He snatches away the planted Word from people's hearts - Matthew 13:19
He blinds the minds of individuals - 2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan takes people captive - 2 Timothy 2:26

But there is one greater...

2009-03-28 - Promises of God - Heal Your Broken Heart
Servants of God will face various types of injustice:
  • Rejection
  • Persecution from someone we have helped to know God
  • Loss of a relationship to follow God
  • Injustice of living in an imperfect world
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted - Psalms 34:18

His is "the God of all comfort" - 2 Corinthians 1:3


2009-04-01 - Promises of God - No Disappointment
No one will be disappointed in heaven
No mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Not even the most creative can envision
No analogy can really do it justice
No metaphor for it will ever be good enough

Boredom will be as absent in heaven as sorrow, pain, and tears

Jesus said he came to give us life to the full - John 10:10
Started hear on earth in his kingdom on earth

It will be a blast, a feast
It will never end

Our new birth brings us into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven - 1 Peter 1:4

2009-04-02 - Promises of God - Work That Is Worth It
An old criticism of Christians: Too heavenly minded that they are no good on earth
Seem to spend so much dreaming of heaven and not working on solving the earth's problems
This was never God's idea

Prepare your minds for action - 1 Peter 1:13

Setting our minds on the amazing blessings is a powerful encouragement for us to work hard and give our best effort now

Is it worth saying "No" to sin? Just consider heaven!
Worth it to giving to the poor? Just consider heaven!
Worth staying in the race when it gets difficult? Just consider heaven!

Worth blood, sweat, tears to help other to know God? Just consider heaven!
Your labor in the Lord is not in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:58

2009-04-07 - Promises of God - Labor that is in Vain
Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord because your labor in the Lord is not in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Labor that is in vain:

  1. Unfinished labor - Quit if results are not produced quickly
  2. Half-hearted labor - Elisha angry with the king of Israel - 2 Kings 13:14-19
  3. Ineffective labor - We are working hard but without God
  4. Tireless labor - Focusing on self
  5. Courageous labor - Letting fear take over your mind



2009-04-12 - Promises of God - God is Still Faithful
You gave into the temptation again, you sinned
It is the same one and you have never been able to completely conquer this one area of your life

What are your options?
  1. Justify your sin and say it's not all that bad
  2. Blame God for not keeping Satan at an appropriate distance
  3. Decide to leave God because this repenting thing is not working out
  4. Decide to be not to be open about your sin
  5. Tell yourself how bad of person you are
  6. Could trust God and his promises
Read the following passage at least 10 times, memorize it, and be ready with it - 1 Corinthians 10:13


2009-04-13 - Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


2009-04-16 - Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


2009-04-24 - Why We Need The Bible - Help Keep One Saved
Paul emphasized this value of the Scriptures
  • To the Corinthians - 1 Corinthians 10:11-12
  • To Timothy - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

The saving value of the Word of God is for both young and old
  • The young can keep their ways pure by it - Psalms 119:9
  • Elders were commended to the Word for their salvation - Acts 20:32


2009-04-25 - Why We Need Jesus - He Reconciles Us to God
HE RECONCILES US TO GOD...
  1. There is but one mediator between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5
  2. God sent Christ to reconcile sinful man back to Him - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
  3. This God did this by offering Christ as the sacrifice  for our sins - 1 John 4:9-10
  4. We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 1:7
  5. Jesus is the only way to God - John 14:6


2009-05-22 - No one like him - Kingdom Attitudes (part 2)
Those who mourn

After seeing the impact and the hurt we have caused -
Having godly sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
Taking ownership

The Meek

No one wants to be meek
Meekness - horse that has been broken
Gentle, Humble, Teachable
Defensive spirit gone
We must remember we have been cleansed from our past sins - 2 Peter 1:9
"will inherited the earth" - will make the most of our lives on this earth

2009-06-11 - One Another - Correction Needed

There were a lot of relationship issues that needed to be corrected in first book of Corinthians:

  1. They were divided into cliquish groups - Chapter 1-3
  2. Became arrogant in their relationship with Paul - 1 Corinthians 4:18-19
  3. Lawsuits with each other - Chapter 6
  4. Left their spouses just because they were not Christians - Chapter 7
  5. Offending other's conscience - Chapter 8
  6. Acted insensitively toward the poorer members - Chapter 11
  7. Who had the greatest gift (selfish competition) - Chapter 12-14

 



2009-09-24 - Wild at Heart - The Enemy (part 5)
Not every thought that crosses your mind comes from you
  • Where are those ideas coming from?
  • Where are those feelings coming from?
  • We are unaware of his schemes – 2 Corinthians 2:11
  • We look for a psychological or a physical explanation for every trouble we meet

Who caused the Chaldeans to steal Job’s herds – Satan Job 12,17
Anaias and Sapphira – Satan
Heartache keeps us from praying
Satan is behind that brutal assault on your on strength
There is a whole lot more going on behind the scenes of our lives than most of us have been led to believe

Behind the world and the flesh is an event more deadly enemy, one we rarely speak of and are even less ready to resist

2009-09-25 - One Another - Making it Clear
1 Corinthians 1-3 2 Corinthians 1
The world's wisdom The world's wisdom
God's grace God's grace

Relationships that are conducted according to the world's wisdom - have some element of self in mind

Relationships in God's grace have in mind: God's grace to us and our need to pass grace on to others

World teaches to be independent / We belong to one another -  Romans 12:5
  • One on who be independent choose not to / he emptied himself and became a slave - Philippians 2
  • We are do be devoted to one another - philostorgos = like family - Romans 12:10
When we see the grace of God, we see one:
  • who brings into his circle of friends - John 15:13-15
  • who adopts us into his family - Hebrews 2:11
  • who vows he will never leave or forsake us - Hebrews 13:5
We are to admonish one another and speak the truth in love - Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15

If living with worldly wisdom  then we will:
  1. Ignore the problem
  2. Gossip about it to other
  3. Blast a person with the truth
None of these actions show grace

2009-09-30 - One Another - Greet One Another
Greeting seems to be pretty important aspect of relationships in the NT:
  • 27x as a command
  • 68x greetings of different forms in the NT
Four examples:
  1. Greet one another with a holy kiss - Romans 16:16
  2. I send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss - 1 Corinthians 16:20
  3. Greet one another with a holy kiss - 2 Corinthians 13:12
  4. Greet one another with a kiss of love - 1 Peter 5:14
Although somewhat strange to kiss in the US (prefer a hand shake or hug), the emphasis is the heart behind it
Need to show each other they are welcomed, loved and accepted - not just saying "I accept you" roboticly

Challenge for all of us is to really communicate the heart of love and acceptance

Identify 2 or 3 people that you have a hard time "accepting"
Will you be comfortable saying "God judge me just as I judge them"?


2009-11-24 - Master Plan - Selection (part 3)
Few were converted in His lifetime.
  • Little more than 500 after the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:6
  • 120 received baptism at the day of Pentecost - Acts 1:15
Strategy
  • Why not an army?
  • He needed leaders to lead the ministry after He left. Not all followers. It takes energy to produce a leader.
  • Not trying to impress the crowd but the usher in a Kingdom
  • Mass are like helpless sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherds
  • Masses willing to follow anyone that came along with some promise for their welfare
  • Jesus was a realist. He knew he could not meet all the needs on His own.
Some concern themselves with baptisms and numbers more than power and love of God
Everything that is done with the few is for the salvation of the multitudes.

Modern Practicals
  • We are not even keeping with the growing population
  • We in an age where more rapid communication is now being seen than ever before
  • Must not be frantic to try to change the pattern overnight
  • Do like Jesus – start with a few lowly disciples and do as it was done by Jesus
    • Slow, tedious, painful, and probably unnoticed at first
    • Not spiritual “junk-food” revivals
  • Which generation are you living for?


2009-12-23 - First the Kingdom - The Only Door (part 2)
More examples of spiritual beggars:

Mary
  • Why was she picked to give birth to the Savior?
  • She already knew how much she needed God as her savior
  • Already in a humble state before him - Luke 1:46-55
Paul
  • Took a jolt on the way to Damascus
  • He finally came to see his poverty of spirit
    • Nothing good lives in me - Romans 7:18
    • I am the least of the apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:9-10
    • Confessed his poverty to the very end - 1 Timothy 1:12-15


2009-12-25 - First the Kingdom - A Choice
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted - Matthew 5:4

Jesus speaks primarily of a spiritual morning by choice

Other options, could choose to:
  • ignore it
  • postpone it
Why would we choose mourning?
  • Choose God over self
  • Realize we have broken his heart
  • Our response is to be broken, vulnerable, contrite, and humble
  • No other response makes sense or brings healing
Spiritual mourning is an element of true repentance

Godly sorrow brings repentance, leading to salvation - 2 Corinthians 7:10


2009-12-27 - First the Kingdom - Ease of Meekness
Generally, being meek is not appealing
Meek is equated with weak - but this is not true

Greek word for "meek" - used to describe a stallion once it had been broken and had become teachable
We can be become meek if we confront our sin and experience godly sorrow

In the Bible, meekness is associated with humility and gentleness
This meekness has no relation to a timid or retiring character
It is: I need God and am totally open to whatever

Moses was said to be very meek - Numbers 12:3

Jesus himself was said to be meek - 2 Corinthians 10:1

2010-01-14 - Kingdom First - Words are Big
Jesus wanted people to get to heaven; it is the little things (our words) that will make us or break us - Matthew 5:37
If anyone considers himself religious and does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, is deceived and religion is worthless - James 1:26

Paul: most important ingredient?
Reliability - unreliable men will not only break God's chain but also discourages others - 2 Timothy 2:2

Most obvious way we can be unreliable is with our tongue
David about adversaries - Not a word from their mouth can be trusted - Psalms 5:9

Get character that speaks and lives the truth
Our "no" is okay if we say "no"
But in mostly it should be "yes" - 2 Corinthians 1:19

Jesus is our best example
Perhaps his favorite phrase was "I tell you the truth"
He did and he does

2010-01-16 - Kingdom First - Above and Beyond (part 2)
If someone forces you to go one mile; go two - Matthew 5:41-42

3. Addressed going to the extra mile

Roman law said you were required to carry a certain amount of baggage to another place
Such a law and its frequent use of it cause great resentment among the Jews
Jesus said we should go beyond what our authorities required
Message condemns any resentment we may feel against a legitimate authority

If reform seems necessary, we should seek it - 1 Corinthians 7:21-23
Should be done with lawful means

God demonstrates his own love for us
He gave up revenge, rights, and his energy for us
While we were sinners, Christ died for us - Romans 5:6-7

2010-01-17 - Kingdom First - Not Kidding
His challenge to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors
His message totally defies world standards

Consider the alternative: responding like the world
We become enslaved by how other treat us

Regardless how much we love the brotherhood of believers, if we hold any bitterness or resentment - we are simply reduced to the level of the world
No matter how unjust or painful the treatment, God's grace is sufficient - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

He expects us to have
Because he call to a life of righteousness which will produce enemies
Are we willing to go all the way and suffer for him - Philippians 1:29

He expects us to love and actively pray for the people who oppose us
How much do we persevere with people?
Do we answer back kindly when spoken to unjustly?

2010-01-18 - Kingdom First - Giving in Secret
Giving should be done without even our closest friends and family knowing - Matthew 6:1-4
God blesses are many time unknown or unseen to many people
He gives because he wants to

Are you content when no one sees your sacrifice?
Do you give without wanting anything in return?

Jesus' life was full of sacrifical giving and he expects us to do likewise
  • Lift up widow for giving out of her poverty - Luke 21:1-4
  • He challenges the rich young man to sell everything - Matthew 19:21
  • God loved us so much, he gave up his only son - John 3:16
Giving must be a decision we make - do it joyfully

God loves a cheerful giver - 2 Corinthians 9:7

2010-02-12 - First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

2010-02-14 - One Another - Bearing With Another (part 1)
How are we to bear with someone sin?
  1. Action should be done with prayer
  2. Listen and understand as fully as possible - Proverbs 18:13
  3. Relate to them, gently - described as a surgeon realigning a broken bone
  4. Point to scripture, scripture needs to train, not you - 2 Timothy 3:17
  5. Help them evaluate their heart with Godly sorrow - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
  6. Ask them what they see in needed to demonstrate repentance
  7. Take them all the way to the cross - to the place where sin dies, only way to be free
  8. Assure them of your support then give it to them


2010-02-25 - One Another - Forgiving One Another (part 1)
Matters related to forgiveness:

Forgiveness often is not easy

Pain creates lasting memories
The more deliberate the sin or the more we have invested in a relationship, the greater the pain
Greater the pain = harder it is to forgive

Forgiveness may be hardest in the church

When we see sin in our brothers and sisters, there seems to be a much greater temptation of bitterness

Satan's top-ranked scheme may be to lead us not to forgive

Paul: I have forgiven in order that Satan might not outwit us - 2 Corinthians 2:9-11
If he can get us to forget the cross and create a different standard for our brothers and sister = victory for satan
Sin can blemish the church but there is no uglier blemish than one cause by the lack of forgiveness

2010-02-27 - One Another - One Another In Groups (part 1)
Small groups were in the center of Jesus' ministry - spent much of his time with the 12

Principles of small groups

Focus on belonging and being devoted - Romans 12:5

All belong to one another - members of one another
These who have been united with Christ - this is your spiritual family

Be a giver, not just a taker
Always need great listeners (not just being quite) - ask questions, draw people out
Do your part to make the group warm, loving, supportive, open, etc
"I'm not getting much out from this group" - check your heart and actions

Appreciate, affirm, and encourage the different gifts - 1 Corinthians 12

God has given our brothers and sisters for our enjoyment
Give special focus to those who may feel marginalized by illness/disability

2010-02-28 - One Another - One Another In Groups (part 2)
Look for the Spirit's work in all things - 1 Thessalonians 5:6-19

The Spirit is always at work - John 5:17
Guard against the tendency to look at your group through unspiritual eyes
God chose the weak things of this world to shame the strong - 1 Corinthians 1:27
Don't just hang those you click with, God wants to teach us through people who are different from us

Support spiritual leadership - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Ask your leader(s) if he/she feels your support and encouragement - how you can more fully show it

2010-03-04 - To Live is Christ - To Love is to Live

There is nothing greater than love - 1 Corinthians 13:13

If we don't know how to love, we don't know how to live
To live as Christ is to learn how to love
If love isn't growing will soon die

Those who are satisfied with the love they attained have really ceased to love
Paul prayed for the Philippians' love to abound more and more

God is love - 1 John 4:8
Learning to love is learning to be like God - who among us can say we have arrived?

 



2010-03-07 - To Live is Christ - Self Titled
What is missing in so many lives is a clear sense of identity and purpose

Paul knew who he was and his his purpose of living/dying for Christ

In fact he had a relationship, example and a security destiny with Christ

If they spared his life, his purpose was to:
  • Show the life of Christ in his life
  • Tell others the good news
  • Mature those who were disciples
If death, then a life in heaven with Christ
Either way, it was a "win-win"

Paul was going to be delivered, one way or another - 2 Corinthians 1:10
  • Delivered from prison
  • Delivered from his life and struggles
  • Delivered from his loneliness and anxiety
What could be better than an unswerving commitment to someone greater than yourself?

2010-03-18 - To Live is Christ - Know Christ
Paul wanted to know Christ - Philippians 3:10-11

Did he not know him yet?
  • Three days of fasting and prayer? - Acts 9:9
  • After 3 years of personal training? - Galatians 1:11-24
  • After a visit to the 3 heaven? - 2 Corinthians 12:1-6
Geek verb ginoskein - close to intimacy of marriage

Paul knew about Jesus
He was will aware that simply doing the right thing did not give him intimacy

Do we really know Christ?
To become like him in his death is become like him in life:
  • Give when you are tired
  • Pray when you do not want to
  • Stand your ground against emotions and thoughts
  • Overcome fear and to love in practical, unselfish way
To live like this is to know Christ
The spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you - Romans 8:11

2010-03-21 - To Live is Christ - Joy and Crown
Paul: My joy and crown is you standing firm in the Lord - Philippians 4:1
For the Greeks, the crown was a symbol of victory or a token of honor

Paul's crown was changed lives
The legacy was lasting and the reward was eternal
Paul to Corinthians: Result of the ministry not written on tablets but on human hearts - 2 Corinthians 3:2-3

If other people's spiritual growth is not our concern, it will never be our joy
If others are not our joy in this life, they will never be our crown after this life

What brought Jesus joy, brought Paul joy
Where do we get our joy in life?

Self-centeredness is the greatest roadblock of joy
We can not be concerned about the things of God if our own things get in the way

The Philippians were Paul's concern,  his focus, his joy and his crown

2010-03-25 - To Live is Christ - Learned to be Content
The secret of being content in any situations is to remember - I can do everything through him who gives me strength - Philippians 4:10-13

Content = Greek word autarkeia = self-sufficiency or not needing a thing

Secret he learned was not because he choose not to care

He learned it by:
  • Listening to Christ everyday
  • Holding on to his faith in the fiery trails
  • Slowly and painfully
Paul did not raise from baptism knowing this, he came out of the waters ready to learn it
At one point - bad circumstances led him to despair of life itself - 2 Corinthians 1:8

What circumstances are in your life right now that could lead to a lack of contentment?


2010-04-01 - Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


2010-04-02 - Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 2)
While there is certain kinds of judging that is prohibited or discourage, there is also judging that is encouraged
  • Judging whether someone is receptive - Matthew 7:6
  • Coming to a correct conclusion - Luke 12:57
  • Spiritual judgments - 1 Corinthians 2:15
  • Church discipline - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
  • Adjudicating in litigation - 1 Corinthians 6:5
  • Being convicted by spiritual worship - 1 Corinthians 14:24
And some judgment belonging only to God
  • Judgment regarding retribution - Hebrews 10:30
  • Final judgment - John 12:48


2010-04-08 - Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 2)
Teaching is one of the few gifts mentioned in both in the lists of Ephesian 4 and 1 Corinthians 12

What exactly is a teacher?
  • Primary job is to teach the scriptures
  • They need to teach the truth
  • False teachers are always out there
    • OT = Jeremiah 8:7-8
    • NT = 2 Peter 2:1
  • Are need to arrange biblical themes - Ecclesiastes 12:9-10
  • Teacher are primary instructional while preachers are more inspirational
  • Teachers must have deep convictions - allow those without is dangerous
  • Teachers must be on the cutting edge - teacher not at their best -> teaching becomes effected


2010-04-12 - Life to the Full - Macho Mist (part 2)
Spiritual adultery - How easy it is to flirt with the world if we fail to guard our hearts - Proverbs 4:23
In Jewish law, adultery is grounds for divorce

The Spirit cause to live within us envies intensely - James 3:5

The nature of God: He will tolerate no rivals for his love
God is a jealous God - Exodus 34:14

One of the quoted OT verse in the the NT is about pride - Proverbs 3:34
Much of the pride mention in the NT is bad: Pride goes before the fall - Proverbs 16:18
Pride mentioned in the NT is usually good: I take great pride in you - 2 Corinthians 7:4
It depends on where the pride is rooted and the attitude behind it

If you feel ineffective, frustrated, unproductive, opposed - it might be because God is opposing you because of your pride
He is trying to get your attention so you will turn back to him

2010-04-19 - Life to the Full - In His Steps (part 2)

Disciples are priests and ministers in function - using the righteousness of Jesus - 1 Peter 2:4-6

Preist, by definition, is holier than the common man

The clergy-laity system is flawed because of there reasons:

  • It is elitiest
  • Fosters a double-standard
  • It is unbiblical

Consider today's denominational titles:

  • Father - Jesus said to avoid this title - Matthew 23:9
  • Pope - means father; Peter was suppose to the first one but he never claimed that he was
  • Paster - Latin for shepard; refered only in - Ephesians 4:11
  • Bishop - Greek for overseer
  • Priest - corruption of the Greek presbyteros, meaning elder
  • Female pasters - Roundly rejected by the NT; See 1 Timothy 3 and 1 Corinthians 14
  • Monks and Nuns - created in the 2nd and 3rd centuries; Jesus said we are in the world but not of the world

 



2010-04-20 - Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone (part 1)

1 Corinthians 1:20-23 - Jesus came to bring salvation; to some he became a stumbling block

Romans 14:10-24...

  • We are free to do many things with our faith
  • Personal freedom must be balanced with personal responsibilty for others
  • Questions to ask: Will my personal freedom be a stumbling block to others?
  • v15 - brothers were distrussed by other's freedom - that is where is know we have gone too far with our freedom
  • Areas we say it is our right to control
    • Music
    • Dating
    • Contribution
    • Evangelism
    • Commitment to church

Which is better to have?

  • Win the battle of your rights or win the war of salvation for someone?
  • Your opinon or unity of Jesus' church?

 



2010-04-24 - Life to the Full - In His Steps (part 5)
According to Peter, evangelism must be:
  • Christ-centered - we preach Jesus Christ as Lord - 2 Corinthians 4:5
  • Well-prepared - must know what we are talking about - 2 Timothy 2:15
  • Be yourself / Be real - eloquence is not a requirement - 1 Corinthians 2:12
  • Be gentle and respectful - No place for self-righteousness
  • Non-retaliating - We will be opposed; If we retaliate, we lose; Turn the other cheek - Matthew 5:39
  • Unhypocritical - People will be eager to change when they see the good news supported by your life


2010-04-27 - 7 Habits of Highly Effective Children

Preached by Dan Rice (2005-06-26)

Mark 10:13 - We must have a child like heart to make it to heaven

Children Love Life
John 10:9 - Jesus says we can live life to the full

Children Want to Grow
2 Peter 3:18 - They were eager to learn

Children Change Fast - 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

Children Take Risk - Care less about what people think about them. John 12:42-43

Children are quick to trust
John 14:1-4 - Jesus has our best interest at heart
Numbers 20:12 - Moses and Aaron did not trust
Deuteronomy 1:29-35 - Israel did not trust
Psalms 20:7-8 Psalms 22:4-5 Psalms 44:16-17 Psalms 49:13-14 Proverbs 3:5

Children are Idealist - they dream; it is better than synical

Children are faithful - John 3:16 - They did not many reasons like we do.



2010-04-29 - Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

  • It is our responsibility to grow
  • We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

  • Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
  • Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

  • Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
  • Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
  • Perservering is where you mature


2010-05-03 - Renewing Your Spiritual Passion for God (part 2)

1 Kings 19:1

  • Travels 150 miles to get way from Jezebel
    • It is amazing how far we get away
  • Lost gratitude
  • God doesn't give up
    • He sends angels
  • How to get back our spiritual compassion?
    • Go back!
    • Don't run from your fear
    • Don't just go through the motions
    • We are to face ourselves
Renewing your spiritual passion for each other

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

2 Corinthians 7:2-13

  • Challenges are need
  • They produce more reliance and faith in God


Renew Your Spiritual Passion for the Lost

Mark 5:6-11

  • Jesus saw their pain and their lostness
    • Broken marriages
    • Cannot control their children
  • We need to get into their lives
  • The will open up with your help


2010-05-04 - The Amazements (part 1)

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1997-09-09

The people were amazed by Jesus

Mark 1:22, 27

  • Teachings amazed them
  • Why were they new?
    • Taught from the heart
  • Above treating others like they do you - Love your enemies
  • Caught in adultery vs. even thing about a girl lustfully
2 Timothy 3:1-9
  • Change/Repent = idleness is not godliness
  • Not feel-good messages all the time
1 Corinthians 4:18-20
  • vs. 20 Not of talk but of power
  • Jesus amazed the people by his power
Mark 2:12
  • Revealed the power of God
  • Difference: his healing was attributed to God


2010-05-06 - Top Ten of Giving

Preached by unknown - 2004-03-21

1. Gave his one and only - John 3:16
Giving defined by God
What is your one and only?

2. He became poor for us - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Who and how are we becoming poor for others?

3. Many thanks to God - 2 Corinthians 9:11

4. God loves a cheerful giver- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Is our giving cheerfully?

5. More than enough - Exodus 35:1-36:7
Do I ever shoot to give more?
What if you changed one thing per day?
Extended yourself all the time

6. Burnt offering worth nothing - 2 Samuel 24:18

7. Rich generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Grace is an undeserved gift Give in poor areas?

8. All she had to live on - Mark 12:41-44

9. It is more blessed to give than receive - Acts 20:35

10. Test me in this - Malachi 3:6-12



2010-05-23 - Desire's Journey - Disowned Desire

Examples of desires used for bad then good

King David - passions got him in trouble, then gave us our book of worship

Peter - was hotheaded disciple always quick with a reply
First to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah and became a key apostle

Paul - extremely zealous for the traditions of his fathers, killed Christians
Jesus captured his zeal for good - he worked harder than all the other apostles - 1 Corinthians 15:10

Those who killed their passion altogether would murder the very essence that makes heros of the faith
Killing our desire is like the thinking of curing our sickness by bleeding out the bad



2010-06-10 - Jesus - the Zealot (part 1)

By Richard Dixon in 1999-09-26
    Zealot = a man who aims at overthrows
    Jesus mission was to overthrow Satan's ruling government over the earth
    1 John 3:7-8
    • Jesus came to destroy Satan
    • A zealot has a cause
    • What was Jesus' cause?
      • Save man from hell
      • Save man from himself
      • Save man from Satan
    Matthew 26:50-55
    • They saw Jesus as a renigade

    Cause worth living for

    Luke 9:25
    • What good is it?
    • What would you write down as things that you are trying to gain?
    • Living for Jesus is living life to the full
    Luke 10:10
    • Sometimes life is not fair
      • Through salvation (Judgement) comes fairness
    • We hurt ourselves with the question "WHY?"
      • Like we can demand an answer from God
    2 Corinthians 5:14
    • Love compels us not out of duty


2010-06-11 - Jesus - the Zealot (part 2)

Cause with fighting for

Are you fighting for what is right?

John 18:36

  • Who have you been fighting?
    • The battle isn't the person in front of you
  • If we are not fighting for our faith then something is wrong.


2 Timothy 4:7

  • Fight for your faith:
    • Fight for Quiet Times
    • Fight for Reaching Out
    • Fight for Purity
    • Fight for Self Discipline


2 Corinthians 10:4-6

  • Not with machine guns or cannons
  • Fighting through prayer and studying the Word
    • Destroys arguments


To overthrow Satan in your life...You must first be a Zealot of God.



2010-06-14 - I need to pray (part 1)

Preached on 2002-08-25 by Vince Hawkins

Ephesians 3:14-21

  • I kneel before the Father - come to God humble
  • Strength comes from how deep, wide, long of Christ's love
  • Prayer can do anything God can do

God overwhelms the mind

Genesis 41:40 - overwhelmed Joseph with the position that was given to him

1 Kings 10:7-8 - Sheba was overwhelmed by Solomon's wealth and wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:9 - He will overwhelm you by his love

Ephesians 3:20 - more than we can ask or image

  • Think about how God meet everyone of your needs
  • Think about how God go beyond everyone of your needs
  • Think about how God can bless you beyond what we can think of




2010-06-15 - I need to pray (part 2)

God overcomes our weaknesses

Romans 8:26 - God knows what we need

2 Corinthians 11:30 - FF - We must admit that where we are weak

Show me where I am weak, Lord!?!

God overhears our prayers

Psalms 4:1-8 - God listens to our prayers

Psalms 5:1-3 - Wait in expectation

Psalms 10:15-18 - God is always there

Psalms 65:1-4 - When are overwhelmed by sin

Psalms 102:17 - God responds to prayer

Psalms 109:3-4 - We must men and women of prayer



2010-06-19 - All or Nothing (part 2)

New Testament

Romans 11:17-21 - You can get arrogant

1 Corinthians 10:1-10 - Do repeat the same misakes of those in the OT

Galatians 6:7-10 - We reap what we sow, do not become weary of doing good

Jude 3-4 - Grace of God is not a license to sin

1 John 4 - Can not love God without loving your brother

2 Timothy 4 - We need to check to see if we have sound doctrine

Hebrew 5 - Teachers can become arrogance

Revelation 2-3 = Churches can loose focus

  1. Read and Pray Daily to God
  2. We need others in our lives
  3. We need meetings of the body
  4. Giving to God
  5. Complete Openness
  6. People are going to heaven or hell
  7. Reaching out to others


2010-06-20 - Building the temple (part 1)

Preached by Damon Pabts on 2002-03-03

1 Chronicles 28:9-10

  • Serve him wholehearted
    • Not just serve but with all of your heart
    • Be strong = command, not an idea


Building Yourself

1 Chronicles 29:1-4

  • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - we are the temple
  • If you do not know where you are
    • Are you in the Word?
    • Daily diet - not once a week


Give everything to build

1 Chronicles 29:2-4

  • Have given up everything?!?
  • It is not any different now!
    • Remember:
      • Door knowing
      • Street Preaching
  • Where are people with the heart to build to God's temple?
  • Have you turned to other Gods?
    • House
    • Kids
    • Car
  • Have you dethrowned God?




2010-06-21 - Building the temple (part 2)

Consencate yourself

1 Chronicles 29:5

  • Who is willing to consecrate himself to God?
    • Kingdom not about men
    • What is stopping you? hurts?
      • Suffering matures us
    1 Corinthians 6:7
    • Have you been wronged?
      • Join the club!
    • God gets justice, not you!


    1 Chronicles 29:6-29

    • Where there is consecration (repentance) there brings rejoicing
    • They flat-out worshiped
    • Where was David's heart? with God
      • David thought it was amazing that he could give back what God gave him
    • Has earth become your home?


2010-07-24 - Desire's Journey - Letting Go (part 1)
The more comfortable we are with mystrery in our journey, the more rest we will know along the way

Paul's quests - 2 Corinthians 6:10
  • Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing
  • Poor, yet making many rich
  • Having nothing, yet possessing everything
If we remain open to sorrow, we can know joy

Somehow being empty allows us to make others rich

Some believe in the church that being a Christian somehow satisfies our every desire
Augustine: "The whole life of the good Christian is a holy longing"

Being content is not the same as being full

2010-08-01 - Desire's Journey - Keeping Heart (part 2)
The NT scriptures do not differ from the old testament about forgetfulness
Bread and the cup was give to us in rememberence of him

Paul was shock that the Galatians were turning away so soon from God - Galatians 1:6
He sent Timothy to the Corinthians to remind them to share the eternal life he gives through Christ - 1 Corinthians 4:17
Peter, who knew firsthand the grief that comes with forgetting writes to keep firm the grip on faith - 1 Peter 5:10

Life is a journey of the heart that requires the mind
The heart is the center of life
Desire is always where the action is
We must bring the truth into our hearts to guard and to guide our desires - this is the other half of the mission

Popular phrases that do not work: Follow your heart, Trust your soul

We must cling to the truth for dear life - both heart and mind together

2010-08-09 - Waking Dead - The Heart's Eyes

Do not lose heart, fix our eyes on what is unseen - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We are losing heart, all of us, daily

Someone was trying to shutdown Paul during his ministry - 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
He was looking at what he could not see

Life is an illustion - there is a way of looking at life and be able to live from the heart no matter what
How? By seeing with the eyes of the heart - Ephesians 1:18

Jesus spoke in parables to our hearts:

  • A sower went out to sow some seed
  • A man fell into the hands of robbers
  • Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one
  • There were ten virgins with ten lamps

Jesus spoke in a way that will get past all intellectual defenses
Civil War: Fought between 1861 to 1865 vs stories of the lives lost during that time

When you tell a story, you speak to the heart



2010-08-16 - Waking Dead - Motives
Those who live from the mind shed few tears
There are the stated reasons for what we do and then there is the real reasons = motives

On the day of judgment, the Lord will expose the motive of men's hearts - 1 Corinthians 4:5
The Pharisees prayed to impress men with their spirituality and gave to impress with their generosity
God looks at the heart

The law is written on our hearts and consciences - Romans 2:15
It is why it is so important to not to harden our hearts

The heart is where we do our deepest thinking
Jesus knows what the we are thinking in our hearts
Solomon asked for a wise and discerning heart - 1 Kings 3:9

The modern mistake is to think that the mind equals reason and the heart equals emotion

2010-08-21 - Waking Dead - Last Adam
Paul refers to Jesus as the Last Adam and the Second Man - 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

Adam and Eve were rulers over all creation and glorious image bearers of God
Their choices would forever shape our lives - chose to disobey the one command they were given
Fruit does not fall far from the tree
Parents often wonder where their toddler learn how to be disobedient
It was taught to them - it is inherent to human nature
Through one man disobedience - many were made sinners - Romans 5:12

A man comes down from heaven, slips into the world unnoticed as:
  • Neo does in Matrix
  • Maximus does in Gladiator
  • Wallance does in Braveheart
Just as Adams' trespass had far reaching effects, Jesus, the Last Adam,  effects were much greater - Romans 5:17


2010-08-22 - Waking Dead - New Heart
Most people assume the Cross is the total work of Christ
The Resurrection is the epilogue of the real story

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith - 1 Corinthians 15:14

WWJD? Not wearing a cross necklace
Church did not even began using the cross in a minor role symbol until 400 years after Christ

Must become a witness with us of his resurrection - Acts 1:22
Proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead - Acts 4:2
Apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus - Acts 4:33
Paul preached the good news about Jesus and the resurrection - Acts 17:18

2010-08-30 - Waking Dead - Pay Attention to our Heart
Most of us have not been trained to pay attention to our heart
It will take a little practice to tune in to it

Many understand how to play the beautiful instrument of the heart
  • Advertisers work on you to get you to buy their product
  • Your boss knows how to keep you moving
  • Devil is the master at manipulating the heart
The hairs of our head are easier to count than to understand the movement of the heart

The enemy to distress you by throwing all sorts of thoughts your way and blaming you for it
We must proceed with the assumption that your heart is good - Romans 7
Over time you will grow familiar with the movements of your heart

Just like if any counsel or word that presents itself as being from God - must be checked against his word

The flesh will try to use your freedom to get you to do things you shouldn't do
Any discouragement, condemnation (Romans 8:1), accusation, confusion is not from God

His conviction brings desire for repentance - 2 Corinthians 7:10

2010-09-15 - God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


2010-09-19 - Waking Dead - Setting the Heart Free
All spiritual warfare follows a simple pattern - James 4:7

Submit and resist
Submit ourselves to Christ and resist whatever has come against us or those we love
Their needs to "dailyness" to our walk

1. We have to choose to abide in Christ
Consecrate our whole body:
  • Body - Romans 12:1
  • Soul - Luke 10:27
  • Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:17
2. Then we need to cleanse our lives with the blood of Christ
Take our place under the headship of Christ
The faith of centurion, he understood authority - Matthew 8:10

Most sins fall under:
  • Pride - independence from God
  • Idolatry - Giving our devotion, fear, or any part of our heart to something other than God
We need to ask God to search our hearts so we might confess sin and agreements we have made

2010-09-22 - Waking Dead - It Must Be Small
Jesus did not march around backed by hundreds of followers
He had a band of brothers - the Twelve
Through we are part of a great company, we are meant to live a little platoons
Groups small enough for each of the members to know one another as friends and allies
Who's heart will you fight for? Who will fight for your heart?

He spoke to the masses but lived with his closest twelve

His followers took his example and lived this way too
  • Broke bread in their homes and ate together - Acts 2:46
  • The church meet in houses - 1 Corinthians 16:19
  • House church at Nymph's house - Colossians 4:15
The little fellowships of the heart are outpost of the kingdom
Anytime an army goes to war or expedition, they break down into platoons and squads

You can not be devoted to a mass of people
Devotion takes place in small units like a family

2010-10-15 - Giving (Part I)
  1. The Old Testament Precedent - Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 1:13-14
    1. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth (tithe) of all their income to the Lord
    2. The Israelites had many other kinds of sacrifices (e.g. burnt, sin, grain, fellowship offerings) in addition to the tithe. The Israelites actually gave up to 33% of their income to God.
    3. The sacrifices were to be the best available. God will not accept a second rate sacrifice.
  2. New Testament Examples
    1. The Widow - Mark 12:41-44
      She was commended not for what she gave, but her giving heart. She was totally dependent on God.
    2. Barnabas - Acts 4:36-37
      He sold his property and gave all the proceeds from the sale to meet the needs of the church.
    3. The Macedonians - 2 Corinthians 8:1-3
      They gave beyond their ability even though they were extremely poor
  3. True Sacrifice Costs Something - 2 Samuel 24:21-25
    1. David refused to sacrifice to God something that cost him nothing.

QUESTIONS

  1. Am I giving my best to God in my weekly giving? Do I give to God first out of my pay or out of what is left over?
  2. What percentage of my income am I giving in my weekly contribution?
  3. What am I willing to sell or sacrifice for the special contribution?


2010-10-16 - Giving (Part II)
  1. It Takes Faith to Give - Malachi 3:8-11
    1. God wants us to test him in our giving (v. 10). All we need is the faith.
    2. God is waiting to pour out blessing when we trust Him. It is easy to say 'I'll give when God blesses me." God says, "Give and I win bless you."
  2. God's Promises - Malachi 3:10-11, Mark 10:29-31, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
    1. We will not have enough room for God's blessings.
    2. We can never outgive God.
    3. God always gives back 100 times as much to us.
    4. God will continue to give to us so we in turn can give to others and meet their needs.
    5. Ultimate blessing: treasure in heaven.
  3. Depend on God - Philippians 4:14-19
    1. Our giving is a sacrifice pleasing to God.
    2. When we give, God will meet all our needs.

QUESTIONS

  1. Do I hold back on my contribution because I am worried about the future?
  2. Does my giving cause me to rely on God?
  3. What amount of money should I be giving weekly that is both responsible and still requires faith?
  4. When have I relied on the promise of God in my giving? What did God do in response?


2010-10-17 - Giving (Part III)
  1. Giving with Joy - 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
    1. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give. Plan your giving.
    2. God does not want you to give reluctantly or under compulsion. You should feel a joy, excitement, and enthusiasm when you give.
    3. God loves a cheerful (in Greek "hilarious") giver.
  2. The Privilege of Giving - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5
    1. The Macedonians urgently pleaded to give.
    2. They understood that it was a privilege because they had first given themselves to the Lord.
  3. Special Times of Giving, Time of Victory, and Joy for God's People
    1. The Israelites gave to build the temple and the people rejoiced (1 Chronicles 29:1-9)
    2. The building of the tabernacle: the people willingly brought more than needed (Exodus 35:20-29,36:2-7)

QUESTIONS

  1. Am I a cheerful giver? What keeps me from giving cheerfully?
  2. Am I eager or reluctant to give, especially at special contribution times?
  3. At what time was I the most joyful about my giving? Why?


2010-10-18 - Sacrificial Living
  1. Jesus' Example - 2 Corinthians 8:9, Luke 9:57-58
    1. Jesus chose to live sacrificially. He gave up heaven itself.
    2. He became poor so the world could be saved.
  2. The Need for Sacrificial Living
    1. To meet the physical needs of others. (2 Corinthians 8:13-15; Acts 4:34-37)
      1. Paul wanted those who had plenty to sacrifice for those who were in need.
      2. The first century Christians sacrificed so there would be no needy people among them.
    2. To support full-time workers so the world would be evangelized. (Philippians 4:10-19)
      1. Paul commended the Philippians for the aid they had sent him.
      2. He considered their gifts to him as a sacrifice to God.
    3. There was always a purpose in the Bible for living sacrificially. It was never to sacrifice for the sake of sacrifice alone.

QUESTIONS

  1. In what ways can I choose to live more sacrificially in order to have money to give to meet needs?
    Examples:
    • Cut food budget
    • Limit or eliminate eating out for a time to save for a special contribution
    • Use creativity during dates in order to save money
    • Stop impulse spending (vending machines, fast food, etc.)
  2. Am I willing to "become poor" so that others can have the opportunity to become Christians?


2010-10-21 - Dealing With Debt (Part II)
  1. Why Get Out of Debt?
    1. It hinders us from being able to give generously. When we are paying 18%+ interest on top of the principal, it is difficult to have anything left to share with others.
    2. It is wasteful. The exorbitant interest we pay on our credit cards is totally wasted.
    3. The balance is probably there because you were not following God's plan for your finances.
  2. How to Get Out
    1. You must be radical (Matthew 5:29-30)
      1. Cut up all your credit cards (if you have outstanding balances that you have not been able to pay off for 3 months or more).
      2. Call your credit card companies and cancel the accounts.
      3. Work out your budget with the goal of removing your debt. Do not buy anything that is not necessary. Cut all unnecessary expenditures out of your budget (e.g. cable TV, newspaper).
      4. Get input (Proverbs 15:22)
      5. Commit your plan to the Lord (Psalms 127:1-2)
    2. Finish the job (Luke 14:28-30)
      1. Let godly sorrow lead you to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). You must take responsibility for your debt.

QUESTIONS

  1. Am I in sinful/foolish debt? If so, why?
  2. Am I willing to apply the principles set forth to get out of debt?
  3. What will be the hardest thing for me to change to get out of debt?
  4. Who do I know that will be able to help me with my plan?


2010-10-29 - Contagious Christian - Opportunities in Relationships
Developing friendships takes time and effort
We try to short-circuit the process sometimes by using the reason of there are too many people to reach

We are wise to start relationships on a natural, nonthreatening grounds
Then later, in the context of the relationship open up conversations to spiritual issues

Most of His interactions with the religious establishment involved challenging their attitudes

Jesus spent the majority of His time with those outside the religious establishment
He rubbed shoulders with tax collectors (thieves in that day), prostitutes, those with low spiritual reprobates
Because they mattered to Him and He wanted to lead them to the family of God
We love Him because He loved us first
Paul - "I have become all things to all men so I might same some" - 1 Corinthians 9:22



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