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2009-07-31 - A Life of Impact - Specific Delegation
Specific Delegation

Mark 11:1-10
  • Jesus gave his disciples specific instructions, which enabled them to be successful in fulfilling the responsibilities he had delegated.
  • What would have happened if these instructions were vague?


2009-08-13 - A Life of Impact - Open arms

Open arms

Mark 14:27-31

  • We should warn others to be ready for failure – not to discourage them.
  • Failure is unavoidable; defeat comes when we give up!

Giver of life

  • Anyone who discovers a cause for which he would be willing to die has discovered the reason for which he was born.
  • Is your life like: roller coaster ride, merry-go-round, or life a bumper car?
  • Jesus had taken these men out of the amusement park, and they knew it.


2009-08-27 - Wild at Heart - Question that haunts every man (part 1)
Men look in their hearts but they don’t discover something valiant and dangerous
Find fear, lust, and anger
"All men die, few men really ever live"
Women - Many have given up hope for a true man.

Real life of the average man seems a universe away from the desire of his heart
  1. No battle to fight
  2. No swords and castles
  3. Without a great battle in which a man live and die - fierce part goes underground
Men are angry – and we don’t know why
Why are men addicted to sports? - biggest adventure many will ever taste
Careers? Same reason
Trading stock – taste of excitement and risk

Guys have been told to be responsible

2009-09-20 - Wild at Heart - The Enemy (part 1)
Any castles? Any great battles? Are there any great dragons? A man needs a battle to fight
Early death of a man’s warriors keeps the boy in him from growing up
If we can reawaken that fierce quality in a man – higher purpose, release the warrior within, then the boy can grow up
and become truly masculine
Every man is a warrior inside but the choice to fight is his own
A man must have a battle to fight, a great mission to his life that involves and yet transcends even home and family.
He must have a cause to which he is devoted even unto death – in the fabric of our being
That is why God created you.
Your whole life is in preparation for
The lie from the enemy is that your role is insignificant
No other man can replace you
You are the hero in your own story - the main man

A warrior has a vision
Root of all our woes and false self was this: We are seeking to save our life and we lost it
“Who ever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it” – Mark 8:35
For years all my daily energy was spent trying to beat the trails in my life and arrange for a little pleasure.
Mercenary fights for pay, for his own benefit, his life is devoted to himself

2009-10-29 - Repentance - Illustrations (part 3)
Like all paradigms, everything depends what you put in the center
We put us in the center, it is impossible to satisfy a self-centered man
In order to shift our paradigm to the truth:
  1. Must admit to being sinful
  2. Must admit to being selfish
  3. Must admit to being wrong
Repentance is a cosmic shift from a self-centered to a Christ-centered life

Questions:
  1. How does Scrooge illustrate metanoia?
  2. Have you ever experienced a gestalt switch while studying in school? How would your life change if you experienced this phenomenon in a way that helped you better understand your relationship with God?
  3. What are the rules by which you play the “game of life” within an egocentric paradigm …and a deocentric paradigm?
  4. How does changing the rules of a game change the strategy by which you play the game? What can learn from applying that principle to your life with God?


2009-11-02 - Repentance - The Prophets (part 4)
Prophets Transcend Public Opinion
  • The great love for surveys and polls
  • We can not repent if we do not know that we have drifted – It takes a prophet of God
  • See how different the prophets in your life live.
Prophets Target Leaders

Prophets Get to the Root to Produce Real Fruit
  • Metanoia happens internally, fruit happens externally
  • Sometimes we say, “You need to repent” – which may have meant “get it together” (a heart bypass)
  • Becomes “need to” instead of “want to”
  • It is easier to disciple the behavior than it is to address the mind and heart
  • Consider things above – instead of considering behavior, consider the kingdom of God
  • Metanoia is no technique; it’s an inside-out transformation
Questions
  1. How have you broken your covenant with God?
  2. Are scriptures sufficient for your repentance?
  3. Do you agree with the author’s assertions that repentance isn’t something we do in order to return to God, it is our return to Him? Why or Why not?
  4. How does fear play a positive role in our repentance?
  5. Do your standards for morality reflect a biblical standard or simply a modern one?
  6. Why do prophets go after the leaders of a society?
  7. How does metanoia differ from the fruit of metanoia? How does this distinction help you repent?


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?


2009-11-21 - Repentance - Its Time To Go Home (part 3)
There is no perfect repentance, but wholehearted repentance
David – search me (Psalms 139)

Spirit’s conviction
Good – overcome blinding pride
Bad – Satan will try to stop you

Sometimes easier to see our sin than think about loved ones salvation (passed away)
What would they want you to do?

Questions
  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)?


2009-11-24 - Master Plan - Selection (part 3)
Few were converted in His lifetime.
  • Little more than 500 after the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:6
  • 120 received baptism at the day of Pentecost - Acts 1:15
Strategy
  • Why not an army?
  • He needed leaders to lead the ministry after He left. Not all followers. It takes energy to produce a leader.
  • Not trying to impress the crowd but the usher in a Kingdom
  • Mass are like helpless sheep wandering aimlessly without a shepherds
  • Masses willing to follow anyone that came along with some promise for their welfare
  • Jesus was a realist. He knew he could not meet all the needs on His own.
Some concern themselves with baptisms and numbers more than power and love of God
Everything that is done with the few is for the salvation of the multitudes.

Modern Practicals
  • We are not even keeping with the growing population
  • We in an age where more rapid communication is now being seen than ever before
  • Must not be frantic to try to change the pattern overnight
  • Do like Jesus – start with a few lowly disciples and do as it was done by Jesus
    • Slow, tedious, painful, and probably unnoticed at first
    • Not spiritual “junk-food” revivals
  • Which generation are you living for?


2009-12-05 - Master Plan - Jesus gave himself away (part 1)
  • Disciples realized that they were responding to Jesus who was willing to give of Himself for them
  • Examples of Jesus giving himself away
    • Gave away what the Father gave to Him - John 15:15
    • He gave them peace - John 16:33
    • He gave them despite pain and suffering - John 15:11
  • Love is not love until it is given away
  • Jesus – God gave away His most precious possession
  • No greater love than to lay down our live for others
  • Jesus impressed the deep compulsion of His eternal purpose
  • It was clear that the Master considered no service too small or sacrifice too great.
  • Jesus denied Himself many of the comforts and pleasure of the world and became a servant
  • He continually gave His life “for their sakes”
  • Disciples learned not in theory but in practice (painful and hard to accept)
  • Jesus life was the measure by which they were to regard their own service.
    • To give freely as they had received – Matthew 10:8
    • Love one another as He loved them - John 13:34
    • Calvary love was the standard


2009-12-06 - Master Plan - Jesus gave himself away (part 2)
  • Love is the only way to win the free response of men
  • Work of the Holy Spirit
    • Must be born again
    • Christ began His ministry by being baptized - John 3:3-9
    • Made clean through the Word and set apart to God for Holy Service - John 15:3
    • Only the Spirit can carry on the redemptive mission of evangelism
    • Jesus was God in revelation but the Spirit was God in operation
    • Evangelism was not a human undertaking but a divine project.
  • With Him they felt that everything was possible
  • The superhuman work to which they were called demanded superhuman help.
  • Through confession of their deep-seated pride and enmity in utterly surrender of themselves to Christ
  • It is not who we are but Who He us that makes the difference
  • Only those who followed Jesus all the way came to know the glory of this experience
  • Jesus was deliberately investing all He had in these few men so that they could be properly prepared to do His work.
  • We cannot give something away which we do not possess ourselves.
  • The very ability to give to give away our life in Christ is proof of its possession.


2009-12-30 - First the Kingdom - Starving without Him
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled - Matthew 5:6

Jesus himself was the bread of Life - John 6:35
Gave Living water - John 4:10

He describes a relationship with him to be all-consuming
Just like going without food or water fir a prolonged period - there is little else we think about

As deer pants for water, my soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
How excited are you about getting time to be with God every day?

For deep conviction about loving the Word - Psalms 119
Without the sense of duty, he was overjoyed at the privilege of being able to commune with heart of the Creator

Hunger for the Word develops obedience which helps with understanding of God heart to help and server others

2010-01-17 - Kingdom First - Not Kidding
His challenge to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors
His message totally defies world standards

Consider the alternative: responding like the world
We become enslaved by how other treat us

Regardless how much we love the brotherhood of believers, if we hold any bitterness or resentment - we are simply reduced to the level of the world
No matter how unjust or painful the treatment, God's grace is sufficient - 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

He expects us to have
Because he call to a life of righteousness which will produce enemies
Are we willing to go all the way and suffer for him - Philippians 1:29

He expects us to love and actively pray for the people who oppose us
How much do we persevere with people?
Do we answer back kindly when spoken to unjustly?

2010-01-25 - Kingdom First - Only One Master

What occupies my mind?
What concerns me?
When I think of security, is my focus on God or money?

If we are eager and driven to gain more we will stray from the faith and be pierced with many griefs - 1 Timothy 6:10

Secret to being content, I can do everything through him that gives me strength - Philippians 4:12-13

Judas: example of someone trying to live with 2 masters:

  • Expressed concern for a waste of money that could have gone to the poor - John 12:4-6
  • The hold money had on Judas' heart eventually led to his betrayal of Jesus
Guards responsible for securing Jesus' tomb
Elders gave large sums of money to have them lie about the disciples stealing the body of Jesus - Matthew 28:12

What is our selling point?
Do not put our hope in wealth, which is so uncertain - 1 Timothy 6:17
Keep your lives free from the love of money - Hebrews 13:5

2010-02-10 - First the Kingdom - Trees (part 3)

No fruit means a bad tree too

A fruitless tree in a useless tree - Matthew 3:10, Matthew 13:22, Luke 13:6-9, Luke 19:11-27, John 15:2, 6, Hebrews 6:8

Jesus warned the Pharisees the kingdom of God would be taken away from people who will not produce - Matthew 21:43

In the Christian life there is no neutrality of example
Either we bear good fruit OR not bearing fruit which shows the condition of our heart - sterile and barren
Bearing no fruit = faithless Christianity

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire - Matthew 7:19

 



2010-02-19 - One Another - Spurring One Another (part 1)
Let us consider how we spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Hebrews 10:24

Two unfaithful extremes:
  • We feel uncomfortable which people getting involved with our lives at all
  • We tell people what we think they should do and expect them to do it
Great blessings we have based on our relationship with Jesus - Hebrews 10:19-25
  • We have access to the Father
  • We a great high priest
  • We have full assurance
  • We have a clean conscience
  • We have hope
  • We have a faithful God


2010-02-26 - One Another - Forgiving One Another (part 2)
Other matters related to forgiveness:

Forgiveness is the ultimate 'one another' trump card

Love, which always forgives, can cover a multitude of sins - 1 Peter 4:8

Forgiveness must come from a grateful heart

If forgiveness comes from anything other than a grateful heart, we lack the purity of heart
Rid yourself of all bitterness, rage, and anger - forgiving each other as Christ forgave you - Ephesians 4:31-32

We must help one another forgive

When a person is not forgiving, they grow bitter
The sin of lack of forgiveness of someone may be greater than the actual offense
See that no one misses the grace of God and no bitter root grows - Hebrews 12:14-15

Pain and anger are not resolved in a moment, but let us never doubt where we must end up

2010-03-17 - To Live is Christ - Considered Rubbish
Not only did Paul give up his religious past and performance, he gladly counted everything else a loss too
He would give up any claim of such things so he could gain justification by grace

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

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

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

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


2010-04-20 - Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone (part 1)

1 Corinthians 1:20-23 - Jesus came to bring salvation; to some he became a stumbling block

Romans 14:10-24...

  • We are free to do many things with our faith
  • Personal freedom must be balanced with personal responsibilty for others
  • Questions to ask: Will my personal freedom be a stumbling block to others?
  • v15 - brothers were distrussed by other's freedom - that is where is know we have gone too far with our freedom
  • Areas we say it is our right to control
    • Music
    • Dating
    • Contribution
    • Evangelism
    • Commitment to church

Which is better to have?

  • Win the battle of your rights or win the war of salvation for someone?
  • Your opinon or unity of Jesus' church?

 



2010-04-29 - Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

  • It is our responsibility to grow
  • We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

  • Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
  • Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

  • Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
  • Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
  • Perservering is where you mature


2010-05-12 - Desire's Journey - Our Heart's Deepest Secret
But I still haven't found what I am looking for - U2

We have a secret desire for life as it was meant to be
Again and again the yearning of our heart cries for this life

Life  comes to all of us as a mystery
We long to live a life we are not sure where to find

The greatest human tragedy is to give up the search for life.
Nothing is of greater importance than the life of our deep heart
To lose heart is to lose everything - Proverbs 4:23

Who we really are and why we are here comes to us through our heart's desire

Our heart yearns for things to be right is so strong that it overrides the logic and hopes against hope every time
The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of - Proverbs 20:5

There are two things that pierce the human heart:
  • Beauty
  • Affliction


2010-07-13 - Desire's Journey - The Adventure Begins (part 5)
Creation awaits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed - Romans 8:19

The kingdom of God prepared for you since the creation of the world - Matthew 25:31-34

He will put the faithful and wise servant in charge of all his possessions - Matthew 24:47

They will reign forever and ever - Revelation 22:5

We will take the position for which we have uniquely made and will rule with him
Much of the activity of God in our lives brings us to the place where we can be entrusted

To each their own
Each person will live out the passion of their heart - given by God

The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it - Revelation 21:24

Hard to believe that we can add anything to the splendor of God
That is exactly what we are designed for and what our future involves


2010-07-22 - Desire's Journey - Orchestra like worship
You may have heard an orchestra tuning up before a concert
Then the violins plays a long C and all the instruments join in

The the players become focused, centered, and ready to preform
This is what happens with chaos of our desires when we turn our souls to God in worship
All the other desires find their place as we give God his place

Delight yourself int he Lord and he he will give you the desires of our hearts - Psalms 37:4

Our delighting in God, he heals our false desires as our souls come true in the light of the Maker
Worship becomes the means by which we most deeply heal our desire

2010-08-10 - Waking Dead - Myths (part 1)

Myth - sometimes thought of as not factual true
But a myth is a story which confront us with something transcendent and eternal; a way of seeing and knowing
A kind of story that wakes you up and you suddenly say - this is what my life is really about

Myth tell us three truths, this first one is:

1. Things are not what they seem

Examples of movies that show us this include: Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Matrix

Jacob saw earth in a whole new way in his dream - Genesis 28:12
He awakes more awake then ever, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it" - Genesis 28:16

Two followers of Christ did not even recongized Jesus as he talked with him after his resurrection - Luke 24:17-21
They were slow in heart to believe



2010-10-05 - Contagious Christian - Impacting Your World (part 1)

There are expectations everywhere, to have:

  • Strong marriages
  • Obedient children
  • Balanced budgets
  • Ethical business
  • Effective prayer lives
  • Meaningful relationships

Many times the "ought to" comes through louder than the "how to"
Especially true in the challenge of having an evangelist impact
God did not leave us in a state of confusion - What God expects, He enables

We need to focus on the important steps to have maximum impact
HP (High Potency) + CP (Close Proximity) + CC (Clear Communication)  = Maximum Impact (MI)

We are the salt of the world - Matthew 5:13

  • Salt makes us thristy
  • It spices things us
  • It preserves - holds back decay

Which did Jesus have in mind? We don't know
HP (High Potency) = means we need to have a strong concentration of Christ's influnce in our lives
CP (Close Proximity) = means we need to get close to people we're hoping to reach in order to allow His power to have its intended effect



2010-10-06 - Contagious Christian - Impacting Your World (part 2)
You are the light of the world - Matthew 5:14
What does the light do? Makes things visible and helps us see them for what they really are

God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God
We must not cover or obscure the light in any way - Matthew 5:15-16

The Clear Communication (CC - in the formula) must consist of and understanding of:
  • God's nature
  • Their sinfulness
  • Christ's payment
  • Steps that must be taken to receive forgiveness
  • The new life he offers
How can someone believe without someone helping - Romans 10:14

Make an honest assessment about your evangelism
Which are you?
  • High potency, low proximity = remaining isolated from those you need to be with
  • Low potency, high proximity = just being part of the world
  • High potency, High proximity, No communication = hoping the gospel will just rub off


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

QUESTIONS

  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?


2010-10-19 - Planning and Budgeting
  1. Introduction
    "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
    As Christians, we often fail to have a plan for our finances. Prior to doing this study, you may have even thought it unspiritual to spend time focusing on your finances. Hopefully, by now you have developed convictions as to God's plan for your finances. In this study, we will look at the need for us to establish a budget for our spending. A budget is a reasonable written plan for your giving, spending, and saving based on your income. It is a tool to help you to be a good steward of that which God has entrusted to you.
  2. The Need for a Budget
    1. God expects you to know the condition of your flocks and herds (money, possessions, debts) Proverbs 27:23
    2. We must have a plan and commit it to God. Proverbs 16:3, 3:9
    3. Jesus teaches us to know the cost of something before we begin. It is foolish not to budget. Luke 14:28-30
  3. Guidelines
    1. Plan first to give to God.
    2. Plan to live sacrificially, not beyond your means.
    3. Plan to have something to share, to be able to be generous with others.
    4. Plan to save for occasional or emergency expenses (e.g. special contributions, auto repairs, medical expenses, family trips).
    5. Plan to eliminate debt - Romans 13:8

QUESTIONS

  1. Do I have a written budget that I use to plan my giving, spending, and saving?
  2. Do I compare my actual spending to my budget?
  3. Have I adopted a standard of living that enables me to stay out of debt and have enough to be generous with others?


2010-10-20 - Dealing With Debt (Part I)
  1. Types of Debt
    1. Legitimate
      1. To meet real needs, to provide for necessities (e.g. home mortgage)
      2. To enable you to earn a living (e.g. auto loan, educational loan, business loan)
    2. Sinful, Foolish
      1. To make purchases which are not essential (e.g. entertainment items, vacations, etc.)
      2. Borrowing what you cannot repay or do not know when you can repay.
      3. Borrowing at excessive rates of interest (credit cards).
  2. Borrowing
    1. As Christians, borrowing should be an exception, not the rule.
    2. God calls those wicked who borrow and do not repay. (Psalms 37:21)
    3. Let your "yes" be "yes." When you borrow, repay on time. (Matthew 5:37)
    4. When you borrow someone"s property you are responsible for it. For example, if you borrow someone's car and get into an accident, you are responsible to pay the cost of repairs.
  3. Lending
    1. Do not charge interest when lending to a brother in need. Have compassion and do not add to people's burdens. (Exodus 22:25-27)
    2. Be generous in lending to those in real need. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
    3. Do not lend expecting repayment; therefore, do not lend what you need to get back. For example, do not lend out money you need to pay your rent, expecting the borrower to repay you on time. (Luke 6:34-36)
    4. Do not lend or give money to someone, especially a brother who is idle or unwilling to work Do not lend to people if it promotes their irresponsibility, laziness, or self-indulgence.

PRACTICAL:

  • Make a list of your debts. Contact your creditors, ask for forgiveness and let them know your intention to pay in full.


2010-10-24 - Christian Responsibilities
  1. Yourself - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
    1. We need to be financially independent in the sense that we take care of our own. As adults we should not be dependent on parents, family, friends, or the church except in rare instances.
    2. Non-Christians do not respect people who do not carry their weight financially. We hinder the spread of the Gospel if we are irresponsible with our finances.
  2. Family - 1 Timothy 5:4-8
    1. Taking care of our family is one of the most basic responsibilities we have. If we fail, we deny the faith.
    2. Responsibility includes at least parents, grandparents, spouse, children, 7 brothers and sisters.
    3. It is right for us to repay our parents and grandparents.
  3. Government - Romans 13:1-7
    1. We need to support the government through the payment of taxes.
    2. We pay not according to what we can get away with but what is right to pay.
  4. The Church - 1 Cor 16:1-2
    1. Each one has the responsibility to take care of the church financially.
    2. Set aside on the first day of every week.
    3. Plan and save for special contributions.
  5. The Poor - Luke 12:33; James 1:27

QUESTIONS

  1. In which of the above areas am I not fulfilling my responsibilities?


2010-11-09 - Contagious Christian - Samaritan Woman Invitational Approach
Samaritan woman was living an immoral lifestyle
Jesus ignored all conventional wisdom - John 4
It didn't take long to realize she wasn't talking to any ordinary teacher but the Messiah

She immediately went to town and brought people back to hear Jesus
Now we have seen and heard for ourselves and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world - John 4:42

Many would make great strides if they just make strategic inviting to a church service or event
Primary question you will need to answer is which event will be appropriate to bring them to

Invitation are great way for all of us but some just have the knack for getting people to go places with them

Many of these Christians tend to stay out of the limelight but they make a big impact to their world

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



2010-12-13 - Seeking God (part III)

John 1:18

  • Jesus has made God known.
  • Where do we begin our search for God? We begin by getting to know Jesus.
  • To the degree that we know Jesus, we will know God.

John 20:30-31

  • The Word of God produces faith in Jesus.
  • What will we find if we seek God by coming to know Jesus through God’s Word? Finding God begins with coming to faith in Jesus
    which promises true life now and eternal life later!
  • As we take a closer look at Jesus, are you willing to make a heartfelt effort to draw closer to God by praying and reading the Bible?


2010-12-16 - Word of God (part I)
2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • All Scripture is inspired by God, God-breathed
  • Should be applied to our lives so that we can be ready for every spiritual challenge
    • Word used to learn what God says by teaching
    • Word used to correct things we are not doing
    • Word used to warn us by rebuking us
    • Word used to put things into practice through training
  • Why should we go through this type of learning? Be thoroughly equipped for all good works
Hebrews 4:12-13
  • The word of God is relevant and can expose and convict us of sin in our lives - not collecting dust somewhere
  • It exposes us for what or who we are - Not everything in the Bible feels good at the time
  • Sharper than any double edged sword - It can cut us, but its purpose is to cut out the bad, so that we can be healed - just like a surgeon’s scalpel.
1 Timothy 4:16
  • We need to watch how we live and what we teach - both essential to salvation
  • Illustration: Which wing of an airplane is most important? So it is with what you teach and how you live out those beliefs.
  • What is the result of careful attention to our life and doctrine?


2010-12-17 - Word of God (part II)
John 8:31-32
  • Jesus teaches these Jews that intellectual belief is not enough.
  • He calls them to believe God enough to trust his will for their lives. This trust is demonstrated by the decision to live according to Jesus’ teaching.
  • True faith is seen in our obedience.
  • Notice when we will know the truth, after we obey.
2 Timothy 4:2-3
  • If the Bible is so powerful and helpful, why aren’t more people truly following what it says?
  • Bottom line, we can not live according to our own feelings and desires.
Matthew 15:1-9
  • What is another hindrance to following God’s word? Tradition
  • Religious tradition which takes precedence over the Word of God can result in worldly solutions to spiritual issues and make our worship of God empty and pointless.


2010-12-20 - Worlds Wisdom vs Gods Wisdom (part II)
Before we go on:  What is the “world’s wisdom”?
  • If you asked a person who is street smart or the person on Wall Street or just a person who watches a lot of TV, what is at the heart of the world’s wisdom about how to live?
    • “Look out for number one.”
    • “Get what you want.”
    • “Get the power, the pleasure, the control you want.”
    • “Get the money.”
    • “Protect yourself.”
    • “Guard your rights.”
    • “Maintain your independence.”
  • And so what is at the center of man’s wisdom? Self! (See 2 Timothy 3:2)

Matthew 16:24-26
  • What is Jesus’ message? How is it the opposite of the world’s message?
    • Deny self– “disown” (Matthew 26:34). We renounce our old self, our old approach to life.
    • Take up the cross (instrument of death). Die to ourselves.
    • Follow Jesus. Make his life our model. Jesus life is a demonstration of his message.
  • What does Jesus say will be the bottom line for those who “save their own lives”? For those who foolishly lose their lives for him?
Final thoughts
  • What is everything on the left side (world’s wisdom) called? Sin.
  • What is everything on the right side (God’s wisdom) called? Love.
  • How have you lived according the world’s wisdom?
  • Have you ever made a decision to renounce it?
  • Which side was Peter still on (though he was religious)?
  • Which side are you on?


2010-12-21 - Sin (part I)
1 Peter 2:9-10
  • Every person is either in the darkness or the light. This study will show us that outside of Jesus we are all in the darkness.
Isaiah 59:1-2
  • What is the consequence of sin? Sin hurts others, hurts ourselves, but ultimately sin hurts and separates us from God.
  • God is light. As long as the wall of sin remains, we are in the darkness.
  • In order to have a relationship with God, the barrier of sin must come down.
Romans 3:21-24
  • We will come back to other ideas in this text later, but focus on v23. Who has sinned?
  • Use illustrations to show that some are better than others, but all sin and fall short.
  • Examples: Swimming to Hawaii, graph showing piles of sin.
  • Who is more lost? There is no “good person” who is without sin.
Mark 7:14-23
  • Sin is not simply wrong actions, but a problem of the heart.
  • Who is responsible for our sin? Despite genetics, parenting, peer pressure and socio-economic conditions, we are responsible for our own sin, which comes from our own hearts and makes us unclean.
  • What is the consequence of being unclean before God?
  • Discuss the sins Jesus talks about here.


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.



2011-01-08 - Church (part II)

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).


2011-01-11 - Followup - Bible Study Application

How should we use God’s Word?

  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2. Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    1. Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    2. Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-01-18 - Followup - Balanced Attitude and Application
Attitude
How we should view God’s Word
  1. Matthew 4:4 - We need it to survive. Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
  2. Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.
  3. John 12:47-48 - God will use it as the standard of judgment. Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.
Application
How should we use God’s Word?
  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2.  Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    • Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    • Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


2011-02-11 - Fearing God - Parable of Awe

Marine Corp example

Solider learned to respect autority promptly and correctly by carrying out commands / seeing pure fear and humilation as punishment
Some actually learn to enjoy the challenge of the tough, disciplined life

Solider grows a personal relationship with the general but always conscious of the vast difference in rank between them
It was a different kind of awe - a greater sense of respect and admiration

Later he realizes how much the general cares for him by putting his life on the line for the solider

Jesus often spoke in parables, fictional stories that as if they really happened
Helps express more abstract spiritual concepts

Awe is defined as:

  • An emotion in which dread, veneration, and wonder are vairously mingled
  • Submissive and admiring fear inspired by authority
  • A fearful reverence inspired by deity

 



2011-02-13 - Discipleship - Kansas City (part III)
Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 14:25-33
  • Question: What is Jesus saying to you in v26? What relationship would be the most challenging? Why?
  • Question: In v28-30, if you start to follow Jesus then stop how will that effect the people that have seen you start?
  • Question: In v31-33, which king will win? Will the losing king still be a king? No, stop fighting God and serve him
  • Question: What do you see as something that will be a cost for you in following Jesus?
Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20
  • Question: How much authority does Jesus have? What does His authority exclude? Nothing!
  • Question: What does Jesus commission us to do? Who should you start with in fulling this commission from Jesus? Yourself
Developing a relationship with God is like a marriage
  1. Get to know someone = read the Bible and pray daily (Word Study)
  2. Dating stage = commit to coming to church, Bible discussion group, and studying the Bible (Discipleship study)
  3. Engagement = making a decision to commit your life to God (Sin and Repentance study)
  4. Wedding ceremony = baptism
You are not married until the wedding ceremony. You become a disciple at baptism - your life is the evidence of God's gift of the Holy Spirit

2011-02-14 - Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part I)

Luke 7:36-50

A. Simon the Pharisee

  • Knew about Jesus but did not KNOW Jesus
  • Not a disciple (didn't even welcome Jesus into his house)
  • Not broken over his sin (felt bad but not convicted enough to change his life)

B. Sinful Woman

  • Only concerned with her relationship with Jesus (not a people pleaser)
  • Convicted about her sin the closer she got to Jesus (didn't pull away after seeing her sin)
  • She was broken over her sin (wanted to change and did something about it)

Question: Which type of heart would YOU SAY youv'e had toward YOUR SIN until we started studying the Bible?
If Sinful Woman - then this study will help to expose the heart in many ways

Isaiah 59:1-3

  • Question: According to the Bible, what has separated man from God? God | SIN | You
  • How are our sins forgiven?
    • God must forgive
    • Man must repent
  • Both must occur in order for your sin NOT to keep you separated from God
  • Question: How do you define sin and repentance? Let how the Bible does.


2011-05-21 - Righteousness instead of selfishness
Righteousness instead of selfishness

Matthew 4:1-11
Satan uses many tactics to tempt us not to be righteous
  1. Not trusting God will take care of us - vs. 3
  2. Too prideful and feel nothing can hurt us - vs. 6
  3. Idolizing something above God in our lives - vs. 9
Which temptation does Satan us on you the most?

How will you fight it?

2011-05-25 - Righteousness out of our love for God
Righteousness out of our love for God

1 John 5:1-5
We obey those we love the most.
Who do you obey the most?
  • God?
  • Friends?
  • Social norm?
  • Our self?
If we obey His commands we love Jesus - vs. 1
Not one of God’s commands are burdensome - vs. 3
Which of God’s commands do you make burdensome in your life?
Jesus has overcome the world, how can He help you overcome what is in your life?

2011-05-26 - Fearing God - Slave or Son
Two types of fear:
  • Servile fear - latin meaning slave
  • Filial fear - meaning son
Servile fear is illustrated by the third servant in Christ's parable of the talents
He went out and hid his talent in the ground - Matthew 25:24-25
The devil is the author of servile fear - he uses it to haunt and disturb Christians to make our lives uncomfortable

Filial fear is loving fear of a child toward his father
A mixture of reference, pleasure, joy, and awe which fills our hearts when we realize who God is and what He has done for us

There are 150 references to the fear of God, most in the Old Testament
Ones in the New Testament convince us that fearing God is an attitude of the heart

2011-06-04 - Fearing God - Jacob feared
Jacob had deceived his father and stolen the birthright from his brother

Genesis 28:12-15
While fleeing to his uncle's house, God promised him 5 things:
  • 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
God said nothing in the dream about Jacob's deceitful character, threaten, or punishment

When Jacob awoke, he was afraid
His fear came from the realization that he had somehow been in the very presence of God
The fear was not from being conscious of his sin but from his sense of awe

The presence created a sense of being overwhelmed by his own nothingness in contrast to that which is supreme above all creatures
He is infinitely above the powerful human beings who have ever lived

2011-06-10 - Mind of Christ - Intro (part III)
The heart is the source which continuously supplies your life with the kind of person you are.
  1. The source of your behavior - Proverbs 4:23
  2. The source of your speech
  • Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks - Luke 6:45
  • How can you who are evil say anything good? - Matthew 12:33-37
  1. The source of all evil behavior
  • What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean' - Mark 7:20-23
  • Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart were evil - Genesis 6:5


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