Quiet Times Search

Search Quiet Times via a keyword or string
Keyword(s):
Number of Studies:


Searching for "well" in the Quiet Time Archive
Displaying results from "25" to "50". (130 found)

2009-05-29 - No one like him - Conflict and Controversy (part 2)
Like the earlier prophets, Jesus spoke bluntly to the religious leaders

Ungodly religion must be rebuked; Nice words will not drive the point home; Too much is at stake

Jesus did not enjoy the rebukes but wept over cities (Luke 19:41)

Jesus made sharp contrasts between traditions and the word of God (Matthew 15:3)

Religion that avoided sinners at all cost vs a religion that seeks after sinner at all cost

The goal of a physician is not to spend time with the sick but to help the sick get well

2009-05-30 - No one like him - Conflict and Controversy (part 3)
Jesus did not just hang around the sick but he had a message and plan for them to get well

Today is the opposite problem – association with all kinds of people; but without a message – bring the spirit without the truth

Sin must be dealt with at the heart level; not just outwardly like the Pharisees – could not be cured by rules or rituals

Living like Jesus (living a totally different life) will cause conflict and controversy

Living like Jesus entails:
  • New priorities – with people who have different ones
  • New loyalties – with people who have different ones
  • Mission is to reachout and share with people why they need his message
  • Associate with sinners but call them change
  • Love unconditionally; Live radically – declare this is the way to live
Some will welcome the message; the majority will not

2009-09-07 - Wild at Heart - The enemy fears you
If you ever really got your heart back, lived from it with courage, you would be a huge problem to him
Many men have not been shown how to fight from the heart.
Failure of fathers and left men without direction
If you want the wound healed and your strength restored and to find your true name, you re going to have to fight for it.

Notice your reaction at these words.
Does another come in and caution you to stop
We need to know who we are and if we have what it takes

A man’s core question does not go away
We search for the answer of validation
  • Career
  • Belonging
  • How well he plays sports
  • Yes, even women


2009-09-11 - Wild at Heart - False self (part 2)
Enemy always tempts us to take back control and to recover and rebuild false self
We must remember that it is out of love God stops our imposter
God disciplines those he loves, do not lose heart - Hebrews 12:5-6
We must walk away from the false self
Simply accept the invitation to leave all that we’ve relied on and venture out with God

No clue to what your false self may be?
  • What is my effect on you?
  • What am I like to with?
  • What don’t you feel free to bring up with me?
If you never ever say a word in a meeting because you fear you might say something stupid, well then it’s time to speak up
If you dominate meetings - sense of worth
Do you face fears head on?

Losing false self is painful
Like losing a close friend
Journey has pain but is toward freedom, healing, and authenticity

2009-09-13 - Wild at Heart - False self (part 4)
A masculine journey always takes a man away from the women, come back to with his question answered
A man does not go to a woman to get his strength; he goes to her to offer it.
Addiction comes when we have taken our soul to her for validation.

What else are we looking for? God
Adam had God
God gave Adam Eve out of His humility
Eve eventually took the place of God

Adam was not deceived
Time where Eve had fallen but Adam had not
Adam choose Eve over God
Men without his true love, God, will try to find another

Why do you remain thirsty after you have had a drink… it is the wrong well
In God will only find the true healing of the wound

2009-10-02 - One Another - Gifts
Nowhere in the NT does it tell us to "search" or "discover" what our gift is

Paul's teachings were directed toward how to use the gifts, not how to figure out what they are
To be focused on being part of the body

Romans 15:1-2 - bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves
  • We have an obligation to bear with others
  • We should seek to please our neighbor rather than ourselves - Romans 15:2-3
  • Pleasing = not satisfying a whim but helping other do well spiritually


2009-10-04 - One Another - Teaching One Another
With all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another - Colossians 3:16

Teaching translated from the word "didasko" = to give instruction, to impart information or wisdom

In Christianity to applies to spiritual development
  • How to study the Bible
  • How to pray
  • How to be more effective with sharing our faith
  • Principles for overcoming temptation
  • How to conduct godly relationships
Prerequisite - first let the word of Christ richly dwell in you
  • Not just or opinion - but from the Word
  • Not just our experience - must be based on the teachings of Christ
Jesus' last word in Matthew = we are to teach everything he commanded

2009-10-05 - One Another - Admonishing One Another
"noutheteo" meaning to or counsel, translated admonish:
  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
Noutheteo is used frequently involving one another
  • 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
More often admonish is the word couch
Not uncommon to pay to have a life couch
We should have a # of relationships with people who know us and can help
We must also realize that we can give others couching as well

2009-10-07 - One Another - Admonish Questions
Who can best admonish or coach someone?
  • someone in close relationship
  • someone with credibility in the area of concern
  • someone who is a person of humility
  • some who is allowing the word of Christ richly dwell in them
What is the goal of admonishing?

To help another person grow and change and be transformed more fully into the image of Christ
  1. not making the person receiving look bad
  2. not making the person giving look good
  3. not to give someone authority or superiority
  4. not to force someone to do something they do not want to do
  5. not to embarrass someone
  6. not to keep people in line


2009-10-09 - Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 2)
Satan uses propaganda

He is the “accuser” - Revelation 12:10
Christ was attacked - “If you are the son of God” - prove it - Luke 4:1-13

So long as a man remains no real treat to the Enemy – You are fine
After you take sides - Your heart is bad and you know it

He looks for weaknesses
Throws a thought or temptation that he hopes we will swallow
If I thought this was just me, my heart, I’d be very discouraged.
Knowing that my heart is good allowed me to block it, right then and there
Think of how lust starts .. “I am not here it is all you.”

Any hand to hand combat, there are blows, dodges, blocks, and counterattacks
How did Christ handle Satan? - he did not get into an argument with him
He simply stood on the truth
Satan doesn’t just throw a thought but feelings as well
Guard your heart

2009-10-23 - Repentance - What Happened (part 2)
Congregation of consumers ultimately switches products, wholly dissatisfied with a church product
 
New Testament Church Consumer-Driven Church
Repent for the Kingdom of God is near “Meet new friends and get to know your neighbors”
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance… “Enjoy upbeat music with a contemporary flavor”
If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself “a new church designed to meet my needs”

Like a doctor – it would be absurd to change their diagnose and treatment to the wants of the patient.

Repentance is revival

Questions:
  1. Have you made a recent decision to change something in your life?
  2. Why is it more comfortable to make changes on your own terms? What changes do you seek to make?
  3. How well do you respond to reproof – from the Bible and from fellow Christians?
  4. Have you ever changed a fellowship, that is, church membership, to avoid a call to repentance?


2009-11-13 - Repentance - Godly Sorrow (part 1)
Are you content with four out of seven, even five out of seven?

Spoude – Dispatched Diligence
  • Earnestness, carefulness, diligence, make every effort, haste
  • Real Estate – earnest money – intent to buy
  • Accounting – due diligence
  • We good intentions but are they marked with diligence?
Apologia – A Drive to Clear Yourself
  • Literally mean defense – not excuses or defensiveness
  • Prodigal Son – “I have sinned against heaven and against you”
Homologia – Confession
Literally means “same” – “homo” = word; “logos” = reasoning
Satan –
  • “Go ahead and try…”
  • “Now that you’ve sinned, you’re different.”
  • “Now that you are in the darkness, you might as well…”


2009-11-16 - Repentance - Holy Spirit Convicts Us
Exposure is a gift from God
Women at the well – John 4:10
Elegcho – The gate of repentance
Means to show someone his sin and to summon him to repentance; bring light, expose set forth
More than just showing faults (easy)
Sets out to prove the offense to the blinded offender
Laodicean – I know your deeds, church became blinded
Exposing the church resented a gate to enter repentance
The truth demands repentance
Purpose of Elegcho? It’s a loving summons to godly sorrow

Is repentance a gift or a command?

We often confront the idea of repentance in the form if a command or an activity
As a gift…
  • To give repentance – Acts 5:30-31
  • God granted repentance – Acts 11:11-18
  • God will grant the repentance – 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Questions
  1. What is the value of the gift of elegcho (pronounced “elencho”)?
  2. What methods has the Holy Spirit used to convict you? Which has been most effective at producing repentance? Which methods have you most tried to avoid?
  3. How have you tried to avoid reproof from fellow Christians?
  4. According to Revelation 3:19, why does Jesus reprove us? What response does He desire from us?
  5. How can a person dead in sin repent and believe?
  6. How does God grant repentance?
  7. Look back over the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus (see chapters 4 and 5); list examples of how they reproved their hearers in order to bring them to repentance.
  8. Why is repentance impossible without God?


2009-11-27 - Master Plan - Foundation of Follow-up
  • For three years, Jesus had been training them by being with them
  • Follow-up was not just confined with His disciples
    • Zaccheus on the street of Jericho - Luke 19:7
    • Women at the well - John 4:39-42
  • Some attention was given to others – but not compared to the attention given to the twelve
  • Faithful women – Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and many others - Luke 8:1-3
    • He did not refuse their kindness
    • Jesus was well aware of the sex barrier
    • He did not try to incorporate these ladies in the select company
  • Primary task was to develop some men who in turn could give personal attention to others


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".

 



2010-04-06 - Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 6)
Person justified by what he does not faith alone - James 2:24
James is talking about the lifestyle of a saved person not about the point of salvation
Faith alone? A true living faith is never alone - accompanied by a heart that obeys

Deeds are the animate faith; Spirit is what makes the body alive

Jesus spoke often of deed, seldom of intentions - Matthew 7:21-23

In Revelation, Jesus constantly focuses on deeds - Revelation 2:2, 19; 3:1, 8, 15

Is your faith dead or alive?
What deed in your life shows that your faith is alive and well?


2010-04-23 - Life to the Full - In His Steps (part 4)
Do not fear but set apart Christ as Lord - 1 Peter 3:14-15

Context of the passage is to continue evangelism in time of oppostion

There are many fears:
  • hydrophobia - fear of water
  • acrophobia - fear of heights
  • ochlophobia - fear of crowds
  • xenophobia - fear of foreigners
Don't fear; God is with you - Pslams 27 and John 14
Passages assure us that there is no need to fear

When Christ is dwelling in our hearts by faith we overcome fear and the need to fear


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


2010-05-18 - Desire's Journey - Dare We Desire?

Although the voice was kind, the question felt harsh
Do you want to get well? - John 5:6
He thought: why else would I have spent every day for the past 38 seasons lying here?

How long can we sustain desire against continual disappointment?
The man at the well began to lose any virtal heart-connection to what he want - he had abandoned desire

By asking him what he wanted, Jesus took him back into desire
Why? It is where we must go if we are to meet God

 

 



2010-05-19 - Desire's Journey - An Invitation to Desire

Christianity is not an invitation to become a moral person or a program to get us into a reforming society

Christianity begins with an invitation to desire

What do you want me to do for you? - Luke 18:41
Jesus continually took people into their hearts - to their deepest desires

What does Jesus choose to talk about with the women at the well?
Her immorality? No
He speaks to her about thirst - John 4:10
Lets talk about your heart's thirst since the life you've chosen isn't working

All you who are thirsty, come to the waters - Isaiah 55:1-2
Message had gotten lost by the time Jesus' showed up
Jew of the day were practicing soul-killing, lifeless religion of duty and obligation

No wonder Jesus was feared. He came along and started appealing to desire

To the lost - Jesus spoke of finding your way
To the weary - Jesus speaks of rest

Again and again Jesus took them back to their desires
Ask and it will be given to you - Matthew 7:7

What is it that you want? - Would have fallen on deaf ear if his message was unrelateable



2010-05-25 - Desire's Journey - Man who Wanted Nothing

A faithful church attender, never missing a Sunday, serving on a committee and offered help to those in need - but why is there something missing?

Why are we a Christian? What is that we want?
You can not help someone who does not want anything
Geldings are nicer and much more well behaved than stallion but they do not bring live (sterile)

To abandon desire is to say, "I don't really need you or want you. I will live with you because I am suppose to"

Your heart desires, duty reduces the dance to a drill
God wants to be desired

The real dilemma of desire is that it humbles us
It takes us wat beyond our own resources where we need to ask for help



2010-05-26 - Desire's Journey - Faith as Desire

First two servant doubled their investment and were rewarded
Most would have agreed with the third servant burying the money saying, "well, at least it was safe" - Matthew 25
The third servant was put into darkness because he did not trust God

When we bury our desires, we saying to God = 'I don't dare desire because I fear you; I think you are hard-hearted"

Is our obedience more out of love or out of carefulness?
Killing desire may look like sanctification but it's really godlessness

Persistent widow - won he case because she refused to let up

When Jesus returns, will he find faith? - Luke 18

To live with desire means:

  • Choosing vulnerability over self-protection
  • Admiting our desire and seeking help beyond ourselves
  • Living by faith and refuse to kill desire

 



2010-06-08 - Take the test (part 3)

Prepare for the test

Better to:

  • Go to class
  • Read the textbook
  • Study for the test
  • Go to study groups
  • Talk with the teacher

1 Peter 1:13-14

  • Be disciplined
  • Non-studying types will not do well


1 Peter 2:1-2 - Crave spiritual milk

1 Peter 3:15 - Tested with questions

1 Peter 4:1 - Get your attitude ready

1 Peter 4:7-12 - Love others with self-control



2010-07-03 - Desire's Journey - Great Restoration (part 4)

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



2010-07-18 - Desire's Journey - Deeper Desire (part 5)
We can learn many things about the journey of desire in the story of Jesus' wilderness trial

1. He was hungry - Matthew 4:1-4
  • We can see the humanity of Jesus
  • Because his hunger was real, we can learn something about ours
  • Hunger is normal, except it
  • Don't be embarrassed by it, don't try to hide it
  • We end up repenting of the wrong thing

Satan: You don't have to stay hungry, you have options
The lie is that the options will bring us what we most deeply want and need
Evey idol is an impostor - not true life

When on a marathon - and are given a beer
It is cold (we desire cold) but we know we really need cold water for our thirst
Junk food does not have the nutrition we need

When we have been working out, working hard in the field, we know what we want
Knowing full well what our heart's real thirst is, we will have looked the imposer in the face and laughed as Jesus did

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?

 



2010-08-13 - Waking Dead - Heart of All Things

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life - Proverbs 4:23

Tin man had once been a real man

  • Wicked witch cause the man injury
  • One by one the man replaced his limbs with artificial ones
  • Seems like an advantage at first - Witch can not hurt him
  • Lost his heart in the process

After a series of blows, his humanity was reduced to efficiency
He did not even notice

If we can disable or deaden your heart, then we have effectively foiled the plan of God
Plan of creating a world where love reigns
By taking your heart out, the enemy takes you out



2010-08-17 - Waking Dead - Thoughts and Courage of the Heart
Our deepest thoughts are held in our hearts
Our behavior is driven by our heart

Scripture judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart - Hebrews 4:12
Not the feelings of the heart but the thoughts

It is with your heart you believe and are justified - Romans 10:10

They hear with their ears and understand with their hearts - Matthew 13:!5
The heart is the dwelling place of our true beliefs

It takes courage to love and takes courage to follow Jesus
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid - John 14:27

Courage  > Old French cuer > Latin cor = heart
The battle for the heart is going to take all the courage you can muster

2010-08-26 - Waking Dead - Glory (part 3)
You are going to the need your whole heart - so you will need every ounce of courage and faith as well

James and John, sons of Zebedee did hide what they thought
  • Wanted choice seat to the right and left of Jesus
  • Wanted to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village
Their buddies called the idiots, but Jesus called them Sons of Thunder - Mark 3:17
He can see clearly who they really are

We many times spend our time hiding through false selfs
Like Adam and Eve did with fig leaves
We make up a glory because we are convinced we have none of our own

Must ask: God, who am I? What do you think of me? What is my real name?

The deeper reason we fear our own glory is that once we let others see the truest us - aka nakedness
It is awkward when everyone else is veiled

Living from your glory is the only way to live
You cannot love another person from a false self
You can not help others if you are in captivity yourself

Our deepest fear of all - we will have to live from our hearts
Means we do not know the next thing God will ask of us

2010-09-01 - Waking Dead - Our Story (part 2)
The enemy is after us from the beginning

Joseph stands out from his brothers
Instead of celebrating his glory, his brothers want to destroy it
The worst blows typically come from family

David full of faith and courage when he sees that on one will take on Goliath
His older cowardly brother is exposed by David's bravery
Older brother - "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is" - 1 Samuel 17:28
The worst blows come from those who know us well

Even Jesus' brothers did not believe in him - John 7:5
His family came to bring him home because they think he has lost it - Luke 8:20

Sometimes the very thing that someone loves to do is the thing God has given them as a source of celebration
We should check to see this is true before we turn it into shame
How long will you turn my glory into shame - Psalms 4:2

What have you believed about your heart over the years?

2010-09-04 - Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 1)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds - Psalms 147:3

Part of you is pulled one direction, part of you the other
Don't you sometimes feel a house divided?

Take your phobias:
Why are you afraid of heights,  intimacy, or public speaking?
All the discipline in the world will not get you to do these things - Romans 7-8
Part of me knows to pray is essential but other part wants to watch TV

We are not wholehearted
"Well, part of me does and part of me does not"
Anytime we find ourselves doing something we wish we could stop but can not/ "unable" - ought to raise concerns

Hebrew for brokenhearted is "leb shabar"
  • leb = heart
  • shabar = broken
shabar used in parts of Isaiah
  • Describes a bush whose twigs are broken off - Isaiah 27:11
  • Describes idols of Babylon shattered on the ground - Isaiah 21:9
  • Describing a broken bone - Isaiah 38:13
Your heart is now in pieces and I want to heal it - God

2010-09-06 - Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 3)
Chris came not only to pardon us but to heal us

Jesus can and wants to heal your heart.

What does that rouse in you?
  • Hope?
  • Cynicism?
  • Pride?
Without your heart you cannot hope to find God
The heart is God's dwelling place
If you ignore your heart, it is like looking for him everywhere but at home

It might be a surprise to you that Christ ask our permission to come in and heal

Behold, I stand at the door and knock - Revelation 3:20
He does not force his way in

There are sometimes rooms we have kept locked up
We must give him permission to come in there - ask Jesus for your whole heart back

2010-09-08 - Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 5)
Our sin give the enemy a certain claim to our lives - Romans 6:16

As we renounce any sin, we also renounce any claim we've given to Satan in our lives
This often comes in the form of  "agreements" - Satan has suggested something to us and we have said yes.
  • "Don't ever trust anyone"
  • "Your heart is bad, never show it to anyone"
  • "You are dirty and will never get free"
We command our enemy to flee - James 4:7

As long as we have unhealed places in our hearts, it is next to impossible to live in freedom and victory
No matter how much discipline we apply to it

Our enemy knows them well and trying undermine us and uses it against us with a disabling effect

2010-09-25 - Waking Dead - Fight For Each Other
True community is something you'll have to fight for
Fight to get one and fight to keep it afloat

You want this to work and you''ll need this thing to work
This is the church - this all you have
Without it, you'll go down

Small house fellowships thrive in other countries - they need each other

Suddenly one another scriptures make sense
Knowing full well that we all are facing battles of our own

Check regularly with one another, not out of paranoia but out of a desire to watch over one another's heart
If you bring your every need to it, it will collapse
Community is no substitute for God
Community can not live without solitude
Even monasteries have remote cells for alone time with God

We first go to God, alone, so that we have something to bring back to the community

2010-09-26 - Waking Dead - Heart of Treasure
Above all else, guard your heart - Proverbs 4:23

Having so long believed our hearts are evil, we assume the warning is to keep us out of trouble
So we lock up our hearts and throw away the key and try to get on with our living
It does say guard your heart because it is criminal but because it is the wellspring of of life
It is treasure - everything else depends on it

Above all else?
We don't even do it once in a while - we careless with our hearts

What if we were careful?
Faith would be must deeper
Relationships so much better

We live completely backwards
"All else" is above our hearts

What do you do on a monthly basis to take care of your heart?

God intends that we treat our hearts as treasures
They were ransomed at a tremendous cost

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

2010-09-29 - Contagious Christian - People Matter (part 1)
We might like the idea of having a spiritual impact on others, we won't take decisive action unless we raise our motivation level
The best way to do this is to have God's perspective on the matter

1. The way things are - Science
Anthropic principle - when we look at the world around us, the universe was somehow designed to support and nourish human life
  • Raise or lower the universe's rate of expansion by one part in a million, - it rules out the possibility of life
  • If the average distance between star was any greater, the planets would not have formed; any smaller, the planets orbits for life would not have occurred
  • The ratio of carbon and oxygen was different, we could not breath the air
  • Change the tilt of the earth's axis slightly, we would freeze and burn up
  • Any change in the distance from the sun or speed of rotation of the earth would result in unlivable temperature changes
Someone must have gone to a lot of effort to make things just right
We matter to God

2. The way things ought to be - Business
Business is turning to the "upside-down" approached
They refocus on they are there - to server their customers

Focus must be outside the church as well
It is easy to get entangled and ensnared in internal issues in our church that it is hard to remember the primary reason we remain on this planet - to reach out to other people

If we matter to God, then they'd better matter to us too

2010-11-02 - Contagious Christian - Throwing a Matthew Party

Throwing your own Matthew party fulfills a modest purposes

  • To provide a neutral setting where Christians can make a low-key contact with irreligious people
  • To strengthening existing relationships as well as cultivating new ones
  • To plant some spiritual seeds and strike up conversations about matters of faith

Good examples of Matthew parties:

  • Holiday parties
  • Events for kids on the block
  • Summer BBQs

Another misconception is that we have add a lot of new activities to our schedules

Examples of everyday activities to get people involved in:

  • Sharing a meal
  • Watching a game
  • Sporting activities
  • Babysitting and work exchanges

 



2010-11-10 - Contagious Christian - Dorcas' Service Approach
Dorcas was "always doing good and helping the poor" - Acts 9:36
She well-known for her loving acts of service
She made robes and articles of clothing for widows and other needy people in her town

It was very difficult to see her activity without seeing the love of Christ that inspired
Her work was so important that when she died a premature death, God sent Peter to raise her from the dead

People who take on this approach find it relatively easy to servers others
Often those who are quite and enjoy expressing compassion through action

No one fits perfectly into just one approach and you probably use all of them one way or another
God has designed diversity on His team and each member is stronger in some styles than others

A team of Christians who are made up of different styles will strong because they can reach virtually every type of seeker

2010-11-13 - Contagious Christian - Indirect Method
This method involves taking some element of conversation and utilizes it to turn the conversation to faith

Business
How is your year going?
Financial, OK; family-wise, pretty well; spiritually, going great. Which one are you talking about?

Relocations
Moving to a new neighborhood
Have you found: places to shop, dining out locations, get your car repaired, a good church?

Hobbies and Spare Time
Talk to someone about your hobbies and roles in relating to church
If you work with the sound system, website, children programs, etc - share about that

Nature
Talk about what God may have been thinking when creating plants and animals
Goal is to raise the topic, not to envoke an affirming response - this may spur a discussions

Shared Struggles
Difficulty in a common with someone can be an opportunity to share how God has helped you

Holidays
They are an excellent opportunity to turn conversations toward the spiritual side
  • Easter - What do you think happened to Jesus' body?
  • Thanksgiving - what we are thankful for
  • Independence Day - what kinds of freedom mean the most to them
  • Conversations about what holidays their family likes to keep



2010-11-14 - Contagious Christian - Overriding Principles
Pray Hard
  • To give you wisdom and guide your words
  • Help others be open and interested
Talk to people individually
So they will not be embarrassed or concerned about the opinions of others

Pique Curiosity
Drop hints and create curiosity the way Jesus did with the woman at the well

Rely on Reciprocal Reflexes

Want to tell someone about your interests or beliefs, just start asking them about theirs

Seize Split-Second Opportunities

People provide us with the chance to raise topics of faith, but most are not prepared for them
It is one thing to see the opportunity but it is quite another to seize it - takes courage

Don't Underestimate their Degree of Interest
We can assume many are not interested but the truth is people today are getting tired of living without purpose

2010-12-22 - Sin (part II)
Galatians 5:19-21
  • Sin is the fundamentally “un-God-ward” orientation of our “flesh” or “sinful nature” and finds expression in many different ways. Emphasize “and the like.”
  • What is the common element in all these things? Self-centeredness.
  • Be as specific as necessary to explain and share from your own life about the sins listed. How do you see yourself in these verses? What sins have been characteristic of your own sinful nature? (If needed, look at additional Scriptures which catalog sins.)
James 4:17
  • We are sinful and in need of forgiveness not only as a result of those sins we have committed, but for failing to do the good that we know to do.
Romans 6:15-18
  • How does sin enslave?
  • Note that sin is a power that must be defeated as well as specific acts that must be repented of.
  • Who alone can set us free from sin? (John 8:31-36)
Romans 6:23
  • What are the eternal consequences of sin?
  • Why be urgent to learn about receiving the gift of God that comes through Jesus Christ?
  • Review these verses as honestly as you can to get in touch with the bad news about your own sinfulness. In the next couple of studies, we will look at the good news of God’s solution to our bondage to sin. (Note: In some instances it is important to have the person articulate how he or she was saved or forgiven of sin before examining the Bible’s teaching about salvation.)


2011-01-04 - Holy Spirit (part I)

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.



2011-01-05 - Holy Spirit (part II)

Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on his children and a “deposit” of the
blessings of the age to come.

Ephesians 3:14-21 - We are strengthened with real power through the Spirit who dwells within us. We
cannot live the Christian life on our own strength, but God himself provides us with the power to live as
followers of Jesus. Understanding Jesus’ amazing love for us is a source of that strength.

Ephesians 4:29-32 - How do we “grieve” the Holy Spirit? Why is anger and anger-related sin so
devastating? How is disharmony in our relationships incompatible with having the Spirit of God in us?



2011-01-12 - Followup - Bible Study Rewards
What benefits do we get from God’s Word?

  1. 2 Timothy 2:15 - We will be well equipped
  2. 2 Timothy 3:17 - Workman who is not ashamed
  3. 1 Peter 3:15 - Equipped for evangelism; able to answer questions.
  4. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 - We will have the mind of Christ (ie. Able to handle difficult situations as Christ would handle them. )
  5. Matthew 4:4-10 - We will be able to fight off temptation and Satan.


2011-01-19 - Followup - Balanced Rewards
Rewards

What benefits do we get from God’s Word?
  1. 2 Timothy 2:15 - We will be well equipped
  2. 2 Timothy 3:17 - Workman who is not ashamed
  3. 1 Peter 3:15 - Equipped for evangelism; able to answer questions.
  4. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 - We will have the mind of Christ (ie. Able to handle difficult situations as Christ would handle them. )
  5. Matthew 4:4-10 - We will be able to fight off temptation and Satan.


2011-01-29 - Followup - Relationships Demonstrated
1. Actions
  1. Acts 2:45, 1 John 3:17 - Material needs
  2. Colossians 1:28-29 - Toil to present one another perfect (mature, complete) in Christ.
  3. Ephesians 4:29 - Say only what is edifying.
  4. Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage daily!
2. Attitudes

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
  1. Respect those who work hard
  2. Live in peace with each other
  3. Warn the idle
  4. Encourage the timid
  5. Help the weak
  6. Be patient with everyone
1 Corinthians 3:11-13 - Learn to be open.
  • About our sins and struggles
  • About our marriage/relationship.
Ephesians 5:21 - Submit not only to leaders, but to each other as well

2011-01-31 - Followup - Servant (part II)
Humble Servant - Luke 17:7-10

Question: What should our attitude be while serving?
  1. Grumbling servant - “I’ll serve, but I’m not going to like it.”
  2. Complaining servant - “Why do they always ask me to serve”
  3. Proud servant - “I serve more than anyone and deserve recognition”
We must be humble servants and serve daily
When we serve, we’ve done nothing special except our duty

Excellent Servant - Mark 7:37

Jesus did all things well
When we serve, we must do so with excellence
Ephesians 6:7-8 - When we serve, we must serve as though Jesus himself had asked us to do it!

2011-02-20 - Cross of Christ - Kansas City (part IV)
Pain of Bearing our Sin
1 Peter 2:19-25
  • Jesus suffered for you and me because he loves us that much (willing to take our pain)
  • Not only did Jesus bear the physical pain but the emotional and spiritual pain as well.
  • This pain and separation from God was more than he could take (lead to his overwhelming death)
  • Question: How do you feel about the fact that Jesus went through all this for you? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
  • Question: Did you know that Jesus loved you this much? How does it make you feel toward Jesus?
  • Question: How do you feel about your sin now that you know what Jesus went through?
Our Responsibility Towards the Sin in our Life
2 Corinthians 7:8-13
  • Worldly Sorrow = feel bad because you did wrong and/or got caught doing something
  • Godly Sorrow = repentance, earnestness, eagerness to clear yourself, longing, concern, indignation, alarm, ready to see justice done
  • Share: God wants you to respond by repenting of your sin and showing love to him because he loved you first - 1 John 4:19


2011-02-24 - The Church - Kansas City (part IV)
Correction in the Body
Matthew 18:15-18
  • If a person sins against you (go and talk to them one on one), if it does not go well get help.
  • If they refuse to stop sinning it's better that they leave the body than for the whole body to be hurt.
  • Question: How do you feel about what Jesus is telling his disciples to do with someone who refuses to repent?
  • This won't happen to someone if they continue to seek advice and imitate Jesus.
Joy of being in the body
Matthew 13:44-46
  • Question: When these people found the kingdom of God what was their response?
  • They were willing to give up any and everything to possess the kingdom of God
  • God wants you to experience this same joy, are you willing to give up anything for the kingdom?
Do you have any question? I would like to get together for one for study.

Next 25 >>