Quiet Times Search

• Pilate could have released Jesus but he was more concerned with pleasing people than pleasing God
• Think of all the people that shouted "crucify him". People who he healed, fed, etc. How do you think Jesus felt?
• They released a murderer instead of Jesus (many said they believed he was the son of God but still this)
• Share: Pilate tried to escape responsibility by washing his hands but denying the truth does not remove the sin
• They beat Jesus again, to the point he did not look human - Isaiah 52:14
• Question: Why do you think Jesus was still willing to go through this for you? (Because he loves you). He is not even at the cross yet.

• Jesus was beaten so badly that he couldn't even carry his own cross
• v46 Jesus hung on the cross for hours (slow tortuous death) but yet he screams out loudly 
• Share: Jesus had never been separated God (since the beginning of time they were united)
• Share: Once Jesus took on YOUR sin, he was separated from God (Wall of Sin  = Isaiah 59:1-2)

• Question: What do you think the heart of what Jesus is saying in these scriptures?
• Question: Biblically speaking, because someone goes to church  does that make them a Christian? Are they a Christian because they are a good person? What if they know a lot about the Bible, does that make them a Christian?
• That means you are saying that the majority of people in the world are lost. How does that make you feel?
• Make God feel said but God has a plan for them - 1 Timothy 2:1-6

• v22 - The miracles Jesus did proves he was God's son
• v23 - He died on the cross for your sin
• v24 - God raised him from the dead
  

• Confess with your mouth (acknowledging God and everyone around you that you nor anything else will be the Lord of your life,expect Jesus)
• It is not the confession that justifies you, it is your heart that God is looking at.

• They were the Jews - God’s holy people
• They had faith in Him - vs. 30
• They believe in Him - vs. 31

• I will give the land to you and your descendants
• You will spread out to the north, south, east and west
• People on earth will be blessed through you
• I am with you and will watch over you
• I will not leave you

• After Jesus' command/request, he said "because you say so, I will let down the nets"
• It may have took a lot to do this:
  • Tired from fishing all night
  • A carpenter asking a fisherman to fish during the worst time to fish - during the day
• Peter was elated at such a monumental catch - may have been the equivent of days or weeks worth of fishing
  

• Sermon of the Mount: Jesus began to teach everyone - Matthew 5:1-2
• To Jews who had believed him, Jesus said they must believe - John 8:31
• Peter did not understand what Jesus was saying - Mark 8:30-32

• Peter: Remember when walking on water
• Thomas: But you doubted and fell into the water
• Peter: Like you have any room to talk, doubting Thomas
• James: Remember the transfiguration? Yeah, I was one of three disciples there. We saw Moses and Elijah.
• Andrew: Yeah, you seem to miss the whole point when you fixated on getting them shelters
• Matthew: We can take these guys anywhere

• Forgetting to the trash and why I was in the garage
• Forgetting Juniper's shoes on the way to church
  

• Applying your heart to understanding
• Looking for it as for silver
• Searching for it as for hidden treasure

• Think of 2 of the most convicting sins in your life
• What do you deserve for them?
  • Punishment (not being trusted, retribution, etc…)
    

• We owe God a debt we could never repay.
• God has given us grace so we need to extend it to others as well.
• The more you see your sin the more you can understand God’s grace.

• Jeff was playing in the Bay Hill Invitational and he hit his ball in the water.
• He then took a drop (drop your ball near the place it went in the water) and he added a penalty stroke
• During the night he began to question whether his drop was legal or illegal.
• He couldn’t sleep that night and the next morning called the golfing officials and told them what happen.
• Before the officials even made a decision, Jeff disqualified himself.
• Jeff said, “I’m not sure if what I did was right, and if I’m not sure then I couldn’t live with myself and keep playing. What if I won? It would be a curse.”

• In most sports today the rule is to see what you can get away with (as long as you don’t get caught then its O.K.)
• But for the person of integrity cheating/deceit is never okay (its never an option)
  

1. Politicians break campaign promises continually
2. Parents laugh at little “Billie” when he cheats at pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey)
3. Businesses lie just to sale a product (on and on)

• Many people in the world today are two-faced (their life doesn’t match their doctrine)
  

1. Peer Pressure - Matthew 27:19-24
   • Pilate lacked integrity, he made decisions based on what other people thought and said.
   • He didn’t want to take responsibility
2. Pride - Exodus 8:8-15
   • Pharaoh wanted to be in control and not take advice from others
   • In the end Pharaoh’s pride led to his firstborn son dieing (all the 1st born sons of Egypt)

• 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

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.

Summary

Humankind corrupted the earth with evil. God decided to destroy them. He told Noah to build an ark to be saved from the flood.

Observations

Genesis 6:5 - every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time
At this point, in a relatively small amount of time, man no longer called out for God. It was just Genesis chapter 4 when men just began to call out for God and at this time

Genesis 6:13 - God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people"
God shared his plans with Noah even though they were very troubling. A deep relationship is where you share you plans and dreams (not in this case). God trusted Noah. Noah trusted God even more (as he should). That mutual trust helped save mankind and allow us to live today.

Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded him
After being 500 years old or so, Noah still did everything God commanded him to do. We can not imagine the pressure and persecution Noah must have gone through to build a boat in the middle of the dessert. Still he did not waiver. His complete faith was with God and trusted every word God spoke to him. We have trouble with just a small amount of faith that required to live our lives.

Personal Application

Increase my faith, Lord! I see Noah's faith to build an ark and I struggle to have faith today.The struggles I face today are not even a speck compared to Noah's troubles.  Noah had great faith because he trusted God and what he said. That is what I need to do.

Summary

The Lord promised Abram an heir and many descendants. Abram believed. He was told that they would be enslaved but would then return.

Observations

Genesis 15:6 - Abram believed the LORD ... credited it to him as righteousness
Even though Abram had no kids for a long period of time, he believed the Lord would provide. He had this prayer for a long time - many, many days he prayed. But nothing. He he came face to face with God, He told him a son was coming and his descendants would be as many as stars in the sky. Abram chose to believe and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. How long do we pray before giving up?

Genesis 15:14 - I will punish the nation they serve as slaves
At the beginning of the chapter, God said he was Abram's shield [Genesis 15:1]. Here he expands on his promise - in the future, he will punish the Egyptians for making his people to become slaves. God will protect us. The judgement of our enemies might not come on our timetable, but it will come. We need to patient and be still, the Lord will fight for you [Exodus 14:14]

Personal Application

Sometimes I believe that perseverance is my strength but as I look at my prayers for the desires of my heart, I give up way easily. "But it has not happened in 2 weeks, 2 months, 2 years" - I say. Abram waited until he was 100 years for his son to be born.

Summary

Three visitors came and said that Sarah would have a son next year. Sodom was very evil; Abraham pleaded with the LORD for the city.

Observations

Genesis 18:14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?
This is a good question to ask ourselves in times where we doubt God in anyway. Sarai doubted that she would become pregnant because of how old she was. Mary may have been thinking of this scripture when the angel came to her saying she would become pregnant as a virgin - her reaction was much more faithful. Bog came do much more than we can ask or imagine [Ephesians 3:20].

Genesis 18:32 - For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it
God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth [1 Timothy 2:4]. It is the reason God will waiting out all the evil and sin that is in the world. He is looking and searching out those who will changing their ways and love him back. Who around us is looking for God?

Personal Application

I doubt God way too much (once is too much )and I do probably everyday - I am doing it right now. God is god, he can do anything. Yes, even that. I have got to stop making God smaller in my mind. Every time that I think I have an understanding how big and strong he is - God is beyond that. He greater than I can imagine.

• Romans 2:17-24 - Hypocrisy in religion has turned many away from the real God
• Matthew 23:1-4 - Ungodly authorities can cause us to view God in similar ways
• Deuteronomy 4:4-8 - Those who could have taught us did not, or they did it incorrectly

• John 4:21-24 - We didn’t know what the Bible said
• 2 Timothy 4:1-4 - We were looking for the easy way, not the right way
• Proverbs 14:15 - We were too simple and believed things too quickly and easily

Summary

In Gerar Abraham said, "Sarah is my sister." King Abimelech took her but God warned him in a dream. He restored Sarah to Abraham.

Observations

Genesis 20:3 - You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken
God's anger was revealed here once again. King Abimelech had no idea that he was sinning. However, just because we are not aware does not mean were without sin.  In fact, we may have sinned serveral time already today without knowing or being aware. We need just Jesus so much. Wheather it is for the strength to be righteous or the forgiveness of a mulitude of sins.

Genesis 20:6 - I know that you have done this with a clear conscience
God considers our lives and our hearts when he judges. Our hearts are central to our connection with God. King Abimelech had no intention to take a married woman to be his wife, he did it with a clear conscience. God provided a way out way out for him as he does for all those who are tempted. [1 Corinthians 10:13].

Personal Application

I usually don't have an issue with knowing right from wrong. It is usually that I am not aware of what I am doing. I am either not paying attention or not focused. I need to watch my life closely so I will be righteous in God's eyes and so others can be saved because of it [1 Timothy 4:16].

• What are three areas of your life that you need to be shown compassion and mercy in?
• Do you extend compassion and mercy to others who struggle in the same areas?

• 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. Pray through my dream list at least twice a week
2. Learn to stop trying to be perfect and be grateful for his grace

Summary

As promised, Sarah had a son: Isaac. She had Hagar and Ishmael sent away but God preserved them. Abraham and Abimelech made a treaty.

Observations

Genesis 21:1 - The LORD visited Sarah just as he had said he would and did for Sarah what he had promised
God's fulfillment of his promises does not depend on us. God alone is faithful in what he says he will do. Neither should our vows change the on what others do or how our situation changes. Wheather that be our decision to become a Christian, our marriage, or commitment to the church or our kids. Jesus loved people to the core despite how others treated him.

Genesis 21:22 - God is with you in all that you do
God is all around us. His works and the evidence that he exists can not be denied. Which leads to the question: he is all around us but also with us?  God is watching us and he is with those who love him. [Romans 8:28]

Personal Application

I need to unmoved by the changing seas around me. I go all over the place on where I stand on giving to others without resolve. Need to be consistent as I faithfully follow the Lord.

Summary

God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. As Abraham obeyed, an angel stopped him. The LORD provided a ram instead and blessed Abraham.

Observations

Genesis 22:2 - Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering
God calls us to sacrifice to a high degree. We need to trust in God when we are called to sacrifice. Abram was called to the give up one of the most important persons in his life. At what point do we stop sacrificing? When we feel we are about to leave our comfort zone? When the price is too high?

Genesis 22:5 - and then we will come back to you
He did not know how or in what way but Abram had faith God would not forget about His promise to Abram. Would his son come back to life? Would God give him a new son? What whatever was to happen, Abram believed he would not be coming back alone when he said "we will come back".

Genesis 22:12 - I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son
God present us with tests in our life to see where our heart is at. These test also tell us where our own heart is at if we pay attention. There was no cost Abram was not willing to pay to seek out the Lord which show he had the right perceptive of God's power.  Our sacrifice level shows our love for God.

Personal Application

I know for me I give until it starts to physically hurt, brings up bad memories, or I don't see the need to. It does not depend on me; I need to sacrifice in relation to the need. As I grow close to go God I will see God's heart in this.

Four instances of Jesus' first impressions:

1. Jesus' mastery of strength - John said there one coming mighter than I - John had face the greatest men of his day without flinching; John faltered and drew back when the man from Nazareth appeared
2. Jesus' leadership of strength - Fishermen were left with such an impression, they left everything at once and followed him.
3. Jesus' authority of strength - He goes into a synagogue and they were amazed at his teaching (as one having authority which had not been seen before)
4. Jesus' power of strength - Miracles and healings by Him; people were surprised by His power

Jesus draws men to him because of his power

• Crowd was so great at the seashore, they pushed him into the water
• Hilltop suddenly became alive because of his presence
• Every city he passed through, he turned upside down

Only a man of strength draws to him great masses of men

The people were ashtonished by Jesus

Who do I you say I am? They had to go to the grave in order to find a man to whom they could liken him

No man in Jesus' day was great enough to convey their idea of strength

Pilot was afraid of Jesus even though He was a poor unarmed peasant

Proof of His power was in the intensity of the hatred and in the intensity of love which he excited

You can not hate a weakling or a no body

He was so mightly that when men thought of him, they thought of God
The man who was nearest to him, saw him in a vsion after he was gone and said, "When I saw him I fell at his feet as dead" - Revelation 1:17

For some, hurtful things your father did and said to you over the years
Others were wounded more by your father’s absence

The question is whether or not you will allow it to hinder you or help you.
Unresolved anger becomes a bitter cancer that poisons hearts.

We are to forgive like God forgives, completely - Ephesians 4:32
Unresolved bitterness is sin and it will distort your own fathering.

If you believe the same lies your father believed, you will also be bound by them.
For every lie that says you need to sin, lust, or feed an addiction to survive or be happy,
God says, "I will take care of you, will never leave you, and will meet all your needs" - 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:19

Truth doesn’t set you free if you only hear it and mentally understand it.
Ask God to reveal the lies you have believed in the past and help you replace each one with His truth.

Consider memorizing verses that stand against any lies you have believed.

Continuing the “heart hindrances” that will push your chidren away.

6. Favoritism.
   • Less favored children become resentful.
   • It led Rachel and Leah to fight and Joseph’s brothers to hate him
7. Hypocrisy.
   • It will kill trust between you and your children
   • Identify hypocrisy in you, be quick to repent
8. Hurting their mother.
   • They will tend to take up offense for the woman who loves them
   • If you teach them to dishonor her, they will eventually dishonor you
9. Misunderstanding.
   • Is tied to kids feeling misunderstood and not listened to by their parents
   • If a matter is important to them, it should be important to you
10. Unrealistic expectations.
    • Kids will quickly be discouraged if they believe their parents have set them up to fail
    • Avoid comparing their weaknesses with another child’s strengths
    • Your child believes he can’t please you, he’ll eventually quit trying

You must keep your radar up to sense if you have your children’s hearts

Questions to continously ask:

• Have I ever wounded you and not made it right?
• Have I said one thing and done another?
• Have I made promises and not kept them?
• Is there anything you’re angry with me about? Is there anything you’re not telling me because you’re afraid?

Too many men foolishly refuse to apologize because they’re trying to save face and don’t want to look bad.

You were first and rank and power but you are as unruly as a flood - Genesis 49:3-4

Reben did some good things but made some terriable mistakes

GOOD - Spoke up for his brother Joesph which lead to saving his life - Genesis 37:21-22
GOOD - Risked everything to save his family - Genesis 42:37
BAD - He slept with one of Jacob's concubines
BAD - Lived life unruly as a flood

As the first born, Reuben should have received special privileges and promises but Jacob said he was first no longer

Reuben's life serves as both as a encouragement and warning about how importance of consistency for us and our family

Would you call yourself a stable man or unruly like a flood?

Abram and King Bera

I will not take a single thread otherwise you might say "I am the one who made Abram rich" - Genesis 14:22

Abram found himself in an uneasy alliance with King Bera (means "wicked") of Sodom

King Bera's adversaries routed his forces and captured Lot

Abram gathered some men and defeated Bera's ememies and resuced Lot

King said to "Let me have my people and you can keep the spoils" but Abram refused - Genesis 14:21

He did not want Bera or anyone else believing that anyone but God made him rich

Lord to Moses: Gather 70 men and they will bear the burden of the people along with you - Numbers 11:16-17

Moses had reached the point of burnout and no more to give

So much so, Moses said: "Just go ahead and kill me" - Numbers 11:15

God sent help his way

When you allow others to help you bear your burdens, you receive great blessings for yourself and for those who help you

Allow your brothers to share your burdens so that you can keep moving forward

Jairus fall at Jesus' feet, pleading with him for his dying daughter - Luke 8:41-42

Desparation has a way of making people forget about themselves and take unusual risks

Jarius knew the risks when he fell at Jesus' feet:

• Jewish countrymen won't take kindly of him approaching Jesus this way
• By falling to his knees, Jairus acknowledge that Jesus was everything he said he was

He needed more than faith to come to Jesus, he needed courage

Being a synagogue leader, he had access to the very best health care

Jairus had one final hope - Jesus, he knew Jesus could heal his daughter

The Savior  who never turns down a humble man gave him exactly what he needed

Where do you turn when you're in desparate need?

One day he disappeared because God took him - Genesis 5:24

Enoch walked with God and simply disappeared but before he was taken up he was known as a person who pleased God - Hebrews 11:5

He pleased God because Enoch walked with him daily:

• Relied on him
• Enjoyed his companionship
• Obeyed his commands
• Put God in the center of everything he said and did

Naaman became angry and stalked away - 2 Kinds 5:11

Naaman had a serious infectious skin disease

He went to Eliasha for healing and he said to go the Jordan and wash 7 times

Naaman was disappointed and angry with this but his servants encouraged him to do as Elisha said

He obeyed and was healed - God of Israel is a God of second changes

Because of Naaman's eventual humble obedience, he was healed and later found salvation - 2 Kings 5:15-18

Surely you wouldn't do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked - Genesis 18:25

Abraham's heart sank when God announced he would destroy Sodom:

• Lot and his family lived there
• Possiblity have friends there

He couldn't just stand there without trying to intercede on their behalf

Abramham trusted God's assessment of Sodom and he to be just and righteous

God said he would not destory the city if there were 50, 30, 20, 10 righteous left - Genesis 18:32

Are you a man of persistent, passionate prayer?

Don't be afraid! Go ahead and do what you've said - 1 Kings 17:13

When you speak and demonstrate your faith openly, it is bound to infect others

It seemed Elijah was the only man with faith in Israel but he didn't let that stop him speaking God's Word who desparately needed to hear it

Drought had led to famine, God sent a woman with little money to feed

Elijah didn't allow the lack of wealth affect his faith and persuaded the woman to share what little she had

She never again lacked food for herself or her son

Faith isn't real unless you put it to work, don't worry about running out - God will give you what you need

He healed my eyes and yet you don't know where he comes from? - John 9:30

The Jewish reglious leaders constantly opposed his and couldn't see past their own legalism and tradition long enough to see the miracle

The blind man and others understood who Jesus was because he witnessed the miracles with open minds and hearts

Jesus demonstarted God's power, the man did as Jesus said, and receive the gift of sight:

1. Spit in the dirt
2. Wiped mud in his eyes
3. Told him to wash

The Jewish leaders took issue to Jesus "working" on the Sabbath

Ex-blind man: If this man were not from God, he couldn't have done it - John 9:33

When we receive spiritual insight that changes our lives, we need to tell others what God has done - we were blind but now we see!

Jesus returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them - Luke 2:51

It is easy to ignroe the yield signs God puts up for us

We enjoy God's blessing and protection when we heed the warning signs

As the Son of God, Jesus knew his identity

He understood that to grow into a perfect man of God, he needed to honor his earthly mother and father

Everything Jesus did, said, and thought sprang from the fact that he had yielded his own will to his Father - John 5:30

Jesus built his life on a solid foundation of submission

What foundation have you build your life on?

No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words - Job 2:13

Many men struggle with just listening - why God gave us two ears and only one mouth

At first Job's friends were the exactly the kind of friends he needed

After Job had spoken, they began speaking but instead of comforting him they tried to fix his problems - which made things worst

Sometimes it is best to just listen instead of trying to fix things

Gideon made a sacred ephod from the gold and put it in Ophrah; it became a trap for Gideon and his family - Judges 8:27

Sometimes our best-intended actions have negative consequences

Gideon had just led Israel in a rousing victory over Midian and they elected him ruler

He said thanks, but no thanks - he knew not to take an office that had not appointed him to

Gideon asked everyone to gather up the gold colleced from the Midianite enemies so that he could make an ephod to server as a memorial to God's goodness for defeat the Midianites

Instead of remembering God, the Israelites began to worship it instead

Gideon provided leadership during the time of war but failed to offer it at a time when the people needed spiritual guidance

When you set out to do something you see as important, seek God and his approval before moving forward

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?

Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance? - Job 42:3

You really find out what he or she is made of when you're not at your best

After suffering through the loss of his property, wealth, health, and family, Job came to better understand God - Job 1:8

God had called Job a man of complete integrity - Job 1:8

When he suffered, he began to question God, complaining to God and accusing God of treating him unjustly

When God revealed himself, Job had to retrack the foolish things he said.

I take back everything I said and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance - Job 42:6

Job began to understand his smallest: I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes - Job 42:5

We alone will build the Temple for the Lord just as KIng Cyrus of Persia commanded us - Ezra 4:3

It is important to guard against those who try to lead you away from a strong, biblical faith

Zerubbabel had good judgement overseeing the building of an alter to the Lord and the rebuild of the holy Temple

This got the attention of some traditional adversaries who offered to help with highly suspect motives

It was tempting to get the work done faster but Zerubbabel said thanks but no thanks

We need to have sound judgement in who spends time with your family and what images you and your kids should view and the activities you choose

Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit - 2 Kings 2:9

Prophet-in-training Elisha achieve greatness because he had the faith to ask for a blessing when he had the opportunity

Three times Elijah told him to stay behind, three times he said I will never leave you - 2 Kings 2:2-6

Elijah asked Elisha what he wanted, he didn't hesitate - double portion of his spirit

Elisha got exactly what he requested

When we need God's empowerment, take your shot and for it in faith

They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind - Matthew 4:22

James and John didn't waste so much as a minute when Jesus called them to his side

They didn't even ask about their destination or agenda, they simply dropped their nets and followed

Suppose Jesus came by your place of business today and said "Follow me"

Could you immediately follow and serve him, whenever he went and whatever he asked you to do?

His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful - 1 Chronicles 4:9

When we receive a vision for something specific, we are to pray equally specifically

Jabez was an honorable man whose name meant "pain"

Only recorded words was a well-known prayer - "Please be with me in all I do and keep me from all trouble and pain" - 1 Chronicles 4:10

God said yes to everything Jebez asked:

1. God would bless him - went to the source of all good things
2. God would expand his territory - wasn't afraid to ask things specifically
3. God would be with him inall that he did - he knew was heading nowhere without God
4. God would keep him from all trouble and pain - aka asked for a humble heart and for ability to do right

Shamgar once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad - Judges 3:31

Shamgar was one of thirteen people who were judges in Israel

Men and woman were responsible for maintaining law and order

There are only two verses mentioning Shamgar, above and - Judges 5:6

Nothing is said about him except:

• He is the son of Anath
• He rescued Israel
• He killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad

His name is not prominent in Scripture but God is well aware of everthing Shamagr did

It's Esau, your firstborn son - Genesis 27:19

Jacob tried to accomplish something that God already said was his will

It went terribly wrong when he schemed and lied to make that goal a reality

He received his father's blessing but only after lying to him at least 4 times

Jacob and Rebekah decieved his father through sinful means what God had wanted to do through righteous means

They would face many consequences for his sin including Laban's deception before giving him Rachel as Jacob's wife - Genesis 29

No prophet is accepted in his own hometown - Luke 4:24

The people of Nazareth welcomed Jesus home to their Sabbath service

The things Jesus said amazed the people first but then he ruffed some feathers

Jesus' friends and family becamse irate and intented to throw him off a nearby cliff

Jesus escaped but grieved at what had happened

Jesus did not allow his hometown's rejection to discourage him

I am the one who needs to be baptized by you - Matthew 3:14

The most famous best supporting actor in the New Testament is John the Baptist

Men in the Old Testament said he would prepare the way for the Messiah's coming

John preached the message of God had given him and welcomes the star of the show, Jesus Christ

John repeated had to set the record straight about his own identity

He demonstrated further humility when Jesus approached him to be baptized

John initally protested that he not Jesus should be baptized but he obeyed Jesus request

What if God asked you to play a similar role to a colleage at work or church leader?

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord gave him twice as much as before - John 42:10

As Job's painful story draws to a close, he faces a choice: how to handle his friends offering nothing but accusations and condemnation?

They basically said - If you are suffering like this, it must be because your sin has angered God

Most of us shrink from those who attack us.

Not Job:

• Job did not hold a gruge or complain to God about them
• Job prayed for them
• Job blessed those who had accused him and God blessed him in return - Job 42:10

Job took the high road and refused to hold grudges, he took an even higher road when he prayed for them

Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus - Matthew 14:29

Learning to walk for a toddler is similar taking steps of faith - we dare to take steps, meet by success then failure

Peter was easily the most impulsive of Jesus' disciples - said and did things that others thought about but did not dare to say or do

Peter was a baby in faith who tried new things to discover what he is able to do

His impulsive move to get out of the boat was greeted with success then panic and failure

Peter clearly couldn't keep his eyes on Jesus but they were baby steps toward maturing his faith 

I am ready to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus - Acts 21:13

Proper motivation goes a long way to determine whether or not your life will become everything God wants it to be

Paul changed the world for Jesus despite enduring incredible suffering and persecution:

• Beaten
• Imprisioned
• Falsely accused
• Executed

What would motivate a man to go trhough what Paul endured?

• Paul served out of his love for Christ - willing to go to jail and die for the sake of Jesus
• Pauls served out of his love for people - Paul's life was a fountain that overflowed of love for other believers - 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Paul did and said everyhing out of a spirit of love

What is your motivation?

John the Baptist was a mighty man but he said there was one coming who is mighter than he

He baptized great and small but when Jesus arrives, John falters and draws back at thought of baptizing Jesus

Fisherman left all and followed him - such was the impression he made upon them

Jesus goes into the synagogue and begins to teach, they are amazed how he teaches with such authority

He heals and the people are surprised because God given such power to a man

Jesus drew men to him:

• Seashore: crowd so great, he pushed into the water
• Hilltop: hillside is alive with people
• Desert: great crowd surrounds him
• City: he sometimes dares not go into a city because the turmoil he would cause

In each place Jesus arrived, he turned it upside down by his presence

Only a man of strength draws to him great masses of men 

The average man is one-sided, unsymmetrical and unevenly developed

Strong in some characteristics and weak in others

Jesus - we find ourselves in the presence of a man without flaw

• Emotional but not hyterical
• Imaginative but not flighty
• Practical but not dull
• Couragous but not reckless
• Enuthusiastic but not fanatical
• Prudent but not a coward
• Unique but not eccentric
• Sympathetic but not sentimental
• Religous but into superstition

Jesus is so well rounded on every side, men have never known where to classify him

Men laid their traps to catch him but he walked bravely among them

Even after all the attempts from this enemies to trip him up, the devil tried his friends
"Get behind me, Satan", he said to Peter

No one in Jesus' day raise the question of whether he was original or not

No personality like that of Jesus had ever been encased in flesh before

Jesus began by reading a scripture in Isaiah that others had read but they did not understand it meaning
Jesus understood it fully and read it and the scripture became new

Religion is partly ceremony and partly ethics

Jesus emphased mercy instead of sacrifice

Accent in his teaching was full of assurance, certainty and authority

He never hesitated, speculated, or showed any indication of a wavering mind - I tell you the truth

Jesus was the complete man

He was differernt from all other men that had ever been and he said so

Jesus' love was boundless, foreign to his being

He expected others to not have boundries on their love either

When Peter asked Jesus about forgiveness and how many times to forgive, Peter suggested seven (twice as many as most liberal rabbis)

Jesus blew Peter's mind and said to not set limits. There are no boundries in love.

Love is not a calculation, Mathmatics is foreign to affection

Jesus knew the blessedness of forgiving heart

He himself was always forgiving without grudges, retaliations, revenges

His heart was the most discerning that ever existed. He hated sin like no one else but loved the people like no one else

No better example: on the cross with so much pain and through his love his heart was to love and forgive.

Men had become cynical and pessimistic - Jesus still believed they could learn

They were convinced that many mortals could only expect nothing but damnation

To the religious, there were classes of people who were beyond redemption, no promise could be offered

Jesus' hope is as immeasurable as his love

• He did not reject the refuse of society
• He saw promise in those who were considered scum

Like scrooge, there was hope for the man whom men have doomed for destruction

You can not tell what is in a man just by what he says or does

By contrast, Jesus said:

• The fields are ripe for harvest - John 4:35
• Would draw all people to himself - John 12:32
   

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

Order of logic we will proceed

1. Truth about reality is knowable
2. The opposite of true is false
3. It is true that God exist 
   • Beginning of the universe 
   • Design of the universe 
   • Design of life
   •  Moral law
4. If God exists then miracles are possible
5. Miracles can used to confirm the word of God
6. The NT is historically reliable
   •     A. Early testimony
   •     B. Eye witness testimony
   •     C. Authentic testimony
   • Eye witnesses who were not decived
7. The NT says Jesus claimed to be God
8. Jesus' God was miraculously claimed
   • Fulfilment of the OT prophecies
   •  Sinless life and miracles performed
   • Prediction/Coming true of His resurrection
9. Jesus is God
10. Being God, whatever Jesus teaches is true
11. Jesus taught the Bible is the Word of God
12. Whatever is contrary to the Bible is false

All the above need to justified by evidence
Will start with the point with ultimate skepticism
Will ultimately get to to the reasoning: If something is contradicting Bible, then it is false

We should live our lives based on truth - Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

The examined faith is not worth believing

Included in the greatest commandment is: love the Lord with all of your MIND

Belief is both a matter of faith but also of will

Sometimes we just want things to be true - this could be said for both Christian (something to rely on) and non-believer (changes in life required)
Why would someone not want the free gift of forgiveness? Sometime that decision would require change in their lives

There is a difference between proving and accepting Christianity
If someone could show Christianity to be most probable, would you accept it? It is evidence issue or are you in the way?

The point of open mindedness is to find the truth when it comes along; 
The point is not to be indecisive when evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt comes along
That indecisiveness is empty-mindedness

God has given us enough evidence to see him without comprising our faith or our free will