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Text: 2 Timothy 4:16-17; variousTheme: In order to grow (or be built up) in our relationship with Jesus. We are going to need to know how to hear from God as we dive into His Word. This week, we'll show you how.Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 4:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49424186
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Various Theme: This week we will talk about how it is important for us to spend every day in God's word so that we can live out the life that he has called us to. Key Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/events/49217197
Join Stasi and Karen Christakis on today's podcast for an inspiring conversation on the beauty and the power of the Bible. A deep lover of scripture, Karen shares how she doesn't just read it; she lets it “read her.” Through her years of digging into His Word, God has used it to enlighten her to both Jesus' heart and her own. Studying the Bible has been a doorway to growth, stretching, healing, experiencing God's goodness, and deepening her love of our King. The Word of God is alive and active, and we are all invited to drink regularly from this Deep Well. Listen in and be encouraged to dive in yourself!…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Matthew 7:24 (NIV) — Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. James 1:23–24 (NIV) — Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.Genesis 19 — Story of Lot and his daughters1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV) — Love is patient, love is kind. …Genesis 4:6–7 (NIV) — Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”Genesis 21 (NIV) — Story of Hagar in the desert2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.Genesis 18 (here, 18:22–26) (NIV) — The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord. Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare[c] the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”…..OTHER RESOURCES:Daily Audio Bible: https://dailyaudiobible.com/Daily Audio Bible App: https://dailyaudiobible.com/home/app/John Mark Comer (Podcast Teachings): Can We Trust the Bible?https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SM2q2Ijfes8ifaYIZp7p4…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon Music & Audible
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 1:15-23 Series: Text Messages Title: Revelation Date: 8.14.22 Location: Perris Valley Church 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, Ephesians 1:15-16 (NLT) Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, 16 I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, Romans 1:8 (NLT) Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. Point number 1 in your notes: When a church is dedicated to Jesus, other people know about it. Ephesians 1:17 (NLT) asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Colossians 1:9 (NASB) For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Point number 2 in your notes: Revelation is the activity of God, not the ability of man. 1 Corinthians 14:6 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. Revelation 1:1 (NASB) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John, Galatians 1:12 (NASB) For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT) “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Point number 3 in your notes: Something that has been enlightened, was formally darker than it is now. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Romans 8:24-25 (NIV) For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 1 John 3:2 (NASB) Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. Ephesians 1:19-22 (NLT) I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. 22 God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:23 (NLT) And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. Point number 4 in your notes: It is the parts of the body that are to complete the desires of the head. 2 Timothy 4:3 (NIV) For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Sermon Notes Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:3 NIV "By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Genesis 1:1 NIV "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." "According to the Scriptures, creation is a gift from a loving Creator God. From the bodies we inhabit, the air we breathe, the sun we bask in, the food we eat, the flowers we pick, the water we drink, the ground we walk upon, and the pets we love, to the pleasures we enjoy and destinations we visit on vacation, life is filled with good gifts for us to steward and enjoy." – Doctrine, Mark Driscoll and Gary Breshears First: The Bible is true in every way. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Both the Old and New Testaments are the inspired truth, infallible and authoritative Word of God sufficient for our knowledge of salvation and living. All our beliefs come from the Bible, which reveals God’s truth to us as His love letter to man. Second: Christianity and Science are not in conflict. Third: There is a critically important conflict between Christianity and scientific naturalism. Fourth: The Bible was not written with the intention of being a modern scientific textbook. Fifth: A person’s view of when God created is not the test for Salvation. "The creation week was a time of unique supernatural activity, and we can’t expect to understand everything about it. In fact, we can’t expect to understand most of it!" - Jake Hebert, Ph.D., Seeing Distant Light in a Young Universe Websites to find more information: www.icr.org www.answersingenesis.org Creation Testifies to God’s Character and Expectations: Romans 1:18-20 NIV "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Jesus Fully Reveals the Creator: Colossians 1:15-20 NIV "The Son (Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." One Day All of Creation Will Bow in Reverence and Sing in Worship to Our Creator! Revelation 5:12-14 NIV "In a loud voice, they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped."
Series: True[ish] Title: Where does truth come from? Date: 7.3.22 Location: Perris Valley Church Transformational Point: To find the truthful source of truth in our lives. John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. What you believe determines how you behave. John 14:6 (NLT) Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 18:37 (NIV) “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Jesus says, “I am the Truth.” John 10:25-27 (NIV) 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We accept living in lies when we settle for True[ish]. John 8:38 (NIV) I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.” John 8:39-42 (NIV) “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham's children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. You always have access to the Truth. Are you going to listen? 1 John 5:20 (NIV) We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. John 8:31-32 (NIV) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
To us, this is what matters most: JESUS Jesus is the Son of God and the redemption of mankind. He is the image and proof of God's love. His example is the foundation of our faith and the guide to our lives, our ministry, and all we do. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,” -Colossians 1:15 NLT “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” -Hebrews 1:3 NIV THE BIBLE We believe the Bible is inspired by God. It contains His will for our lives, His promises to us, and His plans and paths for us. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” -Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” -2 Timothy 3:16 NLT CHURCH The Church is the movement of God, working to bring people to Jesus, make disciples, and be His hands and feet. It's not something we do, it's who we are. For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" -1 Corinthians 3:9, 16 NIV BAPTISM Baptism is an expression of faith to symbolize, celebrate, and acknowledge the inward change that God has made - bringing the dead in us to life. "As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, 'Look! There's some water! Why can't I be baptized?' He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him." -Acts 8:36, 38 NLT SALVATION God's forgiveness and grace are gifts given to every single person. They are not based on our works, but on Jesus' work on the cross. “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” -2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit is our counselor and our helper. We can be close to God through the Holy Spirit. God wants to do life with us. God's Spirit changes our lives and the power of God's Spirit works through our lives. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -John 14:26-27 NIV “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power.” -1 Corinthians 4:2 GENEROSITY We don't have to be generous, we GET to be generous. Jesus gave us His all; therefore, we WANT to give Him our all. We trust Him with what He has entrusted to us and we invest in what we believe in. "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.' And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” -2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” -Matthew 6:21 NIV
Break it down, and present it in bite-size pieces until they get it for themselves 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness Rom 12:3-8 NIV For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. (4) For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, (5) so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (6) We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (7) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (8) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Positives: -Make it simple, Keep it simple -Make it accessible and achievable to all. (anyone can have this. Anyone can do this). -Not religious, or trying to build the ‘wow' factor of the teacher. -Reproduce it. “The proof is in the pudding”. -Loves to find a way of taking complex truths and making them simple. Take complex truth, work it, see it, dream it, squeeze it, and let one simple drop of easily receivable truth drop out the bottom. Take it and then serve it hot with an illustration! eg. Jesus with parables. Trinity: St Patrick of Ireland and the 3 leaf clover, Today : H2O (water) in 3 forms etc. -sees in stories, analogies, rhythms and seasons of learning. -No 'secret teaching'. Give it all. Lay it all out for anyone. Needs attention: -Don't blame the people when they don't ‘get it'. Own this problem myself, and help solve it. ( -patience - see where people are getting stuck and don't get annoyed. Instead, find the ‘knowledge gap' and fill it. OT example: Moses - 10 commandments- Proverbs 1:1 TPT Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life, written as proverbs by Israel's King Solomon, David's son. -Proverbs contains thirty-one chapters, each comprised of twenty to thirty-five wise sayings that are each two poetic lines long = > at least 600 teachings in one small book Proverbs 9:9 TPT Teach a wise man what is right and he'll grow even wiser. Instruct the lovers of God and they'll learn even more. NT example: -Jesus- Matthew 7:28-29 NIV When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (29) because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 18:1-5 NIV At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (2) He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. (3) And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (4) Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 22:35-40 NIV One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: (36) “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (37) Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (38) This is the first and greatest commandment. (39) And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' (40) All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” NT example: -Paul- 1.Love Romans 13:9 NIV The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed Support this podcast
Last week, we looked at the first mark of an effective church, the church at Antioch, which is individual and corporate prayer. Today, I invite you to wrestle with the second mark of an effective church, which is discipleship. Every church, no matter what its size, is equipped by God for His work. So, when we all are lovingly obedient , the church will be an effective church for the glory of God. This doesn't happen over night. It happens through a God ordained process called discipleship!In todays church in our country, there are too many professing believers who start out well, but don't finish well. the drop out rate is astounding. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of effective discipleship within churches.Dr. Luke gives us great insights into this issue in these few verses.God equips a local church with prophets and teachersListed are BarnabasSimeon called NigerLucius of CyreneManaenSaulThe role of a prophetCall people back to God in repentance and faithTell people about their sin and sin's consequencesAnnounce God's holiness and man's sinfulnessThe role of a teacherTeach the ScripturesInterpret the Scriptures rightlyTeach theologyTeach how to apply the Scriptures to our livesHelp disciples grow in maturity from the inside outHelp them identify their spiritual giftsHelp them recognize God's calling on their livesHelp them learn spiritual disciplinesStudying the Word of God2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.All Scripture is God breathedUseful e.g. profitable for teachingRebukingCorrectingTraining in righteousnessServant of God will me thoroughly equipped for every good work.WorshipPrayerFastingHearing the voice of the Holy SpiritBeing obedient to the Word and the SpiritEvery Christ follower is called to be a discipleLook at Elijah and ElishaJesus and the ApostlesBarnabas and PaulPaul and TimothyWhat about us?If I were to ask you to do a self evaluation or a report card on your self, how would you grade yourself on your progress as a disciple?It is never too late to get started.What practical things can you start doing, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to invest in the process of discipleship?
SUNDAY JUNE 30 - FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - MORAL BEHAVIOR 1 - MORALITY & ETHICS - What is morality? DEFINITION Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. TWO CATEGORIC VIEWS OF MORALITY 1. MORAL RELATIVISM 2. MORAL ABSOLUTISM MORAL RELATIVISM: The view that moral standards and judgments are only relative to the subject opinion of the individual and that no standpoint is privileged over all others. MORAL ABSOLUTISM: The view that there are absolute standards and judgments that universally apply to all people and cultures. BOOK – CHRISTIAN ETHICS – NORMAN GEISLER _______________ 2 - MORALITY & ETHICS - Can I participate in things that AREN’T EXPLICITLY “CHRISTIAN?” JAMES 4:4 NLT … Don't you realize that FRIENDSHIP with the WORLD makes you an enemy of God? JAMES 4:17 ESV So whoever KNOWS THE RIGHT THING to do and FAILS TO DO IT, for him it is SIN. 8 FILTER QUESTIONS Does God clearly say you should or should not participate? Is it congruent with your values and life vision? Does it emotionally dysregulate you or diminish your love for Jesus? Does it infringe upon your conscience? Does it diminish your own story in Jesus? Does it compel “secrets” with those you trust? Does it open you to moral vulnerabilities? Would you like to see your Pastor/Pastor’s wife doing it? _______________ 3 - SANTA CLAUS – What should I tell my kids about Santa? _______________ 4 - CURSING – What determines whether something is a curse word, since nowhere in the bible is there a list found of inappropriate words? MATTHEW 15:18-20 NKJV [Jesus said] But those things which proceed out of the MOUTH COME FROM the HEART, and they DEFILE a man. 19 For OUT OF THE HEART proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. EPHESIANS 5:4 NIV [Paul said] Nor should there be OBSCENITY, FOOLISH TALK or COARSE JOKING, which are out of place, BUT RATHER THANKSGIVING. EPHESIANS 4:29 NKJV [Paul said] Let NO CORRUPT WORD proceed out of your mouth, but what is GOOD for necessary EDIFICATION, that it may impart GRACE TO THE HEARERS. _______________ 5 - DEMON MOVIES - Is watching a show or movie with demons in it a sin. PROVERBS 4:23 NIV Above all else, GUARD your HEART, for everything you do flows from it. 2 PETER 2:7-8 NKJV [God] delivered righteous Lot, [who was] oppressed [VEXED] BY THE FILTHY CONDUCT of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, TORMENTED [HIS] RIGHTEOUS SOUL from day to day by seeing and hearing [their] lawless deeds)-- EPHESIANS 5:8-12 NIV For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have NOTHING TO DO with the fruitless deeds of DARKNESS, but rather expose them. 12 It is SHAMEFUL EVEN TO MENTION what the DISOBEDIENT DO IN SECRET. _______________ 6 - NATIONAL LAWS - Is it a sin to break NATIONAL LAWS LIKE SPEEDING? ROMANS 13:1-5 NKJV Let every soul be subject to the GOVERNING AUTHORITIES. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever RESISTS THE AUTHORITY resists the ORDINANCE OF GOD, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be UNAFRAID OF THE AUTHORITY? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to [execute] wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore [you] must be subject, not only because of wrath but also FOR CONSCIENCE' SAKE. QUESTIONS Does God care if I drive 56 MPH in a 55 SPEED ZONE? Does God care if I park for 1 MINUTE over my paid PARKING METER TIME? Does God care if eat 3 SAMPLE GRAPES at the grocery store, or are the 2 EXTRA “THEFT”? FILTER QUESTIONS Is my heart in an ATTITUDE OF SUBMISSION? Am I predisposed to PAY THE PENALTY? Does it violate OTHER PEOPLE’S RIGHTS? Does it put OTHER PEOPLE IN DANGER? Does it VIOLATE “LOVE” with anyone, including police officers? _______________ 7 - DEPRESSION & MEDICATION - Is it wrong to take medication for depression/anxiety as a Christian? PROVERBS 17:22 NKJV A merry heart does good, [like] medicine… Science of Freedom Workshop _______________ 8 – YOGA & KARATE - Is it wrong to for a Christian to participate in yoga or martial arts? ROMANS 14:14 NIV As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that NO FOOD is UNCLEAN IN ITSELF. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then FOR HIM it is UNCLEAN. _______________ 9 - HOROSCOPES – Is it wrong for a Christian to read their HOROSCOPES or to go to PSYCHICS? ISAIAH 47:13-15 NIV…Let your ASTROLOGERS come forward, those STARGAZERS who make predictions MONTH BY MONTH…Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up…Each of them goes on in his ERROR… DEUTERONOMY 18:10-12 NIV Let no one be found among who… who practices DIVINATION or SORCERY, interprets OMENS, engages in WITCHCRAFT, or CASTS SPELLS, or who is a MEDIUM or SPIRITIST or who CONSULTS THE DEAD. Anyone who does these things is DETESTABLE TO THE LORD… ISAIAH 8:19 NIV When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists…SHOULD NOT A PEOPLE INQUIRE OF THEIR GOD?
SUNDAY JUNE 23 - FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, CHURCH COMMUNITY & RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS QUESTIONS ABOUT WOMEN & LEADERSHIP Can WOMEN LEAD in church (over men)? Can WOMEN TEACH in church (to men)? Can WOMEN be PASTORS? 1 CORINTHIANS 14:34-35 NKJV Let your WOMEN keep SILENT in the churches, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK; but [they are] to be SUBMISSIVE, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK in church. 1 TIMOTHY 2:11 NKJV Let a WOMAN LEARN IN SILENCE with all SUBMISSION. 12 And I DO NOT PERMIT a WOMAN to TEACH or to HAVE AUTHORITY OVER a man, but to BE IN SILENCE. RELIGIOUS ASSUMPTIONS WOMEN must SUBMIT to ALL men! WOMEN can’t LEAD in CHURCH over men! WOMEN can’t TEACH in CHURCH to men! WOMEN must keep SILENT in the CHURCH! WOMEN must SUBMIT to ALL men! Only CHRISTIAN men? What if the man VIOLATES BOUNDARIES? What if TWO men want CONFLICTING THINGS? WOMEN can’t LEAD in CHURCH over men! Can they INFLUENCE? Can they LEAD SONS at HOME or even CHURCH? Is sharing CREATIVITY or ADMINISTRATION LEADING? WOMEN can’t TEACH in CHURCH to men! Can they TEACH NON-RELIGIOUS things? Can they outside the CHURCH PROPERTY LINES? Can they teach KIDS CHURCH… to BOYS… and what if MEN are serving on the KIDS TEAM too? Can they be MISSIONARIES? WOMEN must keep SILENT in the CHURCH! Can they GREET, PARK CARS, or KIDS CHURCH? Can they say “HI” to friends… even in the LOBBY? Can they SING during WORSHIP, or on STAGE, or PRAY? Can they LAUGH at the PASTOR’S JOKES? __________ VIOLATED THE PRINCIPLE - WHAT ABOUT…. DEBORAH (OT Prophet, Judge & Military Leader) MIRIAM (OT Prophet to lead Israel out of Egypt) HULDAH (OT Prophet & authorized Scripture) PHEOBE (NT Deacon) PRISCILLA (NT Teacher) JUNIA (NT Apostle) JEZEBEL (NT called herself a “Prophet” to seduce…) NOADIAH, ANNA, RUTH, ESHTER, RIZPAH, FOUR DAUGHTERS OF PHILIP, RACHEL, HANNAH, ABIGAIL, ELISABETH, and MARY __________ THE MAKING OF MISOGYNY INTERNATIONAL HISTORY OF OPPRESSION DIFFICULT SCRIPTURE TEXTS (PATRIARCHAL) JEWISH TALMUD – BABYLON CAPTIVITY JEWISH RABBINIC CULTURE (QUOTES) CHURCH LEADER & JUDIAZER CULTURE (QUOTES) __________ JESUS LEADS THE CHANGE MARY & MARTHA “BLESSED RATHER ARE THEY THAT HEAR THE WORD” WOMAN AT THE WELL WOMEN SUPPORTERS OF JESUS JESUS REVEALED HIMSELF TO WOMEN FIRST (REZ) NEW COVENANT EQUALITY BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH AGE LAUNCH OF WOMEN LEADERS & TEACHERS __________ UNRAVELING THE DIFFICULT TEXTS 1 CORINTHIANS 14:34-35 NKJV Let your WOMEN keep SILENT in the churches, for they are NOT PERMITTED TO SPEAK; but [they are] to be SUBMISSIVE, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is SHAMEFUL FOR WOMEN TO SPEAK in church. “NOW CONCERNING…” 1 CORINTHIANS 7:1 NKJV NOW CONCERNING THE THINGS OF WHICH YOU WROTE TO ME: [It is] good for a man not to touch a woman. 7:25 NKJV NOW CONCERNING virgins… 8:1 NKJV NOW CONCERNING things offered to idols… 12:1 NKJV NOW CONCERNING spiritual [gifts]… 16:1 NKJV NOW CONCERNING the collection for the saints… __________ 1 TIMOTHY 2:9-12 NKJV I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the WOMEN adorn themselves in MODEST APPAREL, with PROPRIETY and MODERATION, not with BRAIDED HAIR or GOLD or PEARLS or COSTLY CLOTHING, 10 but, which is proper for WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS, with GOOD WORKS. 11 Let a WOMAN LEARN IN SILENCE with all SUBMISSION. 12 And I DO NOT PERMIT a WOMAN to TEACH or to HAVE AUTHORITY OVER a man, but to BE IN SILENCE. 1 TIMOTHY INTERPRETATION JUDIAZERS (Law and Jewish tradition first) GNOSTICS (Claimed secret knowledge) APHRODITE (CORINTH) & DIANA (EPHESUS) UNLEARNED & UNSKILLED IN THE WORD (1:1 & 2:11) SOME WERE NOT BELIEVERS (2:15 & 6:21) __________ WOMEN PASTORS??? 1 TIMOTHY 3:2 NKJV A bishop then must be blameless, the HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; TITUS 1:5-7 NKJV …you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city … THE HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE… __________ BOOK RECOMMENDATION WHO SAID WOMEN CAN’T TEACH – CHARLES TROMBLEY
FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, CHURCH COMMUNITY & RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNBELIEVERS 1. HEARING FROM GOD How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS? FLUX CAPACITER FOR GUIDANCE Scriptural Authority “Seeking” Attitude Shepherd’s Counsel Stages: Ways, Paths & Steps Screen Promptings CHECK IT OUT! mylifepointe.com/LISTEN 2. PENTECOSTAL LifePointe says it's a "non-denominational Christian Church," and yet it is PENTECOSTAL. What does this mean, and why does it play an important role at our church? ACTS 2:1-4 KJV And when the DAY OF PENTECOST was fully come… 4 And they were all FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and began to SPEAK WITH OTHER TONGUES, as the SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE. 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1, 31 NKJV Now concerning SPIRITUAL [gifts] (things pertaining to and of the Holy Spirit), brethren, I do not want you to be IGNORANT: ... 31 But EARNESTLY DESIRE the best gifts… 1 CORINTHIANS 14:39-40 NKJV Therefore, brethren, DESIRE EARNESTLY to PROPHESY, and DO NOT FORBID to SPEAK WITH TONGUES. 40 Let all things be done DECENTLY and in ORDER. CONSIDERATIONS We are commanded to DESIRE HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS Not one SCRIPTURE implies ANY MIRACLE GIFTS passed away, including DEVOTIONAL “TONGUES” Church history is FILLED with the CONTINUATION of “TONGUES” The HOLY SPIRIT and HIS GIFTS have radically impacted my EXPERIENCE with Christ CHECK IT OUT pointe.info/TONGUES HOLY SPIRIT WORKSHOP - pointe.info/WORKSHOPS mylifepointe.com/REPRESSED 3. MIRACLES Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today? JOHN 14:12 NKJV [Jesus said] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who BELIEVES in Me, the WORKS THAT I DO HE WILL DO ALSO; and GREATER [WORKS] than these he will do, because I go to My Father. MARK 16:17-18, 20 NKJV [Jesus said] And these SIGNS will follow those who believe: IN MY NAME they will CAST OUT DEMONS; they will speak with NEW TONGUES; 18 they will TAKE UP SERPENTS; and if they DRINK ANYTHING DEADLY, it will by no means hurt them; they will LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, and they will recover. ... 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the LORD WORKING WITH [THEM] and CONFIRMING THE WORD through the accompanying SIGNS. Amen. CONSIDERATIONS UNBELIEF (Ignorance & Rebellious Attitudes) This generation is LESS INTENTIONAL We are MEDICINE DEPENDENT There is great CHRISTIAN SKEPTICISM/OPPOSITION EMOTIONAL DYSFUNCTION/STRESS = 90% of disease 4. HEALING Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING? CONSIDERATIONS EVERY “HEALING” PROMISE in both the Old and New Testaments clearly refer to physical recovery JESUS performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING” APOSTLES performed and spoke of “HEALING” MIRACLES, yet NEVER is DEATH referred to as “HEALING” UPCOMING WEEKS IN FAQ JUNE 23 WOMEN PREACHERS AND FEMINISM PEOPLE LEAVING CHURCHES INTOLERANCE, YET EMBRACING A BELIEF SOUL TIES DATING AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS JUNE 30 / JULY 7 & 14 END TIMES CHRISTIAN / PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEMON MOVIES BREAKING CIVIL LAWS HOROSCOPES ALCOHOL DE-SENSITIZED BY CULTURE MARIJUANA & CBD DEPRESSION MEDICATION PREMARITAL SEX DIVORCE DEATH PENALTY ABORTION (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING) LGBTQ (WILL NOT BE LIVE-STREAMED OR RECORDED FOR PUBLIC VIEWING)
FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, FAITH AND SCIENCE 1. CREATION & EVOLUTION How OLD is the EARTH? How LONG were the 6 days of CREATION? Is there any validity to EVOLUTION? Where did DINOSAURS come from? 5 VIEWS OF CREATION Biblical-Poetic Symbolism Young-Earth Biblical Literalists Old-Earth Biblical Literalists Naturalistic & Mythological Old-Earth Gap Theorists GENESIS 1:1-2 NIV “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was (became) FORMLESS and EMPTY (Tohu), DARKNESS was over the surface of the deep…” ISAIAH 45:18 NIV “…God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He…created it NOT IN VAIN (Tohu)…” ISAIAH 14:12-16 KJV How art thou FALLEN FROM HEAVEN, O Lucifer, … which didst weaken the NATIONS! EZEKIEL 28:11-19 KJV Thou [art] the ANOINTED CHERUB that COVERETH; … 16 By the multitude of thy MERCHANDISE they have filled the midst of thee with violence, …therefore I will CAST THEE AS PROFANE OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD: GENESIS 1:28 KJV And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and REPLENISH the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. MICRO VERSUS MACRO MICRO – Variations WITHIN the Biblical KIND MACRO – Changing FROM one KIND to ANOTHER (All organisms descend from common ancestral form) 2. ALIENS - Are ALIENS real? UFO POLLS 50% of all adult Americans believe 6-12% claim to have seen one 90-95% are natural phenomena, hoaxes or man-made crafts 5-10% defy such explanations RESPONSE IRRELEVANT to Christian truth IMPROBABLE for unqualified intelligent life to exist THEY ARE PROBABLY angels and demons 3. TITHING – Are we supposed to TITHE (10% Giving) from our GROSS income or our NET income? 4. MORE MIRACLES – Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today? CONSIDERATIONS UNBELIEF (Ignorance & Rebellious Attitudes) This generation is LESS INTENTIONAL We are MEDICINE DEPENDENT There is great CHRISTIAN SKEPTICISM/OPPOSITION EMOTIONAL DYSFUNCTION/STRESS = 90% of disease 5. HEALING – Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING? 6. HEARING GOD’S VOICE – How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS? SCRIPTURES (Authority, Revelation, Faith) Is my heart calibrated to Scripture? SEEKING (Attitudes to Kingdom, Church, Caring about what God Cares About) How will my decision impact my Church? SHEPHERDS (Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Etc) What would my Pastor say about this? (the aggregate voice) STAGES (Ways, Paths, Steps / Seasons, Streets and Steps) Am I deciding things incongruent with my stage: season, street or step? SCREENINGS (Gauges and Metrics to Follow) Are my “knowings” becoming galvanized? 7. BLESS YOU – Is it okay to say, “BLESS YOU” when someone SNEEZES? LUKE 6:28 NKJV [Jesus said] BLESS those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 8. WHAT IS SUCCESS – What does SUCCESS look like for a CHRISTIAN versus the SECULAR definition? MATTHEW 25:21 NKJV [Jesus said] "His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and FAITHFUL servant; you were FAITHFUL over a few things, I will make you RULER over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' FAITHFUL isn’t PERFORMANCE; it is PARTNERSHIP-DEPENDENCE to do everything in life with God.
FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - BIBLE INTERPRETATION, FAITH AND SCIENCE 1. BIBLE – Why do Christians believe the BIBLE is INSPIRED, INERRANT or INFALLIBLE? Should the BIBLE be taken LITERALLY? DEFINITIONS INSPIRED – “God divinely influenced writers” INERRANT – “Without error” INFALLIBLE – “Incapable of teaching any error” WHAT INERRANCY DOESN’T MEAN Everything in the Bible is TRUE There are no PERCEIVED contradictions That all extra copies and all translations ARE 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 NKJV All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness… REASONS I BELIEVE JESUS believed the Bible as authoritative PROPHESIES of OT & NT Fulfillment Jesus DISCIPLES treated Bible as authoritative It has CHANGED MY LIFE 2. BIBLE INTERPRETATION – Is there a good system to INTERPRET the BIBLE? While the BIBLE is inspired and authoritative, a person’s INTERPRETATION is NOT! METHODS OF GOOD INTERPRETATION Jesus & Redemption is our greatest revelation of God History (culture & background) Grammar (nuances of Hebrew & Greek) Context (person speaking, speaking to, before & after) Scripture to Interpret Scripture 3. JOB – Does God still TEST OUR FAITH as He did JOB, where He STEPS BACK and ALLOWS THE ENEMY a free hand to TORMENT us? JOB 1:8-12 NKJV Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that [there is] none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 "But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has [is] in your power; only do not lay a hand on his [person]." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. 4. CREATION & EVOLUTION How OLD is the EARTH? How LONG were the 6 days of CREATION? Is there any validity to EVOLUTION? Where did DINOSAURS come from? GENESIS 1:1-2 NIV “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was (became) FORMLESS and EMPTY (Tohu), DARKNESS was over the surface of the deep…” ISAIAH 45:18 NIV “…God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He…created it NOT IN VAIN (Tohu)…” 5. END TIMES – What are the END TIMES EVENTS and TIMELINES? 6. ALIENS - Are ALIENS real? 7. TITHING – Are we supposed to TITHE (10% Giving) from our GROSS income or our NET income? 8. MORE MIRACLES – Why don’t we see more Bible-type spectacular MIRACLES today? 9. HEALING – Is it appropriate to refer to a person’s DEATH as their ULTIMATE HEALING? 10. HEARING GOD’S VOICE – How do you know if something is really GOD’S LEADING or just YOUR OWN THOUGHTS? SCRIPTURES (Authority, Revelation, Faith) Is my heart calibrated to Scripture? SEEKING (Attitudes to Kingdom, Church, Caring about what God Cares About) How will my decision impact my Church? SHEPHERDS (Pastors, Spiritual Leaders, Etc) What would my Pastor say about this? (the aggregate voice) STAGES (Ways, Paths, Steps / Seasons, Streets and Steps) Am I deciding things incongruent with my stage: season, street or step? SCREENINGS (Gauges and Metrics to Follow) Are my “knowings” becoming galvanized? 11. BLESS YOU – Is it okay to say, “BLESS YOU” when someone SNEEZES? 12. WHAT IS SUCCESS – What does SUCCESS look like for a CHRISTIAN versus the SECULAR definition? MATTHEW 25:21 NKJV [Jesus said] "His lord said to him, 'Well [done], good and FAITHFUL servant; you were FAITHFUL over a few things, I will make you RULER over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' FAITHFUL isn’t PERFORMANCE; it is PARTNERSHIP-DEPENDENCE to do everything in life with God.
FAQ BIO Do you ever sit around wondering about certain spiritual questions like… “Is it wrong to go dancing?” “Should a Christian get a tattoo?” “Will we be married in heaven?” “Do people turn into angels in heaven?” “Is it wrong to trust in horoscopes?” “Is it OK to spank your kids?” “What’s up with the whole dinosaur stuff?” “Is there ‘for real’ an unforgiveable sin?” You’ve got questions? The Bible has the answers. And where the text is unclear, we will give you our opinions and what has formed them. Some of life’s most fun, most interesting, most shocking, and most trivial questions will be discussed with real questions from real people. Q&A RULES: The Bible is the STANDARD OF TRUTH Wherever the BIBLE SPEAKS CLEARLY, I will stand with it and will not waiver a bit Where the BIBLE DOESN’T SPEAK DIRECTLY to an issue, I will look for PRINCIPLES TO APPLY If I CAN’T FIND PRINCIPLES that apply, I will give MY OPINION Let’s do it all with a SPIRIT OF GRACE, compassion, empathy and shared experiences. Nobody is a “STUPID IDIOT!” 1 PETER 3:15 NIV Always be PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with GENTLENESS and RESPECT. 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 NIV All SCRIPTURE is God-breathed and is useful for TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING and TRAINING in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. TOPICS IN FAQ SERIES - FOUR CATEGORIZED TOPICS God’s Love, Salvation & Eternity Bible Interpretation, Faith & Science Church Community & Relationships with Unbelievers Moral Behavior & Sexuality TODAYS MESSAGE - GOD’S LOVE, SALVATION & ETERNITY When a Christian COMMITS SUICIDE do they still go to heaven? ROMANS 5:1-2 NIV Therefore, since we have been JUSTIFIED THROUGH FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom WE HAVE GAINED ACCESS BY FAITH INTO THIS GRACE in which we now stand. Will our PETS be in HEAVEN with us? ISAIAH 11:6-8 NIV The WOLF will live with the LAMB, the LEOPARD will lie down with the GOAT, the CALF and the LION and the YEARLING together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The COW will feed with the BEAR, their young will lie down together, and the LION will eat straw like the OX. 8 The infant will play near the hole of the COBRA, and the young child put his hand into the VIPER'S nest. Do our Christian FAMILY MEMBERS who have PASSED WATCH what we are doing? HEBREWS 12:1 NIV Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great CLOUD OF WITNESSES, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Will we be able to RECOGNIZE PEOPLE, FRIENDS and FAMILY in heaven? LUKE 16:23 NIV In hades, where (the rich man) was in torment, he looked up and saw ABRAHAM far away, with LAZARUS by his side. What AGE will we be in HEAVEN? 1 JOHN 3:2 NIV Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that WHEN HE (JESUS) APPEARS, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see him as he is. Will we be MARRIED in HEAVEN? MATTHEW 22:30 NIV At the resurrection people will NEITHER MARRY NOR BE GIVEN IN MARRIAGE… Will we have “RELATIONS” in HEAVEN? Do we become ANGELS in heaven? HEBREWS 12:22-23 NIV But you have come to Mount Zion, to the HEAVENLY JERUSALEM, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of ANGELS in joyful assembly, 23 to the CHURCH of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to THE SPIRITS OF RIGHTEOUS MEN MADE PERFECT… Can we PRAY to our LOVED ONES who have ALREADY PASSED? LEVITICUS 20:6 NLT I will also turn against those who commit SPIRITUAL PROSTITUTION by putting their trust in MEDIUMS or in those who consult the SPIRITS OF THE DEAD. I will cut them off from the community. When do people become GHOSTS? Is it permitted to be CREMATED when we die? GENESIS 3:19 NIV …for dust you are and to DUST you will RETURN. Is belief in JESUS as SAVIOR the ONLY WAY to get to HEAVEN? JOHN 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, "I am THE WAY and THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. NO ONE comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” 1 JOHN 4:9 NLT God showed how much he loved us by sending HIS ONE AND ONLY SON into the world SO THAT WE MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE through HIM. 4 WAYS GOD COMMUNICATES Creation Conscience Holy Spirit Human Conversations
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:7-8 (NIV) Give it time Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV) Trust it Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed… 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) Let it do its job All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 (NIV) Speak it For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6:63 (NIV) Do it Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:22-27 (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
It Is Written - Take A Deep Breath 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, theopneustos theo - Theos = God pneustos - Pneuma = Breath 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV) All Scripture is God breathed. #1. The Breath Of God Brings Understanding Ezekiel 37:1-4 (NKJV) The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” Ezekiel 37:4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, Job 32:8 (NKJV) there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. #2 The Breath Of God Brings Order Ezekiel 37:4-7 “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’ 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Psalm 33:6 (NKJV) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. Genesis 1:2-3 (NKJV) The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. #3 The Breath Of God Brings Strength Ezekiel 37:8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. John 20:22 (NKJV) And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. #4 The Breath Of God Brings Life Ezekiel 37:9-10 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’ 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Job 33:4 (NKJV) The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV) My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. health - marpe = medicine. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
To teach you how to read and apply God's word to your life. To help you see your life from God's perspective. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Ephesians 1:1-23 (NIV) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Spiritual Blessings in Christ Thanksgiving and Prayer We are chosen by the Father. Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. We are Redeemed by the Son Ephesians 7-12 (NIV) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit Ephesians 13-14 (NIV) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. Never stop giving thanks Ask for the spirit of wisdom and revelation The eyes of your heart are enlightened That you would receive His power