Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of 7/4/10:
1. Through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on Calvary, those who believe (trust) in Him have freedom from sin and from death. The absolute power of sin and of death over us is broken by the cross (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). As expressed by Vance Havner: “It is total victory over sin, death, and the grave. It is daily victory. Every heart ought to be a ‘victory garden.’ And it is final victory.”
2. We are now to live freely: “Christ has set us free to live a free life.” (Galatians 5:1,The Message). Free from the law of Moses, free from the legalism of other Christians. For some Christians living in freedom is uncomfortable.
3. This freedom brings with it responsibility; responsibility to live in love and to live under the control of the Holy Spirit. Though the domination of sin has been broken in the believer’s life there is still a principle within us (the sin nature or flesh) through which sin seeks to control us. When we yield to the sin nature it produces selfishness and all kinds of disorder in our lives (Galatians 5:19-21). When we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control over our lives, He produces the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) which is the character of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
We're Not Alone
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Recap of 6/27/10:
1. Whereas Paul looked at the benefits of salvation from an individual point-of-view in Ephesians 2:1-10, in 2:11-22 he looks at the benefits of salvation from a corporate viewpoint.
2. Paul’s main points are that God, through the death of Jesus, provides:
-peace that overcomes division and alienation, vv. 11-13
-peace that makes reconciliation possible, vv. 14-18
-peace that makes possible a new living organism, the church, vv. 19-22
3. Author Ralph Martin writes concerning this: “The world we know is fallen divided and suspicious, Paul holds out the prospect of a reconciled, unified, amicable society, whose microcosm is seen in the church of God’s worldwide, transnational, and reconciling family.”
4. Before the cross of Christ, Gentiles were without hope of a redeemer, were not accepted as full members into God’s people, were without covenantal promises from God, without hope because they were without God. As Harold Hoehner writes: “The Gentiles were in a desperate situation. They had no meaning, hope, purpose, direction in life.” This is the situation of anyone today who is without Christ as Savior.
Recap of 6/27/10:
1. Whereas Paul looked at the benefits of salvation from an individual point-of-view in Ephesians 2:1-10, in 2:11-22 he looks at the benefits of salvation from a corporate viewpoint.
2. Paul’s main points are that God, through the death of Jesus, provides:
-peace that overcomes division and alienation, vv. 11-13
-peace that makes reconciliation possible, vv. 14-18
-peace that makes possible a new living organism, the church, vv. 19-22
3. Author Ralph Martin writes concerning this: “The world we know is fallen divided and suspicious, Paul holds out the prospect of a reconciled, unified, amicable society, whose microcosm is seen in the church of God’s worldwide, transnational, and reconciling family.”
4. Before the cross of Christ, Gentiles were without hope of a redeemer, were not accepted as full members into God’s people, were without covenantal promises from God, without hope because they were without God. As Harold Hoehner writes: “The Gentiles were in a desperate situation. They had no meaning, hope, purpose, direction in life.” This is the situation of anyone today who is without Christ as Savior.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Road To Hope
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Recap of 6/20/10:
1. In God’s sight all humanity can be divided between those who “are dead in trespasses and sins” (unbelievers) and those who have been “made alive with, raised up with, and seated with Christ (believers).
2. Unbelievers are spiritually dead. Death in the Bible sense means separation. Physical death is the separation of the material from the immaterial part of man. Spiritual death is separation from God. Eternal death is separation from God for all eternity as a result of a person physically dying without ever coming to Christ; that is their spiritual death becomes permanent. Dead also has the sense of no communication with God or with the life of God.
3. The condition of “dead” has come about because of sin, described here as “transgressions” (doing the wrong things) and “sins” (missing the mark or failing to do the right things).
4. Unbelievers are kept in subjection to sin by the world (the world system which is anti-god and opposes all God stands for), Satan (who controls through lies, deceit, schemes), and the sinful nature (the corrupt nature all humans inherited from Adam, Romans 5:12).
5. God provided a way for individuals to be made alive through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. This salvation is of God alone, not by human effort or work. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Recap of 6/20/10:
1. In God’s sight all humanity can be divided between those who “are dead in trespasses and sins” (unbelievers) and those who have been “made alive with, raised up with, and seated with Christ (believers).
2. Unbelievers are spiritually dead. Death in the Bible sense means separation. Physical death is the separation of the material from the immaterial part of man. Spiritual death is separation from God. Eternal death is separation from God for all eternity as a result of a person physically dying without ever coming to Christ; that is their spiritual death becomes permanent. Dead also has the sense of no communication with God or with the life of God.
3. The condition of “dead” has come about because of sin, described here as “transgressions” (doing the wrong things) and “sins” (missing the mark or failing to do the right things).
4. Unbelievers are kept in subjection to sin by the world (the world system which is anti-god and opposes all God stands for), Satan (who controls through lies, deceit, schemes), and the sinful nature (the corrupt nature all humans inherited from Adam, Romans 5:12).
5. God provided a way for individuals to be made alive through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. This salvation is of God alone, not by human effort or work. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Way to Live; The Way to Pray
No Audio File This Week
Recap of 6/13/10:
1. Paul commends the Ephesians for their response to God’s calling to salvation evidenced in their life of faith and love. Faith and love were often linked in Paul’s thinking (Ephesians 6:23; Galatians 5:6). “Here there is set before us in a perfect summary the characteristics of a true church…. The two things which must characterize any true church are loyalty to Christ and love to men.” (William Barclay)
2. Paul, in a model prayer for us, prays for the Ephesians. His central request is that they might know God fully (Greek epignosis), completely, intimately, personally, and practically. His prayer is devoid of material requests or self-centered petitions, but filled with praise and adoration.
3. His prayer for them is that they might know the great hope that is theirs as a result of God’s call to salvation; that they might comprehend that believers are God’s heritage purchased at great price; and that they might understand the access they have to divine power to live the Christian life.
4. This power is vital because of our enemies (the world system, the sinful nature, and Satan); because of our spiritual needs; and because with it we have the resources to live and love sacrificially, unselfishly.
Recap of 6/13/10:
1. Paul commends the Ephesians for their response to God’s calling to salvation evidenced in their life of faith and love. Faith and love were often linked in Paul’s thinking (Ephesians 6:23; Galatians 5:6). “Here there is set before us in a perfect summary the characteristics of a true church…. The two things which must characterize any true church are loyalty to Christ and love to men.” (William Barclay)
2. Paul, in a model prayer for us, prays for the Ephesians. His central request is that they might know God fully (Greek epignosis), completely, intimately, personally, and practically. His prayer is devoid of material requests or self-centered petitions, but filled with praise and adoration.
3. His prayer for them is that they might know the great hope that is theirs as a result of God’s call to salvation; that they might comprehend that believers are God’s heritage purchased at great price; and that they might understand the access they have to divine power to live the Christian life.
4. This power is vital because of our enemies (the world system, the sinful nature, and Satan); because of our spiritual needs; and because with it we have the resources to live and love sacrificially, unselfishly.
Monday, June 07, 2010
How Is A Sinner Turned Into A Saint?
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Recap of 6/13/10:
Paul launches into what Charles Erdman calls a “Hymn of Grace” in Ephesians 1:4-14.
1. Our salvation was planned by the Father (vv. 4-6), we were chosen and adopted into His family.
-God chose or “called-out” a people for Himself, to be His unique precious possession. God does the choosing, we are the object of His choice.
-God chose before the universe was created, before time
-God’s purpose was that we might be holy (set apart to God) and blameless (used of proper sacrificial animals in the Old Testament. This is true of us already positionally, and should be the goal of our lives experientially (we are to be different, we are to live sacrificially)
-In adoption we were released from the bondage of sin and death of our former lives, we are given a new status as God’s own in which we have access to the Father, communion with the Father, and an inheritance from God the Father.
2. Our salvation was provided by the Son (vv. 7-12), we were redeemed and forgiven.
-the six words used for redemption in the New Testament all have the idea of being in bondage, the payment of a ransom, and release from that bondage. Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
-as a result of our redemption, our sins are forgiven (that is “carried away” from us)
3. Our salvation was applied by the Holy Spirit (vv. 13-14). The Holy Spirit has been given to us both as a Seal over our lives (we are thus secure in our salvation) and as a down-payment guaranteeing that God will complete in us that which He has begun.
Recap of 6/13/10:
Paul launches into what Charles Erdman calls a “Hymn of Grace” in Ephesians 1:4-14.
1. Our salvation was planned by the Father (vv. 4-6), we were chosen and adopted into His family.
-God chose or “called-out” a people for Himself, to be His unique precious possession. God does the choosing, we are the object of His choice.
-God chose before the universe was created, before time
-God’s purpose was that we might be holy (set apart to God) and blameless (used of proper sacrificial animals in the Old Testament. This is true of us already positionally, and should be the goal of our lives experientially (we are to be different, we are to live sacrificially)
-In adoption we were released from the bondage of sin and death of our former lives, we are given a new status as God’s own in which we have access to the Father, communion with the Father, and an inheritance from God the Father.
2. Our salvation was provided by the Son (vv. 7-12), we were redeemed and forgiven.
-the six words used for redemption in the New Testament all have the idea of being in bondage, the payment of a ransom, and release from that bondage. Jesus came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
-as a result of our redemption, our sins are forgiven (that is “carried away” from us)
3. Our salvation was applied by the Holy Spirit (vv. 13-14). The Holy Spirit has been given to us both as a Seal over our lives (we are thus secure in our salvation) and as a down-payment guaranteeing that God will complete in us that which He has begun.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Benefits That Are Out Of This World
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Recap of 5/30/10:
1. Paul addresses the believers at Ephesus as “saints.” The usage of the word “saint” in the New Testament is quite different from the contemporary religious usage of the word. Contrary to popular usage, in Biblical usage a saint is: not an especially pious believer; nor is a saint an eminent dead Christian responsible for at least two miracles; rather a saint is a believer (both living and dead)). “Saint” is the usual name for believers in the New Testament. The Greek word is hagios which means to be set apart, to be different.
2. The believers are said to be “in Christ Jesus.” This is an important phrase in Paul’s thinking.
-“No matter what the geographical location of the saints, their real position in God’s sight is in Christ Jesus. They have been put into a vital union with Him so that they are identified with Him.” Dr. Alfred Martin.
-“Christians live in two realities at the same time: their physical world and in the heavenlies in Christ.” Klyne Snodgrass.
-even as our values, the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we think is influenced by our physical address, so should they be influenced by our divine address.
Recap of 5/30/10:
1. Paul addresses the believers at Ephesus as “saints.” The usage of the word “saint” in the New Testament is quite different from the contemporary religious usage of the word. Contrary to popular usage, in Biblical usage a saint is: not an especially pious believer; nor is a saint an eminent dead Christian responsible for at least two miracles; rather a saint is a believer (both living and dead)). “Saint” is the usual name for believers in the New Testament. The Greek word is hagios which means to be set apart, to be different.
2. The believers are said to be “in Christ Jesus.” This is an important phrase in Paul’s thinking.
-“No matter what the geographical location of the saints, their real position in God’s sight is in Christ Jesus. They have been put into a vital union with Him so that they are identified with Him.” Dr. Alfred Martin.
-“Christians live in two realities at the same time: their physical world and in the heavenlies in Christ.” Klyne Snodgrass.
-even as our values, the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we think is influenced by our physical address, so should they be influenced by our divine address.
Monday, May 24, 2010
It's Not About Us, Part 2
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Recap of 5/23/10:
Kurt DeHaan in his pamphlet entitled, “How Can I Know What God Wants Me to Do,” suggests the following five basic principles to knowing God’s will:
1. “Go to the Lord” – Proverbs 3:5,6. As we grow in our knowledge of God, intimately knowing Him, He will give us direct us in His path.
2. “Understand God’s principles” – 2 Timothy 3:16,17. Some things are always right, some are always wrong. We must know His commands, precepts, and principles, especially to navigate the gray areas. We must study the Bible in its entirety, not just pick and choose verses to our liking.
3. “Investigate your options.” Consider the result of each decision. DeHaan suggest asking: “Which alternatives would make a positive impact on my spiritual well-being?”
4. “Discuss it with others.” We should consult with those who are spiritually mature, asking for their advice, drawing on their wisdom.
5. “Express your freedom.” If we have done the preceding, God gives us freedom to choose what to do. DeHaan quotes Haddon Robinson who said: “The Bible does not provide a map for life-only a compass.”
Recap of 5/23/10:
Kurt DeHaan in his pamphlet entitled, “How Can I Know What God Wants Me to Do,” suggests the following five basic principles to knowing God’s will:
1. “Go to the Lord” – Proverbs 3:5,6. As we grow in our knowledge of God, intimately knowing Him, He will give us direct us in His path.
2. “Understand God’s principles” – 2 Timothy 3:16,17. Some things are always right, some are always wrong. We must know His commands, precepts, and principles, especially to navigate the gray areas. We must study the Bible in its entirety, not just pick and choose verses to our liking.
3. “Investigate your options.” Consider the result of each decision. DeHaan suggest asking: “Which alternatives would make a positive impact on my spiritual well-being?”
4. “Discuss it with others.” We should consult with those who are spiritually mature, asking for their advice, drawing on their wisdom.
5. “Express your freedom.” If we have done the preceding, God gives us freedom to choose what to do. DeHaan quotes Haddon Robinson who said: “The Bible does not provide a map for life-only a compass.”
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
It's Not About Us
No Audio File This Week.
Recap of 5/16/10:
1. Five Biblical observations concerning God’s will:
- To Paul, God’s will was not something he sought out but something that he assumed was active in His life. Acts 18:21; Romans 1:10; 15:32.
- Before God’s will involves an action, it involves an attitude. 2 Corinthians 8:5. God’s will is not a place or thing or person as much as it is an atmosphere in our live.
-Renewing our minds is foundational to knowing God’s will for us. Romans 12:2
-Prayer is essential to knowing the will of God. We should be praying for spiritual wisdom and understanding for ourselves and other believers. Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
-the flesh (the sinful nature) and Satan seek to deter us from the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-26
2. Every young person must make three crucial decisions in their lives: Master, Mission, Mate, in this order. Who will be the Master of their lives, what will be the mission of their lives, with whom will their share their lives.
Recap of 5/16/10:
1. Five Biblical observations concerning God’s will:
- To Paul, God’s will was not something he sought out but something that he assumed was active in His life. Acts 18:21; Romans 1:10; 15:32.
- Before God’s will involves an action, it involves an attitude. 2 Corinthians 8:5. God’s will is not a place or thing or person as much as it is an atmosphere in our live.
-Renewing our minds is foundational to knowing God’s will for us. Romans 12:2
-Prayer is essential to knowing the will of God. We should be praying for spiritual wisdom and understanding for ourselves and other believers. Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
-the flesh (the sinful nature) and Satan seek to deter us from the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-26
2. Every young person must make three crucial decisions in their lives: Master, Mission, Mate, in this order. Who will be the Master of their lives, what will be the mission of their lives, with whom will their share their lives.
The Queen of the Epistles, Part 2
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1. The occasion which prompted Paul to write Ephesians was the specter of future infiltration of the church by false teachers from within and without (see Acts 20:29-30). It appears they succeeded against false teachers but failed to love Christ and the church as they had done at the start (Revelation 2:1-4). Dr Charles Ryrie writes in the Ryrie Study Bible: “More than thirty years before, this church had been commended for its love (Ephesians 1:15-16). Most were second generation Christians whose purity of doctrine and endurance in service were unquestioned, but they had abandoned that eagerness to please and devotion that characterizes first love.” This should prompt us to ask ourselves “Have I failed to maintain the fervency of my first love for Christ?”
2. Chapters 1-3 of Ephesians are primarily doctrinal/theological, whereas chapters 4-6 are primarily practical concentrating on duties and responsibilities of the Christian life based upon the doctrine in the preceding section. This is a common practice in Paul’s epistles. However it would be a mistake to think that doctrinal sections have no practical application or that practical sections are devoid of doctrine.
3. The following is a great summary of the Book of Ephesians. “It has often been suggested that the contents of the epistle can be summarized by the three words sitting, walking, and standing. By position, the believer is seated with Christ in the heavenlies (2:6); his responsibility is to walk worthier of the calling wherewith he has been called (4:1); and this walk is further seen as a warfare in which he is engaged against Satan and all his hosts and in which he is exhorted to stand against the wiles of the devil (6:11). (Dr. Alfred Martin)
1. The occasion which prompted Paul to write Ephesians was the specter of future infiltration of the church by false teachers from within and without (see Acts 20:29-30). It appears they succeeded against false teachers but failed to love Christ and the church as they had done at the start (Revelation 2:1-4). Dr Charles Ryrie writes in the Ryrie Study Bible: “More than thirty years before, this church had been commended for its love (Ephesians 1:15-16). Most were second generation Christians whose purity of doctrine and endurance in service were unquestioned, but they had abandoned that eagerness to please and devotion that characterizes first love.” This should prompt us to ask ourselves “Have I failed to maintain the fervency of my first love for Christ?”
2. Chapters 1-3 of Ephesians are primarily doctrinal/theological, whereas chapters 4-6 are primarily practical concentrating on duties and responsibilities of the Christian life based upon the doctrine in the preceding section. This is a common practice in Paul’s epistles. However it would be a mistake to think that doctrinal sections have no practical application or that practical sections are devoid of doctrine.
3. The following is a great summary of the Book of Ephesians. “It has often been suggested that the contents of the epistle can be summarized by the three words sitting, walking, and standing. By position, the believer is seated with Christ in the heavenlies (2:6); his responsibility is to walk worthier of the calling wherewith he has been called (4:1); and this walk is further seen as a warfare in which he is engaged against Satan and all his hosts and in which he is exhorted to stand against the wiles of the devil (6:11). (Dr. Alfred Martin)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
The Queen of the Epistles
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Recap of 5/2/10:
1. “The gospel has been diluted to ineffectual pabulum and so garbled by cultural trappings that it bears little resemblance to the pages of the New Testament…. We need nothing less than a new reformation, and Ephesians is the document to bring it about….The understanding of the gospel in Ephesians challenges and redefines the superficial understanding of the gospel prevalent in our day. This gospel requires people to act, this faith works. Believers have a responsibility to make choices and to change the pattern of their lives. An easy believism or passive faith cannot survive under the penetrating message of this letter.” (Klyne Snodgrass)
2. Ephesians is one of four prison epistles written by Paul (Ephesians 1:1; 3:1; 6:20) from Rome during his two year imprisonment there (Acts 28:30). The others are Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. It was written in 60 - 61AD and carried, along with Colossians and Philemon by Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21-22). Tychicus not only delivered Paul’s letters but accompanied Onesimus (the subject of the Book of Philemon) back to Colosse. The Book of Ephesians was written primarily to Ephesus but was meant also to be a circular letter circulated among the other churches of the area, thus the lack of personal greetings as in his other letters.
3. Paul’s ministry of the gospel in the three years he was in Ephesus had such an effect that believers were purified of their compromise with sin; and the idol manufacturing business was severely affected by the many who came to Christ and stopped buying idols of the false goddess, Diana, also called Artemis. So many people had turned to Christ that there was a shrinking market for idols. When Christians purify themselves and turn from sin the culture around them is affected (Acts 19).
Recap of 5/2/10:
1. “The gospel has been diluted to ineffectual pabulum and so garbled by cultural trappings that it bears little resemblance to the pages of the New Testament…. We need nothing less than a new reformation, and Ephesians is the document to bring it about….The understanding of the gospel in Ephesians challenges and redefines the superficial understanding of the gospel prevalent in our day. This gospel requires people to act, this faith works. Believers have a responsibility to make choices and to change the pattern of their lives. An easy believism or passive faith cannot survive under the penetrating message of this letter.” (Klyne Snodgrass)
2. Ephesians is one of four prison epistles written by Paul (Ephesians 1:1; 3:1; 6:20) from Rome during his two year imprisonment there (Acts 28:30). The others are Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians. It was written in 60 - 61AD and carried, along with Colossians and Philemon by Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21-22). Tychicus not only delivered Paul’s letters but accompanied Onesimus (the subject of the Book of Philemon) back to Colosse. The Book of Ephesians was written primarily to Ephesus but was meant also to be a circular letter circulated among the other churches of the area, thus the lack of personal greetings as in his other letters.
3. Paul’s ministry of the gospel in the three years he was in Ephesus had such an effect that believers were purified of their compromise with sin; and the idol manufacturing business was severely affected by the many who came to Christ and stopped buying idols of the false goddess, Diana, also called Artemis. So many people had turned to Christ that there was a shrinking market for idols. When Christians purify themselves and turn from sin the culture around them is affected (Acts 19).
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Guest Speaker - Tom Lunsford
Click here to download the sermon file.
Recap of 4/18/10:
1. Jesus teaches the parable of Matthew 20 to correct a bargaining/haggling spirit exhibited by the disciples (“What’s in it for us?” Matthew 19:27-30) and the “rich young ruler” (Matthew 19:16-26).
2. Believers today sometimes exhibiting a similar bargaining/haggling attitude with God (“If you do this for me … I will do this”). For example: “If you give me this promotion…this job…this house…I will,” or “If you heal me…I will,” or “If you restore this relationship… I will,” or “If you help me pass my next check ride…I will.”
3. The problem with this attitude is it assumes that God needs to be bribed to be good to us when the Scripture is clear that God is already good to us, He is gracious.
4. “If you ask God for a contract, you will only rob yourself, for His is generous with His workers. Be faithful to do your job and avoid watching the other workers, and He will deal with you generously.” (Warren Wiersbe)
5. The bottom line is:
-don’t bargain or haggle with God
-serve Him unreservedly, joyously, lovingly, and without thought of payment (our God is generous and wants to do so much more that we can ask or think)
-if we bargain with God we will be disappointed, critical of Him, and dissatisfied
he sermon file.
Recap of 4/18/10:
1. Jesus teaches the parable of Matthew 20 to correct a bargaining/haggling spirit exhibited by the disciples (“What’s in it for us?” Matthew 19:27-30) and the “rich young ruler” (Matthew 19:16-26).
2. Believers today sometimes exhibiting a similar bargaining/haggling attitude with God (“If you do this for me … I will do this”). For example: “If you give me this promotion…this job…this house…I will,” or “If you heal me…I will,” or “If you restore this relationship… I will,” or “If you help me pass my next check ride…I will.”
3. The problem with this attitude is it assumes that God needs to be bribed to be good to us when the Scripture is clear that God is already good to us, He is gracious.
4. “If you ask God for a contract, you will only rob yourself, for His is generous with His workers. Be faithful to do your job and avoid watching the other workers, and He will deal with you generously.” (Warren Wiersbe)
5. The bottom line is:
-don’t bargain or haggle with God
-serve Him unreservedly, joyously, lovingly, and without thought of payment (our God is generous and wants to do so much more that we can ask or think)
-if we bargain with God we will be disappointed, critical of Him, and dissatisfied
he sermon file.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Money, the Bible...and Me (Giving, Cont.)
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Recap of 4/11/10:
1. The “how much” of giving: If the tithe is not for today-how much is enough when it comes to giving? Seven principles to guide us:
- It should cost to give, that is, we should not just give out of our surplus, that which we will never miss. 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Proverbs 3:9,10
-Sacrificial giving follows the example of our Savior. 2 Corinthians 8:9
-Giving is a response to our spiritual riches. 2 Corinthians 8:9
-Giving is an investment with God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10
-Giving should be purposeful, a matter of prayer and the direction of the Holy Spirit, not a matter of compulsion, not forced, or under pressure. 2 Corinthians 9:7a
-Giving is not a matter of how I have but of my priorities for what I have. The Macedonians gave out of their extreme poverty. God credits the heart. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,12
-Giving should be proportionate: as income goes up, giving should go up. 1 Corinthians 16:2
2. The attitude of giving: cheerfully, not reluctantly 2 Corinthians 9:7
3. The cautions of giving: Churches must be above board in the handling of money, being careful in its administration; individual Christian’s priority should be to meet the needs of their local church (the place where their spiritual needs are being attended to) and giving should be without strings attached. 2 Corinthians 8:20,21; 1 Corinthians 16:3.4
4. The rewards of giving: needs are met, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; God is praised, 2 Corinthians 9:11-15; and believers garner rewards at the Bema seat of Christ, Philippians 4:15-19
Recap of 4/11/10:
1. The “how much” of giving: If the tithe is not for today-how much is enough when it comes to giving? Seven principles to guide us:
- It should cost to give, that is, we should not just give out of our surplus, that which we will never miss. 2 Samuel 24:18-25; Proverbs 3:9,10
-Sacrificial giving follows the example of our Savior. 2 Corinthians 8:9
-Giving is a response to our spiritual riches. 2 Corinthians 8:9
-Giving is an investment with God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10
-Giving should be purposeful, a matter of prayer and the direction of the Holy Spirit, not a matter of compulsion, not forced, or under pressure. 2 Corinthians 9:7a
-Giving is not a matter of how I have but of my priorities for what I have. The Macedonians gave out of their extreme poverty. God credits the heart. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,12
-Giving should be proportionate: as income goes up, giving should go up. 1 Corinthians 16:2
2. The attitude of giving: cheerfully, not reluctantly 2 Corinthians 9:7
3. The cautions of giving: Churches must be above board in the handling of money, being careful in its administration; individual Christian’s priority should be to meet the needs of their local church (the place where their spiritual needs are being attended to) and giving should be without strings attached. 2 Corinthians 8:20,21; 1 Corinthians 16:3.4
4. The rewards of giving: needs are met, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15; God is praised, 2 Corinthians 9:11-15; and believers garner rewards at the Bema seat of Christ, Philippians 4:15-19
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Questions on an Easter's Eve
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Recap of 4/4/10:
1. With the Jews rejecting Him and the cross looming before Him, Jesus announces to His disciples that He would be leaving them, a reference to His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
2. Jesus establishes a new command, that they love one another as He had loved them (sacrificially, extravagantly). This love would:
-correct their spirit of rivalry
-help them survive a world hostile to the gospel and them
-be a testimony to the world
3. The disciples were troubled by Jesus’ announcement that He was leaving them so He assures them that He would be returning for them at a future time (the rapture). “…the guarantee is unmistakeable. His return is as certain as His departure” (Merrill C. Tenney).
4. He would, in fact, be preparing an eternal dwelling for them. “By His death and ascension and glorification He was opening a way of access to the Father, and to the bliss of His abode.” (Wm. Erdman)
5. The only way to God the Father and to salvation in Him is through Jesus Christ the Son. Jesus is only one way to God the Father. He is not one of many ways, nor are there many ways to God, only one, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5).
Recap of 4/4/10:
1. With the Jews rejecting Him and the cross looming before Him, Jesus announces to His disciples that He would be leaving them, a reference to His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
2. Jesus establishes a new command, that they love one another as He had loved them (sacrificially, extravagantly). This love would:
-correct their spirit of rivalry
-help them survive a world hostile to the gospel and them
-be a testimony to the world
3. The disciples were troubled by Jesus’ announcement that He was leaving them so He assures them that He would be returning for them at a future time (the rapture). “…the guarantee is unmistakeable. His return is as certain as His departure” (Merrill C. Tenney).
4. He would, in fact, be preparing an eternal dwelling for them. “By His death and ascension and glorification He was opening a way of access to the Father, and to the bliss of His abode.” (Wm. Erdman)
5. The only way to God the Father and to salvation in Him is through Jesus Christ the Son. Jesus is only one way to God the Father. He is not one of many ways, nor are there many ways to God, only one, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5).
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Money, the Bible...and Me (Giving)
No audio file this week.
Recap of 3/28/10:
1. Paul talks about the why, the when, the who, the how, and the how much of giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4:
-the why? –to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others especially of believers (Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:13; and to support full-time church workers (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Philippians 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6-10)
-the when? – every week on the first day of the week, the day the church gathered together
-the who? – everyone, “each one of you”
-the how? – planned, deliberate, not haphazard or under emotional pressure
-the how much? – proportionate to income
2. Is the tithe for today? (tithe meaning “a tenth part”)
-before the law the tithe is only mentioned twice (Genesis 14:20; 28:22). Neither time is it commanded of others
-under the law there was required giving made up of two yearly tithes and a third tithe taken every third year (thus approximately 22-23-1/3% per year) (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-28; Deuteronomy 12:6-17; 14:28-29); and voluntary giving (sacrifices and free-will offerings throughout the year (Deuteronomy 12:6)
-in the New Testament tithing is mentioned only in the gospels (critical of the practice of the religious leaders concerning tithing) and in Hebrews 7:5-8 which isn’t about giving but about the superiority of Melchizedek over Abraham and over the Levites.
-it is significant that in places in the Epistles which teach about giving, where a percentage could have been expected, none is given.
Recap of 3/28/10:
1. Paul talks about the why, the when, the who, the how, and the how much of giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4:
-the why? –to meet the physical and spiritual needs of others especially of believers (Hebrews 13:16; Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:13; and to support full-time church workers (1 Corinthians 9:1-14; Philippians 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Galatians 6:6-10)
-the when? – every week on the first day of the week, the day the church gathered together
-the who? – everyone, “each one of you”
-the how? – planned, deliberate, not haphazard or under emotional pressure
-the how much? – proportionate to income
2. Is the tithe for today? (tithe meaning “a tenth part”)
-before the law the tithe is only mentioned twice (Genesis 14:20; 28:22). Neither time is it commanded of others
-under the law there was required giving made up of two yearly tithes and a third tithe taken every third year (thus approximately 22-23-1/3% per year) (Leviticus 27:30-33; Numbers 18:21-28; Deuteronomy 12:6-17; 14:28-29); and voluntary giving (sacrifices and free-will offerings throughout the year (Deuteronomy 12:6)
-in the New Testament tithing is mentioned only in the gospels (critical of the practice of the religious leaders concerning tithing) and in Hebrews 7:5-8 which isn’t about giving but about the superiority of Melchizedek over Abraham and over the Levites.
-it is significant that in places in the Epistles which teach about giving, where a percentage could have been expected, none is given.
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