Category: Authentic

Biblical Convictions Derived from Discipleship

7/31/2019

“I want freedom to do what I want! No one is going to tell me what to do,” Kerry said.

“What will your life be like if you follow that philosophy, Kerry?” Samuel said.

“If I make lots of money,” Kerry said, “I can help more people and not be under stress trying to make ends meet.”

“It makes sense for this life, but what about for eternity?” Samuel said, “Have you considered the eternal consequences of not centering your life around Christ?”

Most Christians live for this world, not for Christ. Because their lives aren't distinct from others, people avoid the church and Christianity. Luke 12 explains the Biblical convictions derived from discipleship.

1. Be authentic and transparent
Beware of hypocrisy because every secret will be revealed. Don't fear people, but fear the One with authority to cast you into hell. Because God loves you, confess Him before men so He can confess you before angels. Rejecting the Holy Spirit has an eternal impact determining heaven or hell. God will teach you what to say when sharing the gospel (Luke 12:1-12). Be authentic and transparent in leading people to Christ.

2. Lay up treasure in heaven
Be on guard against every form of greed because life doesn’t consist of possessions. Laying up goods on earth for comfort and pleasure is short-sighted because everyone gives an account to God. It's foolish to lay up treasure for yourself and not be rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21). Lay up treasure in heaven by refusing materialism and greed.

3. Seek God’s kingdom first
Don't be anxious as God provides for birds who neither sow nor reap. Have faith in God and don't worry about food, clothing, and shelter because He knows you need these things. Seek first His kingdom and these things will be provided. Don't be afraid because your Father has gladly given you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those with real needs so you lay up treasure in heaven (Luke 12:22-34). Seek God's kingdom first by being generous and trusting Him to provide.

4. Live for Christ’s Second Coming
Be ready and alert for Christ's second coming to welcome Him with open arms. The head of the house will prepare and protect himself from thieves breaking into his house. The Son of Man is coming at an hour you don't expect (Luke 12:35-40). Live for Christ’s Second Coming by spiritual preparation.

5. Become a faithful steward
The faithful steward in charge of God's possessions won’t beat his slaves because of his master's delay. The unfaithful steward beats his slaves and the master assigns him a place with unbelievers. A slave who knew the master's will but disobeyed will receive many lashes. The one who didn’t know but committed deeds worthy of flogging will receive few lashes (Luke 12:41-48). Become a faithful steward of time, talent and treasure obeying Christ.

6. Suffer persecution
Christ was distressed until His baptism since He brought division, not peace, to families. Three members will be against two, two against three, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, etc. (Luke 12:49-53). Suffer persecution in your family by identifying with Christ.

7. Consider eternal consequences
Hypocrites analyze the weather but not this present time. They don't judge what’s right. If you have a dispute, it's better to settle than risk having the authorities throw you into prison until the penalty is paid in full (Luke 12:54-59). Consider eternal consequences of your actions with proper judgment.

Action Steps: Ask God to develop the following four Biblical convictions derived from discipleship:
1. Consider the eternal consequences of heaven and hell. Does that motivate you share Christ?
2. Be spiritually prepared for Christ's Second Coming.
3. Maximize your time, talent and treasure for God's purposes.
4. Suffer persecution within your family by identifying with Christ.

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Disclose Sins and Struggles

7/27/2019

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“Christians think they are so holy. I can’t live up to their expectations,” Larry said.

“Tell me more,” Sam said.

“The few times I went to church, they asked me if I was a Christian.” Larry said. “Their tone of voice made me feel judged! I haven’t been to church for years.”

“You know, Larry,” Sam said, “I often get angry with my wife. She might not talk to me the rest of the day!”

“How do you handle it?” Larry said.

“Jesus makes a huge difference!” Sam said, “I confess my sin and pray for God’s power to respond with a kind word. Sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me. I’m not perfect. I struggle with sin every day.”

Gary Comer lists the Disclosure window as one of the 10 key mission skills in his book, Remission. A Christian shares present personal sins or struggles to convey grace and Christ’s power, which opens up the dialogue with a non-believer. Luke 11 shows how to resolve our sins and struggles so we can disclose them to others.

1. Pray for God’s kingdom
Jesus' disciples asked for instruction on prayer. Jesus answered (my paraphrase): Father, your name enables me to develop a relationship with you so I can ask that you reign on earth like in heaven, meet my daily needs, be an ambassador to help others experience release from the guilt and power of sin and prevent being led into temptation" (Luke 11:1-4). Pray for God’s kingdom to come down on earth.

2. Pray persistently for Holy Spirit
Jesus told a parable about someone wanting to provide bread to feed an unexpected guest. When his friend refused an initial request at midnight, his persistence was rewarded. He who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and he who knocks on a door, opens it. If unrighteous fathers give to their children, imagine a heavenly father giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:5-13). Pray persistently for needs and the Holy Spirit.

3. Defeat strongholds
Some accused Christ of using Satan's power to cast out demons. Christ said a kingdom or house divided against itself falls. Christ said it's impossible to cast out demons if He's divided against Himself. However, if He casts out demons by God's power, then God’s kingdom came upon them. "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters." (Luke 11:14-26). Defeat strongholds and idolatry by God's power.

4. Repent of sin
Jesus said those who observe God’s word are blessed. Christ said this generation didn’t repent of their sin like Nineveh after Jonah preached to them. The Queen of the South will also condemn this generation because she heard Solomon’s wisdom. Someone greater than Jonah and Solomon were in this generation's midst (Luke 11:27-32). Repent of sin and ask for wisdom to do God’s word.

5. Cleanse your heart
No one lights a lamp to put it under a bushel, but on a lampstand so people see the light. Your eye is lamp of your body. A healthy eye enables the body to be full of light instead of darkness. The Lord accused the Pharisees of cleaning the outside, but leaving their hearts full of robbery and wickedness (Luke 11:33-41). Cleanse your heart so others see Christlike purity, mercy and compassion.

6. Model authenticity
The Pharisees neglected justice and God’s love. They sought honor from men being unaware of their dead hearts instead of helping the weak experience justice and God's love. They were accountable for killing and persecuting prophets and apostles since the beginning of time. When Christ left, the scribes and Pharisees plotted against Him. They questioned Him closely on many subjects to catch Him in something He might say (Luke 11:42-54). Model authenticity by sharing Christ’s justice and love in your sins and struggles.

Action Step: Pray for Holy Spirit power to defeat strongholds, repent of sin, and cleanse your heart so you model authenticity by disclosing your sins and struggles with a non-believer.

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Cultivating Spiritual Influence

6/23/2019

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Gary Comer, author of Soul Whisperer: Why the Church Must Change the Way It Views Evangelism says spiritual influence doesn’t come by canned messaging of “telling the gospel.” We need practical dialogue skills on how to form authentic relationships. The drawing principles of Christ involve “starting where people are,” “read what they need,” and “know where to take them.” Luke 7 illustrates some of these principles.

1. Reach Out Authentically to Unbelievers
A centurion’s slave was sick and near death. The centurion told Jesus to say the word and his servant would be healed recognizing he was under authority like Him. Jesus said his faith was greater than anyone in Israel (Luke 7:1-10). Reach out authentically and honorably to unbelievers that God brings across your path.

2. Show Compassion and Pray for Healing
To the son of a widow, the Lord said, "Young man, I say to you, arise!" When the dead man sat up and spoke, fear gripped them and they began glorifying God (Luke 7:11-17). Show compassion and pray for healing to glorify God.

3. Observe Varied Benefits of the Gospel
Jesus healed many people of diseases, afflictions, evil spirits and granting sight to the blind. He told John the Baptist's disciples to report what they saw:
1. Blind receive sight (spiritual)
2. Lame walk (physical)
3. Lepers cleansed (mental and psychological)
4. Deaf hear (social relationships)
5. Dead raised up (emotional)
6. Poor have gospel preached to them (evangelism)
7. Blessed is he who is not offended by Me (grace and peace) (Luke 7:18-23). Observe varied benefits of the gospel.

4. Dialogue Wisely to Form Friendships with Unbelievers
Jesus told the multitudes that John the Baptist was a messenger to prepare the way of Christ. The people and tax-gatherers acknowledged God's justice, but the Pharisees and lawyers (power elite) rejected God's purpose. John wasn’t indulging in bread or wine, so people said he had a demon. Jesus came eating and drinking, and people said he was a drunk and friend of tax-gatherers and sinners. (Luke 7:24-35).
Dialogue wisely to form friendships with unbelievers.

5. Discern Gospel Key to Prepare Minds and Hearts
Simon, part of the power elite, requested Jesus to eat with him. An immoral woman came to the house weeping, kissed Jesus' feet, and anointed them with perfume. Simon judged the woman because of her sin. Then Jesus told him a story about a moneylender with two debtors: one owed 500 denarii (500 days of wages) and the other 50. He graciously forgave both since neither could repay. Jesus asked Simon who would love Him more? He said the one who forgave more. Jesus told Simon that the one forgiven much loves much. Jesus told the woman that her sins were forgiven and her faith saved her (Luke 7:36-50).
Discern the gospel key in preparing minds and hearts to believe and follow Christ.

Action Steps:

Realize that spiritual influence comes as you disclose personal sin and develop authentic relationships with unbelievers “starting where they are,” “read what they need,” and “know where to take them.”
Through spiritual dialogue and listening, you discover the unique signature message (gospel key) of how the gospel becomes “good news” to unbelieving friends in their particular situation.
After discovering their gospel key, describe the spiritual benefit by painting a picture of a preferred life knowing God. Jesus did this with judgmental Simon whose gospel key was forgiveness (Luke 7:36-50).
Wait for the right moment to share this insight with your unbelieving friend. Pull them aside for a focused conversation that may begin a whole new dialogue.

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From Routine to Relationship

3/22/2019

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Here’s my swimming routine at the health club: get into the water. Do a crawl stroke. Turn my head. Take a breath. Watch for the wall. Do it again. Count my laps. Get in a whirlpool to relax as my reward.

This particular day, I noticed a swimmer stopping at the wall. My mind says, “Introduce yourself and say out loud, “Out of your heart flows rivers of living water.” I rationalize—“That can’t be God speaking. He wouldn’t interrupt my swimming to talk to a stranger.” After rationalizing and arguing with God, I agreed to talk if he stopped at the next wall.” You guessed it. He stopped. I shared what the Holy Spirit told me to say.

Michael looked at me and said he was a backslidden Christian. For the next 90 minutes we talked in the pool. Michael shared his life story. I shared appropriate Scripture. God encouraged us both. Michael committed to prioritize God’s word and prayer over the influence of the world.

Reflecting on that experience: how many times do I fail to listen to God and resist having my routine interrupted? I considered the context of that verse in John 7:38 and noted the following action steps:

Fear keeps me from speaking openly about Jesus (John 7:13).
Be willing to do God’s will in order to discern whether it’s God’s speaking or my selfish desires
(John 7:17).
Seek God’s glory, not my own (John 7:18).
Yield to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to live His life through me (John 7:37-39).

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Learning How the Church Should Operate (Insights in NT)

3/8/2012

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Many people have lost hope in Christianity because the structure and programs of church obscure the heart of why God left believers on earth: to proclaim the simple gospel message so people can be transformed from the inside out. In Acts 3-4, Peter and John gives a practical example of how the church should work in the world so people are attracted to the gospel, even in the midst of persecution by the authorities.

A lame man asked for alms from Peter and John as they were going to the temple. Rather than giving money, Peter prayed in the name of Jesus that he walk. All the people were filled with amazement as they saw him walking and praising God (Acts 3:1-10). Meet peoples' needs by praying in the name of Jesus to open the door for the gospel.

Peter focused the peoples' attention on the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who glorified Jesus who Israel disowned and "put to death the Prince of life," but God raised from the dead before witnesses. The lame man's faith gave him perfect health. Peter said they acted in ignorance, but called upon them to repent and return so their sins would be wiped away and times of refreshing come from God. Beginning with the Abrahamic covenant, "in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed," God raised up Jesus to turn them from wickedness if they gave heed to Him (Acts 3:11-26). Preach the death & resurrection of Christ and urge people to turn from sin & believe so their sins can be wiped way and times of refreshing can come into their lives.

The religious rulers put Peter and John in jail because they proclaimed Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Many believed the message so the number of men became 5,000 (Acts 4:1-4). Expect both persecution and people believing the gospel when you preach it.

The religious rulers asked Peter and John by what power they had done these things. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said they were on trial for healing a sick man and said this man was in good health because of the crucified and resurrected Christ. He quoted Psalm 118:22 concerning the stone rejected by the builders becoming the very cornerstone and saying Jesus was the only name under heaven by which men are saved (Acts 4:5-12). Answer challenges by affirming that Jesus is the only way to be saved from sin.

The confidence of Peter and John, though uneducated, proved they had been with Jesus. Peter and John said they could not stop speaking what they seen and heard after the Council warned them to stop teaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:13-22). Your time in fellowship with Jesus will give you confidence to persevere in preaching the gospel of Christ.

They reported what the chief priests and elders said and prayed Psalms 2:1-2 concerning how the Gentiles rage, peoples devise vain things and the kings gather against Christ. They acknowledged God's predestined purpose, asked for confidence in speaking, and requested healing with signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. As they prayed together, the place was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and and began to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:23-31). Pray with others during times of opposition by claiming Scripture promises, God's sovereign purpose, confidence in speaking and miraculous signs of healing.

The congregation were of one heart and soul so all things were common property to them. The apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of Jesus with great power and grace. Owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds to the apostles to meet needs. As a result, no needy people were among them. Barnabas sold a tract of land and laid the money at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:32-37). Authenticate the gospel of Christ by giving money to meet real needs.

How does the example of Peter and John sharing the gospel with this lame man and the opportunities that arose speak to you? Ask God to show you how to respond in your family, neighborhood and at work.

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Draw Close to God in a Fresh, Pure and Authentic Way (Insights in Law)

2/25/2012

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Greater than 400 years ago, St. Ignatius Loyola encouraged prayerful reflection on the events of the day to detect God’s presence and discern His direction for anyone through the Daily Examen:
1. Become aware of God’s presence by looking back at the events of day through partnering with the Holy Spirit.
2. Review the day with gratitude by paying attention to the small things.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow and ask God to empower you for the challenges ahead.
Lev. 6-7 has a similar spirit encouraging people to draw close to God in a fresh, pure and authentic way.

If a person lied to his neighbor in regard to something delivered for safekeeping, a pledge, a robbery, extorted from his neighbor or found what was lost, he sinned and became guilty. He would restore its full value plus one-fifth more as restitution to the one it belonged. He brought a ram without defect as a guilt offering to a priest. This atoned and forgave the offender before the Lord (Lev. 6:1-7). Confess your sin to God and restore stolen property with restitution to receive forgiveness from both God and the offended party.

The burnt offering would remain upon the hearth on the altar all night until morning and the fire kept burning. The priest took off his garments, put on other garments and carried the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. Fire would be kept burning continually on the altar (Lev. 6:8-13).
Surrender yourself completely and continuously to God.

Aaron and his sons presented a grain offering before the Lord in front of the altar. They lifted up a handful of fine flour with its oil and incense and offered the grain offering up in smoke on the altar as a soothing aroma to the Lord. Aaron and his sons ate the remainder as unleavened cakes in a holy place. They presented half of the offering in the morning and the other half in the evening. It was prepared and well stirred with oil on a griddle as baked pieces and burned entirely (Lev. 6:14-23). Pray continuously in the power of the Holy Spirit to grow your relationship with God.

The sin offering would be slain in the same place as the burnt offering. The priest who offered it for sin ate it in a holy place. Anyone who touched its flesh became consecrated. The earthenware vessel in which it was boiled would be broken. If boiled in a bronze vessel, it would be scoured and rinsed in water. No sin offering with blood would be eaten, but burned with fire (Lev. 6:24-30). Be broken over sin to maintain experiential peace with God.

The burnt offering and guilt offering was killed in the same place while it its blood was sprinkled around the altar. The priest offered up its fat in smoke by fire as a guilt offering so every male could eat of it. The priest made atonement and presented any man's burnt offering and grain offering baked in an oven (Lev. 7:1-10). Offer yourself to God without delay to become pure without sin.

A law of sacrifice of peace offerings was offered by way of thanksgiving with unleavened cakes mixed with oil. Present one of every offering as a contribution to the Lord, which belonged to a priest who sprinkled the blood of peace offerings. The flesh of the sacrifice of his thanksgiving peace offering would be eaten on the day of his offering. If any flesh was eaten on third day, he who offered it would not be accepted it reckoned to his benefit. One would not eat any fat or blood of an animal being offered. You would bring fat with the breast and present it as wave offering before the Lord. This was law of burnt offering, grain offering, sin offering, guilt offering, ordination offering and sacrifice of peace offering, which the Lord commanded Moses at Mount Sinai (Lev. 7:11-38). Maintain a fresh relationship with God by appealing to the blood and cross work of Christ.

Practice the five points of the Daily Examen:
1. Become aware of God’s presence by looking back at the events of day through partnering with the Holy Spirit.
2. Review the day with gratitude by paying attention to the small things.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow and ask God to empower you for the challenges ahead.

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Finding the Good Life (Insights in Law)

9/19/2011

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Where does one find the good life? Some people believe it comes from achievement or making the world a better place. Others find it through relationships, especially in their families. Some can't wait for leisure and doing things they enjoy. Still others seek material possessions or living in a large home. God defines the good life as being a priest and holy nation. Ex. 19-20 explains the preparation to be a priest to God and response as a holy nation to others.

Preparation in Being Priest to God
Once Israel came to the wilderness, the Lord told Moses how He bore them on eagles' wings to bring them to Himself and what they saw Him do to the Egyptians. If they obeyed God's voice and kept His covenant, then they should be His own possession as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Moses gave this message to the elders of Israel and the people said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do!" He was to consecrate the people, wash their garments and not let them touch the border of Mount Sinai since the Lord would come down on the third day in their sight (Ex. 19:1-15). God bores you on eagles's wings as a kingdom of priests and holy nation.

After thunder and lightning, thick cloud and loud trumpet sounded, Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. He warned Moses at the top of the mountain to not let the people and priests gaze upon Him lest they be killed. To survive, the priests who came near the Lord must be consecrated (Ex. 19:16-25). Jesus' sacrifice allows you to meet God.

God spoke that He is the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. They should have no other gods, not make, worship or serve any idol or likeness of creation before Him since the Lord is a jealous God. He visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Him, but shows love to 1000s who love Him and keep His commandments (Ex. 20:1-6). Worship God by rejecting any idol or god so as to remove curses from your family.

Not take the Lord's name in vain for He will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Ex. 20:7). Use authentic words and prayers to enhance God's reputation.

Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy as a sabbath of the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and rested on that day (Ex. 20:8-11). Labor six days and keep the seventh day holy to the Lord.

Response as Holy Nation To Others
Honor father and mother to prolong your days in the land the Lord provides. Don't murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness and covet neighbor, possessions or his wife (Ex. 20:12-17). Honor others by not taking advantage of them.

The people asked Moses to speak and not God lest they die. He told the people to not be afraid since God would test them so they fear Him and not sin. The people stood at a distance while approaching the thick cloud where God was (Ex. 20:18-21). God tests you to fear Him and not sin.

The Lord told Moses that they should not make gods of silver or gold, but sacrifice burnt and peace offerings on an altar of uncut stone to not profane it (Ex. 20:22-26). Make God Lord of your life instead of pursuing materialism.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being lowest and 10 highest on the following:
1. I have trusted Christ's sacrifice to meet God
2. I worship God instead of idols
3. I use authentic words and prayers to enhance God's reputation
4. I labor six days and keep the 7th day holy to God as a sabbath
5. I honor others by not taking advantage of them
6. I fear God and don't sin
7. I make God Lord of my life instead of pursuing materialism
Ask the Holy Spirit to develop those areas where you are weak.

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Biblical Convictions Derived from Discipleship

Disclose Sins and Struggles

Cultivating Spiritual Influence

From Routine to Relationship

Learning How the Church Should Operate (Insights in NT)

Draw Close to God in a Fresh, Pure and Authentic Way (Insights in Law)

Finding the Good Life (Insights in Law)

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