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Even from childhood, Jesus was about his Father’s business (Luke 2:41-52). He always did the Father’s will (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:28-29; 14:31). Humility is the key to his faithfulness. The Christian life isn't about you. It's about God and the work God is doing. When we humbly join God in his work, we discover a life of adventure, just as the life of Christ was filled with great adventure. Faithfulness to God isn't easy. It requires sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. However, when we suffer for our faithfulness to God, there’s joy in the suffering, because we know it’s not in vain, and we have great hope for the future. God invites us to join him in his work because he loves us and wants a relationship with us. Will we be faithful to do the work God calls us to do? The choice is ours. “Faithful” is defined as “loyal and steadfast in allegiance”, “reliable”, “constant and unwavering.” The sun, moon, and stars always move as God ordained (Psalm 8:3-4; 19:1-2). Faithfulness to God produces peace, order, and harmony. Disobedience produces chaos, disorder, and strife. Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus was tempted as we are, yet he never sinned. Luke 2:41-52 – Even from childhood, Jesus was always about his Father's business. Jesus always did the Father's will, glorifying the Father, not himself (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:28-29; 14:31). Humility is the key to faithfulness. The Christian life isn't about you. It's about God and the work God is doing. God is at work in the world. He invites us to join him in his work. Luke 4:1-8 – Satan offered Jesus the kingdom without the cross, but Jesus remained faithful to God's plan. The life of Christ was full of adventure. There is no greater adventure than joining God in his work. Luke 22:39-46 – “Not my will but yours be done.” Jesus was faithful even to death on a cross. Faithfulness to God isn't easy. It requires sacrifice, and sometimes suffering. But there's joy in the suffering. See Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 5:8-9, John 16:33, James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:18, and 1 Peter 4:12-16. Hebrews 12:1-2 – For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross. God invites us to join him in his work because he loves us and wants a relationship with us. Like a gentle and loving father with a little child – that's how God is with us.The post Fruit of the Spirit in Christ 5: The Faithfulness of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Mike and Kenny discuss the psychological, political, and spiritual thrilling film starring Ralph Fiennes and directed by Edward Berger. The film is a drama showing all the personal and ecclesiatical drama as the College of Cardinals Conclave to select a new pope. Reflecting society, the College is divided into conservative and liberal factions who are seeking to keep or retake control of the Papacy. The Dean of the College, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is charged with the administration of the Conclave. In addition to managing the nuts and bolts of the gathering, Dean Thomas must handle a mysterious and unknown new Cardinal, gossips of malfeasance and personal indiscretion within the College, political intrigue with the voting as well as conflict outside the walls of the Conclave. In addition Lawrence faces doubts about the church and his calling. Co-starring with Fiennes are Stanley Tucci (Bellini,) John Lithgow ( Tremblay,) and Isabella Rossellini (Sister Agnes.) Faith Spotted: The place of humility, specifically to protect against the temptation of pride and power. See Philippians 2, Colossians 3, 1 Peter 5. Certainty in issues of theology is an indication of a lack of humility. The place of doubt within living faithfully. Servant Leadership vs. Being Served as Leader.
brown encourages us to practice visioning, to see and create what does not yet exist. This means imagining and believing in the possibilities beyond our current reality. As people of faith, we are called to dream big, envisioning a world where justice, peace, and love prevail. It is safe to say many of us are worried about the future. Genuine concern is not bad, but it could lead us to despair.
Explore how a single, transformative key can empower believers to overcome challenges and spiritual battles in their lives. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We are glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is about the one key that can effectively trampled Satan. My friends, you're gonna want to hear about this one key. We'll return with this devotional right after a brief message from our sponsors.This one key can trample Satan, written in read by Kelly Balarie The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. "The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you." Romans 16:20 Have you ever crushed in an ant under foot? I haven't done it lately, at least not intentionally. But as a kid, I was a pro at it. Maybe you were two. You could squash one of those buggers in a split second. Why? Because you were all three feet tall and the ant was minut and helpless squash. The thing was ruined before it even saw you coming. One day the God of all peace, the Lord Jesus will come and ultimately crush Satan. This will not be a light crushing it will be a damning and definitive crushing what it is all said and done. God is huge and Satan small God is absolute and Satan's attack only temporary. And what will God use to defeat satan? Peace. Just as God will use this weapon in the End Times, crushing Satan underfoot we have a clue in present times on how we can defeat satan. Peace. This is a powerful weapon to use. Lately, I've been using it a person close to me has been accusing and condemning me with their words continually is very hard not to act and to react in the same manner. Yet you cannot beat fear with fear nor can you extend grace to a condemning spirit with condemnation. All of this is a test of faith and trust in God for me. Many days I feel completely powerless and out of control. But when I remember the piece Jesus has left me. I can draw on that piece. It's there for me. I can choose to remember that an external circumstance has no power to take away the internal reality of peace that Jesus gave me. While the devil would love for me to respond in bitterness, anger, retaliation or fear, I don't have to bow down to his way. Instead, I can choose to keep my peace, to pause before speaking and to pray before opening my mouth. When I preserve my peace, I trampled the enemy's plan. Where's the devil stealing your peace? Where our external circumstances stealing Jesus's internal gift, a piece that crushes the enemy. Part of peace is forgiving ourselves for the ways we've walked and forgiving others for how they've wrongfully acted. Then we start with a blank slate. against peace the enemy has no offense. With peace, we have the greatest defense, intersecting faith and life. It is peace that guards our heart and mine in Christ Jesus. See Philippians four seven. We may not be prone to think of peace as a great defense, but it is. It not only guards our mind from worry and fear, but it keeps our heart from distress and defeat. What would it look like for you to walk in peace through your day? What tends to steal your peace? When can you begin to pray for the God of all peace to help you to keep your peace?The crosswalk devotional is a production of life audio and Salem media. If you liked what you heard today, please take a second Get to rate and review this podcast in your favorite podcast app so that more listeners like you can find the show. For more faith filled inspirational podcasts, visit us at life audio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North Sermons - Harvest Bible Chapel Pittsburgh North
Introduction: Philippians 1:9-11 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 Principle: Five Questions to Ask To Make the Best Decision in a "Grey Area": Is it Permissible ? (1 Cor 6:12) 1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful."All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. Is it Beneficial ? (1 Cor 6:12) 1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful."All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. Could it get me under its Power ? (1 Cor 6:12) 1 Corinthians 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful."All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything. Could it cause a brother to Stumble ? (1 Cor 8:12-13) 1 Corinthians 8:12-13 - Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Is it Glorifying to God? (1 Cor 10:31) 1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Cor 6:12, 1 Cor 8:12-13, 1 Cor 10:31What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why is it important to discern what is best, not just what is “right and wrong”? See Philippians 1:10.Name a “grey area” you've personally struggled with. How does the 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 principle help you come to a conviction in that area?BreakoutPray for one another. If you are struggling with discernment in the form of an addiction. Check out the 5-part series where the church faces this series need head-on. Don't hesitate to reach out to the pastors or elders of the church to get help!
Sermon: Romans 16:21-23, Saved to Serve Main Point: We are called to follow Jesus in a life of self-sacrificial service to His church. I. Servant #1 = Timothy – v. 21. See Philippians 2:19-23 II. Servant #2 = Tertius – v. 22. III. Servant #3 = Gaius – v. 23. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Application […] The post Saved to Serve appeared first on Grace Church Crystal Coast.
CD 1612 L. "Faith Filled Feelings - Savior Sanctified Senses" (A Recovery of Joy) WEEK #12 - 105th day of the Year Scripture 4 Today: Psalms 133:1-3 (KJV) A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. New Year's Theme - “REJOICE” - The joy of the Christian experience is the key theme running through this epistle. The words "joy" and "rejoice" are used 16 times in the epistle. Paul wrote Philippians at a time when he was suffering in prison (under house arrest), when he was weary and wondered if he might soon lose his life for Christ. And he wrote to people he loved. So his words to the Christians in Philippi were heavy but caring; sad but consoling; appreciative but bittersweet.This Epistle of Philippians teaches that HUMILITY mixed with HOPE overcomes HARDSHIP and results in JOY (See Psalms 118:24 & Nehemiah 8:10)Series Theme Verses:*John 15:11 (KJV) These things have I spoken unto you, that my"joy"might remain in you, and that your "joy" might be full. *Philippians 4:4 (KJV)“REJOICE” in the Lord alway: and again I say,“REJOICE”. From these verses we see that our source of “REJOICING” comes from the Word of God on the inside of the Believer! Keep in mind the Apostle Paul by the Holy Spirit is dealing with division in the congregation. He is revealing how we as believers can access joy and peace by first coming into unity! With that being said, let's go to chapter 4:2-7 of Paul's letter to the Philippians:*Text Philippians 4:2-7 (KJV) I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.#1 CATCH *ReREAD Philippians 4:2-3 (KJV) I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.Note V.2 “Euodias” = fine traveling - to help on the road!Note V.2 “Syntyche” = an accident, a chance to meet together!Note V.2 “same mind” #5426 (fron-eh'-o) to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; See Philippians 1:27 please!Note V.3 “help” #4815 (sool-lam-ban'-o) to clasp, that is, seize (arrest, capture); specifically to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication to aid: - catch.Note V.3 “true yokefellow” #4805 (sood'-zoo-gos) co-yoked, that is, (figuratively) as noun, a colleague; probably rather as proper name; Syzygus!Note V.3 “Clement ” #2815 (klay'-Support the show
Romans 16:1-2, A Devoted Servant Main Point: Phoebe serves as an example of a willing and generous servant in the early church. I. Phoebe, the Willing Servant of the Church – 16:1. See Romans 13:4; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:11-12; Galatians 3:28 II. Phoebe, the Generous Servant of the Church – 16:2-3. See Philippians 3:3-5 […] The post A Devoted Servant appeared first on Grace Church Crystal Coast.
How far would you go to save a life? What would you give us for others to know the hope of Jesus? Do we sing with integrity, "I surrender all," or would it be more honest to sing "I surrender some."Is there anything more important than God in your life? I hope not. But are there things that distract you from fully following Jesus in complete abandon? Probably. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This can be a devastating question to our daily “status quo.”After Paul's conversion to Christ His family heritage, education, and position in the community and the Sanhedrin meant nothing to him anymore. Jesus is now his everything! Paul said about his own life, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:7–11)Are we willing to surrender everything to be truly obedient to God? Does the thought of that overwhelm us? Does it frighten us? Think about that for a moment. Paul also said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) How for would you go for a lost soul. Jesus left heaven for you. (See Philippians 2:5-8) Will you go to your neighbor with the glorious gospel of Jesus?Isaiah 55:8–9Proverbs 16:9Matthew 25:23Matthew 28:18–20-----Call us: 208.524.4747prayer@watersprings.netOnline Giving: https://watersprings.net/give.phpServe at Watersprings: https://watersprings.churchcenter.com...CCLI Streaming License: 20080252 Size ECCLI Copyright License: 1406906 Size FDISCLAIMER: Closed captioning and/or transcription is being provided solely for the convenience of our viewers. Watersprings Church does not review for accuracy any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript. Watersprings Church makes no representations or warranties, and expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability with respect to, any errors or omissions in, or the accuracy, reliability, timeliness or completeness of, any information that appears in a closed caption or transcript.
Romans 15:15-18 Main Point: God often uses unexpected people in unexpected ways to accomplish His purpose of redemption! I. An Unexpected Grace – 15:15-16. See Philippians 3:3-5 II. An Unexpected Boast – 15:17-18. See 1 Corinthians 1:31; Romans 1:5-6 Application The post God’s Surprising Grace appeared first on Grace Church Crystal Coast.
Sermon: Romans 15:1-7, Fight for Unity Main Point: Fight for the unity of the church by prioritizing pleasing God over pleasing self. I. Fight for unity by not prioritizing pleasing self – 15:1-3 See Ephesians 4:1-3 II. Fight for unity by prioritizing pleasing God – 15:4-7. See Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Peter 2:9 Application 1) Beware […] The post Fight for Unity appeared first on Grace Church Crystal Coast.
Today Cinthia discusses concepts from her book God Wants You Truly Living (Not Walking Dead). God knows we cannot achieve happiness by chasing it. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible demonstrates this; Solomon chased happiness with gusto and resources but found the chase futile. Jesus, however, said that He came that we might have abundant life – the kind of life He had. Jesus was truly free despite living in an oppressed people group dominated by the Roman Empire. He had a deep, meaningful relationship with the Father, and it was in this relationship that He got His value. He had meaning and purpose, a clear conscience, and deep, meaningful relationships with others. Perhaps most powerfully, though, Jesus was willing to die. He died literally, physically, for others in obedience to His Father, God. He died to Satan's temptation to pursue His destiny and rights outside of obedience to His Father God. And He calls each of us to die to ourselves. This does not necessarily mean physical death – at least not yet. We are not to go looking for physical death. But each of us has things to which we cling, things that feel like death to release. Often these are things we think we need but that are actually choking the life out of us. Sometimes they are good things that are in the way of the best things. Abundance is more than enough but never excessive. Jesus went first in dying to Himself. He is the Way. We have to follow Him in “death” even while we are still alive by dying to whatever He calls us to let die. See Philippians 3:10, Ephesians 3:20, and John 10:10. Jesus trusted that His Father God knew Him to the core of His Being. He entrusted His rights, His identity, His destiny, His authority, His life to the Father. If we are to follow Him in this, we also have to learn to trust that our Creator knows us to the core of our beings. God is not trying to make us happy as His primary goal because He knows that happiness is an overflow of an abundant life; He knows that for which we are truly made and also sees the good things that are getting in the way of the best things. The enemy also knows that the pursuit of happiness only increases the emptiness inside of us. It's easy to dismiss Jesus's death as being something He could do because He was perfect. But Jesus was also human, and He made it clear in Gethsemane that He did not want to have to go to the cross. He asked not to have to do it, to have another way made if it could be made. Still, He obeyed and went. He died to Himself. Dying to myself means, in part, that all the things my body is screaming for me to do, I release to Him. I have to determine as an adult whether or not those things are healthy, holy, of good repute, pleasing to Him, and His best for me at this time, or whether He wants me to deny myself some or all of those things. We don't often like the death to ourselves that Jesus showed us. But He was willing to do it, and He tells us that we need to be willing to do it. When Jesus took on a created body, He was willing to live His life the Creator's way. We fight the Creator. We want a shorter, easier, faster, less-painful way to our destiny. Satan tempted Jesus with this route in the desert, and He rejected it. We think that we can discover, create, or defend our own identity. But we do not know ourselves as well as our Father knows us. He knows the identity He intended for us. If you won't let go of the thing you are cherishing, it may kill you. Cinthia discussed the seed that dies in order to produce the fruit. Don't protect or abandon the seed. Water it, nourish it, but allow it to die. It is in death that the seed will be able to reach beyond its packaging. We are very used to bondage in a lot of ways, to the boxes in which we enclose ourselves. We have to die to ourselves as the seed does, usually long before we face physical death. Ephesians 3:20 (Message version) says, “God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in you wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” And John 10:10 (Amplified version) says, “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” This is God's desire for His people. Not only that, but He also promises in Psalm138:8 that He “will fulfill His purpose for me.” Psalm 23:4 describes Him as with us as we walk through the shadow of death. There are two types of death that have to occur in order to produce and sustain life: The first is the death of a good thing in order to become the best thing. The second is the death of “the thing that is killing me.” How many of us fight to keep alive the thing that is killing us? So ask yourself, “Am I refusing to move forward in ways that are age- and circumstance-appropriate? Am I resisting age-appropriate tasks? Am I holding onto previous life stages, to behaviors and clothing and self-care patterns that are no longer appropriate to my current life stage? Do I refuse to move forward with technology? What do I want to ignore or deny? Am I unwilling to go through the grief and loss process? Do I hold onto a person, decade, paradigm, or belief system? Do I allow a system that isn't working to continue? Am I willing to let expectations die? Am I resisting a new season that is only going to happen anyway? Am I willing to let go of my dream or my vision for myself or another person? What are the birth pains that I may be ignoring or resisting? What is trying to come out of me? Am I resisting dying to self?” Do not continue to resist what you know is natural for you to do – not those things that are natural in their decadence, but those that are natural to what God has created in you. Consider Philippians 1:6 and Isaiah 66:7-10. We don't know the mind of God. We cannot force to die what He wants to live or force to live what He knows must die. The only way out is through. You were born for a reason. So what has to die in order for that reason to live? God says to us, essentially, “Don't quit on Me now. I'm not finished with the good work I've begun in you. God wants to give us peace that passes understanding. We need to stop trying to understand everything. God has a way, His way, and we need to trust Him, whether or not we understand.
Today's show title comes from a statement Cinthia found herself making to her husband when he lamented having accidentally dropped a suitcase on her foot while trying to accomplish a project perfectly. She recognized the statement to be much like what God says to those of us who struggle with perfectionism: He is perfect. He wants us. Any perfection we pursue that doesn't come from Him will only deceive us. Sometimes we think of perfectionism as a noble weakness, one we can describe with false self-deprecation when asked to identify our limitations in a job interview. As Christians, we may even think of our perfectionism as spiritually positive, citing verses such as, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father as perfect” (Matthew 5:48, ESV). But perfectionism does not lead us to the kind of holiness God desires for us because our perfectionism is not about God; it's about us. It's our own pursuit of being enough, hiding from the shame that threatens us, making ourselves superior to what we fear we could become. It may mimic the pursuit of what comes from heaven, but perfectionism is, as Cinthia says today, actually very sinful and “straight from the pit of hell.” If this sounds shocking, hang in there --- It actually gets pretty freeing. But that freedom comes with dying to perfectionism. Perfectionism is egregious to God because only He is perfect. When we who do not even know what perfection is try to accomplish it in ourselves, it brings death. God made us, and He said that what He made was very good. But God's enemy, the enemy of our souls – Satan – wanted to be like God. He wanted to exalt himself to perfection out of pride, and he tempts us to do the same. He tempted Eve with the same prospect – that of becoming like God – and when she believed the fruit would lead her to this, the human race ironically lost the perfection with which it had been made. We have been trying to get it back ever since then, trying to do for ourselves what only the blood of Jesus can accomplish. So what is the difference between pursuing excellence, which is a good thing, and perfectionism? Well, to start, perfectionism has trouble distinguishing when perfection matters and when it does not. If a doctor is performing an operation on another human being, that doctor should try to do it perfectly (though, of course, human limitations will still exist). But perfectionists often feel driven to be (or require others to be) perfect in less-crucial areas of life. Perfectionists can spend wildly disproportionate amounts of time, energy, and other resources trying to achieve perfection in things that really do not warrant that level of devotion, and sometimes even on what is trivial. Here are some other differences between perfectionism and the pursuit of excellence: -Pursuing excellence involves setting challenging but achievable goals and feeling satisfied when they are achieved. Perfectionism involves setting impossible goals and feeling crushed when they are not achieved. -Those who pursue excellence may feel disappointment when they make mistakes, but perfectionists tend to become consumed with their mistakes. -The pursuit of excellence is motivated by the potential for success and happiness, but perfectionism is motivated by fear of failure, rejection, or criticism; perfectionists can be very susceptible to these things and can spend their whole lives trying to outrun them. -The pursuit of excellence allows for satisfaction in having worked hard and accepting some results as being “good enough,” but perfection operates in extremes (e.g., success vs. failure) and leads to exhaustion and an inability to appreciate what God is doing in the moment. Perfectionism operates in the realm of ego and self-esteem, constantly holding out the fear, “I'm never going to make it,” which turns out to be true. The cost of perfectionism is high. Perfectionism can lead us to have difficulty making decisions, to stop trying because we fear failing, and to constantly second-guess ourselves and regret our decisions. It undermines our opportunities to learn because learning is not perfection. It requires constant striving, which leads to exhaustion, and that leads to inaccurate self-perception. Perfectionism contributes to procrastination from lack of confidence and a tendency to make things bigger than they are, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression. Perfectionism is a personality trait that can be caused by both environmental factors (e.g., overly critical parents) and biological factors (e.g., genetics). But perfectionism can be changed, and it should be. Remember, if our intentions were to adore God's perfection and follow Him as He re-creates it in us, He would love that. But perfectionism does not lead us to seek God; it can even lead us to avoid Him or see Him as being perfectionistic like we are instead of truly perfect as He is. Perfectionism causes us to seek and be obsessed with our own ideas of perfection, and these are warped, fallen. While true perfection is found only in God, the One Who knows about our imperfections and Who alone can help us, perfectionism comes from the enemy. Perfectionism does not align us with what God is doing, and the obsession it creates with self-blame aligns us, instead, with our enemy. We need to know who our real enemy: Satan is a liar, and he is brilliant. Satan fell because he wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-17), and he hates everything that can be more of what God wants. He is our enemy because He is God's enemy. John 8:44 tells us that Satan is a liar and the father of lies, and that, when he lies, he speaks out of his own character. He was “a murderer from the beginning.” I Peter 5:8 describes him as our “adversary the devil” who “prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; John 16:11), and II Corinthians 4:4 calls him “the god of this world.” During the episode Cinthia cites an article called “Satan's Ten Strategies Against You” which states that it is Satan's aim to use both pain and pleasure to blind and deceive us. He masquerades in costumes of light and righteousness. He is very beguiling. He loves to represent good as evil and evil as good. With all of this, though, God is sovereign over Satan. Satan is on a leash. In Job he is described as having to get God's permission to attack Job (Job 1&2), and he had to ask to “sift” Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31). Revelation 20:10 speaks of the judgment God will execute on Satan, the deceiver. God intends our lives on earth to be a “good fight” against hell by those of us who refuse to be a part of Satan's dominion, but you cannot fight Satan with your own perfectionism. It plays right into his strategies. Instead, you have to get serious about not condemning yourself. Your adversary is way bigger than you are, and you can only fight him by the blood of Jesus. Your sins are God's problem, and He has already accomplished your redemption and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus. He will help you through the consequences that occur on earth as a result of your sin, not harm you. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Revelation 12:11 describes those who will “have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” So what does our fight look like? Sometimes it looks like stopping yourself in the midst of a struggle and asking, “Is this a fight that God has asked me to be in? Is he putting me in a position to fight with the enemy on this one?” If it is, He will provide you with a way out. But if you are trying to fight against Satan in your own strength, the results will not be good. “Perfectionism,” says Cinthia, “is truly straight from the pit of hell.” One of the things Satan wants more than anything is for you to think you can be like God. Remind yourself of this. Go back to Isaiah 14:12-17. Humility is not about being humiliated but about knowing yourself realistically. God says you can overcome because of Him, not in your own strength. He wants us to overcome because He loves us. If you are in Him, God has already reconciled Himself to you. He is not going to abandon you, no matter how He feels about your choices. Perfectionism has so much to do with how you run your life and how much you enjoy it. You think we will arrive and relax, but it never happens. This is because, as God once told Cinthia, “You don't even know what perfect looks like.” We cannot aspire to be God when He is the One Who created us. We cannot create except with what He has made. We can mess ourselves up but cannot make ourselves. Self-forgiveness is key. The enemy of your soul is constantly showing you what you did wrong, and no one likes shocking themselves. You must get over yourself as an act of warfare against Satan. Don't waste your time and energy covering it up. Luke 8:17 indicates that secrets will not remain secrets forever. Allow yourself to learn from your mistakes. Stop aspiring to your own perfection, and seek the Perfect One. He is the One Who “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph. 3:20). Jesus says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Satan does not want you to have an abundant life. We have a hard time grasping abundance, and it looks different in each of our lives. Jesus's life was abundant without the things with which we associate it. Cinthia recalls thinking her perfectionism would protect her from pain, but it was killing her. In her book God Wants You Truly Living (Not Walking Dead), Cinthia wrote that it is hard for us to comprehend that perfectionism is not where happiness lies. But, after typing a sentence about that, she noticed those two words sitting next to each other: “happiness lies.” God knows we can't achieve happiness by chasing it. Read Ecclesiastes. Jesus was free. He had a deep, meaningful relationship with the Father. He got His value there. He had meaning and purpose and did not compare Himself to others. He had a clear conscience. He had deep, meaningful relationships with others even though those others were imperfect. He lived the abundant life without the kinds of success we think we must have. Jesus was willing to die for others in obedience to His Father, God. He calls all of us to die to something, often to things we think we need but that are actually choking the life out of us. Are you willing to die to whatever God wants you to die to in order to be free? Abundance is more than enough but never excessive. He has so much in mind for us. He went first. He is the Way. We have to follow Him in death to whatever He calls us to let die. And sometimes that thing is perfectionism. Sometimes our perfectionism has to die in order for us to live. See Philippians 3:10. What kind of life is going to be pleasing to God? How can you help the people He loves? It's not about being perfect. It's about pursuing the Perfect One and the purpose for which He made you.
Genesis 1:26-28 Sermon Notes:1) Created by God | 262) Created male and female | 273) Created for glory and honor | 284) Re-Created in Christ | See: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 7; Philippians 1:6; 3:20- 21; I John 3:2-3; 1 Cor. 15:49Reflection Questions:1. Are all mankind made in God's image? What is one implication of being made in God's image? See Genesis 1:26-28.2. Has our sin marred the image of God in man? Has it been completely destroyed; is it irrecoverable? Can the image of God be redeemed in Christ? See Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 8:29; Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:24; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Col 1:15- 20; I John 3:2-3 and 1 Cor 15:49.3. In heaven, will God only redeem our souls (the spiritual, immaterial part of us), or will He also redeem our bodies? See Philippians 3:20-21; I John 3:2-3.
The very image of Jesus hanging on a cruel cross, taking our punishment for our sin upon Himself, when He did no wrong scream His love for us and His meekness toward us!Blessed are the meek, those who put others' needs above their own. Let's be honest for a moment. It is our natural tendency to want to be first, go first, be seen, get picked, be the one in the light, and so forth. It is our natural tendency to be selfish and self-centered. Therefore, it is going to take courage and humility for us to purposefully seek to go against the natural flow. But thanks be to God, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. (See Philippians 4:13)Rest assured this is definitely something He strengthens us for, to serve others. So far, we have dealt with two quite personal subjects, recognizing our need for Jesus and lamenting over sin on a personal level. Now is the point at which we begin to step outside of ourselves and do what God does so well, love people!Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”This is what Jesus taught us to do as well.And it takes courage to do this, especially in a world that wants to be served but not do the serving themselves. Sadly, we live in a society that teaches us, whatever makes you happy or makes you feel good, then do it because we only have this moment to live. But this is counter-productive to what the Bible teaches.In actuality, life is connected, and we are all going to live forever, either in the presence of God or apart from Him.The things we do today will directly affect our tomorrow and could very well affect our and others' eternities as well.Listen, you matter!Jesus paid for you with His precious blood. And He didn't just do it, so you could be forgiven, but also so you could play a vital role in the fulfillment of His plan on the earth. He didn't have to do any of that, but He chose it. Because He so loves you!The qualifications for growth in His company we have learned so far?To be poor in spirit, to mourn over sin, and to put others first.Left to our devices, we would all fail and have failed at these, but thanks be to God who not only forgives and frees us, but also gives us the strength, gifts, ability, and desire to do so much more than we can think, ask, or imagine!
UNIVERSITY OF EXCELLENCE Prince HandleyPresident / Regent PRINCE HANDLEY PORTAL 1,000's of FREE ResourcesWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG INTERNATIONAL Geopolitics | Intelligence | Prophecy WWW.UOFE.ORG GOD AND HEALTH ~ WHAT YOU DON'T KNOWHIDDEN SECRETS TO YOUR HEALTHYou can listen to the above message NOW.LISTEN HERE >>> LISTEN NOW24/7 release of Prince Handley teachings, BLOGS and podcasts > STREAM Twitter: princehandley Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter ________________________________________ DESCRIPTION Have you ever wondered WHY you're NOT being healed quickly? God promised when we FAST unto the LORD with a pure heart, and are living a “giving” life … when we feed the hungry and help the poor … “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.“ – Isaiah 58:8 There are many promises in the Holy Bible (both Tanakh and Brit Chadashah) concerning healing. However, my question to YOU is “Are YOU doing YOUR part?” Let's start with some BASICS and then we'll move on to some Hidden Keys of Opposition you may NOT be aware of. Our GOAL is YOUR complete DELIVERANCE, HEALING and FUTURE HEALTH. ________________________________________ GOD AND HEALTH ~ WHAT YOU DON'T KNOWHIDDEN SECRETS TO YOUR HEALTH Have you been sick OR needed healing for a while? God promised in Exodus 15:26: “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Also, in Psalm 103:1-3 God says: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” There are many promises in the Holy Bible (both Tanakh and Brit Chadashah) concerning healing. However, my question to YOU is “Are YOU doing YOUR part?” Let's start with some BASICS and then we'll move on to some Hidden Keys of Opposition you may NOT be aware of. Our GOAL is YOUR complete DELIVERANCE, HEALING and FUTURE HEALTH. SUPER HEALTH 1. WALK 3 miles per hour four to five times a week. (Or 30 minutes 5 times a week.) 2. EAT HEALTHY FOODS: whole grains, vegetables, fruits along with poultry and meat. G-B-O-M-B-S G = Greens for anticancer and heart health B = Beans O = Onions M = Mushrooms B = Berries S = Seeds 3. GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP: 8 to 9 hours depending on your age. 4. TRUST IN GOD. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8 HAVE A THICK SKIN If you know Jesus personally (are born again by the Holy Spirit), God says, “YOU are His beloved” … AND … that YOU are the “Righteousness of God in Christ.” God has REMOVED all of your sins AND He sees YOU as righteous in His Son: who PAID for all your sins with His own BLOOD and bore YOUR punishment for YOU! God loves YOU as much as He does His Son, Jesus … If He didn't, He would NOT have sent His Son to die in YOUR place! The more you believe this … and the more you live like this … people will resent and oppose YOU. ____________________________ GOD LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE DOES HIS SON, JESUS IF HE DIDN'T, HE WOULD NOT HAVE SENT JESUS TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE. THE MORE YOU BELIEVE AND LIVE LIKE THIS ... THE MORE PEOPLE WILL RESENT YOU AND OPPOSE YOU ____________________________ There are times when you recognize resentment … even from friends or family members. Now you know where it comes from. If you choose to be ALL you want to be ~ ALL GOD WANTS YOU TO BE ~ you will be perscuted and criticized. WHY? The enemy of your soul is stirring them up to oppose you … to discourage you … TO GET YOU TO QUIT.. Let it be a SIGN that you are in the will of God and successful in the Spirit. KEEP GOING FORWARD! ____________________________ KEEP GOING FORWARD AND YOUR HEALING WILL MANIFEST AS YOU FORGIVE THEM ____________________________ IMAGINE THIS SCENARIO Jesus is YOUR Defense Attorney Satan is the Prosecutor: YOUR Accuser A great host of witnesses in Heaven is YOUR Jury LEGAL ADVICE Do NOT confess or admit what the Prosecutor says about YOU Confess truth from YOUR Defense Attorney: “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” “My sins are removed.” – See Philippians 3:9 ____________________________ “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”– Proverbs 12:18 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”– Proverbs 16:24 ____________________________ SUMMARY Resentment and opposition from others against YOU can often create a “MENTAL WALL” that hinders YOUR healing even though YOU may NOT be aware of it. Pray for discernment over people, things and situations and insight into obscure events. If the LORD leads you to, go on a fast. As you forgive and are helping people your healing will begin to spring forth speedily. As I wrote in my book Health and Healing Complete Guide to Wholeness: “In the 39th year of King Asa's rule, he was diseased in his feet until his disease was very critical. Yet, in his disease, he did not seek the Lord, but went to the physicians for help. He died two years later. [2 Chronicles 16:11-13] There is nothing wrong with going to physicians or seeking medical help or advice. But what we should do is seek the LORD first to see what he wants us to do. He may want to heal us by His sovereign power, over a period of time, or instantaneously.” I trust this teaching will help you, my friend. Now you go heal others! Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai. Your friend,Prince Handley PRINCE HANDLEY PODCASTS AND VIDEOS ____________________ Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal(1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books OPPORTUNITY If you would like to partner with Prince Handley and help him do the Spirit exploits the LORD has assigned him, Click thIs secure DONATE or the one below. God will reward you abundantly on earth … and in Heaven! A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU ____________________
THE HEALING AND MIRACLE PODCASTwith Prince HandleyWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG GOD, GOALS AND HEALTH ~ THE HIDDEN KEYS HIDDEN OPPOSITION TO YOUR HEALTHYou can listen to the above message NOW.LISTEN HERE >>> LISTEN NOW 24/7 release of Prince Handley teachings, BLOGS and podcasts > STREAM Twitter: princehandley Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter ________________________________________ DESCRIPTION Have you ever wondered WHY you're NOT being healed quickly? God promised when we FAST unto the LORD with a pure heart, and are living a “giving” life … when we feed the hungry and help the poor … “Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.“ – Isaiah 58:8 There are many promises in the Holy Bible (both Tanakh and Brit Chadashah) concerning healing. However, my question to YOU is “Are YOU doing YOUR part?” Let's start with some BASICS and then we'll move on to some Hidden Keys of Opposition you may NOT be aware of. Our GOAL is YOUR complete DELIVERANCE, HEALING and FUTURE HEALTH. ________________________________________ GOD, GOALS AND HEALTH ~ THE HIDDEN KEYS HIDDEN OPPOSITION TO YOUR HEALTH Have you been sick OR needed healing for a while? God promised in Exodus 15:26: “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” Also, in Psalm 103:1-3 God says: “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” There are many promises in the Holy Bible (both Tanakh and Brit Chadashah) concerning healing. However, my question to YOU is “Are YOU doing YOUR part?” Let's start with some BASICS and then we'll move on to some Hidden Keys of Opposition you may NOT be aware of. Our GOAL is YOUR complete DELIVERANCE, HEALING and FUTURE HEALTH. SUPER HEALTH 1. WALK 3 miles per hour four to five times a week. (Or 30 minutes 5 times a week.) 2. EAT HEALTHY FOODS: whole grains, vegetables, fruits along with poultry and meat. 3. GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP: 8 to 9 nours depending on your age. 4. TRUST IN GOD. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8 HAVE A THICK SKIN If you know Jesus personally (are born again byt he Holy Spirit), God says, “YOU are His beloved” … AND … that YOU are the “Righteousness of God in Christ.” God has REMOVED all of your sins. God loves YOU as much as He does His Son, Jesus … If He didn't, He would NOT have sent His Son to die in YOUR place! The more you believe this … and the more you live like this … people will resent and oppose YOU. ____________________________ GOD LOVES YOU AS MUCH AS HE DOES HIS SON, JESUS IF HE DIDN'T, HE WOULD NOT HAVE SENT JESUS TO DIE IN YOUR PLACE. THE MORE YOU BELIEVE AND LIVE LIKE THIS ... THE MORE PEOPLE WILL RESENT YOU AND OPPOSE YOU ____________________________ There are times when you recognize resentment … even from friends or family members. Now you know where it comes from. If you choose to be ALL you want to be ~ ALL GOD WANTS YOU TO BE ~ you will be perscuted and criticized. WHY? The enemy of your soul is stirring them up to oppose you … to discourage you … TO GET YOU TO QUIT.. Let it be a SIGN that you are in the will of God and successful in the Spirit. KEEP GOING FORWARD! ____________________________ KEEP GOING FORWARD AND YOUR HEALING WILL MANIFEST AS YOU FORGIVE THEM ____________________________ IMAGINE THIS SCENARIO Jesus is YOUR Defense Attorney Satan is the Prosecutor: YOUR Accuser A great host of witnesses in Heaven is YOUR Jury ADVICE Do NOT confess or admit what the Prosecutor says about YOU Confess truth from YOUR Defense Attorney: “I am the righteousness of God in Christ.” “My sins are removed.” – See Philippians 3:9 ____________________________ “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”– Proverbs 12:18 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”– Proverbs 16:24 ____________________________ SUMMARY Resentment and opposition from others against YOU can often create a “MENTAL WALL” that hinders YOUR healing even though YOU may NOT be aware of it. Pray for discernment over people, things and situations and insight into obscure events. If the lORD leads you to, go on a fast. As you forgive and are helping people your healing will begin to spring forth speedily. As I wrote in my book Health and Healing Complete Guide to Wholeness: “In the 39th year of King Asa's rule, he was diseased in his feet until his disease was very critical. Yet, in his disease, he did not seek the Lord, but went to the physicians for help. He died two years later. [2 Chronicles 16:11-13] There is nothing wrong with going to physicians or seeking medical help or advice. But what we should do is seek the LORD first to see what he wants us to do. He may want to heal us by His sovereign power, over a period of time, or instantaneously.” I trust this teaching will help you, my friend. Now you go heal others! Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai. Your friend,Prince HandleyHealing and Miracles PRINCE HANDLEY PODCASTs & VIDEOS ____________________ Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal(1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books OPPORTUNITY If you would like to partner with Prince Handley and help him do the Spirit exploits the LORD has assigned him, Click thIs secure DONATE or the one below. God will reward you abundantly on earth … and in Heaven! A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU ____________________
Journey Church Sunday Worship Gathering Audio - Bozeman, Montana
Rediscovering Joy #3 | January 22, 2023 Jim Keena | Guest Speaker Big Truth: Because of our unity with Christ, live in unity with one another. “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that, ultimately, everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” Kay Warren, Choose Joy A Message to Obey (Philippians 2:1-4) Because of this: “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion.” Do This: “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” By Not Doing This: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.“ But Doing This: “Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” A Model to Follow (Philippians 2:5-11) “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Relinquished: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.” Incarnation: “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Crucifixion: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!” Exaltation: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Adoration: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Reflection Questions: 1) Kay Warren’s definition of joy is: Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that, ultimately, everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things. Discuss her definition, then answer these questions: Are you joyful? If so, why? Does her explanation help you understand how Paul could be joyous in jail? (See Philippians 3:13 & 4:14) 2) In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul wrote of the “encouragement from being united with Christ.” Read John 17:20-23. In these verses, Jesus speaks of the believer’s unity with him and prays for their unity with one another. How does unity with Christ encourage unity with each other? And why is unity among Christians so essential? Compare John 17:20-23 & Philippians 2:2. Are there any similarities? 3) A sentence summary of Philippians 2:1-4 is, “Because of this do this by not doing this but doing this.” Discuss the four verses considering the sentence summary. 4) Compare and contrast Philippians 2:3 and 2:4. How do “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit” affect our relationships with God and others? 5) Discuss what Jesus said in Matthew 23:12. In the sermon, that verse was illustrated by the analogy of an Arch vs. an Inverted Arch. 6) Read Philippians 2:6-11. What do these verses teach us about Christ Jesus? How did Jesus humble himself (2:6-8), and how is Jesus exalted (2:9-11)? 7) In what ways did the Holy Spirit nudge your spirit from this section of Scripture? What do you sense that God was saying to you?
Philippians 2:3-9, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Sermon Notes:1) Meet the Servant | Philippians 2-4 2) Serve in the Strength that God provides | 1 Peter 4:10-11 3) Serve Better by Knowing Service Doesn't Earn Salvation | Philippians 3 4) Serve Better by Saying “No” More | John 3:30 5) Serve Better by Expecting Busy Seasons | 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Reflection Questions:1. How did Paul prepare Euodia and Synteche to get along? What did he first show them? See Philippians 4:2, as well as chapter 2. 2. How can you change your habits to make sure that you are serving in the strength that God provides? See 1 Peter 4:10-11 3. What are some of the things that God wants us to say No to, some of the things He wants us to say Yes to? What are you already saying Yes and No to? Are you doing more or less than you realized?
Lets share Good News together. To partner with us financially visit www.gospelchurch.co/give or text the word "FRESH" to 94000. Message Notes: 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” — Matthew 14v13-16 (ESV) Desolation always brings hunger. Trying to be generous: 1) Believe that God can use anything They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish. — Matthew 14v17 (ESV) 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. — Hebrews 11v3 (ESV) God wants to do something so supernatural in your life that you can't take credit for it. 2) Submit our plans and efforts to God 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. — James 4v7-8 (ESV) Hypostatic Union - the combination of divine and human natures in the person of Christ. (See Philippians 2) And he said, “Bring them here to me.” — Matthew 14v18 (ESV) Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. — Psalm 37v5 (ESV) 3) Work with what you got 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. – Matthew 14v17-19 (ESV) Three Types of Giving Proportional giving Sacrificial giving Faith-filled giving It's not about who's receiving, it's about me giving. it's not an investment its not a strategy its worship 4) Receive, release, repeat 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. – Matthew 14v20-21 (ESV) 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 9:8 (NLT)
On our first Lord's Day assembling in our new church location. # Introduction Sometime around 700 BC Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, and his army was swallowing up nations like locusts in a plague. King Sennacherib didn't even bother traveling to the land of Judah, he sent a representative by the title Rabshakeh. The Rabshakeh talked smack against the men defending the wall in Jerusalem, using their language and the name of Yahweh and their terms of devoted to destruction. The Rabshakeh said the Assyrians were doing God's will in conquering the Judeans (2 Kings 18:28-38). A while later the Assyrians sent a threat letter to Hezekiah, the King of Judah (2 Kings 19:8-13). Hezekiah took the letter to the house of the LORD and prayed to the LORD for help (19:14-19). The Assyrians were a genuine threat (see verses 16-18 in particular). Then the LORD responded through the prophet Isaiah, and Isaiah replied with a word about the Assyrians and for those in Judah. Read 2 Kings 19:20-37. # Rooted for Fruit Hear again our primary text for this morning: > And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the LORD will do this. (2 Kings 19:30–31. ESV) This is one of my favorite phrases in the Old Testament: **take root downward and bear fruit upward**. The only other use of the complete phrase is in Isaiah 37:31, and Isaiah 37 is the retelling of this same story of Hezekiah. In context, root and fruit has to do with food supply. Various threats had been having effect for a couple years, depleting resources and making planting inconsistent. The LORD said that there would be enough growing of itself for them to survive, but then in the third year they would be safe to work their fields again and He would cause their cultivated crops to blossom. But also in context the rootedness and fruitfulness refer not just to the food but to the *assembly*. The people were agricultural, but the agricultural analogy referred to the people. The Lord was going to plant His people in the land. He would give them a home. What doctrine can we learn from this? This passage is *not* a promise that TEC would be able to purchase our own property. But while we are not in 2 Kings, the God of Hezekiah and Isaiah is our God. What we learn from 2 Kings 18-19 is that the only two options are to trust in men or to trust in God. Stated differently: > “There are only two principles that carry within themselves a characteristic world, an entirely distinctive world: eternal election and humanism.” (Abraham Kuyper, _Rooted & Grounded_) Also note that those who trust in men and the plans of men, albeit unwillingly, are merely fulfilling God's plan. The Lord is sovereign. “Our God is in the heavens; He does all the He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). He works for His name and because He loves His people. He purposes for enemies to have temporary success upward and then fall downward, and great is their fall (for different examples see Matthew 7:27 and Revelation 18:2). For the Lord's own, He gives them root downward and then fruit upward, and great is their fruitfulness (for the principle see Matthew 13:8; John 14:12, 15:16). # The Zeal of the Lord There are only three places in the Bible where the phrase "the zeal of the Lord" occurs. Two of them are in this repeated promise to cause His people to take root downward and bear fruit upward. The other place is in Isaiah 9:7: > Of the increase of his government and of peace > there will be no end, > on the throne of David and over his kingdom, > to establish it and to uphold it > with justice and with righteousness > from this time forth and forevermore. > The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. > (Isaiah 9:7 ESV) Jesus is the child born, the son given (Isaiah 9:6). He Lord of all, and this is our confession (Romans 10:9). It continues to color all we do. The **zeal of the LORD** refers to His fierce energy and commitment. Christians are careful when it comes to God's passions, His emotions. We do not want to make it sound as though He is moody or tossed about in His feelings like we often are. And yet, He reveals Himself to us as one committed and indefatigably on point in steadfast love for His people and in jealousy for the glory of His name. This zeal is described in other terms as well, for example, in 2 Kings 19:34 the LORD says that He will protect His people “for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.” The Lord, Yahweh, chose a people for Himself and chose a place for them and chose to make them fruitful. This is what the zeal of the Lord will do. # Not Brittle or Blown About The opening of Psalms continues the imagery of roots and fruit. Those who meditate on the law of the Lord will be like trees planted by streams of living water, whose leaves are green and who bear fruit in season (Psalm 1:3-4). The unrighteous are like chaff, the brown and brittle and blown about little disconnected pieces (Psalm 1:4). The Lord's assembly are the righteous, the church is filled with the word of Christ and singing to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). In doing so we are united to Him, abiding in Christ, able to bear much fruit. In the world there is the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). There are the righteous and the unrighteous. There is the church vs. chaff. There is no question as to who thrives. According to the sovereign grace of God, the zeal of the Lord will do this. Brittle, brown, blown about, or blessed and embedded and blossoming. # Making a Point So the church is God's statement. > To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:8–10, ESV) In His wisdom He has made an assembly to proclaim His excellencies (1 Peter 2:9-10). We are obviously not the church in its entirety, we are a church in a specific locality, yet we are part of His display of His zeal and wisdom. # All Over the Place > In days to come Jacob shall take root, > Israel shall blossom and put forth shoots > and fill the whole world with fruit. > (Isaiah 27:6, ESV) This is eschatological, and while not yet complete it is already expanding. Are you familiar with aspen trees? One tree sends its roots out and they start popping up all over the place. What appears to be a new little tree is actually from the main system. # A Building for the Body We did not *need* our own building for rooting and fruiting to happen; the blossoming of our church body has already been being blessed by the Lord. And also, what an additional blessing to be able to have a place of our own. What are we doing to do with it? This is a *tool*, not a trinket for our collection. This is a trampoline, not an easy chair. This is a launch pad, we are the rocket. In one sense, the building represents us, and there is work to do. In another sense, the building helps us to represent the Lord. We want it to be fit, and we want it to be used up on His behalf. # Rejoice, and again, rejoice! Of the things that I don't want to miss today, it is rejoicing in the work and zeal and wisdom of the Lord. (See Philippians 4:4) This place on this day is an answer to many prayers. It is not necessarily what we thought the answer would look like, and as usual, it is different-but-better in a lot of ways. # Conclusion It will take a while to get used to calling this place the "church," and of course, the *assembly* is the church more than the building. The point is, it is the church's church, the body's building. Our previous landlords have been used by God to bless us, and now this owned space is a blessing for us. This is the sheath, you are the sword. This is the sky, you are the sun, the light of Marysville, the light of the world. Our worship is the fire, you are the refined gold. Let it be said in Marysville, the Lord has done great things for us, and let us be glad in Him as He causes us to take root downward and bear fruit upward. ---------- ## Charge You are rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17), so be fruitful and multiply your joy. This is only possible with the Lord's blessing, and He promises blessing for those who fear Him (it's wise), love Him (it's the great command), and delight in His Word (it's the way to good success, Joshua 1:8). ## Benediction: > The LORD bless you and keep you; > the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; > the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. > (Numbers 6:24–26, ESV)
Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Romans 5:3 When we give our hearts to Jesus Christ, the work within us has begun, and God will see that it is finished. (See Philippians 1:6.) But we are not automatically mature in our faith and Christian manner. We simply receive the basis for a Christian character that God cultivates within us over time. Romans 5 offers insight as to how God develops Christian character. First, God allows pressure to come. “...we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). God wants that which will sustain and give strength to come out of us; the only way to draw it out of us is through pressure. We don't have to understand the trouble and pressure we face; we simply have to stand under it. The second step to building Christian character is patience. God wants to teach us endurance so that our faith is strong enough to withstand the things that cause others to drop out. Third, our patience results in a pure character. Someone who has gone through the experiences of tribulation and perseverance has a refined faith, pure as gold. Adrian Rogers says, “A refiner of gold knows when the gold is pure when he can see his own face reflected in it; so our Lord wants to see His character reflected in us.” Finally, our purity of faith results in hope. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” We receive hope through our tribulations because they teach us that God is faithful and He sees us through them. Hebrews 6:19 says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” Adrian Rogers says, “Hope is not wishful desire; it means rock-ribbed assurance based on the Word and character of God.” Apply it to your life If you are feeling pressure today, understand that these are not obstacles, but opportunities. We glory in tribulation because God knows what He is up to. Trust in Him to use this experience to develop patience, which refines your faith and produces hope and steadfast assurance in Him.
Some of you may have questions as it relates to Sundays sermon as we delved deeper into the context of Paul's work in Philippians 3 by widening the context to look at Philippians 2 the Master Model quintessential Man Jesus. See Philippians 2:7 I believe Jesus, in His incarnation, is revealing Himself in two primary modes or let's say philosophy of life or style/mode of life. 1. He is self-emptying or emptied…you've heard me call this 0 or go for 0. Technically in the Greek this word is ἐκένωσεν ekenōsen only used In Philippians 2:7. ἐκ in its best translation is an initial moment in a lapse of time and the verb tense on the ending of ἐκένωσεν is in the aorist active indicative. The AAI tense is used to express things that happen in general, without asserting a time. In my opinion the verb ἐκένωσεν denotes that Jesus embodied the inwrought cross, “the 0 mode” as His lifestyle in a perpetual manner and still does even in His exaltation outside of time. 2. He lived a life of ++ both hands behind back…not grasping. He only did what He saw His Father doing. ++ “When Jesus had finished saying these things, he looked upward to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that your Son may glorify you –” John 17:1 NET What did His Father do? “As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,” Philippians 2:9 NET Paul sets forth and expounds in Philippians 3 from the exact representation of what it means to be human and partake of the Divine nature…from the perfect model, the quintessence of man, namely Jesus. There isn't another model for life other than our Lord! If the Father did this for Him, He will He not also freely give us all things! Romans 8:32 Go for the 0++ life beloved! Carroll Decrease time over target: PayPal.me/mzhop or Venmo @clastronaut
Though it's been a challenging week, I'm here by the grace of God!I'm here to share with you that I count all my loss as gain because through my losses, I've gotten to know my Heavenly Father and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ like I never have before. (See Philippians 3:7-8)As I have, still do today and will continue to do so, trusting in and relying confidently on the Lord with ALL of my heart and leaning not on my own understanding. In all my ways i submit/surrender to him and he will make my paths straight! (See Proverbs 3:5-6)I trust in the Lord and no one who expectantly trusts and waits for the Lord will be ashamed but those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated, embarrassed) (See Psalms 25:3)Following the Lord won't be easy but don't give up, your faith is worth the fight! He fights for you and you must only believe, surrender, and confess! He will ease your burden, give you rest, and teach you with his humble and gentle heart as you find this rest for your souls (mind, will, emotions)(See Mathew 11:28-29)God works ALL things for your good as you choose to love him and for His glory as he gives you his purpose for you to carry out! (See Romans 8:28) His mercy triumphs judgment ! Breaking your silence, is breaking your chains, freedom you have in Jesus name !AwakeOSleeperAmen!
Isaiah 42 Sermon Notes:1) The Stubborn Servant, 18-252) The Saving Servant, 1-93) The Song of the Servant, 10-134) The Zeal of the Servant, 13-17Reflection questions:1) What was Isaiah's mission and expectation as a prophet? See Isaiah 6:8-13. Had God's prediction come true? See Isaiah 42:18-25.2) Compare Isaiah 42:1 to Matthew 3:16-17. Now read Isaiah 42:1-9. How else would Jesus embody the servant of Isaiah 42?3) Why is the zeal of the servant good news for us? How do you see this zeal in the New Testament? See Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Hebrews 13:20-21; Jude 24-25.
Isaiah 34 Sermon Notes:1) God Warns, 1-42) God Avenges, 5-93) God (Un/Re) Creates, 9-174) God Waits, Is 30:15, 18; Is 33:2; Rom 2:4; Genesis 2:16-17Reflection questions:1) Should God's vengeance (Is 34:5-9, especially v.8) upon His and our enemies make us vengeful, as well? What effect does Paul say it should have upon us? (See Romans 12:14-21)2) Some of 2 Peter's audience had heard false teachers who claimed that God's judgment was an empty threat (2 Peter 3:3-5). What did Peter say about this? Was God slow or unfaithful, or was God patient? And how should we respond to His patience (see 2 Peter 3:11-13 and Rom 2:4)?3) God is faithful (Is 34:16-17) to judge those who do not repent. But how is our Creator faithful to us who are new creations (2 Cor 5:17) in Christ? See Philippians 1:6.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2021-05-09 00:00:00 Paul the apostle is very excited about putting the needs of other Christians ahead of his own desires. He is motivated to serve others and have others see Jesus in him.
ChristMESS Words "Defining Words" Luke 2:21-38 What are important words? · _________________________ · _________________________ · _________________________ · _________________________ Words to hear… v30, “I have seen your salvation”. Words to speak: Please, forgive me. Romans 3:23, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” v38, “[Anna] came along just as Simeon was speaking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.” Words to speak: I love you John 3:16, (NIV), “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” v38, “…She talked about the child to everyone…” See Romans 10:9-10 “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved...” See Philippians 2:8-11, “…God exalted him …and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord…” See Romans 10:14, “…how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Words to speak: Do you know Him? See John 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.… 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.”
This sermon was taken from the December 20th, 2k20 Sunday Morning Service at Jesus is Lord Family Worship Center - 501 Redman St. Newport, AR
While We Wait: Isaiah Isaiah says that we can renew our strength as we wait. We can build relationships while we wait—relationships with each other and with God. We can develop patience, and we can follow the wisdom and avoid the pitfalls of the patriarchs of Scripture, learning from them what is wise to do while we wait. This week's #WholeLifeTakeAways: · What do you think about the idea that we see ourselves as the “star” in the movie of our life? · When have you been most tempted to sing, “Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen”? · How can looking at the greater misfortune of others reduce the whining about our situation? · What Covid-19 restriction are you most anxious to have gone? · When have you most felt that God didn't see your trouble or wouldn't seem to hear your case? · What difference does it make in your life that God is the everlasting God, creator of everything? · How do you relate to the reality that God doesn't get faint or weary? So what? · What do you think about “progress of dissents” instead of “progress of assents”? See Philippians 2 · How open are you to follow Jesus incarnational model and be willing to give your life in serving other for their good? Which takeaway(s) resonate most with you? Send us your thoughts by using one of the following: ■ Text/Voicemail: 407-965-1607 ■ Email: podcast@wholelife.church ■ WLC Mobile App: Media Tab/Podcast Banner and Use Text and Email links ■ Social Media: #WholeLifePodcast/ #WholeLifeTakeAways Listen and subscribe to :15 With Andy, Randy, & Jeff by going to our website: https://wholelife.church/podcast (https://wholelife.church/podcast)! You can listen, subscribe, and share the episode, all from our podcast player or wherever you listen to podcasts! Thank you for listening! If you've enjoyed this episode please share it on social media. Our show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, and everywhere you can listen to podcasts! NEXT WEEK - While We Wait - ‘Isaiah'. The theme music for Speaking of Grace was written, produced, and performed by WholeLife Church's own Phillip Burks - https://www.phillipburks.com/ (https://www.phillipburks.com/). Download the WholeLife Church Mobile App! It is available for both Apple and Android. Say hello on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wholelifeorl (https://twitter.com/wholelifeorl), Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholelifeorlando (https://www.facebook.com/wholelifeorlando), and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholelifeorlando (https://www.instagram.com/wholelifeorlando)! Use the #hashtags: #WholeLifePodcast #WholeLifeTakeaways #ThisIsWholeLife #WhileWeWait
Philippians 4, 5 Let them See.mp3
Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.(See Philippians 3:13-13)(New American Bible, Revised Edition)
Find our message notes, lyric sheets, Bible study and giving options at https://www.newlifecc.com/ Text "Update" to 30500 for more information. For prayer requests, praise, and new commitments: Text "Prayers" to 30500. Looking for ways to give or get help? Visit https://loveourneighbors.org/ Message Notes: What the World Needs Now is… …”Peace” Mark 4 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law. Galatians 5v22-23 (NLT) 1. God's peace will GUIDE me through my CRISIS. See Mark 4v37-40 2. God's peace RESETS my THOUGHT life. See Philippians 4v6-9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5v9 (NLT) “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14v27 (NLT) Songs: 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) - Words and Music by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman Do It Again - By Elevation Worship Closer - By Lifepoint Here's My Heart - I Am They (A Thousand Generations Publishing, Worship Together Music, sixsteps Music, Sixstep Songs) ----- Connect with us! → https://linktr.ee/newlifecc Thank you so much for joining us online today! We hope you have a great week!
Luke 16:14-18 Sermon Notes1) The Kingdom of God is Not about Loopholes and Looking Good, 14-15 2) The Kingdom of God is about Violent Force, 16 3) The Kingdom of God is about Law and Order, 17-18 Reflection Questions:1) How can trying to do the right thing become a bad thing? What role do your motives play in this? What role do the opinions of others play in this? Read vv. 14-15 and also see Philippians 3:1-10. 2) How did people seem to force their way into the Kingdom? See Luke 5:17-26; 7:36-50; 8:43-48. Did they really force their way in? See John 6:37, 44. See I John 4:19. 3) Jesus probably mentioned the laws about divorce (Luke 16:18) because it was one law that the Pharisees had trouble keeping. What is one of God’s laws that you try to rewrite or ignore to avoid admitting that you fall short of it? What would be a better approach? See Philippians 3:7-9.
He humbled himself becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.(See Philippians 2:8)(New American Bible, Revised Edition)
Welcome to the Bible Reading Podcast! (Encourage Sharing on SM/Reviews, etc) Today's readings include Exodus Chapter 1 - which means we have completed the entire book of Genesis together - Go team! Sadly for the Israelites (in the short term!), Exodus opens with this ominous bit of foreshadowing in chapter 1, vs. 8, " A new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt." In Luke 4, we will see how Jesus overcomes the attacks of Satan in the desert by the expert use of the Sword of the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 5 is all about church discipline, a biblical practice that is sadly neglected in many of our churches. Our focus remains in Job today, and we will be reading chapters 17 and 18, and asking the question how can we help and encourage the hurting and suffering. As I mentioned yesterday, part of what I’m sharing below is from my first book, Unshackled: Facing Suffering With the Real Jesus (and Not the Shack, or Pop-Culture Christianity,) which holds the Guinness book of World records for longest book by an unknown author. I have been in pastoral ministry for over twenty-five years, and in that time have ministered to dozens of families who are mourning the death of those nearest to them. Some of the deaths are more…bearable (?) than others, if death can be in any way bearable at all. I’ve done the funeral for a lovely World War 2 veteran of D-Day who had been married to his wife for roughly 70 years. That was hard, and I am sure it still is for his surviving wife - I cannot imagine being separated from my wife of 20 years - how much more difficult must it be to be separated from a spouse of 70?! This funeral was sad - with much tears and grieving, but also was celebratory - rejoicing in a faithful marriage of almost 70 years, and celebrating the life of a remarkable man who had lived a long and amazing life. Some of the funerals I have done are nothing but grieving, mourning, tears, tragedy and incredible sadness. Many years ago, while still a young, greenhorn youth minister, I was summoned to the hospital one night due to a wreck involving one of our youth. I will never forget that night - sitting next to this young man’s mom and dad, as we awaited news in the waiting room. When the surgeon walked in, he had a grim look on his face, and very coldly and callously told this young man’s parents that he had died on the operating table. Though that night was twenty years ago, I can still clearly hear the gut-shredding wail of his mom in my mind, and the look on her face as she mourned the death of her only child. Heartbreaking. Words failed that night. And the surgeon's communication and lack of compassion only added to the misery. (Though I am quite sure he tried his best!) Another funeral involved a family that I did not know at all - but our church had helped them with food previously, and thus they asked our church to provide a pastor for the funeral. In this particular tragedy, a very young married couple had a lovely baby that was killed one night when the husband got either drunk or stoned (or both) and inadvertently rolled over on the baby that they were co-sleeping with, and smothered him. Both the husband and the wife were at the funeral, as was their family - and they wanted me to share words of comfort and hope into what seemed for all the world like a hopeless situation. What do we say in situations like these? Maybe you’ve never faced a scenario like the above, and maybe you aren’t in ministry….but I guarantee that you will, multiple times in your life, be the friend or family member of somebody who has lost a loved one to death…and they will look to you for support, love, help and comfort. How do you handle that? What can you say to make things better? Well - here’s the thing to remember that is very important: IT IS LIKELY THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE THE POWER IN THAT MOMENT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. And when we try to make things better, we end up saying things that are factually untrue, or are meaninglessly cliche and in doing so, it is possible that we can make things worse! Let's read our Job passages, and then come back and discuss what we should not say to those who are suffering. Here are five things that I have heard people actually say to those who are grieving, and a brief word on why to NEVER say these things: Top Five Worst Things to Say to Those Who Have Lost a Loved One “God Needed a new angel in Heaven!” UGH!! Please don’t say this - ever, to anybody. First of all, how in the world can this expression, as false as it is, ever be comforting to somebody that has lost a child, or a family member? “God was running short on something, so He - the God of everything who has everything - actually took a child or loved one from me?!” This is a cruel statement, and it is not comforting at all - not in the least. Secondly - it is not even remotely true. The Bible does NOT teach that people become angels when they die…in fact, when Christians die, they become like Jesus - with a body like His! (See Philippians 3:20-21, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” ) Note: Two people in an online internet discussion thread mourning the death of one of my heroes, Steve Irwin, used the “God Needed an Angel” line” Sigh. A direct quote, “to lose a father is something a child should never go through, but today God needed a new angel and he just wanted the best” Please don’t use that expression! God does NOT kill people to stock up on angels. “God only takes the best!” This is foolish and illogical, because God takes EVERYBODY. We will all die! (Hebrews 9:27, “it is appointed for man to die once”) Please don’t tell people that God only takes the best - it just doesn’t make any sense, isn’t accurate in the least, and is actually incredibly non-comforting and confusing! “Well, at least you…” OR: “Be thankful that…” There are many ways that this phrase ends, but most of the time it begins the same way: “At least you still have your other children!” “At least you still have your husband/wife/dog/Playstation 4!” “At least you had a few years with them before they left!” “Be thankful that they didn’t have too suffer long!” None of these phrases are comforting, and they are all ultimately quite petty. Essentially, the message is: “Stop whining about this death, and be happy, because you are making me unhappy/uncomfortable!” If you are tempted to try to console somebody with a sentence that begins, “At least you…” then please, stop and reconsider. And yes, while it is good to be thankful always - ordering a grieving person to be thankful is insensitive and unaware of the Ecclesiastes 3:4 dynamic. There is indeed a time to rejoice and a time to mourn. It is right, good and biblical for us to mourn, so don’t try to steer people away from mourning - mourn with them! “I know how you feel…” We are humans and we often think in metaphors and comparisons. Mourning death is one of those places where we should avoid this at all costs. When somebody has lost a child, the only people who TRULY know at least a little bit about how they feel are other people who have lost a child. When somebody has lost a parent, or a spouse, again, the only people who know how they feel are people who have lost a parent or a child. If you are comforting somebody who is mourning a loss that is exactly like one you have experienced, then it is kind and comforting and soothing to share your grief with them - but even then, it is rarely encouraging to use the phrase, “I Know how you feel.” Be very careful with this expression, as you really don’t know how that person is feeling. Even though their situation might look on the surface exactly the same as one you have been through, chances are that there are many differences beneath the surface. “God has a plan…” YES! God does indeed have a plan. He is completely sovereign and in control. His sovereignty isn’t harsh, and He loves us with an everlasting and unfathomable love, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. And yet - if somebody doesn’t have a very deep biblical understanding of the loving nature of God and His sovereignty, then this statement isn’t comforting at all. Even for those who do understand such passages as Romans 8:28-29 in a very deep way - the phrase, “God has a plan.” can be a little flummoxing. Why does God’s plan involve the death of my loved one? God does indeed have a plan, but those words aren’t the best words to comfort somebody who is suffering in the moment. Can you imagine Peter and John comforting Jesus, as He prayed with agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, with this line? So - those are some phrases that really should be avoided. In fact - the whole idea that we can share a sentence or two with somebody and actually help/comfort them is an idea which, with perhaps rare exceptions, should be avoided. Grieving with those who grieve rarely involves the sharing of a pithy saying or two. Rather, grieving with those who grieve far more often involves walking beside them, listening to them, praying for them, crying with them and just simply being there. Those who are suffering don’t often need a sentence or two saying to feel better. They need something far deeper than that. On tomorrow's episode #50, we will cover some helpful things to say to those who are suffering, and some helpful ways to say those things. Hope you can join us then! For now, I will close with this great quote from Nancy Guthrie's article on comforting those who are grieving: But here’s the truth. When you’ve gone through the loss of a loved one, it’s almost as if there is a barrier put up between you and every person in your world. And it’s not until that person acknowledges your loss that that barrier comes down. And it doesn’t have to be anything brilliant. And sometimes it can even be wordless. I can think of times when I was going through grief when someone just came next to me and squeezed my hand or gave me even a knowing look, with that sense of, “I know what’s going on, and I’m sad and I’m in a sense speechless.”| And then one of the really beautiful things some people did was actually weep in my presence. And I know that sounds awkward for some people — I think especially men. I know for my husband, he wouldn’t say, “Wow, I was really hoping people would come and cry with me.” That wasn’t the form his grief took. But for many of us, when you’re carrying this huge load of sorrow and you look up, and you see someone who is shedding tears — that they are so identifying with your loss that they are in a sense carrying some of the load of sorrow for you — that’s an incredible gift to give to someone who’s grieving. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-do-we-say-to-grieving-people
Welcome to the Bible Reading Podcast! (Encourage Sharing on SM/Reviews, etc) Today's readings include Exodus Chapter 1 - which means we have completed the entire book of Genesis together - Go team! Sadly for the Israelites (in the short term!), Exodus opens with this ominous bit of foreshadowing in chapter 1, vs. 8, " A new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt." In Luke 4, we will see how Jesus overcomes the attacks of Satan in the desert by the expert use of the Sword of the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 5 is all about church discipline, a biblical practice that is sadly neglected in many of our churches. Our focus remains in Job today, and we will be reading chapters 17 and 18, and asking the question how can we help and encourage the hurting and suffering. As I mentioned yesterday, part of what I’m sharing below is from my first book, Unshackled: Facing Suffering With the Real Jesus (and Not the Shack, or Pop-Culture Christianity,) which holds the Guinness book of World records for longest book by an unknown author. I have been in pastoral ministry for over twenty-five years, and in that time have ministered to dozens of families who are mourning the death of those nearest to them. Some of the deaths are more…bearable (?) than others, if death can be in any way bearable at all. I’ve done the funeral for a lovely World War 2 veteran of D-Day who had been married to his wife for roughly 70 years. That was hard, and I am sure it still is for his surviving wife - I cannot imagine being separated from my wife of 20 years - how much more difficult must it be to be separated from a spouse of 70?! This funeral was sad - with much tears and grieving, but also was celebratory - rejoicing in a faithful marriage of almost 70 years, and celebrating the life of a remarkable man who had lived a long and amazing life. Some of the funerals I have done are nothing but grieving, mourning, tears, tragedy and incredible sadness. Many years ago, while still a young, greenhorn youth minister, I was summoned to the hospital one night due to a wreck involving one of our youth. I will never forget that night - sitting next to this young man’s mom and dad, as we awaited news in the waiting room. When the surgeon walked in, he had a grim look on his face, and very coldly and callously told this young man’s parents that he had died on the operating table. Though that night was twenty years ago, I can still clearly hear the gut-shredding wail of his mom in my mind, and the look on her face as she mourned the death of her only child. Heartbreaking. Words failed that night. And the surgeon's communication and lack of compassion only added to the misery. (Though I am quite sure he tried his best!) Another funeral involved a family that I did not know at all - but our church had helped them with food previously, and thus they asked our church to provide a pastor for the funeral. In this particular tragedy, a very young married couple had a lovely baby that was killed one night when the husband got either drunk or stoned (or both) and inadvertently rolled over on the baby that they were co-sleeping with, and smothered him. Both the husband and the wife were at the funeral, as was their family - and they wanted me to share words of comfort and hope into what seemed for all the world like a hopeless situation. What do we say in situations like these? Maybe you’ve never faced a scenario like the above, and maybe you aren’t in ministry….but I guarantee that you will, multiple times in your life, be the friend or family member of somebody who has lost a loved one to death…and they will look to you for support, love, help and comfort. How do you handle that? What can you say to make things better? Well - here’s the thing to remember that is very important: IT IS LIKELY THAT YOU DO NOT HAVE THE POWER IN THAT MOMENT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. And when we try to make things better, we end up saying things that are factually untrue, or are meaninglessly cliche and in doing so, it is possible that we can make things worse! Let's read our Job passages, and then come back and discuss what we should not say to those who are suffering. Here are five things that I have heard people actually say to those who are grieving, and a brief word on why to NEVER say these things: Top Five Worst Things to Say to Those Who Have Lost a Loved One “God Needed a new angel in Heaven!” UGH!! Please don’t say this - ever, to anybody. First of all, how in the world can this expression, as false as it is, ever be comforting to somebody that has lost a child, or a family member? “God was running short on something, so He - the God of everything who has everything - actually took a child or loved one from me?!” This is a cruel statement, and it is not comforting at all - not in the least. Secondly - it is not even remotely true. The Bible does NOT teach that people become angels when they die…in fact, when Christians die, they become like Jesus - with a body like His! (See Philippians 3:20-21, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” ) Note: Two people in an online internet discussion thread mourning the death of one of my heroes, Steve Irwin, used the “God Needed an Angel” line” Sigh. A direct quote, “to lose a father is something a child should never go through, but today God needed a new angel and he just wanted the best” Please don’t use that expression! God does NOT kill people to stock up on angels. “God only takes the best!” This is foolish and illogical, because God takes EVERYBODY. We will all die! (Hebrews 9:27, “it is appointed for man to die once”) Please don’t tell people that God only takes the best - it just doesn’t make any sense, isn’t accurate in the least, and is actually incredibly non-comforting and confusing! “Well, at least you…” OR: “Be thankful that…” There are many ways that this phrase ends, but most of the time it begins the same way: “At least you still have your other children!” “At least you still have your husband/wife/dog/Playstation 4!” “At least you had a few years with them before they left!” “Be thankful that they didn’t have too suffer long!” None of these phrases are comforting, and they are all ultimately quite petty. Essentially, the message is: “Stop whining about this death, and be happy, because you are making me unhappy/uncomfortable!” If you are tempted to try to console somebody with a sentence that begins, “At least you…” then please, stop and reconsider. And yes, while it is good to be thankful always - ordering a grieving person to be thankful is insensitive and unaware of the Ecclesiastes 3:4 dynamic. There is indeed a time to rejoice and a time to mourn. It is right, good and biblical for us to mourn, so don’t try to steer people away from mourning - mourn with them! “I know how you feel…” We are humans and we often think in metaphors and comparisons. Mourning death is one of those places where we should avoid this at all costs. When somebody has lost a child, the only people who TRULY know at least a little bit about how they feel are other people who have lost a child. When somebody has lost a parent, or a spouse, again, the only people who know how they feel are people who have lost a parent or a child. If you are comforting somebody who is mourning a loss that is exactly like one you have experienced, then it is kind and comforting and soothing to share your grief with them - but even then, it is rarely encouraging to use the phrase, “I Know how you feel.” Be very careful with this expression, as you really don’t know how that person is feeling. Even though their situation might look on the surface exactly the same as one you have been through, chances are that there are many differences beneath the surface. “God has a plan…” YES! God does indeed have a plan. He is completely sovereign and in control. His sovereignty isn’t harsh, and He loves us with an everlasting and unfathomable love, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. And yet - if somebody doesn’t have a very deep biblical understanding of the loving nature of God and His sovereignty, then this statement isn’t comforting at all. Even for those who do understand such passages as Romans 8:28-29 in a very deep way - the phrase, “God has a plan.” can be a little flummoxing. Why does God’s plan involve the death of my loved one? God does indeed have a plan, but those words aren’t the best words to comfort somebody who is suffering in the moment. Can you imagine Peter and John comforting Jesus, as He prayed with agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, with this line? So - those are some phrases that really should be avoided. In fact - the whole idea that we can share a sentence or two with somebody and actually help/comfort them is an idea which, with perhaps rare exceptions, should be avoided. Grieving with those who grieve rarely involves the sharing of a pithy saying or two. Rather, grieving with those who grieve far more often involves walking beside them, listening to them, praying for them, crying with them and just simply being there. Those who are suffering don’t often need a sentence or two saying to feel better. They need something far deeper than that. On tomorrow's episode #50, we will cover some helpful things to say to those who are suffering, and some helpful ways to say those things. Hope you can join us then! For now, I will close with this great quote from Nancy Guthrie's article on comforting those who are grieving: But here’s the truth. When you’ve gone through the loss of a loved one, it’s almost as if there is a barrier put up between you and every person in your world. And it’s not until that person acknowledges your loss that that barrier comes down. And it doesn’t have to be anything brilliant. And sometimes it can even be wordless. I can think of times when I was going through grief when someone just came next to me and squeezed my hand or gave me even a knowing look, with that sense of, “I know what’s going on, and I’m sad and I’m in a sense speechless.”| And then one of the really beautiful things some people did was actually weep in my presence. And I know that sounds awkward for some people — I think especially men. I know for my husband, he wouldn’t say, “Wow, I was really hoping people would come and cry with me.” That wasn’t the form his grief took. But for many of us, when you’re carrying this huge load of sorrow and you look up, and you see someone who is shedding tears — that they are so identifying with your loss that they are in a sense carrying some of the load of sorrow for you — that’s an incredible gift to give to someone who’s grieving. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-do-we-say-to-grieving-people
What You'll Hear: Robert grew up in Elizabethtown, TN in a Christian environment. He doesn't remember a time when he wasn't trusting Jesus as his savior. When he was 11-12 yr old, an evangelist challenged him to make sure, so he prayed that night and gained assurance of his salvation His teen years were pretty lonely and confused. Robert knew God wanted him to go to Columbia International University. When he got there his new roommate Bill McCoy showed up and he was full of excitement about Jesus, which compared to Robert's confusion about Jesus. Bill challenged Robert to totally yield himself to Christ, so Robert knelt down and yielded his life to Christ. This was the single most life changing moment of his life. Robert and Bill have since stayed friends for 45 years One of the greatest evangelistic tools available is our hope. It helps when we have a consistent walk with God There should be something about our demeanor that sets us apart from others "As in a friendship or a marriage, we’re either drawing nearer to God or drifting from Him all the time" - this is also true with our relationships at work. We're either going forward and or going backward. Fear and worry tighten you up. Faith relaxes you. Practice the presence of God all day long. You have to cultivate it and work on it. Begin every day with prayer and Bible study. Write out your agenda for the day and commit it to the Lord. "I feel that God has assigned our work to us in one day increments" From James, we see that being close to God includes resisting the devil. God has 2 addresses, pervasive and personal. From Isaiah we see that God lives in the highest realms of heaven and the humblest parts of earth. Sophie Lichtenfels as a maid and Brother Lawrence as a worker in the kitchen were great examples of Colossians 3 and being close to God while they worked. Wherever we work is holy ground because of God's presence. The Practice of the Presence of God was written by Brother Lawrence and was an inspiration for Robert's book God’s order is Facts, Faith, Feelings. Your feelings is not a determination of God's nearness in our life. "Our feelings come and go, our attitudes come and grow" You can remember God's order with a train. The locomotive is facts. The passenger car is faith. The caboose is your feelings. God being near can be in terms of His presence as well as time. See Philippians 4 and 2 Peter 3. "We're not citizens in this world on our way to heaven, we're citizens of heaven going through this world" Go to www.RobertJMorgan.com Nothing has helped Robert to practice the presence of God more than to memorize scripture
Three Powerful Self-Tests When Things Are Out Of Order August 11, 2019 Relationships: Session 7 My Motives: (James 3:16) What am I wanting; why am I thinking, planning, acting like this? Am I seeking FIRST His life, desires, way of doing things? Or am I staying in the Manager’s seat? Nothing is truly Blessed/Used of God until it is released! Self-centered motives block our prayer from being answered. (James 4:2, 3) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal my motives. Be quick to confess and ask for His perspective. He desires us to receive His motives and walk in His love! See Philippians 2:5-8: Humbling myself is pleasing to the Father …. AND leads to exaltation! (1 Peter 5:5, 6) My Mind: Is it the TRUTH? The Spirit of Truth …. John 14:16, 17 Word of Truth …. John 8:31, 32 Our mind is the Gate to our spirit which is the spiritual center of our being. (Where the Holy Spirit lives in the believer.) The Holy Spirit bears witness of the TRUTH. Our senses, our brains, process information in our minds. Our emotions and our wills respond. [Which witness is dominant?] To successfully walk in the Truth, we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Truth) who is bearing witness in our inner man of the Truth (which yields Freedom …. John 8:32). We are the gatekeepers. We decide what information to trust and act on! Ask the Lord for favor/order. Resolve to stay resolved if necessary. 1 Corinthians 2:16; Romans 8:5 My Mouth: Designed by God to work in line with the Heart (spirit). (See Romans 10:9, 10) What is my verbal Filter? “Let the words of my mouth” (Psalm 19:14) “Let no corrupt word” (Ephesians 4:29) What I say makes a huge difference! (Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:34-37); Joshua 1:8, 9; Mark 11:22-24)
Episode 020 - Is Memorized Prayer the key you've been missing? Today I'm going to make a recommendation that is honestly surprising to me. My spiritual life has been deeply impacted by a practice that I looked down on for most of my life. I'm learning I'm not as smart as I thought I was! Hopefully, my learning can be a benefit to you. Oh, and in case the title doesn't grab you, this is about mental habits, how we can really experience abiding in Christ, and a prayer that has changed my spiritual life. Show Notes Show notes will not be a transcript. At least not now. You'll find a few key bullet points, any scriptures references, as well as any other books or resources referenced. This is part 2 of the Anchor Prayer Series.Jesus taught us that our primary task of faith is to abide or remain. See John 15.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”This is often called The Abiding Life, Abiding in Christ, or just "life in Christ."How do we really do this? Not as a theological abstraction, but as a lived and experienced reality?We already abide. Whatever thoughts we allow to occupy our mind is where we're abiding.Many of our thoughts (most?) are actually the result of mental habits that we've built over the course of our life. The more practice certain kinds of thoughts, the easier and more natural those thoughts become.Abiding in Christ isn't difficult because he is far away. He's not far. He is in all ways near:Psalms 34:18. God is close to the brokenhearted.Ephesians 2:13. We have been "brought near" through Christ.John 14:18. Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans.Matthew 28:20. Jesus promised to be with us always.John 14:20. Jesus told us that He was with us intimately. "In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you."Abiding in Christ is difficult because the habits of our mind lead us to focus on other things. But that means we can learn new habits!Prayer can be a part of this process.Extemporaneous Prayer -- The way many of us have been taught to pray. Spontaneous, focused on our needs, authentic to what we are feeling, hoping, needing. Very good at helping us express ourselves to God. See Philippians 4:6Prayer has another purpose, and extemporaneous prayer is not very good at this one. Prayer is meant to form us, to shape our thoughts.Memorized, or Liturgical prayer, is best for this 2nd purpose. By repeating words of truth, often based on scripture, we plant those words in our minds, and they form the basis of new ways of thinking.This is part of how we participate in the Spirit's work of "renewing of our minds." (Romans 12) My Links You are invited to my first live event! June 1st, in Vancouver WA. The Untangled Heart Workshop. I'm doing this in collaboration with a close friend who is a trauma therapist with more than 30 years of experience. This 1-day event will give you practical tools so that by the end of the day you'll be better able to navigate your own emotions and the emotions of other people. More info or to register: Go here!Get the The Wisdom Of Your Heart Audiobook now!On Audible.com.On Amazon.com.On iTunes.If you've never had an Audible.com account, you can get The Wisdom of Your Heart for FREE, by following this special link and creating a new paid account. If you love audiobooks this is the very best way to get them. Subscribe to my Email List. Get a couple of emails each month with links to my latest blogs and podcast episode, along with other things that will be helpful to your journey. Also, this is the best way to get a notification when the audiobook goes live!Subscribe to The Apprenticeship Way on iTunes and all other podcasting apps. Find it here on my website--this page that you're on right now!Find a video version on my Youtube Channel.Want to bring me to speak to your community about this topic, practical spiritual growth,
He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.(See Philippians 2:8)(New American Bible, Revised Edition)
Series: Straight Answers -- Sunday, July 29, 2018 -- Sermon Questions “KNOWING GOD’S WILL" 1. Did it surprise you that there were a lot of questions relating to God’s will and knowing it? 2. Read Colossians 1:9-10. Discuss these two verses. 3. What is God’s sovereign will? (See Philippians 2:9-11.) 4. What is God’s standard will? 5. What is God’s special will? 6. Read Psalm 32:8. What does this verse tell us? 7. What two things are essential if I am to know God’s will? (See John 7:17; Psalm 25:9.) 8. What are the practical ways God guides us? (See 2 Corinthians 6:14; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15; Romans 14:22.)
Sunday, April 15, 2018 -- Sermon Questions Series: Real Christianity -- “SHOOTING STRAIGHT” 1. What is God’s plan? (See Philippians 2:9-11.) 2. What does God’s plan say about the importance of this world? 3. What is God’s calling on the believer’s life? (See Matthew 4:18-20.) 4. Is Hell a real place? (See Matthew 25:30, 46.) How should its reality affect our lives? 5. Why do you think Hell is under attack? (Talk about Rob Bell.) 6. What is Social Justice? Why are so many evangelical churches concerning themselves with social justice? What should our focus as Christians be? (See Colossians 3:1-4.) 7. Discuss how seminaries, churches and Christians go liberal. (Discuss depravity of man (i.e., Mark 10:18; Romans 3:10-18), inerrancy of scripture and hell.)
Please think seriously for a moment about what "frames" your thinking in regards to the gospel. If Satan is truly a scheming devil, doesn't it make sense that he would even - and maybe especially - try to fool Christians into thinking that worldly ways and ideas are still consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Think about whether or not you have adopted particular views that are more in line with non-believers, and their "worldly" wisdom than with the truths of Scripture. Listen to the thoughts and the frustrations of this fine, young, Christian college student, and think about how we can continue to communicate with Christians of different ages and differing views on some of our current issues and yet come to actually hear and understand each other. You might not agree now with her on the social issues that she brings up but, who knows - we might just change our mind on some things if we examine them in the light of Scripture; things that we have had long entrenched in our minds that we have just taken for granted. Being consistent in our approach to the gospel means we have a godly and reasoned approach to every issue and that we are not just going with the flow, no matter where that flow comes from; unless it is truly based on the Word of God and is based on love with knowledge and discernment. See Philippians 1:9 for more on that! God bless you and I look forward to hearing from you. Please remember, if you want to comment on this podcast please email me directly. My email address is on the homepage at http://reasonedhopeministries.org In Christ and for the cause of His glorious gospel, Rod
Paul has called us in service of The Gospel and in humility to consider others more significant than ourselves (2:3,4). This morning he gives us two examples of disciples who do just that by displaying hearts and lives that had been changed by Jesus.
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, March 12, 2017 -- Sermon Questions “WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST?” 1. What is greatness? 2.Read Philippians 3:1-11. Why is Jesus great? 3.Why should we always be rejoicing? (See Philippians 3:1.) 4.What is one of our (i.e., humanities) big problems? (See Philippians 3:5-6.) Why is God not impressed with our accomplishments? 5.Read Philippians 3:7. What is Paul saying here? Why is this a real turning point for Paul? (i.e., think of Paul’s conversion story.) Are you still trying to impress God? 6.Read Philippians 3:7-9. Why is this such an incredible breakthrough for Paul? 7.Read Luke 5:1-11. What do you see happening here? What is happening to Peter? Has something like this happened to you? 8.When you see Jesus on the cross, what happens to you? What are you thinking? Can you grasp what he did for you? Is it life-changing for you, really? 9.Read Philippians 3:10-11. Why is this the only logical and rational response to Philippians 3:1-9? (See also 2 Peter 3:8-10.) What makes Philippians 3:10 so incredible? (i.e., think about a believer in jail or in the poverty of India.)
Series: The Book of Philippians -- Sunday, January 22, 2017 - Sermon Questions “THE PATH TO GLORY” 1. Read Philippians 2:1-4. What is Paul really asking the Philippian believers? (See also John 17:20-23.) 2. Why is it so difficult for us to generally achieve unity/oneness? 3. What is our motivation for unity in the church? (See Philippians 2:1-2.) 4. What is the method for unity? (See Philippians 2:3-4.) 5. What is true humility? 6. Read Philippians 2:5-11. What makes these verses so special and powerful? What does Jesus tell us is the path to greatness? 7. Read verse 6. What is Paul telling us about Jesus here? 8. Read verse 7. What do we learn about Jesus here? (See also John 13:1-17.) 9. Read verse 8. What do we learn about Jesus here? (I.e., talk about crucifixion and why Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified.) 10. Read verses 9-11. What do we learn from these verses?
Sermon Questions 1. What are the different kinds of jerks? What kind of jerk are you? 2. Read Philippians1:15-18. Who were the jerks that Paul had to deal with? What were they saying about him? 3. What was the lie of those “jerk” preachers that Paul was dealing with? How old is this lie? (I.e., talk about Job and look at Job 4:7, 8:3, 11:16.) Are we still dealing with this lie today? 4. Read 2 Timothy 3:10-13. What truth are these verses giving us? 5. Why will the true followers of Jesus suffer? (See Ephesians 6:10-12.) 6. Why does Satan go after the Spirit-filled believer? 7. What is one of the main ways Satan attacks the Spirit-filled believer? 8. Do you see Satan attacking you? 9. What is the best way to deal with jerks? Talk about the 3 ways of disarming jerks. (See Philippians 1:17-18 and Psalm 26:4.)
Sermon Questions, Sunday, November 13, 2016 Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray “PERSPECTIVE” 1. Why is perspective powerful? 2. How do you generally see your circumstances? Positively or negatively? Why? 3. Read Philippians 1:12-24. How do these verses contradict the prevailing theology in American Christianity? 4. When “bad” or different circumstances happen to us, what is generally our cry? 5. What questions or question does a mature follower of Jesus ask when facing a difficult circumstance? 6. What two ways did Paul view his imprisonment positively? (See Philippians 1:12-13 again.) 7. Do you see your present situation as an opportunity to advance the Gospel? 8.How might your response to your difficult circumstances strengthen fellow believers? (Talk about John 12:24-25.)
Series: The Book of Philippians Pastor Frank Wray “THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP” Sermon Questions 1. Do you think good leadership matters? Why or why not? 2. What were the two kinds of leaders in the early church? (See Philippians 1:1 and Acts 6:1-6) 3. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. What is the job or function of the elder/shepherd/pastor? 4. In the American church, how does an elder generally function? Why is this a problem biblically? 5. An elder is to care for the flock. What does that mean? 6. An elder is also to be an example to the flock. What does that mean? 7. To carry out these functions, what should you be looking for in an elder? (See Titus 1:5-9) What stands out to you as you look at the elder description in Titus 1:5-9? 8. Do you think we have good leadership today in America (i.e., both in the church and secular world)? Why or why not?
Series: The Book of Philippians Sunday, September 25, 2016 Pastor Frank Wray Sermon Questions “INTRODUCTIONS MATTER” 1. What kind of city was Philippi? How is it like present day Albany? (See Colossians 3:1-4) 2. What does it mean to be God’s holy people? (See Philippians 1:1) 3. What does a holy person or saint look like in everyday life? 4. Why does the believer need grace? (See Philippians 1:2) 5. What is the result of really moving in God’s grace? (See Philippians 1:2) 6. Now do you see why introductions matter?