Quiet Times Search

Not like any other prophet, priest, or preacher

There were others that were close to him (Stalin…)

• Not only one to be called to preach - ...“so I can preach there also. That is why I have come” - Mark 1:38
• “Only in his hometown…is a prophet without honor” - Mark 6:1-5

a. Jesus taught with truth and compassion
b. Backup his teachings with his life

i. No man can come to except through me
ii. Do good to those who hate you
iii. Find your life by loosing it

c. Gives us a place to stand – embolden the disciples

a. Jesus was the foundation
b. Story did not end in Palestine

a. Died with Christ, now we can live a new life with him – Romans 6:4,5,8

• NT letter deal with relationships more than any other subject
• Carry each other's burden - burdens produced by sin
• Christians are to be involved to know what sin's others are struggling to overcome
• Helping your brother to overcome a sin is a fulfillment of the principle of Christ
• Jesus carried our burden - Isaiah 53:4-6; 1 Peter 2:24

Time Management

Mark 8:27-30

• Jesus lived a very busy life.
• Jesus often accomplished several things at once.
• Jesus knew time was limited.

Reputation

• We also need to find out how others perceive us.
• We shouldn’t fear their disapproval.

Hardline

Mark 8:34-9:1

• Attitudes generally do not float in isolation – whistling teapot principle
• Jesus chose the most challenging words spoken by any leader.
• Words used:
• "If anyone…"
  • "…he must…"
  • "…deny himself…"
  • "…take up his cross…"
  • "…whoever wants to save his life will lose it…"
• His primary concern was for their immortal souls. No wonder he had such impact!!

Affirmation

Mark 9:2-13

• People are encouraged when they realize that we are indeed in line with the expectations of our superiors.
• They will also be inspired when they understand that their support for us is essential for the overall success.

Ambition

Mark 9:33-35

• Jesus let them cool down before choosing to address the matter. (less defensive)
• Jesus never corrected these men for wanting to be great.
• High achievers in life tend to be high achievers for God.
• People who are eager to use their lives to benefit others are remembered and admired for generations

Win/Lose/Win

• When we try to eliminate the agony of defeat, we also take away the joy of victory.
• To discard dichotomous thinking is to discard the God of the Bible.
• I win by losing so that you may also win. The loser becomes the ultimate winner!

• He was furious about the fruitfulness of another “tree” that he had planted, watered, weeded, fertilized.
• Jesus cleared the temple at the beginning of His ministry and also here at the end of His of His ministry
• There was no fear of God.
  

• Jesus knew the right place and the right time the do the things needed.
• He was disciplined and self-controlled for just the right time.
  

• What made Jesus angry was the stubborn refusal of most to change.
• A willingness to change is a precious and seemingly rare behavioral characteristic.
• Become exceedingly insecure and defensive when we are awakened to the existence of personal deficiencies.
• We must also get angry about obstinacy in our own lives and other people’s lives.

• Why didn’t anyone try to stop Jesus as he was taking over the temple? (Only one person and many of them)
• They knew that they were in the wrong.
• Teachers of the law and chief priests feared Jesus
  
• If people consider you a “nice guy” and are not in awe of you, you probably won’t have much impact.

Cockiness

Mark 12:18-27

• Every one of these phrases cut like a knife:
  • Are you not in error?
  • You do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
  • Have you not read?
• He comfort the disturbed, he also made it his goal to disturbed the comfortable.
• He was not afraid to rock the boat.
• In order to have lasting impact it is necessary to be willing to challenge our opponents to their face.

A Champion

Mark 12:35-37

• Winning isn’t everything but for the man or woman who desires to make an impact, it is extremely important
• Few people rush to associate themselves with a loser.
• Fight fair and do your best.
• Second-place finishers are all but ignored in the championship celebration

Reprobation

Mark 12:38-44

• He knew that he had gained the upper hand.
• Yet he also knew that popular opinion would turn.

1. To caution, advise or counsel against something
2. To reprove or scold in a goodwilled manner
3. To urge to a duty
4. Not to rebuke

• I did not cease to admonish each one with tears - Acts 20:31
• We proclaim Him, admonishing every man - Colossians 1:28
• Admonish one another - not just something for leaders - Romans 15:14
• Admonish the unruly - 1 Thessalonians 5:14

• meta = after, change, implies there was a before
• noia = denotes the faculty of physical and intellectual perception, then also the power to arrive at moral judgments

1. How can you make the same journey as David – from repulsive to repentant?
2. How does repentance differ between the lost turning to God and the saved re-turning to Him? How is it the same?
3. How do qualify for God’s love and grace (see page 201)?
4. If you have not yet repented, why are you without excuse before God?
5. What will specifically change in your life when you proclaim, “Jesus is Lord!”?
6. If you have repented, have you also been forgiven of your sins – if not, what are you waiting for (see Acts 22:16)?
7. What can make post-baptismal repentance more difficult than your initial repentance?
8. What role does shame play in obstructing your repentance?
9. What is fellowship in the light vs. fellowship in the darkness? Which have you most often experienced in your church?
10. Finally, to the “confused”: take time to consider and answer the questions on pages 207 and 208. How can you thwart Satan’s attempts to undermine your path to true repentance?
11. Who can you encourage today with the good news of your repentance?
12. Who can you reach for Jesus by “telling how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5: 19)?

1. Our Father in heaven - Set our minds on personal and intimate relationship we have with our God
2. Hallowed be your name  - Praise and honor him
3. Your Kingdom come  - Pray for his church, disciples, leaders, people whom the gospel has not reached
4. Your will be done - Pray for a submissive heart toward will of God in our lives
5. Give us this day our daily bread - Pray through today's schedule, needs, relying on God
6. Forgive us our debts - Confess specific sin
7. As we also have forgiven our debtors - Commit before God to resolve conflict, hurts, concerns in all relationships
8. Lead us not into temptation - Wrestle with God to be submissive and repentant in areas of weakness
9. Deliver us from the evil one - Pray that God to stop Satan and than God for victories in him

• There must a real involvement in each other's lives - we need each other
  
• We fail to realize the strength of discouragement and its ability to gradually eat away at our conviction and faith
• There is a strong sense of spiritual obligation
• See to it - not hope it happens
• Make sure it happens - Who? you

• Meeting together is not only benefiting us but it is also helping others
• Does not exclusively refer to services of the church

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

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

• Judging whether someone is receptive - Matthew 7:6
• Coming to a correct conclusion - Luke 12:57
• Spiritual judgments - 1 Corinthians 2:15
• Church discipline - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
• Adjudicating in litigation - 1 Corinthians 6:5
• Being convicted by spiritual worship - 1 Corinthians 14:24

• Judgment regarding retribution - Hebrews 10:30
• Final judgment - John 12:48

Preached by John Lusk (2005-01-30)

How passionate are you about maturing?

• Being a new Christian, it was easiler because everything was new. Now what?
• We must have the correct motivation if we are to continue maturing in the long run.

Motivation of Maturing

1. To regain your identify

Genesis 1:26-27

• We need to realize who we are suppose to be
• Duck example
  • First thing it sees when it is born it assumes is its mother and will follow it around
  • If the baby duck follows something other than another duck, it will get frustrated because it can only do what duck do
• Human example
  • We were made to be like God
  • We see other things and try to follow the world
  • We also get frustrated because worldly persuits are not what were designed for

2. To remian in Jesus

1 John 2:3-4 - This is a expectation from God

3. To be effective and productive

2 Peter 1:4-8

• Must make every effort
• It would be sad to find out in the end we were ineffective and unproductive
• Others need you to grow!
• Your growth rate will determine how much you are effective, not where you are right now

4. Secure salvation

2 Peter 1:8-11 - We have been given a new start

Wrong motivation - Pleasing people, selfish ambition

Spring reminds us that life can return to the dead
The return of spring brings such a relief and joy and anticipation
Might spring and summer may be nature way of expressing Jesus was trying to tell us?
Nature God's word to us also - Romans 1:20

Our ideas of heaven are sometimes not very desirable
Many Christians have some idea that heaven is an never-ending church service
And then our hearts sink
Forever and ever? That is it?

We sigh and feel guilty that is we are not more "spritual"
We then turn to the present to find what life we can
We can only hope for what we desire

Scripture tells us that God has set eternity in our hearts - Ecclesiastes 3:11
Where is out hearts? In our desires.

Too many of us have placed eternity somewhere out there
We seem to forget that we will get the earth back as well

I will create new heavens and a new earth - Revelation 21:1
When he says he is making all things new, he includes the earth

Won't the whole earth be destroyed?
That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat - 2 Peter 3:12

Noah's day of the Lord
By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed - 2 Peter 3:6
World was destroyed in the sense that all wickedness and corruption of mankind - Genesis 6-7
Fire is also used for cleansing throughout the Scriptures

Myth tell us three truths, this third one is:

3. In this desparate hour, we have a crucial role to play

Neo sees himself as Thomas Anderson, but he was the one
Dorthy see herself as just a farm girl from Kansas but Joan of Arc was also on the farm but saw much more

People in the scriptures that saw this:

• Little boy slays the gaint
• Loudmouthed fisherman who can not keep a job to lead the church
• Sinful woman with a golden heart became a example of humility to the Pharisees

This eternal truth is the most difficult for us to believe
Our days are extraordinary but most don't see it this way
It is the 'veil of familarity' - you are not what you think you are

There is a glory to your life that your enemy fears

The one who knows what you could be, fears it
The whole world lies under the power of the evil one - 1 John 5:19

Things happen to you and we question why
There is a bigger story going on

If believe we have a crucial role to play and come to know it is true, everything would change

The heart is central
The need to even to be remined of this show how far we have fallen from the life we were meant to have

The heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic

Love the Lord your God with all your heart - Deuteronomy 6:5
Man looks at the outward appearance, Lord looks at the heart - 1 Samuel 16:7
Where your teasure is, there your heart will be also - Luke 12:34

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart - Proverbs 3:5
These people honor me from their lips but their hearts are far from me - Matthew 15:8
The Lord weighs the heart - Proverbs 21:2

The heart can be:

• Trouble, wounded, pierced, grieved, even broken
• Cheerful, glad, merry, joyful, rejoicing
• Whole or divided
• Wise or foolish
• Steadfast, true, upright, stout, valiant
• Frightened, faint, cowardly
• Wandering, forgetful, dull, stubborn, proud, hardened

The heart can be unpredictable but it is central to our being

The heart answers a lot of questions:

• Why did my relationship fail? One or both don't have to heart to make it work
• Why are some many struggling with depression and discouragement? They have lost heart
• Why can I not break free from our addiction? We gave our heart away and need to get it back

• Dorthy seeks the Wizard
• Frodo turns to Gandalf
• Neo has Morpheus
• Curdie is helped by Lady of the Silver Moon
• Jedis look Yodo

• "Don't ever trust anyone"
• "Your heart is bad, never show it to anyone"
• "You are dirty and will never get free"

Jesus focused on a search for the Lost and so they could be Found

The Lost Coin - vital to the woman's survival
The Lost Sheep - represented a significant part of his livelihood
The Lost Son - wayward son who mattered greatly to his father

Each one - Something of great value was missing, something that really mattered

It also make Jesus so upset the religious leaders were discussing who matters to God who does not

When we realize how much God cares about people, we helps us to care for them too

It is worth the effort - what is missing was important enough to warrant an all-out search

Retrievals results in rejoicing

The woman found the coin and threw a party
The shepherd retrieved the sheep and threw a party
The son came home and the father threw the biggest party of all

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents - Luke 15:10

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.

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

• Because you contacted them out of blue
• Both of you want to see all the changes that have happened since you last saw them

• Money
• Relationships
• Control over resources

• God is love but he also just and holy
• There is no sin that can go unpunished
• This the parents dilemma - should I punish or let it go?
• God can not let anything go because of his nature
• We do not have to have all the answers - not our "wisdom" but God's wisdom

• In him all things hold together
• How God can be just and for us to have salvation because of the blood of Jesus
• It all comes through Jesus Christ

1. Age 4 - Going potty
2. Age 12 - Having friends
3. Age 17 - Having a car
4. Age 35, 45, 55, 65 - Having Money
5. Age 75 - Having a car
6. Age 80 - Having friends
7. Age 85 - Go potty

• Deversity in the church
• Strong Marriage
• Unity

• Acceptance
• Future
• What others think

• A helpless old man
• Cosmic killjoy
• Disinterested deity
• Harsh ogre

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

• The cross is a demonstration of God’s justice in the face of sin.
• God would not be righteous if he simply looked the other way in the face of sin and evil.
  
• The cross is the greatest demonstration of God’s love. Because God loves us, Jesus Christ died for our sins.

• Jesus understood God’s plan for him to give himself as a ransom for us - to die for our sins.
• He could do this only because of his sinless life.

• One account of the crucifixion. As you read and discuss each section, ask the question: “Why did God allow this to happen to Jesus?” Because He loves us! (To better describe the physical torments of the crucifixion, you may also wish to read “The Passion of the Christ from a Medical Point of View” by C. Truman Davis, M.D.)

Acts 2:36-38 - At baptism, we are not only forgiven by Jesus’ death to begin a new life, we are also filled
with the Holy Spirit.

John 3:1-8 - Jesus taught that we must be born again via water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God.

John 7:37-39 - After Jesus’ glorification (crucifixion, resurrection and ascension), God sent his Spirit to
flow from within us like streams of running water. Previously (Old Testament), the Spirit came upon
people. Now, he dwells within us.

John 16:5-15 - One of the primary roles of the Spirit is to convict us (and the world) with regard to sin,
righteousness, and judgment. He does this in harmony with (though not exclusively through) his Word,
which he gave to the Apostles as they were guided into all truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 - How do we “put out the fire of” the Holy Spirit? Why is a life of faith the only
one that is in keeping with God’s Spirit living in us? What influences in the world around us can keep us
from having a faithful, God-centered outlook?

Romans 8:5-17, 26-27 - A Spiritual mindset brings life and peace, and obedience to God’s Word. The
Spirit frees us from fear and confirms that we are fully God’s children. The Spirit also aids in our life of
prayer and devotion to God.

Galatians 5:22-23 - The fruit of the Spirit: Expect it! Pursue it! This is the best “evidence” that you have
received the Holy Spirit, who is transforming us to become like Jesus. Decide to live according to the
Spirit - and keep affirming that decision!

Ephesians 2:19-21

• Like the Gentiles discussed here, we can now be part of God’s household.
• The church is the family of God. What does “family” mean to you?
• The church is also a spiritual temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, whose teachings we find in the Bible, with Jesus as the cornerstone.
• To be part of his temple, we must build our lives and our church on that foundation.

Ephesians 4:1-16

• Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the church requires humility, patience, gentleness, and selflessness (vv.1-3).
• We maintain unity on the essentials of doctrine (vv.4-6).
• God provides specific leadership roles within the church (vv.7-11)
• in order to prepare us for works of service which build up the body in Christ-likeness and love (vv.12-16).

Hebrews 3:12-14

• Christianity is a “one another” religion, not a solo endeavor.
• We have the charge and the responsibility to be deeply involved in each other’s lives.
• Daily encouragement helps everyone stand firm until the end. You may wish to refer to additional “one another” verses.

Hebrews 10:22-25

• After being washed in baptism, we need the continual exhortations of brothers and sisters to stay the course.
• Consider ahead of time how you can spur on fellow Christians in the fellowship.
• Also prepare to receive biblical input that will result in greater love and good deeds.
• Why is missing meetings of the body described as a bad habit? Why and when do we meet?

Mark 3:31-35 - What will it mean for you to be part of Jesus’ family?

• Society might cut corners just enough so it won't hurt business
• The person who fears the Lord strives to be honest all the time
• God-fearing more concerned about pleasing God than what is good for business