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Searching Study Notes for "" in Hebrews
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Power of Gratitude - Uncommon Peace
What enables us to have such uncommon peace? - Commonality

  • Relationship with God
  • Decision to make Jesus Lord of our lives
  • Basic mission - to seek and save the lost
If we in a battle together, we are unlikely to attack one another

Stay committed to God with the mission and discipling firmly in place, our unity will remain

Three warning signs, if not doing:

A. Daily diet
  • Time in the Word daily - Acts 17:11
  • Daily prayer - Luke 11:1-4
  • Share our faith daily - Acts 17:17
  • Open with our lives daily with one another - Hebrews 3:12
B. Lack of commitment
C. Lack of discipling

Power of Gratitude - It is so Hard and but I Love it
Marriage - hardest year of a good marriage is the first one and the hardest year of a bad marriage is the last one

God brings opposites together - rigid and let it go types
Because God is trying to work off the rough edges

If we are to grow through trials, we must learn to view them correctly
First comes hurt, then can come anger or try to ignore it
Other turn to "grin and bear it" or "this too must past" - blocks us from growth

Garden of Gethsemance - Jesus expressed and dealt with emotional pain with prayer - Hebrews 5:7-10
If Jesus had to suffer, how much will we need to be perfected - Colossians 1:24
Trial both mature us and attract others at the same time
Rejoice in the sufferings - 1 Peter 4:13

Must have heaven's perspective in every situation
Even when can not figure out what God is doing - requires a child-like response

Why me? > Why not me?

Power of Gratitude - It is so Hard and but I Love it
Marriage - hardest year of a good marriage is the first one and the hardest year of a bad marriage is the last one

God brings opposites together - rigid and let it go types
Because God is trying to work off the rough edges

If we are to grow through trials, we must learn to view them correctly
First comes hurt, then can come anger or try to ignore it
Other turn to "grin and bear it" or "this too must past" - blocks us from growth

Garden of Gethsemance - Jesus expressed and dealt with emotional pain with prayer - Hebrews 5:7-10
If Jesus had to suffer, how much will we need to be perfected - Colossians 1:24
Trial both mature us and attract others at the same time
Rejoice in the sufferings - 1 Peter 4:13

Must have heaven's perspective in every situation
Even when can not figure out what God is doing - requires a child-like response

Why me? > Why not me?

Power of Gratitude - It is so Hard and but I Love it
Marriage - hardest year of a good marriage is the first one and the hardest year of a bad marriage is the last one

God brings opposites together - rigid and let it go types
Because God is trying to work off the rough edges

If we are to grow through trials, we must learn to view them correctly
First comes hurt, then can come anger or try to ignore it
Other turn to "grin and bear it" or "this too must past" - blocks us from growth

Garden of Gethsemance - Jesus expressed and dealt with emotional pain with prayer - Hebrews 5:7-10
If Jesus had to suffer, how much will we need to be perfected - Colossians 1:24
Trial both mature us and attract others at the same time
Rejoice in the sufferings - 1 Peter 4:13

Must have heaven's perspective in every situation
Even when can not figure out what God is doing - requires a child-like response

Why me? > Why not me?

Power of Gratitude - It is so Hard and but I Love it
Marriage - hardest year of a good marriage is the first one and the hardest year of a bad marriage is the last one

God brings opposites together - rigid and let it go types
Because God is trying to work off the rough edges

If we are to grow through trials, we must learn to view them correctly
First comes hurt, then can come anger or try to ignore it
Other turn to "grin and bear it" or "this too must past" - blocks us from growth

Garden of Gethsemance - Jesus expressed and dealt with emotional pain with prayer - Hebrews 5:7-10
If Jesus had to suffer, how much will we need to be perfected - Colossians 1:24
Trial both mature us and attract others at the same time
Rejoice in the sufferings - 1 Peter 4:13

Must have heaven's perspective in every situation
Even when can not figure out what God is doing - requires a child-like response

Why me? > Why not me?

Be Still My Soul - Pour Out Your Heart
We can to one of a few things in challenging times:

  • Handle it ourselves
  • Turn to God superficially; mentioning thing to God
  • Turn to God - pouring out our hearts

Pour out your hearts - Psalms 62:8
I pour out my complaint before him  - Psalms 142:2

How can we be close to someone if we have not poured out our hearts

God is all-knowing but unless we tell him our feelings we will never draw close
Everyone has feelings; it may be difficult at first

Jesus: offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears - Hebrews 5:7

Suggestions:
  • Get in the habit of telling God how you feel
  • Be in a private place
  • Take a period of time away
  • Allow yourself to cry - frustration, sorrow, or joy


Falling in Love with God - Bitterness

An emotional response (along with fear) that succeed at undermining our love for God

A result of an uncard-for emotional wound

Matthew 18:15-17 - can resolve most issues
Sometimes we are just called on to forgive
Not forgiving is like allowing a physical cut become infected

Examples

  • Esau wept bitteryly when he failed to receive the blessing - Genesis 27:34
  • Israelites incrediblity harsh and treatment from the Eyptians - Exodus 1:14
  • Naomi changed her name to Mara, meaning "bitterness" (losted husband and sons) - Ruth 1:21
  • Hannah wept "in bitterness of soul" because of her infertility - 1 Samuel 1:10
  • David's men because of the loss of their children - 1 Samuel 30:6
  • Job while not understanding the discipline of God - Job 7:11
  • Missing the grace of God cause bitter root - Hebrews 12:15
  • Envy becomes bitterness - James 3:14

Bitterness will actively oppose any attempt to restore our love for God

Bitter or better - a channel of curses or blessings

Disciples need Jesus' example to overcome the pain of the cross

Jesus wants us to have his attitude toward suffering

  • What form do we expect our Christian suffering to take?
  • Are we looking for a Christianity that does not involve suffering?

Bible command us to get rid of all bitterness
Two ways to overcome bittereness:

  • Forgive - Ephesians 4:32
  • Trusting God is at work in all things for our good - Romans 8:28


Falling in Love with God - Jesus: Anointed One
Jesus is the Christ, Messiah - meaning the "Anointed One"

The book of Acts - Christ was lifted high
  • The good news that Jesus is the Christ - Acts 5:42
  • Proclaimed the Christ there - Acts 8:5
  • Jesus is the Christ - Acts 9:22
  • "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ" - Acts 17:3
  • Testified to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ - Acts 18:1-5
God's Christ was not confined to mere 33 years
By him all things were created - 1 Colossians 1:16-20

Sometimes we forgot - The Christ still lives today


Romans 8:28
  • Who can be against us? No one
  • Who will bring any charge against us? No one
  • Who is he that condemns? No One
Christ is "begging God for us" Hebrews 7:25 (Dios Habla Hoy Bible)

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - Buy Now and Pay Later
Many struggle with the route of least resistance - CHARGE IT

Satan invented the mind-set: Sin now and pay later

God is not short-term but long-term
Pay up front and gain big dividends later
Righteousness is an investment of life

Without perseverance through hard time times we will not grow - Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:5-14
God does not "zap" change into you:
Change requires:
  • Practice until our character is different - Hebrews 5:14
  • Patience if did not get it right for ___ time
  • Trust God that this change is for our own good - Romans 8:28
We always know what we want, God always knows what we need


Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - Emotions and Spirituality
Emotions are God-given and a blessing

Some refuse to get open and honest with their true feeling - from pride and fear

In times of crisis, we usually get past our emotional blockage and express ourselves much better

Negative emotions are not to be trusted
Unless you allow others to break into your closed system of reasoning, the illogical will continue to seem perfectly logical
Satan can use emotions in a damaging way - need to allow others to gain perspective

Emotions are needed and seen in Jesus:
  • Cried regularly - Hebrews 5:7
  • Open about disappointments - Luke 19:41-44
  • Open about struggles - Matthew 26:36-46
Thank God for those who are both emotionally based and spiritually strong at the same time

Purpose Driven Life - Made to Last Forever

This life is preparation for the next - realizing this will help you live differently

  • Place a higher premium on relationships
  • Use your time and money more wisely
  • Your priorities will become reordered

God has planted eternity in the human heart - Ecclesiastes 3:11

The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears

The most damging aspect of contemporary living is short-term thinking
Only time most people think about eternity is at a funeral

This world is not our home - Hebrews 13:14
Every moment in this body is time spent away from our eternal home - 2 Corinthians 5:6



Purpose Driven Life - Protecting Your Church
It is your job to protect the unity of the church
 
Supreme model for unity is the Trinity
Jesus' final moment was thinking and praying about the church's unity
Make every effort to keep the unity - Ephesians 4:3
 
Focus on what we have in common
 
We share the same life, salvation, and same future
Conflict - focused on "disputable matters"
 
Be realistic in your expectations
 
People become disillusioned with church
Should not be surprised - made up of sinners, including ourselves - 1 Corinthians 1:10
Reconciliation - not running away - road to stronger character and deeper fellowship
If the church must be perfect to satisfy you, that same perfection will exclude you
 
Choose to encourage rather than criticize
 
It is always easier to stand on the sidelines than get involved
Judge another believer:
  • Lose fellowship with God
  • Expose my pride and insecurity
  • Set myself up to be judged by God
  • Harm the fellowship
 
Satan is the accuser of our brothers
Other Christians are not the real enemy
Any time spent for comparing and criticizing should be used for building others up
 
Refuse to listen to gossip
 
People who gossip to you will also gossip about you
Great wounds usually come from other sheep, not wolves
 
Practice God's method for conflict resolution
 
Go to the person you are having issues with - Matthew 18
Takes a man of courage to speak the truth in love
 
Support your pastor and leaders - Hebrews 13:17
 
No perfect leaders
They are accountable but so are you
You will give an account on how you obeyed your leaders

Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation
Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity

How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23
By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
  • God teaches love by putting unloving people around us
  • God teaches peace by allowing times of chaos and confusion
You can not claim to be faithful if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful

Temptation follows 4 steps:
  1. Satan identifies a desire within you - Comes from within - Mark 7:21-23
  2. Satan tries to get you doubt what God has said about sin - Don't let your doubt turn you from God - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Satan tries replace truth with lies - He is the Father of lies - John 8:44
  4. Our disobedience - Drawn away and trapped by our own desires - James 1:14-16


Purpose Driven Life - Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated

You will never outgrow temptation
Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you
Paul says, "WHEN you are tempted..." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Jesus was tempted, but never sinned - Hebrews 4:15
The closer you grown to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you

Recognize your pattern of temptation

Know what exactly what trips you up - Stay alert, Satan waits til you are napping - Matthew 26:41
  • When am I most tempted?
  • Where am I most tempted?
  • Who is with me went I am tempted?
Don't give the Devil a chance - Ephesians 4:27
Plan carefully what you do... - Proverbs 4:26-27

Request God's Help

Call on God in times of trouble - Psalms 50:15
Jesus is sympathetic; he understands our weakness - Hebrews 4:15
We can be embarrassed to ask God for help after failing over and over again, but let us have confidence when approaching - Hebrews 4:16

Purpose Driven Life - Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated

You will never outgrow temptation
Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you
Paul says, "WHEN you are tempted..." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Jesus was tempted, but never sinned - Hebrews 4:15
The closer you grown to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you

Recognize your pattern of temptation

Know what exactly what trips you up - Stay alert, Satan waits til you are napping - Matthew 26:41
  • When am I most tempted?
  • Where am I most tempted?
  • Who is with me went I am tempted?
Don't give the Devil a chance - Ephesians 4:27
Plan carefully what you do... - Proverbs 4:26-27

Request God's Help

Call on God in times of trouble - Psalms 50:15
Jesus is sympathetic; he understands our weakness - Hebrews 4:15
We can be embarrassed to ask God for help after failing over and over again, but let us have confidence when approaching - Hebrews 4:16

Purpose Driven Life - Dont Get In A Hurry
Believe God is working in your life - Expect gradual improvement

Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned
  • Write down insights God teaches you
  • Reason we must relearn lessons is forget them
  • Keep a firm grip on what you have heard - so you don't drift - Hebrews 2:1
Be patient with God and your self

There are many examples where God goes through the process of maturing
It took over eighty years to mature Moses
Don't try to get out of anything prematurely - James 1:4

Don't get discouraged

Things God plans don't always happen right away, just be patient - Habakkuk 2:3
A delay is not denial from God

Purpose Driven Life - Applying Your Abilities
We are all have abilities that God has given us
To build the Tabernacle, God engaged all kinds of craftsmanship - Exodus 31:3-5

All of our abilities come from God

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well - Romans 12:6
Can not say, "I don't have any abilities to offer"
  • Average person possesses from 500 to 700 different skills and abilities
  • Brain can store 100 trillion facts
  • Can handle 15,000 decisions a second
Every ability can be used for God's glory

Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Remember the Lord your God; he give the ability to produce wealth - Deuteronomy 8:18

What I am able to do, God wants me to do

God equips you will you need for doing well - Hebrews 13:21
Seriously examine what you are good at doing and do it
God will never ask to something you have no talent for
Abilities are not just to make a living, but also for service for him
Be sure to use our abilities to help each other - 1 Peter 4:10


Purpose Driven Life - Using What God Gave You

Begin by assessing your gifts and talents

Take a long honest look at what you are good at
Try to have a sane estimate of your abilities - Romans 12:3
Make a list and ask other people

Experiment with different areas of service
When it doesn't not work out, call it an "experiment", not a failure

Consider your heart and personality
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given - Galatians 6:4

Examine your experiences and extract lessons you have learned

Remember today what you have learned about the Lord - Deuteronomy 11:2
Forgotten experiences are worthless
Paul - "Were all your experiences wasted? I hope not! - Galatians 3:4

Were rarely see God's good purpose - John 13:7

Run with patience the particular race that God has set before us - Hebrews 12:1

Satan can steal our joy by:

  1. Compare your ministry with others - others doing a better job
  2. Conform your ministry to the expectations of others - you are doing better and you full of pride

Avoid comparisons, resist exaggerations, and seek only God's commendations - 1 Corinthians 10:12-18

 



Purpose Driven Life - Thinking Like a Servant (part 2)

Servants think about their work, not what others are doing

They do not compare, criticize, or compete with other servants; same goal and same team
When you are busy serving, you don't have time to be critical
Our job is not to evaluate - Lord will determine the sucessfulness  of his servant - Romans 14:4

If you serve like Jesus, expect to be criticized
The service of the sinful (pouring perfume on Jesus) was though to be a waste but just though of it as significant - Matthew 26:10

Servants base their identity in Christ

They are loved and accepted by grace, servants don't have to prove their worth
Jesus washing feet - Jesus understood his worth and the task did not threathen his self-image - John 13:3-4

Insecure people are always worrying about how they appear; want others to serve them instead
Only God's approval counts - 2 Corinthians 10:18

Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation

Serve the Lord with gladness - Psalms 100:2
The Father rewards anyone who serves him - John 12:26
He will not forget how hard you have worked - Hebrews 6:10

The only really happy people are those who have learned to serve



Purpose Driven Life - Gods Power in My Weakness (part 4)

We are naturally drawn to humble people

If people see your strengths but not your weakness, they can not relate

  • Strengths: Nice that he can do that but I can not
  • Weaknesses: I am not sure how he can do that but if he can then I can with God's power

Decide wheather you want to impress people or influence people

Glory in your weakness

When Satan points out your weakness, agree with him and praise Jesus - 2 Corinthians 12:5
Jesus understans our weakness - Hebrews 4:1
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness - Romans 8:26

"If you want to be blessed by God and use you greatly, you must learn to walk with a limp" - Joacb



Purpose Driven Life - Becoming a World-Class Christian (part 3)
Shift from "here and now" thinking to eternal thinking

Eternal thinking will keep us from majoring on minor issues
We fix our eyes on what is unseen - 2 Corinthians 4:18
Deal sparingly on things the world trusts on you - 1 Corinthians 7:31
Let's strip off anything that holds us back - Hebrews 12:1

Invest in the future (in heaven)
Store up treasure in heaven - Matthew 6:20-21
Real treasure in God in heaven and the friends we can bring with us - 1 Timothy 6:19

30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Life through Death

Voluntary surrender is not easy; never comfortable nor enjoyable
Christ can not be formed in us until we are crucified with him - Galatians 2:20 ; Galatians 4:19

Rebellion comes from man's desire to be God
Satan tried to delute the solution to create powerless religions
Our lives do not change at the deepest level and have the same problems as the world

Only when we are sick of our old nature will we be convinced to totally sell out to God
Death to self seems preferable to life

Most of our cires are designed to produce our surrender
Jesus served through suffering - Hebrews 5:8-9
Can not mature without surrender - Hebrews 12:5-11
Many harships come so we enter heaven - Acts 14:22

So how do we go about taking up our cross?

  1. Absolutely commited to the concept - John 12:23-25
  2. Be committed to prayer about surrender - "I surrender" and "Help my lack of suddender"
  3. Be committed to a relationship with another disciple - Share convictions and be open
  4. Be committed to stretching your comfort zone - Do things you can not do without his help
  5. Realize that surrender brings about absolute freedom - life through death will cease the puzzling paradox

 



30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

30 Days at the Cross - Seeing It Through
It is not hard to start something but it takes character to finish

What did it take for Jesus to reach his goal? Nothing less than a relationship with the Father and death

With dull disciples - could have become impatient
Exhausted after a long journey - could have become selfish
He never gave in

How did he stay so determined to overcome?
Offered prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears - Hebrews 5:7

Jesus shed tears for:
  • the lost
  • the people he met and healed
  • his disciples to stay faithful
  • his family who thought he was crazy
  • the children
Knowing that God heard his cries, he found victory over discouragement, anxiety, doubt, and loneliness
We are aware of our ineffectiveness, we focus on what we should be doing but neglect our relationship with God

30 Days at the Cross - Mistreatment but Not Misery
No way to be righteous enough, wise enough, or loving enough to avoid persecution
The world can not hate you, it hates Jesus - John 7:7

We never see a hint of retaliation, bitterness, or self-pity
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate - 1 Peter 2:22-23
On the cross: heaped insults (Matthew 27:44) and he is asked God to forgive them - Luke 23:34

How did he get through the cruel and vicious attacks with such grace?
  • He entrusted himself to him who judges - 1 Peter 2:23
  • Kept his focus on the joy that would be his - Hebrews 12:2


30 Days at the Cross - Nothing but the Best
Do what comes naturally. Get in touch with who you are. Do what feels right. Be true to yourself. - These are the ideas the world tells us.
Do they really change our lives?

Jesus' blood shed challenges us to reconsider our empty way of life

What a person is willing to give reveals a lot about the person
Jesus was the perfect Son and an exact representation of God - Hebrews 1:3

God's precious and costly sacrifice seeks and demands a response.

Make every effort is the only appropriate response - 2 Peter 1:5-7
Motivated by God's grace and example, we can increase our faith

Sin weakens our character, steals our energy, and undermines our determination

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - Turning the Tables

Jesus came to turn the tables on Satan
He came to deal with the greatest of all questions and fears - death

  • He spoke about it in great length - John 5:21-30
  • He claimed to be the only solution for death - John 6:53-57
  • He raised the dead - John 11
  • He believed his death would bring others life - John 12:23-25

When he died, almost everyone thought evil won

Satan pulled out all the stops.
Jesus was in his deadly sights at all times - waiting for a bad day

7 moves to turn the tables:

  1. Pray - he is listening - Hebrews 5:7
  2. Read - he is speaking - Luke 4:1-13
  3. Believe - he is able - Hebrews 2:18
  4. Trust - he is willing - Hebrews 4:15
  5. Fight - he knows what you can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  6. Seek - he has provided a way out - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  7. Find - he gives grace in time of need - Hebrews 4:16
Jesus death turned the tables on Satan

30 Days at the Cross - I Am Not Alone
Stress, word for the modern world, everyone has too much of it
Synonymical cousins: worry, frustration, and impatience
Vacation sometimes causes it
Sociologists and Psychologist make a lot of money because of it
Jesus never was described as stressed
Jesus was tempted in every way as we are - Hebrews 4:15

How did he conquer stress? He was not alone - John 16:31-32

Allowing stress to overwhelm us is sin - focus on ourselves
It tempts us to let our emotions lead over our convictions

Worry - always be thousands of reasons to worry - still sin
Frustration - thing don't go the way we think it should - we need faith

We too can overcome stress - we too are not alone

30 Days at the Cross - Not Surprise by Joy

Joy set before him endured the cross - Hebrews 12:2-3
Jesus was a joyful person; even at the cross - at the cross it seemed that everything was going wrong

Yet joy joy was still in the heart of Jesus:

  • He knew God was in control
  • He didn't agrue with God
  • He didn't need explaination
  • He didn't need to justify himself
  • He entrusted himself to the one who judges - 1 Peter 2:23

When we try to take over God's role - there is no joy
Jesus prayed for his disciples to have the full measure of his joy - John 17:13

Even the violent scene of the cross brought about joy and hope
What will you allow to steal your joy?



30 Days at the Cross - Not Surprise by Joy

Joy set before him endured the cross - Hebrews 12:2-3
Jesus was a joyful person; even at the cross - at the cross it seemed that everything was going wrong

Yet joy joy was still in the heart of Jesus:

  • He knew God was in control
  • He didn't agrue with God
  • He didn't need explaination
  • He didn't need to justify himself
  • He entrusted himself to the one who judges - 1 Peter 2:23

When we try to take over God's role - there is no joy
Jesus prayed for his disciples to have the full measure of his joy - John 17:13

Even the violent scene of the cross brought about joy and hope
What will you allow to steal your joy?



Teach Us To Pray - Savior and Redeemer

The Cross is enough, then, now, and always

Hebrews 7:25-27

  • He is able to completely save
    • Never too short
    • Never too weak
    • Never worn out
  • He always lives - Prepared to recuse me until the day I die
  • Once for all - One death sufficient for all my sins, for all time

God wants his children to be abolutely confident that we can draw near to him with freedom and assurance

Without seeing the cross, David understood his Savior and Redeemer - Psalms 69:13

 



Teach Us To Pray - Savior and Redeemer

The Cross is enough, then, now, and always

Hebrews 7:25-27

  • He is able to completely save
    • Never too short
    • Never too weak
    • Never worn out
  • He always lives - Prepared to recuse me until the day I die
  • Once for all - One death sufficient for all my sins, for all time

God wants his children to be abolutely confident that we can draw near to him with freedom and assurance

Without seeing the cross, David understood his Savior and Redeemer - Psalms 69:13

 



Teach Us To Pray - Savior and Redeemer

The Cross is enough, then, now, and always

Hebrews 7:25-27

  • He is able to completely save
    • Never too short
    • Never too weak
    • Never worn out
  • He always lives - Prepared to recuse me until the day I die
  • Once for all - One death sufficient for all my sins, for all time

God wants his children to be abolutely confident that we can draw near to him with freedom and assurance

Without seeing the cross, David understood his Savior and Redeemer - Psalms 69:13

 



Teach Us To Pray - God Enjoys Talking to Us

To truely know him, we must absorb his Word
We must enjoy his talking to us

God's Word was written with one purpose in mind - to communicate God's love:

  • He promised to carry our burdens - Matthew 11:28
  • We will have all we need - 2 Corinthians 9:8
  • He will give us more than we can ask or imagine - Ephesians 3:20
  • He will meet all our our needs - Philippians 4:19
  • All disciples have angels to server them - Hebrews 1:14


Teach Us To Pray - Persistent and Determined
Luke 18:1-8 - Persistent widow kept on seeking justice from an unjust judge until she received it
  1. We must seek justice - what is right in sight of God - Yes, No, or Wait a While
  2. We must cry out - Urgent, passionate yet humble - he was heard because of his reverent submission - Hebrews 5:7
  3. We must be consistent day and night - beginning (Psalms 5:1-3) and all day
  4. Pray full of faith - Jesus concluded with a question: would he find faith on earth?
Do you pray with this kind of persistency and urgency?

Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

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 - Friends and Loved Ones
To intercede or pray on someone else's behalf is a privilege
Our prayers are sacrifices which are pleasing to him - Hebrews 13:15

Paul: I want you to know how much I am struggling for you - Colossians 2:1
Who do you struggle for? How about people you have never meet?

Far be it that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray to you - Samuel to King Saul - 1 Samuel 12:23

Jesus intercedes for us - Romans 8:34
Like a good friend, he adds or subtracts from what you are missing or need
Jesus makes us complete in God's sight

Man of Prayer - YHWH-shamma

God is "the Lord who is present"
Shekinah is the Hebrew word meaning 'residence'

He has a great desire to dwell in the lives of believers:

  • Bodies have become the temple of the living God - 1 Corinthians 3:16
  • Jesus is our Immanuel - God with us
  • He promises that He is always with us - Matthew 28:20
  • He will never forsake us - Hebrews 13:5

 



Raising Awesome Kids - Gods Training Plan (part 3)

These commandments... are to be upon your hearts (v. 6)

Should train from the heart level
in their minds and on their minds - Hebrews 10:16

Impress them on your children (v. 7)

Training with the Scriptures must be done with great conviction, sincerity and earnestness
If you want it to stick, you will need to give all you have

Talk about them always (v. 7)

Train consistantly - everywhere, anytime, anyplace

About teaching our children how to live life - not nagging about their misdeeds

Make it fun, doable, effective

Most training should be spontaneous

Never underestimate how many times we will have to say the same things over and over again



Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



Jesus with People - Rich Young Ruler

Luke 18:22-24
Wouldn't all Christians love to meet someone who comes across as this man does initially?

Most of us would say, "can we study the Bible?"
Jesus had a very different responce because he knew his heart

Sell everything and follow him = It's not what you do but who you are
For him to have a heart set fully on following Jesus - it meant a willingness to seel all
Following the exchange, it became clear - the man was out of touch with himself and God

Jesus did challenge him but he also loved him
He pointed the man to the narrow way
At the same time he drew him close want to give him strength, faith, and hope

Jesus does not get into a lengthy theological debate
He saw weaknesses the man had to deal with if he was going to enter the kingdom of God

Each of us lacks that "one thing" deep down that we must give up and following Jesus
Something we don't know what it is but God will reveal it - Hebrews 4:12-13



Jesus with People - Daily Unconditional Love

Jesus was tempted in every way we are but was without sin - Hebrews 4:15

How could he put up with this day after day?

Jesus was in complete submission of God's will:

  1. Jesus God no matter what the cost
  2. He chose Judas so the scriptures would be fulfilled - John 13:18
  3. Suffered emotionally each time he looked at Judas

How Jesus' heart must have ached when teaching:

  1. Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over - Judas. - Matthew 10:17
  2. Brother will betry brother to death - Judas. - Matthew 10:21
  3. Love your enemies - Judas. - Matthew 5:44

 



Promises of God - Remember Your Sins No More

Remember Your Sins No More - Hebrews 8:12

God wants to forgive
God has spent all of his time since man's fall working out our forgiveness - it cost him dearly

God's nature is to forgive
If God kept a record of sins, who could stand? - Psalms 130:3-4

Psalms 103:

  • v3 - He forgives all
  • v13-14 - He is compassionate and gracious
  • v8 - He is slow to anger
  • v9 - He doesn't hang on to his anger forever
  • v10 - He does not treat us as our sins deserve

God doesn't need forgiveness
He commited no sin - 1 Peter 2:22
We are the ones who sinned - Romans 3:23
The most foolish thing in the world is to have this attitude toward God

 



Promises of God - Lord of the Unexpected

One of our greatest test of faith comes when we face the unexpected

We forget Psalms 91 - His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart

We often rely on our own understanding of situations and then ask God what we think we need

It is important to let God give us the answer since he knows what is best for us
Like children, we do not always know what we need

This trouble you're in is not punishment, it's training, the normal experience of children - Hebrews 12:17

 



Promises of God - Not tempted Beyond What You Can Bear
He will not let be tempted beyond what yo can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

God has not promised that we will not be tempted - James 1:13-15

No situation will ever be too difficult. God simply will not allow it.
There is never an excuse for sin.

Jesus is our ultimate example
He himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18


Promises of God - Encouragement From Disciples

Jesus overcame temptation by using scripture, prayer, and he called others for encouragement from others

He deliberately sought out support and encouragement from his 3 closest friends
He also expressed his disappointment at their failure to help

We desperately need relationships for encouragement EVERY day - Hebrews 3:12-13
Tempatation comes every day

There is no excuse in an age of modern technology for getting in touch



Promises of God - Encouragement From Disciples

Jesus overcame temptation by using scripture, prayer, and he called others for encouragement from others

He deliberately sought out support and encouragement from his 3 closest friends
He also expressed his disappointment at their failure to help

We desperately need relationships for encouragement EVERY day - Hebrews 3:12-13
Tempatation comes every day

There is no excuse in an age of modern technology for getting in touch



Promises of God - Produces a Harvest
Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it

Key ways to respond to God's discipline:

Get Grateful
Probably the most difficult thing to do during hardships
It is the very thing that will help us to learn the important lessons God is trying to teach us

Hunger for Holiness
Media bombards us with devices, books, etc to make our lives easier
God disciplines us for our good, we may share in his holiness - Hebrews 12:10
He is willing to watch his precious children to go through temporary pain for them have eternal peace

Trust the Trainer
We must trust him as the perfect trainer
Training = something rigorous that stretches the trainee emotionally or physically
God's discipline is exact what we need and he promises it is always for our own good

Promises of God - Produces a Harvest
Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it

Key ways to respond to God's discipline:

Get Grateful
Probably the most difficult thing to do during hardships
It is the very thing that will help us to learn the important lessons God is trying to teach us

Hunger for Holiness
Media bombards us with devices, books, etc to make our lives easier
God disciplines us for our good, we may share in his holiness - Hebrews 12:10
He is willing to watch his precious children to go through temporary pain for them have eternal peace

Trust the Trainer
We must trust him as the perfect trainer
Training = something rigorous that stretches the trainee emotionally or physically
God's discipline is exact what we need and he promises it is always for our own good

Promises of God - Noahs Faith
Confidence in God's promise must be so great that we obey "even though" we don't understand and it does not make sense

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen - Hebrews 11:7

  • Noah was commissioned by God to build a large ship in the middle of a dessert
  • Only his family would be persuaded to follow him into the ark
  • He did it for one reason: obedience to God


Promises of God - Abrahams Faith
By faith Abraham, called to place even through he did not know where is was going - Hebrews 11:8

Obedience to God is the only thing that makes sense

Ludicrous to think that our limited and mortal minds can out smart an omnipotent and omnipresent God

We will never find the blessing of God if we constantly question the wisdom of God

How do you feel about the word of obey?

Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - God Passes the Test
God Passes the Test:
  1. Does he have a proven record? Yes, Joshua 21:45; 1 Kings 8:56; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-20
  2. Does he have a genuine concern for my life? Yes, Exodus 2:25; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22
  3. Does he understand me and my current crisis? Yes, Job 31:4; Psalms 139:1-18; Matthew 6:7-8; Hebrews 4:13
  4. Do he have the power to bring change in my life? Yes, Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Ephesians 1:18-22; Ephesians 3:20; 2 Peter 1:3-4


Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


Promises of God - Never Give Up
Never give up - Hebrews 10:35-39

Why?

  • God has pledged to save us for all eternity - Revelation 21:1-7
  • Forgive our sins - 1 John 1:5-2:2
  • Provide us with all we need for life and godliness - 2 Peter 1:3-4
  • Give us great friends and huge spiritual family - Mark 10:29-31
  • Show us a way out when tempted - 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • Comfort us in our troubles - 1 Corinthians 1:3-7
  • Equip us for any challenge, any work, any time - 2 Timothy 2:20-21


Why We Need God - He is The Creator
GOD IS THE CREATOR...
  1. Of the heavens and the earth - Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3
  2. Of mankind, both male and female - Genesis 1:27; 5:2
  3. Even in the womb, God has a role in giving us life - Psalms 139:13-16;  Jeremiah 1:5
  4. He made us, not we ourselves - Psalms 100:3


Why We Need The Bible - Salvation By Faith from the Word
Salvation By Faith from the Word
  1. Without faith it is impossible to please God - Hebrews 11:6
  2. Without faith in Jesus we cannot be saved - John 8:24
  3. It is the Word of God that produces such faith - Romans 10:17
  4. The gospels were written to produce faith - John 20:30-31


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


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


Why We Need Jesus - He Guides Us By His Words and Actions
WHO GUIDES US BY WORDS AND ACTIONS...

His words provide a solid foundation upon which to build our lives
  • Such as those spoken in His sermon on the mount - Matthew 7:24-27
  • Such as those later revealed through His apostles - John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:1-11
His example provides both direction and inspiration
  • His humility and service - Philiippians 2:3-8
  • His perseverance - Hebrews 12:1-3
  • His suffering - 1 Peter 2:21-25


Why We Need Jesus - He Guides Us By His Words and Actions
WHO GUIDES US BY WORDS AND ACTIONS...

His words provide a solid foundation upon which to build our lives
  • Such as those spoken in His sermon on the mount - Matthew 7:24-27
  • Such as those later revealed through His apostles - John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:1-11
His example provides both direction and inspiration
  • His humility and service - Philiippians 2:3-8
  • His perseverance - Hebrews 12:1-3
  • His suffering - 1 Peter 2:21-25


Why We Need Jesus - He Guides Us By His Words and Actions
WHO GUIDES US BY WORDS AND ACTIONS...

His words provide a solid foundation upon which to build our lives
  • Such as those spoken in His sermon on the mount - Matthew 7:24-27
  • Such as those later revealed through His apostles - John 16:12-13; 2 Peter 1:1-11
His example provides both direction and inspiration
  • His humility and service - Philiippians 2:3-8
  • His perseverance - Hebrews 12:1-3
  • His suffering - 1 Peter 2:21-25


No one like him - Words from the Cross
1. Forgive them
a. Choose to pray for other first
b. Living what he preached – Pray for your enemies
2. Here is your mother
a. He wanted to make sure other were taken care of before he left
3. Be with me in paradise
a. Show he was generous with the undeserving
b. Similar to the parable about the servants being paid the same with different lengths of service
4. Why have you forsaken me?
a. Felt his need for God and separation from him
5. I am thirsty
a. Jesus was aware of his limitation
b. Hebrews 4:15-16 – Jesus can sympathize with our pain
6. It is finished
a. Foundation of his work was finished
b. Some thought this was the end of his ministry
7. Into your hands I commit my spirit
a. Conforms Jesus unswerving commitment


No one like him - Words from the Cross
1. Forgive them
a. Choose to pray for other first
b. Living what he preached – Pray for your enemies
2. Here is your mother
a. He wanted to make sure other were taken care of before he left
3. Be with me in paradise
a. Show he was generous with the undeserving
b. Similar to the parable about the servants being paid the same with different lengths of service
4. Why have you forsaken me?
a. Felt his need for God and separation from him
5. I am thirsty
a. Jesus was aware of his limitation
b. Hebrews 4:15-16 – Jesus can sympathize with our pain
6. It is finished
a. Foundation of his work was finished
b. Some thought this was the end of his ministry
7. Into your hands I commit my spirit
a. Conforms Jesus unswerving commitment


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

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

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

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

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

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

One Another - Making it Clear
1 Corinthians 1-3 2 Corinthians 1
The world's wisdom The world's wisdom
God's grace God's grace

Relationships that are conducted according to the world's wisdom - have some element of self in mind

Relationships in God's grace have in mind: God's grace to us and our need to pass grace on to others

World teaches to be independent / We belong to one another -  Romans 12:5
  • One on who be independent choose not to / he emptied himself and became a slave - Philippians 2
  • We are do be devoted to one another - philostorgos = like family - Romans 12:10
When we see the grace of God, we see one:
  • who brings into his circle of friends - John 15:13-15
  • who adopts us into his family - Hebrews 2:11
  • who vows he will never leave or forsake us - Hebrews 13:5
We are to admonish one another and speak the truth in love - Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15

If living with worldly wisdom  then we will:
  1. Ignore the problem
  2. Gossip about it to other
  3. Blast a person with the truth
None of these actions show grace

One Another - Making it Clear
1 Corinthians 1-3 2 Corinthians 1
The world's wisdom The world's wisdom
God's grace God's grace

Relationships that are conducted according to the world's wisdom - have some element of self in mind

Relationships in God's grace have in mind: God's grace to us and our need to pass grace on to others

World teaches to be independent / We belong to one another -  Romans 12:5
  • One on who be independent choose not to / he emptied himself and became a slave - Philippians 2
  • We are do be devoted to one another - philostorgos = like family - Romans 12:10
When we see the grace of God, we see one:
  • who brings into his circle of friends - John 15:13-15
  • who adopts us into his family - Hebrews 2:11
  • who vows he will never leave or forsake us - Hebrews 13:5
We are to admonish one another and speak the truth in love - Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 4:15

If living with worldly wisdom  then we will:
  1. Ignore the problem
  2. Gossip about it to other
  3. Blast a person with the truth
None of these actions show grace

One Another - Familial Love
Scripture uses the powerful metaphor of the family

God is our Father
Jesus is the elder brother
We are brothers and sisters - the word, brother, used 250x in reference to Christians

We are to keep on loving each other as brothers - Hebrews 13:11
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love - Romans 12:10

Wild at Heart - Healing the wound (part 3)
Wound unfelt is wound unhealed
Door may be your anger – perhaps from a girl, failure
The way to God is stopping the false self
It may a simple prayer – Jesus, take me into my wound

Jesus never seems to heal the same way twice
There are no formulas with God
Insists on working personally
Masculinity is bestowed by masculinity
Healing never happens outside of intimacy with Christ

It begins with surrender; until you have given yourself to him you will not have a real self
…to set you free – What? Your heart
So take him at his word – ask him in to heal all the broken places within you
But you can’t do this at a distance

I simply allow myself to say that the loss of my father mattered
Important for us to grieve our wound
Grieving we admit the truth, we hurt by someone we loved
Few men are ever so vulnerable as to simply let themselves be loved by God
Why don’t you just let God love you?
The imitate union with Jesus and with his Father is the source of all healing and all our strength
Unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others – Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:15
Forgiveness is setting a prisoner free and then discovering the prisoner was you.

Kingdom First - Blessing of Persecution
Matthew 5:10-12 - Describes 3 types of blessing that come from persecution:

1. Kingdom of Heaven

Testing refines our faith and proves it to be genuine - 1 Peter 1:6-7
Faith, by definition, is all weather

2. Reward in Heaven
Because of Christ blood, he keeps no records of wrong
He is keeping a record of rights
He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him - Hebrews 6:10

3. Prophets before you

Persecution and suffering means pain but also means glory
Glory - Comes from in realizing we walk in the company of the glorious
They endured the exact same things
We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - Hebrews 12

Kingdom First - Handle Prayerfully (part 1)
Jesus was a man of prayer - he knew how to do it and he did it all the time
  • Prayed for the power to heal and to change others - Mark 9:29
  • In prayer in order to be at peace with God's will - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Struggled in prayer to be wholehearted submissive to his Father - Hebrews 5:7-8
  • Prayed by himself - Matthew 14:23
  • Prayed before others - John 11:41-43
  • Prayed with his face to the ground - Matthew 26:39
  • Prayed looking up to heaven - John 17:1
  • Prayed standing up - Mark 11:25
  • Prayed kneeling down - Luke 22:41
  • Prayed in early in the morning - Mark 1:35
  • Prayed throughout the night - Luke 6:12
He did NOT say:
  • If you pray
  • Please, I beg you to pray
  • I command you to pray
But "When you pray..."

Kingdom First - Handle Prayerfully (part 1)
Jesus was a man of prayer - he knew how to do it and he did it all the time
  • Prayed for the power to heal and to change others - Mark 9:29
  • In prayer in order to be at peace with God's will - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Struggled in prayer to be wholehearted submissive to his Father - Hebrews 5:7-8
  • Prayed by himself - Matthew 14:23
  • Prayed before others - John 11:41-43
  • Prayed with his face to the ground - Matthew 26:39
  • Prayed looking up to heaven - John 17:1
  • Prayed standing up - Mark 11:25
  • Prayed kneeling down - Luke 22:41
  • Prayed in early in the morning - Mark 1:35
  • Prayed throughout the night - Luke 6:12
He did NOT say:
  • If you pray
  • Please, I beg you to pray
  • I command you to pray
But "When you pray..."

First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


First the Kingdom - One-Lane Road (part 2)
When have been given a second chance to walk the narrow road

Finding the narrow does not guarantee we will go through the final gate

Must make daily decisions:
  • Decision to stay humble - Luke 18:17
  • Decision against materialism - Luke 18:24-25
  • Decision to persevere through hardships - Acts 14:22
  • Decision to stand firm in our convictions - Luke 21:12-19
  • Decision to believe and obey God whatever the circumstances - Hebrews 3:5-19


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

 



One Another - Encouraging One Another (part 3)
Encourage one another - Hebrews 3:12-13
  • There must a real involvement in each other's lives - we need each other
  • We fail to realize the strength of discouragement and its ability to gradually eat away at our conviction and faith
  • There is a strong sense of spiritual obligation
  • See to it - not hope it happens
  • Make sure it happens - Who? you
Let us not give up meeting together but let us encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Meeting together is not only benefiting us but it is also helping others
  • Does not exclusively refer to services of the church


One Another - Encouraging One Another (part 3)
Encourage one another - Hebrews 3:12-13
  • There must a real involvement in each other's lives - we need each other
  • We fail to realize the strength of discouragement and its ability to gradually eat away at our conviction and faith
  • There is a strong sense of spiritual obligation
  • See to it - not hope it happens
  • Make sure it happens - Who? you
Let us not give up meeting together but let us encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Meeting together is not only benefiting us but it is also helping others
  • Does not exclusively refer to services of the church


One Another - Encouraging One Another (part 3)
Encourage one another - Hebrews 3:12-13
  • There must a real involvement in each other's lives - we need each other
  • We fail to realize the strength of discouragement and its ability to gradually eat away at our conviction and faith
  • There is a strong sense of spiritual obligation
  • See to it - not hope it happens
  • Make sure it happens - Who? you
Let us not give up meeting together but let us encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Meeting together is not only benefiting us but it is also helping others
  • Does not exclusively refer to services of the church


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


One Another - Spurring One Another (part 2)
Because of our great blessings with Christ, we can not take this fellowship lightly

Must pursue it with greater vigor - Hebrews 10:24-31
There is great seriousness in this matter

paroxusmos - Greek word, translates word:
  • NIV = spur on
  • KJV = provoke
  • CSB - promote
  • NASB - stimulate
Greek lexicon:
  1. Stirring up, provoking - only used here in the NT
  2. irritation, sharp disagreement - only Acts 15:39
  3. Attack of high fever - not in NT
Not a "nice" word but aggressive word in Webster's transliteration:
  1. Sudden violent outburst
  2. Fit of violent action or emotion
  3. A severe medically attack
How do we accomplish the "spurring on"?
Must be done with thought and with their needs in mind - not one size fits all
Must be done with end result to result being love and good deeds

  • Pray for their needs and let them know that you are
  • Share scripture that you believe will be relevant
  • When they share struggles - ask them about it consistently
  • Do not be afraid to give someone a bold challenge


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

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

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 2)
While there is certain kinds of judging that is prohibited or discourage, there is also judging that is encouraged
  • Judging whether someone is receptive - Matthew 7:6
  • Coming to a correct conclusion - Luke 12:57
  • Spiritual judgments - 1 Corinthians 2:15
  • Church discipline - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
  • Adjudicating in litigation - 1 Corinthians 6:5
  • Being convicted by spiritual worship - 1 Corinthians 14:24
And some judgment belonging only to God
  • Judgment regarding retribution - Hebrews 10:30
  • Final judgment - John 12:48


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


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


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


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


Desire's Journey - Blessed are the Nice?

The enemy wants us to have small passions and desires

We are producing a generation whose greatest virtue is to not defend anyone
Then wonder why there is not more passion for Christ

The greatest enemy of holiness is not passion but apathy
Zeal for your house consumes me - John 2:17
Zeal isn't quite the pcitures we have of Sunday school

If deadness is next to godliness, then Jesus had to deadest person ever - it wasn't the case

God is a consuming fire - Hebrews 10:31
The consuming fire is His jealous love - Deuteronomy 4:24
Joy set before him enable Jesus to endure the agony of the Cross - Hebrews 12:2

 



Desire's Journey - Blessed are the Nice?

The enemy wants us to have small passions and desires

We are producing a generation whose greatest virtue is to not defend anyone
Then wonder why there is not more passion for Christ

The greatest enemy of holiness is not passion but apathy
Zeal for your house consumes me - John 2:17
Zeal isn't quite the pcitures we have of Sunday school

If deadness is next to godliness, then Jesus had to deadest person ever - it wasn't the case

God is a consuming fire - Hebrews 10:31
The consuming fire is His jealous love - Deuteronomy 4:24
Joy set before him enable Jesus to endure the agony of the Cross - Hebrews 12:2

 



Desire's Journey - Language of Desire

Jesus offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry to the one who could deliever him - Hebrews 5:7

Strong desires make strong prayers

Children are often not embarrassed by desire
We hide our true desires and call it maturity - Jesus is not impressed

Why are we embarrassed by our desire? Why do we pretend?

  • Persistent widow wasn't embarrassed
  • "Sinful" woman wasn't embarrassed

We don't pray like Jesus because we don't allow ourselves to nearly alive
We don't allow ourselves to feel how desparate our situation truely is

Pretending seems a much more reliable road to Christian maturity
Only the price is we pay for the loss of soul, communication with God, loss of direction and loss of hope

Without a deep and buring desire of our own, we will be ruled by the desires of others



God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waking Dead - Wisdom and Heart
Our heart has been made good by work of Christ but we haven't learned how to live from it
Launching out with an untrained heart can bring disaster
We can easily be shamed into sin management and think our heart is bad

The church choose those who had both wisdom and the Spirit - Acts 6:3
We need both

Wisdom is crying out
  • Do not rush the field - Luke 14:31
  • Train yourself to discern good from evil - Hebrews 5:14
  • Live as through your life is at stake - Matthew 10:16
Wisdom is not cramming our heads with principles but developing a discerning heart
Solomon was so sharp because he had a wise and discerning heart - 1 Kings 3:9

But wisdom is not enough
  • Against "wisdom", the disciples were asked to go Saul, the one who used to murder Christians, and lay his hands on him - Acts 9:13-14
  • Would you counsel a father to sacrifice his only child?
  • Take on a fortified city by slashing your ranks from 32,000 to 300?
  • Jesus to give himself up to the authorities and let himself get killed
Wisdom is not enough, it may even hold us back
The common sense life can be the enemy of the supernatural life

God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


God is love

Preached by Richard Dixion on 1999-05-04

Psalms 25:10

  • Gratefulness: no arguments, no frustration, no complaining
Unconditional Love

Psalms 145:13

  • All he made - Did God make you?
  • We live in an unloving world
    • God is not like use
  • We make limits to our love
    • God does not stop
  • We all need unconditional love
Tough Love

Hebrews 12:4-10

  • God love is tough
  • Two kinds of discipline
    • Action - stops for the short-term
    • Heart - God way, deals with sin
  • Discipline - creates - discipline and gratefulness
  • Running away or running toward discipline?
  • He wants us to be holy, righteousness
  • Wrong thinking: I won't because I might get disciplined
  • Right thinking: I will, and I will be molded


His love is Transforming

Romans 12:1-2

  • What transforms you?
  • How are different than a year ago?
  • Living sacrifices?

2 Corinthians 5:3

  • How would you look if God transformed your life?
  • Do you know who are?
  • What would Jesus do different in your life?
  • God loves us the way we are
    • He refuses to leave us that way


Mission - People
Beginning of His ministry - Luke 4
  • Intense temptation by Satan - vs1-3
  • First sermon
  • First personal challenge with the faithless
  • First attempt on his life
  • First spiritual and physical healing of the wounded
Jesus was about the people, he understood them
He was a man of sorrows, acquainted with suffering - Isaiah 53:3
He was tempted in every way, just as we are - Hebrews 4:15

Jesus' heart went out to people and it moved him to action
Their needs drove Jesus' ministry

Our charge is to walk as Jesus walked
Luke 10 illustrates Jesus' plan as he send out the 72 disciples
He challenged them to rejoice because their names were written in heaven
The end challenge was to go and do likewise - Luke 10:37

Cannot be done unless it costs us something
Seeking and saving the lost is accomplished by preaching the gospel and helping people

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?


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?


Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Church (part III)

Hebrews 3:12-14

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

Hebrews 10:22-25

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

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



Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Heart Issues
The Examination

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else guard your heart.
Psalms 139:23 - Open your heart to God.
Hebrews 4:13 - God cuts with His sword and sees everything.

Types of Heart Disease

Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 14:12 - Deceit
Deuteronomy 29:26-31 - Idolatry
Deuteronomy 8:10-18, Proverbs 18:12 - Pride
Hebrews 3:12-19 - Unbelief (hardness, rebellion, disobedience)
Hebrews 12:3-12 - Weariness

Followup - Laziness (part I)
Introduction

1 Timothy 4:7-8 - We must train ourselves to be godly; it does not come naturally; rather the whole Christian life is a process of training in righteousness.

Laziness

Hebrews 6:1
  1. Do not become lazy; this is a constant treat to the Christian life, to every Christian, young or old
  2. Rather than imitate those who exhibit true faith and patience; there will always be good examples to imitate.
Proverbs 6:6-11 - Self motivation; sleeping
Proverbs 24:30-24 - Disorganization of sluggard
Proverbs 26:13-16 - Laziness of sluggard

Followup - Laziness (part II)
Idleness

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
  • Being constructive members of society and of the church.
  • Thus win the respect of others and make the gospel attractive - Titus 2:10
  • Try not to be dependant of anybody
1 Thessalonians 5:14 - Warn those who are idle; this is serious!

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
  • If he/she does not listen to the warning, keep away from him/her
  • Again, follow the example of the disciplines
  • Some people tend to be “busybodies”
Discipline
  • Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but afterwards the pay-off is substantial
  • Proverbs 12:1 - And so it is the intelligent thing to love discipline


Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


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

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

Jesus was Human (part II)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Had Compassion - Matthew 9:36
  • Hungered - Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:18
  • Increased in Knowledge - Luke 2:52
  • Learned Obedience - Hebrews 5:8
  • Looked like a man - John 4:9
  • Loved - Mark 10:21; Hebrews 2:14
  • Prayed - Mark 1:35
  • Slept - Matthew 8:24


Jesus was Human (part II)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Had Compassion - Matthew 9:36
  • Hungered - Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:18
  • Increased in Knowledge - Luke 2:52
  • Learned Obedience - Hebrews 5:8
  • Looked like a man - John 4:9
  • Loved - Mark 10:21; Hebrews 2:14
  • Prayed - Mark 1:35
  • Slept - Matthew 8:24


Jesus was Human (part III)
Examples of Jesus having characteristics of humans:
  • Suffered - 1 Peter 4:1
  • Sweat blood - Luke 22:44
  • Thirsted - John 4:7; John 19:28
  • Was angered and grieved - Mark 3:5
  • Was Tempted - Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15
  • Was Troubled - Mark 14:33-34; John 11:33; John 12:27
  • Was Weary - John 4:6
  • Wept - John 11:35; Luke 19:41


Jesus is God (part III)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Omnipotent over Disease - Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 4:39
  • Omnipotent over Men - Matthew 9:9; John 17:2
  • Omnipotent over Nature - Matthew 8:26
  • Omnipotent over Sin - Matthew 9:1-8
  • Omnipotent over Tradition - Matthew 9:10-17
  • Prayed To Him (Stephen) - Acts 7:59
  • Saves - John 10:28
  • Sinless - 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15
  • Worshiped as God by Angels - Hebrews 1:6


Jesus is God (part III)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • Omnipotent over Disease - Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 4:39
  • Omnipotent over Men - Matthew 9:9; John 17:2
  • Omnipotent over Nature - Matthew 8:26
  • Omnipotent over Sin - Matthew 9:1-8
  • Omnipotent over Tradition - Matthew 9:10-17
  • Prayed To Him (Stephen) - Acts 7:59
  • Saves - John 10:28
  • Sinless - 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15
  • Worshiped as God by Angels - Hebrews 1:6


NT Commands (part II)
Commands from the New Testament
  • Be alert and self controlled - 1 Thessalonians 5:6
  • Be an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity - 1 Timothy 4:12
  • Be anxious for nothing - Philippians 4:6
  • Be content with what you have - Hebrews 13:5
  • Be willing to associate with those in low position - Romans 12:2
  • Be joyful always - 1 Thessalonians 5:16
  • Be kind to everyone - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Be patient with everyone - 1 Thessalonians 5:14


NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


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


One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


One Another (part V)
Reading through the one another scriptures this week:
  • Make your love increase and overflow for each other - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
  • Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling - 1 Peter 4:9
  • Pray for each other - James 5:16
  • Serve one another in love - Galatians 5:13
  • Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Ephesians 5:19
  • Spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Hebrews 10:24
  • Stop passing judgment on one another - Romans 14:13
  • Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ - Ephesians 5:21
  • Teach[one another] - Colossians 3:16
  • Wash one another’s feet - John 13:14; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17
  • When you come together to eat, wait for each other - 1 Corinthians 11:33


God Is (part VI)
Nearing the end of the God study. Has been a good week:
  • One - Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4
  • Perfect - 1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 139
  • Receives Glory - Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11
  • Rewards Those Who Seek Him - Hebrews 11:6
  • Shepherd - Genesis 49:24


Names of the Church (part IV)
More scriptures about the name given to the church:
  • Holy city - Revelations 21:2
  • Holy mountain - Zechariah 8:3
  • Holy hill - Psalms 15:1
  • House of God - 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:21
  • House of the God of Jacob - Isaiah 2:3
  • House of Christ - Hebrews 3:6
  • Household of God - Ephesians 2:19


Names of the Church (part IV)
More scriptures about the name given to the church:
  • Holy city - Revelations 21:2
  • Holy mountain - Zechariah 8:3
  • Holy hill - Psalms 15:1
  • House of God - 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:21
  • House of the God of Jacob - Isaiah 2:3
  • House of Christ - Hebrews 3:6
  • Household of God - Ephesians 2:19


Names of Jesus (part II)
More scriptures about the names of Jesus:
  • Apostle - Hebrews 3:1
  • Arm of the Lord - Isaiah 51:9; 53:1
  • Author and Finisher or our faith - Hebrews 12:2
  • Beginning of the creation of God - Revelation 3:14
  • Blessed and only Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15
  • Branch - Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12
  • Bread of Life - John 6:35,48


Names of Jesus (part II)
More scriptures about the names of Jesus:
  • Apostle - Hebrews 3:1
  • Arm of the Lord - Isaiah 51:9; 53:1
  • Author and Finisher or our faith - Hebrews 12:2
  • Beginning of the creation of God - Revelation 3:14
  • Blessed and only Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15
  • Branch - Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8; 6:12
  • Bread of Life - John 6:35,48


Names of Jesus (part III)
Continuing the review of Jesus' names:
  • Captain of salvation - Hebrews 2:10
  • Captain of the Lord's hosts - Joshua 5:14,15
  • Chief Corner-stone - Ephesians 2:20; 1Pe 2:6
  • Chief Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:4
  • Christ of God - Luke 9:20
  • Commander - Isaiah 55:4
  • Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25


Names of Jesus (part VI)
Reading about the names of Jesus:
  • Forerunner - Hebrews 6:20
  • Glory of the Lord - Isaiah 40:5
  • God - Isaiah 40:9; John 20:28
  • God blessed for ever - Romans 9:5
  • God's fellow - Zechariah 13:7
  • Good Shepherd - John 10:14
  • Governor - Matthew 2:6


Names of Jesus (part VII)
Jesus has many names:
  • Great High Priest - Hebrews 3:1, 4:14
  • Head of the Church - Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18
  • Heir of all things - Hebrews 1:2
  • Holy One - Psalms 16:10; Acts 2:27,31
  • Holy One of God - Mark 1:24
  • Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 41:14
  • Horn of salvation - Luke 1:69


Names of Jesus (part XVI)
Final days of Jesus' name study:
  • Son of man - John 5:27; 6:37; Matthew 18:11
  • Son of the blessed - Mark 14:61
  • Son of the Highest - Luke 1:32
  • Star - Numbers 24:17
  • Sun of righteousness - Malachi 4:2
  • Surety - Hebrews 7:22


Names of the Church (part I)

Starting to study the names of the church as

  • Assembly of the saints - Psalms 89:7
  • Assembly of the upright - Psalms 111:1
  • Body of Christ - Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:24
  • Branch of God's planting - Isaiah 60:21
  • Bride of Christ - Revelation 21:9
  • Church of God - Acts 20:28
  • Church of the Living God - 1 Timothy 3:15
  • Church of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23


Names of the Church (part II)
More scriptures about the church's names:
  • City of the Living God - Hebrews 12:22
  • Congregation of saints - Psalms 149:1
  • Congregation of the Lord's poor - Psalms 74:19
  • Dove - Song of Solomon 2:14; 5:2
  • Family in heaven and earth - Ephesians 3:15
  • Flock of God - Ezekiel 34:15; 1 Peter 5:2
  • Fold of Christ - John 10:16


Names of the Church (part III)
Continuing with the names of the church found in the Bible:
  • General assembly of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23
  • Golden candlestick - Revelation 1:20
  • God's building - 1 Corinthians 3:9
  • God's husbandry - 1 Corinthians 3:9
  • God's heritage - Joel 3:2; 1 Peter 5:3
  • Habitation of God - Ephesians 2:22
  • Heavenly of Jerusalem - Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22


Names of the Church (part III)
Continuing with the names of the church found in the Bible:
  • General assembly of the first-born - Hebrews 12:23
  • Golden candlestick - Revelation 1:20
  • God's building - 1 Corinthians 3:9
  • God's husbandry - 1 Corinthians 3:9
  • God's heritage - Joel 3:2; 1 Peter 5:3
  • Habitation of God - Ephesians 2:22
  • Heavenly of Jerusalem - Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22


Names of the Church (part V)
Church study via names:
  • Inheritance - Psalms 28:9; Isaiah 19:25
  • Israel of God - Galatians 6:16
  • King's daughter - Psalms 45:13
  • Lamb's wife - Revelations 19:7; 21:9
  • Lot of God's inheritance - Deuteronomy 32:9
  • Mount Zion - Psalms 2:6; Hebrews 12:22
  • Mountain of the Lord's house - Isaiah 2:2
  • New Jerusalem - Revelations 21:2


Names of the Believers (part VII)
Believer scripture relating to being heirs:
  • Heirs of God - Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7
  • Heirs of the grace of life - 1 Peter 3:7
  • Heirs of the kingdom - James 2:5
  • Heirs of promise - Hebrews 6:17; Galatians 3:29
  • Heirs of salvation - Hebrews 1:14


Names of the Believers (part VIII)
Holiness, relating to the believers:
  • Holy brethren - 1 Thessalonians 5:27; Hebrews 3:1
  • Holy nation - Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9
  • Holy people - Deuteronomy 26:19; Isaiah 62:12
  • Holy priesthood - 1 Peter 2:5
  • Joint-heirs with Christ - Romans 8:17
  • Just, The - Habakkuk 2:4


Fearing God - Respect for His Discipline
Do not be afraid, God has come to test you, so that the fear of the God will be with you - Exodus 20:20
Moses draws a contrast between being afraid of God and fearing God
Being afraid of God will lead to distrust and disobedience
Fearing God will keep us from sinning

Live as strangers here in reverent fear - 1 Peter 1:17
Reverent fear meaning a deterrent to disobedience; a motivator for our conduct
In a family situation - children have a healthy respect for their father's discipline but are not afraid to ask for things or play with him
They do not live in dread either physical or emotional abuse

God disciplines those He loves - Hebrews 12:6
God's discipline comes to those he love when they become unrepentant not from failures in a sincere struggle with sin

Mind of Christ - Intro (part IV)

The heart source of our spirituality

  1. Spiritual life cannot exist in an unspiritual heart - Mark 4
  2. See to it that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Impossible for those who have once been enlightened, to be brought back after falling away - Hebrews 6:4-6
The heart is the source of our faith
  1. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified - Romans 10:10
  2. As Jesus spoke, many put their faith in him - John 8:30


Mind of Christ - Intro (part IV)

The heart source of our spirituality

  1. Spiritual life cannot exist in an unspiritual heart - Mark 4
  2. See to it that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Impossible for those who have once been enlightened, to be brought back after falling away - Hebrews 6:4-6
The heart is the source of our faith
  1. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified - Romans 10:10
  2. As Jesus spoke, many put their faith in him - John 8:30


Mind of Christ - Intro (part IV)

The heart source of our spirituality

  1. Spiritual life cannot exist in an unspiritual heart - Mark 4
  2. See to it that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Impossible for those who have once been enlightened, to be brought back after falling away - Hebrews 6:4-6
The heart is the source of our faith
  1. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified - Romans 10:10
  2. As Jesus spoke, many put their faith in him - John 8:30


Mind of Christ - Intro (part IV)

The heart source of our spirituality

  1. Spiritual life cannot exist in an unspiritual heart - Mark 4
  2. See to it that none of you have a sinful, unbelieving heart - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Impossible for those who have once been enlightened, to be brought back after falling away - Hebrews 6:4-6
The heart is the source of our faith
  1. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified - Romans 10:10
  2. As Jesus spoke, many put their faith in him - John 8:30


Mind of Christ - Intro (part VIII)
Following Christ is more than merely adding a few new habits and activities to our lives.

It is changing our total person from what we have been into what He is!

Thus, to follow Christ I must be a student of His life.
  • Fix your thoughts on Jesus - Hebrews 3:1
  • Let us fix our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
  • Come to me - Matthew 11:28-30
  • Study His life so devotedly that I am able to see
Our transformation is an inside out job. I can put on the outside habits, activities, traits, behavior patterns without ever changing the inside of me. The great endeavor is to transform the inner man for when the inner man changed the outward man will have to change!

Mind of Christ - Intro (part VIII)
Following Christ is more than merely adding a few new habits and activities to our lives.

It is changing our total person from what we have been into what He is!

Thus, to follow Christ I must be a student of His life.
  • Fix your thoughts on Jesus - Hebrews 3:1
  • Let us fix our eyes on Jesus - Hebrews 12:2
  • Come to me - Matthew 11:28-30
  • Study His life so devotedly that I am able to see
Our transformation is an inside out job. I can put on the outside habits, activities, traits, behavior patterns without ever changing the inside of me. The great endeavor is to transform the inner man for when the inner man changed the outward man will have to change!

Mind of Christ - Obedience (part I)
Jesus was reverently and totally submissive to God’s will

~Matthew 26:36-46
  • Three desires were expressed by Jesus in this of prayer.
  1. He wanted to have disciples join in his struggles.
  2. He wanted to forgo the bitter cup.
  3. He wanted to obey the will of God.
  • His strongest desire is to obey God, overcame the other desires of his life.
Hebrews 5:7-8 - He was heard because of his reverent submission

Jesus possessed an all consuming desire to obey God
  • John 4:34 - His food was to do the will of him who sent him
  • John 5:19 - whatever the Father does the Son also does


Mind of Christ - Obedience (part I)
Jesus was reverently and totally submissive to God’s will

~Matthew 26:36-46
  • Three desires were expressed by Jesus in this of prayer.
  1. He wanted to have disciples join in his struggles.
  2. He wanted to forgo the bitter cup.
  3. He wanted to obey the will of God.
  • His strongest desire is to obey God, overcame the other desires of his life.
Hebrews 5:7-8 - He was heard because of his reverent submission

Jesus possessed an all consuming desire to obey God
  • John 4:34 - His food was to do the will of him who sent him
  • John 5:19 - whatever the Father does the Son also does


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 - Obedience (part V)
We should obey God because we want to please God more than ourselves
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1 - we instructed you how to live in order to please God; urge you to do this more and more
  • Colossians 1:10 - we pray you live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way
  • 2 Timothy 2:4 - No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs
  • Hebrews 11:6 - Without faith it is impossible to please God
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9 - So we make it our goal to please him


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


Daughter Needs - Pushover Papa
Pushover Papa is a father who lets her get away with any thing
She is this cute little girl that can do no wrong

As the leader in your home, it is our responsibilty to sholder the discipline
Keep in mind discipline is more training and less about secondly to punishment

If your wife is reluctant to have you handle the discipline, it might be because:
  • You are too harsh
  • You are a push over
  • You are not training your daughter for the long term
A pushover pop loves his daughter in principle but hates her in practice
The Lord disciplines those he loves and punishes everyone he accepts as a son - Hebrews 12:5-6
If you are not disciplined then you are illegitimate children and not true sons

Daughter Needs - Pushover Papa
Pushover Papa is a father who lets her get away with any thing
She is this cute little girl that can do no wrong

As the leader in your home, it is our responsibilty to sholder the discipline
Keep in mind discipline is more training and less about secondly to punishment

If your wife is reluctant to have you handle the discipline, it might be because:
  • You are too harsh
  • You are a push over
  • You are not training your daughter for the long term
A pushover pop loves his daughter in principle but hates her in practice
The Lord disciplines those he loves and punishes everyone he accepts as a son - Hebrews 12:5-6
If you are not disciplined then you are illegitimate children and not true sons

Fearing God - A Father's Pain
God uses 3 descriptive words to describe what Abraham is suppose to do - Genesis 22:2
Without perfection, Abraham's test would be similar to Jesus' death

1. Take your only Son

God promised that he would be a father of many nations - Genesis 17:5
Jesus would be a savior of many nations
Jesus was the one and only Son of God - Hebrews 11:17

2. Issac - God given name to him

God named Jesus before he was born - Matthew 1:21

3. Whom you love

This is my Son, whom I love - Matthew 3:17

The difference: Abraham was out of obedience for a loving God
God sacrificed His Son to save an unloving people

God spared Abraham's son but did not spare His own

Proverbs on Integrity (part II)
Examples of great integrity.
  1. Joseph - Genesis 39:8-10
    • Joseph did not give into the impure temptations that were put before him.
    • He honored God with his purity and he honored his master
  2. Jesus - Matthew 26:57-60
    • They couldn’t find anything against Jesus (false witnesses came forward “people started lying” but they didn’t make sense either)
    • Mark 7:36-37 - Jesus did everything well (integrity)
Today we need to be examples of men/women of integrity. -  Proverbs gives us a lot lessons on integrity

#1. Integrity last forever

Proverbs 12:19 - Truthful lips endure forever

Integrity last forever (people lie to escape something) but no one can run from the truth
  • People lie to appear better than they are
  • When we lie we feel clever and in control but one lie leads to other lies (then were like a dog chasing its tail)
  • Many times people lie and may not ever be discovered but remember no one can fool God
Hebrews 4:13 - Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.

Whenever we lie we ruin a part of our character.
  • The more we lie the easier it becomes thus it eventually becomes our nature.
  • You may escape the lie but you can not escape how it changes your character
Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sins does not prosper

Men and take many things away from us but no one can take our integrity (its our choice).

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



Genesis 2 - Creation & Recreation Recap

Summary

God formed a man and gave him the garden in Eden, except for the tree of knowledge. Adam was alone so God made a woman as his partner.

Observations

Genesis 2:7 - from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life
From nothing, God created us. He even takes our language that is a collection of organized means and breathed [2 Timothy 3:16] it into living and active Holy scripture [Hebrews 4:12].

Genesis 2:15 - put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
Man's purpose in the garden was to work it and keep it up. God gives us work to do in step with what he desires. Work is good for glorify God, helping others, and helping us in our character. In [Acts 17:26], we learn that God determines the times and places we will live. It wasn't a random chance that Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden even with God's fore knowledge of Adam's sin.

Genesis 2:16 - You are free
The first words recorded spoken to man was "You are free". This is important because without freedom, love can not be fully expressed. God created man for Him to love and to be loved by man. What are we doing with the life and freedom God has given us? Does he feel the love?

Genesis 2:17 - you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
The sinful nature within us desires the opposite of what God wants. When it hears about something we can not do, that is the exact thing it desires to do.

Genesis 2:19 - whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name
With our freedom, we are given responsibilities. Instead of just telling us what the names of the animals and plants we, God gave Adam the task and freedom to do so. We need to remember all the things God intrusts us with and give it our all.

Personal Application

Many times I look for ways on how to automate work (it is part of the work I do as part of my career) but sometimes lose sight that work is what I am suppose to be doing. When automating tasks, I need to make sure I am using my additional time to do even more useful things that God has called me to do.



Genesis 8 - The Flood (part III)

Summary

The flood abated. Noah sent out a raven and two doves. When the earth was dry God called them all out of the ark. Noah built an altar.

Observations

Genesis 8:1 - But God remembered Noah
God does not forget us. No matter how much He has going on, we are in the forefront of his mind. Noah may have been felt like he was all alone in an endless sea of water but this was not the case. We may also feel this way sometimes but God is always right there with us [Joshua 1:5].

Genesis 8:20 - Then Noah built an altar to the LORD
What is the first thing Noah does when Noah gets off an ark he has been on for about a year? Build an alter for the Lord. Would we do the same thing? DO we do the same thing. When we have face a prolonged trial and it finally ends, we go out and celebrate and forget the Lord? Or do take time to truly thank him for helping us through? Like God remembered Noah, Noah also remembered the Lord.

Genesis 8:21 - never again will I destroy all living creatures
God's promised that He will never destroy all living creatures again. Many worry about this through scientific studies or other ideas come up with ways the earth will be destroyed because of what man does. Whether that is true or not is not the point but we do know that God will not be the one doing it. When God promises something it happens.

Personal Application

I seem to forget the lessons of difficult times as soon as the pain has lifted. We go through tough times so our character can mature and grow but will I have to go through the same lessons again to learn the same lessons. I want to be grateful for God's discipline (does not come naturally) and change my character accordingly. God discipline the ones he loves, I need to remember why He is doing it [Hebrews 12:6].



Genesis 14 - The Kidnapping of Lot

Summary

The kings went to war and took Lot captive. Abram rescued Lot. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Observations

Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek ... He was priest of God Most High
This is the first mention of a priest in the Bible. Melchizedek was the start of the line of priests that would stretch all the way to Jesus' time. Jesus because the high priest and the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him [Hebrews 5:9-10].

Genesis 14:23 - I will accept nothing belonging to you
Abram made the decision not to take anything from the king of Sodom while saving Lot. Instead he chose to give some of his possessions to the priest because he was so grateful that God gave him victory over the kings. He must of sensed something from the king of Sodom that was not right and did not want to be associated with him. Do we have worldly ties that we shouldn't? People around us can assume because hang around others that do wrong, we do the same things. We should live among people as Jesus did but how are we associated with them?

 

Personal Application

Do I have a good sense of my relationships? Do I tend to be a part of group to just belong or a higher reason? I find it much easier to take then to give and I do not think I have conviction on doing the reverse. There is no such thing as a free lunch (maybe from God because he gives freely) - are some offers of others giving really a trap? In some some situations, I should be giving instead of taking.



Genesis 14 - The Kidnapping of Lot

Summary

The kings went to war and took Lot captive. Abram rescued Lot. Melchizedek blessed Abram and Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Observations

Genesis 14:18 - Melchizedek ... He was priest of God Most High
This is the first mention of a priest in the Bible. Melchizedek was the start of the line of priests that would stretch all the way to Jesus' time. Jesus because the high priest and the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him [Hebrews 5:9-10].

Genesis 14:23 - I will accept nothing belonging to you
Abram made the decision not to take anything from the king of Sodom while saving Lot. Instead he chose to give some of his possessions to the priest because he was so grateful that God gave him victory over the kings. He must of sensed something from the king of Sodom that was not right and did not want to be associated with him. Do we have worldly ties that we shouldn't? People around us can assume because hang around others that do wrong, we do the same things. We should live among people as Jesus did but how are we associated with them?

 

Personal Application

Do I have a good sense of my relationships? Do I tend to be a part of group to just belong or a higher reason? I find it much easier to take then to give and I do not think I have conviction on doing the reverse. There is no such thing as a free lunch (maybe from God because he gives freely) - are some offers of others giving really a trap? In some some situations, I should be giving instead of taking.



Mind Change - Spiritual Truth
Spiritual truth is greater than physical circumstances

The physical is temporary; the spiritual is eternal.

More obvious does not mean more real.

The eternal is superior to the temporary.

Romans 8:17 - We suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him
Hebrews 10:32-34 - You knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession

Mind Change - Spiritual Truth
Spiritual truth is greater than physical circumstances

The physical is temporary; the spiritual is eternal.

More obvious does not mean more real.

The eternal is superior to the temporary.

Romans 8:17 - We suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him
Hebrews 10:32-34 - You knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession

Mind Change - Spiritual Truth
Spiritual truth is greater than physical circumstances

The physical is temporary; the spiritual is eternal.

More obvious does not mean more real.

The eternal is superior to the temporary.

Romans 8:17 - We suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him
Hebrews 10:32-34 - You knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession

Mind Change - Starting Out
Morning breath of the soul? Rinse it!

Waking up with the blahs?

Feeling unmotivated, uninspired, discouraged, depressed?

Dreading some things you have to do? Take a prayer and the Word and deal with it!

Say “This is not of God; I won’t stand for it.”

Psalms 5:3 - In the morning I will present my case
Psalms 42:5 - Put your hope in God
Hebrews 12:1-2 - We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely

Mind Change - Starting Out
Morning breath of the soul? Rinse it!

Waking up with the blahs?

Feeling unmotivated, uninspired, discouraged, depressed?

Dreading some things you have to do? Take a prayer and the Word and deal with it!

Say “This is not of God; I won’t stand for it.”

Psalms 5:3 - In the morning I will present my case
Psalms 42:5 - Put your hope in God
Hebrews 12:1-2 - We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely

Getting Started (part I)
The first few weeks of your new life as a disciple are crucial. Satan is angry because of his loss and God’s gain and he will make an effort to get you off-track as soon as possible. (Revelation 12:7-12) This study will help you get off to a fast start and help you have the right focus to stay close to God and keep the devil at a distance.

Remember what has just happened
  • Romans 6:1-4 - You have begun a brand new life; you were born again (John 3:1-5)
  • Acts 2:36-41 - Every one of your sins has been forgiven and forgotten (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
  • Galatians 3:26-28 - The blood of Christ you received at baptism now covers and protects you.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 - You received the Holy Spirit who gives you power (Romans 8:5-11)
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - You have been added to the body; enjoy your new family
Remember what got you to this point
  • Ephesians 4:17~24 - You humbled yourself and let others teach and challenge you – keep it up
  • Acts 19:17-20 - You were completely open with your sins – keep it up
  • Romans 6:17-18 - You obeyed the Bible teaching when you saw it – keep it up
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - You spent good quality time with other disciples - keep it up


Getting Started (part I)
The first few weeks of your new life as a disciple are crucial. Satan is angry because of his loss and God’s gain and he will make an effort to get you off-track as soon as possible. (Revelation 12:7-12) This study will help you get off to a fast start and help you have the right focus to stay close to God and keep the devil at a distance.

Remember what has just happened
  • Romans 6:1-4 - You have begun a brand new life; you were born again (John 3:1-5)
  • Acts 2:36-41 - Every one of your sins has been forgiven and forgotten (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
  • Galatians 3:26-28 - The blood of Christ you received at baptism now covers and protects you.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 - You received the Holy Spirit who gives you power (Romans 8:5-11)
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - You have been added to the body; enjoy your new family
Remember what got you to this point
  • Ephesians 4:17~24 - You humbled yourself and let others teach and challenge you – keep it up
  • Acts 19:17-20 - You were completely open with your sins – keep it up
  • Romans 6:17-18 - You obeyed the Bible teaching when you saw it – keep it up
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - You spent good quality time with other disciples - keep it up


Getting Started (part I)
The first few weeks of your new life as a disciple are crucial. Satan is angry because of his loss and God’s gain and he will make an effort to get you off-track as soon as possible. (Revelation 12:7-12) This study will help you get off to a fast start and help you have the right focus to stay close to God and keep the devil at a distance.

Remember what has just happened
  • Romans 6:1-4 - You have begun a brand new life; you were born again (John 3:1-5)
  • Acts 2:36-41 - Every one of your sins has been forgiven and forgotten (Jeremiah 31:31-34)
  • Galatians 3:26-28 - The blood of Christ you received at baptism now covers and protects you.
  • Ephesians 1:13-14 - You received the Holy Spirit who gives you power (Romans 8:5-11)
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - You have been added to the body; enjoy your new family
Remember what got you to this point
  • Ephesians 4:17~24 - You humbled yourself and let others teach and challenge you – keep it up
  • Acts 19:17-20 - You were completely open with your sins – keep it up
  • Romans 6:17-18 - You obeyed the Bible teaching when you saw it – keep it up
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - You spent good quality time with other disciples - keep it up


Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Getting Started (part II)

Remember the battle you entered

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 - Satan is after you; don’t be surprised if he attacks you
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-5 - God will allow you to be tested
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 - Any test from God will not be beyond what you can handle

Remember what you promised

  • Colossians 3:1-10 - That you would die to your sins and fight against them
  • Acts 9:17-22 - That you would make an effort to reach out to others (make a list of who)
  • Matthew 22:34-40 - That you would love God and strive to get close to Him (make a prayer list)
  • Hebrews 10:19-25 - That you would be a part of the church and come to encourage (calendar)

The key to successful first few weeks as a disciple is relationships. Make some specific decisions about how you will stay close to God and the other disciples in your life. Decide as well to get to know some other disciples and start sharing your new-found love for God with those you know and love. You will find that you will have good days, but remember – you’re just getting started.



Grace (part I)
Sometimes, one of the most difficult truths to understand as a young disciple is grace. So much confusion exist in the religious world on this topic so it is critical that you have a correct, Biblical understanding of the this powerful truth. Obviously, God wants us to thoroughly enjoy the grace He has given us and will continue to give us as disciples. However, we must feel a responsibility to live for Him in response to His grace.

Grace allowed you to be spared when you weren’t pursuing God
  • Romans 5:6-8 - God was patient and loved us while we were enemies of His
  • Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were objects of wrath; deserving to be squished (cockroach example)
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We were shown unlimited patience, making it possible to have a chance
Grace was given to you at your baptism
  • Titus 3:3-7 - You were justified by grace at your baptism; nothing you did earned it
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 - Your baptism gave you full assurance of God’s grace
  • Acts 2:38-41 - You were forgiven, got the Holy Spirit, added to God’s kingdom – by grace


Grace (part I)
Sometimes, one of the most difficult truths to understand as a young disciple is grace. So much confusion exist in the religious world on this topic so it is critical that you have a correct, Biblical understanding of the this powerful truth. Obviously, God wants us to thoroughly enjoy the grace He has given us and will continue to give us as disciples. However, we must feel a responsibility to live for Him in response to His grace.

Grace allowed you to be spared when you weren’t pursuing God
  • Romans 5:6-8 - God was patient and loved us while we were enemies of His
  • Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were objects of wrath; deserving to be squished (cockroach example)
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We were shown unlimited patience, making it possible to have a chance
Grace was given to you at your baptism
  • Titus 3:3-7 - You were justified by grace at your baptism; nothing you did earned it
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 - Your baptism gave you full assurance of God’s grace
  • Acts 2:38-41 - You were forgiven, got the Holy Spirit, added to God’s kingdom – by grace


Grace (part I)
Sometimes, one of the most difficult truths to understand as a young disciple is grace. So much confusion exist in the religious world on this topic so it is critical that you have a correct, Biblical understanding of the this powerful truth. Obviously, God wants us to thoroughly enjoy the grace He has given us and will continue to give us as disciples. However, we must feel a responsibility to live for Him in response to His grace.

Grace allowed you to be spared when you weren’t pursuing God
  • Romans 5:6-8 - God was patient and loved us while we were enemies of His
  • Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were objects of wrath; deserving to be squished (cockroach example)
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We were shown unlimited patience, making it possible to have a chance
Grace was given to you at your baptism
  • Titus 3:3-7 - You were justified by grace at your baptism; nothing you did earned it
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 - Your baptism gave you full assurance of God’s grace
  • Acts 2:38-41 - You were forgiven, got the Holy Spirit, added to God’s kingdom – by grace


Grace (part I)
Sometimes, one of the most difficult truths to understand as a young disciple is grace. So much confusion exist in the religious world on this topic so it is critical that you have a correct, Biblical understanding of the this powerful truth. Obviously, God wants us to thoroughly enjoy the grace He has given us and will continue to give us as disciples. However, we must feel a responsibility to live for Him in response to His grace.

Grace allowed you to be spared when you weren’t pursuing God
  • Romans 5:6-8 - God was patient and loved us while we were enemies of His
  • Ephesians 2:1-5 - We were objects of wrath; deserving to be squished (cockroach example)
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17 - We were shown unlimited patience, making it possible to have a chance
Grace was given to you at your baptism
  • Titus 3:3-7 - You were justified by grace at your baptism; nothing you did earned it
  • Hebrews 10:19-22 - Your baptism gave you full assurance of God’s grace
  • Acts 2:38-41 - You were forgiven, got the Holy Spirit, added to God’s kingdom – by grace


Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Grace (part III)
Grace should motivate you to work hard for God
  • 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 - Paul felt more grace so he worked even harder
  • Ephesians 2:8-10 - God has given us good works to do in response to His grace
Grace can be forfeited or lost
  • Hebrews 10:26-31 - When we deliberately keep on sinning and insult the amazing gift of grace
  • Jonah 2:1-8 - Our lack of repentance can keep God’s grace from our lives
Don’t let Satan lie to you. God has a lot of grace and loves giving it out to you on a regular basis. You receive grace when you sin after baptism as you did during your baptism. So enjoy the grace, but don’t let Satan lie to you in another way by telling you to relax and do what ever you want because God is a God of grace. Allow the grace of God to call you higher than ever before and further away from old, sinful ways.

Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Gratitude (part I)
The topic of gratitude is extremely important and one that we probably don’t stress enough. As a new disciple you want to get into some good habits of gratitude. Being thankful to God for your salvation is really just the beginning. Being grateful for every situation you find yourself in is the goal. In the study, we will look at God’s call be thankful.

Gratitude is a commandment of God
  • Hebrews 12:28-29 - Be grateful you are a part of such an awesome Kingdom
  • Colossians 2:6-7 - Our thankfulness should be an obvious part of our life (overflowing)
Gratitude has always been an important part of worship
  • Nehemiah 12:31 - God assigned two choirs, solely for the purpose of giving thanks
  • Psalms 28:7 - Gratitude must be seen in our singing to God (Colossians 3:15-16)
  • Psalms 100:1-5 - All parts of worship should be entered into with thanksgiving


Growing (part I)
As a young disciple, your commitment to God must be solid and steady. However, in no way does this mean you will be perfect or a “super-disciple” in an instant. And thankfully, God doesn’t expect you to be. What He does expect is something you and everybody else can do – GROW!! This study will help you to better understand how important growing as a disciple is, and provide you with some helpful ways to ensure that growth.

Begin with the Bible
  • 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 - Crave the Bible; it will show you what you need in your walk with God
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Bible will equip you and give you all you need to grow (Psalms 119)
Get help from your leaders
  • Ephesians 4:11-16 - God has put them in your life to help you grow; church, midweek, etc
  • Hebrews 13:7 - Watch you leaders and follow their example; ask lots of questions
Let your fellow-disciple help you
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 - All of us lack something in our faith; get together and help each other
  • Romans 15:14 - Other disciples may know the Bible better and can help you through your challenges


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.

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.

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.

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.

Guarding Your Heart (part I)
Keeping your heart in good condition is not just an important physical principle, but a spiritual one as well. A bad spiritual heart will cause spiritual sickness and ultimately spiritual death – separate from God. The Bible gives us some great information on how to keep our hearts in good spiritual shape and keep them beating strong and healthy for God until the day we die.

We guard our hearts to keep the good and keep away the bad we’re tempted to do
  • Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
  • Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death
Sins is what damages our heart
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
  • Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal
We must do what we can to keep sin far away from our heart
  • Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
  • 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak


Guarding Your Heart (part I)
Keeping your heart in good condition is not just an important physical principle, but a spiritual one as well. A bad spiritual heart will cause spiritual sickness and ultimately spiritual death – separate from God. The Bible gives us some great information on how to keep our hearts in good spiritual shape and keep them beating strong and healthy for God until the day we die.

We guard our hearts to keep the good and keep away the bad we’re tempted to do
  • Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
  • Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death
Sins is what damages our heart
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
  • Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal
We must do what we can to keep sin far away from our heart
  • Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
  • 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak


Guarding Your Heart (part I)
Keeping your heart in good condition is not just an important physical principle, but a spiritual one as well. A bad spiritual heart will cause spiritual sickness and ultimately spiritual death – separate from God. The Bible gives us some great information on how to keep our hearts in good spiritual shape and keep them beating strong and healthy for God until the day we die.

We guard our hearts to keep the good and keep away the bad we’re tempted to do
  • Proverbs 4:10-15 - We must make daily decisions to turn away from evil
  • Proverbs 4:23-27 - Our hearts either keep us healthy or harm us spiritually; life or death
Sins is what damages our heart
  • Hebrews 3:12-14 - Sin hardens (diseases) our heart and turns us from God
  • Mark 4:14-20 - Sin and worldliness can choke us from breathing normal
We must do what we can to keep sin far away from our heart
  • Proverbs 7:6-27 - Be careful to stay away from tempting situations you could have avoided
  • 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - Don’t spend time with the wrong people or in the wrong places
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 - Break off any serious union with those who don’t share your convictions
  • 2 Timothy 2:22-23 - Run away if you need to; it is not weak to realize you are weak


Guarding Your Heart (part II)
Being open and vulnerable will help keep your heart healthy
  • Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
  • Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
  • James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others
Develop a “play-it-safe” mentality with your heart
  • Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
  • Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
  • Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
  • Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God
Your salvation is a priceless gift and your most important possession. Guard it with great care and do whatever you can to keep the number one killer of Christians out of your life - sin!! Satan will work to steal you away from God but God has given you the information and the power to overcome all of his efforts. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Heaven is too great a reward to not do all you can to guard your salvation.

Guarding Your Heart (part II)
Being open and vulnerable will help keep your heart healthy
  • Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
  • Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
  • James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others
Develop a “play-it-safe” mentality with your heart
  • Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
  • Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
  • Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
  • Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God
Your salvation is a priceless gift and your most important possession. Guard it with great care and do whatever you can to keep the number one killer of Christians out of your life - sin!! Satan will work to steal you away from God but God has given you the information and the power to overcome all of his efforts. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Heaven is too great a reward to not do all you can to guard your salvation.

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 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 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 10 - Praying Like Jesus
Mark 1:32-39
  1. What sacrifices did Jesus make to go and pray? Think of his previous day. What excuses could he have made to not pray?
  2. When do you feel the need to pray? Do you ever make excuses not to pray?
  3. How has your prayer time been the past 10 days?
Hebrews 5:7-10
  1. What kind of prayer life did Jesus have?
  2. What things, besides going to the cross, would have been difficult for Jesus to obey?
  3. What things are difficult for you to do as a disciple?
  4. Have you been praying with loud cries and tears for God to help you be obedient?
  5. What situations in your life do you need to pray more about? Make a list and be specific.
Application: Spend time today praying about the things you wrote about on your list. Be specific in your prayers. Try praying out loud and talking to God as if you could see him. Tell him how you feel about these things and what is difficult and why it is difficult. Being real and open with God will help you change things quicker.



Day 10 - Praying Like Jesus
Mark 1:32-39
  1. What sacrifices did Jesus make to go and pray? Think of his previous day. What excuses could he have made to not pray?
  2. When do you feel the need to pray? Do you ever make excuses not to pray?
  3. How has your prayer time been the past 10 days?
Hebrews 5:7-10
  1. What kind of prayer life did Jesus have?
  2. What things, besides going to the cross, would have been difficult for Jesus to obey?
  3. What things are difficult for you to do as a disciple?
  4. Have you been praying with loud cries and tears for God to help you be obedient?
  5. What situations in your life do you need to pray more about? Make a list and be specific.
Application: Spend time today praying about the things you wrote about on your list. Be specific in your prayers. Try praying out loud and talking to God as if you could see him. Tell him how you feel about these things and what is difficult and why it is difficult. Being real and open with God will help you change things quicker.



Day 10 - Praying Like Jesus
Mark 1:32-39
  1. What sacrifices did Jesus make to go and pray? Think of his previous day. What excuses could he have made to not pray?
  2. When do you feel the need to pray? Do you ever make excuses not to pray?
  3. How has your prayer time been the past 10 days?
Hebrews 5:7-10
  1. What kind of prayer life did Jesus have?
  2. What things, besides going to the cross, would have been difficult for Jesus to obey?
  3. What things are difficult for you to do as a disciple?
  4. Have you been praying with loud cries and tears for God to help you be obedient?
  5. What situations in your life do you need to pray more about? Make a list and be specific.
Application: Spend time today praying about the things you wrote about on your list. Be specific in your prayers. Try praying out loud and talking to God as if you could see him. Tell him how you feel about these things and what is difficult and why it is difficult. Being real and open with God will help you change things quicker.



Day 10 - Praying Like Jesus
Mark 1:32-39
  1. What sacrifices did Jesus make to go and pray? Think of his previous day. What excuses could he have made to not pray?
  2. When do you feel the need to pray? Do you ever make excuses not to pray?
  3. How has your prayer time been the past 10 days?
Hebrews 5:7-10
  1. What kind of prayer life did Jesus have?
  2. What things, besides going to the cross, would have been difficult for Jesus to obey?
  3. What things are difficult for you to do as a disciple?
  4. Have you been praying with loud cries and tears for God to help you be obedient?
  5. What situations in your life do you need to pray more about? Make a list and be specific.
Application: Spend time today praying about the things you wrote about on your list. Be specific in your prayers. Try praying out loud and talking to God as if you could see him. Tell him how you feel about these things and what is difficult and why it is difficult. Being real and open with God will help you change things quicker.



Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 35 - Worthy of the Name
1 Peter 4:12-19
  1. What kinds of insults and sufferings have you endured for Jesus?
  2. What should your attitude be?
  3. What does Satan want you to think and do when you are being persecuted?
Hebrews 10:32-34
  1. Have you gone through suffering like this?
  2. What are you doing to encourage other Christians who are going through insults and persecutions?
Hebrews 11:32-40
  1. Have you faced lions, flames, swords, armies, tortures, flogging, imprisonment, chains - or even banishment for Jesus' sake?
  2. How did God regard these people?
2 Corinthians 11:23-29 & Romans 8:18
  1. What kind of life did Paul live for Christ?
  2. How did he feel about his sufferings?
  3. Have you been rejoicing or complaining as a Christian?
Application: Would Jesus say you are worthy of the name "Christian"?

Day 39 - Faith is the Victory
Mark 2:1-12
  1. Why was this man so determined to see Jesus?
  2. List at least 3 reasons the man could have given to not try to see Jesus.
  3. What impressed Jesus about this man?
  4. How can you be more like him?
Mark 5:21-43
  1. What did Jairus and the bleeding woman have in common?
  2. Why did Jesus help both of them?
  3. Why is it important for us to depend completely on Jesus when we need help?
  4. What are some ways you have not been depending on God enough?
  5. Have you turned to other sources for help?
Mark 6:1-6
  1. What was different in this place? Why?
  2. Is Jesus amazed at your faith or your lack of faith? Why?
Hebrews 11:5-6 - Why do you think faith is so important for pleasing God?

Application: What are some things in your life (or someone's) for which you really need God's help? Keep a prayer list and keep on praying!

Day 39 - Faith is the Victory
Mark 2:1-12
  1. Why was this man so determined to see Jesus?
  2. List at least 3 reasons the man could have given to not try to see Jesus.
  3. What impressed Jesus about this man?
  4. How can you be more like him?
Mark 5:21-43
  1. What did Jairus and the bleeding woman have in common?
  2. Why did Jesus help both of them?
  3. Why is it important for us to depend completely on Jesus when we need help?
  4. What are some ways you have not been depending on God enough?
  5. Have you turned to other sources for help?
Mark 6:1-6
  1. What was different in this place? Why?
  2. Is Jesus amazed at your faith or your lack of faith? Why?
Hebrews 11:5-6 - Why do you think faith is so important for pleasing God?

Application: What are some things in your life (or someone's) for which you really need God's help? Keep a prayer list and keep on praying!

Fear of Failure - God is Able, Part 1
by Del & Daurence Johnson - Region Leaders: San Francisco Church of Christ

When I think about how many times that I have blown it or dropped important balls, it can be very depressing. So often I feel inadequate, incapable and fearful. This has made me prideful and unopen. Failure is never fatal when we have our eyes on God and not on our mistakes. God is perfect, I am not. God is pure, I am full of sin. God is righteous, I am jaded. Why not base our level of success on God and who he is rather than ourselves?

1) God is able to keep you from falling. Jude 24
When failure seems inevitable, it's probably because you are not looking to God. God wants us to learn from our experiences, not be perfect.

2) God is able to save completely. Hebrews 7:25
As I look at the sin in my life and how I keep repeating it, it can discourage me from believing I can be pleasing to God. This is why we need forgiveness. He is able to save completely. He can and will get me through. My challenge is to never quit on God or myself.

3) God is able to guard what you have entrusted to him. 2 Timothy 1:12
When we sacrifice day after day and year after year, we are investing ourselves in heavenly treasures. As Special Missions contribution quickly approaches again, we will have to reinvest ourselves into God's dream again. God is protecting and always will protect our lives and our dreams. He is faithful.

Decisions:
  1. Love learning
  2. Never quit (emotionally or spiritually)
  3. Sacrifice of time and resources entrusts my heart to God


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - God is in Control
by Amy Kim - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 3:7-19

Failure is just a time of testing. We harden our hearts, rebel and give up or we can have faith, be humble and move on. When I fail the first thing that happens is my pride gets hurt because I always think that I am in control or that I can do it. But God allows me to experience failure to remind me that I can't do it all. God is the only one who can. The question is whether I am as happy and excited about life when I fail as when I am successful. The only way I can do that is trust that God is in control. All I need is to do is trust him to do it, be willing to humble out and be surrendered, acknowledging that I can't do it at all.

Decisions:
  1. Always know that God is in control and I am not
  2. If I just being humble, God will lift me up again
  3. Use my failure to help people to remind them God is the one


Fear of Failure - No Discipline Seems Pleasant
by Mandy Mazik - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 12:11-13

God understands the pain that we go through, and the depth that it hurts us. He understands and expects the discipline we go through to train us and make us better. The discipline and the pain will be in vain if we don't allow ourselves to endure. In order to produce peace and righteousness in your life, it is important to embrace the trials that we go through. God expects us to "strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees." We need to do our part and put some work in to strengthen ourselves and not always wait for victories to drop in our lap. In this way, the areas in our life that are disabled (our spirituality, our finances, physical fitness, etc) will no longer be lame, "but rather healed."

Decisions:
  1. Go to God with my pain and not blame him for it or question why I have it
  2. Allow myself to be trained, go after discipling, working out everyday, confessing my sin, all on a daily basis (to be effective, training has to be a daily thing)
  3. Take the opportunities that God gives me to be disciplined, get strong spiritually, in school, in fitness, so that my life can get closer and closer to being healed.


Fear of Failure - No Discipline Seems Pleasant
by Mandy Mazik - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 12:11-13

God understands the pain that we go through, and the depth that it hurts us. He understands and expects the discipline we go through to train us and make us better. The discipline and the pain will be in vain if we don't allow ourselves to endure. In order to produce peace and righteousness in your life, it is important to embrace the trials that we go through. God expects us to "strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees." We need to do our part and put some work in to strengthen ourselves and not always wait for victories to drop in our lap. In this way, the areas in our life that are disabled (our spirituality, our finances, physical fitness, etc) will no longer be lame, "but rather healed."

Decisions:
  1. Go to God with my pain and not blame him for it or question why I have it
  2. Allow myself to be trained, go after discipling, working out everyday, confessing my sin, all on a daily basis (to be effective, training has to be a daily thing)
  3. Take the opportunities that God gives me to be disciplined, get strong spiritually, in school, in fitness, so that my life can get closer and closer to being healed.


Fear of Failure - No Discipline Seems Pleasant
by Mandy Mazik - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

Hebrews 12:11-13

God understands the pain that we go through, and the depth that it hurts us. He understands and expects the discipline we go through to train us and make us better. The discipline and the pain will be in vain if we don't allow ourselves to endure. In order to produce peace and righteousness in your life, it is important to embrace the trials that we go through. God expects us to "strengthen our feeble arms and weak knees." We need to do our part and put some work in to strengthen ourselves and not always wait for victories to drop in our lap. In this way, the areas in our life that are disabled (our spirituality, our finances, physical fitness, etc) will no longer be lame, "but rather healed."

Decisions:
  1. Go to God with my pain and not blame him for it or question why I have it
  2. Allow myself to be trained, go after discipling, working out everyday, confessing my sin, all on a daily basis (to be effective, training has to be a daily thing)
  3. Take the opportunities that God gives me to be disciplined, get strong spiritually, in school, in fitness, so that my life can get closer and closer to being healed.


Fear of Failure - I get knocked down, but I get up again
by Angel Calica - Ministry Intern: San Francisco Church of Christ

2 Corinthians 4:9

The scriptures say we will get knocked down. The question is are you going to stay down, or get up again and keep going? Failure tests what kind of character we have. Do you give up easily and stay down (quitter)? Or are you a fighter and get up again?

What are the sins that can keep us down?
  • Pride
  • Complacency
  • Self pity
  • Desiring comfort
  • Fear
When I fail in my life, my temptation is to just not try anymore. When I give in to that temptation, I quit. I become isolated and hate being a Christian. I have to decide every day, to "get up" and to keep trying. When you admit your weaknesses, you realize that others have them too and that is the beginning of getting up. Let's admit when we are down and decide to get up again.

Hebrews 4:6
  1. Decide never to quit being a disciple.
  2. Decide to admit your weaknesses every day.
  3. Decide to obey the Bible when you get knocked down.


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

43. The Lord becomes our helper instead of our judge - Hebrews 13:6

44. We get abounding grace - 2 Corinthians 9:8

45. We get eternal love - Romans 8:38-39

46. Everything that happens to us will be for our own good - Romans 8:28

47. A promised faithfulness regardless of our faithlessness - 2 Timothy 2:13

Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part I)
God humbled and dirtied himself just to search for one lost soul - you
  • He who was rich, became poor - 2 Corinthians 8:9
  • And became sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • He is able to sympathize with us
  • He was tempted in every way - Hebrews 4:15-16
  • He got down and washed the disciples feet - John 13:1-5

Some feel distant from him because of our sin but God is desperately looking for us - Luke 15:8



Prayer of the Righeous - God is Crawling (part I)
God humbled and dirtied himself just to search for one lost soul - you
  • He who was rich, became poor - 2 Corinthians 8:9
  • And became sin for us - 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • He is able to sympathize with us
  • He was tempted in every way - Hebrews 4:15-16
  • He got down and washed the disciples feet - John 13:1-5

Some feel distant from him because of our sin but God is desperately looking for us - Luke 15:8



Prayer of the Righeous - Wiping Away Tears
When suffering hits us we can either drop to our knees in prayer or run from God
Paul chose to run toward God and saw suffering as an opportunity to rely on God - 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Suffering is a language God understands
Jesus was a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering - Isaiah 53:3
Because of this, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18

The gospel is the story of God's suffering
He made the world, the world reject him

Parable of the Talents tells the story of God's rejection - Matthew 21
When God was only left with the option of sending his Son, he did - Matthew 21:35-37
We murdered him and understood what it meant to not be whole

Because God has given men freedom to choose, there is suffering on earth
When we suffer, we have a chance to draw closer to God
There is unique bond between those who are suffering and comforter - Matthew 5:4


Prayer of the Righeous - God is a Consuming Fire (part I)

God is a consuming fire who should be feared - Hebrews 12:29

He is God who wants us to love him and not idols - Deuteronomy 4:24

God is a blessed and only Ruler, king of kings and lord of Lords - 1 Timothy 6:15

Our problem is that we think God is like us
My thoughts are not your thoughts - Isaiah 55:8

Societies throughout history have developed their own relgions based off God's which human resemblance:

  • Greek methoology is full of sinful gods
  • Hinduism feature gods who remind of ourselves

Our Father is without blemish or stain
In fact many can say, if God is like my father, I want nothing to do with Him

God appeared to Ezekiel in blazing fire and he fell facedown - Ezekiel 1:27-28
John saw Jesus with eyes of blazing fire and fell at his feet as though he was dead - Revelation 1:14-16T

The paradox of God: He says to not be afraid but at the same time to have a humble, contrite spirit - Isaiah 66:2
When a holy God confronts sinful humans, the only result can be fear and trembling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Teach Them to Fear the Lord (part II)

The fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil - Proverbs 16:6

How one may avoid the snares of death - Proverbs 14:2

Fear of the Lord causes our other fears to go away

  • Wisdom, counsel, and understanding begin with the fear of the Lord - Proverbs 8:14
  • Wealth, honor, and fruitfulness follow the fear the Lord - Proverbs 8:17-19
  • The fruits of humility and a proper hatred of pride and evil from this fear - Proverbs 8:13

How blessed is the man who fears the LORD - Psalms 112:1-2

Prayerfully ask God to help us develop a strong fear of the Lord

Training them to fear the Lord sets them up to live with incredible wisdom and success:

  • He is omniscient and always watching them - Proverbs 15:3
  • They will reap what they sow - Galatians 6:7
  • He will judge them one day - Romans 14:12
  • He is a great rewarder of those who diligently seek Him and obey Him - Hebrews 11:6


Train Them to Honor Authority (part I)

 Honor is attractive

  • It doesn’t demand respect; it quickly earns it.
  • Fear grounds us.
  • Honor inspires us.

The whole concept of authority comes from God.

Earthly authority is His design and tool for creating order and for keeping us accountable and responsible, for honoring good and for punishing evil - Romans 13:1-4

Authorities on earth help keep us mindful of His superior, eternal authority

God can turn the heart of anyone in a leadership position in any direction - Proverbs 21:1

We should be like Jesus and submit to our imperfect, human authorities knowing that God uses them to carry out His purposes - John 19:11

The only time we should not submit to them is when they are asking us to disobey God and sin - Acts 5:29

Notice that Scripture does not tell us to obey them only if we agree with their judgment - Hebrews 13:17-18

When dishonoring authority, you are not rebelling against an individual but against God Himself.

Handling and responding to authority is serious business.



Train Them to Honor Authority (part I)

 Honor is attractive

  • It doesn’t demand respect; it quickly earns it.
  • Fear grounds us.
  • Honor inspires us.

The whole concept of authority comes from God.

Earthly authority is His design and tool for creating order and for keeping us accountable and responsible, for honoring good and for punishing evil - Romans 13:1-4

Authorities on earth help keep us mindful of His superior, eternal authority

God can turn the heart of anyone in a leadership position in any direction - Proverbs 21:1

We should be like Jesus and submit to our imperfect, human authorities knowing that God uses them to carry out His purposes - John 19:11

The only time we should not submit to them is when they are asking us to disobey God and sin - Acts 5:29

Notice that Scripture does not tell us to obey them only if we agree with their judgment - Hebrews 13:17-18

When dishonoring authority, you are not rebelling against an individual but against God Himself.

Handling and responding to authority is serious business.



Disciplining Your Children (part I)

A major part of your role as a father is to disciple your kids

Discipling your kids requires discipline on our part

Discipline doesn’t feel good, nor should it - Hebrews 12:11

Discipline should be more on the father’s shoulders than the mother’s because of who we represent.

Loving discipline prepares our kids to respect and obey their heavenly Father

We had earthly fathers to discipline us, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good - Hebrews 12:9-10

It is the father’s job is to take the long view, not the short one.

Withheld discipline may seem momentarily pleasant to the child and the parent but it takes no skill or courage to be a passive father

Not disciplining guarantees that uncorrected sin will follow his child into adulthood and follow his family into the coming generations

Its momentary discomfort - knowing that sin will harm a child in far worse ways than even the painful discipline of a loving father.

He who loves him disciplines him promptly - Proverbs 13:24

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6

IT is a lie from the Enemy to believe that rebelling against and dishonoring authority brings more freedom and peace

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4

 

 



Disciplining Your Children (part I)

A major part of your role as a father is to disciple your kids

Discipling your kids requires discipline on our part

Discipline doesn’t feel good, nor should it - Hebrews 12:11

Discipline should be more on the father’s shoulders than the mother’s because of who we represent.

Loving discipline prepares our kids to respect and obey their heavenly Father

We had earthly fathers to discipline us, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good - Hebrews 12:9-10

It is the father’s job is to take the long view, not the short one.

Withheld discipline may seem momentarily pleasant to the child and the parent but it takes no skill or courage to be a passive father

Not disciplining guarantees that uncorrected sin will follow his child into adulthood and follow his family into the coming generations

Its momentary discomfort - knowing that sin will harm a child in far worse ways than even the painful discipline of a loving father.

He who loves him disciplines him promptly - Proverbs 13:24

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6

IT is a lie from the Enemy to believe that rebelling against and dishonoring authority brings more freedom and peace

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4

 

 



Disciplining Your Children (part I)

A major part of your role as a father is to disciple your kids

Discipling your kids requires discipline on our part

Discipline doesn’t feel good, nor should it - Hebrews 12:11

Discipline should be more on the father’s shoulders than the mother’s because of who we represent.

Loving discipline prepares our kids to respect and obey their heavenly Father

We had earthly fathers to discipline us, for they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good - Hebrews 12:9-10

It is the father’s job is to take the long view, not the short one.

Withheld discipline may seem momentarily pleasant to the child and the parent but it takes no skill or courage to be a passive father

Not disciplining guarantees that uncorrected sin will follow his child into adulthood and follow his family into the coming generations

Its momentary discomfort - knowing that sin will harm a child in far worse ways than even the painful discipline of a loving father.

He who loves him disciplines him promptly - Proverbs 13:24

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it - Proverbs 22:6

IT is a lie from the Enemy to believe that rebelling against and dishonoring authority brings more freedom and peace

Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4

 

 



Walking with God

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

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

He pleased God because Enoch walked with him daily:

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

 



Access

Only Moses is allowed to come near to the Lord - Exodus 24:2

At one time, only a few select people had direct access to God

Moses was the servant God had choosen to lead his people out of Egyptian captivity

Only Moses was permitted to:

  1. Hear God's voice
  2. Talk to God directly
  3. Plead with God on the people's behalf
  4. Receive God's commandments
  5. Obtain God's direction

In granting Moses such close access to him, God gave him a great responsibility and a great privilege

Today the Bible promises with our faith in Jesus, we can boldly come to the throne of our gracious God - Hebrews 4:16



Life of Separation

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daugther and instead to share the oppression of God's people - Hebrews 11:24-25

He left his life of ease under Pharaoh and indentified himself with the suffering of his own people

Mose was born to a poor Hebrew mother, but he was raised in a world of privilege

He left Pharaoh's family and inheritance for being a descendant of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob

When you identify yourself with Christ you leave your old ways and thinking.



Life of Separation

Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daugther and instead to share the oppression of God's people - Hebrews 11:24-25

He left his life of ease under Pharaoh and indentified himself with the suffering of his own people

Mose was born to a poor Hebrew mother, but he was raised in a world of privilege

He left Pharaoh's family and inheritance for being a descendant of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob

When you identify yourself with Christ you leave your old ways and thinking.



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



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