Pharoah's Question - 12/28/08pm

Exodus 5:1-2 -Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?

He is your Creator
The created exists to do the will of the creator. As the Lord is our Creator, it is imperative that we listen to what He has to say, and to what He wants us to do.
Ecclesiastes 12:1 -Remember your creator
Romans 1:18-25 -Worshipping the created rather than the Creator
Genesis 1:1-2:7 -Seven days of creation

He is your Loving Father
The Lord is our Father. We know we are to be obedient to our earthly fathers. How much more so should we obey our heavenly Father?
Ephesians 6:1-3 -Honor for earthly parents
Luke 11:11-13 -How much greater is your Heavenly Father?
John 8:38-47 -Doing the will of your father

He is your Judge
It only makes sense to listen to and obey the One who will judge us and give sentence in that last day. Disregarding what the Judge has to say is surely futile!
Hebrews 12:22-25 -God, who is judge of all
Acts 17:30-31 -God will judge through Christ
Matthew 25:31-46 -Separation of the sheep and the goats

How Often? - 12/28/08am

Often we look at what we should be doing and what we should not be doing. But let us consider today how often we should be serving the Lord. How much of our time should be spent dedicated to living how we should be living? Let us look at some examples to understand the answer to this question.

…Do I pray?
How often should we be praying to God? When things are bad? When we feel we have no other option? When it’s convenient? When no one will look at us strange? Or should we offer prayer continually?
I Thessalonians 5:17 -Pray without ceasing
II Thessalonians 1:11-12 -Pray for you always
Colossians 1:1-4 -Praying for you always
Luke 18:1-8 -The benefit of constant supplication

…Do I give thanks?
Sometimes we only give thanks for “big things.” Sometimes we only give thanks to God when it’s made abundantly clear to us that we should do so. But how often should we be thanking and praising God for what He has done?
I Thessalonians 5:18 -Give thanks in all circumstances
II Thessalonians 2:13-15 -Always give thanks to God for salvation
Ephesians 5:15-21 -Always giving thanks for all things
Hebrews 13:15 -Continually offering the sacrifice of praise

…Am I ready to teach?
How often should we be ready and willing to teach? How often should we be prepared? How often should we be prepared to teach others the gospel of Christ?
I Peter 1:1-12 -Always be ready to remind you
I Peter 3:15 -Always be ready to give an answer
II Timothy 4:1-5 -Preach the word in season and out
Romans 1:15-19 -Paul is ready to preach, being unashamed

…Do I stray?
How often do we stray from the Word? How often do we stray from God? How often do we forget what we should be doing, and do what we want? How often do we leave the path we should be walking for another road?
I John 3:6-12 -One who is born of God cannot sin
I Peter 2:21-25 -You WERE like straying sheep
I Corinthians 15:34 -Stop sinning

"Let Us" in Hebrews - 12/21/08pm

Although it may be rare to hear someone actually say, “let us” today, we often hear it in the shortened contraction of, “let’s.” It is a statement of encouragement to engage in an activity together. With this in mind, let us consider the “let us” statements in the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 3:16-4:13 -Let us fear, lest we fall short 4:1
-Let us be diligent to enter that rest 4:11
As the Israelites did, we too look forward to a rest. We have fear, so that we do not fall short. We must be diligent and work hard to enter into that risk.

Hebrews 4:14-5:3 -Let us hold fast our confession 4:14
-Let us come boldly to the throne 4:16
We must hold firmly to the faith. If we do so, we can approach God with confidence.

Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Let us leave elementary teachings and mature 6:1
We must move beyond understanding only the basic first principles of Christ, and be able to understand the meat of the word.

Hebrews 10:11-25 -Let us draw near with a true heart 10:22
-Let us hold fast the confession of our hope 10:23
-Let us consider one another 10:24
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we can approach God with a true heart. We must abide in the faith, holding fast our hope. We must consider how to help each other in this.

Hebrews 12:1-11 -Let us lay aside every weight 12:1
-Let us run with endurance the race 12:1
We must put away anything that hinders our walk with Christ. We must run the long distance race, not stopping.

Hebrews 12:25-29 -Let us have grace 12:28
We must follow the Lord, accepting His grace, that we might receive the kingdom.

Hebrews 13:1-17 -Let us go forth to Him 13:13
-Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God 13:15
As we live, we must strive to become more like Him. We must continually offer praise for what He has done for us.

Empty and Full - 12/21/08am

Matthew 6:19-24 -Filled with light/darkness
Matthew 23:25-28 -Pharisees filled with robbery, hypocrisy
Romans 1:28-32 -Full of unrighteousness
II Peter 2:12-22 -Eyes full of adultery and never cease sinning

We can see that these men were full of unrighteousness and evil. We can see that it is something we are to not be. We can see that we are to empty ourselves of such things. But is that the measure of following Christ? To empty ourselves of evil? Or is there more to serving the Lord than that?

Matthew 12:43-45 -Empty house
II Peter 1:4-9 -Add to
Galatians 5:22-24 -Fruit of the spirit

Filled with Wisdom and Knowledge
Colossians 1:1-12 -Filled with the knowledge of His will
Romans 15:14 -Filled with knowledge

Filled with Joy
II Timothy 1:3-7 -Filled with joy because of other Christians
I Peter 1:1-9 -Filled with joy in their belief

Filled with Grace
Acts 6:8 -Stephen was full of grace and power
Colossians 4:2-6 -Let your speech be full of grace

Filled with Fear
Luke 5:18-26 -Those who see the man walk are filled with fear
Hebrews 12:21 -Moses, full of fear and trembling

Filled with Awe
Matthew 9:1-8 -Multitudes saw, and were filled with awe
Acts 3:10-11 -Full of amazement

Filled with Comfort
II Corinthians 7:4 -Filled with comfort by brethren

Filled with Goodness
Romans 15:14 -Roman Christians are full of goodness
Philippians 1:9-11 -Filled with the fruit of righteousness

Can We All Agree? - 12/14/08pm

Psalm 133
Amos 3:3

Often people will make the statement that we cannot all agree on what the Bible says. Some people then draw the conclusion that as long as you believe something, you're ok. Others draw the conclusion that the Bible must be wrong. Yet let us consider what the Bible has to say as to whether it can be understood the same by everyone.

1) The Bible tells Christians to be of like mind:
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
2 Corinthians 13:11
Philippians 2:1-4
Philippians 4:2-3
How can we do this if we cannot come to the same conclusion of what is in scripture?

2) We find the example of unity and of “one”
Ephesians 4:1-13
Why is the singular nature of all these stressed repeatedly, if unity was not God’s plan

3) We know that God does not plan on confusion and division among His followers
1 Corinthians 1:10-17
1 Corinthians 14:33
James 3:13-18
If God does not want confusion, logically He made His law understandable

4) We know we are to reject anything not found in God’s Word.
Galatians 1:6-9
2 John 7-10
Revelation 22:18-19
Therefore it must be possible to know what God says, so that we can avoid what is not in God‘s word.

5) We know that we are to follow God’s commands.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
John 14:6-7, 15
Acts 5:26-32
Mark 25:31-46
God has only one law, so it makes sense that it is understandable…are laws made that cannot be understood and agreed on?

What is God’s command? That we are baptized and follow Him for the remainder of our days.
Matthew 16:24-28
The Kingdom, His Church, is here! Be baptized (Ephesians 4:5), and follow Him.

Creating & Maintianing Faith - 12/14/08am

While we often discuss what faith is and what the role of faith is in salvation and daily life, we will take some time to look at a different aspect of faith: how scripture creates faith in a person, and how scripture maintains that faith.

Creating Faith
What does the Bible provide us with, that we might come to believe?
John 20:30-31 -Written that we might believe
Romans 10:17 -Faith comes by hearing
Romans 16:25-27 -Prophecies provided to build faith

What Faith is Created?
For that matter, what is our initial belief supposed to be? How much must we know in order to have faith and obey?
I John 5:1-5 -Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
I Corinthians 15:12-28 -The resurrection
Acts 2:14-41 -Pentecost - “simplicity” of initial faith
Matthew 16:13-16 -The good confession
Acts 8:26-40 -What the Ethiopian believed
-Jesus, the Christ, is the Son of God
-Obedience is necessary (Hebrews 5:9)

Maintaining Faith
How much of the Bible was written to maintain faith in the faithful?
Romans 1:1-7
I Corinthians 1:1-3
II Corinthians 1:1-3
Galatians 1:1-5
Ephesians 1:1-2
Philippians 1:1-2
Colossians 1:1-2
I Thessalonians 1:1
II Thessalonians 1:1-2
I Timothy 1:1-2
II Timothy 1:1-2
Titus 1:1-4
Philemon 1-3
Hebrews 3:1
James 1:1
I Peter 1:1-2
II Peter 1:1-2
II John 1:1-3
III John 1
Jude 1-2
Revelation 1:4-6

Acts 2:42-47 -The disciples after Pentecost

Psalm 119:89-176 -12/07/08pm

As we continue in our look at Psalm 119, let us remember the theme of the psalm: the word of God.

Psalm 119:89-96 -Endurance of the word
The word of God is eternal
The word is limitless beyond what we see elsewhere
The word will last as long as God’s faithfulness

Psalm 119:97-104 -Love for the law
Do we love the law as much as the psalmist?
Do we align our steps out of love for the word of God?
Do we gain understanding because we love the law?

Psalm 119:105-112 -Guided by the word
Do we use the word to know how to live?
Do we want to be taught the word so that we can better see the path?
Do we set our hearts on keeping to that path to the end?

Psalm 119:113-120 -Refuge in the word
The word is separated from the wicked.
The word grants security and refuge from the wicked.
We should be able to rely on the word

Psalm 119:121-128 -Walking upright by the law
We should look to the law.
We should be obedient to the law.
We should hate that which is opposed to God’s word.

Psalm 119:129-136 -Love for the law
Do we feel that God’s word is wonderful?
Do we love it so much that it pains us when it is not followed?
Do we regard the word as God’s face shining on us?

Psalm 119:137-144 -Righteousness of the word
The word is as righteous as the One who gave it.
The word is true and everlastingly right-it won’t become less so.
The precepts are tested and proven correct.

Psalm 119:145-152 -Drawing close to God through the word
We come close to God (He is near) through His word
Drawing close to God requires us to focus on Him and the word throughout the day
The word is everlasting and will always be there to provide instruction in drawing close to God

Psalm 119:153-160 -Salvation for the obedient to the word
The wicked do not seek out what God has said
If we do not forget God’s law, there is deliverance for us
God’s true words are provided for our salvation

Psalm 119:161-168 -Peace through the word
Peace comes only to those who love the word
The peace is opposite the false peace offered by many
This peace comes with the knowledge of what is in the word, and is there regardless of circumstances

Psalm 119:169-176 -Supplication to the One who gave the word
The psalmist asks God for things that might further the word in his life
Though he has strayed, he wishes to return to God and be found by Him
The psalmist longs for salvation. Do we?

Psalm 119:1-88 -12/07/08am

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm, and the longest chapter in the Bible. It’s authorship is not stated, but many believe it was written by David. It is an acrostic poem, with each verse beginning with one of the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

It is written entirely about the word of God. It is telling that such a large, unified section of scripture is about the Lord’s decrees, and it behooves us to examine this psalm to better understand what our attitude towards the Bible should be.

Psalm 119:1-8 -Blessed is the one who keeps the law
God promises blessings to those who keep His ordinances
God blesses those who seek Him wholeheartedly
God’s laws are provided for good reason

Psalm 119:9-16 -Pure is the one who keeps the law
Living according to the word keeps one pure
Young people are also to live by God’s law
Learning the law of God is necessary to be pure

Psalm 119:17-24 -A good servant keeps the law
We serve God by obeying what He says
A good servant longs for God’s word
A good servant listens to the word’s counsel

Psalm 119:25-32 -Deliverance in the law
God’s word provides deliverance and guidance
In the word are the answers to the questions we need answered
Holding fast to the word are necessary for this

Psalm 119:33-40 -Guidance to the law
We should ask God to help us focus on the word
We should want to be guided by it
We should ask for understanding of it

Psalm 119:41-48 -Love for the law
Our hope is based in God’s word
Our search should be for God’s word
Our love should be for God’s word

Psalm 119:49-56 -Remembrance
God’s word is part of His keeping us in mind
We should keep Him in mind
We should remember His dealings in the past

Psalm 119:57-64 -Consideration towards the Law
Regardless of circumstances or situation, we should always consider the word
Our consideration of God’s word should be wholehearted
We should want to learn more to consider

Psalm 119:65-72 -Correction through the law
The law teaches us what we do wrong, and corrects us in that way
It serves to chastise us when we sin
We should delight in it for this reason (much as we should be happy for warning road signs)

Psalm 119:73-80 -God’s love through the law
God gave us His word because He loves us
It guides us that we may abide in His love
It informs us for His love

Psalm 119:81-88 -Persevere though the law
We long for salvation: it is found in the word
We must persevere in obedience, regardless of difficulties
We must determine to follow what God has commanded!

Are You a Leper? - 11/30/08pm

Physical Leprosy in the OT
As we look in the Old Testament, we see various regulations given regarding leprosy. This is not always leprosy as we know it today, but encompassed a wide variety of skin diseases which made the afflicted person unclean.
Leviticus 13:1-11 -Laws regarding leprosy
Leviticus 13:40-46 -Laws regarding leprosy, put outside the camp

Christ Heals Lepers
In the New Testament, we see Jesus Christ healing men with leprosy. This provides a sign of His power and evidence that He is who He says He is. It also, as we will see, serves as a physical reminder that Christ can heal not only physically, but spiritually.
Matthew 11:1-6 -Jesus heals conspicuously and visibly heals lepers
Mark 1:40-45 -Jesus heals a leper
Luke 17:11-19 -The ten lepers healed by Christ

Apostles told to Go
The apostles are sent out to Israel, and one of the things they are to do is to heal lepers. Is this not what we are told to do, in a spiritual way, in the great commission in Matthew 28?
Matthew 10:5-10 -Limited commission: heal the lepers

Spiritual Leprosy
Are you spiritually leprous? Sin makes a person unclean in the sight of God. And as it makes us unclean, we need to become clean and pure. We do this by following Christ. Not only into first obedience, but after baptism as well.
II Chronicles 26:16-23 -Uzziah smitten with leprosy for his sin
I Kings 5:1-15 -Naaman
I John 1:7-9 -Jesus cleanses us from sin/unrighteousness
Leviticus 14:1-20 -Israel had to do things after being healed

After a person in Israel was healed, they had to do things even after becoming clean. There were things they were required to do. So it is with us. Are you a spiritual leper? Are you outside the camp of body of the saved? Have you obeyed Christ and been cleansed?

Down in the Pit - 11/30/08am

II Corinthians 4:1-12 -Though oppressed, we do not lose heart or despair

Often we feel discouraged as we strive to follow Christ. Sometimes we despair of our tasks, and we feel as though we are all alone in the bottom of a pit with now way out.

Joseph
Genesis 37:1-4 -Background of Joseph’s relationship with family
Genesis 37:5-11 -Joseph’s dream of dominion, brother’s reaction
Genesis 37:12-20 -Brothers plot to kill Joseph
Genesis 37:21-22 -Reuben’s Compromise
Genesis 37:23-36 -Consequences of Joseph’s Pride
-Consequences of his brother’s envy
-Consequences of Reuben’s compromise
-Consequences of Jacob’s favoritism
Sometimes we feel like we have been cast into a pit, do we not? We feel as though we are trapped, and that there is no way out of it. We feel cut off from our friends, family, and brethren. We feel as though there are no solutions. And sometimes it is our own prideful fault, is it not? Sometimes it was helped brought about by others, and their actions or compromises. Yet we see that Joseph continued to follow God, and much good was accomplished.
Genesis 45:1-11 -Joseph, as Pharoah’s second, is revealed to his brothers

Jeremiah
Jeremiah 38:1-3 -Jeremiah gives an unpleasant pronouncement
Jeremiah 38:4-6 -Jeremiah is oppressed for the message
Jeremiah 38:7-13 -Jeremiah is rescued from the pit by Ebed-Melech
Sometimes we feel like we are in a pit and alone, because of bringing God’s word, do we not? We feel hopeless, trapped, despondent, and don’t think we’re accomplishing anything. People don’t like the message, so into the pit goes the messenger! Yet, we see that God provided the way out, often from an unexpected direction. Ebed-Melech was not the most likely of people to rescue Jeremiah, yet that’s who rescued Jeremiah.

David
Psalm 40:1-5 -Praise for God for His deliverance
Psalm 40:6-8 -Obedience required - looking ahead to Christ
Psalm 40:9-10 -Proclaimed God’s greatness
Psalm 40:11-15 -Asking for God’s further deliverance
Psalm 40:16-17 -Praise for God, thankfulness for His compassion
David, in this psalm dwells on God’s deliverance. He was not physically in a pit, but like all of us, he often was emotionally. His enemies pursued him, danger awaited him at every turn. Yet we see that through faith, through pursuing righteousness, God provides an escape and delivered David from the “horrible pit.”

Our God can, and will, deliver us. When we are thrown into a pit, whether through our own actions or through the actions of others, God will provide a way out. Even if things seem to get worse, it works for the glory of God if we take it. When we despair, remember this. When we feel that we cannot go on, remember Joseph. Remember Jeremiah. Remember David.

Gluttony - 11/23/08pm

Matthew 11:6 -”Give us our daily bread”

In Christ’s example prayer, we see an example of what we should want: our daily bread. He is focused on what we need, and no more. As is reiterated in other passages (Proverbs 30:8-9), we should be willing to limit ourselves, our consumption, and our appetites. Anything else is gluttony.

Gluttony is obviously a part of our daily culture, and is something we encounter almost every day of our lives. It is something we see often, and I’m afraid we have grown so used to it that it no longer bothers us, and we often engage in it freely. We usually think of gluttony only in dealing with food. But it is entirely possible to be gluttonous in other aspects of life. As will see, the concept of gluttony can easy apply to a wide variety of things. It is well worth our time to see what the Bible has to say about gluttony, then compare it with our own lives.

1. Gluttony is opposed by God
A. Under the Old Law
Deuteronomy 21:20 -Stoning of gluttonous children
Exodus 16:15-21 -Gathering too much manna
B. Under the New Law
I Corinthians 10:31 -”Eating” and give glory to God
Colossians 3:1-17 -Guidelines for Christian living
I Peter 2:11-12 -Desires of the flesh
I Peter 4:3-5 -Drinking and feasting
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh - feasting/banqueting
If Gluttony is not something that God wants, then obviously it is something we should avoid. We see consistency throughout the Bible regarding gluttony. Now, since we have the blanket statement condemning gluttony, why else is gluttony wrong?

2. Gluttony shows a lack of self control
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Elders to have self control
Titus 2:11-14 -Elders to have self control
II Peter 1:5-9 -Add self control
Galatians 5:22-26 -Fruit of the spirit is self control
Gluttony knows no bounds. People give into gluttony because they lack the will power and self control to stop themselves. We show our godly self control by not becoming gluttons.

3. Gluttony is idolatry
Colossians 3:5 -Greed is idolatry
Philippians 3:18-19 -Their god is their stomach
Anything that comes before God on a person’s priority list becomes an idol. If we give into gluttony, we make our stomach, our appetites, our god. We give power to that god, and we allow that god to guide out lives. Are we really so foolish to let our appetites be what we worship?

4. Gluttony shows a focus on worldly things
Proverbs 23:1-3 -Don’t have a strong desire for food
Proverbs 23:21 -Lovers of feasting come to be needy
Proverbs 28:7 -Company of feasters brings shame to fathers
I Corinthians 6:12-13 -Food for the body, and worldly desires should be less important than serving God
Philippians 4:19 -God will provide what you need
Matthew 6:25-34 -Take no thought for tomorrow
Romans 8:5-8 -Mind on the flesh
A glutton is focused on the things of this world: what he wants now. By giving into the temptation, we remove our sight from God. This is another dangerous aspect of gluttony: by removing our focus from where it should be, it makes it easier to give in to other sins.

5. We should hunger for spiritual food instead!
John 4:27-38
Our focus should be spiritual food, not on the things of this world! If we hunger first and foremost for spiritual food, then it is far easier to withstand the temptations of this life. Instead of weakening, we will find ourselves strengthened. And instead of only being filled for a short time, we will be filled for eternity.

Why Study the Old Testament? - 11/23/08am

Colossians 2:13-15 -OT is nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -OT finished and put side by Christ’s death
Matthew 5:17 -Christ came to fulfill

So, why should we study the Old Testament? What good is there in studying something that has been done away with and is no longer in effect? Let us consult the scriptures!

To Provide Evidence of the Christ, Apostles, Church, and so on
For one thing, the Old Testament provides evidence of who Christ was, what He was teaching, and of His disciples. The Old Testament provides proofs of the Messiah that Christ fulfilled.
Matthew 1:1-17 -Genealogy of Christ - the promises fulfilled, effort taken
Matthew 1:22-23 -That the scriptures might be fulfilled
Acts 2:15-21 -Fulfillment of the prophet Joel

For Examples
As we look through the Old Testament, we can see the examples of how God dealt with various things, the consequences of sin and righteousness, and of the nature of God.
I Corinthians 10:1-13 -These things are examples for us, serve to illuminate God's relationship with man
Hebrews 11:1-3 -Faith
Hebrews 11:4 -Abel’s sacrifice
Hebrews 11:5-6 -Enoch walked with God, was rewarded
Hebrews 11:7-10 -Abraham looked for a city
Hebrews 11:11 -Sara believed the promise
Hebrews 11:12-16 -Looking ahead to a heavenly country
Hebrews 11:17-19 -Abraham put God before family
Hebrews 11:20-22 -These men looked ahead to what was to come without knowing when it would happen
Hebrews 11:23-29 -Moses’ obedience and priorities
Hebrews 11:30 -Jericho fell through “pointless” obedience
Hebrews 11:31 -Rahab’s fear, recognition of God
Hebrews 11:32-38 -The many other examples for us not mentioned here
Hebrews 11:39-40 -They did not see the promise while living
Hebrews 12:1-2 -Cloud of witnesses: they did it, so can we?

Are we willing to follow the righteous examples of these men and women? Are we willing to look ahead to the promise and to walk with God?

Individuals and the Church - 11/16/08pm

Revelation 3:1-6 -Separation of “church” and “certain people”

There exists a great deal of confusion, even among brethren, of the differences between an individual Christian, the local church, and the universal church. To some, there is no distinction whatsoever. And if one person does something, then the church has done so. The result has been to allow more and more things into the church that have no place in it. Let us consider what the Bible says!

What organization?
Let us take a few minutes to look at the difference in the local and universal church, and the place of the individual in both.

The organization of the local church is simple:
Christ is the head
Ephesians 1:19-23 -Christ is the head of the church
Local congregations are to strive for elders and deacons
Titus 1:5-9 -Titus to appoint elders in every church
I Peter 5:1-4 -Elders to shepherd, not lord over the flock
I Timothy 3:8-13 -Deacon qualifications
Acts 6:1-4 -The first “deacons”
The universal church is even more simple
Christ is the head
Colossians 1:13-18 -Christ is the head of the church
The universal church is not made up of local congregations, but of saved believers.
Acts 2:47 -The saved are added to the church

The role of one is not always the role of another
In discipline
Matthew 18:15-17 -From individual to the church
In benevolence
James 1:19-27 -Pure and undefiled religion (individual)
If “visiting” requires building and supplying, then “visiting” those in prison (Matthew 25:36, 39) requires building and supplying
II Corinthians 9:10-15 -Supplying the needs of the saints (church)
Galatians 6:1-10 -Do good to all men (individual)
I Timothy 5:3-16 -Care for widows: individual vs. church
If there’s no separation between individual and church, than when the individual cares for a widow, the church is caring for a widow, which was supposed to be the work of an individual…

In socializing/recreation and “fellowship”
Acts 2:42-47 -Assembling at temple, eating house to house

Salvation is retail, not wholesale
Salvation is based on the individual, not as an organization. Simply meeting as a member of a church of Christ is not sufficient for salvation. We will each be judged on our own, and not as a group. Individuals will be saved.
Ezekiel 18:20-23 -The soul who sins will die, the righteous will not
Ecclesiastes 11:9, 12:13-14 -All actions will be judged
I Peter 1:15-17 -Got judges, not showing favoritism
Revelation 20:11-15 -Judgment according to actions

Heaven and Hell - 11/16/08am

Hebrews 5:12-6:3 -Eternal judgment is a first principle
I Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 -The day of the Lord
II Peter 3:1-13 -The day of the Lord

Judgment
One Judgment
II Timothy 4:1 -Christ to judge the living and dead
Hebrews 9:27 -Once to die, then the judgment

Judged by our actions
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -God will judge all actions
Romans 14:10-12 -Give an account at judgment
II Corinthians 5:9-11 -All stand before the judgment seat
Revelation 20:11-13 -Judged by our works

Righteous Judgment
Romans 1:28-32 -Righteous judgment of God


Luke 16:19-31 -The rich man and Lazarus


Heaven
John 14:1-4 -Mansion has many rooms
Revelation 21:1-22:5 -Figurative description of Heaven’s glory

Hell
Mark 9:42-48 -Where the worm doesn’t die, the fire isn’t quenched
II Peter 2:4 -”Chains of darkness”
Jude 6-7 -”Chains under darkness”
Revelation 20:14-15 -Lake of fire


Amos 4:12 -Prepare to meet your God

The Narrow Path - 11/09/08pm

Matthew 7:13-14 -The road to life is narrow, the gate is small

It is well lit…
Psalm 43:3 -Let your light and truth guide me
Psalm 119:105 -God’s word is a lamp and a light
Proverbs 4:18-19 -Shines brighter and brighter
I John 1:5-7 -Walk in the light

But even so, we will stumble on it
John 11:9-10 -If we walk in the light, we will not stumble
James 3:2 -We all stumble
Deuteronomy 27:18 -Cursed is he who leads others astray on the road

It is walked with a guide…
Genesis 5:22-24 -Enoch walked with God
Genesis 6:9 -Noah walked with God
Psalm 48:14 -Our God will guide us
Psalm 73:24 -We are guided by His counsel
I John 2:1-6 -Walk in the light, walk with Christ
Luke 24:13-32 -Jesus walks with two men on he road

And we have others helping us…
Romans 14:13 -Not being a stumbling block
Hebrews 3:13 -Encourage one another
Hebrews 10:24-25 -Considering and encouraging one another

…But we can stray from it
Deuteronomy 5:32 -Do not turn aside to the right or to the left
John 6:66 -Many disciples no longer walk with Christ

If we walk with God now, we will walk with Him in eternity
Revelation 3:1-6 -Those who are pure will walk with Christ

Serving with Little - 11/9/08am

Luke 19:11-27 -Parable of the talents

Often we may think to ourselves, “I could do so much for God if…” But we feel we don’t have enough time. We feel we don’t have the ability. We feel we don’t have the money. We feel we don’t have the resources. We feel are cannot serve as effectively with as little as we each have. “I could help the poor if I have more money.” “I could teach class, but I’m not a good enough teacher.” “ I could study more, but I don’t have the time.” Yet let us look in the Bible to see if we truly need more in order to be effective servants of God.

Moses
Moses made excuses to God based largely on his own abilities. Whether or not he felt they were valid reasons, they were each rejected by God as such. Do we make the same excuses? “I need more talent/skill/ability!”
Exodus 3:10-12 -Who am I?
Exodus 4:1-9 -What if I’m not persuasive enough?
Exodus 4:10-17 -Slow of speech and tongue, need help

Judges
So often in the book of Judges, the judges of Israel simply used what was at hand. Often it was not what we would think of as ideal, yet with the Lord’s help, it was more than sufficient. How often do we complain that we have too few resources, and that they’re the wrong kind?
Judges 3:12-20 -Ehud is left handed, makes it work for him
Judges 3:21 -Shamgar had an ox-goad (pointy stick)
Judges 15:14-17 -Samson slays 1000 with a donkey’s jawbone

Ruth
If only we had more money! Ruth gleaned the fields behind the harvesters in order to eat. None of us are in that position, yet Ruth was noticed for her virtue and uprightness. She served God, even without earthly wealth.
Ruth 2:1-12 -Ruth left home, was poor, yet was virtuous

David
When David stood against Goliath, what was he equipped with? Not what we would expect! And yet, it was enough, with God.
I Samuel 17:38-39 -Saul tries to let David have armor
I Samuel 17:43-51 -David slays Goliath with a stone

Apostles
When the apostles are sent out by Christ to teach to Israel, they are specifically limited in what they can take with them. The point was made that they didn’t need great resources, but that with God, much could be accomplished without wealth and supplies.
Matthew 10:5-15 -The twelve are sent out…without supplies

Christ
In Christ, as always, we have our ultimate example. We look at His example and see many things that were not given to Him, as they are to us. Yet He served the Lord wholeheartedly, and accomplished much.
John 4:44 -A prophet is without honor in his own country
John 7:5 -His brothers did not believe in Him
Luke 9:58 -The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head

Vanity of Vanities - 11/2/08pm

Solomon
I Kings 3:1-14 -Given wisdom, riches, and power

Life’s Repetitions
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 -Life, by itself, is vain and repetitious
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 -A time for every purpose

Vanity of Earthly Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 -Vanity of wisdom
Ecclesiastes 2:12-16 -The end of the fool and the wise is the same

Vanity of Pleasure and Fun
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 -Vanity of pleasure, laughter, and mirth
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11 -There is no profit in it

Vanity of Work and Profit
Ecclesiastes 5:9-6:2 -Do we get to keep what we earn?

Why are these things vain?
Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 -All perish and die
You will not be remembered for wisdom
Your pleasure will have been pointless
You cannot take your wealth with you

Things that have some value
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 -A close friend
Ecclesiastes 7:1 -A good name
Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4 -Wisdom is better than folly

The Conclusion
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 -Do as you will, but there will be consequences
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 -Remember the Lord while you still can
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -Fear God and keep His commandments
Matthew 22:35-40 -Love the Lord

God Has a Plan For You - 11/2/08am

God has a plan. He has diligently worked to keep this plan operational and successful. He set up this plan for you. And he set up this plan for me. He set up this plan for every individual who has ever lived, is living, and will ever live. He has done amazing things to preserve and carry out this plan. Will be willing to accept it?

What:
I Timothy 1:15 -To save sinners
Matthew 18:11 -Seek and save the lost

Who:
Genesis 3:14-15 -1st prophecy of Christ, immediately after sin enters world (the why)
Genesis 12:1-3 -Seed promise to Abraham
Isaiah 11:1-5 -Branch of Jesse
II Samuel 7:12-16 -A king of David’s line
Matthew 1:1-16 -The lineage of Christ

How:
Isaiah 53:1-12 -The man of sorrows
Mark 15:22-37 -The crucifixion
Matthew 28:1-7 -He is risen
Hebrews 10:1-4 -The law was a shadow, sacrifices

When:
Galatians 4:4-5 -The fullness of time
John 7:1-9 -Time had not yet come
John 17:1-5 -The time had come

Response:
Acts 17:30 -Repent
Acts 22:16 -Baptism and confession

Sin Is - 10/26/08pm

Genesis 3:1-24 -Sin of Adam and Eve
-Broke God’s law
-Followed the devil
-Were in bondage to that sin
-Were separated from God by that sin
-Were punished for that sin
We often talk about sin. But what is sin? What does sin do? What are the consequences of sin? Let us look to the Bible, that we may better understand why we must avoid sin, and serve righteousness!
Sin is…Breaking God’s Law
I John 3:4 -Sin is lawlessness
James 4:17 -Failure to do what is good is sin
Sin is…of the Devil
I John 3:7-10 -Those who sin are of the Devil
John 8:37-47 -Those opposing Christ were sons of the Devil
Sin is…Slavery
John 8:34 -Sinners are the servants of sin
Romans 6:12-23 -Slaves to sin
Sin is…Separation from God
Isaiah 59:1-4 -Iniquity has separated them from God
II Corinthians 6:14-15 -What does righteousness and lawlessness have in common?
Amos 3:3 -How can two walk together unless they are agreed?
I John 1:7, 2:6 -Walking in the light, walking with Him
Sin is…Going to Be Punished
Romans 6:23 -Wages of sin is death
I Thessalonians 4:3-6 -The Lord will punish men for such sins
II Thessalonians 1:1-10 -Punishment of sinners
Sin is…Forgivable
I Timothy 1:15 -Christ came to save sinners
James 5:20 -Convert a sinner, save a soul
Acts 2:38 -Baptism for forgiveness of sins
Acts 8:22 -After baptism, pray for forgiveness

Ebenezer - 10/26/08am

We occasionally sing the song “O Thou Found of Every Blessing “ That has the phrase, “Here I raise my Ebenezer” in it. How often have we stopped to think about what this is talking about? How many of us have focused on this word and been sure of what we are singing? Let us take the time today to understand what an Ebenezer is, and what its significance should be to us.
I Samuel 4:1-11 -Philistines defeat Israel twice and capture the ark
Why did they lose?
I Samuel 4:19-22 -God has departed with the ark and because of Phineas’ sins
Joshua 7:1-6 -Aachan’s sin results in defeat
I Samuel 28:15-19 -Because of his sins, the kingdom is taken from Saul
What did the ark’s capture mean?
Exodus 25:17-22 -God would meet with Moses/high priest at the ark

I Samuel 5:1-12 -Having the ark brings plagues on the Philistines
I Samuel 6:1-21 -The Philistines return the ark to Israel
I Samuel 7:1-14 -Israel defeats Philistines after returning to God
So What About Us?
Samuel raised an Ebenezer to help Israel remember the help that God had given to them. After their sins caused God’s presence to leave, when they returned to the Lord. And God granted them victory. No longer were their sins remembered, only their relationship with God. So it is with us!
Romans 3:23 -for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Isaiah 59:1-4 -Sin separates us from God
Acts 26:20 -Repent, turn to God, show it in our deeds
I John 4:1-5 -With the Lord’s help, we will gain victory

Three Sides of Philemon - 10/19/08pm

Philemon 1-25

Paul
A Prisoner (vv. 1, 22, 23)

A Friend (vv.1-2, 17)

A Teacher (vv. 8-9, 10)

A Pleader (vv. 8-9, 18-21)


Philemon
A Christian (vv. 1, 15-16)

An Owner (vv. 14-16)

Wronged (vv. 10-11, 17-20)

Prayerful (vv. 4-7, 22)

Onesimus
A Slave (vv. 10-11, 15-16)

A Run-Away (vv. 12, 18-19)

A Convert (vv. 8-11, 15-16)

Useful (vv. 10-13)

Returned to Master (vv. 12)

The Sons of Anak - 10/19/08am

The Land of Milk and Honey
Exodus 3:7-8 -The land of milk and honey
Genesis 12:6-7 -Promised to Abraham
Exodus 6:8 -Promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, given to Israel by God
Exodus 19:4-6 -Here they’d be God’s treasured possession

The Land of Giants
Numbers 13:1-25 -The spies enter Canaan and spy out the land
Numbers 13:26-33 -The spies report on Canaan
Numbers 14:1-10 -The people refuse to enter the promised land

Giants of the Bible
Races/tribes of Giants:
In Noah’s time, the Nephilim, who the sons of Anak were like
Rephaites
Emites
Zamzummites
Zuzites
Specific Giants:
Og of Bashan
Anakites
Arba
Sheshai
Ahiman
Talmai
Ishbi Benob
Jaare Oregim
Saph the Philistine
Goliath

Giants Today
I have often wondered what became of all the giants, the sons of Anak. So I did a little checking, and found out that their descendants are still living today. And what’s more, they still stand opposed to those who want to do God’s will. They build fortified cities that reach the sky, and if you try to bring the word of the Lord to where they live, they will kill you, take your children away and make them into slaves.

Have you ever seen them? They live right next door to me. They might live next door to you, too. Because, you see, one might say “Let’s go teach our neighbor about Jesus”. But then you will hear voices saying, “no, no, you can’t go over there, they don’t want to know about Jesus, they are not that kind of people, they are the sons of Anak, they are mighty giants, they will smite you and kill you”.

Or maybe you have seen someone along the road who needed help. You wanted to help them, but then you saw them, and you were afraid, because they were giants. No, I can’t help that person, they might smite me, and kill me. Let’s turn back, let’s go back the way we came. Let’s go back to Egypt and be slaves once again.

There are a lot of things Christians want to be doing. But unfortunately, we live in a land of giants, and everywhere we turn, the Sons of Anak oppose us. They come out of the woodwork when we are asked to teach a Bible class. They run after us if someone needs us to preach a sermon or lead singing. They also block the road if we try to visit the shut-ins, or the sick. Sometimes when the Church wants to do a good work, the sons of Anak come out with vast armies. The Church can’t select elders because the giants step in their way. They can’t hold a Gospel meeting, or start a correspondence class, because there are just too many giants to slay.

And men would like to serve the Church, but Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai keep them pinned down at every turn. We would like to attend Gospel meetings too, but the Sons of Anak just won’t let us get out of the house much any more. And sometimes the Sons of Anak are among us preaching lies and not teaching God’s true word. But what choice do we have? We can’t prevent them for surely they will smite us and kill us. We are better off going back home where it is safe from danger.

The Giant Slayers
Joshua and Caleb were willing to go out and slay the giants. There are others in scipture who did the same.
I Samuel 17:34-37, 48-54 -David and Goliath
I Chronicles 11:22-23 -Benaiah and the Egyptian

Will We Slay the Giants?
Those who were unwilling to go against the sons of Anak were punished for their faithlessness
Numbers 14:36-37 -God kills 10 spies with a plague
Numbers 14:32-35 -The people who refused to enter the land

Those who were willing to enter the land, trusting in God, and fight the giants were rewarded
Numbers 14:30, 38 -Joshua and Caleb spared
Joshua 14:6-15 -Caleb is given Hebron
Joshua 15:14 -Caleb drives out the sons of Anak
Joshua 11:21-23 -Joshua drives out the Anakites and destroys their towns

We too, have the same promise of a promised land. Will we slay the giants and enter? Or will we lose faith?

A Disciple of the Lord - 10/12/08pm

Luke 11:1-4 -A disciple asks to learn

Cost of Discipleship
Matthew 10:37-39 -Take up cross, follow Christ
Matthew 19:16-22 -Not always easy to follow Christ
Luke 14:25-33 -Give up hindrances and count the cost

A Disciple Listens and Learns
Luke 6:46-49 -He who hears and puts into practice
Luke 8:4-8 -He who has ears to hear, let him hear
Luke 14:34-35 -He who has ears to hear, let him hear
John 5:24 -He who hears Christ’s words
Matthew 10:5-16 -We must heed the apostles (disciples) as well

A Disciple Follows the Example
John 13:12-17 -Follow the example of humility and service
I Corinthians 11:1 -Follow the apostles’ example in following Christ
I Timothy 1:15-17 -Christ’s example of patience
I Peter 2:18-25 -Follow Christ’s example of sinlessness, endurance, and hatelessness

A Disciple Follows and Obeys
Matthew 4:18-25 -Apostles and other follow Jesus
John 8:31 -If you continue in Christ’s word
John 10:25-30 -His sheep follow Him
John 13:34-35 -If you love one another
John 15:1-8 -If you bear much fruit
Acts 8:54-60 -Stephen followed Christ even to the point of death

Is This Good Enough? - 10/12/08am

Is This Good Enough?

This world is full of people who subscribe to the idea of “good enough.” So, how good is good enough for God?

God expects us to be blameless and holy
God requires that we be blameless before Him. We are required by Him to walk according to His will and to be spotless in regards to sin.
Genesis 6:5-9 -Noah was blameless and walked with God
Genesis 17:1-2 -Abraham is told to be blameless
Philippians 2:14-16 -Do these things that we might be blameless
II Corinthians 1:2 -Called to be holy
Ephesians 1:4 -Chosen to be holy
I Peter 1:15-16 -Be holy as God is holy

God expects us to be ever more blameless
God requires that we continue to pursue perfection. It is not a matter of finding it and stopping, but an ongoing process. We must chase after it!
II Corinthians 13:9-11 -Aim for perfection
Philippians 3:7-16 -Press on to take hold, having not achieved perfection
II Peter 3:14-16 -Be diligent to be blameless
Hebrews 12:14 -Make every effort to be holy

God knows we cannot do this on our own
God knows that we cannot do this on our own, and that we need help. For this reason, He has provided us with helps and opportunity to repent.
Romans 3:21-26 -All have sinned, thus we have grace, Christ’s sacrifice
I Corinthians 10:13 -God will prevent too much temptation, will provide a way of escape
Luke 18:9-14 -The one who confessed, asked for mercy and forgiveness, and repented in humility was justified
Acts 3:19 -Repent, that your sins may be blotted out
Philippians 4:13 -I can do all things

God rewards blamelessness
God will reward those who are pure, spotless, undefiled, and blameless. If we wish to receive the rewards, we too much be blameless before Him!
Genesis 5:21-24 -Enoch walked with God
Hebrews 11:5 -Enoch translated so he did not see death
Revelation 21:7 -We will be His people
Revelation 22:12-15 -Inside are the obedient

First Principles of the World - 10/5/08pm

Hebrews 5:12-6:3
We’ve talked before about the first principles of Christ. We’ve studied the things listed here, and learned of what the Bible had to say on them. Today, let us consider the first principles of the world. Let us look at what they are and where they lead.

Colossians 2:8-10 -Cheated through empty words and basic principles
-Not according to Christ

Human Tradition
We must not allow human traditions, great or small, to be our guide in this life.
Matthew 15:1-9 -Christ condemns replacing God’s word with tradition

Hollow Philosophy
How many “good sounding” philosophies are there in this world? How many intelligent men have come up with ideas which people hold to and follow because they sound good?
I Corinthians 1:20-25 -Where is the philosopher? God’s wisdom is greater

Colossians 2:11-17 -Directed at Christians who have put on Christ
Colossians 2:18-19 -Do not let yourself be cheated by:

Worship of Angels
There is only one we are to worship: God.
Revelation 22:8-9 -John told by the angel who gave the vision to only worship God
Exodus 20:3-6 -No other gods

Intruding into things he has not seen
In zeal, many people make declarations about things they do not understand, whether small or great. Let us each remember there are bounds on what we know.
Romans 10:2 -Zeal not in accordance with knowledge
Proverbs 19:2 -Zeal without knowledge is not good
Job 26:5-14 -Who can understand the fringes of God’s power?

Not holding fast to the head
Christ is the head. If we do not hold to Him, then we are lost and not part of the body.
Hebrews 3:15 -We must hold fast to be of His house

Colossians 2:20-23 -As Christians, should be dead to the basic principles of the world

”Do not touch/taste/handle”
Some things are forbidden by God. Yet many would add things that they think should be avoided.
I Timothy 4:3-5 -Forbid to marry and to eat certain foods

Appearance of Wisdom
There are many things that seem wise, yet are contrary to what God says. Which shall we hold to? The simple, foolish things of Christ? Or the “wisdom” of men?
I Corinthians 1:26-31 -God chose the “foolish things”

Self-imposed Religion
Who should choose what is worship? The one being worshipped? Or the worshiper? The answer is clear: the one who is worshipped. Let us not decide on our own what the Lord wants!
John 4:24 -Worship in spirit and in truth
Isaiah 1:10-17 -Improper worship

False Humility
Have you ever seen people make a pretence of their humility? “Why, everyone should be as humble as me! I’m the most humble person I know!”
Matthew 23:23-28 -Hypocrisy of the Pharisees

Neglect of the Body
There are those, throughout history, who have decided that the best way to worship God was through self abuse and making a show of it.
Matthew 6:16-18 -Improper fasting

Indulgence of the Flesh
The elementary teachings of the world are of no use in helping us not indulge in the things of the flesh. Let us instead hold to those things which will help us!
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
I Peter 4:2-4 -In our past we…

Galatians 4:3-9 -”elements of the world” lead to bondage

Emotion, not "Emotionalism" - 10/5/08am

When you read passages such as Mark 15:16-37, what goes through your mind? Do you simply think, “My, that’s an interesting fact?”
Or how about passages such as Matthew 11:28-30? Do you simply think to yourself, “that’s nice?”

What we will see in scripture is that emotion is tied to faith. It is not the basis of our faith, nor the ultimate display of it, but it is an outcome.

Emotion is tied to righteousness:
Luke 17:11-19 -His emotion is apparently tied in with faith
James 5:13 -The relationship between singing to god and emotion

Happiness and Joy
Matthew 5:12 -Christ tells us to rejoice and be glad
Acts 2:46 -Disciples eat daily with gladness
Acts 5:41 -Apostles rejoice
Acts 8:35-39 -Ethiopian eunuch rejoices
Acts 11:23 -Peter is glad
Acts 13:47-48 -Gentiles were glad that they could be included
Acts 16:25-34 -Jailor converted, rejoices
Philippians 4:4 -Rejoice in the Lord always!

Sorrow
Psalm 51 -David’s sorrow at having sinned with Bathsheba
Matthew 26:69-75 -Peter weeps after denying Christ
2 Corinthians 7:10 -Godly sorrow

Righteous Anger
Exodus 32:19-21 -Moses is angry at the Israelite’s sin
John 2:13-17 -Jesus clears the temple
Ephesians 4:26 -Anger is not condemned, but we are warned to be properly angry

Fear
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -Fear God and keep his commandments
I Peter 2:17 -Fear God

Awe
Psalm 33:8 -Let all men stand in awe of Him
Luke 5:26 -Full of awe and gave glory to God

Peace
John 16:32-33 -Christ taught that we might have peace
Romans 5:1-2 -Peace ion Christ (as well as joy)
Philippians 4:6-7 -Peace of God


There is a place in worshipping God for emotion. Christ showed godly emotion. The apostles showed godly emotion. Perhaps we should too?

If you haven’t been baptized, now is the opportunity to have the peace that comes with Christ, that you may rejoice in being saved. Or perhaps you are sorrowful that you have drifted away from God, and wish to return. Or perhaps you simply want the prayers of the saints for strength and encouragement. Now is the opportunity set aside here to come forward as we stand and sing.

Sacrifice - 8/28/08pm

In the Old Testament
We’ll take a few minutes to look at some of the offerings that were offered in the Old Testament. We will notice several things about these sacrifices, as well as some things they all have in common.
Genesis 4:1-7 -The sacrifices of Cain and Abel
Leviticus 1:1-5 -Burnt offering from the herd
Leviticus 1:10-11 -Burnt offering from the flock
Leviticus 1:14-15 -Burnt offering of birds
Leviticus 2:1, 4, 7, 11-12 -Grain offerings
Leviticus 3:1-2 -Peace offering from the herd
Leviticus 3:6-8 -Peace offering from the flock
Leviticus 3:12-13 -Peace offering of a goat
Leviticus 4:1-7 -Sin offering
I Samuel 15:22-23 -Saul’s wrong sacrifice, Samuel’s response
Hebrews 10:1-10 -The sacrifices of the Old Law foreshadow Christ

Of the Perfect Lamb
The blood of bulls and goats could not atone for the sins of man. However, we do have a perfect atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Ephesians 5:2 -Christ’s loving sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to God
Isaiah 53:1-12 -As a lamb he was led to the slaughter
I Peter 1:17-21 -Christ’s atoning sacrifice
Mankind had been used to offering sacrifices to God. But now we see that God made a sacrifice for man! And we see the same attributes applied to the Old Testament sacrifices applied to our Lord.

Of Ourselves
Sometimes it is difficult to make sacrifice of what we have. Yet for many things, and for many people, we are willing to make sacrifices. Parents often sacrifice for their children. We may make sacrifices for friends. But above all, we must be willing to offer ourselves as a sacrifice for God.
Romans 11:28-12:2 -Because of God’s love and our change, be a sacrifice
Luke 14:25-27 -We must be willing to give up all else to follow Christ
Philippians 3:1-11 -Paul was willing to count all as loss, for the sake of Christ

Our sacrifice, our life, should be offered to the Lord.
-It should be of our best, not what is left over.
-It should be done obediently, as He wants it, not as we want it.
-It should be appropriate and al encompassing.-It should be because He has already sacrificed for us.
We must be willing to give up the things we treasure most, if necessary. We must be willing to live a life dedicated, set apart, to His service. We must strive to be the unblemished sacrifice.

The Pharisees' Leaven - 8/28/08am

Luke 12:1 -Which is hypocrisy

Leaven
Galatians 5:9 -A little leaven leavens the whole lump
I Corinthians 5:6-8 -Purge the old leaven (including hypocrisy)
Luke 13:20-21 -The kingdom is like leaven, and should fill us (no room for other leaven)

The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
Matthew 23:1-3 -The Pharisees taught properly, acted wrongly
Matthew 23:4 -They teach to do, but do not do themselves
Matthew 23:5-12 -Doing things to be seen of men
Matthew 23:13 -They shut the kingdom against men
Matthew 23:14 -Devour widows’ houses
-Make a pretence of prayer
Matthew 23:15 -Travel to teach others, turning them to wrong way
Matthew 23:16-22 -Wrongful oaths to avoid fulfillment
Matthew 23:23-24 -Keep the parts that are clearly seen, ignore the others
Matthew 23:25-28 -Cleanse the outside, not the inside
Matthew 23:29-30 -”We wouldn’t do something like that!”
Matthew 23:31-36 -They are warned, taught, and for not repenting, they are condemned

Its Effect:
Matthew 23:13 -Shuts the kingdom against men

It prevents our own entry
I Peter 2:1-3 -Lay aside hypocrisy
Job 13:13-16 -A hypocrite can not stand before Him
Job 27:8-10 -What hope does a hypocrite have?

It prevents others from entering
Galatians 2:11-13 -Peter’s hypocrisy leads others astray
I Peter 2:11-12 -Let your works be good so others may glorify God

The Misled Monarch - 9/14/08pm

Genesis 12:10-20

What can we learn from Pharaoh?

He was deceived by lies (vv 11-15)
Much as Pharaoh was deceived, so we can be to. And being deceived can lead us into as much, and more, trouble as he received.
II Thessalonians 2:8-12 -Being deceived can result in eternal condemnation
II Timothy 4:3-4 -People will want their ears tickled and turn aside to deceptions
Colossians 3:5-11 -Do not lie to one another

He treated others well (v 16)
Pharaoh extended hospitality and saw to it that he treated others well. Even at the end, when he had justification for punishing Abram, he did not, but simply sent them on their way.
Matthew 22:34-40 -Love your neighbor
Matthew 7:12 -Do unto others…
Galatians 6:10 -Do good to all men, especially the household of faith

He had to deal with the consequences of another’s sin (vv 17-18)
Pharaoh had to deal with the consequences of another man’s sin. He was not the one who had lied, yet he had to deal with what came of it.
Genesis 3:14-19 -We have the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin
Genesis 39:6-20 -Joseph suffers from the sin of Potiphar’s wife

He took steps to correct the problem when he discovered it (vv 18-20)
When the problem became apparent, Pharaoh did not ignore it. He did what was necessary to solve it. We need to be sure to take the same approach: when it is our error, we much fix it, and when it is another’s, we work in love to help them correct it.
I Corinthians 5:1-5 -Paul took steps, the Corinthians were to take steps, the individuals involved should have taken steps
Galatians 6:1 -Restore the sinner GENTLY, watching yourself

He did not remain close to the sin, but put it away from himself (vv 18-20)
Sometimes we are tempted to remain close to what tempts us. Pharaoh did not! He put away and had no more to do with it. We should follow his example in this.
II Timothy 2:22 -FLEE youthful lusts, pursue righteousness
I Peter 4:2-4 -USED to do these things, but they no longer run with
those people
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Such WERE some of you
I Corinthians 10:14 -FLEE idolatry



There are other lessons to be learned from the account as well.

Physical vs. spiritual thinking (vv 10-13)
Abram was thinking more about his physical condition and well being than about what was spiritually right. It is something that is easy to do, and as we can see, even this great man of God fell into this trap. We must be certain to first put our thoughts and focus on all things spiritual!
Philippians 3:18-19 -If your focus is the physical, you are an enemy of Christ
Hebrews 11:13-16 -The great people here looked to the spiritual, so
should we

Abram faced consequences for his sin (v 20)
Abram was sent away from Egypt, where he had sought relief from the famine, because of what he had caused. As he was sent away, so we will be sent from the presence of God for our sin.
Ezekiel 44:10-14 -The Levites who turned away were kept from the holy
things
Matthew 25:31-46 -The sheep and the goats

God is displeased with sin (v 17)
God does not like sin. He hates it. And, in serving Him, we are to hate it as well. We should strive to put away that which is evil, and strive to follow after what is good.
Isaiah 59:1-2 -Sin is repugnant to God, and you are separated from
Him by it
Romans 12:9 -Hate what is evil

A Life Without God - 9/14/08am

A life without the Lord is truly a sad thing, is it not? What is the value of a life spent on self?

A Love of self

A life of wisdom?
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 -Is grasping for the wind
We have all known people who sought worldly knowledge and wisdom. We all know people who show great intelligence. Yet, what does it get them? In the end, it amounts to nothing, does it not?

A life of pleasure?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 -Is without profit
Again, we all know people who seem to live for having fun. How long does fun last? A few minutes? A few hours? Most of a day? Enjoying yourself is perfectly acceptable, but what is the point in living solely for your own enjoyment?

A life at work?
Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 -Is vanity
We all have seen people whose work comes first. Work is everything. Work is most important. And what does it gain them, in the long run? Not only is it less than satisfactory in this life, it does not help in eternity.

A life of prestige?
Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 -Is vanity and grasping for the wind
How many people in this world seek fame and prestige? Yet, what does it profit them? How many unhappy people are there who are famous? How much does it help prepare for eternity?

A life of wealth?
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 -Is vanity and without profit
Again, it is nice to have a little extra spending money, isn’t it? But of what permanent value is it? We bring nothing into this world, and we take nothing out of it.


A life of Christ

John 15:4-13 -Abide in Christ, commands, and love

I John 2:3-11 -We abide in Christ if we have godly love
I John 2:15-17 -The love of the world vs. godly love
I John 2:24-27 -The truth must abide in us
I John 2:28-3:9 -Avoiding sin as children of God to abide in Him
I John 3:24-4:6 -Abiding in Christ is avoiding error
I John 4:7-16 -We must love Christ first above all else to abide in Him
Consequences of each
Mark 8:34-38 -What is the profit if a man loses his own soul?
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -The whole of man

The Apostle Timothy - 9/7/08pm

Being A) a young man and B) a preacher, it is probably not all that surprising that I spend a great deal of time reading and studying Paul’s letters to Timothy. As such, I would like to spend some time discussing some of the things I have found about Timothy that might help us all to become better servants of the master.

Impact of Godly upbringing
Timothy was brought up in the Jewish faith by his mother and grandmother, as opposed to what his father believed. I’m sure it was not the easy thing for his mother to do, yet it was done. Parents, look at the results of a godly upbringing! And children, look what happens when you heed godly parents!
Acts 16:1-5 -Jewish mother, gentile father
II Timothy 1:3-5 -Sincere faith which was in his grandmother and mother
II Timothy 3:14-15 -Timothy had been taught since childhood
Acts 14:4-7 -Possibly the time when Timothy responded to gospel

Working with other Christians
Let us consider the effort Timothy put forth in working with other Christians. In Acts 16-20, he travels with Paul, and served well in the roles he filled. When he was needed, he did not make excuses: he went.
Acts 17:10-15 -Timothy is called by Paul to help him
Acts 18:5 -Timothy came (without excuse)
Colossians 1:1 -Timothy is a co-writer of the letter with Paul
I Timothy 1:18 -Paul refers to Timothy as a son

A job to do
As with all Christians, Timothy had specific works to take care of and charges to fulfill. It may not have been what he always wanted, but it’s what he needed to do. And so, he did it.
I Timothy 1:3 -Was to stay behind and teach (not the glorious job)
I Timothy 4:1-16 -The things he was to teach, and set an example in
I Thess. 1:1, 2:6 -The work of an apostle

Taught others
Timothy was to teach others. To preach in season and out of season. And we see that it was not just his peers he was called to teach, but those who under ordinary, worldly circumstances, he would not instruct.
I Timothy 5:1-2 -Including those who are older than he was
I Timothy 6:17-19 -Those wealthier than he was



Difficult doctrines
In his teaching, he, a young man, was called on to teach doctrines that are still considered difficult by many. This could not have been easy for Timothy. Remember, it was not just his peers or those younger he was teaching.
I Timothy 3:1-13 -Elders and Deacons
I Timothy 5:3-20 -Church support and benevolence

Timidity
Is it any wonder then that Timothy seems to have trouble with timidity? It seems to be something he struggled with. Yet as far as the scriptures reveal, he persevered. Even though it was not the easiest thing for him to do, he fulfilled his charge to teach!
I Corinthians 16:10-11 -Admonition to Corinthians that Timothy be without fear
II Timothy 1:5-8, 12, 16 -Admonition to Timothy to not be ashamed or timid

Sickness
Timothy was often sick. I’ve always thought that this was largely stress induced (he was, after all, apparently a reserved and shy man). And as such, I see a good deal of his willingness to serve God in this: that he would work and be concerned enough to make himself sick. And even then, would not fall back on medicinal aids to cure it, but could continue!
I Timothy 5:23 -Timothy was often sick (apparently at the stomach)

Are we so steadfast in our work for Christ? Are we willing to follow Timothy’s example and work, regardless of how easy or difficult it may be? Are we willing to do what is needed and serve wholeheartedly? Are we willing to be like Paul and encourage people who serve as Timothy did?

The Mountain of the Lord -9/7/08am

Micah 4:1-3 -Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord

In the scripture, there is a great deal of worship, both false and true, that takes place on mountains. And these separate occasions are there for us to learn from, that we may be better able to worship and serve the Lord.

People have always gone up to high places in order to be closer to deity. Often in the Old Testament, people worship false gods or wrongly worship the Lord at “high places.”

Promises and Proofs
Let us consider the matter of the great flood. At the end of it, the Lord made a promise to man. And more than that, He provided us with a sign, a proof, of the covenant, that we may look at it and be assured.
Genesis 8:1-5 -The ark settles on Mount Ararat
Genesis 9:8-17 -The Lord promises not to destroy the earth by water

Faith
In Abraham, we see a great deal of faith and trust in the Lord. One of the more astonishing occasions takes place on Mount Moriah.
Genesis 22:1-14 -Abraham takes Isaac to Mount Moriah
Hebrews 11:17-19 -It was counted as faithfulness

Obedience
In Moses, we see examples of obedience and disobedience. We see the emphasis the Lord places on compliance with His will, and of the disaster or failing to do so.
Exodus 3:1-13 -Moses, the burning bush, Mount Horeb
Exodus 19:10-20 -Moses goes up to Mount Sinai

Power
We also see the power and might of the Lord displayed on a mountain, and in a situation that easily compares the Lord’s power with those of idols and false gods.
I Kings 18:20-29 -There is no power in false gods
I Kings 18:30-39 -God’s power is shown at Mount Carmel

Location
In the Old Testament, worship was largely confined to a specific location, whether the tabernacle or the temple. Now, we know the location does not matter.
John 4:19-24 -It is not the location that matters in worship

The rock not cut by hands that grows into a mountain
We can still, today, go up to the mountain of the Lord! Through baptism and being added to the Lord’s church, we can go up to the mountain of the Lord to be close to Him.
Daniel 2:31-36 -Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar his dream
Daniel 2:37-45 -The interpretation of the dream

Isaiah 2:1-4 -Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord

Have you gone up to the mountain of the Lord?

God's Chosen People - 8/31/08pm

God Chose Abraham
Genesis 12:1-3 -God makes 3 promises to Abraham
Genesis 17:1-22 -God chose Abraham
“everlasting” is olam with the preposition le, meaning a weaker sense.
It means “for the duration” or “until the end of the current era.”
It is also used in conjunction with the Sabbath, Passover, Levitical priesthood, burnt offerings, the lamp burning in the tabernacle, circumcision, and Canaan as a possession.
Genesis 28:10-15 -Reaffirmed with Jacob, Abraham’s grandson

God Chose the Children of Israel
Exodus 19:3-6 -Israel is a chosen nation

The Covenant was Fulfilled and Completed
The Nation:
Exodus 1:1-14 -The size of the children of Israel
Exodus 12:31-39 -The size of the children of Israel
The Land:
Joshua 11:16-23 -Joshua conquers the promised land
The Seed:
Matthew 5:17 -Christ came to fulfill the covenant
Galatians 3:5-9 -Gentiles blessed through promise to Abraham
I Timothy 2:1-7 -Christ wants, and was ransom for, all men to be saved

The Covenant Had been Finished
Colossians 2:14 -Nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -Abolished the Old Law
Hebrews 8:13 -The Old was obsolete, and so replaced

God Chose His Church
Colossians 3:12-13 -The church is the chosen/elect of God
I Peter 2:9-11 -Christians are a chosen generation/people
I Peter 1:1-5 -For obedience, hope, inheritance, and salvation


Numbers 14:26-38 -God punishes those who refuse to enter the land
Just as those who were disobedient among God’s people in the Old Testament could not enter the promised land, so it is with us. Will you obey? Or will you be cast out as unfaithful to the Lord?

The Love of a Just God - 8/31/08am

John 3:16 -For God so loved the world
Many people today look at the Lord’s promised punishment for sin and think that a loving God could not possibly do such a thing. And since we know that God is loving, He couldn’t do such a thing. Let us examine the nature of God’s love and of His justice.

I John 4:7-19 -God is love

Yet, does not the Lord also love His Son?
Mark 1:9-11 -God’s beloved Son
II Peter 1:16-18 -God loves His Son
If, for those of you with children, someone repeatedly abuses your child, what is the course of love? Are you more loving if you ignore the abuse out of “love” for the abuser? Or are you more loving if you take action against it? How often have we seen on the news someone who knowingly allows their child to be continually mistreated in horrific ways? And how often have you heard someone say that it was because the person was “just so loving?”
Hebrews 6:4-6 -When we sin, we crucify Christ again
It is easy, in this self-centered world, to forget about others. God does not. He remembers His only begotten son. Would we then say that God must give us rewards, even though we have abused His Son in such a way, while ignoring the love He has for His Son? Do we presume to declare that we deserve such?

God’s love, even though we are undeserving
Romans 3:23 -All have sinned and fallen short
Romans 5:6-11 -While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
Titus 2:11-15 -Salvation through grace
-Notice that grace teaches and requires godly living!
God’s love is seen in that even though we do not deserve it, we are given grace: the opportunity to have eternal life. Salvation is not a “right” we have as human beings. It is something undeserved that has been offered to us.

God is a just God, which is love for those who follow Him
Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 -Wickedness instead of justice
Ecclesiastes 5:8 -Oppression of the poor and a perversion of justice
What do we have to say about betrayals of justice? Who is happy when a guilty person receives no consequences for their crimes?
Psalm 89:14 -Justice is a foundation of His throne
Isaiah 45:20-25 -The Lord is just
II Thessalonians 1:3-10 -Vengeance in recompense

His justice will be based on what we do
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10 -Do as you like, God will judge what you do
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -God will bring every work into judgment
Colossians 3:23-25 -Repayment for the righteous and unrighteous

In His loving justice, there is much deserved punishment
Romans 3:8 -Their condemnation is just
Revelation 20:11-15 -Evildoers will be cast into the lake of fire

In His merciful justice, there is undeserved reward
Jude 1:21 -Keep yourself in His love, looking forward to eternal life
Revelation 21:1-7 -A new heaven and a new earth

The Temple of the Lord - 8/24/08pm

Solomon’s Temple

I Kings 6:1-8 -Great care was taken in measuring the temple
-Construction was done in such a way as to keep the site as pure and unbothered as possible

I Kings 6:9-13 -If Israel walks according to God’s will, He will dwell among them

I Kings 6:14-30 -Notice the extreme care Solomon gives to the details: the small things that so many people would have ignored

I Kings 6:31-38 -There is as much detail given in how it looks on the outside as on the inside
-It takes time to bring it to completion

Zerubbabel’s Temple

Ezra 3:10-13 -The new temple was not as grand as the first

Herod’s Temple

John 2:13-22 -God is angry when the temple is misused
-It took quite some time to complete the temple

The Temple Today

Ephesians 2:19-22 -The church as “a holy temple in the Lord”
I Corinthians 6:19-20 -We are each “the temple of the Holy Spirit”
Those same traits that we looked at regarding the physical temples built in the Old Testament should

Measured to the standard
Hebrews 4:12-13 -The word judges the heart

Kept pure, undefiled, and uncontaminated
James 1:27 -Keep one’s self unspotted from the world

Walking according to God’s will
II John 1:6 -Walk according to His commandments

Attention to details
Galatians 5:7-10 -A little leaven leavens the whole lump

That we are seen to be like Christ
Galatians 2:20 -Christ lives in me

Time to mature
I Timothy 3:1-13 -Elders and Deacons, about 10 years after first teaching

That we weep when we are not what we should be
II Corinthians 7:8-11 -Godly sorrow

That we do not misuse ourselves
Colossians 3:17 -Whatever you do, do if in the name of Jesus Christ

Be Not Deceived - 8/24/08am

Proverbs 13:5 -A righteous man hates falsehood

Proverbs 29:12 -If a king believes lies, his servants become wicked

We do not like it when we are deceived and lied to, do we? Yet how often do we deceive ourselves, or allow ourselves to be deceived so that we may do something that we want to? How often have the words, “Well, it won’t happen to me,” crossed our lips? How often have we thought, “This time, it’ll be different.” The Bible warns us of several things that we may deceive ourselves about. Let us examine these things to see what the Lord has to say!

We Should Not Be Deceived About

Deuteronomy 11:13-17 -Don’t turn away to other gods

Jeremiah 37:6-10 -God’s will cannot be thwarted

Luke 21:8 -Others will come in Christ’s name
Acts 20:25-31 -Men will arise to turn men aside after themselves

I Corinthians 3:18-23 -If someone thinks himself wise, let him become foolish
I Corinthians 1:18-25 -The gospel seems foolish to many

I Corinthians 6:9-11 -These shall not inherit the kingdom of God

I Corinthians 15:33 -Bad company corrupts good morals
I Kings 11:1-13 -Solomon the wise is turned away by companions

Galatians 6:7 -Whatever a man sows, so shall he reap

James 1:16-18 -Every good and perfect gift is from above

James 1:22-25 -Do not merely listen to the word without action

I John 1:8 -If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us
Romans 3:23 -ALL have sinned and fallen short
II Peter 3:9 -ALL need to repent




What Happens if We Are Deceived?

Genesis 12:10-20 -Pharaoh is deceived and punished by God

I Kings 13:1-25 -The man of God who is deceived by a lie, eats, and is killed by a lion

II Thessalonians 2:5-12 -God will send a strong delusion, and they will be condemned

The Hands of Nehemiah - 8/17/08pm

The hands that could be trusted
Nehemiah 1:1-2:6 -Nehemiah, a cupbearer, wants to repair Jerusalem
Nehemiah was trusted. As a cupbearer, he was in a position of great trust: that he wouldn’t poison the king. He could be trusted to do the right thing. He could be trusted to not to the wrong thing. Are our hands as trustworthy?
Psalm 118:8 -It is better to trust in the Lord
Matthew 5:33-37 -Let your yes be yes, and your no be no, without oaths


The hands that were prepared
Nehemiah 4:1-23 -The men work while armed
Nehemiah saw to it that the workers were ready at all times. It didn’t matter that they were busy doing other things: they were prepared for the enemy. As Christians, we do have an enemy. Are our hands prepared? Are we ready to fight at all times?
II Timothy 4:1-2 -Be ready in season and out of season
I Peter 3:15 -Be prepared to give an explanation
I Peter 5:8-9 -Be sober and vigilant, for the devil stalks

We must also be prepared for the end. Just as each day is spent being prepared to fight sin and temptation, we must be prepared for judgment day.
II Peter 3:11-13 -What manner of persons ought you to be?
Luke 12:16-21 -The unprepared barn builder


The hands that were strengthened
Nehemiah 6:1-9 -Sanballat sends threatening letters, Nehemiah prays
Nehemiah 6:15-16 -The wall is rebuilt in 52 days
Nehemiah prayed that the Lord would strengthen his hands. And we see that the Lord does so. The result is that the walls are built amazingly quickly. Have we prayed that our hands are strengthened, that we can more quickly and effectively do the Lord’s will?
I Corinthians 1:20-25 -God’s weakness is greater than man’s strength
II Timothy 4:9-18 -But the Lord strengthened
Philippians 4:13 -I can do all things through Him who strengthens me

Jericho - 8/17/08am

Jericho is, quite possibly the oldest city in the world. And the many long years it has stood, and the many events that have taken place there teach us something: God keeps His promises.

Joshua 2:1-7
Promise 1: The promised land
Genesis 15:17-21 -Abraham promised the land of Canaan
Exodus 6: 6-8 -God reaffirms the promise to Moses
Hebrews 11:13-16 -Looking ahead to a promised land, as do we

Joshua 2:8-24
Promise 2: Salvation comes to those who believe
Hebrews 11:31 -Rahab’s faith

Joshua 6:1-7
Promise 3: God gave them the city
Ephesians 2:8-10 -Gift of grace, created for good works

Joshua 8:9-27
Promise 4: God will help those who obey
Matthew 6:25-34 -Seek first the kingdom, and these will be added

II Samuel 10:1-5
Promise 5: The world will hate you
I John 3:11-15 -Do not be surprised if the world hates you

I Kings 16:34
Promise 6: Actions have consequences
Revelation 22:12-15 -The saved and the not saved

Luke 19:1-10
Promise 7: Salvation comes to those who obey
Hebrews 5:8-10 -Salvation to those who obey Him
I John 2:15-17 -The man who does the Lord’s will lives forever

Spiritual Gifts - 8/10/08pm

Much confusion exists over the matter of spiritual gifts. Let us consider what the Bible says about such things, that we may discern the truth!

Acts 8:9-25 Simon the Sorcerer
Vs 8-11 People were deceived by his “miraculous” abilities.
Vs 12-13 They (including Simon) believed the gospel, and were astonished by the miracles they saw (evidently better than Simon’s)
Vs 14-17 Apostles lay on hands, giving the Holy Spirit
Vs 18-19 Simon goes to an apostle for laying on of hands, not one of the others
Vs 20-25 Simon tried to gain the spirit by physical means, and was rebuked

I Corinthians 12:1-11 Spiritual gifts: different sorts for the common good
Vs 8: Word of Wisdom
Knowledge
Vs 9: Faith
Healing
Acts 3:1-10 Peter wholly heals a well known lame beggar
Vs 10: Miracles
Prophecy
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Know a prophet by whether he’s right
Discerning of Spirits
Speaking in Tongues
Acts 2:1-13 Apostles speak in tongues they hadn’t studied
Interpreting Tongues

I Corinthians 12:27-13:13 Spiritual gifts: temporary nature of
Vs 8: Prophecies will cease
Tongues will cease
Knowledge will pass away
Vs 10: That which is perfect comes, and then they will end
Hebrews 2:2-4 Purpose of spiritual gifts
Vs 11: These are the “childish” things
Vs 12: Seen darkly in a mirror - a poor reflection
Vs 13: Faith, hope, and love remain AFTER the perfect has come. If “the perfect” is Christ, then why would faith and hope remain?

I Corinthians 14:1-25 Spiritual gifts: prophecy and tongues
Vs 1-5 Prophecy greater than tongues
Tongues edify self, not others
Vs 6-12 If speaking in different language, what good is it?
Vs 13-17 No edification or understanding with tongues
Vs 18-25 Tongues are for the unbeliever, prophecy for the believer
Tongues: speak to new people to convert them
Prophecy: fill in knowledge for believers

I Corinthians 14:26-40 Spiritual gifts: the orderly use of
Vs 26-28 Speaking in tongues to be done in limited amount, one at a time in the assembly, or remain silent if without an interpreter
Vs 29-33 When prophets speak, others should weight their words, and all should be done in turn for the sake of order and edification
Vs 34-40 They should want spiritual gifts, but everything should be done in an orderly fashion

Descriptions of the Church - 8/10/08am

Romans 16:16 “churches of Christ”

I have, for some time, taken issue with referring to some words on a sign as a “name” of a church. I may be splitting hairs, but I think of those words as a “description” of the church. The church needs no proper name, as Christ only established one (Much as we do not assign a name to the moon, since we have only one moon. However, planets with multiple moons have names for their moons.). What we find in scripture are a number of different descriptions of it, each of which gives us some insight into the nature, purpose, an construction of the church.

Descriptions that Denote Ownership
Acts 20:28 “church of God”
The church belongs to God. If it is the Lord’s, then the way it operates, the way it is organized, and those in it must act in accordance with His wishes.
I Timothy 3:15 “church of the Living God”
While being close to the previous one, this indicates an ongoing ownership, not simply a reference to the founder: I AM retains ownership.
Hebrews 12:23 “church of the firstborn”
The church of the firstborn: Christ. This denotes several things about the church:
A) It belongs to Christ, the firstborn of God
B) I calls to mind the authority of God as the Father
C) “Firstborn” indicates others born after, which would be us as Christians
Descriptions of Authority
Acts 19:8 “kingdom of God”
The kingdom of God suggests absolute authority on God’s part.
Ephesians 5:5 “kingdom of Christ and God”
This suggests the role not only of the Father, but of the Son in the church as having authority.
Colossians 1:13 “kingdom of His dear Son”
Once again, a reference to the Son, Christ, as king over the church. Also a note on the relationship between the Father and the Son: His dear Son. It gives us a little understanding of God’s view of when we go against Christ’s wishes in the church.

Descriptions that Denote Composition
Acts 9:1 “disciples of the Lord”
A disciple is someone who learns and follows someone else. The disciples of the Lord are followers of Christ. If someone is not truly following Christ: both His teachings, His actions, and His beliefs, then such a person is not a disciple and is not a member of the church.
Acts 9:2 “the Way”
Our closeness to Christ (the way, the truth, and the light). The church should be indistinguishable from Christ in its characteristics. It also indicates how many paths there are to salvation and heaven.
I Corinthians 14:33 “church of the saints”
A saint is one who is sanctified: that is, set apart for God’s purpose. The church is made up of such people. We also see, I believe, hints of “the Sabbath was made for man,” in this. The church is for our benefit, not we are here for the church’s benefit.
Colossians 1:18 “Christ’s body”
Not only does this indicate who is in charge, it also tells us about function. We each serve a specific purpose in the body. And as the body, we are to carry out the orders passed on from the head. If we are not obeying the head, we’re not part of the body.
Ephesians 2:22 “the household of God”
Christians are the household of God. God is the head of the house, and His household is made up of those who are part of His family.
Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18 “church in ____________”
Revelation 3:1, 7, 14
This is the most common description of a local congregation: a group of Christians in a specific location. More specifically, it means, “assembly in______.” The church (local) is made up of people in a close geographic proximity. The church (universal) is made up of people in many places, often far away.

In Parables
Matthew 13:31-32 The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed
The church began small: very small. It has grown, however. And grown quite large!
Matthew 13:33 The kingdom of heaven is like leaven
The church has growth. Both numerically and spiritually.
Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure in a field
The church is something precious. It is so precious that we need to be willing to give up everything to be a part of it.
Matthew 13:45 The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking pearls
The church is precious not just to those who happen to find it, but also to those seeking it (and truth and God, etc.).
Matthew 13:47-50 The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet
The church is like a net: those that “join” aren’t always doing as they should. But nonetheless, we try to save as many souls as possible, and in the end, the Lord will be the judge.
Matthew 20:1-16 The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
The reward promised for being a part of the church is the same, regardless of when you put on Christ. If you convert in your youth, middle age, or when you are elderly, the promise is there of eternal life. But remember, we are not guaranteed so much as another minute. Will you be a worker in the Lord’s vineyard? Will you join yourself to His church and be baptized? Will you continue serving faithfully?

Christ's Authority - 8/3/08pm

Matthew 28:18-20 ALL authority in heaven and on earth

Authority was evident
Those around Christ could see that He held authority, and that when He spoke, it was different from when others spoke.
Matthew 7:28-29 Taught as one with authority

Authority over creation
How many times do we see Christ showing His authority over all things created? Whether it was in pure mastery over it, or whether it was the ability to miraculously manipulate created things to His will, Christ showed His authority over all created things.
Mark 4:35-41 Authority over the elements
Mark 5:1-20 Authority to cast out demons
Mark 5:21-34 Authority over sickness
Mark 5:35-43 Authority over death

Authority from the Father
Christ did not work based on His own authority, but rather, from the authority give to Him by God the Father. When Christ spoke or acted, it was by the Father’s will. As such, Christ’s authority over things was the Father’s authority over things.
John 3:34-36 John says the Father gave all things to Christ
John 13:3 Father gave all into His hands
I Corinthians 15:24 Will give it back to the Father
Ephesians 1:20-23 Father gave Him to have all things under His feet

Authority over the church
We see that Christ was put in charge of His church. And that the things He decided were the things bound on those who followed Him.
Ephesians 5:22-33 Christ is over the church
Colossians 1:16-20 Christ is the head, the church is the body

Authority over judgment
We see that in the end, we will be judged by Christ and by the things He spoke. His authority reaches all the way to judgment day.
John 5:17-30 The Father gave Christ the authority to judge
John 12:44-50 Christ’s words will judge in the last day

Repentance - 8/3/08am

Joel 2:12-14 Rend you heart, not your garments

What is repentance?
II Corinthians 7:8-12 Godly sorrow leads to repentance - action
II Corinthians 12:19-21 Paul afraid the Corinthians haven’t repented
Being “sorry” isn’t the same as repentance:
Matthew 27:3-5 Judas is sorrowful

What does repentance accomplish?
I Kings 8:46-51 Solomon prays that God will forgive the penitent
Jonah 3:1-10 Nineveh repents and is spared by God
Acts 3:17-19 Repent so your sins may be washed away
Romans 2:5-11 God’s consequences for (non)repentance

Who needs to repent?
Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fallen short
II Peter 3:9 All should come to repentance
Acts 17:30 God commands all to repent
II Samuel 12:1-23 Even David, a man after God’s own heart, needed to repent.
-Repentance does not mean there will be no consequences

How do we repent?
Judges 2:6-19 When people turned back to God, away from sin, He helped them
Acts 26:19-20 Perform deeds appropriate to repentance
Acts 8:18-24 Simon repents through prayer and action

When should we repent?
Romans 13:11-14 The time is at hand
I Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 The day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night
James 4:13-17 Life is short, so do good

The Things They Couldn't Do - 7/27/08pm

“But I wouldn’t know what to say!”

Moses
Moses saw the burning bush and talked to God. God gave him direction. And what did Moses do? He made excuses. But once he obeyed anyway, what happened?
Exodus 3:1-12 The Burning Bush
Exodus 4:10-17 Slow of speech

Paul
We often read the reasoned, sometimes blunt letters of Paul. It appears that perhaps he was not so impressive in person. It seems that he was not a great orator. But did he let that stop him?
II Corinthians 10:9-11 Paul was impressive in person
II Corinthians 11:6 Paul not a trained speaker

“I can’t talk to those people!”

Jonah
Jonah was given a task that he didn’t like. He was ordered to go to Nineveh and teach the people there. He held nothing but hate in his heart for the people of Assyira though, so he tried to avoid his duty.
Jonah 1:1-3 Ordered to Nineveh, flees for Tarshish
Jonah 3:1-6 Nineveh repents
Jonah 4:1-3 Jonah is angry

Peter
Peter was a Jew. And what we see is that he held on to some of that, and tended to avoid gentiles, even after they too began following Christ.
Acts 10:9-29 Peter’s vision of a large sheet and animals
Galatians 2:11-14 Peter rebuked by Paul for avoiding gentile believers

“I can’t do this on my own!”

Barak
Barak didn’t feel like he could win, if he went without Deborah. What we see, however, is that because he didn’t take initiative, that the honor went to someone else, to his shame.
Judges 4:1-10 Barak will only fight if Deborah will go with him
Judges 4:12-22 The Lord gives victory, Jael kills Sisera


Elijah
Elijah felt like he couldn’t continue because he was all alone in his service to God. God showed him that he was never alone: God was with him. And Elijah continued to serve God until the day he was taken.
I Kings 19:1-9 Elijah gives up
I Kings 19:10-18 Elijah is “shown the Lord” and given further instructions

“I can’t forsake the Lord!”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
Nebuchadnezzar had decided that when the music played, everyone must bow and worship the idol he had created. Yet, three men refused to do so, choosing to follow the Lord instead
Daniel 3:13-18 They refuse to bow, putting trust in the Lord
Daniel 3: 19-27 The Lord protects them

Stephen
Stephen, the Bible says, chose to preach and teach instead of stopping like the Jews wanted him to do. Even though it cost him his life, he preached. His entire attitude was one of refusing to forsake the Lord.
Acts 6:8-15 Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin
Acts 7:51-60 Stephen finishes his sermon and is stoned

Samson - 7/27/08am

Nazarite
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)

Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens

Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents

Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water











Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.

Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”

Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent