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Embrace Values Opposite of Modern Day Christianity

5/26/2019

I attended a Christian conference all excited about applying what I learned. Things went well for several days until I fell into my old habits of trusting myself instead of God.

Do you get discouraged that many Christians are indistinguishable from unbelievers? Their compromising lifestyles conform to the world. Instead of being on fire for God, they are lukewarm. Passiveness instead of passion becomes their calling card. They refuse to believe if it's risky.

Therefore, they adopt the path of least resistance. They coexist with sin instead of confessing it. They depend upon themselves instead of the Holy Spirit. They practice mediocrity and not excellence; fear and not faith; and avoidance, not activism. Despite what is seen today, John the Baptist is one example to follow that will help yourself and others.

1. Understand people’s basic spiritual needs
In the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar when Pontius Pilate was governor, John preached a baptism of repentance and the forgiveness of sin. From Isaiah, he quoted, ". . . Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. . . . And all flesh shall see the salvation of God" (Luke 3:1-6). Preach Christ for forgiveness of sin so people admit sin to receive Him as Savior.

2. Build on conversion experience
John told the multitudes to "bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance" and not rely on their physical heritage in Abraham. True spiritual children would be born when bad fruit was cut down and burned. He told them to share basic necessities like food and clothing with others. In response to a tax-gatherer's question, John told him to collect the right amount and to a soldier, not to take money by force or accuse anyone falsely, but be content with his wages. (Luke 3:7-14). Repent of sin to be an example of God’s faith and power.

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit
People wondered whether John was Christ. John said he baptized with water, but a mightier One was coming who baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire. This Mightier One would burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. (Luke 3:15-17). Rely on the Holy Spirit for power to live a pure and holy life reflecting Jesus and His works.

4. Expect persecution
John confronted Herod for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias. His proclamations against Herod got him imprisoned
(Luke 3:18-20). Obey Christ without compromise to experience persecution by the world (this is a good thing because we experience the kingdom of heaven: Matthew 5:10).

5. Pray expectantly
After John was baptized and prayed for Jesus, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. A voice from heaven said to Jesus, "Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased" (Luke 3:21-22). Pray to feel God’s love and care profoundly.

6. Expect help from Jesus
Because Jesus as the God-man went through life like any other human being, He will come to your aid (Luke 3:23-38). Pray and ask God for help.

Action Steps:
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to give me a fire for God.
2. Pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit in my life.
3. Confess all known sin and refuse any compromise.

If you want to hear me share more about an Outreach Lifestyle,
come to the Empowering Men of Kingdom conference
Sat., June 1st, breakfast @ 8 a.m.,First Baptist, 1340 K, Lincoln, NE

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Learn to Fish Like a Fisherman

5/6/2019

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Alexander the Great was not satisfied, even when he had completely subdued the nations. He wept because there were no more worlds to conquer, and he died at an early age in a state of debauchery.

Hannibal, who filled three bushels with the gold rings taken from the knights he had slaughtered, committed suicide by swallowing poison. Few noted his passing, and he left this earth completely unmourned.

Julius Caesar, staining his garments in the blood of one million of his foes, conquered 800 cities, only to be stabbed by his best friends at the scene of his greatest triumph.

Napoleon, the feared conqueror, after being the scourge of Europe, spent his last years in banishment. (Pulpit Resource, G.S. Bowles)
They failed to live out Christ’s purpose in life. In my last blog, we saw that Jesus told Peter. Andrew, James, and John to follow Him to become fishers of men (Matthew 4:17-22). They lived out Christ’s purpose in life. We can learn at least four principles from real fishermen on how to become a fisher of men.

Patience and Perseverance
It takes many hours to catch a fish. The same is true in sharing our faith. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness (severe pain, demon-possessed, epileptics and paralytics). Patience and perseverance resulted in large crowds following him (Matthew 4:23-25)

Because of the crowd, four men cut an opening in the roof above Jesus. They lowered a mat a paralyzed man was lying on to bring him before Jesus (Mark 2:1-5). They showed great patience and perseverance.

Good instincts
We must go to certain spots where fish are biting and be ready to catch them. Jesus told Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Jesus ate at his house with other sinners. He didn’t call the righteous, but the humble who knew their sin (Mark 2:13-17). Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to minister in Galilee (Luke 4:14; Matthew 4:23-25). Sensitivity to the timing and leading of the Holy Spirit enables one to take advantage of spur-of-the-moment opportunities.

Skill
A good fisherman knows his tools: how to cast out his line, and right bait and timing for certain kinds of fish. Similarly, fishers of men have the Word of God and Holy Spirit’s leading for their tools. Jesus said His mission was walking in the Holy Spirit and proclaiming good news/liberty to four categories of people: poor (helpless, brokenhearted, no wealth, position, or influence); captives (unable to be free from bad habits, physical addiction, lust for money, and ways of the world); blind (spiritually blind, unbelief, and prideful); and oppressed (beaten and broken down by worldly authorities) (Luke 4:18-19).

Know how to work together.
When a fish is hooked, your buddy stands by with a net. Jesus sent out His disciples in twos (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). As one person shares, the other person can pray.
Jesus’ told His disciples to let down their nets in the deep for a catch. So many fish caused their nets to break (Luke 5:1-11). Discover these four principles in this passage: patience and perseverance, good instincts, skill, and know how to work together.

Overcome your fear and fulfill your purpose to preach the gospel because people are going to hell without Christ (Luke 4:43 ; 5:10).

To see more blogs, go to www.markpomeroy.com

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Give Yourself Fully to Gospel Ministry (Insights in NT)

11/15/2012

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"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" (John Wesley).

After people are empowered and equipped in a small group process through God’s word, then they can give themselves fully to the work of the gospel by preaching the crucified and resurrected Christ along with encouraging and giving generously to those engaged in gospel ministry.

Send Out People to Preach the Gospel in the World
Paul reminded the Corinthians of the gospel He preached, they received and were saved so they would not believe in vain. What he passed on as first importance was that Christ died for their sins, buried and raised on third day according to the Scriptures and appeared to Peter, the Twelve, 500 brothers, James and every apostle and finally Paul. God's grace allowed him to work harder as the least of the apostles since he persecuted the church of God (1 Cor. 15:1-11). Preach the crucified and resurrected Christ for the forgiveness of sins according to the Scriptures as you are empowered by His grace.

Endure Hardship in Gospel Ministry Since God Destroys Evil
If Christ was not raised from the dead as some people say, then his preaching and their faith were useless as false witnesses about God. If the dead were not raised, then Christ was not raised either proving their faith was futile being still in their sins. If people have hope in Him for this life only because the dead in Christ were lost, then they were to be pitied more than all men. But Christ was raised from the dead as the firstfruits of those who died. For as Adam died, in Christ all were made alive. When the end came, Christ handed the kingdom to God the Father after He destroyed all dominion, authority and power. He reigned until putting all His enemies under His feet including death as stated in Psalm 8:6. God put everything under Christ who was subject to Him so God may be all in all. If Paul fought wild beasts in Ephesus assuming the dead were not raised with the philosophy of "eating and drinking for tomorrow we die," he gained nothing. Do not be misled and stop sinning because bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:12-34). Endure hardship in preaching the gospel because of the resurrection and knowing that God will destroy all evil authorities including death.

Focus Fully on God’s Kingdom Work Because of Christ’s Resurrection
Just as God determined the kind of body that grew from a seed, what was sown perishable would be raised imperishable. What was sown in dishonor, would be raised in glory, What was sown in weakness, would be raised in power. What was sown as a natural body would be raised a spiritual body. The first man Adam became a living being, but the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The natural or first man who was the dust of the earth came before the spiritual or second man from heaven so people can bear the likeness of Christ. When the trumpet sounded, the dead will be raised imperishable and changed since flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality so that death would be swallowed up in victory without sting. The sting of death was sin and the power of sin was the law, but God gave victory through Christ. Therefore, they must stand firm and give themselves fully to the Lord's work knowing their labor was not in vain (1 Cor. 15:35-58). Give yourself fully to God's kingdom work because of Christ’s resurrection.

Support and Engage in Effective Ministries
Each person should set aside money on the first day of the week in proportion to his income so no collections would be made when Paul arrived. He would give letters of introduction to the men they approved so they could send the gift to Jerusalem. Paul said he might spend the winter so they could help him wherever he went. He would stay at Ephesus until Pentecost because of an open door for effective work amid opposition (1 Cor. 16:1-9). Support and engage in ministries that have open doors for effective work.

Connect Families to Gospel Ministry Opportunities
He told them to accept and support Timothy in every way because of his work in the Lord so he could rejoin Paul. Apollos was unwilling to go to them with the brothers but would come when he had opportunity. They were to be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be strong as men of courage while doing everything in love. As the first converts in Achaia, the household of Stephanas devoted themselves to the service of the saints and deserved recognition because they supplied what was lacking and refreshed Paul's spirit and the Corinthians. The churches in Asia, Aquila, Priscilla, their house church and all the brothers with Paul greeted them warmly with grace and love in Christ Jesus. A curse be on anyone who did not love the Lord. Come, O Lord (1 Cor. 16:10-24). Families serve, encourage and give generously to those engaged in gospel ministry.

Are you giving yourself fully to preaching the crucified and resurrected Christ while serving, encouraging and giving generously to those engaged in gospel ministry?

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Characteristics of a Church That Changes Lives (Insights in NT)

11/9/2012

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"The church is: a conspiracy of love for a dying world, a spy mission into enemy occupied territory ruled by the powers of evil; a prophet from God with the greatest news the world has ever heard, the most life changing and most revolutionary institution that has existed on earth" (Peter Kreeft).

A church that changes lives knows the biblical roles of men and women, proclaims Christ's death through the Lord's table, understands that spiritual gifts are given for the common good, employs the greater gifts in unity under God's leadership, practices love to conform people into the image of Christ, teaches God's word to prepare people for spiritual battle and execute a Spirit-led, interactive service to strengthen the church.

Follow Christ’s Example for Biblical Roles of Men and Women
Paul praised the Corinthians who followed his teaching and example of Christ. Christ was the head of every man. Man was the head of every woman and God the head of Christ. A woman's head was covered to show angels the proper sign of authority. A man's head was uncovered to show he was the image and glory of God. A woman was the glory of man since she originated from and was created for him. In the Lord, men and women were dependent on each other. A woman came from man. A man was born of woman, but everything came from God. He gave long hair to a woman as a covering. The contentious had no other practice to follow among the churches of God (1 Cor. 11:1-16). Show the example of Christ in gender roles based on the order of creation.

Proclaim Lord’s Death Regularly Through the Lord’s Table
The divisions that did more harm than good showed those with God's approval. Many ate the Lord's Supper in their homes without waiting for others. They despised the church of God by humiliating the hungry and getting drunk. The Lord Jesus took bread, broke it and gave thanks along with the cup to signify His body and the new covenant of His blood on the night He was betrayed. Whenever they ate the bread and drank the cup, they proclaimed the Lord's death until He came. Each person examined themselves so they would not sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Many experienced judgment being weak, sick or dying as discipline so they would not be condemned with the world (1 Cor. 11:17-34). Eat the Lord's Supper in a worthy manner to proclaim the Lord's death until He comes back.

Exercise Various Spiritual Gifts for the Common Good
People must not be ignorant of spiritual gifts since the control of the Holy Spirit demonstrated Jesus Lordship in their operation. The Holy Spirit, Jesus and God worked together in the variety of gifts, ministries and effects. The manifestation of the Spirit was given for the common good like the message of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits and tongues along with interpretation. God gave these spiritual gifts as He determined (1 Cor. 12:1-11). Exercise various spiritual gifts for the common good according to His will.

Demonstrate Unity in Employing Greater and Lesser Spiritual Gifts
The one body of Christ consisted of many parts. One Spirit baptized everyone into one body whether Jews, Gentiles, slave or free. A foot should not say to the hand or an ear to the eye that he did not belong to the body. God arranged the different functions of the body where He wanted them. Each part depended on the other. The weaker and less honorable ones were indispensable and deserved special honor. The unpresentable parts needed special modesty. God gave greater honor to those that lacked it to prevent division so each part had equal concern for others. If one part suffered or was honor, everyone suffered or rejoiced with it. God appointed in the church apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, gifts of healing, helpers, administration and tongues along with interpretation. Eagerly desire the greater gifts (1 Cor. 12:12-30). Employ the greater gifts in unity under God's leadership while showing honor and concern toward with one another.

Practice Love and Patience While People are Conformed into Christ’s Image
Without love, a person was nothing but a resounding gong or clanging cymbal even though he had the gift of prophecy, knowledge and faith to move mountains, gave everything to the poor and surrendered his body to the flames. Love is patient, kind and does not envy, boast and show pride or be rude, self-seeking, easily angered and keep records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres without failing. Prophecies, tongues and knowledge disappear when Christ comes backs and we see Him face to face with complete knowledge. Faith, hope and love remain, but the greatest is love (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Practice love, patience and kindness in persevering faith until people are conformed into the image of Christ.

Teach God’s Word to Equip People for Spiritual Battle
Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts especially the gift of prophecy. Those who spoke in tongues edified themselves. Everyone who prophesied edified the church for strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who prophesied was greater than one who spoke in a tongue unless he interpreted to edify the church. Sound a clear call to prepare for battle with some revelation, knowledge, prophecy or word of instruction. Paul praised God he spoke in tongues but preferred speaking five intelligible words to instruct others than 10,000 words in a tongue. Tongues were a sign for unbelieving Jews as prophesied in Is. 28:11-12, but prophecy was for believers. Prophecy convinced unbelievers they were sinners leading to worship of God and saying God was really among them (1 Cor. 14:1-25). Teach God's word to strengthen, encourage and comfort the church in preparation for spiritual battle.

Use Spirit-Led, Interactive Small Groups for Worship, Teaching and Ministry
Bring a hymn, word of instruction, revelation and tongue with interpretation (at most three, one at a time) to strengthen the church. Two or three prophets could speak with others weighing carefully what was said. If a revelation came to someone, the first speaker would stop. Prophesy in turn so everyone would be instructed and encouraged. Women remained silent and asked their husbands at home if they wanted to inquire about something. Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Cor. 14:26-40). Execute orderly, Spirit-led, interactive, small group sessions with hymns, instruction, revelation and prophecy to strengthen the church.

Which of the characteristics of a church that changes lives will you pray for in your congregation?

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Live With Purpose So You Receive Eternal Reward (Insights in NT)

11/2/2012

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People spend much time in training to be an expert in sports, business or particular hobby. They do it to win a championship, receive a pay raise/ greater position, or award. These rewards are temporary. God has a better idea. He wants you to gain an imperishable wreath like winning the Olympic games, except it impacts you throughout eternity. How can you live with purpose and discipline so you can receive this eternal reward?

Exercise Freedom in Christ if Action Does Not Violate Biblical Command
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Thinking that one knew something was not the same as really knowing it. Those loved by God were known by Him. Do not be concerned about eating food sacrificed to idols since through God all things came into being. Those with a weak conscience became defiled when they ate food sacrificed to idols not knowing that food did not bring them closer to or farther away from God (I Cor. 8:1-8). Exercise your freedom in Christ as long as action does not violate a biblical command.

Restrict Freedom in Christ if Action Causes Weaker Brother to Sin
A person cannot allow their freedom to become a stumbling block to the weak. It became sin against Christ if someone with a weak conscience was encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols after seeing a brother eating in an idol's temple. This action destroyed and wounded the weak brother's conscience when they saw the strong eating. Do not eat meat if it caused your brother to fall into sin (1 Cor. 8:9-13). Restrict your freedom in Christ if an action causes a weaker brother to sin.

Refuse Financial Support if Hinders Spread of the Gospel Among Your Ministry Target
Seeing Jesus and developing the church in Corinthian qualified Paul to be an apostle among them in the Lord. He did not exercise his freedom to take a wife or receive financial support even though he sowed spiritual seed among them. The Law said to not muzzle an ox while it tread grain. The plowman ought to share in the harvest. Paul did not want to hinder the gospel of Christ even though the Lord commanded those who preached the gospel to receive their living from it. God compelled Paul to preach the gospel out of obedience to Him. Volunteers could receive a reward but Paul discharged the trust committed to him. His reward was to preach the gospel free of charge without asserting his right for financial support (1 Cor. 9:1-18). Refuse financial support if it hinders the spread of the gospel of Christ among those whom you minister.

Determine Target Audience of Church
Paul made himself a slave to everyone. His purpose was to win as many as possible. He became a Jew to win them. He became like those under the Law, to win them. He became like those not having the Law, to win them. To the weak, he became weak to win them. He became all things to all men so by all possible means he might save some. He did this for the sake of the gospel so he could share in its blessings (1 Cor. 9:19-23). Become like your target audience that you seek to reach with the gospel.

Pursue Godly Discipline to Earn Eternal Reward
Pursue strict training to run the race in order to receive the prize of an eternal crown. Do not run aimlessly or fight like a man beating the air. Make your body a slave so after you preach to others, you would not be disqualified for the prize (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Discipline yourself to live godly with purpose so you win an eternal reward.

Study Full Counsel of God to Resist Temptations
Israel was baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea when they drank from the spiritual rock that was Christ. God was displeased with most of them as they were scattered in the wilderness. These things occurred as examples to prevent future generations from setting their hearts on evil things. Refuse idolatry like those who indulged in pagan revelry, sexual immorality where 23,000 died in one day, testing the Lord where some were killed by snakes, grumbling where some were killed by the destroying angel. These warnings were written down upon whom the end of the ages have come. If you think you were standing firm, be careful you don't fall. No temptation seized you except what was common to man. God was faithful to not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He provided a way out so you could bear it. Flee idolatry. Drinking the cup and eating the bread at the Lord's table signified participation in Christ's blood and body. In contrast, the pagans' sacrifices were offered to demons, not God. One cannot partake in the Lord's table and table of demons (1 Cor. 10:1-22). Study all of Scripture to learn how to resist various kinds of temptations through your relationship with Christ.

Determine Effective Discipleship Process
Even though everything was permissible, not everything was beneficial and constructive. Each one should seek the good of others, not his own. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience since God owns everything. If an unbeliever invited you to a meal, eat without a guilty conscience. If you learn that meat was offered in sacrifice, do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you and the other man's conscience. Do everything for the glory of God, but do not cause anyone to stumble in the church of God. Seek the good of many, not your own so they may be saved (1 Cor. 10:23-33). Seek what is beneficial and constructive for the glory of God so others may be saved.

How to live with purpose and discipline so you receive an eternal reward (imperishable wreath):
1. Exercise your freedom in Christ as long as action does not violate a biblical command
2. Restrict your freedom in Christ if an action causes a weaker brother to sin
3. Restrict your right to receive financial support if it hinders the spread of the gospel of Christ among those whom you minister
4. Become like your target audience that you seek to reach with the gospel
5. Study the Old Testament to learn how to resist various kinds of temptations through your relationship with Christ
6. Seek what is beneficial and constructive for the glory of God so others may be saved

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Principles in Staying Devoted to Jesus No Matter Your Marital Status (Insights in NT)

10/26/2012

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"Unfaithfulness in the key relationships of life is a common failure for many people in contemporary society. This lack leads to so much misery. We who trust Christ must not allow the world to squeeze us into its mold. What wonderful blessings flow from faithfulness in keeping our vows. Examine your life. Is it characterized by faithfulness? God is faithful. He keeps his promises to us. Keep your promises to God and to those with whom you have entered into covenant" (Harry Buis).

No matter your marital status, God demands holiness and complete devotion to Jesus Christ to show the world that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Cor. 5-7, Paul lists principles in staying devoted to Jesus Christ whether you are married or not. Loving church discipline serves a vital role.

Confront Sin in Believers’ Lives with Sincerity and Truth
Paul reported sexual immorality that did not occur among unbelievers when a man had his father's wife. Rather than being proud, grief should have motivated them to put out the man from their fellowship. Paul told them to hand the man over to Satan so his flesh would be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. A little yeast worked through the whole batch of dough. Remove the old yeast of malice and wickedness and replace it with the bread of sincerity and truth because Christ was sacrificed as the Passover lamb (1 Cor. 5:1-8). Confront sin in believers' lives with sincerity and truth.

Disassociate with Sinning Believers But Let God Judge Unbelievers
Continue associating with the evil people of the world, but do not even eat with those who call themselves brothers who were sexually immoral, greedy, idolaters, slanderers, drunkards or swindlers. Judge those inside the church and God would judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you (1 Cor. 5:9-13). Disassociate with sinning believers, but let God judge unbelievers.

Suffer Unjustly to Show World Your Transformed Life Instead of Court Date with Believers
Do not let courts settle disputes between believers. If saints judged the world and angels, wise believers have competency to judge trivial cases. Having lawsuits proved they had been defeated already. It would be better to be wronged or cheated by a brother. The wicked would not inherit the kingdom of God. Some of those in the church had been sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanders and swindlers but now they were washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:1-11). Suffer unjustly to show the world your transformed life instead of court date with believers.

Flee Sexual Immorality Because Your Body is Temple of the Holy Spirit
Everything was permissible but not everything was beneficial since it could master them. The body was designed for the Lord, not sexual immorality. God would raise them up like He raised Jesus from the dead. Because their bodies were members of Christ Himself, they could not unite themselves with a prostitute and become one flesh with her. He who united himself with the Lord became one with Him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin people committed were outside their body but sexual sins were against their own body. One's body was a temple of the Holy Spirit who was in them and received from God. Since they were not their own and bought with a price, it was appropriate to honor God with their body (1 Cor. 6:12-20). Flee sexual immorality because your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Experience Marital Unity and Reject Passion Toward Someone Else Causing Divorce
Paul said it was good not to marry but because of immorality each man should have his own wife. A couple should fulfill their marital duty to one another since their bodies do not belong to them. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent for the purpose of prayer. Come together to prevent temptation from Satan because of lacking self-control. Not everyone had the gift of celibacy like Paul. The unmarried and widows should stay unmarried, but being married was better than burning with passion. A spouse should not separate or divorce their partner. If they did, remain unmarried or be reconciled to their partner (1 Cor. 7:1-11). Experience marital unity and reject passion toward someone else causing divorce.

Pursue Marital Peace Knowing You Were Bought with Christ’s Blood
If a believer had an unbelieving spouse willing to stay married, do not divorce him or her. The unbelieving spouse was sanctified through the believing partner. The believing spouse was not bound if the unbelieving partner left because God called them to live in peace not knowing if the unbeliever would be saved. Remain in the situation of God's calling. A slave could gain freedom even though he or she would remain Christ's slave. You were bought with a price so do not become slaves of men (1 Cor. 7:12-24). Pursue marital peace knowing you were bought with Christ's blood.

Show Undivided Devotion to the Lord Regardless of Marital Status
Remain single or married because of the present crisis in the world. Those who get married face many troubles in this life. Live like being unmarried since the time is short. Be concerned only about pleasing the Lord. The married have divided interests in pleasing their spouse while the unmarried can have undivided devotion to the Lord. People have freedom to marry but those who had control over their own will did even better by not marrying. A person can marry another person in the Lord after their spouse died (1 Cor. 7:25-40). Show undivided devotion to the Lord regardless of your marital status.

Here is a checklist of principles on how to stay devoted to Jesus whether you are married or unmarried:
1. Confront sin in believers' lives with sincerity and truth
2. Disassociate with believers if they continue in sin, but let God judge unbelievers
3. Suffer unjustly to show the world your transformed life instead of going to court with unbelievers
4. Flee sexual immorality realizing your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
5. Experience oneness in your marriage and reject passion toward someone else causing divorce
6. Pursue peace in your marriage realizing you were bought with Christ's shed blood
7. Show undivided devotion to the Lord regardless of your marital status

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Description of Biblical Fatherhood (Insights in NT)

10/19/2012

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Fathers in the faith plant or water the word. They allow the Holy Spirit to inspire their works as they become wise in Christ. They serve faithfully knowing God judges motives. They endure mistreatment and dishonor. They demonstrate a loving way of life to children. Here is the outcome of fathers doing their thing: glorify God, receive reward at judgment seat of Christ, indwell by Holy Spirit, praise from God, spectacle to men and angels and show love.

Assign Fathers Task of Planting or Watering the Seed for God’s Glory
Paul addressed the Corinthians as worldly or infants in Christ needing milk, not solid food, since they were unprepared. Their jealousy and quarreling proved their worldliness. When one said, "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos," they acted like mere men, but believed in Christ through servants like Paul and Apollos. The Lord assigned each a particular task with one purpose and rewarded them according to their labor when Paul planted the seed, Apollos watered it and God made it grow. Paul and the Corinthians were God's fellow workers. The Corinthians were God's field and building (1 Cor. 3:1-9). Assign fathers in the faith the task of planting or watering the seed for God’s glory.

Allow Holy Spirit Inspire Fathers’ Works to Receive Reward at Judgment Seat of Christ
Paul received grace from God to lay a foundation as an expert builder. Be careful how you build upon the foundation of Christ, which could be gold, silver, costly stones or wood, hay or straw. God would reveal His work with fire at the judgment seat to test its quality. If his work survived, he was rewarded. If his work burned, he suffered loss, but was saved, yet escaped through the flames (1 Cor. 3:10-15). Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire fathers’ works so they receive reward at the judgment seat of Christ.

Become Wise in Christ Instead of World Because Holy Spirit Indwells Fathers

God's Spirit lived in them as His temple. If anyone destroyed God's temple, He would destroy him for His temple was sacred. Do not think you were wise according to the world's standards because the wisdom of this world is foolishness and futile. Become foolish so you can become wise. Do not boast about men because you have everything in Christ (1 Cor. 3:16-23). Become wise in Christ instead of the world because the Holy Spirit indwells fathers.

Serve Faithfully Knowing God Judges Fathers’ Motives with Praise Coming From Him
Be regarded as faithful servants of Christ entrusted with the sacred things of God since no one including ourselves could judge correctly, except God. He brought what was hidden in darkness to expose the motives of men's hearts so each received praise from God (1 Cor. 4:1-5). Serve faithfully knowing God judges fathers’ motives with praise coming from Him.

Endure Mistreatment and Dishonor as Father Being a Spectacle to Men and Angels
Because everything came from God who made you unique, stop comparing yourself with others. Paul was made an apostle instead of a king and put on display like men condemned to die in an arena as a spectacle to the whole universe. He was a fool for Christ, weak, dishonored, hungry, thirsty, in rags, brutally treated, homeless and worked hard with his hands. In contrast, they were wise in Christ, strong and honored. Paul blessed when cursed, endured when persecuted and answered kindly when slandered as the scum of the earth and refuse of the world (1 Cor. 4:6-13). Endure mistreatment and dishonor as a father being a spectacle to men and angels.

Demonstrate a Loving Way of Life as Father Before Children
Paul urged them to imitate him as their father in the gospel of Christ. He sent Timothy, his son in the faith, to remind them of his way of life in Christ that agreed with what he taught in every church. If God willed, Paul planned to come soon to determine which power was behind what arrogant people said. The kingdom of God was not talk, but power. He preferred to come with love and a gentle spirit instead of a whip (1 Cor. 4:14-21). Demonstrate a loving way of life as a father before children.

Ask God to empower you in the following aspects of natural and spiritual fatherhood:
1. Plant or water the word so God gets the glory
2. Allow the Holy Spirit to inspire your works
3. Become wise in Christ instead of the world
4. Serve faithfully knowing God judges motives
5. Endure mistreatment and dishonor
6. Demonstrate a loving way of life to children

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God Reveals Himself When You Preach the Gospel (Insights in NT)

10/11/2012

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"Has it never dawned upon you that the essence of witnessing is just plain honesty? You are salt - whether you feel like it or not. You are not told to act like salt but to be what you are. You are a light. God has done a work in your life. Don't try to shine. Let the light that God put there shine out. It demands no more than honesty. It demands honesty before unbelievers. In fact such honesty is ninety per cent of witnessing. Witnessing is not putting on a Christian front as to convince prospective customers. Witnessing is just being honest, that is, being true to what God has made you in your speech and everyday behavior" (John White).

When you preach the gospel of Christ crucified cross in the power of the Holy Spirit, you understand what He freely gives you. God reveals Himself when you preach the gospel.
Receive God’s Grace and Spiritual Gifts Until Christ Comes Back
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus by God's will, wrote to the church of God in Corinth. He thanked God for the grace given as they were enriched in their speaking and knowledge because of Paul's testimony. They lacked no spiritual gift as they waited and were blameless on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ who called them into fellowship with Him (1 Cor. 1:1-9). Receive God’s grace and spiritual gifts until Christ comes back again.

Sent by God to Preach the Cross with Power and Unity
Paul asked that they all agree without divisions, united in mind and thought. Chloe's household informed him about quarrels with some saying, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," I follow Cephas" or "I follow Christ." Paul was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel without words of human wisdom so the cross would not be emptied of its power (1 Cor. 1:10-17). Sent by God to preach the gospel of the cross with power and unity.

Glory in Crucified Christ Superior to Human Philosophy
The message of the cross was foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved. God destroyed the wisdom of the wise and frustrated the intelligence of the intelligent. God made the wisdom of the world foolish since they could not know Him. The foolishness of preaching saved those who believed. Jews demanded miracles and Gentiles looked for wisdom but Paul and his companions preached Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. Christ was the power and wisdom of God to those who were called. The foolishness and weakness of God was wiser and stronger than man's wisdom and strength (1 Cor. 1:18-25). Glory in crucified Christ wiser and stronger than man's wisdom and strength.

Associate with Foolish and Weak People to Shame the Wise
Not many called were wise by human standards, influential or of noble birth. God chose the foolish, weak, lowly and despised things of the world to shame the wise, strong and nullify the things that are so no one could boast before Him. You were in Jesus because of Him becoming wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption from God. As it was written, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord" ( 1 Cor. 1:26-31). Associate with foolish and weak people to shame the wise and strong so no one can boast.

Experience Spirit’s Power When You Proclaim Crucified Christ
When Paul came to Corinth, he proclaimed the testimony of Christ without eloquence or superior wisdom. He knew nothing except Jesus and Him crucified while coming with weakness, fear and much trembling. His message had no wise and persuasive words but showed the Spirit's power. Their faith did not rely on man's wisdom but God's power (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Experience the Spirit's power when you proclaim Jesus and Him crucified.

Listen to God’s Revelation Through the Spirit to Understand His Free Gifts
Paul and his companions spoke of God's hidden wisdom destined by Him for their glory before time began. If earthly rulers understood Him, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. It is written, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him," but God revealed it by His Spirit who searches the deep things of God. No one knows God's thoughts except His Spirit so we may understand what He gave freely to us. The man without the Spirit cannot understand things from the Spirit because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he is not subject to man's judgment (1 Cor. 2:6-15). Listen to God’s revelation through the Spirit so you may understand what He freely gives you.

Ask God to open up opportunities to preach the gospel of Christ crucified. Listen to the Holy Spirit to understand what He freely gives you.

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