Quiet Times Search

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


Searching Study Notes for "" in 1 John
Displaying results from "" to "". (122 found)

Falling in Love with God - Fear

The other emotional response that undermines our love for God

Perfect love drives our fear - 1 John 4:18
Fear greatly affects our ability to love; renders lifeless our love for God

Fear one of the most powerful and universal tools Satan uses for:

  • Keep man from the knowledge of God
  • Experience of God's power
  • Experience grace in our lives
  • Taking our eyes off of God and onto our circumstances and insecurities

There is healthy fear (like fearing God) but unhealthy fear is one that controls us and causes us to turn away from God's direction
Fear is rarely rational

  • Why are you so afraid - Matthew 8:26
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 14:27
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 17:7
  • Don't be afraid - Matthew 28:10
  • Don't be afraid - Mark 5:36
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 5:10
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 8:50
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:7
  • Don't be afraid - Luke 12:32
  • Don't be afraid - John 6:19-20
  • Don't be afraid - John 12:15
  • Don't be afraid - John 14:27

God understands the destructive nature of fear
He simply commands us to deal with our fears through our relationship with him



Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Their All
1 John 1:1-4

Jesus: that which:
  • Was from the beginning
  • We have heard
  • We have seen with our eyes
  • We proclaim
"No one ever spoke the way this man does" - John 7:46

Christ was their happiness
Christ was their peace
Christ was what they wanted to experience in life
They were committed to experiencing Christ

Paul's joy of completing the task the Lord Jesus has given him - Acts 20:16-24

They did not chafe at the cost of following Christ - cost was a chance to grow

Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Their All
1 John 1:1-4

Jesus: that which:
  • Was from the beginning
  • We have heard
  • We have seen with our eyes
  • We proclaim
"No one ever spoke the way this man does" - John 7:46

Christ was their happiness
Christ was their peace
Christ was what they wanted to experience in life
They were committed to experiencing Christ

Paul's joy of completing the task the Lord Jesus has given him - Acts 20:16-24

They did not chafe at the cost of following Christ - cost was a chance to grow

Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Their All
1 John 1:1-4

Jesus: that which:
  • Was from the beginning
  • We have heard
  • We have seen with our eyes
  • We proclaim
"No one ever spoke the way this man does" - John 7:46

Christ was their happiness
Christ was their peace
Christ was what they wanted to experience in life
They were committed to experiencing Christ

Paul's joy of completing the task the Lord Jesus has given him - Acts 20:16-24

They did not chafe at the cost of following Christ - cost was a chance to grow

Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Their All
1 John 1:1-4

Jesus: that which:
  • Was from the beginning
  • We have heard
  • We have seen with our eyes
  • We proclaim
"No one ever spoke the way this man does" - John 7:46

Christ was their happiness
Christ was their peace
Christ was what they wanted to experience in life
They were committed to experiencing Christ

Paul's joy of completing the task the Lord Jesus has given him - Acts 20:16-24

They did not chafe at the cost of following Christ - cost was a chance to grow

Falling in Love with God - Holy Spirit with us
What else should I be conscious of regarding the Holy Spirit:
  • Spirit's circumcision of my heart - Romans 2:29
  • God pours his love into my heart via the Spirit - Romans 5:1-5
  • God's Spirit lives in me - 1 Corinthians 3:16
  • Holy Spirit within me cries out to God - Galatians 4:6
  • Credit for all wisdom and revelation goes to the Spirit - Ephesians 1:17
  • He himself testifies to us that he lives within us - 1 John 4:23
Every spiritual thought we have is the result of the workings of God's Spirit within us

Purpose Driven Life - Formed for Gods Family
You were formed for God's family
God desired to have a family but didn't need a family
God became our Father

Benefits of being part of God's family:
  • Family name, likeness, privileges,
  • Inheritance - since yo are his child, everything he has belongs to you (Galatians 4:7)
  • Will be with God forever - 1 Thesslonians 5:10
  • Be like Christ - 1 John 3:2
  • Freed from all pain, death, and suffering - Revelation 21:4
  • Rewarded and reassigned positions of service
  • Share in Christ's glory - Romans 8:17
We all need a family to identify with - the Church - Satan is always on the prawl


Purpose Driven Life - The Value of Time
The importance of things can be measured by how much time we are willing to invest in them
Your time is your life
Greatest gift you can give someone is your time
Words alone are worthless - 1 John 3:18
Most desired gift of love is focused attention
Give without loving, but you can not love without giving - God gave everything (John 3:16)
 
Make the most of every opportunity
Other and you are not guaranteed tomorrow
 
Who do you need to spend more time with?
What do you need to cut out of your day?

Purpose Driven Life - A Place to Belong
You are called to belong
Relationship with Christ is personal but not private
Your organs are connected to other organs to fulfill a purpose
Organ severed from the body will shrivel and die
 
Christ loved the church and gave his life for it - Ephesians 5:25
 
Church is Christ's bride
Can't say to Christ "I love you but I do not love your wife
 
Why you need a Church Family?
 
1. Identifies you as a genuine believer
 
2. Move you out of self-centered isolation
 
Lab for practicing unselfishness
Learn to care about others
If one part suffers, all suffer - 1 Corinthians 12:16
We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers - 1 John 3:16
 
3. Helps develop spiritual muscle
Isolation breeds deceitfulness
 
4. Body Needs you
 
5. Share in Christ's mission - He works through us
 
6. Church family will help you from backsliding
 
"Mind your own business" - not a Christian phrase
It is your responsibility to help those who need help
 
Difference between a church attender and a church member is commitment

Purpose Driven Life - Experiencing Life Together
Life is meant to be shared
 
Fellowship - now refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun
Jesus knew that 12 was the maximum size for a group for everyone to participate
 
In real fellowship people experience...
 
... Authenticity
  • Honest with who you are - otherwise we are just fooling ourselves - 1 John 1:7-8
  • Requires courage and humility
  • We only grow by taking risks - being honest is a major risk
 
... Mutuality (Romans 1:12)
  • Depending on each other
  • Sharing responsibility
  • Mutual accountability
 
... Sympathy
  • Sharing pain of others (Colossians 3:12)
  • Meet needs of being understood and the validation of our feelings
  • Self-Pity dries up sympathy for others
  • Times of crisis, grief, doubt when we need each other the most
 
... Mercy
  • Can't have fellowship without forgiveness
  • Bitterness and resentment always destroys fellowship
  • Never be asked to forgive someone more than God has forgiven you
  • Energy for retaliation or resolution?
  • Forgiveness immediate; Trust takes time


Purpose Driven Life - Experiencing Life Together
Life is meant to be shared
 
Fellowship - now refers to casual conversation, socializing, food, and fun
Jesus knew that 12 was the maximum size for a group for everyone to participate
 
In real fellowship people experience...
 
... Authenticity
  • Honest with who you are - otherwise we are just fooling ourselves - 1 John 1:7-8
  • Requires courage and humility
  • We only grow by taking risks - being honest is a major risk
 
... Mutuality (Romans 1:12)
  • Depending on each other
  • Sharing responsibility
  • Mutual accountability
 
... Sympathy
  • Sharing pain of others (Colossians 3:12)
  • Meet needs of being understood and the validation of our feelings
  • Self-Pity dries up sympathy for others
  • Times of crisis, grief, doubt when we need each other the most
 
... Mercy
  • Can't have fellowship without forgiveness
  • Bitterness and resentment always destroys fellowship
  • Never be asked to forgive someone more than God has forgiven you
  • Energy for retaliation or resolution?
  • Forgiveness immediate; Trust takes time


Purpose Driven Life - Accepting Your Assignment
You were put on earth to make a contribution

Not what we get out of life, it what you give

You were created to server God

God created us for a life of good deeds - Ephesians 2:10
Set apart for a special work - Jeremiah 1:5

You were saved to server God

Saved us and chose us for his holy work - 2 Timothy 1:9
We are not saved by service but you are saved for service
Offer yourself as living sacrifices to God - Romans 12:1
Our love for each other proves we have gone from death to life - 1 John 3:14

A saved heart is one that wants to server
He leaves us here to fulfill his purpose

30 Days at the Cross - Unconditional Love

Feels good to feel loved - insecurities come from not being sure or for some reason other than unconditional love

In our worst shape, God demonstrated his love for us - Romans 5:8
Love that surpasses knowledge - Ephesians 3:19
The is not of higher value than unconditional love
Not a testimony to God's softness on sin
We will be changed if we understand God's love

Love you enough to have his son killed for you - while you (and me) were enemies of God
How much is his love toward you now that you his child?
Be imitators of God, as dearly loved children and live a life of love - Ephesians 5:1-2

If God loves us this much, we should as love this way - 1 John 4:11
Do you only love God when perform as you think he should? He doesn't!

Paul - Christ came to save sinners and I am the worst - 1 Timothy 1:15

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



30 Days at the Cross - It Keeps on Cleansing

The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin - 1 John 1:7
"Purifies" = present tense as in a da by day, constsant cleansing

His blood was the only thing that could possibly attain forgiveness for me - Ephesians 1:7
Blood make atonement for one's life

Imagine the priest persuading an Israelite to trust God's ways and offer the lamb
Do we have more faith in our weak, self-invented sacrifics than we do in God's plan fo grace?

Jesus' sacrifice for our sins must be accepted first for the joy of our sacrifical life to make sense
His blood is keeping us cured as we openly confess, repent, and appeal to God for our forgiveness - 1 John 8:2-6

Where does your value come from? As a blood-bought sinner or my ability to produce a perfect life

 



Teach Us To Pray - Praise and Thanksgiving
God's plan is a blessing and not a burden - 1 John 5:3
Once we lose our gratitude, we have lost everything

Growing in Gratitude
  1. Realize God has chosen you - Choose you for the purpose of telling the world about him - 1 Peter 2:9
  2. See God in everything - Train your mind to look at God and not self - Colossians 1:11-12
  3. Express and verbalize your gratitude - Psalms 39:4-5
Challenge: Pray for 30 minutes just thanking God for specific details in our your life

Teach Us To Pray - Direction for Decisions
Most difficult decision are not so much a question of right and wrong but rather what is good, better, and best
When ask according to God's will, he hears us - 1 John 5:14-15

God give wisdom in prayer (James 1:5) and through his Word (Hebrews 5:14)
He will give us wisdom to discern what is best

God also gives wisdom to men and women in his kingdom
It is would be foolish and arrogant to not actively seek out wisdom God has made available
Should imitate leaders faith - Hebrews 13:7


Teach Us To Pray - Direction for Decisions
Most difficult decision are not so much a question of right and wrong but rather what is good, better, and best
When ask according to God's will, he hears us - 1 John 5:14-15

God give wisdom in prayer (James 1:5) and through his Word (Hebrews 5:14)
He will give us wisdom to discern what is best

God also gives wisdom to men and women in his kingdom
It is would be foolish and arrogant to not actively seek out wisdom God has made available
Should imitate leaders faith - Hebrews 13:7


Jesus with People - Trusting

In his torment, he sees the need of his mother and he entrusts her to John's care - John 19:25-27

Jesus let John know that he trust him and needs him to take care of his mother
God in the flesh yet her express his need to John's help

John was transformed from "son of thunder" to "Apostle of Love"
John later teaches us that if we say we love God but no our brother that we are a liar - 1 John 4:19-20

The problem with not feeling close, real, or trust is our issue

How close, real, and trusting are your relationships?

What do your relationships with people tell you about your relationship with God?



Jesus with People - Trusting

In his torment, he sees the need of his mother and he entrusts her to John's care - John 19:25-27

Jesus let John know that he trust him and needs him to take care of his mother
God in the flesh yet her express his need to John's help

John was transformed from "son of thunder" to "Apostle of Love"
John later teaches us that if we say we love God but no our brother that we are a liar - 1 John 4:19-20

The problem with not feeling close, real, or trust is our issue

How close, real, and trusting are your relationships?

What do your relationships with people tell you about your relationship with God?



Promises of God - One Greater
The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world - 1 John 4:4

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness - 1 Peter 5:8

Satan is seen leading "the whole world astray" - Revelation 12:9

He is the Ling of Kings and the Lord of Lords - Revelation 12:9-11

The devil will eventually be thrown into the lake of fire - Revelation 20:1-10

Promises of God - What Are We to Give?
We are to give ourselves completely to:
  • the Lord
  • the lost
  • the poor
  • our fellow disciples
Romans 9:3; Romans 10:1; Matthew 19:21; 1 John 3:16

Give whatever we have to whomever asks - our hearts, affections, and desires to the benefit to others

When do I take care of myself? Trust God to give back to you a hundred times as much in the present age - Matthew 19:29


Why We Need Jesus - He Reconciles Us to God
HE RECONCILES US TO GOD...
  1. There is but one mediator between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5
  2. God sent Christ to reconcile sinful man back to Him - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
  3. This God did this by offering Christ as the sacrifice  for our sins - 1 John 4:9-10
  4. We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 1:7
  5. Jesus is the only way to God - John 14:6


Why We Need Jesus - He Reconciles Us to God
HE RECONCILES US TO GOD...
  1. There is but one mediator between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5
  2. God sent Christ to reconcile sinful man back to Him - 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
  3. This God did this by offering Christ as the sacrifice  for our sins - 1 John 4:9-10
  4. We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins - Ephesians 1:7
  5. Jesus is the only way to God - John 14:6


Why We Need Jesus - He Intercededs For Us to God
WHO INTERCEDES FOR US TO GOD...
  1. Now at God's right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us - Romans 8:34
  2. He serves as our "Advocate" with the Father - 1 John 2:1
  3. He is our perfect High Priest - Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-15
  4. He enables us to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and help - Hebrews 4:16
  5. He now "always lives" to intercede on our behalf - Hebrews 7:25


One Another - Walking in the Light
What does it mean to walk in the light?

1 John 1:7-9
Living our lives with openness and transparency in response to the blood of Christ
Fellowship is both the practice and product of walking in the light

How central are our relationships to following Jesus?
  1. Coupled with loving God
  2. How we show we are disciples
  3. Something to devoted to as we come into Christ
  4. How we fulfill the principle of Christ
  5. How we live a life worthy of the gospel and the Lord
  6. Where walking in the light leads

"I need to get serious about my relationship with God" = Need to get serious with my relationship with other believers

One Another - Walking in the Light
What does it mean to walk in the light?

1 John 1:7-9
Living our lives with openness and transparency in response to the blood of Christ
Fellowship is both the practice and product of walking in the light

How central are our relationships to following Jesus?
  1. Coupled with loving God
  2. How we show we are disciples
  3. Something to devoted to as we come into Christ
  4. How we fulfill the principle of Christ
  5. How we live a life worthy of the gospel and the Lord
  6. Where walking in the light leads

"I need to get serious about my relationship with God" = Need to get serious with my relationship with other believers

One Another - Walking in the Light
What does it mean to walk in the light?

1 John 1:7-9
Living our lives with openness and transparency in response to the blood of Christ
Fellowship is both the practice and product of walking in the light

How central are our relationships to following Jesus?
  1. Coupled with loving God
  2. How we show we are disciples
  3. Something to devoted to as we come into Christ
  4. How we fulfill the principle of Christ
  5. How we live a life worthy of the gospel and the Lord
  6. Where walking in the light leads

"I need to get serious about my relationship with God" = Need to get serious with my relationship with other believers

Kingdom First - True Companions
Scriptures repeatedly draw a parallel between marriage and our relationship with God - Matthew 5:31-32

Jesus recalled God plan for marriage from the beginning and used word 'united' - Matthew 19:5

Romans 6:5 - we are united with Christ through his death and resurrection

We are all one in Christ - Galatians 3:28

Unfaithfulness in marriage is also unfaithfulness to God
Anyone who does not love his brother, cannot love God - 1 John 4:20
Our faithfulness to him is mirrored in our faithfulness to our husband or wife

Kingdom First - Light Drives Satan Away
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all - 1 John 1:5

Satan can not be where there is light
When the light comes, sin is exposed

The light will bring a reaction:
  • Some will run from it
  • Other will try to put it out
  • Still others will be drawn to it
Everyone does evil hates the light; whoever lives by the truth comes into the light - John 3:19-21

The light takes away Satan's power
The more we open ourselves to God's light, the more his light shines through us

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

To Live is Christ - To Love is to Live

There is nothing greater than love - 1 Corinthians 13:13

If we don't know how to love, we don't know how to live
To live as Christ is to learn how to love
If love isn't growing will soon die

Those who are satisfied with the love they attained have really ceased to love
Paul prayed for the Philippians' love to abound more and more

God is love - 1 John 4:8
Learning to love is learning to be like God - who among us can say we have arrived?

 



To Live is Christ - Having the Same Love

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

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

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

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

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

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



Desire's Journey - Good News?
The promise of life has been lost in the focus of knowledge and performance

Pharisee knew more about the Bible than we ever will - and it hardened their hearts

There were two trees in the garden of Eden:
  • Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil
  • Tree of Life
We go the wrong tree

Each church has its unspoken list of what you should and should not do
We are told this is the good news

We don't need more facts
We don't need more things to do
We need life

You have made know to me the path of life - Psalms 16:11
My soul pants for you - Psalms 42:1-2
My soul thirsts for you - Psalms 63:1

Why did Jesus appeal to desire?
Because it was essential for life
He who has the Son has life - 1 John 5:12



Jesus - the Zealot (part 1)

By Richard Dixon in 1999-09-26
    Zealot = a man who aims at overthrows
    Jesus mission was to overthrow Satan's ruling government over the earth
    1 John 3:7-8
    • Jesus came to destroy Satan
    • A zealot has a cause
    • What was Jesus' cause?
      • Save man from hell
      • Save man from himself
      • Save man from Satan
    Matthew 26:50-55
    • They saw Jesus as a renigade

    Cause worth living for

    Luke 9:25
    • What good is it?
    • What would you write down as things that you are trying to gain?
    • Living for Jesus is living life to the full
    Luke 10:10
    • Sometimes life is not fair
      • Through salvation (Judgement) comes fairness
    • We hurt ourselves with the question "WHY?"
      • Like we can demand an answer from God
    2 Corinthians 5:14
    • Love compels us not out of duty


Jesus - the Zealot (part 1)

By Richard Dixon in 1999-09-26
    Zealot = a man who aims at overthrows
    Jesus mission was to overthrow Satan's ruling government over the earth
    1 John 3:7-8
    • Jesus came to destroy Satan
    • A zealot has a cause
    • What was Jesus' cause?
      • Save man from hell
      • Save man from himself
      • Save man from Satan
    Matthew 26:50-55
    • They saw Jesus as a renigade

    Cause worth living for

    Luke 9:25
    • What good is it?
    • What would you write down as things that you are trying to gain?
    • Living for Jesus is living life to the full
    Luke 10:10
    • Sometimes life is not fair
      • Through salvation (Judgement) comes fairness
    • We hurt ourselves with the question "WHY?"
      • Like we can demand an answer from God
    2 Corinthians 5:14
    • Love compels us not out of duty


Life of Jesus (part 1)
Preached on 2003-12-28

1 John 2:3-6
  • How did Jesus walk?
  • How do you walk?
John 2:1-11
  • Jesus was willing to serve
  • Are you willing?
John 2:12-17
  • Zealous for God
  • Mad about disgrace of God's name
  • What is your heart?

John 3:1-15; 4:1-26; 39-42
  • Jesus hanging out with different people
  • Religious person vs women with five husbands
  • Great #s come to believe
  • Do you limit who you are with?

John 4:43-54
  • Jesus had amazing faith
  • Do you believe that God will work things out?

John 5:1-15
  • - Jesus tried to help and encourage
  • - How have you reachout to others?


Life of Jesus (part 1)
Preached on 2003-12-28

1 John 2:3-6
  • How did Jesus walk?
  • How do you walk?
John 2:1-11
  • Jesus was willing to serve
  • Are you willing?
John 2:12-17
  • Zealous for God
  • Mad about disgrace of God's name
  • What is your heart?

John 3:1-15; 4:1-26; 39-42
  • Jesus hanging out with different people
  • Religious person vs women with five husbands
  • Great #s come to believe
  • Do you limit who you are with?

John 4:43-54
  • Jesus had amazing faith
  • Do you believe that God will work things out?

John 5:1-15
  • - Jesus tried to help and encourage
  • - How have you reachout to others?


Life of Jesus (part 1)
Preached on 2003-12-28

1 John 2:3-6
  • How did Jesus walk?
  • How do you walk?
John 2:1-11
  • Jesus was willing to serve
  • Are you willing?
John 2:12-17
  • Zealous for God
  • Mad about disgrace of God's name
  • What is your heart?

John 3:1-15; 4:1-26; 39-42
  • Jesus hanging out with different people
  • Religious person vs women with five husbands
  • Great #s come to believe
  • Do you limit who you are with?

John 4:43-54
  • Jesus had amazing faith
  • Do you believe that God will work things out?

John 5:1-15
  • - Jesus tried to help and encourage
  • - How have you reachout to others?


Life of Jesus (part 1)
Preached on 2003-12-28

1 John 2:3-6
  • How did Jesus walk?
  • How do you walk?
John 2:1-11
  • Jesus was willing to serve
  • Are you willing?
John 2:12-17
  • Zealous for God
  • Mad about disgrace of God's name
  • What is your heart?

John 3:1-15; 4:1-26; 39-42
  • Jesus hanging out with different people
  • Religious person vs women with five husbands
  • Great #s come to believe
  • Do you limit who you are with?

John 4:43-54
  • Jesus had amazing faith
  • Do you believe that God will work things out?

John 5:1-15
  • - Jesus tried to help and encourage
  • - How have you reachout to others?


Waking Dead - Myths (part 3)

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



Waking Dead - Glory (part 2)
Your story does not begin with sin but with glory
Bible does not start in Genesis 3 but Genesis 1

God is glorious
You are his offspring, his child
You bear his image

When he made all His creation before man he said "it was good"
Only after did he make humans did he say "it is very good" - Genesis 1:31
Your glory is greater than everything else made - oceans, mountains, stars, the universe

Saints in the land are the glorious ones in whom is all my delight - Psalms 16:3
Those he justified, he also glorified - Romans 8:30

The fact that you don't see your good heart and glory is proof has effective the assault has been

Lion King example
It is time for the true king to come back and take over
But Simba does not believe who he is
His father was murdered and the enemy blamed it on him
After years of loosing heart, Simba's father appears to him in a vision: you are more than what you have become

The one who is in you is greater than the one in the world - 1 John 4:4



Why can't we be friends?
Preached on 2003-01-26

Conflicts -Who are having problems? 1 John 4:20

- To love God, is to love our brothers

Three reason why we can not

1. Lack of spiritually (half-hearted)

Genesis 4:1
- God wants us to give your best
- First reaction: Anger and downcast
- Relationships - best to God, best to others

How could being close to God change things for you?

2. Selfish


Jacob and Esua

Genesis 25:27-35
- Only do things you like to do
- Waiting for them to come to you
- You make the first moved

3. Jealous/Anger

Genesis 37:1

- How is jealousy effecting you relationship?
- Focus on all the blessing you DO have
- Pray for them

Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)
Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

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

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

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

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

Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)
Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

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

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

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

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

Contagious Christian - Barriers to Relationships (part I)
Biblical Issues with understanding what friendships are in the Bible can be barriers to relationships
Some feel that befriending people who are irreligious is questionable and maybe unbiblical

A look at a few examples of some verses misunderstood

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

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

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

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

Knowing Jesus (part II)
1 John 2:3-6
  • Knowing Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise.
  • The goal of the Christian is to obey his commands and become more and more like him
    • to think like Jesus
    • to act like Jesus
    • to live like Jesus.
John 14:6
  • Jesus claimed to be the only way, not a way.
  • He claimed to be the whole truth and not one truth among many.
  • He said he was the life, not just a better life.
  • How important is it that we put our faith, our trust, our obedience in Jesus?
  • It is the most important decision of your life - Acts 4:12


Knowing Jesus (part II)
1 John 2:3-6
  • Knowing Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise.
  • The goal of the Christian is to obey his commands and become more and more like him
    • to think like Jesus
    • to act like Jesus
    • to live like Jesus.
John 14:6
  • Jesus claimed to be the only way, not a way.
  • He claimed to be the whole truth and not one truth among many.
  • He said he was the life, not just a better life.
  • How important is it that we put our faith, our trust, our obedience in Jesus?
  • It is the most important decision of your life - Acts 4:12


Knowing Jesus (part II)
1 John 2:3-6
  • Knowing Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise.
  • The goal of the Christian is to obey his commands and become more and more like him
    • to think like Jesus
    • to act like Jesus
    • to live like Jesus.
John 14:6
  • Jesus claimed to be the only way, not a way.
  • He claimed to be the whole truth and not one truth among many.
  • He said he was the life, not just a better life.
  • How important is it that we put our faith, our trust, our obedience in Jesus?
  • It is the most important decision of your life - Acts 4:12


Knowing Jesus (part II)
1 John 2:3-6
  • Knowing Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise.
  • The goal of the Christian is to obey his commands and become more and more like him
    • to think like Jesus
    • to act like Jesus
    • to live like Jesus.
John 14:6
  • Jesus claimed to be the only way, not a way.
  • He claimed to be the whole truth and not one truth among many.
  • He said he was the life, not just a better life.
  • How important is it that we put our faith, our trust, our obedience in Jesus?
  • It is the most important decision of your life - Acts 4:12


Followup - Relationships in the Body
John 13:34
  1. A new command
  2. Love each other as Jesus did. (Discuss how Jesus loved)
  3. This is the distinguishing mark.
Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
  1. Members of One Body
  2. What would happen if your finger gets cut off? (ie We need each other)
  3. Must work together.
1 Peter 1:33 - Sincere love.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12 - Like a mother, gentle, caring or a father, encouraging, comforting, urging.

1 John 3:16
  • Jesus example
  • Self-sacrificial
  • Radical!


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

Christian Joy (part I)

Matthew 11:28-30

  • Christian life is full of challenges but it is still the best life to live
  • Jesus' yoke is easy and burdens light
  • We should live life with a checklist - only becomes a burden

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

  • We have challenging times but Jesus will comfort
  • From our comfort from Jesus, you can comfort others

Do you feel trapped?

Feel that you have sinned too much?
1 John 1:19 - If you confess your sin, he will forgive

Christian yoke = Christ's passion, purpose, and desire
Other yokes: guilt, worries, burdens, fear



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


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


NT Commands (part V)
NT Commands in the Bible (continued):
  • Encourage the timid - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
  • Fear God - Luke 12:4-5
  • Fix our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
  • Give material possessions to a brother in need - 1 John 3:17
  • Give thanks in all circumstances - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • Give yourselves in the Lord's work - 1 Corinthians 15:58
  • Give thanks for everything - Ephesians 5:20
  • Hold to what is good - 1 Thessalonians 5:21


God Is (part I)
Starting a study of God attributes this week:
  • Abounds In Goodness - Psalms 31:19; Psalms 52:1; Romans 11:22
  • All Powerful - Jeremiah 32:17, 27
  • All Knowing - 1 John 3:20
  • Does Not Change - Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17
  • Eternal - Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17


God Is (part IV)
Part 4 on the study of God:
  • Light - 1 John 1:5
  • Long-suffering - Psalms 86:15; 2 Peter 3:15
  • Love - 1 John 4:8, 16
  • Merciful - Exodus 34:6; Psalms 103:8-10; James 5:11
  • Most Wise - Romans 16:27; Jude 25


God Is (part V)
Studying about God each day:
  • Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
  • Most Free - Psalms 115:3
  • Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25
  • Most Pure Spirit - John 4:24
  • Most Loving - 1 John 4:8-10


God Is (part V)
Studying about God each day:
  • Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
  • Most Free - Psalms 115:3
  • Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25
  • Most Pure Spirit - John 4:24
  • Most Loving - 1 John 4:8-10


God Is (part V)
Studying about God each day:
  • Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8
  • Most Free - Psalms 115:3
  • Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25
  • Most Pure Spirit - John 4:24
  • Most Loving - 1 John 4:8-10


Names of Jesus (part I)
Starting to read through the names of Jesus:
  • Advocate - 1 John 2:1
  • Almighty - Revelation 1:18
  • Alpha and Omega - Revelation 1:8; 22:13
  • Amen - Revelation 3:14
  • Angel - Genesis 48:16; Exodus 23:20,21
  • Angel of God's presence - Isaiah 63:9
  • Angel of the Lord - Exodus 3:2; Judges 13:15-18


Names of Jesus (part X)
The different names of Jesus found in the Bible:
  • Law giver - Isaiah 33:22
  • Leader - Isaiah 55:4
  • Life - John 14:6; Colossians 3:4; 1 John 1:2
  • Light of the world - John 8:12, 9:5
  • Lion of the tribe of Judah - Re 5:5
  • Lord God Almighty - Revelation 15:3
  • Lord God of the holy prophets - Revelation 22:6


Names of Jesus (part XVII)
Names of Jesus, one scripture at a time:
  • True God - 1 John 5:20
  • True Light - John 1:9
  • True Vine - John 15:1
  • Truth - John 14:6
  • Way - John 14:6
  • Wisdom - Proverbs 8:12


Names of Jesus (part XVIII)
Last day of Jesus' name study (Easter):
  • Witness - Isaiah 55:4
  • Wonderful - Isaiah 9:6
  • Word - John 1:1; 5:7
  • Word of God - Revelation 19:13
  • Word of Life - 1 John 1:1


Names of the Believers (part II)
Study of names of believers - continued:
  • Children of the Lord - Deuteronomy 14:1
  • Children of God - John 11:52; 1 John 3:10
  • Children of the Living God - Romans 9:26
  • Children of the Father - Matthew 5:45
  • Children of the Highest - Luke 6:35
  • Children of Abraham - Galatians 3:7
  • Children of Jacob - Psalms 105:6


Names of the Believers (part IX)
More descriptions of believers in the Bible:
  • Kings and priests to God - Revelations 1:6
  • Kingdom of priests - Exodus 19:6
  • Lambs - Isaiah 40:11; John 21:15
  • Lights of the world - Matthew 5:14
  • Little children - John 13:33; 1 John 2:1
  • Lively stones - 1 Peter 2:5


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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Mind of Christ - Obedience (part IV)
He obeyed God because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to please himself (continued)
  • Luke 3:22 - The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove
  • John 8:29 - I always do what pleases him
  • 2 Peter 1:17 - This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased
  • Hebrews 10:7 - I have come to do your will, O God
The highest motivation for our obedience to God is also in our relationship with God.
  • John 14:15, 21, 23 - If you love me, you will obey what I command; He who loves me will be loved by my Father
  • 1 John 5:3 - This is love for God: to obey his commands
  • Matthew 22:37 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind


Mind of Christ - Relationship with God (part IV)
Oneness with the Father is a definable concept in the scriptures:

It means to live in the presence of the Father
  • John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
  • John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
  • Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
  • Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
  • Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
  • Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me
It means to love and obey the Father
  • 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.


Mind of Christ - Relationship with God (part IV)
Oneness with the Father is a definable concept in the scriptures:

It means to live in the presence of the Father
  • John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
  • John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
  • Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
  • Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
  • Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
  • Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me
It means to love and obey the Father
  • 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.


Mind of Christ - Relationship with God (part IV)
Oneness with the Father is a definable concept in the scriptures:

It means to live in the presence of the Father
  • John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
  • John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
  • Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
  • Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
  • Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
  • Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me
It means to love and obey the Father
  • 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.


Mind of Christ - Relationship with God (part IV)
Oneness with the Father is a definable concept in the scriptures:

It means to live in the presence of the Father
  • John 14:10 - It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
  • John 8:38 - I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence
  • Philippians 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ
  • Colossians 1:27 - Christ in you, the hope of glory
  • Colossians 3:4 - Christ, who is your life
  • Galatians 2:20 - Christ lives in me
It means to love and obey the Father
  • 1 John 2:3-6 - We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part I)
A. Jesus possessed a firm belief that he had been sent by the Father into the world for the specific purpose of bringing the lost to salvation.

1. He believed that he was on a Heavenly mission in His Father’s behalf.
  • Luke 2:49 - "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
  • John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven
2. He believed that the purpose of this Heavenly mission was to bring the lost to salvation.
  • John 3:17  - God sent his son to save the world through him.
  • Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
  • Matthew 9:13 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners
  • 1 Timothy 1:15 - Jesus came into the world to save sinners
  • 1 John 3:5 - He appeared so that he might take away our sins


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part II)
Jesus employed at least five elements to accomplish this mission:

1. He gave himself totally to its fulfillment.
  • John 6:51 - This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
  • Galatians 1:4 - He gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age
  • Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live
  • Ephesians 5:2 - Christ loved us and gave himself up for us
  • Titus 2:14 - He gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness
  • 1 John 3:16 - Jesus Christ laid down his life for us
  • John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
  • Philippians 2:7- He made himself nothing
  • Hebrews 7:27 - He sacrificed for their sins once for all


Mind of Christ - Heavenly Mission (part VIII)
We must employ at least five elements to accomplish this mission:

1. We must give ourselves totally to this fulfillment
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord
  • 1 John 3:16 - We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers
  • 2 Corinthians 8:5- Would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord
2. We must earnestly long for the salvation of sinners
  • Jeremiah 9:1 - I would weep day and night for the slain of my people
  • Luke 13:34 - How often I have longed to gather your children together


Mind of Christ - About Self (part V)
Christ’s example of self denial:

A. He emptied himself ~ Philippines 2:5-11

B. He inconvenienced himself
  • Luke 9:58 - Son of Man has no place to lay his head
  • Mark 6:30 - The apostles gathered around Jesus at unscheduled times
C. He disregarding himself.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 - He became poor for our sake
  • Romans 15:1-3 - Christ did not please himself
  • John 5:30 - I seek not to please myself
D. He sacrificed himself.
  • 1 John 3:16 - Jesus Christ laid down his life for us
  • John 10:11 - The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep


Fearing God - No Darkness at All
Note: The power when out when I was in the middle of this study

God is holy not only from his creation but from sin
Be holy, because I am holy - Leviticus 11:44-45

He is light and in him there is no darkness at all - 1 John 1:5
Not only is he the only one, God is totally pure.

Isaiah 6 set both God's holiness and our show the only appropriate response to it

When God's holiness, his transcendent majesty, and His moral purity....
Our reaction becomes a realization of our own insignificance
Even though Isaiah was considered righteous man, his holiness suddenly became "unclean" - Isaiah 6:5
The word "unclean" is significant because it is what the leper must cry out when they walk around - Leviticus 13:34
Isiah saw his sinfulness as moral leprosy

Fearing God - Awe and Gratitude
Awe and Gratitude are two expressions of the proper way of fearing God

With you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared - Psalms 130:4

Neither awe nor gratitude alone can represent adequately show the meaning of the fear of the Lord
At the same time:
  • Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Abba, father - Romans 8:15
Three most profound words in the Bible: God is love - 1 John 4:8
More than God is loving, he is love
This is love: He sent his Son as a atoning sacrifice - 1 John 4:9-10

God showed his love by sending His Son.

Fearing God - Awe and Gratitude
Awe and Gratitude are two expressions of the proper way of fearing God

With you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared - Psalms 130:4

Neither awe nor gratitude alone can represent adequately show the meaning of the fear of the Lord
At the same time:
  • Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Abba, father - Romans 8:15
Three most profound words in the Bible: God is love - 1 John 4:8
More than God is loving, he is love
This is love: He sent his Son as a atoning sacrifice - 1 John 4:9-10

God showed his love by sending His Son.

Fearing God - Awe and Gratitude
Awe and Gratitude are two expressions of the proper way of fearing God

With you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared - Psalms 130:4

Neither awe nor gratitude alone can represent adequately show the meaning of the fear of the Lord
At the same time:
  • Unapproachable light - 1 Timothy 1:17
  • Abba, father - Romans 8:15
Three most profound words in the Bible: God is love - 1 John 4:8
More than God is loving, he is love
This is love: He sent his Son as a atoning sacrifice - 1 John 4:9-10

God showed his love by sending His Son.

Followup: Grace (part I)
The understanding of grace is the foundation for a love-motivated relationship with God, rather than one that is works-motivated. We can become Pharisees (knowing the requirements of Christian life but missing the heart motivation.

Similarly, overachievers (in the world or in the kingdom) are valued by others and value themselves based on their performance. The goal of follow up is to build security, self-esteem and worth based on God’s grace and love not on their Christian duty of perfect performance.

Question: How do you define “grace”?
  • Undeserved forgiveness
  • Acceptance even without perfect performance
  • Real love (an “in-spite-of” love)
Question: Where does grace come from?
  • Jesus receives the punishment for your sins instead of you - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • After baptism, Jesus blood continues to cover over our sin - 1 John 1:7


Prayer of the Righeous - God is Preparing a Place (part I)

Jesus wanted his disciples to remember where they were headed
Heaven thinking changes the way we feel and the way we pray

When Jesus prayed, heaven was in his mind
Even when the disciples recjoiced in the victories God had given them, Jesus reminded them what was most important was their names were written in heaven - Luke 10:17-20
Their final destination was more important than their day to day victories and defeats

We are being transformed into Jesus' likeness - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
But when he appears and takes us to heaven, "we shall be like him" - 1 John 3:2
When we get to heaven, we will be in fellowship with God forever
On earth, we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Pictures of the fellowship of heaven, not like being there:

  • Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets will be there on Judgement Day - Luke 13:28-29
  • It will be like a feast, people from everywhere in attendance
  • Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12:1
  • Peter, James and John had a taste with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah - Matthew 17

In this world we get to be with ones we love and respect, in heaven it will be great fellowship and unending



Mind Change - Accept whatever comes

Accept whatever comes…with faith.

Disappointment? Faith
Unfairness? Faith.
Fear? Faith.
Temptation? Faith.
Opportunity? Faith.
Victory? Faith.

Galatians 5:6 - The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love
Hebrews 11:8,11, 13 - Abraham believed in a promise he could not see
1 John 5:4 - Faith is the conquering power that has conquered the world



Growing (part II)
Take it upon yourself; don’t only rely on others
  • Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
  • Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity
Keep you focus on Jesus
  • 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
  • Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus
Never stop growing
  • 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position
God is a fair God!! He knows our every sin and weakness and is willing to forgive. But through it all, He expects all of us to grow and strive to be our best for Him. Decide on a few areas you need to grow the most in and develop a plan to attack those areas and turn them into strengths.

Growing (part II)
Take it upon yourself; don’t only rely on others
  • Hebrews 5:11-14 - Train yourself; be disciplined to read and pray and get help from others
  • Hebrews 6:1-3 - We must learn the elementary truths so we can move on to maturity
Keep you focus on Jesus
  • 1 John 2:5-6 - Always compare yourself to Jesus and look to imitate Him in everything
  • Colossians 1:28-29 - Let others help you to be formed more into the image of Jesus
Never stop growing
  • 2 Peter 1:3-11 - Growth is an absolute; it solidifies your place in heaven
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18 - Growth will keep you from falling from your secure position
God is a fair God!! He knows our every sin and weakness and is willing to forgive. But through it all, He expects all of us to grow and strive to be our best for Him. Decide on a few areas you need to grow the most in and develop a plan to attack those areas and turn them into strengths.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 1 - Saved Completely
DAY ONE: "Saved Completely"

What God has done for you through your baptism into Christ is truly AMAZING!

Colossians 1:21-23
  1. What was your relationship with God before today?
  2. What had you done to make God your enemy?
  3. What does it mean to be holy/without blemish/free from accusation?
  4. What condition is there to staying saved (vs. 23).
1 John 3:1-4 1.
  • As a "child of God", what should your attitude be?
  • How can you begin to "purify yourself"?
Hebrews 9:24-28
Hebrews 10:19-23
  1. What has Jesus' sacrifice done for you?
  2. How can you draw near to God with a sincere heart?
Psalms 103:1-5
  • What has God done with your sins?
  • Write other "benefits" God has done for you (vs. 2).
Application: Praise God and thank him for saving you! Write a thank you prayer to God.

Keep it in a special place to re-read later.

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 20 - Tempted by the World
~Psalms 73:1-14
  1. What was the writer feeling as he looked at the wealthy, unsaved people around him?
  2. Why did life seem unfair to him?
  3. How have you envied people in the world?
  4. Have you struggled with this since becoming a Christian? Have you talked about it?
~Psalms 73:15-22
  1. What did he realize about their final destiny?
  2. How is the "good life" like a dream that will end on judgement day?
  3. How was the writer thinking when he was envying them?
~Psalms 73:23-28
  1. What did the writer realize about his relationship with God?
  2. Memorize verses 25-26.
1 John 2:15-17
  1. What things in the world are you supposed to hate?
  2. What worldly things are still attracting you?
Application: Talk with another disciple about your feelings about the world. What temptations you have been having? Pray about them today

Day 32 - Walking as Jesus did
1 John 2:5-6 - Think back over the past several days. Are you walking like Jesus?

Mark 1:21-28
  1. What was different about the way Jesus taught?
  2. Are you teaching others with authority?
Mark 1:29-34
  1. How late do you think Jesus worked that night?
  2. Do you think he felt tired?
  3. Why did he work so hard?
  4. Are you willing to push yourself for others to know Jesus - even when it is very challenging?
Mark 1:35-39
  1. Note how early Jesus got up the next day? Why did he?
  2. How much do you feel the need to pray like Jesus?
Mark 2:13-17
  1. What kinds of people did Jesus make friends with? Why?
  2. How do you treat sinners and pagans? 3. Are you making new friends to share the gospel with?
Application: Write down two things from today's study that you can do to imitate Jesus. Do them!

Day 32 - Walking as Jesus did
1 John 2:5-6 - Think back over the past several days. Are you walking like Jesus?

Mark 1:21-28
  1. What was different about the way Jesus taught?
  2. Are you teaching others with authority?
Mark 1:29-34
  1. How late do you think Jesus worked that night?
  2. Do you think he felt tired?
  3. Why did he work so hard?
  4. Are you willing to push yourself for others to know Jesus - even when it is very challenging?
Mark 1:35-39
  1. Note how early Jesus got up the next day? Why did he?
  2. How much do you feel the need to pray like Jesus?
Mark 2:13-17
  1. What kinds of people did Jesus make friends with? Why?
  2. How do you treat sinners and pagans? 3. Are you making new friends to share the gospel with?
Application: Write down two things from today's study that you can do to imitate Jesus. Do them!

Blessings In Christ (part VI)
Continue studying through the blessing of Jesus:

26. We have a mansion in heaven - John 14:2

27. We are born again with a spiritual re-birth - John 3:3-6

28. We have received an anointing - 1 John 2:27

29. The Holy Spirit will live with us now and forever - John 14:16

30. We've been sealed by the Holy spirit unto the day of redemption - Ephesians 4:30

31. Our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19

32. We are forever forgiven - Luke 7:48

Blessings In Christ (part VII)
Continue studying through the blessing of Jesus:

33. We are justified in God's sight - Romans 5:1

34. We are redeemed - Revelation 5:9

35. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit - Romans 8:9

36. We have an advocate with Christ - 1 John 2:1

37. We now have the possibility to have victory over sin - Romans 6:14


Great for the Soul

I have sinned against both heaven and you, I am no longer worth of being called your son - Luke 15:18-19

Bible repeatedly teaches the importance of confession and tells us that God is faithful and just - 1 John 1:9

Jesus illustrates this point by telling the story of a father/son and then son coming to his senses

He returns home, confesses his sins and humbly asks his father if he could be one of his hired hands

The father wouldn't hear of it and welcomed his boy back into his home for a celebration - Luke 15:22-24

Confession to God and to others hurt by your actions is good for the soul

 



Who is Jesus? Proof and Sinless Life

Proof of Jesus is God:

  • He filfilled numerous messianic prophecies
  • He lived a sinless life and performed miracles
  • He predicted and then accomplished his own resurrection from the dead

Sinlessness confirmed:

  •  Peter: Jesus is unblemished and spotless - 1 Peter 1:19
  • John: In Him (Jesus) there is no sin - 1 John 3:5
  • Paul: Jesus knew no sin - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Writer of Hebrews: Jesus was without sin - Hebrews 4:15
  • Phariesses: could not find fault - Mark 14:55
  • Pilate: found him innocent of any wrong doing - Luke 23:22

 



Lure and Threat of Political Power

World conditons are never ideal; Christ and the Spirit are infallible but we are not

From a human perpective, the history of the church moves ina zigzag pattern

Jesus entered the world to fight a battle against the devil and his allies

The real enemy is not flesh and blood

The devil's weapons are half-truths and lies to enflame lust for glory, honor, and power

He instils fear of humiliation, obscurity and death

His most powerful weapon is the threat of death - Hebrews 2:14

Jesus' willing acceptance of shame, pain, and death showed to those at the time their slavery to the devil and blindness to the truth and found themseleves powerless to intimate Him

The church can erode over time and become worldly - 1 John 2:15-17

Volunteer organizations and assoications have identities expressed in rules/laws, ceremonies/symbols.Every organization demands that its members confirm to that identity and help achieve its purpose - weather good or bad

What happens when the group goes astray? This can easily happen in world when priorities are in a different order



Lure and Threat of Political Power

World conditons are never ideal; Christ and the Spirit are infallible but we are not

From a human perpective, the history of the church moves ina zigzag pattern

Jesus entered the world to fight a battle against the devil and his allies

The real enemy is not flesh and blood

The devil's weapons are half-truths and lies to enflame lust for glory, honor, and power

He instils fear of humiliation, obscurity and death

His most powerful weapon is the threat of death - Hebrews 2:14

Jesus' willing acceptance of shame, pain, and death showed to those at the time their slavery to the devil and blindness to the truth and found themseleves powerless to intimate Him

The church can erode over time and become worldly - 1 John 2:15-17

Volunteer organizations and assoications have identities expressed in rules/laws, ceremonies/symbols.Every organization demands that its members confirm to that identity and help achieve its purpose - weather good or bad

What happens when the group goes astray? This can easily happen in world when priorities are in a different order



Lure and Threat of Political Power

World conditons are never ideal; Christ and the Spirit are infallible but we are not

From a human perpective, the history of the church moves ina zigzag pattern

Jesus entered the world to fight a battle against the devil and his allies

The real enemy is not flesh and blood

The devil's weapons are half-truths and lies to enflame lust for glory, honor, and power

He instils fear of humiliation, obscurity and death

His most powerful weapon is the threat of death - Hebrews 2:14

Jesus' willing acceptance of shame, pain, and death showed to those at the time their slavery to the devil and blindness to the truth and found themseleves powerless to intimate Him

The church can erode over time and become worldly - 1 John 2:15-17

Volunteer organizations and assoications have identities expressed in rules/laws, ceremonies/symbols.Every organization demands that its members confirm to that identity and help achieve its purpose - weather good or bad

What happens when the group goes astray? This can easily happen in world when priorities are in a different order



Sunday Gatherings

The purpose of church gatherings: worship, instruction, and fellowship

In worship, we place our minds focus on the greatness, goodness, beauty, generosity and love of God

And we express awe, gratitude, praise in amazement of who God is and what he has done.

Worship
Strickly speaking, worship is an individual act but corporate worship does enhance our worship with God;s presence

Sometimes the more the marrier, right? But when it is too big of a regular church gathering? All the resouces and volunteers worth the event?

You may only know 50 out of 2000 people. In small groups, we know everyone and what is going on in their lives

Teaching
Preaching and the sermon have alway had a place in the life of the church. Jesus taught in the fields and in the synagogues

In the Protestant Reformation, preaching became the central event usually with a highly educated preacher, the people needed to be taught with all the elements: stories, humor, visual aides and a hook

Fellowship
Fellowsship translates to sharing or participation or communion

Paul speaks of the Lord's Supper as a participation in the body of Christ - 1 John 1:3-4

Church descibed in the New Testament is a fellowship, a sshared life in Christ

Their meeting were designed to encourage believers to lieve as Christians in every dimension of their live

There groups were small, if one of their number got off course, they knew it and intervenued and knew how to love them.

Small Groups

Traditional church with a focused stage assembly rarely find true fellowship

We don't have time to experience real fellowship with hundreds of people

It is difficult to confront people with their sins if you don't even know them

Church leaders are too concened about getting sued for invasion of privacy



Sunday Gatherings

The purpose of church gatherings: worship, instruction, and fellowship

In worship, we place our minds focus on the greatness, goodness, beauty, generosity and love of God

And we express awe, gratitude, praise in amazement of who God is and what he has done.

Worship
Strickly speaking, worship is an individual act but corporate worship does enhance our worship with God;s presence

Sometimes the more the marrier, right? But when it is too big of a regular church gathering? All the resouces and volunteers worth the event?

You may only know 50 out of 2000 people. In small groups, we know everyone and what is going on in their lives

Teaching
Preaching and the sermon have alway had a place in the life of the church. Jesus taught in the fields and in the synagogues

In the Protestant Reformation, preaching became the central event usually with a highly educated preacher, the people needed to be taught with all the elements: stories, humor, visual aides and a hook

Fellowship
Fellowsship translates to sharing or participation or communion

Paul speaks of the Lord's Supper as a participation in the body of Christ - 1 John 1:3-4

Church descibed in the New Testament is a fellowship, a sshared life in Christ

Their meeting were designed to encourage believers to lieve as Christians in every dimension of their live

There groups were small, if one of their number got off course, they knew it and intervenued and knew how to love them.

Small Groups

Traditional church with a focused stage assembly rarely find true fellowship

We don't have time to experience real fellowship with hundreds of people

It is difficult to confront people with their sins if you don't even know them

Church leaders are too concened about getting sued for invasion of privacy



Next >>

Start with a Topic
Search Bible