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Recap of Philippians 4:4-9, December 30, 2007:
1. Christians individually and churches corporately should be characterized by the following four attitudes and actions: joy, gentleness, peace, and right-thinking producing right-acting.
2. Joy is possible for Christians, not because circumstances are conducive to joy (often they are not), but because, through our relationship with Christ, we have hope that He is working all things for our good.
3. We are to show gentleness to all people - Christians and non-Christians alike. The gentleness spoken of here is: “knowing when not to apply the strict letter of the law--but to relax justice and introduce mercy” (William Barclay). We must yield our rights and pursue mercy with others.
4. The antidote for anxiety and worry is prayer which brings supernatural peace to guard our inner being (intellect, emotions, will) and our thoughts. If we are unwilling to trust God or to yield control to Him, peace will elude us.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Three Responses to Christmas
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Recap of Matthew 2:1-12, December 23, 2007:
1. The events of Matthew 2 happened a least several months after Jesus’ birth. Not on the night of His birth as commonly portrayed.
-He was in a house not a stable, vs. 11
-He was a “child” (Greek, “paidion”) not an infant (Greek, “brephos”), vs. 11
-Luke 2:21-27 tells us that at Jesus’ purification (33 days after circumcision on the 8th day), Joseph & Mary gave a poor family’s offering, and if the Magi had already given their gifts they could not have done that.
-Herod’s order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and vicinity, two yrs. and younger, vs. 16
2. Herod’s response of hostility and the religious leaders response of apathy have been re-enacted many times through the centuries right up to today.
3. The proper response to Jesus is, as with the Magi, faith and worship.
4. The Magi gave themselves first in worship before they gave their gifts.
5. “… what God favors us with, we must honor Him with.” (Matthew Henry) The talent, resources, and time God has given us must be given back to Him.
6. The gifts of the Magi to Jesus reflected not only His deity but His coming death as well (myrrh was used as a burial spice).
Recap of Matthew 2:1-12, December 23, 2007:
1. The events of Matthew 2 happened a least several months after Jesus’ birth. Not on the night of His birth as commonly portrayed.
-He was in a house not a stable, vs. 11
-He was a “child” (Greek, “paidion”) not an infant (Greek, “brephos”), vs. 11
-Luke 2:21-27 tells us that at Jesus’ purification (33 days after circumcision on the 8th day), Joseph & Mary gave a poor family’s offering, and if the Magi had already given their gifts they could not have done that.
-Herod’s order to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and vicinity, two yrs. and younger, vs. 16
2. Herod’s response of hostility and the religious leaders response of apathy have been re-enacted many times through the centuries right up to today.
3. The proper response to Jesus is, as with the Magi, faith and worship.
4. The Magi gave themselves first in worship before they gave their gifts.
5. “… what God favors us with, we must honor Him with.” (Matthew Henry) The talent, resources, and time God has given us must be given back to Him.
6. The gifts of the Magi to Jesus reflected not only His deity but His coming death as well (myrrh was used as a burial spice).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Living At Peace
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Recap of Philippians 4:1-3, December 2, 2007:
1. Peace is necessary in the Body of Christ to have an effective witness to those around us.
2. Dissension violates peace in the Body.
3. Dissension often arises when a person is offended in the Body and then shares that offense with others rather than going to the offender.
4. There is no sanction is the scripture for going to anyone other than the offender. If it cannot be resolved at that level, then it is necessary to bring in another.5. When offenses are shared with others it becomes gossip which divides the Body because: gossip always separates people, causes dissension, causes people to be untrusting of others, widens a conflict, crushes the spirit of another, and kills the reputation of another. Gossip is unfortunately appealing.
Recap of Philippians 4:1-3, December 2, 2007:
1. Peace is necessary in the Body of Christ to have an effective witness to those around us.
2. Dissension violates peace in the Body.
3. Dissension often arises when a person is offended in the Body and then shares that offense with others rather than going to the offender.
4. There is no sanction is the scripture for going to anyone other than the offender. If it cannot be resolved at that level, then it is necessary to bring in another.5. When offenses are shared with others it becomes gossip which divides the Body because: gossip always separates people, causes dissension, causes people to be untrusting of others, widens a conflict, crushes the spirit of another, and kills the reputation of another. Gossip is unfortunately appealing.
Monday, November 26, 2007
No Room For Complacency, Part 4
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NOTE: the sermon from November 18 (No Room For Complacency Part 3) is not available due to technical difficulty.
Recap of 11/25/07:
1. Paul, like a runner, is pressing toward the goal of Christlikeness (spiritual maturity) to win the prize. Some believe that the prize he is talking about is the rewards that believers will receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ for faithful life and service since becoming Christians. Only believers will be present at this judgment where salvation is not the issue and is not in doubt, only rewards are in view. Romans 14:10,12; I Cor 3:10-15; 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:10
2. Paul urges Christians to live up to the truth that they have learned. We must live the truth we know, not just hold it as an intellectual abstraction.
3. Christians must live in obedience to the Word of God, not according to their appetites.
4. Christian’s minds must be focused on heaven from which we await a Savior, not preoccupied with earthly things to the exclusion of spiritual things. Out citizenship is in Heaven, earth is only a temporary dwelling place. Heb 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11
NOTE: the sermon from November 18 (No Room For Complacency Part 3) is not available due to technical difficulty.
Recap of 11/25/07:
1. Paul, like a runner, is pressing toward the goal of Christlikeness (spiritual maturity) to win the prize. Some believe that the prize he is talking about is the rewards that believers will receive at the Judgment Seat of Christ for faithful life and service since becoming Christians. Only believers will be present at this judgment where salvation is not the issue and is not in doubt, only rewards are in view. Romans 14:10,12; I Cor 3:10-15; 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:10
2. Paul urges Christians to live up to the truth that they have learned. We must live the truth we know, not just hold it as an intellectual abstraction.
3. Christians must live in obedience to the Word of God, not according to their appetites.
4. Christian’s minds must be focused on heaven from which we await a Savior, not preoccupied with earthly things to the exclusion of spiritual things. Out citizenship is in Heaven, earth is only a temporary dwelling place. Heb 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11
Monday, November 19, 2007
No Room For Complacency, Part 2
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Recap of 11/11/07:
1. Our salvation is secure because (continuation of list from last week’s recap):
-Jesus is our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and He intercedes for us (Heb 7:25) when Satan accuses us to God the Father. Jesus’ work would be ineffective if we could be lost.
-Jesus loses none that the Father gives Him (John 6:39-40)
2. In verse 11 Paul was not expressing doubt about his salvation. Nor was he expressing doubt about being raised from the dead (see I Cor 15:51-53; 1 Thes 4:13-18).3. Paul’s hope in Phil 3:11 was either an expression of humility; a wish to part of those who would be alive when Christ returned and there for be raptured, or most likely a desire to live in resurrection power (dying to sin, self, selfishness, pride and living in newness of life in resurrection power).
Recap of 11/11/07:
1. Our salvation is secure because (continuation of list from last week’s recap):
-Jesus is our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and He intercedes for us (Heb 7:25) when Satan accuses us to God the Father. Jesus’ work would be ineffective if we could be lost.
-Jesus loses none that the Father gives Him (John 6:39-40)
2. In verse 11 Paul was not expressing doubt about his salvation. Nor was he expressing doubt about being raised from the dead (see I Cor 15:51-53; 1 Thes 4:13-18).3. Paul’s hope in Phil 3:11 was either an expression of humility; a wish to part of those who would be alive when Christ returned and there for be raptured, or most likely a desire to live in resurrection power (dying to sin, self, selfishness, pride and living in newness of life in resurrection power).
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
No Room For Complacency
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Philippians 3:11-21
Recap of November 4, 2007:
1. Paul was not in doubt about the security of his salvation. In Phil. 1:21-23 he wrote that “to die is gain” and “to depart [this life] is to be with Christ.
2. Our salvation is secure because …
-we are secure in the hands of both God the Father and God the Son (John 10:27-30) and no one can snatch us out of their hands. “Now, ‘no one’ means no one, including the individual himself. The promise does not say that no one, except yourself, can seize the believer out of God’s hand. It says no one.” (Dr. Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, pp. 330-331)
-the Holy Spirit seals the believer at the moment of salvation “until the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). The sealing is a down payment guaranteeing our future inheritance.
-the moment we are saved we are placed by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13)
-of the work of God in salvation. The chain remains unbroken from foreknowledge to glorification (the final state of the believer in his/her resurrection body)), none are lost in the process. (Romans 8:29-30)
-of the promise of the Word of God that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39)
Philippians 3:11-21
Recap of November 4, 2007:
1. Paul was not in doubt about the security of his salvation. In Phil. 1:21-23 he wrote that “to die is gain” and “to depart [this life] is to be with Christ.
2. Our salvation is secure because …
-we are secure in the hands of both God the Father and God the Son (John 10:27-30) and no one can snatch us out of their hands. “Now, ‘no one’ means no one, including the individual himself. The promise does not say that no one, except yourself, can seize the believer out of God’s hand. It says no one.” (Dr. Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, pp. 330-331)
-the Holy Spirit seals the believer at the moment of salvation “until the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). The sealing is a down payment guaranteeing our future inheritance.
-the moment we are saved we are placed by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13)
-of the work of God in salvation. The chain remains unbroken from foreknowledge to glorification (the final state of the believer in his/her resurrection body)), none are lost in the process. (Romans 8:29-30)
-of the promise of the Word of God that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Misplaced Confidence, Part 2
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Recap of 10/28/07:
1. Legalistic teachers we troubling the Philippians (as they do Christians today), particularly concerning the issue of circumcision. The Jews focused on circumcision as a sign of the covenant relationship between them and God but missed that circumcision was not meant to be external only but circumcision of the heart (the cutting away of sin). Deut 30:6; Rom 2:28,29
2. The true circumcision are those who: worship God in the spirit (that is not religion of ritual, law or external observance but of the heart, true devotion of heart, mind and live to God (Gal 6:15); who glory (boast) only in Jesus Christ not in their accomplishment; and place no confidence in the flesh (either circumcision of the flesh or the flesh referring to all that we are apart from Christ, inner selfishness, the sin nature.3. Paul’s burning desire even after decades of salvation was to know Christ more and more. He never lost the wonder of grace.
Recap of 10/28/07:
1. Legalistic teachers we troubling the Philippians (as they do Christians today), particularly concerning the issue of circumcision. The Jews focused on circumcision as a sign of the covenant relationship between them and God but missed that circumcision was not meant to be external only but circumcision of the heart (the cutting away of sin). Deut 30:6; Rom 2:28,29
2. The true circumcision are those who: worship God in the spirit (that is not religion of ritual, law or external observance but of the heart, true devotion of heart, mind and live to God (Gal 6:15); who glory (boast) only in Jesus Christ not in their accomplishment; and place no confidence in the flesh (either circumcision of the flesh or the flesh referring to all that we are apart from Christ, inner selfishness, the sin nature.3. Paul’s burning desire even after decades of salvation was to know Christ more and more. He never lost the wonder of grace.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Misplaced Confidence
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Philippians 3:1-11
Re-cap of October 21, 2007:
1. Paul has already dealt with the problems of pride and divisions infecting Philippi. He now deals with legalistic teachers who were exacerbating the problem with their teaching.
2. Legalism (a works righteousness based upon human effort rather than trusting the grace of God) erects a standard which is not Biblical or which perverts the Biblical text and leads to pride and self-righteousness.
3. Legalism:
-impoverishes our spiritual experience
-brings others under condemnation to our standards
-concentrates on externals with no power to touch the heart-endangers and defiles those who come into contact with it
Philippians 3:1-11
Re-cap of October 21, 2007:
1. Paul has already dealt with the problems of pride and divisions infecting Philippi. He now deals with legalistic teachers who were exacerbating the problem with their teaching.
2. Legalism (a works righteousness based upon human effort rather than trusting the grace of God) erects a standard which is not Biblical or which perverts the Biblical text and leads to pride and self-righteousness.
3. Legalism:
-impoverishes our spiritual experience
-brings others under condemnation to our standards
-concentrates on externals with no power to touch the heart-endangers and defiles those who come into contact with it
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Truth In Sandals, Pt 2
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Philippians 2:19-30
Recap of 10/14/07:
1. Paul gives the Philippians another example of one who lives for others and not for themselves in Epaphroditus. He was a messenger from Philippi sent with a monetary gift to minister to Paul in his incarceration. He became sick and nearly died so Paul thought it prudent to send him back to Philippi.
2. Epaphroditus is called a “fellow soldier.” A favorite analogy of the Christian life and service for Paul’s was that of the soldier. A military man or woman:
-recognizes the need for discipline
-knows that their very lives depend upon their training and alertness
-is fully dedicated, giving all, sometimes their very lives
-understands the nature of warfare
-willing to risk everything to serve their country
3. Could it be said of us: that we are a people who put other’s needs and interests ahead of our own? That we live sacrificially? That we put it all on the line for the sake of the work of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:19-30
Recap of 10/14/07:
1. Paul gives the Philippians another example of one who lives for others and not for themselves in Epaphroditus. He was a messenger from Philippi sent with a monetary gift to minister to Paul in his incarceration. He became sick and nearly died so Paul thought it prudent to send him back to Philippi.
2. Epaphroditus is called a “fellow soldier.” A favorite analogy of the Christian life and service for Paul’s was that of the soldier. A military man or woman:
-recognizes the need for discipline
-knows that their very lives depend upon their training and alertness
-is fully dedicated, giving all, sometimes their very lives
-understands the nature of warfare
-willing to risk everything to serve their country
3. Could it be said of us: that we are a people who put other’s needs and interests ahead of our own? That we live sacrificially? That we put it all on the line for the sake of the work of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Truth In Sandals
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Philippians 2:19-30
Recap of 10/7/07:
1. The growing selfishness and pride of the Philippians must be replaced with selflessness and humility. Pride destroys relationships and hinders ministry now as then.
2. Timothy is a prime example of humility. He genuinely cared for the Philippians. He put the needs of others ahead of his own. They did not know Jesus when He walked the earth but they could see Jesus in Timothy.
3. Gene Getz suggests the following questions based upon this passage:
-What do people say about me? Do I get positive feedback from those closest to me that would indicate that I have a good reputation as a Christian—from my wife, my children, my friends?
-Do more and more people seek me out as a person and share their lives with me? Do people trust me with confidential information?
-Do my relationships with people grow deeper and more significant the longer they know me and the closer they get to me? Or do my relationships grow strained and shallow as people learn to know what I am really like?
-Am I using my age or some other psychological or physical problem as an excuse to keep me from becoming a mature Christian personality?
Philippians 2:19-30
Recap of 10/7/07:
1. The growing selfishness and pride of the Philippians must be replaced with selflessness and humility. Pride destroys relationships and hinders ministry now as then.
2. Timothy is a prime example of humility. He genuinely cared for the Philippians. He put the needs of others ahead of his own. They did not know Jesus when He walked the earth but they could see Jesus in Timothy.
3. Gene Getz suggests the following questions based upon this passage:
-What do people say about me? Do I get positive feedback from those closest to me that would indicate that I have a good reputation as a Christian—from my wife, my children, my friends?
-Do more and more people seek me out as a person and share their lives with me? Do people trust me with confidential information?
-Do my relationships with people grow deeper and more significant the longer they know me and the closer they get to me? Or do my relationships grow strained and shallow as people learn to know what I am really like?
-Am I using my age or some other psychological or physical problem as an excuse to keep me from becoming a mature Christian personality?
Monday, October 01, 2007
A Shining Testimony (Phil. 2:12-18)
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Recap of 9/30/07:
1. Paul was concerned about the corporate testimony of the church at Philippi. Their witness was beginning to be hurt by their selfishness and pride, and conversely their lack of humility, and was leading to disunity.
2. Paul encourages them toward humility (the attitude of Jesus) by reminding them that God would enable (energize) them toward right desires and right actions. He would give them the power to carry out His will for them.
3. God energizes us and our witness through the Word of God (1 Thes 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3ff).
4. Instead of relying upon God and His power, they were grumbling and disputing with each other. While they were to be lights to the world, they were acting more like the darkness around them.
Recap of 9/30/07:
1. Paul was concerned about the corporate testimony of the church at Philippi. Their witness was beginning to be hurt by their selfishness and pride, and conversely their lack of humility, and was leading to disunity.
2. Paul encourages them toward humility (the attitude of Jesus) by reminding them that God would enable (energize) them toward right desires and right actions. He would give them the power to carry out His will for them.
3. God energizes us and our witness through the Word of God (1 Thes 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3ff).
4. Instead of relying upon God and His power, they were grumbling and disputing with each other. While they were to be lights to the world, they were acting more like the darkness around them.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Time For A Tune-up
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Philippians Series
Chapter 2:1-11
Recap of 9/23/07:
1. The Philippians should have been unified because of the spiritual realities they shared in Jesus, and because of His selfless example of humility.
2. Instead there was a growing problem of disunity in the church.
3. True unity in a church is only possible where there is humility lived out by the members.
4. The Philippians were one in Christ, had received His love, were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and had experienced the tenderness and compassion of Jesus Christ. It was inconceivable that they would, in light of that, live selfishly.
5. Jesus is the prime example of selfless living in that He willingly veiled His glory and limited the exercise of some of His attributes and prerogatives to become the God-man. His humility extended even to the worst kind of death. Jesus exemplified living for and serving others rather than insisting on His rights. He “yielded for the good of others.”
Philippians Series
Chapter 2:1-11
Recap of 9/23/07:
1. The Philippians should have been unified because of the spiritual realities they shared in Jesus, and because of His selfless example of humility.
2. Instead there was a growing problem of disunity in the church.
3. True unity in a church is only possible where there is humility lived out by the members.
4. The Philippians were one in Christ, had received His love, were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and had experienced the tenderness and compassion of Jesus Christ. It was inconceivable that they would, in light of that, live selfishly.
5. Jesus is the prime example of selfless living in that He willingly veiled His glory and limited the exercise of some of His attributes and prerogatives to become the God-man. His humility extended even to the worst kind of death. Jesus exemplified living for and serving others rather than insisting on His rights. He “yielded for the good of others.”
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Noble Struggle
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Recap of 9/16/07:
1. Christians must live a godly lifestyle in keeping with their heavenly citizenship. Even as citizenship carries with it privileges and responsibilities so being a Christian (a citizen of Heaven) brings with it privileges and responsibilities. Does our lifestyle reflect the standards of the world or of Heaven?
2. We must be committed to the truth of the gospel, to defending essential doctrines, especially the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. We must defend it from those who would add works to grace.
3. We must understand that suffering and persecution are to be expected in the Christian life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:11,12; 3:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16).
4. God uses suffering to perfect us, to perfect our faith and bring us to maturity (1 Peter 1:6,7; James 1:2-4).
Recap of 9/16/07:
1. Christians must live a godly lifestyle in keeping with their heavenly citizenship. Even as citizenship carries with it privileges and responsibilities so being a Christian (a citizen of Heaven) brings with it privileges and responsibilities. Does our lifestyle reflect the standards of the world or of Heaven?
2. We must be committed to the truth of the gospel, to defending essential doctrines, especially the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. We must defend it from those who would add works to grace.
3. We must understand that suffering and persecution are to be expected in the Christian life (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 1:11,12; 3:10-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16).
4. God uses suffering to perfect us, to perfect our faith and bring us to maturity (1 Peter 1:6,7; James 1:2-4).
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lessons from a Frog (Phil. 1:19-26)
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Recap of 9/9/07:
1. Paul looked forward to each day with anticipation because it was another chance to glorify Jesus Christ and to be useful to Him.
2. He found strength in the prayers of others for him and in the help given to him by the Holy Spirit.
3. We must pray for the needs of others (as well as our own needs), prayer for right thinking and right acting in all the challenges of life.
4. We must not rely upon our own strength but on God’s abundant provision to us through the Holy Spirit, yielding to Him daily.
5. As with Paul, we must be fully concentrated on magnifying Jesus Christ, making Him more clearly seen to those around us.
6. We ought to be making progress in our spiritual lives, not just marking time. (Phil 2:12-16; 3:12-14; 1 Tim 4:15,16a; Col 2:6-7; 2 Peter 1:5-9)
Recap of 9/9/07:
1. Paul looked forward to each day with anticipation because it was another chance to glorify Jesus Christ and to be useful to Him.
2. He found strength in the prayers of others for him and in the help given to him by the Holy Spirit.
3. We must pray for the needs of others (as well as our own needs), prayer for right thinking and right acting in all the challenges of life.
4. We must not rely upon our own strength but on God’s abundant provision to us through the Holy Spirit, yielding to Him daily.
5. As with Paul, we must be fully concentrated on magnifying Jesus Christ, making Him more clearly seen to those around us.
6. We ought to be making progress in our spiritual lives, not just marking time. (Phil 2:12-16; 3:12-14; 1 Tim 4:15,16a; Col 2:6-7; 2 Peter 1:5-9)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Important Thing Is...
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Recap of 9/2/07:
1. Key thought: Paul did not look at his limitations rather he looked at his possibilities.
2. Though Paul’s circumstances were not ideal (chained to a Roman soldier 24/7/365):
-he didn’t blame himself, God, or fate for his circumstances
-he was not negative about his circumstances
-his circumstances brought about new avenues for service for him, even the soldiers who guarded him were being influenced with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, some were coming to faith.
3. Paul’s example and boldness was an example to others to be courageous in sharing their faith.
4. Whatever our “chains” (limitations), whether they are work-related, home-related, or school-related, whatever our situation, whatever is holding us back, we must look to God to show us the possibilities and help us to advance into new territory for His sake.
Recap of 9/2/07:
1. Key thought: Paul did not look at his limitations rather he looked at his possibilities.
2. Though Paul’s circumstances were not ideal (chained to a Roman soldier 24/7/365):
-he didn’t blame himself, God, or fate for his circumstances
-he was not negative about his circumstances
-his circumstances brought about new avenues for service for him, even the soldiers who guarded him were being influenced with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, some were coming to faith.
3. Paul’s example and boldness was an example to others to be courageous in sharing their faith.
4. Whatever our “chains” (limitations), whether they are work-related, home-related, or school-related, whatever our situation, whatever is holding us back, we must look to God to show us the possibilities and help us to advance into new territory for His sake.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Intelligent Love (Philippians Series)
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Recap of 8/26/07:
1. Paul is mindful of the day of Christ Jesus (the rapture-the return of Jesus for the church). He was consumed by the thought of Christ’s return and of being ready and unashamed at His return. Paul was also concerned for those he taught that they would be ready as well. The issue for the believer at Jesus’ return is not salvation (that’s already settled) but of rewards for faithful life and service.
2. Paul’s love for the Philippians found its source in Jesus Christ. Jesus was loving them through Paul. Who is it that Jesus wants to love through us?
3. Paul prays that they might act in love making right choices and not causing others to stumble.
4. Love is so important because it is greater than spiritual experiences, spiritual gifts, faith, service, and knowledge (I Corinthians 13:1-3; 8:1; source John Stott)
5. Love is evidenced by concern for others, willingness to yield to others, willingness to forgive, and sacrificial service.
Recap of 8/26/07:
1. Paul is mindful of the day of Christ Jesus (the rapture-the return of Jesus for the church). He was consumed by the thought of Christ’s return and of being ready and unashamed at His return. Paul was also concerned for those he taught that they would be ready as well. The issue for the believer at Jesus’ return is not salvation (that’s already settled) but of rewards for faithful life and service.
2. Paul’s love for the Philippians found its source in Jesus Christ. Jesus was loving them through Paul. Who is it that Jesus wants to love through us?
3. Paul prays that they might act in love making right choices and not causing others to stumble.
4. Love is so important because it is greater than spiritual experiences, spiritual gifts, faith, service, and knowledge (I Corinthians 13:1-3; 8:1; source John Stott)
5. Love is evidenced by concern for others, willingness to yield to others, willingness to forgive, and sacrificial service.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Important Thing Is...
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Part 4 of the Philippians series.
Recap of 8/12/07 & 8/19/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church (the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically: lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be
unified and an example of unselfishness.
“Partnership” (i.e.”fellowship, koinonia”) means “to have in common.” It is a bond that is deeper than friendship. It speaks of the bond we have together in the church because we are in Christ. It speaks of the salvation we share, our work together in getting out the gospel, our meeting each others needs, and the sufferings of Jesus.
5. When God begins a work in believers he finishes it. Whether the subject is salvation or the work God calls us to do, He doesn’t give up, He finishes what He begins.
Part 4 of the Philippians series.
Recap of 8/12/07 & 8/19/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church (the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically: lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be
unified and an example of unselfishness.
“Partnership” (i.e.”fellowship, koinonia”) means “to have in common.” It is a bond that is deeper than friendship. It speaks of the bond we have together in the church because we are in Christ. It speaks of the salvation we share, our work together in getting out the gospel, our meeting each others needs, and the sufferings of Jesus.
5. When God begins a work in believers he finishes it. Whether the subject is salvation or the work God calls us to do, He doesn’t give up, He finishes what He begins.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Partners in a Great Venture
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Part 3 of the Philippians Series. References chapter 1:3-11
Recap of 8/12/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church(the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically their lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
3. He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be unified and an example of unselfishness.
Part 3 of the Philippians Series. References chapter 1:3-11
Recap of 8/12/07:
1. Paul addresses the leaders of the church(the Overseers and Deacons) in his greeting.
2. His likely reason for addressing them specifically is because of his need to deal in the letter with issues that had arisen at the church, specifically their lack of unity and rivalry. Personal ambition (contending for their own way) had replaced their care for each other and the things of Jesus Christ.
3. He addressed the leadership because as the leadership of a church goes so go the people. The need was greater now than ever for the leadership to be unified and an example of unselfishness.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Servants & Saints, Part 2
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Part 2 in the Philippians Series. Re-cap of August 5, 2007:
1. Christians are to respect church leaders for their works’ sake.
2. The biblical words Elder, Overseer (or Bishop), and Pastor (or Shepherd) all refer to the same church office or group of men.
3. Elders are qualified for the office on the basis of spiritual character, temperament, morality, ethics, reputation and service (things all believers should strive for), not on the basis of particular skills, status, or personality.
4. The duties of Elders include: general oversight of the church, monetary matters, feeding and leading, study and prayer, and warning and watching over the flock.5. Deacons are “servants” or “working helpers” who carry out specific ministry (especially in the area of material needs) under the direction of the Elders.
Part 2 in the Philippians Series. Re-cap of August 5, 2007:
1. Christians are to respect church leaders for their works’ sake.
2. The biblical words Elder, Overseer (or Bishop), and Pastor (or Shepherd) all refer to the same church office or group of men.
3. Elders are qualified for the office on the basis of spiritual character, temperament, morality, ethics, reputation and service (things all believers should strive for), not on the basis of particular skills, status, or personality.
4. The duties of Elders include: general oversight of the church, monetary matters, feeding and leading, study and prayer, and warning and watching over the flock.5. Deacons are “servants” or “working helpers” who carry out specific ministry (especially in the area of material needs) under the direction of the Elders.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Servants & Saints (Philippians Series) - July 29, 2007
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First in the Philippians Series, which continues through January 20, 2008.
Recap of July 29, 2007:
1. The church at Philippi was established by Paul on his Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 16:6-40) in about 51 A.D.
2. Some major themes of the book are:
-the possibility of living with joy in spite of difficult circumstances, people, things, the past, or worry.
-the necessity of thinking spiritually, Christianly: the way we live reflects what it is that occupies our thinking. Paul could have joy in the midst of trials because his thinking was consumed by Jesus Christ.
-the necessity of humility in our attitudes and actions towards others, deferring to others, not demanding our way-we are primarily citizens of Heaven and should live as such.
First in the Philippians Series, which continues through January 20, 2008.
Recap of July 29, 2007:
1. The church at Philippi was established by Paul on his Second Missionary Journey
(Acts 16:6-40) in about 51 A.D.
2. Some major themes of the book are:
-the possibility of living with joy in spite of difficult circumstances, people, things, the past, or worry.
-the necessity of thinking spiritually, Christianly: the way we live reflects what it is that occupies our thinking. Paul could have joy in the midst of trials because his thinking was consumed by Jesus Christ.
-the necessity of humility in our attitudes and actions towards others, deferring to others, not demanding our way-we are primarily citizens of Heaven and should live as such.
Monday, July 23, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 13
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The final sermon in the series, God's Design For Marriage (this is part 13).
Recap of July 22, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
-Provide a good home atmosphere (Proverbs 14:1; 12:4)
-Be positive and supportive, not argumentative (Proverbs 21:9; 25:24; 21:19; 27:15,16; 19:13)
The final sermon in the series, God's Design For Marriage (this is part 13).
Recap of July 22, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
-Provide a good home atmosphere (Proverbs 14:1; 12:4)
-Be positive and supportive, not argumentative (Proverbs 21:9; 25:24; 21:19; 27:15,16; 19:13)
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 12
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12th in the sermon series, God's Design for Marriage
Recap of July 15, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
12th in the sermon series, God's Design for Marriage
Recap of July 15, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage
-Respect and respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6)
-Express appreciation/admiration to your husband (Ephesians 5:33)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 11
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of July 8, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage-Respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18)
Recap of July 8, 2007:
1. The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33).
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
-Treat you wife with consideration and respect (1 Peter 3:7)
-Be faithful in mind and body (Proverbs 5)
2. The Biblical role of women in marriage-Respond to your husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22,24; Colossians 3:18)
God's Design For Marriage, Part 10
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of July 1, 2007:
The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33). Leadership that is:
-sacrificial (not selfish)
-nurturing (seeking for our wife’s full development spiritual and as a person)
-caring (providing for and protecting)
-committed
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
Recap of July 1, 2007:
The Biblical role of men in marriage
-Exercise loving, servant leadership (Ephesians 5:25-33). Leadership that is:
-sacrificial (not selfish)
-nurturing (seeking for our wife’s full development spiritual and as a person)
-caring (providing for and protecting)
-committed
-Build-up your wife, don’t tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude or by sharp, unfeeling words (Colossians 3:19)
Monday, June 25, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 9
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Recap of June 24, 2007:
Basic assumptions to fulfilling God’s goal for marriage:
-our mate is God’s provision for our aloneness needs (Genesis 2:22-24), weaknesses and all. The Fall brought about blame instead of acceptance.
-God’s only agent for change is unconditional love, not pressuring or haranguing them to change. Marriage is not a “makeover project.”
-God uses our mate to perfect our character. Our mate’s weaknesses are an opportunity for us to grow.
-Our mate’s weaknesses are an opportunity for us to be needed. “Perfect” people are lonely people.
(Source: Meredith, Don. "Becoming One.")
Recap of June 24, 2007:
Basic assumptions to fulfilling God’s goal for marriage:
-our mate is God’s provision for our aloneness needs (Genesis 2:22-24), weaknesses and all. The Fall brought about blame instead of acceptance.
-God’s only agent for change is unconditional love, not pressuring or haranguing them to change. Marriage is not a “makeover project.”
-God uses our mate to perfect our character. Our mate’s weaknesses are an opportunity for us to grow.
-Our mate’s weaknesses are an opportunity for us to be needed. “Perfect” people are lonely people.
(Source: Meredith, Don. "Becoming One.")
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 8
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Recap of June 17, 2007:
1. Marriage Killer #11: Not recognizing or progressing through the stages of a relationship.
-Stage #1, Infatuation – tendency to see only the good in another person, to hide flaws, to please the other person without thought of return.
-Stage #2, Reality – beginning to see the other person’s faults, personality weaknesses and to let ours be seen. Should occur during courtship. Married couples have an obligation to get through this phase if they have not previously.
-Stage #3, Adjustment – Forgiveness, reconciliation, sacrifice, and conflict resolution are common.
2. Marriage Killer #12 – Confusion and changes in society regarding marriage and roles of men and women in marriage. Lack of familial and cultural support for marriage.
3. Marriage Killer #13 (a catch-all!) Finances, interfering in-laws, substance abuse, addictive behavior, career success at the expense of the marriage and family.
(Sources for the above: Roger & Becky Tirabassi, How to Live with Them Since You Can’t Live Without Them; Don Meredith, Becoming One; James Dobson)
Recap of June 17, 2007:
1. Marriage Killer #11: Not recognizing or progressing through the stages of a relationship.
-Stage #1, Infatuation – tendency to see only the good in another person, to hide flaws, to please the other person without thought of return.
-Stage #2, Reality – beginning to see the other person’s faults, personality weaknesses and to let ours be seen. Should occur during courtship. Married couples have an obligation to get through this phase if they have not previously.
-Stage #3, Adjustment – Forgiveness, reconciliation, sacrifice, and conflict resolution are common.
2. Marriage Killer #12 – Confusion and changes in society regarding marriage and roles of men and women in marriage. Lack of familial and cultural support for marriage.
3. Marriage Killer #13 (a catch-all!) Finances, interfering in-laws, substance abuse, addictive behavior, career success at the expense of the marriage and family.
(Sources for the above: Roger & Becky Tirabassi, How to Live with Them Since You Can’t Live Without Them; Don Meredith, Becoming One; James Dobson)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 7
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Recap of June 10, 2007:
Staying pure in a sexually charged society:
1. Determine beforehand what your limits are and remind yourself often.
2. Don’t toy with immorality – be especially careful about your thought life and about what you look at.
3. Build God’s standard into your life through Bible reading and study, prayer, scripture meditation and memorization. Determine to have nothing but God’s best for your life.
4. If necessary, flee the situation. 1 Corinthians 6:12-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Genesis 39:6-12 5. Make a list of the consequences if you fail.
6. If you have already failed morally confess your sin to God, receive His forgiveness, recommit your life to His way, ask for His power to stop, and remember that there are consequences even for forgiven sin.
Recap of June 10, 2007:
Staying pure in a sexually charged society:
1. Determine beforehand what your limits are and remind yourself often.
2. Don’t toy with immorality – be especially careful about your thought life and about what you look at.
3. Build God’s standard into your life through Bible reading and study, prayer, scripture meditation and memorization. Determine to have nothing but God’s best for your life.
4. If necessary, flee the situation. 1 Corinthians 6:12-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Genesis 39:6-12 5. Make a list of the consequences if you fail.
6. If you have already failed morally confess your sin to God, receive His forgiveness, recommit your life to His way, ask for His power to stop, and remember that there are consequences even for forgiven sin.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 6
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Recap of June 3, 2007:
1. Marriage killer number ten: Conflict over the sexual relationship
2. God designed the physical relationship in marriage to build intimacy, instead it often builds distance.
3. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) warns married couples to not withhold their bodies from each other except in rare instances and then only for prayer. To violate this instruction is to invite Satan’s destructive work into a marriage.
4. A couple’s response to each other and growth in this area can be hindered by such things as not understanding the differences between men and women in this area, exhaustion, addictions (especially to pornography), and mental adultery (see Matthew 5:27,28).
5. For more in this area see Williard Harley, His Needs, Her Needs; Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus, Intimate Issues; Clifford and Joyce Penner, The Gift of Sex; Dr. Ed Wheat, Intended for Pleasure.
Recap of June 3, 2007:
1. Marriage killer number ten: Conflict over the sexual relationship
2. God designed the physical relationship in marriage to build intimacy, instead it often builds distance.
3. In 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) warns married couples to not withhold their bodies from each other except in rare instances and then only for prayer. To violate this instruction is to invite Satan’s destructive work into a marriage.
4. A couple’s response to each other and growth in this area can be hindered by such things as not understanding the differences between men and women in this area, exhaustion, addictions (especially to pornography), and mental adultery (see Matthew 5:27,28).
5. For more in this area see Williard Harley, His Needs, Her Needs; Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus, Intimate Issues; Clifford and Joyce Penner, The Gift of Sex; Dr. Ed Wheat, Intended for Pleasure.
God's Design For Marriage, Part 5
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Recap of 5/27/07
Threats to God's design for marriage ("Why Marriages Fail" by Kerby Anderson, Probe Ministries):
-Escalation ("Negative Interaction Spiral")-negative exchanges that become increasingly hostile, often begun over minor things. 1 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 12:18; James 1:26; 3:1ff
-Invalidation - subtly or overtly putting down your mate's thoughts, feelings, character, personality. Matthew 5:22; Proverbs 25:20
-Negative Interpretations - Consistently making negative assumptions about your mate's actions, words, motives (discounting positive things, magnifying negative things). 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
-Withdrawl & Avoidance - unwillingness to openly and honestly deal with uncomfortable issues. Ephesians 4:25-27
Recap of 5/27/07
Threats to God's design for marriage ("Why Marriages Fail" by Kerby Anderson, Probe Ministries):
-Escalation ("Negative Interaction Spiral")-negative exchanges that become increasingly hostile, often begun over minor things. 1 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 12:18; James 1:26; 3:1ff
-Invalidation - subtly or overtly putting down your mate's thoughts, feelings, character, personality. Matthew 5:22; Proverbs 25:20
-Negative Interpretations - Consistently making negative assumptions about your mate's actions, words, motives (discounting positive things, magnifying negative things). 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
-Withdrawl & Avoidance - unwillingness to openly and honestly deal with uncomfortable issues. Ephesians 4:25-27
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 4
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Recap of 5/20/07
Threats to God’s design for marriage (partial sources: Becoming One by Don Meredith, Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb)
-selfishness/self-centeredness – capacity for inflicting hurt, destructive practices, failure to reign in the sin nature (Matthew 15:10-20; James 3)
-a fantasy view of love – viewing love as primarily a feeling rather that a commitment to the highest good of another person. God does give intense emotional feelings but they are the result of love, not the basis for love.
-emphasis on becoming happy and fulfilled rather than on a holy, obedient walk with God, abandoning God’s will when the going gets tough
-faithfulness to Scripture is made optional, needs and emotions trump Biblical injunctions, puts us in the spotlight and Christ on the sidelines of our lives
Recap of 5/20/07
Threats to God’s design for marriage (partial sources: Becoming One by Don Meredith, Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb)
-selfishness/self-centeredness – capacity for inflicting hurt, destructive practices, failure to reign in the sin nature (Matthew 15:10-20; James 3)
-a fantasy view of love – viewing love as primarily a feeling rather that a commitment to the highest good of another person. God does give intense emotional feelings but they are the result of love, not the basis for love.
-emphasis on becoming happy and fulfilled rather than on a holy, obedient walk with God, abandoning God’s will when the going gets tough
-faithfulness to Scripture is made optional, needs and emotions trump Biblical injunctions, puts us in the spotlight and Christ on the sidelines of our lives
Monday, May 14, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 3
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Recap of Genesis 2:24-3:19
1. The essence of the Fall in Genesis 3 was separation. That is what death is, and the Fall brought death into the world. There is now separation and alienation where there was once harmony. Mankind is separated from God and from each other. The Fall brought about estrangement in our relationships especially that of marriage.
2. In Genesis 3:15 God promises a Redeemer, through the line of the woman, who would defeat Satan. This is called the "proto-evangelium" or "protevangelium." "The first announcement of the Gospel in the Scriptures..." (Moody Handbook of Theology"
3. Genesis 3 also contains the first act of man-made religion when Adam and Eve sought to cover their sin by using fig leaves. They thought they could cover their sin by their own works. In an act of grace God provided animal skins for their covering thus demonstration their inability to cover their own sin by human effort. It is the consistent teaching of Scripture that humans cannot atone for their own sin (Isaiah 64:6), but must accept God's provision for them by faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).
4. The Fall brought feat into relationships. Gary Smalley in The DNA of Relationships lists the following core fears: For women the fear of disconnection (not being valued), for men it is the fear of helplessness or being controlled. (See http://www.thednaofrelationships.com/)
Recap of Genesis 2:24-3:19
1. The essence of the Fall in Genesis 3 was separation. That is what death is, and the Fall brought death into the world. There is now separation and alienation where there was once harmony. Mankind is separated from God and from each other. The Fall brought about estrangement in our relationships especially that of marriage.
2. In Genesis 3:15 God promises a Redeemer, through the line of the woman, who would defeat Satan. This is called the "proto-evangelium" or "protevangelium." "The first announcement of the Gospel in the Scriptures..." (Moody Handbook of Theology"
3. Genesis 3 also contains the first act of man-made religion when Adam and Eve sought to cover their sin by using fig leaves. They thought they could cover their sin by their own works. In an act of grace God provided animal skins for their covering thus demonstration their inability to cover their own sin by human effort. It is the consistent teaching of Scripture that humans cannot atone for their own sin (Isaiah 64:6), but must accept God's provision for them by faith (Ephesians 2:8-10).
4. The Fall brought feat into relationships. Gary Smalley in The DNA of Relationships lists the following core fears: For women the fear of disconnection (not being valued), for men it is the fear of helplessness or being controlled. (See http://www.thednaofrelationships.com/)
Monday, May 07, 2007
God's Design For Marriage, Part 2
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Recap of Genesis 2:24-3:19
1. Marriage is a covenant before God in which a man and woman leave one relationship (“father and mother”) and establish a new exclusive and permanent primary relationship.
2. This is described as a ‘one flesh” relationship, consisting of not just sexual union but of spiritual and emotional union as well. The man and woman literally become related to one another as blood relatives. Commenting on this passage, Jesus adds in Mark 10:7-9 that they are no longer two but one, and that God has joined them and no human should separate them.
3. Genesis 2:25 is symbolic of the beauty and innocence of this one-flesh relationship. Their nakedness without shame is symbolic of their total transparency and total ease with each other. There is no distrust, no fear, no potential for evil or exploitation. There is no defensiveness, no need to win at all costs.
4. All this was lost in the Fall in Genesis three when Adam and Eve deliberately disobey God and become sinners (Romans 5:12). Genesis 3 illustrates the change that came into the creation and especially into the relationship of Adam and Eve, and their relationship with God. Their oneness was now interrupted by sin. They knew shame, lost innocence, lost companionship. They now were uncomfortable with God and with each other. Fear and distrust and a sense of the potential for evil and exploitation now enter their world. Guilt and fear and an unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions now mar their relationship with God and with each other.
Recap of Genesis 2:24-3:19
1. Marriage is a covenant before God in which a man and woman leave one relationship (“father and mother”) and establish a new exclusive and permanent primary relationship.
2. This is described as a ‘one flesh” relationship, consisting of not just sexual union but of spiritual and emotional union as well. The man and woman literally become related to one another as blood relatives. Commenting on this passage, Jesus adds in Mark 10:7-9 that they are no longer two but one, and that God has joined them and no human should separate them.
3. Genesis 2:25 is symbolic of the beauty and innocence of this one-flesh relationship. Their nakedness without shame is symbolic of their total transparency and total ease with each other. There is no distrust, no fear, no potential for evil or exploitation. There is no defensiveness, no need to win at all costs.
4. All this was lost in the Fall in Genesis three when Adam and Eve deliberately disobey God and become sinners (Romans 5:12). Genesis 3 illustrates the change that came into the creation and especially into the relationship of Adam and Eve, and their relationship with God. Their oneness was now interrupted by sin. They knew shame, lost innocence, lost companionship. They now were uncomfortable with God and with each other. Fear and distrust and a sense of the potential for evil and exploitation now enter their world. Guilt and fear and an unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions now mar their relationship with God and with each other.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
God's Design For Marriage (a sermon series)
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Today's sermon is first in the Marriage Series, God's Design for Marriage. There are 13 parts in the series.
Recap of 4-29-2007 (Genesis 2:18-24)
1. Before the creation of Eve, Adam enjoyed the privileges of a relationship with God and provisions for all his needs, yet he was alone. God determines that without companionship
Adam’s situation is “not good.”
2. God determines to make a “helper suitable” for Adam. The idea is “one corresponding to Adam,” his counterpart, one who share the same nature.
3. In the naming of all the animals, none is found which shares Adam’s nature. None, but Adam is made in the image and likeness of God.4. “Helper” is not a demeaning identification for woman. God Himself is called “help” or “helper” (same Hebrew word used in 2:18) in Psalms 33:20; 70:5; 115:9.
Today's sermon is first in the Marriage Series, God's Design for Marriage. There are 13 parts in the series.
Recap of 4-29-2007 (Genesis 2:18-24)
1. Before the creation of Eve, Adam enjoyed the privileges of a relationship with God and provisions for all his needs, yet he was alone. God determines that without companionship
Adam’s situation is “not good.”
2. God determines to make a “helper suitable” for Adam. The idea is “one corresponding to Adam,” his counterpart, one who share the same nature.
3. In the naming of all the animals, none is found which shares Adam’s nature. None, but Adam is made in the image and likeness of God.4. “Helper” is not a demeaning identification for woman. God Himself is called “help” or “helper” (same Hebrew word used in 2:18) in Psalms 33:20; 70:5; 115:9.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Tragedy & Triumph
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Recap of April 22, 2007 (Luke 13:1-17)
1. In the midst of tragedy we should not live in fear, but in fruitfulness.
2. The view of the of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day was that tragedy or calamity in a person’s life was due to some unusual sin in their lives.
3. Jesus, following up on His teaching of Luke 12 about the need to be rightly related to God, answers that all are under the sentence of death (Romans 8:12); some deaths are tragic and unexpected, but all should be prepared for death, all should be reconciled to God.
4. Since all die all are in need of salvation and Jesus has the power to save as illustrated in His healing the woman who was crippled for 18 years. Jesus has the power to make straight that which is crooked, to save people from sin and make their lives fruitful and useful to Him.
5. In tragedy we learn: to value the things which are truly valuable (“Life does not consist in the abundance of things”) our relationships with our loved ones; the brevity of life (James 4); the priority of the gospel, and the need to pray for those around us and to preach the gospel.
Recap of April 22, 2007 (Luke 13:1-17)
1. In the midst of tragedy we should not live in fear, but in fruitfulness.
2. The view of the of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day was that tragedy or calamity in a person’s life was due to some unusual sin in their lives.
3. Jesus, following up on His teaching of Luke 12 about the need to be rightly related to God, answers that all are under the sentence of death (Romans 8:12); some deaths are tragic and unexpected, but all should be prepared for death, all should be reconciled to God.
4. Since all die all are in need of salvation and Jesus has the power to save as illustrated in His healing the woman who was crippled for 18 years. Jesus has the power to make straight that which is crooked, to save people from sin and make their lives fruitful and useful to Him.
5. In tragedy we learn: to value the things which are truly valuable (“Life does not consist in the abundance of things”) our relationships with our loved ones; the brevity of life (James 4); the priority of the gospel, and the need to pray for those around us and to preach the gospel.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Jealousy of God
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Final sermon in the 1 Kings Series (March 5, 2006 to April 15, 2007):
Recap of 4-15-07
1 Kings 22:51 – 2 Kings 1:1-18
1. Two common failures of God’s people regarding the future:
-seeking counsel from the wrong unbiblical sources as Ahaziah did
-not inquiring of the Lord at all (Joshua 9:14; James 3:13-17
2. Our God is a jealous God. Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; 6:13-15; Exodus 34:14-His name is “jealous.”
3. There are two kinds of jealousy: 1) a negative kind which expresses itself in envy and malice, a mean kind of jealousy; and 2) “zeal to protect a love relationship” (J.I. Packer). God’s jealousy is of the second kind.
4. Because of God’s jealousy over us we should be “personally and passionately devoted to Jesus Christ” (Oswald Chambers). Whatever stands in the way of our devotion to God must be addressed whether it be service, devotion to our conviction, or devotion to a cause. Devotion to Christ must come first, then service, etc. 5. Two examples of those passionately devoted to Christ are Paul (see Philippians 3) and Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus).
Final sermon in the 1 Kings Series (March 5, 2006 to April 15, 2007):
Recap of 4-15-07
1 Kings 22:51 – 2 Kings 1:1-18
1. Two common failures of God’s people regarding the future:
-seeking counsel from the wrong unbiblical sources as Ahaziah did
-not inquiring of the Lord at all (Joshua 9:14; James 3:13-17
2. Our God is a jealous God. Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24; 6:13-15; Exodus 34:14-His name is “jealous.”
3. There are two kinds of jealousy: 1) a negative kind which expresses itself in envy and malice, a mean kind of jealousy; and 2) “zeal to protect a love relationship” (J.I. Packer). God’s jealousy is of the second kind.
4. Because of God’s jealousy over us we should be “personally and passionately devoted to Jesus Christ” (Oswald Chambers). Whatever stands in the way of our devotion to God must be addressed whether it be service, devotion to our conviction, or devotion to a cause. Devotion to Christ must come first, then service, etc. 5. Two examples of those passionately devoted to Christ are Paul (see Philippians 3) and Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus).
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Many Convincing Proofs (Easter 2007)
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Recap of April 8, 2007 - Easter Sunday - (Luke 24:13-35)
1. The disciples were not looking for the resurrection. They didn’t understand until after Jesus was resurrected what it was that Jesus was trying to tell them (John 2:19ff; Mark 8:31; 9:9; 9:31). They were in effect the first skeptics. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive from the dead (Acts 1:1-3).
2. Two of these first skeptics were the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus appears physically and bodily to them, alive from the dead, though His identity was divinely hidden from them.
3. They were downcast because, while they believed Jesus was a prophet, they had hoped that He was the Messiah who would deliver Israel from sin and from the domination of Rome. His crucifixion and death seemed to belie that.
4. Jesus showed them from the Old Testament that the Messiah had to suffer before He would enter His glory. Some Old Testament passages would include (Psalms 2, 16, 22, 110; Isaiah 53).5. The evidences for the resurrection include: the empty tomb, the presence of the guard, Jesus’ many appearances to more than 500 people, the change in Peter and others from being fearful and discouraged to being bold and triumphant, lack of any challenge on the Day of Pentecost (less than two months after the crucifixion and resurrection), the change to Sunday worship, the reliability of the gospel writers, mentions in secular historians. (see Robert J. Morgan, Beyond Reasonable Doubt).
Recap of April 8, 2007 - Easter Sunday - (Luke 24:13-35)
1. The disciples were not looking for the resurrection. They didn’t understand until after Jesus was resurrected what it was that Jesus was trying to tell them (John 2:19ff; Mark 8:31; 9:9; 9:31). They were in effect the first skeptics. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive from the dead (Acts 1:1-3).
2. Two of these first skeptics were the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus appears physically and bodily to them, alive from the dead, though His identity was divinely hidden from them.
3. They were downcast because, while they believed Jesus was a prophet, they had hoped that He was the Messiah who would deliver Israel from sin and from the domination of Rome. His crucifixion and death seemed to belie that.
4. Jesus showed them from the Old Testament that the Messiah had to suffer before He would enter His glory. Some Old Testament passages would include (Psalms 2, 16, 22, 110; Isaiah 53).5. The evidences for the resurrection include: the empty tomb, the presence of the guard, Jesus’ many appearances to more than 500 people, the change in Peter and others from being fearful and discouraged to being bold and triumphant, lack of any challenge on the Day of Pentecost (less than two months after the crucifixion and resurrection), the change to Sunday worship, the reliability of the gospel writers, mentions in secular historians. (see Robert J. Morgan, Beyond Reasonable Doubt).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
An Influential Life
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Recap of 4-1-07 (1 Kings 22: 41-50)
1. Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and His Word. His concern for spiritual things led to religious reforms, social reforms, military reforms, and political success.
2. He instituted judicial reforms based upon the fear of the Lord, reminding those in authority that they were to please the Lord above all. They were judging to please the Lord, not people.
3. When faced with an overwhelming situation he led the people in seeking the Lord in prayer. He acknowledged God’s person, His power, His help to them in the past, and finally acknowledged their poverty (they had no power and no plan). Their hope was in the Lord. Having committed all to the Lord they were to stand, God would go to battle for them and give them the victory.
Recap of 4-1-07 (1 Kings 22: 41-50)
1. Jehoshaphat loved the Lord and His Word. His concern for spiritual things led to religious reforms, social reforms, military reforms, and political success.
2. He instituted judicial reforms based upon the fear of the Lord, reminding those in authority that they were to please the Lord above all. They were judging to please the Lord, not people.
3. When faced with an overwhelming situation he led the people in seeking the Lord in prayer. He acknowledged God’s person, His power, His help to them in the past, and finally acknowledged their poverty (they had no power and no plan). Their hope was in the Lord. Having committed all to the Lord they were to stand, God would go to battle for them and give them the victory.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
When The Crowd Is Wrong, Pt 2
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Recap of 3-25-07 (1 Kings 22:10-40)
God’s sovereignty:
-Acts in concert with human freedom and does not negate human responsibility for our actions
-acts in concert with our nature (example: Ahab, Judas Iscariot)
-“isn’t thwarted by human or Satanic opposition”
-doesn’t negate the need to pray
-“can override our choices” James 4:13-16
-“may allow us to experience adversity or success to mature us and show the world how we handle either one.”
-is an encouragement to us because it means God has everything under control (Acts 4:24-31)
-includes “what He causes to happen (His directive will) and what He permits to occur through secondary causes (His permissive will).”
(Sources: Compact Guide to the Christian Life; Systematic Theology by Berkhof; Basic Theology by Ryrie)
Recap of 3-25-07 (1 Kings 22:10-40)
God’s sovereignty:
-Acts in concert with human freedom and does not negate human responsibility for our actions
-acts in concert with our nature (example: Ahab, Judas Iscariot)
-“isn’t thwarted by human or Satanic opposition”
-doesn’t negate the need to pray
-“can override our choices” James 4:13-16
-“may allow us to experience adversity or success to mature us and show the world how we handle either one.”
-is an encouragement to us because it means God has everything under control (Acts 4:24-31)
-includes “what He causes to happen (His directive will) and what He permits to occur through secondary causes (His permissive will).”
(Sources: Compact Guide to the Christian Life; Systematic Theology by Berkhof; Basic Theology by Ryrie)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
When The Crowd Is Wrong
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Recap of 3-18-07 (1 Kings 22:1-9)
1. When we don’t decisively deal with the sin in our lives, it becomes a continuing problem we must deal with. We must “put to death” the deeds of the body, the sinful nature (Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:12-13; 13:14). We must separate from the people, places, and things which lead us into sin.
2. We must beware of entangling alliances; false teaching, business, politics, marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) which can lead us into paths we should not take.
3. When we have an important decision to make we must be sure to get the most godly counsel we can get. Those we seek out for counsel should be growing in the Lord and in the Word, should be serving, should be growing in the character of Jesus Christ (i.e. the Fruit of the Spirit).
Recap of 3-18-07 (1 Kings 22:1-9)
1. When we don’t decisively deal with the sin in our lives, it becomes a continuing problem we must deal with. We must “put to death” the deeds of the body, the sinful nature (Colossians 3:5; Romans 8:12-13; 13:14). We must separate from the people, places, and things which lead us into sin.
2. We must beware of entangling alliances; false teaching, business, politics, marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) which can lead us into paths we should not take.
3. When we have an important decision to make we must be sure to get the most godly counsel we can get. Those we seek out for counsel should be growing in the Lord and in the Word, should be serving, should be growing in the character of Jesus Christ (i.e. the Fruit of the Spirit).
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Not For Sale, Pt 2
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Recap of 3-11-07 (1 Kings 21:1-14)
1. It takes a tough-minded man or woman to be the person God expects us to be. A person who won’t compromise or go soft on the things which are important to God: tough-minded about the Word of God, about our connection with the past and with the future, about sin (especially our thought life), about respecting other people, about fulfilling our God-given role in marriage, and
-tough-minded about our choices
2. God, through Elijah, calls Ahab to account for his sin. A day of reckoning always comes. When we choose to make sin our master we will reap the destruction that sin causes. For the believer that means loss of temporal fellowship with God (not our salvation which is secure), loss of the joy, peace and divine direction that are meant to enrich our lives. In extreme cases it can mean loss of our physical lives (1 Corinthians 11:30). For the unbeliever it means eternal separation from God.3. According to A Compact Guide to the Christian Life by K.C. Hinckley, temptation comes in three areas: temptation to renounce Christ, when we forget that our position in Christ is secure and that our eternal life is secure; temptation to illicit desire (lust, greed, covetousness, gluttony, power, ambition) when try to fill our need for love and respect, for importance, and to fit in in those things rather than realizing that these needs are met by the Lord; temptation of frustrating circumstances (to despair, give up, to be cynical, to get angry).
Recap of 3-11-07 (1 Kings 21:1-14)
1. It takes a tough-minded man or woman to be the person God expects us to be. A person who won’t compromise or go soft on the things which are important to God: tough-minded about the Word of God, about our connection with the past and with the future, about sin (especially our thought life), about respecting other people, about fulfilling our God-given role in marriage, and
-tough-minded about our choices
2. God, through Elijah, calls Ahab to account for his sin. A day of reckoning always comes. When we choose to make sin our master we will reap the destruction that sin causes. For the believer that means loss of temporal fellowship with God (not our salvation which is secure), loss of the joy, peace and divine direction that are meant to enrich our lives. In extreme cases it can mean loss of our physical lives (1 Corinthians 11:30). For the unbeliever it means eternal separation from God.3. According to A Compact Guide to the Christian Life by K.C. Hinckley, temptation comes in three areas: temptation to renounce Christ, when we forget that our position in Christ is secure and that our eternal life is secure; temptation to illicit desire (lust, greed, covetousness, gluttony, power, ambition) when try to fill our need for love and respect, for importance, and to fit in in those things rather than realizing that these needs are met by the Lord; temptation of frustrating circumstances (to despair, give up, to be cynical, to get angry).
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Not For Sale
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Recap of 3-4-07 (1 Kings 21:1-14)
It takes a tough-minded man or woman to be the person God expects us to be. A person who won’t compromise or go soft on the things which are important to God:
-tough-minded about the Word of God
-tough-minded about our connection with the past and with the future
-tough-minded about sin (especially our thought life)
-tough-minded about respecting other people-tough-minded about fulfilling our God-given role in marriage
Recap of 3-4-07 (1 Kings 21:1-14)
It takes a tough-minded man or woman to be the person God expects us to be. A person who won’t compromise or go soft on the things which are important to God:
-tough-minded about the Word of God
-tough-minded about our connection with the past and with the future
-tough-minded about sin (especially our thought life)
-tough-minded about respecting other people-tough-minded about fulfilling our God-given role in marriage
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The Battle Belongs To The Lord
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Recap of 2-25-07 (1 Kings 20:1-43)
1. God is bigger than anything we face. He gives victory against overwhelming odds. It is our job to be obedient and faithful to His Word.
2. As we face the challenges before us:
-we must think about our lives and decisions from God’s point of view. We must have in mind God’s view.
-we must not be small in our thinking. We have a big God, we must pray big.
-we must have in mind the people we will hurt by our decisions
-we must understand that Satan looks for where we are vulnerable (fear, lust, pride, etc.)and attacks along that line.
Recap of 2-25-07 (1 Kings 20:1-43)
1. God is bigger than anything we face. He gives victory against overwhelming odds. It is our job to be obedient and faithful to His Word.
2. As we face the challenges before us:
-we must think about our lives and decisions from God’s point of view. We must have in mind God’s view.
-we must not be small in our thinking. We have a big God, we must pray big.
-we must have in mind the people we will hurt by our decisions
-we must understand that Satan looks for where we are vulnerable (fear, lust, pride, etc.)and attacks along that line.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
The Road to Restoration
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Recap of 2-18-07 (1 Kings 19:13b-21)
1. To help Elijah to deal with his discouragement and despair, God first provided him with food, water, and rest. Now He gave him work to do.
2. The importance of work:
-it is a gift to us, a part of creation before the Fall, an extension of God’s work
-it brings a sense of worth, accomplishment, dignity
-it brings the respect of our neighbors, essential to spreading the gospel
-the Bible warns against idleness
-by working we meet our own needs, as well as the needs of God’s work and others
-our purpose in work is to glorify God
3. The third way God ministered to Elijah’s need was by providing him with someone to share the work.
Recap of 2-18-07 (1 Kings 19:13b-21)
1. To help Elijah to deal with his discouragement and despair, God first provided him with food, water, and rest. Now He gave him work to do.
2. The importance of work:
-it is a gift to us, a part of creation before the Fall, an extension of God’s work
-it brings a sense of worth, accomplishment, dignity
-it brings the respect of our neighbors, essential to spreading the gospel
-the Bible warns against idleness
-by working we meet our own needs, as well as the needs of God’s work and others
-our purpose in work is to glorify God
3. The third way God ministered to Elijah’s need was by providing him with someone to share the work.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Five Dangers to Avoid, Pt 2
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Recap of 2-11-07 (1 Kings 19:8-13a)
1. There are five dangers to our spiritual health and vitality we must be aware of. To fail to recognize them is to invite discouragement and despair. They are:
-the danger in taking our eyes off the Lord and onto our circumstances
-the danger of estimating the enemy of our souls and falling for his schemes
-the danger of neglecting the physical (rest/relaxation/food), for the physical affects the emotional and spiritual
-the danger of success and pride, failing to give God credit, a sense that we are indispensable to Him and His work
-the danger of addiction to the spectacular, the dramatic, in our spiritual lives, not realizing that God more often than not, works in the ordinary
2. We must learn an appreciation for God’s work in the ordinary things of life. We cannot always be on the mountaintop or have mountaintop experiences. Most of what God accomplishes He accomplishes through ordinary people doing the ordinary things that make life. To be faithful in the ordinary is to be faithful indeed.
Recap of 2-11-07 (1 Kings 19:8-13a)
1. There are five dangers to our spiritual health and vitality we must be aware of. To fail to recognize them is to invite discouragement and despair. They are:
-the danger in taking our eyes off the Lord and onto our circumstances
-the danger of estimating the enemy of our souls and falling for his schemes
-the danger of neglecting the physical (rest/relaxation/food), for the physical affects the emotional and spiritual
-the danger of success and pride, failing to give God credit, a sense that we are indispensable to Him and His work
-the danger of addiction to the spectacular, the dramatic, in our spiritual lives, not realizing that God more often than not, works in the ordinary
2. We must learn an appreciation for God’s work in the ordinary things of life. We cannot always be on the mountaintop or have mountaintop experiences. Most of what God accomplishes He accomplishes through ordinary people doing the ordinary things that make life. To be faithful in the ordinary is to be faithful indeed.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Five Dangers to Avoid
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Recap of 2-4-07 (1 Kings 19:1-7)
1. Despite Elijah’s victory on Mt. Carmel a threat from Jezebel sends him into a tailspin and he despairs of life, feeling overwhelmed and like he can’t take anymore. His state is not unlike that of many Christians today.
2. From the heights of great victory to the depths of despair can happen in a moment when we are unaware of the dangers waiting to assail our spiritual life and health. There are five altogether. The first three are:
-the danger in taking our eyes off the Lord and onto our circumstances
-the danger of estimating the enemy of our souls and falling for his schemes
-the danger of neglecting the physical (rest/relaxation/food), for the physical affects the emotional and spiritual.
Recap of 2-4-07 (1 Kings 19:1-7)
1. Despite Elijah’s victory on Mt. Carmel a threat from Jezebel sends him into a tailspin and he despairs of life, feeling overwhelmed and like he can’t take anymore. His state is not unlike that of many Christians today.
2. From the heights of great victory to the depths of despair can happen in a moment when we are unaware of the dangers waiting to assail our spiritual life and health. There are five altogether. The first three are:
-the danger in taking our eyes off the Lord and onto our circumstances
-the danger of estimating the enemy of our souls and falling for his schemes
-the danger of neglecting the physical (rest/relaxation/food), for the physical affects the emotional and spiritual.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Between Two Opinions, Pt 2
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Recap of 1-28-07 (1 Kings 18:25-46)
The kind of person God uses:
1. God is not interested in our ability but in our availability.
2. God chooses a person who is undaunted by overwhelming odds or circumstances because they are convinced of the reality of God.
3. God chooses a person who is not impressed with their own power but the power of God to act in seemingly hopeless/impossible situations.
4. God chooses ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways.
5. God chooses people who will not quit when the going gets rough.
Recap of 1-28-07 (1 Kings 18:25-46)
The kind of person God uses:
1. God is not interested in our ability but in our availability.
2. God chooses a person who is undaunted by overwhelming odds or circumstances because they are convinced of the reality of God.
3. God chooses a person who is not impressed with their own power but the power of God to act in seemingly hopeless/impossible situations.
4. God chooses ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways.
5. God chooses people who will not quit when the going gets rough.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Between Two Opinions
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Recap of 1-21-07 (1 Kings 18:20-24)
1. Elijah confronts the problem of the double mindedness among the people of God. They were dividing their allegiance between God and Baal. God’s hates divided allegiance and Elijah calls the people of God to make a choice.
2. Divided allegiance occurs repeatedly in the scripture and is a problem to this day. In the history of Israel and of the church the people of God are challenged to follow Him alone:
-Moses, Exodus 32:26
-Joshua, Joshua 24:15
-Jesus, Matthew 6:24
-James, James 1:8; 4:4-6
3. Some of the gods of the land today that seek to divide our allegiance to God: sex, celebrity, alcohol/drugs, uncontrolled pursuit of expansion/materialism, theological compromise at the service of political correctness, etc.
Recap of 1-21-07 (1 Kings 18:20-24)
1. Elijah confronts the problem of the double mindedness among the people of God. They were dividing their allegiance between God and Baal. God’s hates divided allegiance and Elijah calls the people of God to make a choice.
2. Divided allegiance occurs repeatedly in the scripture and is a problem to this day. In the history of Israel and of the church the people of God are challenged to follow Him alone:
-Moses, Exodus 32:26
-Joshua, Joshua 24:15
-Jesus, Matthew 6:24
-James, James 1:8; 4:4-6
3. Some of the gods of the land today that seek to divide our allegiance to God: sex, celebrity, alcohol/drugs, uncontrolled pursuit of expansion/materialism, theological compromise at the service of political correctness, etc.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Profiles In Leadership
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Recap of 1-14-07 (1 Kings 18:1-19)
1. God had strategically placed a believer in the very palace of King Ahab named Obadiah. At the risk of his life, Obadiah hid 100 prophets of God and supplied them with food and water.
2. Obadiah exemplified several truths:
-he had a different kind of courage than Elijah, God needs those also who work quietly, behind the scenes
-God places us in the positions we are in primarily to be His representative, to use our influence, privilege to serve Him
3. Ahab called Elijah the troubler of Israel. The wicked never see their own actions as the source of their troubles, but blame God or believers instead. Those who stand for God will always be accused of causing strife/divisions. Nevertheless we must stand for God’s truth.
Recap of 1-14-07 (1 Kings 18:1-19)
1. God had strategically placed a believer in the very palace of King Ahab named Obadiah. At the risk of his life, Obadiah hid 100 prophets of God and supplied them with food and water.
2. Obadiah exemplified several truths:
-he had a different kind of courage than Elijah, God needs those also who work quietly, behind the scenes
-God places us in the positions we are in primarily to be His representative, to use our influence, privilege to serve Him
3. Ahab called Elijah the troubler of Israel. The wicked never see their own actions as the source of their troubles, but blame God or believers instead. Those who stand for God will always be accused of causing strife/divisions. Nevertheless we must stand for God’s truth.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Our Sufficient God
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Recap of 1-7-07 (1 Kings 17:2-24)
1. The trials of life can cause questions in the minds of God’s people:
-will He take care of us?
-will He meet our needs?
-can we trust Him?
2. God answers those questions and uses trials in the lives of His people:
-to strengthen our faith
-to learn that He is sufficiency for any situation
-to learn that He is faithfulness-to prepare us for greater usefulness
Recap of 1-7-07 (1 Kings 17:2-24)
1. The trials of life can cause questions in the minds of God’s people:
-will He take care of us?
-will He meet our needs?
-can we trust Him?
2. God answers those questions and uses trials in the lives of His people:
-to strengthen our faith
-to learn that He is sufficiency for any situation
-to learn that He is faithfulness-to prepare us for greater usefulness
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