Fellowshipmtz

Genesis 2:7-17 Adam is formed from dirt; at the same time, the LORD God uniquely makes him in His own image, breathing into his nostrils the "breath of life!"

Minor Prophet: Joel 1-2 Our own Dylan Ackley preaches on important themes from Joel chapters 1-2 -- focusing especially on the significance and importance of "the day of the LORD."

Matthew 27:45 - 28:9 Curt Fleck, the Executive Director of Civil Servant Ministry, preaches a "condensed" message from the regular Bible study series  (Matthew's gospel) he hosts with various State governmental officials in Springfield.

Genesis 2:5-17 In today's message we consider difference between vegetation created by God on Day 3 and the description in 2:5, "When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground". We also survey the larger context of verses 5-17 to glean what we can know about the LORD God.

Genesis 2:4 -  Genesis 1:1-2:3 narrates seven chronological days of creation (6 days of activity followed by an explicit day of cessation).  Then (apparently without adequate explanation) chapter 2:4ff recounts what appears to be creation with significantly different details.  Are the two "versions" of creation irreconcilable, or are they complimentary?

Resurrection Sunday! On this year's resurrection Sunday we take a closer look at Death, because it's only as we face the reality of death that we can (by the grace of God) celebrate Jesus's resurrection!

Genesis 1:26-31 NOTE: The First five minutes (or so) are missing from the recording.  What was emphasized at the beginning is that the word translated in verses 26-27, "man" is the Hebrew word transliterated, "Adam," and that word is used in these verses as a collective noun for BOTH the first man and the first woman.  Both male & female are created in God's image & likeness, emphasizing a perfect unity and harmony.  I prefer the New English Translating the word as "humankind."  Later in the Bible, "Adam" is used as the personal name for the first man.  Otherwise, the message helps in understanding what it means to be created in God's image.

Guest speaker Robert Chapman preaches a message from Esther chapter four.  The highlight of the dramatic narrative comes in verse 14 when Mordecai tells Esther, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish.  And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Genesis 1:20-27 / Days 5 & 6 Note: The first 7 minutes the microphone was cutting out a bit.  After that, I used a handheld with better results. The biggest part of the teaching (and discussion afterward) was on the significance of the designation "living creatures".  According to the narrative, fish, birds, animals, and man are ALL created "living creatures."  That designation is something that man has in common with other forms of life; it is not what separates him as unique.

Guest: Will Cooper Text: Mark 7:24-30 - The Great Banquet & a Persistent Faith

Genesis 1:6-13 On an earth "without form" (verse 2) finishes creating His intended "forms" or "structures"; after which, He begins to "fill" the empty forms.  Day three concludes (culminates!) with God calling forth vegetation on the earth.  Today's message pays particular attention on the meaning of God's created "expanse, firmament" and the significance of created vegetation "bearing fruit" or "yielding seed according to it's kind".

Galatians 3:7-14 Our guest, Brad Corfman preaches today's message.  Unfortunately, for unknown reasons, the recording did not turn out well.  Besides being recorded at a level lower than normal, there are a couple of minutes when the recorder lost its signal.  At about the 12 minutes mark I cut (removed) the two minutes; that explains a rather abrupt progression after several seconds of silence.

Genesis 1 - Days 1 & 4 God created "light" on Day 1; and then on Day 4 "made the two great lights" [the sun & the moon].  How to understand and/or harmonize these two activities has been fodder for a lot of (unnecessary, in my opinion) discussion.  The simplest explanation seems best.

Genesis 1:1-31 We begin by defining three key words in verse 1: "God," "created," and "heavens." Then, we consider the "big picture" of the six days of creation, and does "day" ever mean something other than a twenty-four day?

Genesis 1:1-3 Today's message explains the best reasons why some might advocate for what is commonly known as the "Gap Theory" -- a gap of unspecified duration between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2.  To be clear, I am NOT recommending the Gap Theory, but I do want to evaluate it fairly.  I personally am unconvinced by the popular arguments that dismiss it.  It seems to me a speculative possibility.

Genesis 1:1-3 For our purposes, within Biblical Christianity, there are three general approaches to understanding the first three verses of Genesis.  (I am NOT including less Biblical approaches that discount or disregard what the text says.)  The point here is to fairly recognize how otherwise good Christians may approach the text different from one's own tradition or persuasion.

Genesis! (Laying the foundation for how the book -- especially the Creation account -- will be approached)

Guest speaker, Jim Johnson, considers select Bible passages on the (inevitable) prospect of believers enduring hardship or affliction -- and how Scripture offers encouragement and guidance during those times.

Psalm 33! A terrific psalm for the first Sunday of a new year (a week late since the actual first Sunday was cancelled due to inclement weather).  Side note: The recording begins with applause, but that's not for me (the pastor) -- rather, it's from a congregational stereo song that just ended that ends with applause.  :-)

Psalm 148 A praise psalm if there ever was one!  "Praise" occurs 13x in the English Standard Version Bible; "all" occurs 9x.  What are you waiting for?

Psalm 112:6-10 Arthur E. Cundall,  Daily Devotional Bible Commentary, Psalms–Malachi, vol. 2, (1974), 98 In Psalm 112 the sentiments are, as might be expected, in the tradition of Proverbs, no mention being made of exceptions.  Note the link made by v. 3b between the two psalms; since man's righteousness is derived from God, the same affirmation can be made of man's and God's.  We should translate v. 4, 'To those who fear God he is like a light that shines in darkness; he is merciful, gracious and righteous' (Weiser); he shows the same type of attributes as does God.  The RSV emendation is unfortunate, for we are dealing with the righteous man, not with God's actions.  We must link v. 5 with v. 9 (cf. comments on Psa. 15:5).  The righteous is always prepared to lend, but when he meets the genuinely poor he gives.  This is what is meant by saying he 'conducts his affairs with justice' (5b) — his standard is not human law, but the moral demands of God.  

Psalm 112 (part 1) The last verse of Psalm 111 reads, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;  all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever!"  The first verse of Psalm 112 picks up where the last psalm left off: "Praise the LORD!   Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,  who greatly delights in His commandments!"

Psalm 111 This alphabetic acrostic psalm celebrates the LORD's works and His precepts (what we might recognize as His Word).  The psalm ends with the important precept: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.  His praise endures forever."

Psalm 92:6-15 In part 1 (the week before) we considered the first strophe (movement, stanza).  In this message we cover the remainder of the psalm, especially contrasting two kinds of "flourishing" -- one that ends in death and disappointment and one that bears eternal rewards.

Psalm 92  ( part 1 ) After some general observations we considered the psalm's first strophe (movement), verses 1-5.  The LORD's thoughts (and works) are a beautiful tapestry of His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Nehemiah 12:43 > The High Point of Reformation! Nehemiah 12:44-47 & 13:1-3 > Two Appendices Nehemiah 13:4-31 > Coda (Failure) Including two audio excerpts featuring Don Carson: "We earnestly seek reformation, but help us never to be so foolish as to imagine that by our reforms, by our organization, by our gifts, somehow we will bring in utopia.  For this, merciful God, we await in eager anticipation the return of your dear Son, and we cry, 'Have mercy upon us. Come, Lord Jesus, come.'  Amen." * D. A. Carson, “Nehemiah: The Triumph and Failure of Reformation — Part 5,” in D. A. Carson Sermon Library (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2016), Ne 11–13.

Nehemiah 12:1-43 Gregory Goswell (Academic Dean at Christ College in New Zealand) writes in A Study Commentary on Ezra-Nehemiah,  (EP, 2013), 380.  "There is little prospect of Nehemiah 11 becoming one of the Old Testament's most famous or best loved chapters.  The modern reader does not find long lists of difficult Hebrew names very interesting.  The chapter is not, however, without its value or purpose..  Coming as it does after chapters 8-10 that have described the reformation of the people and the revival of spiritual life among them, it makes the point that only now are the people in a fit state to inhabit the holy city [Jerusalem]."  In other words, the developing theme and theology contained in Ezra-Nehemiah is that in spite of all their recent hardships,  Israel are still the LORD's chosen people.  Further, the LORD's purposes of redemption, His rule and reign, are inseparably tied to Jerusalem ("the holy city") -- and these Israelites' actions believe that.

Nehemiah 11 So many genealogies!  So many names!  Why does it matter to God?| In Nehemiah, it is evident the people understand and support the larger mission to reestablish Jerusalem.  Similarly, the Church is tasked with a mission bigger than any of our own individual aspirations.  What is the mission?

Nehemiah 10:30-39 We draw our attention to understanding the significance of the three specific categories to which the Israelites pledge their obedience (and how those categories apply to the Christian Church).

Special message on the meaning and significance of Christian baptism.

Nehemiah 10:30-39 It is relatively *easy* to talk in general terms about making necessary changes, but now Israel gets down to some very specific, identifiable, measurable steps:  Intermarriages (family)  Sabbaths  Supporting Temple ministry

Nehemiah 9:38-10:29 Most Christian's view of Mosaic Law is entirely shaded by what the Apostle Paul teaches about the failure of the Law to justify the sinner.  No matter how hard s/he tries, it isn't good enough to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven.  So how are we to understand Israel's pledge in Nehemiah 9:38 and 10:29: "Because of all this we are making a binding agreement in writing on a sealed document … and we enter into a curse and  an oath to walk in God's Law that was given by Moses the servant  of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord and His rules and His statutes."

Nehemiah 9:26-37 Peter Adam writes in Reading the Bible Today Series (2014): "The big structure is that God had blessed [Israel] (vv 6-15), God had blessed them despite their rebellion (vv 16-25), and that they had rebelled despite God's blessing (vv 26-31)." 

Nehemiah 9:1-25 As the Israelites rehearse their history and understanding of what GOD has revealed, two truths stand out: 1) their pattern of sin is undeniable, persistent, and great, and, 2) GOD's past faithfulness and His promises are the basis of their hope in the moment.

Nehemiah 9 (part 1)

Nehemiah 8:13-18 From the Pulpit Commentary (1909): "The careful student of God's word is rewarded by important discoveries.  He will find truths, precepts, and promises which are new  to him, or come with all the freshness and force of a new revelation,  to correct his beliefs or his conduct, or to give him new comfort and joy.  The Bible is an inexhaustible mine of eternal treasures.  It will repay the constant study of a life."

Nehemiah 8 When the people hear the "Book of the Law of God" read and explained to them, they weep and mourn.  But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell them not to grieve "for the joy of the LORD is your strength".  This is such a powerful truth!

Nehemiah 7-8 (part 1) Soon after after the walls are finished "all the people" Gather together and ask Ezra to read "the Book of the Law of Moses" to them.  They don't want Ezra to wax eloquent with his own musings on life and faith and they aren't gathered to swap their own ideas about God, they want to know how GOD has revealed Himself!

(Back from our East coast vacation to visit family) Nehemiah 6 Nehemiah faces a persistent battery of temptations to stop him from his God-given effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 5 is a terrific example how Christians (individually) and the church (collectively) should respond to opposition and hardship.  Mistreatment & opposition from outsiders is to be expected (to some degree); but sometimes, the opposition originates from those expected to be allies!  What then?

Nehemiah 4 We begin by spending some time confirming the late juncture in which Nehemiah arrives -- by all accounts, in very close connection with Malachi.  Otherwise, in chapter 4, we see that as Nehemiah makes progress on the rebuilding effort, his opponents intensify their efforts to stop him!

Nehemiah 2-4 Nehemiah has only known life outside of Israel.  He is living a very comfortable, secure life serving the King of the Persian empire -- so WHY does he even care about what's happening in Jerusalem nearly 1000 miles away? 

Introduction to Nehemiah and chapter one Before starting a lengthier series from Genesis 1-11 (starting in September?), we are going to do a shortened study of Nehemiah.  We recently finished Ephesians by spending four weeks on the subject of prayer.  As it turns out, Nehemiah is a wonderful example of godly prayer, so why not now?

Psalm 123 -  Guest speaker, John Davis (Pastor Cliff's son) comes to us from Louisville, Kentucky to open God's Word from one of the  psalms of ascent!

Ephesians 6:19-24 - Finding himself "an ambassador in chains" Paul adds a personal prayer request before writing his final benediction.  A terrific quote from Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) concludes our study of the letter first delivered to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:18 -- A wide variety of persons are called upon to provide an understanding of what the Bible means when it calls upon Christians (the church!) to pray, "at ALL times with ALL prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with ALL perseverance and petition for ALL the saints,"  (Legacy Standard Bible)

Ephesians 6:18, "praying at all times in the Spirit" What does "at all times" look like ? What does "in the Spirit" mean?

Curt Fleck is the Executive Director of CIVIL SERVANT MINISTRY -- a ministry devoted to sharing the God's Word and the Gospel with those involved in politics in Springfield and Illinois.

John Burton (1803-1877) English children's hymnwriter, I OFTEN SAY MY PRAYERS 1 I often say my prayers; But do I ever pray? And do the wishes of my heart Go with the words I say? 2 I may as well kneel down, And worship gods of stone, As offer to the living God, A prayer of words alone. 3 For words without the heart, The Lord will never hear; Nor will He to those lips attend, Whose prayers are not sincere. 4 Lord, show me what I need, And teach me how to pray; Nor let me ask Thee for Thy grace, Not feeling what I say.

Ephesians 6:17b, Besides discovering how well the LEGACY STANDARD BIBLE translated the entire passage on the Church's armor, probably the most interesting discovery was the realization the Church/Christians are told to "receive," rather than "pick up" the "sword of the Spirit" !