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2010-02-17 - One Another - Encouraging One Another (part 2)

Therefore encourage one another with these words. - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

There should be content to our encouragement - should not be empty talk
Paul used words about the Second Coming of Jesus - words to help them live with Jesus' return in mind
Our words need an emotional appeal based on specific biblical content

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing. - 1 Thessalonians 4:18

Encouragement should move us to maturity
Often combined with strengthening, building up or edification
Growth in:
- Our relationship with God
- Interactions in the body
- Our purity
- Our discipline
- Our prayer life
- Our knowledge of the Word
- Our Outreach
- Our character

2010-02-21 - One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 1)

Bible is clear - Jesus came to break down divisions - Ephesians 2:14

Worldly divisions

Race
Money
Gender
Culture
Distance
Too busy

Common barriers in the church:

Past hurts
Bitterness
Sin - yours, mine or others

Jesus broke down walls through the cross - Ephesians 2:16
Can ONLY be done at the foot of the cross

Only way a holy and righteous God can be reunited with his unrighteous enemy (us) - Romans 5:6-11

Reconcile = to become friends again
Not to politely tolerate one another or a ceasefire

The goal of Jesus is to be one - John 17:20-21
Only way Jews and non-Jews could form the church of God

What Paul had is mind when writing - Ephesians 3:20
"...him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think"

2010-02-24 - One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 4)

Some things that depend on us

We can always have a gracious attitude

Paul choose to focus on the result - Christ is being proclaimed - Philippians 1:15-19

We can always be humble

Consider others better than ourselves - Philippians 2:3-4
Walk worthy of the calling - with all humility and gentleness - Ephesians 4:1-2

We can always be positive - Philippians 2:14-15

We can always listen - James 1:19-20

We can always control our anger - James 1:20

Some things are our of control when to comes to reconciliation but they are many things within our control to build a relationship

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

2010-03-02 - To Live is Christ - Partners in the Gospel

Philippians 1:16

Philippi was named for Philip of Macedon
It was a roman colony - not actually a place one would expect the message of Jesus to take hold
A roman jail is where you would expect Paul and Silas to be

Paul made a career of being with other and influencing their lives - reduced to visits from the guards
Through many hard times he had learned to overcome the most challenging of circumstances

Five lines into the letter, Paul remembers his relationship with God and other disciples:

First converts - Lydia and her household
The jailer and his house hold
God using an earthquake to bring unlikely people into the kingdom of God - Acts 16:22

Christianity is a personal experience but not a private one

Only when we have been in the trenches with others will we have relationships that are full of life

2010-03-03 - To Live is Christ - In My Heart

Philippians 1:7-8

During Paul's 3 days of blindness:

His Pharisaic crust was broken
His independence had melted
He recognized and braced the true Lord

One of the most touching paragraphs written by Paul in the NT
Instead of seeing cell walls - he saw the Philippian disciples needs, struggles, and victories
Paul had to have come to know them all
He did not just start the church there, he began a family

He was committed to all of them - he was a true shepherd:

He called his own sheep by name - John 10:3
He laid down his life for them - John 10:11
He knew his sheep - John 10:14

Paul turned from persecutor to nurturer
We too can long for people with the affection of Christ but we must have people in our hearts

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?

2010-03-05 - To Live is Christ - From Trials to Triumph

A successful life is not life from difficulty, trial, or tragedy - Philippians 1:12-14
While Paul was imprisoned, he learned how to live

He saw God the same - no matter what happened in his life

In an earlier letter he saw illness as an opportunity bring the gospel to the them - Galatians 4:13

He saw imprisonment for a chance to convert Romans
There became disciples is Caesar's household - Philippians 4:22
Something "not good" can be turned into the complete opposite when in God's larger pattern

Paul not giving up deepen their convictions - he emboldened them to share the message

Whatever happens in life can serve to advance the gospel when we are living by faith

2010-03-06 - To Live is Christ - Christ is Preached

Some men in Philippi conveted the importance of Paul's position, but not the painful consequences - Philippians 1:15-18

In the hearts of each of us, when distracted and self-reliant, is a demon of selfish ambition

Paul was secure in his position before God - a saved servant of Jesus Christ
He knew that these men would either become convicted of their sin or God would deal with them

Bottom line: Christ was being preached

More than anything he wanted people to come to know the Jesus he came to know

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?

2010-03-08 - To Live is Christ - Progress and Joy

Paul was torn - Philippians 1:22-26
He rejoiced to be able to encourage the Philippian disciples
Death brought him face to face he loved

He realized that he had more laps to run and did not want to coast - but to run with all his might

Paul has no desire simply to remain with the disciples - want to continue with them
Greek for "Continue" = to wait beside a person to be ready to help and help all the time

For Paul to live was Christ and to give himself to others for their spiritual progress and deep joy

Whatever the cost, he would be there for them:

Their growth - he would pay the cost
Patient with someone who was weak - he would pay the cost
Someone taking advantage of his humility - he would pay the cost
Was through sticky, uncomfortable issues - he would pay the cost

2010-03-09 - To Live is Christ - Whatever Happens

Paul set an example for them by facing frustration with faith - lesson for us as well
Whatever happens...in a manner worthy of the gospel

It is not just a good moral life; is is united with each other - standing firm in one spirit

Jesus died to bring us together
1st century - no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own - Acts 4:32
An autonomous Christian was unknown to the biblical writters

Staying in the fellowship means:

Suffering
Extra work
Carrying each other's burdens

The world needs to see men, women, singles, marrieds, teens, all races, rich and poor brought together as "one man".

2010-03-10 - To Live is Christ - Having the Same Love

Paul wanted to remind the Philippians of the blessings of their relationship with Jesus - Philippians 2:1-4
He called them to "be like-minded, having the same love" for each other

By this all men will know we are Jesus' disciple by our love - John 13:35

"Sharing in the common life" ws his heartfelt vision for them

He applealed to them to be one to initiate this kind of love
To love like Jesus is to love first
We love because he first loved us - 1 John 4:19
God did not wait for us to initiate and get an attitude because we didn't

It is not natural to love this way
Jesus does not ask of us something he did not do or something we cannot do

Will we trust the message he lived and taught?
Will we be the kind of friend to others that he has been to us?

2010-03-11 - To Live is Christ - Just Like Christ

In the midst of the discussion about unity, Paul continues by talking about having the mind of Jesus - Philippians 2:5-8

The only way to have unity is to be like Jesus

We were called to follow in his steps - 1 Peter 2:21

Jesus willingly because a servant
Greek literally says, "he emptied himself"'

He poured out his diviniy for us
He gave up his rights
Jesus was not just playing a role, he was showing us the depths of this heart

Jesus came not to be served but to serve - Matthew 20:28

2010-03-13 - To Live is Christ - No One Else Like Him

Those with with the greatest impact are not the ones you expect
Romans centurion - Matthew 8:5-10
Canaanite woman - Matthew 15:21-28

Timothy struggled with illness and fear made quite an impression on Paul

He looked out for the interest of others
He lived out the message
He knew what it meant to go to the cross
He was convinced that he was more alive when he was dead
He discipleship was a matter of practice
He had no trouble seeing the mission of Jesus
He did not run aimlessly but purposeful, selfless, and dedicated servant of Jesus

How do Timothys come about?

They study to become like this
They are discipled to become like this
They do whatever it takes

God uses them to bless the world

2010-03-14 - To Live is Christ - Fellow Worker and Soldier

Epaphroditus was committed to Paul in the most difficult of circumstances - Philippians 2:25-30
Having a brother to encourage you and not be ashamed of you while in prision meant the world to Paul

Great friends are fellow worker - To accomplish a common goal
Great friends are fellow soldiers - a common enemy and a common plan to go make disciples

Easy to get wrapped up in our own needs
If we are selfless in our thinking and actions - do we think we will lose out in some way?
Paul was eager to send Epaphroditus - not reluctantly
Who we have been so generous?

2010-03-15 - To Live is Christ - No Confidence in Flesh

Paul describes people who do not appreciate what Jesus has done as dogs - Philippians 3:14

There are 2 options to approaching God:

The performance model
The grace model

One works; the other is a disaster

Man, in his pride, is drawn to the performance model
Paul refers to the people who acknowledge Jesus as Lord but would not let go of the performance model
These people held on to certain Jewish regulation that were made obsolete by Jesus

The grace model is revolutionary
Seems too easy to be true but too hard for our egos to accept

Grace model says:

There are never enough requirements we could meet
There are never enough rules we could keep
There is never enough rituals we could experience
Even if obedient to death, our only hope of salvation come from work from another

2010-03-16 - To Live is Christ - Profit to Loss

If anyone want to talk about 'confidence in the flesh', Paul was ready to take them on - Philippians 3:4-7
Paul used the events in his life to show just how empty all human achievements in before God

Heredity reasons (how Paul was more than others but counted them a loss)

He was circumcised the first day it was possible (eighth day)
He was an Israelite
He was from the tribe of Benjamin (most honored tribe of all)
He was a Hebrew of Hebrews - carefully passed on Hebrew language to children

Hard work reasons (how Paul was more than others but counted them a loss)

He was extremely zealous - Galatians 1:14
He vigorously opposed the church
He was faultless in the eyes of others

He considered it all a loss = Greek: "the thinks that were gains to me, I counted loss"
If anyone had a right to glory in the flesh, Paul did, but he clearly saw that no one has that right

2010-03-17 - To Live is Christ - Considered Rubbish

Not only did Paul give up his religious past and performance, he gladly counted everything else a loss too
He would give up any claim of such things so he could gain justification by grace

He considered them rubbish - Philippians 3:8-9
skubala = human waste or dung (KJV)
He was saying the same thing as Isaiah - all righteousness acts are like filthy rags - Isaiah 64:6

The good we do is not rubbish but it is if those works are seen as the source and trusted in
Our obedience, which is imperfect, does not make us right with God
Christ's righteousness saves by faith

The message of the cross calls us to sacrifice everything to Christ, who sacrificed everything for us

Without his sacrifice, our sacrifice would be worthless to God and to man

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

2010-03-19 - To Live is Christ - Pressing On

Although is righteousness that is not our own becomes laziness, we show we have the grace of God - Philippians 3:12-16

Despite all that Paul went through and has done - he pressed on
Greek word, dicoko = used in both hunting and foot racing

There is certainly a time to remember what we have done - 2 Thessalonians 2:5
But there is also a time to forget

Paul did not cling to the fact that he planted a lot of churches
He purposely "forgot", so he would not see himself as arriving

Paul was looking forward to the next thing God had in store for him
All who are mature, should think this way

The way to take it higher is to hold on to what you have already grasped and then reach for more

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

2010-03-22 - To Live is Christ - Rejoice Always

It would be one thing to hear "rejoice always" from someone living with plenty but quite another from someone in a challenging situation - Philippians 4:4-5

There is something about being "in the Lord"
If someone is "in the Lord", there is always something bigger than our trials

Paul also had a deep conviction that whatever is one: The Lord Is Near
This is how men and women of God can be joyful and gentle in the most stressful times

God is monitoring their pain not allow more than we can bear and giving his strength
The Lord is near to all who call on him - Psalms 145:18
He is near in every situation we encounter

He is calling on them and us to rejoice always and to have a great attitude

2010-03-23 - To Live is Christ - Anxious About Nothing

Paul urges them to be anxious and worried about nothing and to pray about everything because God is in control - Philippians 4:6-7

Peace never comes without surrender
Surrender never comes without a decision to trust

Something instead of dealing with our emotions, we try an avoidance pattern
Adam and Eve hid from God and themselves

We must be in touch with happens to others and ourselves
It is why we must consistently and unashamedly pray about all aspects of our lives
It is not just for some - it is normal experience - just people deciding to trust God in every situation

Guard (a garrison of angel are available to help) our hearts - Satan wants us to trust ourselves and to doubt our God
Our own thoughts are not always the truth

How challenging to turn everything over to God. Yet, how foolish not to!

2010-03-24 - To Live is Christ - Mind Change

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - think of such things - Philippians 4:8-9

It is all about the focus
Focus on the mess or you can change your mind and focus on:

Who God is
What God can do
The changes he can make
The victory he will most certainly achieve

Paul is not hopeful on what direction the world is going
Jesus saw the increase in wickedness - Matthew 24:12
While pessimistic about the world's chances, he was totally optimistic about the future with God

You will have trouble in this world but Jesus has overcome the world - John 16:33

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?

2010-03-26 - To Live is Christ - God will meet your needs

Paul uses financial terms to express spiritual principles - Philippians 4:16-20
He is eager to "credit their account" for their concern for his needs
Their gift was more than a full payment for the ways he pour out his life for them

When we give to meet the needs of others, God will amply supply our needs
Sometimes we are afraid our needs won't be meet
We must remember that God is faithful
He is totally reliable

The issue is not his bounty or resourcefulness but our faith

2010-04-30 - I am Innocent of the Blood of all Men (part 1)

Preached (2007-03-18)

Paul - Innocent of the blood of all men

Acts 20:17-27

v20 - I have not hesitated to preach
v21 - Declared that everyone must turn to God in repentance
v23 - Faced hardships
v24 - Meant everything to testify to the "gospel of grace"
v26, 27 - I am innocent of the blood of all men

Why did Paul say he was innocent?

Because he proclaimed the whole will of God
Did not hesitate
Ezekiel 33:6 - But suppose the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people. Then the sword comes and takes one of their lives. He is swept away for his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for that person's death.

What made Paul so determined to preach and to share about Christ and God?

2010-05-01 - I am Innocent of the Blood of all Men (part 2)

Acts 22:6-21

Paul had an encounter with Jesus
- Encounters with Jesus are significant
- Paul understood he was living in opposition to Jesus - killing Christians (people following Christ)
- Don't want to be on the opposite side of the battle from God
- Where are you at today? Do you know?
- Share
  - Grow up religious - Every Sunday - through High School
  - Ask to come to church, study the Bible
  - Saw life and heart wasn't matching; my sin was in opposition to God
  - Tried to make it personal - mean and angry (Hoping the standard would changed)
  - They were there to help
Paul had the humility to ask "What shall I do?" - v10
- Paul had a heart of humility to be taught - Bible
- Could have brought up his religiousness or accomplishments
- Opened himself up to anything, Not "I'm sorry, won't do that again"
Paul was religious all this life and had the heart to immediately obey and be baptized - v16
- Perhaps, God uses the life of Paul to prepare our hearts for surrender
- What have you been holding on to instead of Jesus? What is stopping you?

We/your friend would like to share "the whole will of God".

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

2010-07-24 - 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

2010-07-25 - Desire's Journey - Letting Go (part 2)

Paul learned the secret of being content - Philippians 4:12
Many Christians assume he no longer experienced the thirst of his soul
Earlier Paul said he had not obtained his soul's desire nor already made perfect (complete)
He was straining toward what was ahead - Philippians 3:12-14

Contentment is not freedom from desire but freedom of desire
It is no longer being ruled by your desires

We have 3 options:

To be alive and thirsty
To be dead
To be addicted

Most of the world lives in addiction
Most of the church has chosen deadness

Christians are called to live the life of holy longing but we don't like to stay there

To live in thirst is to live with an ache
Every addiction comes from the attempt to get rid of the ache
Merely trying sets us on an unending chase that leads us farther and farther from home

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

2010-08-11 - Waking Dead - Myths (part 2)

Myth tell us three truths, the second is:

2. There is a great struggle or quest or battle that is well under way

Christianity isn't about:

Going to Sunday school
Being nice
Holding car washs
Sending clothes to Mexico

As good as those things might be, this is a world at war
We live in a far more dangerous and dramatic story than we ever imagine

Reason we love these is because it is telling us that this is our most desperate hour

The Chronciles of Narnia
Star Wars
The Matrix
The Lord of the Rings

Without this buring in our hearts, we lose the meaning of our days

Notice that those who have tried to wake up to this reality were ususally killed

The phophets
Jesus
Stephen
Paul
Most of the disciples in the Bible

Has it occured to you that someone is trying to shut them up?

2010-08-19 - Waking Dead - Restored

The deepest and most wonderful of all mythic truths reveiled in the Beauty and the Beast
The transformation: a creature that no one could bear the sight of is transformed into a handsome prince

Cinderella rises from from supression to become queen
The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful swan
Pinocchio becomes a real boy
Frog becomes a prince
Scrooge becomes a good friend to all
Cowardly lion, Scarecrow, Tinman all get what they are missing

They all transformed into the very thing they never thought they could be

It is the secret of Christianity
You must be born again - John 3:7

Not about keeping laws or rules
Counts whether we have really have been changed into new and different people - Galatians 6:15

Is this not the message of the gospel?

Zacchaeus the trickster becomes Zaccheaus the honest
Mary the sinful becomes Mary the faithful
Paul the self-righteous murder becomes Paul the humble apostle

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

2010-08-24 - Waking Dead - Glory (part 1)

Our destiny is to come fully alive
To explain sin, some have gone to the point of saying "I am just a sinner, saved by grace" or "there sure isn't anything good in me"
But this is unbibical

They point to: "For I know that nothing good lives in me" - Romans 7:18
Notice he says " in my flesh" - there is a difference between the flesh (old heart) and the true you

Yes, we battle sin and crucify the flesh but we choose to live from the new heart
That sinful nature you battle is not who you are

"it is no longer I myself who do it" X 2 - Romans 7:17-18; 20, 22
Paul opens the letter with "Paul, an apostle" not as a sinner

You should shine like stars - Philippians 2:15-16
Let your light shine before men - Matthew 5:16

Shame says - "I am nothing to look at. I am not capable of goodness"
Humility say - "I bear a glory for sure, but it is a reflected glory"

2010-09-27 - Waking Dead - Storing Up

The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart
Out of the overflow of the heart, his mouth speaks - Luke 6:45

Jesus from the fullness of grace we have all received one blessing after another - John 1:16
Paul: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you - Ephesians 3:16

Caring for our hearts isn't selfish - it is how we begin love
We care for our hearts for the sake of others
What will you bring to others to others if your heart is empty?
You can not love without your heart, you can not love well unless your heart is well

How you handle your heart is how you will handles theirs
Love others as you love yourself - Mark 12:31
If you dismiss your heart, you will end up dismissing others
Perfection of your heart will raise that same standard for them

Caring for your heart is also how you protect your relationship with God
Your heart is where that life flows into you - John 7:37-38

We love ourselves for God's sake - he considers our hearts the treasures of the kingdom

2010-10-12 - Dealing With Your Heart (Part I)

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.
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.
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.

QUESTIONS

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

2010-10-13 - Dealing With Your Heart (Part II)

The Obstacle of Greed - Luke 12:13-21 (Parable of the rich fool); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich man and Lazarus)
1. Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. The value of a person's life has nothing to do with his financial worth.
2. The rich fool's goal was financial independence and being independent of God. This is the 'American Dream."
3. The rich man in Luke 16 went to hell because of his greed and unconcern about the needs of others.
The Obstacle of Discontentment - Philippians 4:10-13
1. Paul rejoiced while he was in prison.
2. He was grateful and content even in need.
3. Paul did not focus on what he lacked, but rather on what he had (Christ).
4. Also note 1 Timothy 6:6-10.

QUESTIONS

How am I storing up treasures for myself but not being rich toward God?
How am I showing concern for the poor/needy?
Am I grateful and content with what I have right now?
What griefs do I have in my life because of greed and discontentment?
Examples:
- Debt
- High monthly payments
- Bad credit record

2010-10-18 - Sacrificial Living

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.
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

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.)
Am I willing to "become poor" so that others can have the opportunity to become Christians?

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

2010-10-30 - Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)

Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

James 4:4 - says not to be friends with the world
1 John 2:15-17 - world is referring to sin and evil that people commit, not to the people themselves
We need to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world

John 17:14 - we are not of this world is sometimes interpreted that we should not associate with people outside of God's family
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one - John 17:15-18
Jesus' purpose was to seek and save what is lost, he had to have relationships in the world to accomplish this - Luke 19:10

2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come out from them and be separate; avoid being yoked with unbelievers
Not referring to everyday friendships but more formal alliances
Paul in an earlier letter said that ordinary interactions with non-Christians is right and necessary - 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners - Luke 7:34

2010-10-31 - Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part II)

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad company corrupts good character

In context, Paul was specifically warning against those who deny the resurrection of Jesus
In other situations, we need to make sure we are the one whose influence is prevailing
Should be on the offense rather than defense
Take captive of every thought and make it obedient to Christ - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

If I spend time with non-Christians in public places, will my reputation be at risk?

Jesus not only risked his reputation but ruined it
He was accused of being a glutton and a drunkard - Luke 7:34
Tells you want kind of people He was around

Jesus said that He associated with sinners because they are sick people that need a doctor - Matthew 9:12-13
The danger was that the doctor may be mistaken as one of His patients

The religious people mutter how inappropriate it was for Him to associate with such disreputable people
Jesus cared much about the lost than his reputation

2010-11-05 - Contagious Christian - The Paul Approach

Paul certainly confronted people but his main approach was logical and reasonable presentation of the gospel

Romans - best example of how Paul lays out a sound explanation of the central truths about God nature, sin, and Christ's solution

Paul was a highly educated man and learned under one of the finest teachers of the time

Was there a better person to philosophers in Athens in Acts 17?
His presentation took them from their unknown God all the way to the one true living God
Philosophers would have related to Peter's direct approach
No "you will just have to accept it on faith" = "Leap before you look. Are you lucky?"

Who in your life enjoys working with ideas and evidence?
Many seekers need to hear the gospel not only declared but also defined and defended

2010-11-28 - Mission - Baptizing Them

Heaven is a place of continual celebration

God original place for us was to with him in a state of perfection

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

God had a radical plan to bring back into a relationship with him and to destroy the power that Satan had over us

To this point, most Bible-believing world would agree

What about baptism?
Marginal matters are not in the Great Commission
Paul included in his list of "seven ones" - Ephesians 4:4-6
We are united in baptism with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus - Romans 6

The master deceiver and father of lies has changed the road signs and send many to spiritual dead ends

2010-11-30 - Mission - Repentance

Both Luke 24 and 2 - message of repentance and forgiveness is mentioned in the light of the death and resurrection of Jesus

The message to Preach

1. Repentance

God wants the cross to reveal how disgraceful and disgusting sin is
To motivate us to radical and rapid change
Is there an example of repentance in the Bible that is not radical and rapid?
Repentance is the first and foremost call to change to change our mind (metanoia)

Paul preached they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance with their deeds - Acts 26:20
You can only change your action for a period of time without ever really changing your mind
Change your mind, you will change your action rapidly and radically

Baptism happened rapidly and radically because his heart was ready to change - Acts 8
Would we have have baptized the Ethiopian the same day?
What did Philip see? Unmistakable signs of godly sorrow
As soon as someone has repented, he is ready for baptism

2010-12-05 - Mission - Peter, To a Rock

Peter's talk with Jesus by the coals burned an incredible mark in the heart of Peter - John 21:9

At Pentecost, Peter is recorded by Luke to have

Heroic acts of wisdom - Acts 2:14
Boldness and courage
Healings - Acts 5:15-16

Peter had profoundly changed but sometimes rocks have rough edges
Paul was very angry with on an occasion - Galatians 2:11
But Peter grew to become a stronger disciple

While the world stagnates in, the Christian list is an exciting adventure in change

Peter was not only a hero because he changed but because he also persevered

2010-12-10 - Mission - With You Always

One of the last things Jesus said to assure his disciples, I am with you always - Matthew 28:20

Same message given to those who were:

"Too young"
"Not good speakers"
"Claimed weakness"
"Claimed faithlessness"

God's response is always the same: I will be with you

Peter: Do I know enough?
John: Will I be loved?

Jesus is on the front lines of salvation - we need to be where He is
Do you want to share because you will asked about it or because He will be with you?
If we could truely grasp the significance of Jesus being with you - radically change the face of evangelism

We are commanded to preach whether we want to or not - 1 Corinthians 9:17

Jesus reminded Paul that He was with him and that is all Paul needed
When we find ourselves timid, we need to remind ourselves who is with us

2010-12-19 - Worlds Wisdom vs Gods Wisdom (part I)

1 Corinthians 1:18-20

Everyone wants to know “How can I really live?”
This passage spells out two fundamental ways to answer this question. The world’s wisdom or God’s wisdom.
How does man in his wisdom view God’s wisdom (the cross)?
How does God view man’s wisdom? Can we have it both ways?
If you think I am a fool and I think you are a fool, what will our relationship be like?
Establish the wide gulf in the two ways of viewing and living life.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

Why does Paul say “Do not deceive yourselves?”
There is something about the world’s wisdom that is deceiving.
It is easy to convince ourselves that what we want to believe, what is comfortable, what is familiar, is right.

Matthew 16:13-17

What kind of man was Peter? Was he religious?
He certainly gets a right answer here.
According to Jesus, where does this answer come from?

Matthew 16:21-23

What does “Peter rebuked him” mean?
Peter thought he was seeing things God’s way, but in reality he was still on the side of the world’s wisdom.
We can know the right answers and still be living according to the wisdom of the world. What was Jesus’ response?
Where does the world’s wisdom really come from? From Satan. No wonder it is the opposite of God’s wisdom.

2010-12-26 - Saved by Grace through Faith (part II)

Ephesians 2:1-10

What condition are we all in? We are dead in sins and transgressions.
How much can a dead man do to improve his own condition? What then is the only way we can be saved?
What do you learn about God in his passage? His love? His mercy? His grace?
What is the condition of receiving what God has done on our behalf?
We are saved by grace through faith. Faith is obedient trust in God (James 2:14-18).
Here we trust what God has done in Jesus as the grounds of our salvation and commit our lives fully to him. While we can never do enough good works to save ourselves, what are we saved for?
Saving faith is “worked out” in ways that bring glory to God and attest to a Christ-centered life.

Romans 3:21-26

Having shown that Gentiles (non-Jews) are sinners in Romans 1 and Jews are no better off Romans 2, Paul summarizes his argument here.
Is it possible for anyone to be “good enough” to be saved?
Illustration: a plane goes down half way between Hawaii and California. Everyone must swim for the coast. Can some swim much further than others? But what eventually happens to them all? So with us, no one’s own efforts are enough. All fall short. So how are we saved?
God justifies those who “have faith in Jesus” (v26).
Saving faith is not in ourselves but “in his blood”—that is, in the death of Jesus on our behalf (v25).

Titus 3:3-8

When we humbly consider our own sinfulness, it becomes obvious that we are saved because of God’s mercy, not because of righteous things we have done.
Those who have trusted God for salvation, however, will devote themselves to doing his will.
God’s grace is AMAZING! He generously accepts us as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf.
To enter into this saving relationship with God, we must be washed of our sins and renewed by the Holy Spirit.
We will look more at the conditions of accepting God’s grace in the coming studies.

2010-12-27 - Repentance (part I)

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.

2010-12-30 - Baptism into Christ (part II)

Ephesians 1:3-10

An important New Testament teaching: every spiritual blessing from God is found “in Christ.”
What are some of those blessings listed here? (Sonship, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness…)
So how does a person enter “into Christ”? (Next passage.)

Galatians 3:26-29

We are baptized “into Christ.” Note that Paul did not consider faith and baptism to be contradictory.
Baptism is a tangible expression of faith that places us “in Christ” where salvation occurs.

Infant Baptism? Colossians 2:11-12

Baptism is an immersion in water (from the Greek baptizo meaning “plunge, dip, immerse” - see Acts 8:38-39), but it does not operate “automatically” apart from the faith of the one who is baptized.
Can an infant believe? Repent of sin? And what sins need to be forgiven?
Ezekiel 18:20: Contrary to the widely held doctrine of “original sin,” guilt for sin is not inherited from our parents.
We are guilty for our own sins and saved by grace through our own response of faith.

2010-12-31 - Baptism into Christ (part III)

Sinner’s Prayer? 1 Peter 3:21

Some claim that a person needs only to pray a “sinner’s prayer” or “ask Jesus into his/her heart” in order to be saved.
This is the predominant view in the evangelical Christian world. However, this is not the message that was preached in the Book of Acts.
Everyone was called to repentance, faith and baptism, and as Peter wrote here, “baptism now saves us” by the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

Acts 22:7-16

After encountering Jesus, repenting, praying, fasting (Acts 9:9-11), being healed, and being called by God,
Paul remains in sin.
What was left for him to do?
Why the urgency - what is so pressing about the need for baptism?
What remains for you to do or think about before you are ready to be united with Christ in baptism?

Finish picture - The benefits of salvation made available at the cross become real for us when we participate in his death, burial and
resurrection.

2011-02-02 - Word of God - Kansas City (part I)

Purpose: To gain conviction on the Bible being inspired by God, how and why we should apply the Bible to our lives

Question: How do you define a relationship with someone?
Keep that in mind as we have this study about God's Word.

2 Timothy 3:12-4:4

v12 - Everyone that want to live a Godly life will have to go through persecution
Question: What do you think that means - being persecuted for living a Godly life?
v14-15 - Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to continue to believe to believe in the scriptures because it is able to make you wise in the choices of life
v4:4 - Bible says that people will start to listen to and follow man (ideas and myths) rather than God
If we read the Bible daily then we will know God's will for our lives. If we don't we will start to follow what people say, think, and feel.
Question: How can reading the Bible daily change your life? What happens if you don't read daily?
Question: Why do you think God wants you to read his word daily? So you can know him!

John 8:31-36

Jesus is talking to the Jewish people and tells them that is they don't hold to his teachings, then they are not really his disciples
Just because someone acts religious or know a lot about the Bible does not mean they are following Jesus
Question: What does Jesus say it takes to be his disciple? Then you'll know what? Then what?
When you read someone's journal you get to know that person more and more each day - same goes for reading God's word
Question: How often do you read the Bible?
Challenge: Read the Bible daily and make one decision each day.

2011-02-03 - Word of God - Kansas City (part II)

1 Timothy 4:8-16

The Apostle Paul tell Timothy that godliness through spiritual training by holding to his teachings has great value for this life and the next
v10 - We must put our hope in God not self
Question: What does the Bible say that we should set an example in? What area do you need to change the most?
v16 - Your life and Bible must be equal (doctrine = beliefs)
Not just know the Bible but live it out
Do you have any questions so far? Do you understand so far?
Question: Is this something you want to really go after every day?
Briefly share about when you first started studying to be a disciple - the challenge, hope and desire

Hebrews 4:12-13

Question: How do you think the Word is living and active today?
The Bible judges the everything:
- thoughts
- attitudes
- insecurities
- criticalness
- impurities
Nothing is hidden from God sight. Do you realize that?

2011-03-04 - Jesus is God (part I)

Examples showing the deity of Jesus:

All Authority - Matthew 28:18; Colossians 2:10
Called God by James - James 2:1
Called God by John - 1 John 5:20; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 19:16
Called God by Jude - Jude 25
Called God by Paul - Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13
Called God by Peter - 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17
Forgives sins - Mark 2:5
Judges - John 5:22
Knew All things - John 21:17

2011-07-09 - Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part IV)

The Mind of Christ in Paul

The Apostle Paul possessed a firm belief that he had been sent by the Lord Jesus into the world for the specific purpose of bringing the lost to salvation.

1. He believed that he was on a Heavenly mission in the Lord’s behalf

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.

2. He believed that the purpose of this Heavenly mission was to bring the lost to salvation.

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

2011-07-10 - Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part V)

Paul employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission:

1. He gave himself totally to its fulfillment.

1 Corinthians 9:19 - To become what he needed to become to win as many as possible
1 Corinthians 9:12 - We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ
2 Timothy 2:10 - Endure everything for the sake of the elect
~2 Corinthians 11:22-33 - Endured and worked harder than anyone
2 Corinthians 12:15 - Gladly spends for you everything

2. He earnestly longed for the salvation of sinners.

Romans 9:1-3 - He wish he could paid the price for them
Romans 10:1 - My heart's desire for you to be saved
Galatians 4:19 - Was in pains of childbirth for their salvation

2011-07-11 - Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part VI)

Paul employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission (continued) :

3. He kept his mind continually fixed on this objective:

Acts 20:22-24 - It was everything to him to finish the race
2 Corinthians 11:28 - Felt daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches
Colossians 1:28-29 - Struggled with all his energy

4. He followed the Lord’s plan of discipling people into the image of Jesus Christ - 2 Timothy 2:2

5. His own evangelism was constant

a. He utilized every opportunity.
b. He created opportunities for evangelism

2011-08-26 - Fearing God - Mystery Too High

God work contrary to how we would
God wisdom is infinite; ours in finite
We tend to assume we would understand if God would just explain
We don't believe that "his understanding no one can fathom - Isiah 40:28

On the road to Emmaus, they said "they hoped Jesus was the one going to redeem Israel - Luke 24:21
They did not understand what God was doing even doing even as it was unfolding

Unexplained setback may never be understood
Paul planned to sail to Rome and Spain but ended up in jail for 2 years - Acts 24:27

Humility should be a hallmark those who fear God
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me - Psalms 131:1

2011-09-09 - Followup: Humility I (part II)

What humility is not:

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

What humility is:

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

Philippians 2:5-8
How was Jesus humble?

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.

Question: Is there anyone in your life difficult for you to be humble towards?
Question: What would Jesus advise you to do with that situation?

To be like Jesus is to be humble

2011-11-02 - Mind Change - Dreams

Never lose your dream.

If one gets taken away, seek another one.

God is not through with you.

He still has plans.

When he closes one door, he opens another.

Acts 16:10 - A door opened in Macedonia for Paul

2011-11-10 - Mind Change - Trouble

Trouble is often the ground where God cultivates some of his best crops.

No trouble is bigger than God.
No trouble is stronger than God.
No trouble overwhelms God.

Genesis 50:20 - God trouble helps save lives
Galatians 4:13 - Because of an illness that Paul preached to the Galatians
Philippians 1:12-14 - Christians were encouraged by Paul's chains

2011-11-13 - Mind Change - Peace

It is God’s will for you to totally trust him and to be completely at peace in every situation.

You have to learn this.

It took Paul some time to learn this (compare 2 Corinthians 1 / Philippians 4)

It will take you time to learn it.

Just decide that you will learn it.

Philippians 4:4-7 - I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me

2011-11-18 - Thankfulness

Thankfulness

Colossians 1:3,10-12, 2:6-7, 3:15, 17, 4:2
- In one letter we are instructed SEVEN times to be thankful people. Pretty important

CHART

Philippians 4:10-13 ~ Paul did not start out this way

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

3 Keys:

1. Remember the past.

Ephesians 2:1-10 ~ Remember how you used to live.

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?

2. New thinking in the present

Serve with a grateful heart
Matthew 6:1-4 ~ Remember it is more blessed to give than receive.

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

    Trust God in everything
    Romans 8:28 ~ God works out EVERYTHING for the good of those who love him.
    Do you believe this ?

3. Think toward the future.

    Philippians 4:2-8 ~ You name is written in the book of life.

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.

2011-11-27 - Grace (part III)

Grace should motivate you to work hard for God

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace

Grace can be forfeited or lost

Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives

Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

2011-12-08 - Day 5 - The Grace of God

Romans 5:6-11

How were you powerless when Christ died for you?
What proves God's incredible love for you?

Titus 3:3-8; Titus 2:11-14

Why do we need to be reminded about our old way of life?
What did you do to earn God's forgiveness?
How should you respond to the grace of God?
Describe how you can be self-controlled and eager to do good works.

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 / 1 Timothy 1:7-12 - How did Paul show his gratitude to God?

Application: Write down (and do) 3 things today that will show God how grateful you are to be saved!

2011-12-09 - Day 6 - Too Good to Keep

2 Kings 7:3-11

How were you starving and without hope like the 4 lepers before being baptized?
How is the kingdom of God like an unlimited feast?
How does verse 9 apply to being a disciple? Do you have the same attitude?

Romans 10:1-4;14-21

Do you feel like Paul does about the lost?
Who does God send to preach?
Will everyone accept the good news? Why?
Why is it important to preach no matter what response you receive?

~Psalms 116:1-14 - How can you repay the Lord for all his goodness to you?

Application: Set a "goal of faith" for yourself in evangelism today. Refuse to be discouraged!

2011-12-11 - Day 8 - The Hope of Glory

1 Corinthians 15:19

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

1 Corinthians 15:42-58

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

Colossians 3:1-4

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

Application: Think for a while about what heaven will be like. And don't forget to thank God every day for the opportunity to go to heaven!

2011-12-19 - Day 16 - Saved to Save

1 Peter 2:9-10

What does it mean to be a royal priesthood?
What message should you be sharing?
Are you really declaring God's praises or just giving out an invitation?

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

How can you tell if you're living for yourself or living for Jesus?
What does it mean to be Christ's ambassador?
Would Jesus be pleased with the way you present him?
What does it mean to APPEAL to and IMPLORE people?
What attitude should you have toward the lost?

Acts 17:16-34

Why was Paul distressed?
What are some sights around your city that should distress you?
Where did Paul share his faith?
Why did Paul begin his message by commending the Athenians for being very religious?
What does this teach you about preaching Paul's message?

Application: Write at least 4 things you have learned today about evangelism from this study. Share your faith with these things in mind.

2012-01-01 - Day 29 - Jesus is Coming Soon

2 Peter 3:3-14

Why do some people scoff (mock) at the promise of Christ's return?
What will the "day of the Lord" be like?
Are you living as though Jesus could come back TODAY?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Compare this passage to 2 Peter 3:7-10.

Will there be any "second chance" for those who are not ready to meet the Lord?
Why will this day be like "a thief in the night"?
What does it mean to be alert and self-controlled?

2 Timothy 4:6-8

How does Paul feel about facing the Lord on judgement day?
Why is living for Jesus like fighting the good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith?
What kind of effort does it take to be this way to the end?

Application: Live each day like it is your last!

2012-01-06 - Day 34 - Taking Correction

Galatians 2:11-16

What was Peter's sin?
Why did Paul correct him publicly?

2 Corinthians 7:8-13

Why did Paul correct and challenge the Corinthians?
How does God want you to respond to correction?
Has anyone corrected you lately?
How did you respond?
Were they encouraged by your response?

Galatians 6:1-5

What obligation do we have to help one another?
How can pride keep you from taking correction?
Why is it dangerous to compare ourselves to others?

Proverbs 15:31-32 & Proverbs 16:18 - Which one describes you?

Application: Ask the person teaching you how you take correction. Do you need to repent?

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