Quiet Times Search

• Wanted choice seat to the right and left of Jesus
• Wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village

1. Time and Energy
How better to expend time and energy than investing into someone who will thank you for enternity?
What other investment will reap so high a reward?

2. Reading and Study
Some effect to make cetain you know what you are talking about

3. Money
The amount of hard cash spent is still relatively low in camparsion to the overwhelming rewards that result
Can't imagine a safer investment

4. Risk of Embarrassment, Rejection or Persecution
Blessed are you when people insult you - great is your reward in heaven - Matthew 5:11-12

5. Complication of Life
It entangles us in the concerns and activities of their lives
We have less independence
Add to our overloaded schedules
But so does getting married, having children, and buying a house
The most important things complicate our lives, but they are worth it!

1. The Blessing of Giving - Acts 20:33-35
   1. Paul did not desire anyone else's money or possessions.
   2. He worked hard and sacrificed to help the weak.
   3. He knew that giving brought more joy than receiving.
2. Living for Eternal Possessions - Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 10:32-34
   1. When our treasure is in heaven not on earth, our hearts will be in heaven also.
   2. As disciples, we will look foolish to the world because our hearts and our treasures (money) are in heaven not on earth.
3. All Things For Our Enjoyment - 1 Timothy 6:17-18
   1. It is very easy for us who have wealth to put our hope and trust in money/things rather than God.
   2. As disciples we are commanded to be generous and willing to share.
   3. When we follow God"s plan we can feel great about enjoying the blessings God has given us.

1. Which do I desire more, to give or to receive?
2. How can I put all my treasure in heaven so that all my heart will be there also?
3. How am I being generous and willing to share on a daily basis?
4. Am I enjoying God's blessings or do I feel guilty about the things I have?

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.

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?

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.

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?

• Intense temptation by Satan - vs1-3
• First sermon
• First personal challenge with the faithless
• First attempt on his life
• First spiritual and physical healing of the wounded

• He created us in his own image - Genesis 1:27
• Satan with sin, drove a wedge between us and God
• Sin destroyed our relationship with God and one another - Isaiah 59:1-2
• He grieved that he had made man - Genesis 6:6

• Resist the devil - James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9
• Stand firm in the faith - 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13;1 Peter 5:9
• Store treasures in heaven - Matthew 6:20-21
• Submit to the governing authorities - Romans 13:1
• Submit yourself to God - James 4:7
• Submit yourself to each other - Ephesians 5:21
• Test everything - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
• Walk with the Spirit - Galatians 5:25
• Warn those who are idle - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
• Watch your life and your doctrine closely - 1 Timothy 4:16

Old Testament scriptures about sin

• Ecclesiastes 7:20 - There is not a righteous man on earth
• Leviticus 18 - If a persons sins, he will be cut off
• Ecclesiastes 4:4 - Achievement will not get get us to heaven
• Genesis 4:7 - if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door
• Proverbs 6:16-19 - God hates sin
• Isaiah 59:1-3 - Sin separates us from God
• Psalms 26:1-2 - We need to turn from our ways and live blamelessly

• City of the Living God - Hebrews 12:22
• Congregation of saints - Psalms 149:1
• Congregation of the Lord's poor - Psalms 74:19
• Dove - Song of Solomon 2:14; 5:2
• Family in heaven and earth - Ephesians 3:15
• Flock of God - Ezekiel 34:15; 1 Peter 5:2
• Fold of Christ - John 10:16

• General assembly of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23
• Golden candlestick - Revelation 1:20
• God's building - 1 Corinthians 3:9
• God's husbandry - 1 Corinthians 3:9
• God's heritage - Joel 3:2; 1 Peter 5:3
• Habitation of God - Ephesians 2:22
• Heavenly of Jerusalem - Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22

• John 10:30,38 - I and the Father are one
• John 14:10-11, 20 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
• John 17:11, 21, 23 - Father, just as you are in me and I am in you

• John 7:16 - My teaching is not my own
  
• John 12:49 - For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me

• John 5:19, 30 - He can do only what he sees his Father doing
• John 8:28 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence

• John 5:30 - By myself I can do nothing
• John 6:38 - I have come down from heaven not to do my will
• John 4:34 - My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work
• John 17:4 - I have brought you glory on earth by completing your work
• John 14:31 - World must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what He commands
• John 15:10 - I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love

• Luke 2:49 - "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
• John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven

• John 3:17  - God sent his son to save the world through him.
• Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
• Matthew 9:13 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners
• 1 Timothy 1:15 - Jesus came into the world to save sinners
• 1 John 3:5 - He appeared so that he might take away our sins

• 2 Corinthians 5:20 - We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,
• Timothy 2:6-7 - Pointed out those who have wandered away
• John 17:18 - As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

• Romans 1:14-16 - Was eager to preach the gospel
  
• 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Preached the ministry of reconciliation

• Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
• John 20:21 - As the Father has sent me, I am sending you

• Mark 16:15-16 - Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation
• If this is not our purpose, then there is not reason for us to exist after baptism. If as disciples of Christ, we have no purpose, then God ought to take us to Heaven directly from the baptistery.

• Being wimpy and letting people walk over you: Jesus was no wimp - John 2:15
• Have no opinions, become a spiritual robot: Paul pleased God not man - Galatians 1:10

• Getting and applying input - Proverbs 19:20
• Taking correction - Proverbs 12:1

• He was God but left heaven to become man (like you becoming an ant)
• He gave up being a king to serve those who didn’t love or respect him.
• He died for you and me.

• God honors humility
• When we become humble we become more like God himself.

• Best example is in a marriage (someone has to start with “I’m sorry”)
• Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers” not “blessed is the one who wins the argument”

Summary

God created the heavens, the earth and everything that lives. He made humankind in his image and gave them charge over the earth.

Observations

Genesis 1:1 - the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep,
Without God we formless, unfocused, and empty. We try to create our own heaven-on-earth but never succeed without him. We try to "eat" junk food to fill us up but all they contain is empty calories. Without God there is no light and only darkness. Without light, we do not know what is going on around us nor what direction to go.

Genesis 1:4 - separated the light from the darkness.
It is important to understand that light and darkness were separated from the beginning. They can not both exist in the same location. It is even more important find out with side you are on.

Genesis 1:16 - He made the stars also.
Oh, by the way, God created all the countless numbers of stars, planets, galaxies, and other objects of the universe. So much matter that we can not even begin to see with a telescope. But God does not focus on matter, he focuses on what matters. The Bible is focused on God and his relationship with mankind. Like Jesus' miracles described in [John 20:30], the amount of God's acts are too great to be counted. Can you image the amount of books that could be written about what God created?

Genesis 1:26 - so they may rule
God entrust us to rule over all all other living things. But many we times we are ruled by our sinful natures. If we can not even control ourselves, how can we "rule" over other things?

Genesis 1:27 - God created humankind in his own image
Sometimes we mistake us being an exact copy of God verses a reflection of God. We should be a photo copy and not try to replace God in our lives. We must be become more reflective of God like a mirror. Constantly cleaning off the smudges of sin with the blood of Jesus.

Personal Application

God is bigger than I think he is. I have made him too small in my mind and do not allow Him to take control -- this is absurd since he has control over the universe and does a perfect job at it. My actions show that I don't fully trust God in this way.

Summary

Adam's line was: Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah. Noah's sons were Shem, Ham and Japheth.

Observations

Genesis 5:2 - He created them male and female and blessed them
It has always been God's intention to bless each and every one of us. And we do have many blessings!! But do we see them? We can not be grateful toward God unless we step back and look at all the great things he has done for us.

Genesis 5:22 - Enoch walked with God 300 years
Through the family line which is described here, God stops the pattern of listing the names of children and ages of important events to mention   Enoch's walk with God. Because of the obvious age limitations we have today, It was a walk longer than we will ever see with God on this earth - probably greater than 4 times. Can you imagine the faith and persistence he must have had?

Genesis 5:24 - then he was no more, because God took him away
Enoch did not see death but rather he was taken up to heaven. Along with Elijah [2 Kings 2:11], they were are the only two mentioned in the Bible to have gone directly to see him. How and why this happened, I am not sure but it does show God felt these relationship were very special to Him.

Personal Application

The challenge for me is simple: To finish the race [Acts 20:24] with great faith and perseverance. But not just to get by but to have a relationship with God that shines before others. When people talk about me, do they stop and mention my relationship with God like the Bible does with Enoch? What does God say about my faith?

Summary

They began building a great tower for themselves, but the Lord confused their language. Shem's line included Abram who married Sarai.

Observations

Genesis 11:4 - so that we may make a name for ourselves
We all have a built-in desire to reach God and the heavens. It is all about the manner in which we do it. The people here wanted it for selfish reasons and not as misguided attempt to have a relationship with God. They wanted to make a name for themselves to show other what they could do. Why do we go to church and come to a Bible study group? Is it for show or is it because we want to know God?

Genesis 11:6 - then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them
For good purposes or bad, when we come together we can do amazing things. If the united people at time could start to create a large tower to the heavens without God, what can we do as a united people with God?!?

Personal Application

I need to check my motivations on why I do things - especially the "good" things. Is it to further my relationship with God or for selfish gain or to please someone else?

Be “unreasonably,” “illogically” joyful because your name is written in heaven.

It seems you have more to do than you can get done but your name is written in heaven.

Your prayers didn’t get answered the way you thought they would but your name is written in heaven.

You are having “one of those days” but your name is written in heaven.

You didn’t do everything right but your name is written in heaven.

Luke 10:18-20 - Rejoice that your names stand written in heaven

• Paul learned thankfulness no matter what your circumstances
• Without doubt the most valuable secret in life.
• How can we learn to be thankful?

• Remember that you were an object of wrath and on the path to hell.
• Think how fortunate you are to be in God's grace and on the road to heaven.
• Were would you be today without God's grace?
  

• Learn to enjoy serving God and His people.
• Don't look for recognition.
• Old life hide sin, new life hide good

• What do you see?
  • Do not be anxious about anything - the Lord is near.
  • Constantly think about GOOD, NOBLE, HONOURABLE and PURE things. (Don't allow the devil to pollute your mind).
  • Rejoice in the Lord always.

• Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
• Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity

• 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
• Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus

• 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
• 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position

• Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
• Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
• James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others

• Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
• Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
• 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
• Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
• Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God

1. Why does your hope in Christ go beyond this earthly life?
2. Why are we as Christians to be pitied if there is no eternal life?

1. What is the mystery Paul tells us (vs.51)?
2. Why do we normally fear death - and why should we no longer be afraid of dying?
3. Why should we work for the Lord? What will happen when we give ourselves completely?

1. When were you raised with Christ?
2. What should you be thinking about from now on?
3. What things should you stop thinking about so much?

1. Imagine what the day of judgement will be like. Who will be there?
2. How will everyone be feeling?

1. Who is the bride of Christ?
2. Describe heaven.
3. Check yourself against verse 8. Are any of these sins in your life?

1. What other eternal joys will be in heaven?
2. Why does God want us to know these words are trustworthy and true?

• Who do you serve?
• Do you serve those who are struggling in their faith?
• Do you feel opposed at everything you try to do?
• Could it be God opposing your pride? James 4:6 Is God simply trying to teach you humility and trust?
• What simple thing can you do to serve someone today? Whether they are in the church or not.

• What are some of the greatest things that you have ever done in your life?
• What great things do you dream about doing now?
• What "greater things" are you going to do this year?

• Which will you choose in this year?
• What are three things that you most feel the need to change in your life?
• How will you take the first step in each of these three?

• What are some barriers to your faith in Christ?
• What characteristics of Christ do you admire?
• Pick one of those and focus on emulating it today in your own life.

• Romans 1: 21 - being ungrateful can be at the root to many sins in your life
• Luke 7: 36-50 - those who are more grateful show a greater capacity to love.
• Luke 17: 11-19 - the thankful are commended before God.
• Psalms 50: 5-23 - note that the sacrifice that means the most to God is one of 'Thanks!'

1. Love learning
2. Never quit (emotionally or spiritually)
3. Sacrifice of time and resources entrusts my heart to God

Not all the answers but I do know where get them along with advice from others

Going to share about 2-3 scriptures for use to discuss / feel free to be part of things

We need Jesus - Matthew 18:1-6

v1 - Side conversation while Jesus was doing miracles among them
Disciples we arguing about who was the greatest... maybe they were saying - I am the best parent or I have the best kid

v2 - God thoughts: The ones we are to teach are the ones who teach us the very lesson we need to teach them

v3 - It does not come naturally, we need to change

Starts with us - to get our relationship with God in order first - to be a child of God

Why is it so important to become childlike?

• So we can have a relationship with God / welcome Jesus
  
• Make it to heaven / considered the greatest
  
• Not become a stumbling block

• Humble ourselves
• Rely on God
• Seek out answers/advice from others
• Earniestness to learn
• Be relatable

• He has taken away our punishment
• He has turned back our enemy
• He is mighty to save
• He rejoices over us with singing

The power that raise Jesus from the dead is available for us who believe

When we begin to understand how powerful God is, it will revolutionize our prayer lives

The Bible resonates with the awesome power of God:

• The highest heavens cannot contain you - 2 Chronicles 6:18
• He is outside of time - Psalms 90:1-2
• The clouds are dust of his feet - Nahum 1:3
• God has made everything we see and all that we can not

God is nowhere need us as far as this power but on person level he is wants to be right next to us:

• Yet he is not far from each one of us - Acts 17:27
• He reveals his thoughts to man - Amos 4:13
• God knows us completely - Psalms 38:9

Human power is nothing in the face of God's awesome power

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

• Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
• It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
• Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
• Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending

John was given a glemce of what heaven would be like in Revelations:

• A rainobw encircled the throne v4:3
• God was dressed in white with golden crowns v4:4
• Lighting and thunder came from the throne v4:5
• Before the throne was a sea of glass, clear as crystal v4:6
• Strange creatures with eyes covering them were continually praise God v4:6-8
• Jesus approached the throne to open the scroll v5:4-5
• All the living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb v5:8
• They held golden bowls full of incense which were the prayers if the saints v5:8
• 100 million angels appeared to loudly sing about the Lamb along with a great multitude v5:11-13

Heaven is a place full of blessings

Jesus referred serveral times to our reward in heaven

No eyes have seen, no ears have heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
God will give us all things - Romans 8:32

No one can stop us from going to heaven but ourselves
Heaven is worth any earthly price - Romans 8:18

He is preparing an incrediable guest room for us

Do you think of God as one who wants nothing more than to bless your life?

Fathers are to reveal and represent God

All fatherhood comes from Him (Ephesians 3:14–15).

Should be able to see these qualities of God:

• a loving Provider
• a strong Protector
• a truthful Leader
• a respectable Authority
• an intimate Friend

The word father means “founder, source, chief, or leader.”

Godhead described, it is always God the Father first, then the Son, then the Holy Spirit.

Want to know what God is like? then just look at Jesus.

Are representing your heavenly Father? Thist is your priceless purpose.

1. They learn their identity from you - go to their dads for answers to their biggest questions: Who is God? Who am I? Am I loved?
2. They learn their values from you - Kids watch their dads to find what’s important. Constantly reinforce the higher priorities and deeper truths of life.
3. They learn their worth from you - girls with strong dads are much more likely to feel secure

Great homes don’t just happen, need to be intentionally cultivated and guarded.

Let truth, love, and wise discipline become constant ingredients of fathering.

Our generation desperately needs courageous men to step up.

• Men who will forgive their dads, break the chains of the past, and set new standards.
• Stick up for our marriages during difficult times
• Refuse to let entertainment eat up our time
• Refuse to sacrifice family for the sake of a promotion

When strong men work together, they can accomplish amazing things.

David armies came together to face enemies amid seemingly impossible odds.
Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people - 2 Samuel 10:11-12

Remember one immovable, unconditional truth: we have a Father in heaven who is for us.

We must lock shields with other men around us and refuse to allow one another to fail
If my battle gets too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if your battle is too strong for you, then I will come to help you!

A major part of your role as a father is to disciple your kids

Discipling your kids requires discipline on our part

Discipline doesn’t feel good, nor should it - Hebrews 12:11

Discipline should be more on the father’s shoulders than the mother’s because of who we represent.

Loving discipline prepares our kids to respect and obey their heavenly Father

We had earthly fathers to discipline us, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good - Hebrews 12:9-10

It is the father’s job is to take the long view, not the short one.

Withheld discipline may seem momentarily pleasant to the child and the parent but it takes no skill or courage to be a passive father

Not disciplining guarantees that uncorrected sin will follow his child into adulthood and follow his family into the coming generations

Its momentary discomfort - knowing that sin will harm a child in far worse ways than even the painful discipline of a loving father.

He who loves him disciplines him promptly - Proverbs 13:24

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6

IT is a lie from the Enemy to believe that rebelling against and dishonoring authority brings more freedom and peace

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4

God enjoys making things and wants to be with us, to love us, and for us to love him. He created the world for us to live in and enjoy.

Psalms 19:1 - The skies display his craftsmanship
Genesis 1:1 - God created the heavens and the earth

Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray - Mark 1:35

Jesus understood better than anyone else the importantce of tapping into the heavenly power source

Jesus didn't allow anything to get in the way of his prayer times

Busy men often complain of burnout, Jesus never did

Jesus had a packed schedule without losing his focus or his energy

He considered regular prayer time virtal to his personal well-being and effectiveness

How much more should we spend time daily with the One who empowers us?

Abram built an alter there and dedicated it to the Lord - Genesis 12:7

Ever thought about the power available through praise and worship of the heavenly Father?

God inhabits the praise of his people - Psalm 22:3

Praise and worship are avenues through which we enjoy fellowship with God

Abraham was a rich man who obeyed God's call to leave his home and travel to an unknown land

Whenever he settled, Abraham always took time to build an alter and worship God

Through the Holy Spirit, are you making praise and worship a key component of your daily life?

Living means living for Christ - Philippians 1:21

Death is near the top of most people's list of fears

Death for the believers is nothing more than moving on to new location

Paul faced the distinct possiblity of death but there is no hint of fear in his letter

He knew

• If he lived, could continue his work
• If he died, he would simply move to his new location in heaven - Phippians 1:21-24

Paul couldn't decide which of the options he preferred

Paul never forgot God superinteneded everything that happened to him

When you live free from the fear of death or life, you will never have to worry about what lies ahead.

Jeremiah: Great is his faithfullness and his mercies begin afresh each morning - Lamentations 3:22-24

He surveyed th ruins of the once great city of Jerusalem

Jeremiah saw death and destruction all around and felt a pain we can only imagine

He found it within himslef to speak to his one Source of hope

Jeremaih recognized God had granted him life and could hope for better things from the hand of his heavenly Father

Where do you place your hope when you or loved ones encounter pain and difficulty?

How much longer will you waver between two opinions - 1 Kings 18:20-21

Elijah demonstrated that kind of confidence in hos heavenly Father when he challenged 450 priest of Baal to match the power of the true and living God

When he had seen the sad spectacle of Baal's priest, he called on God to remind the people who he was

Elijah never had a doubt about what would happen next

Place your complete confidence in the one true God

Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven - Matthew 19:21

He was a good man who kept God's commandmetns,yet he was aware of an empty place in his life

Jesus called him to leave everything behind and follow him

The rich man wanted to follow Jesus but not as much as he wanted to hang on to his stuff

This reluctant young man ended his life as a sad case of unfulfilled potential

Neve see Jesus' call to follow him as a deal breaker

Full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God - Acts 7:55

Nothing prompts change likea man's courage in the face of potential personal loss. Stephen had that kind of courage.

Religous leaders hoped persecuting Christians would put a stop to this new religious movement, exactly the opposite happened

Stephen willingly died for what he believed in and he contributed greatly to the spread of the gospel message

At the scene of Stephen's murder stood a young Pharisee named Saul - the same Saul God miraculously converted

Stephen's courage and faith in the face of death apparently made a lasting impression

Pauls bold preaching would change the world forever - Acts 22:19-20

Lamps do not talk, but they do shine. Is your lamp shining today?

Take a cenus of all the tribes of Israel - so I may know how may people there are - 2 Samuel 24:2

It is apporopriate and even necessary to speak words of correction, even when those words are not warmly received

Joab spoke up to King David, "Why do you want to do this?" - 2 Samuel 24:3
Why must you cause Israel to sin - 1 Chronicles 21:3

Joab apparently understood that David's orders came out of his reliance on superior military strength rather than the might of heaven

Though Joab warned King David not to go through with the cenus, the king did it anyway and paid a terrible price

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple - John 2:15

Jesus became angry times when he saw authorities have a lack of love and true faith in his heavenly father

He espcially got angry this time with the money changers who were greedy in their dealing with those pilgrims trying to purshase sacrificial animals

Jesus always directed his anger at things that stood in the way of God's purposes for mankind

Do you express your anger over the same kind of issues that angered Jesus?

When you become angry, ask yourself:

• Is it for the right reason?
• Is it for the right people?
• Is it at the right moment?

When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him - Luke 10:33

It is easy to have compassion for those we are close to but what about those we don't know or don't like?

When we reach out to a stranger or enemy, we will receive a reward from heaven - Luke 6:35-36

Jew and Samaritan didn't care much for one another, Jews saw Samaritan:

• A mixed race
• Impure
• Not one of them

This particular Samaritan didn't see the man lying in the ditch as an enemy or someone who hated him.

The Samaritan saw him as a human in need and took the extra steps to care for them

This kind of love and compassion is what Jesus extends to you

Paul urged everyone to eat; you have not touched food for two weeks - Acts 27:33

When problems arise and overwhlm us, are we tempted to "fly off the handle" or panic?

A vicious storm slammed Paul's boat and conviced even seanoned sailors they were going to die

Paul had been through enough in his life of faith to know God would allow him to complete his appoined mission without dying.

God promised not a hair on their head will perish during the trip

We can find peace knowing nothing happens to us unless our heavenly Father allows it

Our situations may not be easy or fun but God still remains in control

You will see it happen with your own eyes but you won't be able to eat any of it - 2 KIngs 7:2

God generously give to those who are willing to ask him and beileve him for what they need

Nothing keeps God from blessing people quite like unbelief

Samaria's people suffered a terrible famine follwoing the Aramites invasion

The desparate king sent his officer to ask Elisha to do something

Elisha said within one day there would be more than enough flour and barley for everyone - 2 Kings 7:1

The king's officer just couldn't believe it even if the Lord opened the heavens

He was dead wrong and when it came down, the officer could not enjoy any of it

In what areas of your life do you need to take God at his word?

I have fought the good fight, I  have finished the race - 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul contemplated his own end, he knew:

• The futility of trying to earn God's favor
• Faithful service would prepare him for God's staggering blessings
• He had remained faithful to his calling
• What lay ahead of him beyond the executioner's sword

He felt at peace with his imminent death and did not see his life as his own - 2 Timthoy 4:6

Nothing in this life can compare with what awaits you in heaven as a follower of Jesus Christ

I am humble and gentle at heart - Matthew 11:29

The apostles could see how genuinely humblr and gentle Jesus was

Humility came from freely leaving heaven to take on human flesh so he might save all who come to him in faith

Jesus never struck back at those who did him harm but called on his Father to forgive them

He could expect them to be huble ad gentle because that is what he was like

Some men do not consider humility as a strong quality to follow

Humility was a quality of the strongest man who ever live, Jesus Christ

For days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to God of heaven - Nehemiah 1:4

Nehemiah learned the dilapidated walls around Jerusalem had left the Jewish residents vulnerable to attack

What did he do? Nothing but talk to God about the crisis

He offered the kind of prayer that GOd delights in answering:

1. He praised and worshiped God
2. Confessed his sins and the sins of his people
3. He thanked God for all things
4. He made his requests know

Nehemiah didn't rush into the task before first pleading for God's favor - Nehemiah 1:5-11

Joel and Abijah were not like their father, for they were greedy for money - 1 Samuel 8:1-3

Samuel's sons showed the far reaching consequences of loving money more than God

They were appointed judges but were corupt and greedy men who "accepted bribes and perverted justice"

Their evil behavior hastened the end of era of judges and Israel's step toward nation rebellion 

The Hebrew people demanded a earthly king rule over them instead of relying on their heavenly king

When Joel and Abijah chose greed over contentment, they failed God and his people

Does contentemnt or greed dominate in your life?

God had mercy on me... his great patience with even the worst of sinners - 1 Timothy 1:16

Patience is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit - Galatians 5:22

Jesus was the most patient man who ever lived, beyond human understanding

• He lovingly ministered to the worst of sinners
• Dealt with cynicism of corrupt religous leaders
• Shephered 12 often-clueless apostles
• Those closest to him did not hear his words much less apply them

He corrected them but also patiently prepared them to take the reins after he returned to heaven

You can best learn patience by understanding that God daily extends his patience to you

My nourishment comes from doing the will of God - John 4:34

Willingness to obey is one thing, developing a passion for obedience is another level completely

Jesus lived to obey his heavenly Father

He left paradise to take a form of a man and remained passionately and single-mindedly devoted to accomplishing his Father's will

Nothing could stand in the way of his accomplishing his goal - even dead of the cross

The smallest deviation from what God had plan would have meant disaster for mankind

Jesus' plan was never in jepardy because of the passion he had to obey everything his Father directed

Do you feel eager to obey God?

"Trust in God" can seem easy at times but when trouble hits, justice seems dead and love seems to vanish, many are appalled nature's "heartlessness" and "indifference"
And came to the conculsion that God either does not know or does not care

Jesus saw these same situations as evidences of God's love, his long-suffering patience, and willing to allow the lost to find him
Century after century, God has sent the world prophets, apostles, heros and saints to proclaim the message of heaven to bewildered and sinful man

Countless people trusted God only to discover when evil fotune came, that trust was not as strong enough to stand the shock

Trust shapes perpective

Many things can blot out our trust in God:

• Disappointment
• A dream that has come to nothing
• Central ambition may fail
• Persecution
• Misunderstanding/misrepresentation of men
• Overcome with failure

Jesus had all of the dark experiences it is possible to have

He has a message to commicate that would drive away gloom and woe the world to him

Jesus trust was unbroken despite many rejections and even his own men forsaking him

His death appeared to be a heart-breaking failure, but rather a victorious outcome for us
 

Jesus was best know being friendly to the poor, bad and sick but he was also was a brother to the rich and powerful too - He was a brother to every man

There was more said about the Bible about the poor than they rich because Jesus was able to nearer to the poor than the rich:

• Rich men are always inaccessible
• Rich men always surround themselves with barriers

Jesus was as friendly to Nicodemus as he was to the poor woman at the well

He was as brotherly to  Zaccheus as he was to the poor beggar in Jerusalem

When Jesus went to be baptized, John would not do it because it was for the sinner but the good. Jesus wanted to participate because he wanted to be counted amoung men.

Jesus knowing the other side and he could help but tell them something about the great God in world they were living

The rich man in the parable of Dives and Lazarus: the rich man did not go to hell because of his fine clothes or riches - it because of his heart- not tender; sympathy did not go out to a brother's need

Abraham was rich and went to heaven because he had a brotherly heart

Jesus was too brotherly for people to understand

Jesus - If I can not help them with my life, I will help them with my death

Can truth be known?

Athiest may start with "I don't believe in God!"
Are you sure there is no God? If no, then may actually be agnostic
If you agnostic, then what kind?
    - Can't know anything for sure - how are you so sure about that?
    - Doesn't know anything for sure, but can know

Would you be willing to look at the evidence? Evidence can not convince the unwilling

Complete agnosticism is self-defeating  - "truth can not be known" and believe it to be true (a true claim)

Truth can be known? YES

Can all religions be true?
No, because some are contradictory:

• World religions have more contradictions than similarities
• While reglions have some similarities, because of God has planted on our hearts

Major differences:

• Jews, Christians and Muslims believe in one God vs Hindus/New Age believe everything that exists is an impersonal force
• Jews, Christians and Muslims believe in heaven and hell vs Hindus believe evil is an illusion
• Christians believe you are saved by grace while all others believe in salvation by good works if they believe in salvation at all

"Tolerance" means that you are suppose to except all religions to be true

1. Accept people with other beliefs and but not yourself
2. "You ought not question someone religious beliefs" is a religious belief of pluralists
3. Prohibition against questioning beliefs is an absolute moral stance
4. Bible commands us to questions beliefs - pluralist should accept this believe
5. They only tolerate of those who agree with them

You shall not judge - it is a judgment
All judge, it is about if we make the right judgment
Ready to accept child sacrifices or radical fundamental terrorists? 
If in error, it is not loving to withhold truth from others

Elephant parable (world religions are objective vs objective) - may seem persuasive until you get to one question  - what the perceptive of the narrator, isn't it an objectiveone?