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How to Be Declared Righteous (Insights in NT)

7/30/2012

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"The Bible does not teach that a man is saved by a principle, but by the shedding of blood. Salvation is not through life lived, but through life poured out. It is not by the life of Jesus that we are redeemed; but by His life given up in the pain and suffering of a shameful death, of which death there is no sufficient symbol or method of expression other than that of the shedding of blood. Redemption is provided, not by the richness of His life provided, but by the suffering of His life poured out" (G. Campbell Morgan).

Because everyone has sinned being completely unrighteous, you need a Savior to pay the penalty for your sin. God loves you the way you are, but does not want you to stay the way you are.  

Those who judge another are without excuse since they condemn themselves by practicing the same things. God's judgment according to truth falls upon those who judge another. But His  kindness, forbearance and patience leads you to repentance. Those with a stubborn and unrepentant heart store up wrath for themselves at the righteous judgment of God according to every persons' deeds, whether good or evil. God's judgment is impartial since those who sin without the Law die without the law and those who sin under the Law are judged by the Law. Gentiles can show the work of the law written in their conscience with their thoughts accusing or defending them. According to the gospel, God judges the secrets of men through Christ Jesus (Rom. 2:1-16). God judges impartially according to truth, works, conscience and the gospel. 


Jews rely and are instructed by the Law, which contains knowledge and truth. They are a guide to the blind, light to those in darkness, instructor of the foolish and teacher of the immature. Breaking the Law allows God's name to be  blasphemed among the Gentiles. Circumcision has no value if one disobeys the Law. A person is a Jew when circumcision is of the heart, by the Spirit and not the letter, so praise comes from God, not from men (Rom. 2:17-29). God values a heart that obeys the Law.

Jews still have advantages being entrusted with God's word. Unbelief does not end God's faithfulness. Don't do evil to bring about good even though unrighteousness shows God's righteousness (Rom. 3:1-8). Unrighteousness highlights God's righteousness and unbelief does not end His faithfulness. 

Both Jews and Gentile are under sin because there are none righteous, none who understand, seek for God or do good since they all turned aside and become useless. Their throat is an open grave with deception, poison, cursing and  bitterness. They are swift to shed blood with destruction and misery in their paths. They do not know peace or the fear of God (Rom. 3:9-18). Everyone sins since none are righteous or do good.

Those who under the Law are accountable to God. No one can be justified by the works of the Law since it  reveals the knowledge of sin (Rom. 3:19-20). The Law's purpose is to make you conscious of sin.

The Law and the Prophets show God's righteousness because all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are declared righteous and justified as a free gift by His grace (unmerited favor) through the redemption (buy back from the slave market of sin) in Christ Jesus. God display Christ publicly as a propitiation (satisfactory substitute) in His blood through faith. God shows His holiness by forgiving past sins and declaring people righteous through faith in Jesus. One cannot boast in the law or works because everyone is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law. Faith does not nullify the Law, but establishes it (Rom. 3:21-31). You are justified by faith in Christ's death to forgive your sins.

Are you conscious of sin as you read the Law? If yes, place your faith in Christ's death on the cross on your behalf. God will declare your righteous. 

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Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom (Insights in Psalms)

7/29/2012

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Instead of craving riches and what other people possess, a wise person sees the value of hard work, which prevents poverty. Sexual lust and alcoholism may be pleasurable for the short-term, but it leads to disappointment and confusion. However, wisdom is sweet to the soul and gives security and hope for the future.  Wisdom and knowledge gained from many advisers allow your plans to succeed. Proverbs 23-24 shows the long-term benefits of wisdom. 

Do not crave a ruler's or stingy man's deceptive food. You waste your compliments because their hearts are not with you. Do not overwork to gain temporary riches. Do not speak to a fool as he will scorn the wisdom of your words. Since God defends the fields of the fatherless, don't move the boundaries as He will take up their case against you (Prov. 23:1-11). Wisdom prevents the craving for riches and what other people possess.  


Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to knowledge. Do not withhold discipline from a child as the rod will save his soul from death. A father's heart is glad when a son's heart is wise and his lips speak righteously. Do not envy sinners but always fear the Lord zealously because of future hope. Keep your heart on the right path. Don't join drunkards or gluttons who become poor (Prov. 23:12-21). Wisdom protects you from poverty caused by alcoholism and gluttony. 

Get wisdom, discipline and understanding from your father and mother. The father of a wise son has great joy and delights in him. His righteousness protects him from prostitutes, wayward wife and alcoholism that multiplies unfaithfulness, confusion and dissatisfaction (Prov. 23:22-35). Parents' wisdom protects you from sexual lust and party spirit that lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.

Do not envy or desire the company of evil men since their hearts plot violence. By wisdom a house is built, through understanding it is established and through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength. Guidance and many advisers are required to wage a winning war. A fool has no wisdom to share with leaders. A schemer plots evil and men detest a mocker (Prov. 24:1-9). 
Wisdom and knowledge from many advisers increase power and strength so you can adopt successful plans. 

Those who falter in times of trouble have little strength. Rescue those being led away to death. God weighs hearts and repays according to what each has done. Those who find wisdom that is sweet to the soul have security and a future hope. A righteous man rises again even after falling seven times, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. If you gloat when your enemy falls, the Lord will turn his wrath away from him. Do not fret or be envious of the wicked who have no future hope (Prov. 24:10-20). Wisdom provides contentment and a future hope. 

Fear the Lord and the king, but do not join the rebellious to be destroyed by calamity. People curse those who judge with partiality in telling the guilty that they are innocent. Rich blessing comes upon those who convict the guilty. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips (Prov. 24:21-26). Wisdom enables blessing with discernment as you submit to the Lord and human authorities.

Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready before building your house. Testify truthfully against your neighbor without deception or revenge. A lazy man lacks judgment because his field has thorns everywhere, his ground is covered with weeds and his stone wall is in ruins, resulting in poverty and scarcity (Prov. 24:27-34). Wisdom promotes hard work in your vocation to prevent poverty and scarcity.

Consider the long-term benefits of wisdom and choose the one that is most meaningful to apply:
1. Prevents the craving for riches and what other people possess
2. Protects you from poverty caused by alcoholism and gluttony 
3. Protects you from sexual lust and party spirit that lead to confusion and dissatisfaction
4. Increase power and strength from many advisers leading to successful plans 
5. Provides contentment and a future hope 
6. Wisdom experiences blessing as it submits to the Lord and human authorities in discerning people truthfully
7. Wisdom promotes hard work in your vocation to prevent poverty and scarcity



 




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How to Rebel Against An Ungodly Culture (Insights in Prophets)

7/26/2012

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The preceding chapters in 2 Kings 16-20 show how a single-minded focus prepares yourself to equip the next generation by trusting in God, prayer, meditation on God's word, walking in truth and using insights and resources to spiritually equip them to meet future challenges.  The character of leadership determines to a large degree whether people live godly or ungodly lives. You will learn how to rebel against an ungodly culture.

Manasseh did evil according to the abominations of the nations. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah destroyed, erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah like Ahab king of Israel. He built altars and placed the Asherah in the house of the Lord. He placed altars for all the host of heaven in its two courts. He practiced witchcraft, used divination and dealt with mediums and spiritists. By observing the law Moses commanded, they would not wander from the land. Instead, Manasseh seduced them to do evil more than the nations that the Lord destroyed (2 Kings 21:1-9). Ungodly leaders create a culture that seduces people to do evil so they can't possess God's promises. 

The Lord spoke through the prophets that He would bring such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah that peoples' ears would tingle. He would wipe out Jerusalem, abandon His inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies as plunder and spoil because of their evil.  Manasseh shed much innocent blood filling Jerusalem completely. He made Judah sin with his idols (2 Kings 21:10-18). Ungodly leaders' idolatry deliver people over to evil.  

Amon walked in the way of his father Manasseh by serving and worshiping idols. He forsook the Lord and did not walk in the way of the Lord. The servants of Amon conspired and  killed him. The people of the land killed all who conspired against Amon. Josiah his son became king (2 Kings 21:19-26). People rebel against ungodly leadership when they grow tired of sin and idolatry.  

Josiah did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of David, not turning from the right or left. He had the high priest deliver money to the workmen, including carpenters, builders, masons and for buying timber and hewn stone, so they could repair damages to the house of the Lord. Because of their faithfulness, they made no accounting of the money delivered to them (2 Kings 22:1-7).
Godly leaders equip people in God's word so they can walk in the way of the Lord.   

They found the book of the law in the house of the Lord and read it to Josiah. He asked the high priest, scribes and king's servant to inquire of the Lord because God's wrath burned against them. Their fathers had not listened to its words in doing what was written concerning them (2 Kings 22:8-13). 
Godly leaders call others to pray when God's wrath burns against a community. 

Huldah the prophetess predicted God's wrath would come upon them because they forsook God and burned incense to other gods with all the work of their hands. Because Josiah's heart was tender and he humbled himself before the Lord when he heard this place would become a desolation and a curse, God truly heard him after he tore his clothes and wept before Him. He would be gathered to his grave in peace and not see all the evil God would do (2 Kings 22:14-20). God hears the prayers of those with tender and humble hearts who cry out fervently to Him. 


If you are exposed to an ungodly culture because of evil leaders filled with idolatry, rebel against it!
How? 
1. Equip people in God's word so they walk in the way of the Lord 
2. Call others to prayer 
3. Have a tender and humble heart so God will hear your prayers 











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What Passionate Love for Christ Produces (Insights in Law)

7/23/2012

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I want passionate feelings to characterize my relationship with the Lord Jesus. Of course, I want to be perfectly obedient to the Lord, but I want the obedience to spring out of a passionate love for him. I want to obey Jesus not simply out of discipline of duty, or because of some reward or fear of punishment. I want to serve Him simply for the joy of being able to please the one I love so much. If discipline is what ultimately drives us in our pursuit of Jesus, eventually we will give up that pursuit. But a man in love, or a woman in love will never quit.... I want my life to be characterized by an unrestrained affection for the Son of God (Jack Deere). 

In Numbers 17-19, as people respond in passionate love for God, they follow His leading into their callings, give generously and confess sin, which results in a transformed community as individuals walk in holiness.  

God spoke to Moses to get a rod for each father’s household from all twelve leaders, wrote name on each rod and deposited them in the tent of meeting in front of testimony for Moses to meet with God.  The rod of man whom He chose would sprout to lessen from Himself the grumblings of Israel. The rod of Aaron from the house of Levi sprouted buds, produced blossoms and bore ripe almonds. Aaron’s rod before the testimony was kept as a sign against the rebels to put an end to grumblings against God so they would not die (Num. 17:1-13). God calls approved workers by showing signs of fruitfulness to end death and warn grumblers.

The tribe of Levi would be joined with Aaron to bear responsibility for the offenses against the sanctuary and the priesthood. If fellow Levites came near the furnishings of the sanctuary and altar, they would die and bring wrath on Israel. Aaron and his sons served in the priesthood for everything concerning the altar and inside the veil as a gift, but the stranger would die if he came near (Num. 18:1-7). God enables workers to follow His leadership into their unique callings so they do not experience His wrath.

The Lord spoke to Aaron saying He gave him a charge of His offerings as a portion and to his sons as a perpetual allotment as holy gifts, including the first fruits of oil, wine and grain given to the Lord. Every devoted thing in Israel, including the first-born of man or animal would be theirs. The tithe would be given to the Levites as an inheritance and compensation for serving at the tent of meeting. They gave a tithe of the tithe to Aaron the priest so they would not profane the sacred gifts of Israel and die (Num. 18:8-32). God gives people the opportunity to give financially to His work in response to His love for them.

The Lord said to Moses to bring an unblemished red heifer without defect and no yoke. It was brought to Eleazar the priest and slaughtered outside the camp. He took blood and sprinkled some of it toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times. The heifer would be burned in his sight, the priest washed his clothes, bathed his body in water and was unclean until evening. The cleansed man deposited the ashes outside the camp as purification from sin for Israel and the alien as a lasting ordinance (Num. 19:1-10). Spend regular time in confession of sin to remove spiritual impurity.  

One who touched a corpse would be unclean for seven days. He purified himself from uncleanness with water on the third and seventh day to be clean. If he did not purify himself, he defiled the tabernacle of the Lord, cut off from the community and was unclean. A man ceremonially clean would take hyssop, dip in water and sprinkle the tent, furnishings and people who were there. Anything that an unclean person touched became unclean (Num. 19:11-22). The spiritual climate of a community changes for the good when God’s people live in holiness because of their passionate love for Him.



Ask God to move your community through the following progression beginning with yourself: 
1. Pray for more passionate love for Christ personally and among other believers in your community
2. Follow God's leading so you embrace His calling for your life
3. Give generously to your local church and kingdom projects
4. Spend regular time in confessing sin
5. Encourage others to walk in holiness


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From Suppression to Spiritual Fruit (Insights in NT)

7/22/2012

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Someone once asked Billy Graham, "If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?" To this the famous preacher replied, "With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives." 

Suppressing or hiding the truth of God's eternal power and divine nature causes idolatry that leads to materialism, sexual sin and total societal breakdown. The gospel of Christ is God's power to bring people to righteousness when they believe in Him. It moves them from suppression to spiritual fruit. 
 
Paul was a bond-servant of Christ and an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, promised through His prophets in the Scriptures concerning His Son. He was descended from David as the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness. Paul and others received grace and apostleship to bring the obedience of faith among Gentiles to all in Rome called saints (Rom 1:1-7). The resurrection empowers the gospel of Christ promised by prophets in the Old Testament. 

He thanked God because their faith was being proclaimed throughout the world. Paul always prayed and hoped to see them. He wanted to impart some spiritual gift that they may be established and be encouraged in each other's faith. Paul wanted to obtain some fruit among them and the rest of the Gentiles. He was under obligation to Greeks, barbarians, wise and foolish in preaching the gospel to those in Rome (Rom 1:8-15). Preach the gospel to impart some spiritual gift, encourage each other's faith and obtain fruit. 

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel since it was the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes from Jew to Greek. The righteousness of God was revealed from faith to faith as the righteous live by faith (Rom. 1:16-17). Be not ashamed of the gospel since God's power for salvation and righteousness occurs from faith to faith. 

God's wrath was revealed from heaven against all ungodliness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. God's creation reveals His eternal power and divine nature so everyone is without excuse. They did not honor Him as God or give thanks but became futile in their speculations as their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and exchanged God's glory for an image in the form of man and animals (Rom. 1:18-23). Those who suppress the truth of God's divine attributes experience God's wrath and idolatry.  

Therefore, God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity that their bodies might be dishonored among them. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator (Rom 1:24-25). God gives peoples' mind over to the lie of materialism caused by lustful hearts and impurity. 

God gave them over to degrading passions for women and men exchanged the natural function for the unnatural. They burned in their desire for the same sex, committing indecent acts and receiving the due penalty of their error (Rom 1:26-27). God gives peoples' emotions over to sexual sin, including homosexuality, caused by degrading passions.

Just as they did not acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind to do things not proper: greed, evil, full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving and unmerciful. Although they knew the ordinance of God, those who practice such things are worthy of death and also give hearty approval to those who practice them (Rom. 1:28-32). God gives peoples' will over to total wickedness caused by depravity and not acknowledging Him any longer. 

Have you believed in the gospel of Christ? If so, are you preaching the gospel of Christ? Are you letting your mind, emotions and will acknowledge God and the truth of His word? 

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Advantages of Preparing Your Heart to Know God (Insights in Psalms)

7/19/2012

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"Christ is the wisdom of God; and in the knowledge of this Christ there is wisdom for you. Not wisdom only, but life, forgiveness, peace, glory, and an endless kingdom! Study Him! Acquaint yourself with Him! Whatever you are ignorant of, be not ignorant of Him. Whatever you overlook, overlook not Him. What ever you lose, lose not Him. To gain Him is to gain eternal life, to gain a kingdom, to gain everlasting blessedness. To lose Him is to lose your soul, to lose God, to lose God's favour, to lose God's heaven, to lose the eternal crown!" (Horatius Bonar) 
Proverbs 21-22 teach the advantages of preparing your heart to know God. 

The Lord turns the king's heart wherever He wishes. He values a heart filled with righteousness and justice. Sacrifice, haughty eyes and proud heart are sin to Him. The plans of the diligent and pure lead to advantage, but hastiness, lying tongue and violence results in poverty and death (Prov. 21:1-8). Advantage comes for those with a righteous heart who plan diligently. 

It's impossible to live with a contentious woman who desires evil. The naive become wise when a scoffer is punished. The wise receive knowledge when instructed about the ruin of the wicked and not listening to the cry of the poor. Executing justice is joy for the righteous. A man who wanders from the way of understanding by loving pleasure, wine and oil becomes dead and poor (Prov. 21:9-18). Wisdom comes as you consider the consequences of justice versus loving pleasure.

It's better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman. A foolish person spends all his savings. Find life, righteousness and honor by pursuing righteousness and loyalty. The wise attacks a city of the mighty and pulls down the strongholds that they trust. Guard your tongue from arrogance to prevent trouble (Prov. 21:19-23). Life and honor come as you pursue righteousness, save money, pull down strongholds and guard your tongue.

Laziness and greed kill, but the righteous considers his ways by giving and not holding back. There is no wisdom, insight or plan that can succeed against the Lord. Prepare for battle but realize that victory belongs to the Lord (Prov. 21:24-31). God's victory comes as you consider your ways, give generously and prepare for battle.  

A good name and esteem is better than riches. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge. Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor and life. Guard your soul to prevent thorns and snares. Train a child in the way he should go to stay on the path (Prov. 22:1-6). Wealth, honor and life come if you have a good name, show humility, experience the fear of the Lord and guard your soul. 

The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender. Reap trouble by sowing wickedness, but be blessed by sharing food with the poor. Eliminate strife, quarrels and insults by driving out the mocker. The king will be your friend if you have a pure heart and gracious speech. The Lord watches over knowledge, but frustrates the words of the unfaithful (Prov. 22:7-12). Blessings and influential friendships come from a pure heart, gracious speech and sharing with the poor. 

The lazy expect the worst to occur. An adulteress ensnares those under the Lord's wrath. The rod of discipline drives out folly in the heart of a child. Poverty comes by oppressing the poor to increase wealth and giving gifts to the rich. Apply your heart to the sayings of the wise so they can be ready on your lips as you trust in the Lord and give sound answers to him who sent you (Prov. 22:13-21). Giving sound answers come as you experience the rod of discipline and apply your heart to the sayings of the wise.

The Lord takes the case of the poor and plunders those who exploit or crush them in court. Do not make friends or associate with one easily angered so you don't learn his ways. Do not co-sign on a loan so you don't lose everything. Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your forefathers. A man skilled in his work will serve before kings and not obscure men (Prov. 22:22-29). Serving before kings comes for those skilled in their work who set proper boundaries.

The advantages of preparing your heart to know God include:
1. Wisdom

2. Life and honor
3. God's victory
4. Wealth, honor and life
5. Blessings and influential friendships
6. Giving sound answers
7. Serving before kings




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Preparation Required to Equip the Next Generation (Insights in Prophets)

7/17/2012

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Hezekiah was a godly leader, but failed to equip the next generation. Instead of being concerned about his legacy, his sole focus was enjoying the final years of his life. He did not prepare his son, Manasseh, who succeeded him as king. As a result, Israel struggled without good spiritual leadership to face the Babylonian captivity that came after Hezekiah died. 

Hezekiah's servants came to Isaiah during "a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection" with no strength to deliver. Isaiah said not to fear Assyria's blasphemy of God since they would hear a rumor, return to their land and be killed by the sword. Sennacherib said that Assyria destroyed gods in various nations and it was futile to trust in "your" God (2 Kings 19:1-13). Trust in God and don't fear in times of distress, rebuke and rejection.


Hezekiah spread out the letter and prayed before the Lord God of Israel enthroned over all the kingdoms of the earth who made heaven and earth. He asked God to listen to Sennacherib's reproach of the living God who destroyed nations that worshiped gods made by human hands. Hezekiah asked for deliverance so the earth would know that God is Lord (2 Kings 19:14-19). Ask for God's deliverance as you acknowledge His Lordship over heaven and earth. 

God answered through Isaiah that Sennacherib was despised and mocked because of his pride against God and his trust in many chariots. God planned that he would "turn fortified cities into ruinous heaps," but defeat him by putting His hook in his nose and bridling his lips (2 Kings 19:20-28). Rest in God's sovereignty and power to defeat evil forces.

In the third year, they would sow, plant vineyards and eat its fruit with the surviving remnant from Judah taking root downward and bearing fruit upward. The zeal of the Lord would perform this. God would defend Jerusalem and save it for His own and David's sake. The angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians. Sennacherib was killed while worshiping in the house of Nisroch, his god (2 Kings 19:29-37). Meditate on God's word to bear spiritual fruit and rely on God's protection to overcome evil.

When Hezekiah realized he was near death, he prayed to God. He acknowledged walking in truth with a whole heart and doing good in His sight. God healed, added 15 years to his life and delivered Jerusalem from Assyria for His sake. Hezekiah laid a cake of figs on his boil and he recovered. The Lord brought the shadow on the stairway backward ten steps as a sign that he would be healed (2 Kings 20:1-11). Ask God for good health to walk in truth wholeheartedly and do good in His sight instead of selfishly pursuing your own pleasure. 

Hezekiah showed the king of Babylon all the treasures in his house. Isaiah predicted that everything in his house would be carried to Babylon along with descendants who would become officials in the palace of Babylon's king. Hezekiah was reassured that peace and truth would remain during his days. Manasseh his son became king in his place (2 Kings 20:12-21). Use your insights and resources to spiritually equip the next generation to meet future challenges.

How to prepare yourself to equip the next generation: 
1. Trust in God and don't fear in times of distress, rebuke and rejection
2. Ask for God's deliverance as you acknowledge His Lordship over heaven and earth
3.   Rest in God's sovereignty and power to defeat evil forces
4.  Meditate on God's word to bear spiritual fruit and rely on God's protection to overcome evil 
5. Ask God for good health to walk in truth wholeheartedly and do good in His sight instead of selfishly pursuing your own pleasure  
6. Use your insights and resources to spiritually equip the next generation to meet future challenges 


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Consequences of Rebelling Against Delegated Authority (Insights in Law)

7/8/2012

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Vince Lombardi wrote, "Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority." Beware of the consequences of rebelling against delegated authority. 

Korah, Dathan, Abriram and On with 250 renowned leaders assembled together against Moses and Aaron and said all the congregation were holy. They asked why Moses and Aaron exalted themselves above the assembly (Num. 16:1-3). Those who rebel against delegated authority exalt themselves.

When Moses heard these accusations, he fell on his face and said the Lord would bring the holy one near to Himself. Korah and his company would take censers, put fire in them and lay incense upon them in the presence of Lord. Moses told Korah that the Lord separated him to do service of the tabernacle and asked if he was also seeking the priesthood by grumbling against Aaron (Num. 16:4-11). Those who rebel against delegated authority are jealous of what God called others to do.  

Dathan and Abiram said they would not assemble because Moses lord it over the nation. He did not bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey and did not give them an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Korah assembled the congregation against Moses and Aaron at the doorway of the tent of meeting and God’s glory appeared to all of them (Num. 16:12-19). Those who rebel against delegated authority have a false and negative view of reality.

The Lord said to separate themselves from the congregation that He may consume them instantly. Moses told the congregation to depart from the tents of the wicked men lest they be swept away in all their sin. If they died naturally, then the Lord did not send Moses to do these deeds. If the Lord opened the ground to swallow them alive into Sheol, it proved these men have spurned the Lord. The ground split open and the earth swallowed them and their households down alive to Sheol. Fire came forth from the Lord and consumed 250 men offering the incense (Num. 16:20-35). Those who rebel against delegated authority will be judged severely by God. 

The censers were made into hammered sheets as a plating of the altar as a reminder that no layman who was not descendants of Aaron would come near to burn incense before Lord. This would prevent them from becoming like Korah and his company (Num. 16:36-40). Those who rebel against delegated authority create visual reminders to prevent others from following their example.

The congregation grumbled against Moses and Aaron saying they caused the death of the Lord’s people. Moses said to Aaron to take the censer, put in fire and make atonement for them because of God’s wrath in the plague. Aaron took his stand between dead and living so the plague was checked (Num.16:41-50). Those who rebel against delegated authority cast blame for the consequences they suffer.

Ask yourself the following questions: 

1. Do you exalt yourself?
2. Are you jealous of what God calls others to do?
3. Do you have a false and negative view of reality?
4. Do you cast blame for the consequences you suffer?
God's wants to cover and forgive the sin of rebelling against delegated authority.  


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Faith That Makes a Difference (Insights in NT)

7/6/2012

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John Wesley wrote, "I want the whole Christ for my Saviour, the whole Bible for my book, the whole Church for my fellowship, and the whole world for my mission field." The last two chapters in Acts describes practical faith that makes a difference in individuals, the Church and the world. 

Elements of Practical Faith
Paul set sail for Rome with other prisoners and was accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. Paul admonished them when the voyage became dangerous, but the majority decided to sail for Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, to spend the winter. When they had gone without food for many days, Paul said that an angel of God appeared to him to not be afraid since he would appear before Caesar. He told them to be courageous since his belief in God would protect them as he had been told. He also said they must run aground on a certain island" (Acts 27:1-26). The elements of practical faith is trusting God and taking precautions so you don't test Him.

Essence of Practical Faith
Paul said that unless they remained in the ship, they would not be saved. He encouraged them to take food since they had not eaten for 14 days while watching for land. Paul took bread, gave thanks to God in the presence of all, broke it and ate. They were encouraged and took food. All 276 people were brought safely to land (Acts 27:27-44). The essence of practical faith merges the spiritual and physical. 

Proof of Practical Faith
The natives showed kindness to them on the island called Malta. Paul shook off a viper that fastened on his hand. When he did not die, the natives said he was a god. The father of Publius, the leading man of the island, was lying in bed with fever and dysentery. Paul prayed, laid his hands on him, and was cured (Acts 28:1-10). The proof of practical faith is physical healing. 

Empowerment of Practical Faith
After three months, they sent sail, landed in Puteoli and stayed with some brethren for seven days. When others heard about them, they came from the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet them. Paul thanked God and took courage (Acts 28:11-15). The empowerment of practical faith is encouraging other believers. 

Entry of Practical Faith
When they entered Rome, Paul stayed by himself with a soldier who guarded him. Paul called together the leading men of the Jews saying he did nothing against his people, but was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem to Rome. They had not received letters from Judea but desired to hear his views concerning this sect spoken against everywhere (Acts 28:16-22). The entry of practical faith looks for open doors so God's word can be shared with others. 

Outcome of Practical Faith
Many people came to Paul's lodging from morning to night as he explained the kingdom of God and tried to persuade them concerning Jesus, from the Law and Prophets. When some believed and others did not, Paul spoke through Isaiah: They keep on hearing without understanding and seeing without perceiving. Their dull hearts scarcely hear and see so they can understand and return to God for healing. God sent salvation to the Gentiles so they could listen. When Paul spoke these words, the Jews departed and disputed greatly among themselves. He stayed two years in his rented quarters welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness and unhindered (Acts 28:23-31). The outcome of practical faith is preaching the kingdom of God and teaching Jesus openly and unhindered so people are persuaded.

Answer the following questions about practical faith: 
1. Are you trusting God and taking precautions so you don't test Him?
2. Are you merging the spiritual and physical in your faith?
3. Are you demonstrating physical healing in your faith?
4. Are you strengthening faith by encouraging other believers? 
5. Are you looking for open doors so God's word can be shared?
6. Are you preaching the kingdom of God and teaching Jesus openly and unhindered so individuals, the Church and the world are persuaded? 

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Helping People Change (Insights in Psalms)

7/5/2012

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Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself (Max Lucado).
Helping other people change takes great insight, example, wisdom, trust in God and experience. 

Those who become drunk with alcohol lack wisdom as they mock and are noisy. He who provokes a king to anger or causes strife forfeits his life. A lazy person finds nothing during harvest if he does not plow after the autumn. 
A man of understanding draws out a person's motives (Prov. 20:1-5). A discerning person draws out the motives of those who get drunk, cause strife and are lazy.

A righteous father who walks in integrity blesses his sons. No one can say that they have cleansed their heart from sin. Differing weights and measures are an abomination to the  Lord. Pure and right conduct distinguishes a young man. The Lord has made the hearing ear and seeing eye (Prov. 20:6-12). A father with integrity is a great example to his children to encourage them toward purity.  

Too much sleep leads to poverty. A buyer boasts of his good deal when he leaves. Lips of knowledge are more precious than gold and jewels. A co-signer can lose his wealth. Wealth obtained by falsehood reaps dissatisfaction. Prepare plans by consultation and make war by wise guidance (Prov. 20:13-18). Prepare and execute your plans diligently and what you say with wisdom and knowledge. 

Do not associate with a gossip since a slanderer reveals secrets. An inheritance gains hurriedly in the beginning won't have future blessings. God will save and repay evil when you wait for the Lord. Differing weights are an abomination to the Lord. Man can't understand his way since His steps are ordained by the Lord (Prov. 20:19-24).
Trust God's sovereignty as you wait upon Him and take one step at a time. 

Don't have second thoughts about a holy offering. A wise king scatters and defeats the wicked. God searches and flashes his light upon a person's soul. Mercy maintains a king's throne, while mercy and truth protect him. Strength is the glory of young men and experience for older men. Severe wounding cleanses away evil from the soul (Prov. 20: 25-30). Mercy and truth provide protection and experience helps you deal forthrightly with evil in peoples' lives. 


Here are tips on how to help people change:
1. Ask God for discernment in asking the right questions to draw out the motives of others
2. Be an example of integrity to encourage people toward purity
3. Prepare what you say with wisdom and knowledge
4. Trust God's sovereignty as you wait upon Him and take one step at a time
5. Deal forthrightly with evil in peoples' lives without listening to gossip

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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

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