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
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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
…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
Sunday, December 21, 2008
"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.
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
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
Saturday, December 13, 2008
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.
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
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
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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 119:89-96 -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!
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!
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