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Return to God Through Hardships (Insights in Prophets)

4/13/2013

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Lack of love and disobedience prompt God's judgment. He reveals His plans to stop injustice and destroy materialism. These things lead people to seek God by telling the truth, practicing justice, deny complacency to grieve over sin and hate pride. 

Understand God's Wrath When People Lack Love Toward Others
Amos, a shepherd of Tekoa, said the Lord roared from Zion drying up pastures. He sent wrath against the surrounding nations of Israel like Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon and Moab who sinned grossly. God destroyed kings, broke gates, consumed fortresses and exiled people and their kings because they took captive whole communities selling them to other nations while stifling compassion. Ammon ripped open Gilead's pregnant women to extend his borders  (Amos 1:1-2:3). Understand God's wrath when people lack love toward others.  

Understand God's Judgment Over Disobedience, False Gods, Injustice and Stifling Prophesy
God sent wrath against Judah because they rejected without obeying His law, led astray by false gods their ancestors followed and consumed Jerusalem's fortresses. He sent wrath against Israel because they sold the righteous for silver and needy for a pair of sandals, trampled the poor, denied justice to the oppressed, profaned His holy name by father and son using the same girl and gained money unjustly. God brought them out of Egypt, led them 40 years in the desert, gave them the Amorites' land and raised  Nazarites as prophets from their young men. They made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded them not to prophesy. God crushed the swift, strong and warriors (Amos 2:4-16). Understand God's judgment when His people disobey His word, follow false gods, deny justice to the needy and stifling prophesy.

Understand that God Reveals Plans To Stop Injustice and Destroy Materialism
God punished Israel for their sins because they were the only ones He chose from all families of the earth. Two walk together only if they agreed to do so. People trembled when a trumpet sounded in the city. God caused disaster to come into a city. The Sovereign Lord did nothing without revealing His plan to His prophets. They  prophesied when God spoke. Proclaim to Ashdod's and Egypt's fortresses that they saw the great unrest and oppression among her people. They did not know how to do right. God said an enemy pulled down their strongholds and plundered their fortresses. He punished Israel for their sins, destroyed Bethel's altars and destroyed the winter and summer mansions adorned with ivory (Amos 3:1-15). Understand God reveals plans to stop injustice and destroy materialism.

Return to God Through Famine, Economic Hardships and Plagues
God told women who oppressed the poor and asked for drinks from their husbands that He would take them away with fishhooks. When Israelites boasted about their religious sacrifices, God gave them empty stomachs, yet still did not return to Him. He withheld rain when the harvest was three months away giving rain to nearby fields, yet still did not return to Him. God struck their vineyards with blight, mildew and locusts, yet still did not return to Him. He sent plagues and killed their young men, yet still did not return to Him. He overthrew some like Sodom and Gomorrah similar to a burning stick snatched from the fire, yet still did not return to Him. God said, "Prepare to meet your God, O Israel."  He formed the mountains, created the wind, revealed His thoughts to man, turned dawn to darkness and tread the earth's high places (Amos 4:1-13). Return to God when He speaks through famine, economic hardships and plagues. 

Seek God By Telling the Truth and Practicing Justice
Only one of ten people marched in Israel's cities. In seeking God, they lived, but Gilgal would go into exile and Bethel reduced to nothing. They despised him who told the truth and forced the poor to give them grain. Their stone mansions remained empty and not drink wine from their lush vineyards. They oppressed the righteous, took bribes and deprived the poor of justice in the courts. The prudent man kept quiet in evil times. By seeking good and not evil, they lived and the Lord God Almighty was with them. If they hated evil, loved good and maintained justice in the courts, He showed mercy to the remnant. The day of the Lord would be darkness, not light. God despised their religious feasts and assemblies while not regarding their offerings. Let justice roll like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream (Amos 5:1-27). Seek God by telling the truth and practicing justice like a ever-flowing river.

Deny Complacency, Consumerism and Comfort To Grieve Over Sin
God hated the complacent and secure among prominent people who owned ivory-inlaid beds, feasted on choice lambs and lounged on couches. They strummed harps, drank much wine and used the finest lotions. Because they did not grieve over the ruin of Joseph, they were among the first to go into exile (Amos 6:1-7). Deny complacency, consumerism and comfort to grieve over sin. 

Hate Pride, Silence Speaking About God and Unrighteousness Causing Oppression and Death
Because God hated pride and fortresses, He delivered up the city. People died and told not to mention God's name. He smashed every house into pieces. They turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness. They rejoiced in futile conquests trusting in their own strength. God stirred a nation to oppressed Israel (Amos 6:8-14). Hate pride, silence speaking about God, injustice and unrighteousness causing oppression and death. 


The following encourage people to return to God:
1. Lack of love toward others brings God's wrath 
2. Disobedience, false gods, injustice and stifling prophesy bring God's judgment 
3. Revelation of God's plans to stop injustice and destroy materialism
The following assist people to return to God: 
1. Seek God by telling the truth and practicing justice
2. Deny complacency, consumerism and comfort to grieve over sin
3. Hate pride, silence speaking about God and unrighteousness causing oppression and death


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Maintaining the Right Perspective About Yourself (Insights in Prophets)

2/14/2013

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"In the upshot there is only one answer for the preacher who wonders whether he is worthy to preach the sermon he has composed or for the writer who wonders whether he is worthy to write the religious book he is working on. The answer is: Of course not. To ask yourself: Am I worthy to perform this Christian task? is really the peak of pride and presumption. For the very question carries the implication that we spend most of our time doing things we are worthy to do. We simply do not have that kind of worth" (Harry Blamires).

To maintain the right perspective about yourself,   
do the next thing; obey God's word at every point; refuse seeking greater things for yourself; realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing; do Lord's work heartily and reject pride; and beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence. 

Serve the City By Doing the Next Thing
The commander of the guard told Jeremiah that the Lord took Israel captive to Babylon because of their sin and disobedience. Jeremiah stayed with Gedaliah, governor in Judah, with those left behind. Gedaliah told them to settle in the land and serve the Babylonians so it would go well with them. Jews from other countries like Moab, Ammon and Edom came back to Judah and harvested much wine and summer fruit after hearing a remnant remained in the land. When Gedaliah did not heed warnings, Ishmael killed him along with the Jews at Mizpah, Babylonian soldiers, and 70 men bringing grain offerings and incense. After Ishmael made captives of everyone in Mizpah, Johanan and the army officers fought him before Ishmael fled to the Ammonites. Johanan gathered the survivors in Mizpah before traveling to Egypt to escape the Babylonians (Jer. 40:1-41:18). Serve the city by doing the next thing during times of instability and sinfulness. 

Obey God's Word at Every Point
Johanan asked Jeremiah to pray about where they should go and what they should do as a small remnant. After agreeing to hold nothing back concerning what God said to him, they told Jeremiah about their commitment to total obedience so it would go well with them. Ten days later, the Lord said for them to stay in the land  to build and not tear down and to plant and not uproot for He grieved over the disaster inflicted upon them. They were to not fear the Babylonian king since God would save, deliver, show compassion and restore them to their land. If they decided to go to Egypt, the sword and famine would kill them as an object of cursing, condemnation and reproach. Jeremiah said they made a fatal mistake asking him to pray for them (Jer. 42:1-22). Obey God's word at every point so things go well for you.   

Refuse Seeking Greater Things For Yourself 
Johanan, army officers and the people disobeyed the Lord's command to stay in Judah. He led them to Egypt. God's word came to Jeremiah to bury large stones in clay in the brick pavement at the entrance to Pharaoh's palace in Tahpanhes. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would attack Egypt and bring death and captivity to those destined for it. He would burn the temples, take their gods captive and demolish the sacred pillars. Burning incense to other gods led to destruction as an object of cursing and reproach among all nations. When they burned incense to the Queen of Heaven, they reported about food abundance without suffering harm. God would overthrow what He built and uproot what He planted throughout the land. They should not seek great things for themselves since He would bring disaster on all people but let them escape with their life (Jer. 43:1-45:5). Refuse seeking greater things for yourself that disobey God's word leading to death and destruction.

Realize that Discipline By God Leads to Healing
God instructed Egypt's army to prepare for battle even though Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon would defeat them. The swift could not flee nor the strong escape. They experienced no healing, missed opportunities and put to shame. The Lord Almighty punished Egypt's gods and those who relied on Pharaoh. Jacob had peace and security without fear as God disciplined them with justice.  When the waters overflowed the Philistines' land, God destroyed the survivors who could help Tyre and Sidon. He commanded an attack on Ashkelon while people cried out and fathers failed to help their children (Jer. 46:1-47:7). Realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing, opportunities, peace and security.

Do Lord's Work Heartily and Reject Pride
God ruined Nebo and disgraced the stronghold of Kiriathaim in Moab. Heshbon men plotted her downfall to silence Moab. Those who trusted in their deeds and riches were taken captive and destroyed. A curse fell on those lax in doing the Lord's work and who kept their sword from bloodshed. Moab was ashamed because of idleness, pride, conceit, arrogance and having a haughty heart. God destroyed their ripened fruit and grapes. He stopped the flow of wine from their presses and eliminated joy, gladness and wealth. Moab became an object of ridicule and horror to those around her.  The hearts of Moab's warriors became like a woman in labor. Defying the Lord caused them to be destroyed as a nation. Even though their sons and daughters were taken in exile and captivity, God restored their fortunes in the future (Jer. 48:1-47). Do the Lord's work heartily and reject pride in your own works. 

Beware of Boasting in Accomplishments, Riches, Comfort and Self-Confidence
Molech took possession of Gad so Israel had no sons or heirs. Even though Ammon boasted in their fruitful valleys  and trusted in their riches, God restored their fortunes in the future. God said wisdom and counsel perished from the prudent in Edom. He protected the orphans and widows who trusted in God. Their pride deceived them even though they lived in the clefts of the rocks. No shepherd could stand against God. Damascus became feeble, gripped with panic, and seized with anguish and pain. Her young men died and soldiers were silenced. Nebuchadnezzar devised a plan against Kedar and Hazor who lived alone at ease without gates nor bars. God broke the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might, and destroyed her king and officials (Jer. 49:1-39). Beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence.

To maintain the right perspective about yourself, ask God to develop the following characteristics in your life:   
1. Do the next thing

2. Obey God's word at every point
3. Refuse seeking greater things for yourself
4. Realize that discipline by God and fathers lead to healing 
5. Do Lord's work heartily and reject pride 
6. Beware of boasting in accomplishments, riches, comfort and self-confidence 
Which one will you work on first? 




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Power of New Covenant Ministry Through the Holy Spirit (Insights in NT)

11/22/2012

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"But have we Holy Spirit power - power that restricts the devil's power, pulls down strongholds and obtains promises? Daring delinquents will be damned if they are not delivered from the devil's dominion. What has hell to fear other than a God-anointed, prayer-powered church?" (Leonard Ravenhill)

The power of New Covenant ministry through Holy Spirit as found in 2 Cor. 1-3 will comfort, produce answered prayer, fulfill God's promises, forgive sinning believers, triumph always, build confidence, and transform people into freedom and Christlikeness. 

God Comforts
Praise to the Father of compassion and God of all comfort who comforted them in all their troubles so they can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort they received from God. Both the sufferings and comfort of Christ overflowed into their lives. If they were distressed or comforted, it was for the Corinthians comfort and salvation that produced in them patient endurance of similar sufferings Paul and his team suffered. Everyone shared in both sufferings and comfort (2 Cor. 1:1-7). God provides comfort in troubles so you can comfort others in their sufferings. 


God Answers Prayer
In the province of Asia, they suffered under great pressure far beyond their ability to endure so they despaired even of life. Feeling the sentence of death, they did not rely on themselves but on God who raised the dead. They set their hope in Him for deliverance. The Corinthians helped by their prayers causing many to give thanks for God's answers (2 Cor. 1:8-11). God answers prayer when you rely on Him during times of great pressure. 

God Keeps Promises
Paul wrote that he made his ministry plans in holiness and sincerity trusting in God's grace, not according to worldly wisdom. He hoped that they could boast in his team just as he desired to do concerning them at the judgment day. Paul planned to visit them before and after his trip to Macedonia so they could send him on his way to Judea, but not in a worldly manner. The promises of God were always yes in Christ through the preaching of Jesus Christ by he, Silas and Timothy. God made everyone stand firm in Christ, set His seal of ownership and put His Spirit in Paul's team as a deposit guaranteeing the future. The reason Paul did not return to Corinth was to spare them. He did not lord it over their faith but worked with them for their joy so they could stand firm (2 Cor. 1:12-24). God keeps promises in Christ so you can trust Him to provide for your ministry. 

God Forgives
Paul communicated the depth of his love in great distress and grief even though he decided not to make another painful visit to them. They should reaffirm their love for a sinner by forgiving and comforting him after church discipline so he would not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Paul desired that they be obedient in everything regarding forgiveness in the sight of Christ being aware of Satan's schemes (2 Cor. 2:1-11). God forgives and loves sinners through you after church discipline. 

God Triumphs
When Paul found an open door while preaching the gospel in Troas, he went to Macedonia without peace of mind because he did not find his brother Titus.  God always leads in triumphal procession in Christ and spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. To God, Paul and his team were the aroma of Christ among those being saved to life and the smell of death to those perishing. Who was equal to such a task? His team did not peddle the word of God to earn a profit like many, but in Christ, they spoke before Him with sincerity like men sent from God (2 Cor. 2:12-17). God leads in continuous triumph as you spread the aroma of Christ and speak of Him with sincerity without a profit motive.  

God Builds Confidence
Did Paul's team like some people require letters of recommendation to or from them? The letter was written on Paul's heart by the Holy Spirit as a result of their ministry, which was known and read by everybody. Their confidence and competence as a minister of the New Covenant came from God. The letter of the law killed, but the Spirit gave life (2 Cor. 3:1-6). God builds confidence and competence through the Holy Spirit. 

God Transforms
The Law came with fading glory even though the Israelites could not look at Moses' face. If the ministry engraved in letters on stone that condemned men was glorious, how much more was the ministry that brought righteousness and lasting glory. The Spirit produced hope and boldness unlike Moses who put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from seeing fading glory. This same veil remained and covered their hearts when the Mosaic Covenant was read. When anyone turned to Christ, the veil was removed because the Holy Spirit produced freedom. Those with unveiled faces all reflected the Lord's glory being transformed into Christlikeness with ever-increasing glory from the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:7-18). God transforms people into freedom and Christlikeness through the Holy Spirit. 


Practice New Covenant ministry by intensifying  your prayer life realizing that the Holy Spirit is your comforter, answers prayer, keeps God's promises, forgives sinning believers, triumphs always, builds confidence & competence, and transforms you into freedom and Christlikeness. 

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God Chooses and Builds Up His Church (Insights in NT)

4/6/2012

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Samuel Chadwick wrote, "The Church is the Body of Christ, and the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. He fills the Body, directs its movements, controls its members, inspires its wisdom, supplies it's strength. He guides into truth, sanctifies its agents, and empowers for witnessing. The Spirit has never abdicated His authority nor relegated His power." In Acts 9, the Holy Spirit chose the greatest terrorist, Saul, to trust Christ and as a chosen instrument to bear His name to the Gentiles. God chooses and builds up His church.

Saul went to the high priest to get letters so he could find disciples and bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he approached Damascus, a light from heaven flashed around him, he fell to the ground and a voice asked why Saul was persecuting Him. He said, "Who are Thou, Lord?" He answered that it was Jesus who Saul was persecuting and he should enter the city to be told what to do next. He was in Damascus three days without sight and did not eat or drink (Acts 9:1-9). God chooses who He brings to faith including those who persecute Him.


The Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias in a vision so he would go to the street called Straight and inquire at a house where Saul was praying expecting Ananias to lay hands on him to regain his sight. After Ananias expressed concerns about Saul's violent reputation, the Lord said that Saul was His chosen instrument to bear His name before the Gentiles, kings and Israel for He would show how much he must suffer for His name's sake. When Ananias laid hands on him, scales fell from Saul's eyes, he regained his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, took food and was strengthened (Acts 9:10-19a). God chooses how He brings someone to faith and their role in God's kingdom. 

Saul was with the disciples for several days in Damascus and proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues, which amazed people. He increased in strength and confounded the Jews proving Jesus is the Christ. The Jews plotted to kill Saul. His disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket (Acts 9:19b-25). God grows believers through success and failure in ministry.

The disciples were afraid of Saul when he tried associating with them. Barnabas defended him by explaining to the apostles how Saul had seen the Lord. When he spoke the Lord's name boldly in Jerusalem, the Hellenistic Jews tried putting him to death. The brethren sent Saul away to Tarsus (Acts 9:26-30). Believers experience persecution and prejudice as they share the gospel, even from fellow believers.

The church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace being built up. It experienced the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit while continuing to increase (Acts 9:31). The church grows numerically as it's built up in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit. 

Peter healed a paralyzed man named Aeneas in the name of Jesus. Those in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. A disciple named Tabitha who abounded with deeds of kindness and charity fell sick and died. Peter came to her and said, "Tabitha, arise." She arose alive and many in Joppas  believed in the Lord (Acts 9:32-43). God adds people to the church as they see healing miracles and believe in Christ. 

Share with someone how Christ chose you to faith in Christ, Consider how God is using you as a chosen instrument. How has God used success and failure in ministry to grow you spiritually? Thank God that He uses the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit to bring you and others to faith in Christ. 

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Speak God's Word Openly As Christ's Disciple (Insights in NT)

1/22/2012

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Many forces conspire to prevent you from speaking God's word openly as Christ's disciple. Learning evangelism presentations and applying church growth methods are not sufficient. When close friends betray you, you may lose confidence in the gospel. When persecution makes life harder and more complicated, it becomes tempting to pursue the American dream of prosperity and comfort. Rather than being a disciple of Jesus, you allow the world to mold your thinking and actions. You become preoccupied with human strategies to meet your needs instead of taking up the cross and seeking God's kingdom. Jesus provides the example on how to speak the word openly as His disciple after Judas betrayed Him. 

Judas came with soldiers and the Pharisees to betray Jesus. Twice Jesus asked, "Whom do you seek?" Jesus spoke that He would not lose anyone God gave Him in fulfillment of His word. After Peter cut off the right ear of the high priest's slave, Jesus said he would drink the cup the Father gave Him (John 18:1-11). Persevere in midst of betrayal while fulfilling God's destiny. 


After the Romans soldiers and Jews arrested Jesus, they led him to Annas, the father-in-law of the high priest, Caiaphas. He had advised the Jews it was expedient for one man to die for the people (John 18:12-14). Endure persecution while 
fulfilling God's destiny. 

Peter and another disciple followed Jesus into the court of the high priest. Peter told a slave-girl that he was not one of Jesus' disciples. He warmed himself next to a charcoal fire with slaves and officers (John 18:15-18). Resist temptation toward comfort while fulfilling God's destiny.  

Jesus answered the high priest saying He spoke openly to the world by teaching in the synagogues and temple where all the Jews came together. Jesus said they should question those who heard Him speak to know what He said. Annas sent Him to Caiaphas the high priest (John 18:19-24). Speak God's word openly to the world while fulfilling God's destiny. 

Twice Peter denied that He was one of the disciples and immediately a cock crowed (John 18:25-27). Embrace your role as Jesus' disciple while fulfilling God's destiny. 

The Jews told Pilate that they could not put anyone to death in answering what accusation they were bringing against Christ. This fulfilled Jesus' word signifying what kind of death he would suffer (John 18:28-32). Take up your cross while fulfilling God's destiny. 

Pilate asked Jesus in the governor's residence, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus said that because His kingdom was not of this world, His servants would not fight to prevent Him from being delivered up to the Jews. When Pilate asked if Jesus was a king, He answered that He was born to be a king and bore witness to the truth so those of the truth would hear His voice. After Pilate asked, "What is truth?", he told the Jews that he found no guilt in Him. The Jews told Pilate to release Barabbas, a robber, instead of Jesus at the Passover (John 18:33-40). Seek God's kingdom by bearing witness to the truth while fulfilling God's destiny.

To speak God's word openly as His disciple and fulfill your destiny, do the following:  
1. Persevere in midst of betrayal
2. Endure persecution
3. Resist temptation toward comfort
4. Embrace your role as Christ's disciple
5. Take up your cross
6. Seek God's kingdom by bearing witness to the truth

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Benefits of God's Word in Affliction: Part 1 (Insights in Psalms)

12/21/2011

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God's word, which is more important than riches, has many benefits during affliction, persecution and hard times. The Lord relates in personal ways to make a huge difference as He possesses more of you.  We will examine disciplines in God’s word resulting in obedience and accountability.
 

 How blessed are those whose way is complete with integrity, righteous and unashamed. They will observe His testimonies diligently so God doesn't forsake them (Ps. 119:1-8).  Affliction motivates you to seek God for integrity and be unashamed. 

I sought God with all my heart. I have treasured, rejoiced, meditated and delighted in His word.  These actions keep me pure so I don't sin, forget or wander from His commandments. God's word is more important than riches (Ps. 119:9-16). Affliction motivates you to meditate on God's word to have a pure heart.  


Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things, live and keep God's word. I long for His word because of reproach and contempt. His testimonies are my delight and counselors as princes talk against me (Ps. 119:17-24). Affliction motivates you to delight in God's counsel to overcome negativity.

Since my soul weeps, grieves and cleaves to the dust, revive and strengthen me according to His word. Teach me so I understand His precepts. God enlarges my heart as I run the way of His commandments to remove the false way (Ps. 119:25-32). Affliction motivates you to understand God's word to not live out lies through your false self. 

Teach and give me understanding so I keep His word with all my heart. Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity so I long for Your precepts and reverence You. Instead of reproach, revive me in Your righteousness and ways (Ps. 119:33-40). Affliction motivates you to obey His word so you don't look at vain things.  


As Your lovingkindness and salvation come according to your word, I will answer persecutors and speak before kings. I walk in liberty as I seek and keep His precepts. I delight, love and meditate on His commandments without shame (Ps. 119:41-48). Affliction motivates you to walk in liberty as you meditate on God's love and commandments. 

 
His word comforts and revives me as I remember it during affliction or attacks. I burn with indignation when the wicked forsake God's law. I sing His statutes and remember His name in the night during tough times (Ps. 119:49-56). Affliction motivates you to allow God's word to comfort and revive you. 

I considered my ways and entreated His favor before experiencing grace. When the cords of the wicked encircled me, I hastened to obey His commandments. I thank God at midnight and seek fellowship with those who fear Him because of His righteous ordinances (Ps. 119:57-64). Affliction motivates you to walk with those who fear God so you can experience grace. 

 
Disciplines in God’s Word Resulting in Obedience and Accountability: Mind Filled with Truth
1. Seek God for integrity and be blameless
2. Meditate on God's word to have a pure heart
3. Delight in God's counsel to overcome negativity 
4. Understand God's word to not live out lies through your false self
5. Obey His word so you don't look at vain things
6. Walk in liberty as you meditate on God's love and commandments
7. Allow His word to comfort and revive you
8. Walk with those who fear God for accountability so you can experience grace

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Get Involved to Come Alive (Insights In NT)

6/21/2011

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Why doesn't the world take Christians seriously? Often our lives are no different than non-Christians. People aren't attracted to the church because they don't see sparkle and a zest for life. Getting involved in the lives of  others will make you come alive!

One of the Pharisee leaders watched Jesus closely when He asked "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Jesus healed a man suffering from dropsy and reasoned that if you had a son or ox fall into a well, wouldn't you pull him out on the Sabbath? (Lk. 14:1-6). Minister to needs that come across your path. 

Jesus spoke a parable to invited guests after noticing they had picked places of honor at the table. Instead, He said for them to sit at the last place so the master may say, 'Friend, move up higher', resulting in honor instead of disgrace. "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted" (Lk. 14:7-11). Humble yourself to be exalted.  


Jesus told the host to not invite his friends, brothers, relatives or rich neighbors, lest they invite him in return. When giving a reception, invite the poor, crippled, lame and  blind in order to be blessed since they have no means to repay. Wait for payment at the resurrection of the righteous (Lk. 14:12-14). Spend time with the poor, crippled, lame and blind.

Jesus shared another parable about a man who invited many to a big dinner and the various excuses given why they couldn't come: oversee a piece of land, try out five yoke of oxen and married a wife. The master told his slave to go  immediately into the streets and bring in the poor, crippled, blind and lame. After finding there was still room, the master said to "go out into the highways and along the hedges and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." None invited shall taste of His dinner (Lk. 14:15-24). Leave your comfort zone so the poor, crippled, blind and lame can experience a personal relationship with Christ. 

Jesus continued to share about the cost of discipleship since one's love for family and his own life should be hated in comparison to Christ. Being a disciple involves carrying a cross. Just like calculating the cost to build a tower or king taking counsel whether he is strong enough to win in battle, count the cost before becoming a disciple.  If you put possessions in their proper perspective, then you can become a disciple. Not paying the price of discipleship results in being tasteless and ineffective (Lk. 14:25-35). To influence others, pay the price by not letting other things exceed your love for Christ.

Answer the following questions on how to get involved in others' lives so you come alive: 
1. Do you minister to needs that come across your path or walk on the other side to avoid them? 
2. Are you humble not expecting attention or exalt yourself to feel important?
3. Do you spend time with the poor, crippled, blind and lame  (either physically or spiritually) or only hang out with important and beautiful people?
4. Do you leave your comfort zone to help the poor, crippled, blind and lame experience a personal relationship with God or hide away at home, office or church building?
5. Do you pay the price in loving Christ more than other things or love other things more than Christ?

Repent of your sin, ask God to change your heart and obey Him by doing the first thing listed in each question. 

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Culture of Comfort to Culture of Mission (Insights in NT)

3/29/2011

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A culture of comfort has superseded a culture of mission in many of our churches. Too many "Christians" are busy playing church instead of seeking the heart of Jesus. In many cases the church is like a country club where Scripture is manipulated so people can become richer and more popular, but unfortunately, more worldly. As a result, the church is declining in the US.  Jesus example and teaching in Luke 5 helps us move out of a culture of comfort into a culture of mission. 

Jesus asked Simon to "put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon said they "worked hard all night and caught nothing, but at Your word I will let down the nets." When they did this, their nets broke with so many fish. Their partners boats also began to sink loaded down with fish after they tried to help. Simon Peter fell down at Jesus' feet saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" They were amazed about catching so many fish. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men." They left everything and followed Him (Lk. 5:1-11). Following Jesus' pathway bears fruit in evangelism even thought it's chaotic and uncomfortable. 

A leper was cured immediately when he saw Jesus and begged to be made clean. Jesus ordered him to see a priest and make an offering for his cleansing as Moses commanded and as a testimony. News spread as great multitudes gathered to hear Jesus and be healed of their sicknesses. Jesus would often slip away to pray alone (Lk. 5:12-16).  Prayer provides the power for physical and spiritual healing. 

Some Pharisees and teachers of the law came from every village during Jesus' teaching when the Lord's power was present for Him to heal. Because of the crowd, some men carrying a paralyzed man went up on the roof and let him down through tiles to set him in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Jesus, perceiving the reasonings of the scribes and Pharisees, said it's easier to say your sins have been forgiven than say, 'Rise and walk.' So they could "know the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins," the paralyzed man rose out of his stretcher where he had been lying and went home, glorifying God (Lk. 5:17-26). To be like God, be compassionate towards sinners instead of condemning them. 

Jesus told a tax-gatherer named Levi to follow Him. He left everything behind and followed Him (Lk. 5:27-28). Verbally witness and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent.

After Levi invited other tax-gatherers and gave a big reception for Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes grumbled at His disciples saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax-gatherers and sinners?" Jesus answered that since the sick need a physician, He was calling sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Lk. 5:29-32). Influence sinners by having meals and personal contact.


The religious leaders said John's and Pharisees' disciples fast and offer prayers, but "Yours eat and drink." Jesus answered that it was appropriate for his disciples not to fast since He as  the bridegroom was present with them now and not later (Lk. 5:33-35). It's appropriate to delight in God's presence and have fun relating with others. 


One doesn't tear a piece from a new garment and put it on an old garment since it won't match the old. You also don't "put new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough'" (Lk. 5:33-39). Put creative ideas in new structures and don't view the old ways as superior.  

One naturally gravitates toward the familiar and comfortable, rules and regulations, instead of being led by God’s Spirit. The old and new wines are opposites. You can’t combine them without destroying both. The gospel of the kingdom can’t be hindered by man-made rules of the Pharisees. The new wine is sharp and unrefined. It's not as smooth to the tongue and finely aged like old wine. New wine is alive and can’t be contained in old structures or wineskins.

To move out of a culture of comfort into a culture of mission, do the following:
1.  Follow Jesus' pathway to bears fruit in evangelism even thought it's chaotic and uncomfortable 
2. Pray for physical and spiritual healing
3. Show compassion instead of condemn sinners
4. Witness verbally and challenge people to follow Christ so they will repent
5. Influence sinners by having meals and personal contact
6. Delight in God's presence and have fun
7. Put creative ideas in new structures and don't view the old ways as superior
 

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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.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

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