Exodus 31:12-17 -Directions for keeping the Sabbath
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 -Keep the Sabbath, remember the exodus
Leviticus 25:1-7 -The Sabbath for the land
Mark 2:27 -Sabbath for man, not man for the Sabbath
Colossians 2:13-15 -Old Law is nailed to the cross
Ephesians 2:14-16 -Old Law finished and put aside by Christ’s death
We are no longer required to keep the Sabbath. It has been done away with, along with the rest of the Law of Moses. But we do still have a Sabbath rest.
Hebrews 3:7-19 -Israelites which did not enter the rest, and why
Hebrews 4:1-12 -The Christian’s Sabbath rest
Colossians 2:16-17 -Sabbaths as a foreshadowing
Our Sabbath is an eternity with Christ in heaven.
I Corinthians 15:58 -Abound in the work of the Lord
Matthew 28:18-20 -Go unto all the world
John 4:31-38 -The fields are white for harvest
Just as the Israelites were to work until the Sabbath, so we must work until ours. We cannot stop working for the Lord until the Sabbath comes.
Acts 7:54-60 -Stephen is stoned, falls asleep
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 -Do not grieve for those who have fallen asleep
Those Christians who have passed from this life are described in a number of scriptures as sleeping, a restful and peaceful thing.
Revelation 21:1-7 -Heaven.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Sermon on the Mount - 02/01/09am
Matthew 5:1-2 -Seeing the multitudes, He went up
Matthew 5:3-12 -Blessed are
Are you of the blessed?
In what we often refer to as the beatitudes, we see descriptions of those who will be blessed. Do these descriptions accurately describe you?
Matthew 5:13 -The salt of the earth
Are you still useful?
If salt is not salty, what good is it? If a Christian is not Christ-like, what good is he?
Matthew 5:14-16 -The light of the world
Matthew 5:17-20 -Christ fulfills the law, be more righteous than Pharisees
Are you shining?
In the darkness, even a small light can be easily seen. Are you, be being more righteous than the Pharisees, sharing that light?
Matthew 5:21-30 -Sin comes from the heart
What’s in your Heart?
We see that sin of different sorts comes from the heart. What is in our hearts? Is it goodness that reflects Christ, or is it sin?
Matthew 5:31-32 -Divorce and adultery
Matthew 5:33-37 -Swearing oaths
Matthew 5:38-48 -Treatment of those who abuse us
How do you treat enemies?
Although it is often easy to treat friends and loved ones well, how do we treat those who abuse us?
Matthew 6:1-4 -Good deeds to be done not for public acclaim
Why do you do good?
Is it so that you will be noticed by other people? Is it done because maybe you’ll get your name and picture in the paper? Or is it done in service to God?
Matthew 6:5-15 -Christ’s model prayer
Matthew 6:16-18 -Fasting for God, not man
How often do you pray?
Do we pray how we should often? Or once per day? Twice per day? Only when in the assembly?
Matthew 6:19-24 -Heaven vs. earth, God vs. mammon
Where are your treasures?
Who are you serving?
Are we serving the things and desires in this world, or are we focused on things eternal?
Matthew 6:25-34 -Worry
Do you unfaithfully worry?
What is your first priority?
Are we so concerned with the things of this world that it causes us to worry? Or are we seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness?
Matthew 7:1-6 -Proper judgment
Are your judgments godly?
We all are to make judgments. Are we making righteous judgments or carnal judgments?
Matthew 7:7-12 -Seeking and asking from God
How often do you knock?
How often do we ask God for what we need? How often do we knock at God’s door, as it were?
Matthew 7:13-14 -The wide and narrow gates
Which road are you on?
We only have two options. Are we on the road leading to eternal life or the road leading to eternal condemnation?
Matthew 7:15-20 -Knowing a person by their fruits
What do your fruits say about you?
If by their fruits you shall know them, then what do we know about you? What do your actions, your fruit, say about your life and righteousness?
Matthew 7:21-23 -Simply saying you know God is not enough
Do you truly serve God?
Just claiming to serve God is not enough. Do you truly strive to do as He says? Or are you simply giving lip service?
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
What is your life built on?
If our life is built on the Word, if we do what it says, then we are wise. If not, we are foolish. Is our life built on rock or sand?
Matthew 7:28-29 -Christ taught as one who had authority
Do you heed the one with authority?
Christ has authority. Do you listen to what He says? Do you do as He says? Do you heed the One who can save you?
Matthew 5:3-12 -Blessed are
Are you of the blessed?
In what we often refer to as the beatitudes, we see descriptions of those who will be blessed. Do these descriptions accurately describe you?
Matthew 5:13 -The salt of the earth
Are you still useful?
If salt is not salty, what good is it? If a Christian is not Christ-like, what good is he?
Matthew 5:14-16 -The light of the world
Matthew 5:17-20 -Christ fulfills the law, be more righteous than Pharisees
Are you shining?
In the darkness, even a small light can be easily seen. Are you, be being more righteous than the Pharisees, sharing that light?
Matthew 5:21-30 -Sin comes from the heart
What’s in your Heart?
We see that sin of different sorts comes from the heart. What is in our hearts? Is it goodness that reflects Christ, or is it sin?
Matthew 5:31-32 -Divorce and adultery
Matthew 5:33-37 -Swearing oaths
Matthew 5:38-48 -Treatment of those who abuse us
How do you treat enemies?
Although it is often easy to treat friends and loved ones well, how do we treat those who abuse us?
Matthew 6:1-4 -Good deeds to be done not for public acclaim
Why do you do good?
Is it so that you will be noticed by other people? Is it done because maybe you’ll get your name and picture in the paper? Or is it done in service to God?
Matthew 6:5-15 -Christ’s model prayer
Matthew 6:16-18 -Fasting for God, not man
How often do you pray?
Do we pray how we should often? Or once per day? Twice per day? Only when in the assembly?
Matthew 6:19-24 -Heaven vs. earth, God vs. mammon
Where are your treasures?
Who are you serving?
Are we serving the things and desires in this world, or are we focused on things eternal?
Matthew 6:25-34 -Worry
Do you unfaithfully worry?
What is your first priority?
Are we so concerned with the things of this world that it causes us to worry? Or are we seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness?
Matthew 7:1-6 -Proper judgment
Are your judgments godly?
We all are to make judgments. Are we making righteous judgments or carnal judgments?
Matthew 7:7-12 -Seeking and asking from God
How often do you knock?
How often do we ask God for what we need? How often do we knock at God’s door, as it were?
Matthew 7:13-14 -The wide and narrow gates
Which road are you on?
We only have two options. Are we on the road leading to eternal life or the road leading to eternal condemnation?
Matthew 7:15-20 -Knowing a person by their fruits
What do your fruits say about you?
If by their fruits you shall know them, then what do we know about you? What do your actions, your fruit, say about your life and righteousness?
Matthew 7:21-23 -Simply saying you know God is not enough
Do you truly serve God?
Just claiming to serve God is not enough. Do you truly strive to do as He says? Or are you simply giving lip service?
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
What is your life built on?
If our life is built on the Word, if we do what it says, then we are wise. If not, we are foolish. Is our life built on rock or sand?
Matthew 7:28-29 -Christ taught as one who had authority
Do you heed the one with authority?
Christ has authority. Do you listen to what He says? Do you do as He says? Do you heed the One who can save you?
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Plagues of Egypt - 1/25/09pm
I Samuel 4:4-9 -The Philistines remember the plagues of Egypt
The Philistines, in fighting against Israel, remembered the plagues and understood what it meant for them, who opposed God. Let us take a few moments to look back at the plagues and see what we learn of God from them. In them we see His power, His authority, His anger, the inevitability of His will, and His mercy.
Exodus 7:14-25 -First Plague: Nile to blood
God’s ability to touch not just the Nile, but the water already gathered from the Nile, but not the water under ground.
Egypt is completely dependant on the Nile. By striking against it, The Lord struck directly at Egypt’s ability to exist, showing His power over the kingdoms of men.
Exodus 8:1-15 -Second plague: frogs
The water which once was good had been made useless, and now gave forth another problem: huge numbers of frogs.
We also see the hand of God in that they all died when He decided, not naturally over time.
Exodus 8:16-19 -Third plague: gnats/lice
We see God delivering a very personal plague: gnats/lice which infest the people of Egypt.
Exodus 8:20-31 -Fourth plague: flies
We continue to see how God can use even the small things on His behalf. It does not take the great things in this world to accomplish His will, but even the small and seemingly insignificant are used to His purpose.
Exodus 9:1-6 -Fifth plague: disease and death of livestock
Notice the distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt. Notice God’s mercy and care for His people!
Exodus 9:8-12 -Sixth plague: boils
Again we see God impacting each individual person. The disease on cattle was not heeded, so the lesson was made more personal.
Exodus 9:22-35 -Seventh plague: hail
God’s destruction of the crops is quite a punishment of Egypt. He shows His power to control even how people eat.
Exodus 10:12-20 -Eighth plague: locusts
What the hail didn’t get, the locusts did, evidently some time later.
Exodus 10:21-29 -Ninth plague: darkness
You can imagine the terror caused by this darkness.
Yet we see that Israel had light in their homes. Again, we see God’s punishment of those who do not follow Him, and His mercy to those who do.
Exodus 12:29-30 -Tenth plague: death of firstborn
We see the final plague on Egypt. This one affecting every family in a permanent way.
And yet we see that Israel, in following the Lord’s commands, is spared.
We too can receive God’s blessings and not His punishments if we follow and obey Him. As Israel was freed from bondage, we too can escape punishment and be freed from the bondage of sin through obedience and faith.
The Philistines, in fighting against Israel, remembered the plagues and understood what it meant for them, who opposed God. Let us take a few moments to look back at the plagues and see what we learn of God from them. In them we see His power, His authority, His anger, the inevitability of His will, and His mercy.
Exodus 7:14-25 -First Plague: Nile to blood
God’s ability to touch not just the Nile, but the water already gathered from the Nile, but not the water under ground.
Egypt is completely dependant on the Nile. By striking against it, The Lord struck directly at Egypt’s ability to exist, showing His power over the kingdoms of men.
Exodus 8:1-15 -Second plague: frogs
The water which once was good had been made useless, and now gave forth another problem: huge numbers of frogs.
We also see the hand of God in that they all died when He decided, not naturally over time.
Exodus 8:16-19 -Third plague: gnats/lice
We see God delivering a very personal plague: gnats/lice which infest the people of Egypt.
Exodus 8:20-31 -Fourth plague: flies
We continue to see how God can use even the small things on His behalf. It does not take the great things in this world to accomplish His will, but even the small and seemingly insignificant are used to His purpose.
Exodus 9:1-6 -Fifth plague: disease and death of livestock
Notice the distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt. Notice God’s mercy and care for His people!
Exodus 9:8-12 -Sixth plague: boils
Again we see God impacting each individual person. The disease on cattle was not heeded, so the lesson was made more personal.
Exodus 9:22-35 -Seventh plague: hail
God’s destruction of the crops is quite a punishment of Egypt. He shows His power to control even how people eat.
Exodus 10:12-20 -Eighth plague: locusts
What the hail didn’t get, the locusts did, evidently some time later.
Exodus 10:21-29 -Ninth plague: darkness
You can imagine the terror caused by this darkness.
Yet we see that Israel had light in their homes. Again, we see God’s punishment of those who do not follow Him, and His mercy to those who do.
Exodus 12:29-30 -Tenth plague: death of firstborn
We see the final plague on Egypt. This one affecting every family in a permanent way.
And yet we see that Israel, in following the Lord’s commands, is spared.
We too can receive God’s blessings and not His punishments if we follow and obey Him. As Israel was freed from bondage, we too can escape punishment and be freed from the bondage of sin through obedience and faith.
Edification - 1/25/09am
Edification has become, in many places, a justification for doing whatever people feel like “in service to God.” Many are the claims that instruments in worship are more edifying. Often we hear how church sponsored recreational activities are more edifying. Edification has become an excuse for many. Let us take a few moments to consider what edification is, and what it is not.
oikodome (oikos - a home & demo - to build). Literally, “the act of building”
-“Used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth”
-(As a verb) Is used metaphorically in the sense of “edifying,” promoting spiritual growth and development of character of believers by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of labor
Acts 20:32-35 -Edified through God and His word of grace
We see here the means of edification: it is of God and through His word. The word of God does not always give the reader an uplifting feeling, but it is always good and useful for building up.
Romans 14:1-21 -Edify each other through action
We see here that edification requires effort and deliberation. We must decide to edify each other. We also see that edification is helping the weak to grow and become stronger. Edification, we see, is a deliberate effort to strengthen someone in the faith.
Romans 15:1-6 -Edification and hope through the scriptures and bearing one another’s weaknesses
I Corinthians 8:1-3 -Love builds up
When we think about what our love is for one another, we know that it’s utmost is a love that requires us to help each other be like Christ, that we may all be with Him for eternity. We do not do this by giving each other a good feeling, but by helping one another be better Christians.
I Corinthians 14:1-19 -Edification by way of being taught
In the context of spiritual gifts, we see that edification comes through being understandably taught, and that spiritual gifts were to be used to this purpose. If something is not understandable, it is pointless sound, and not edifying.
II Corinthians 13:1-14 -Instruction was given through Paul for edification
Teaching, even sharp teaching, is edifying. We can read through Paul’s letters, and we see that Paul’s teaching was not always that which would give an uplifting feeling. However, it was always good for strengthening one’s faith.
Ephesians 4:25-32 -No unwholesome words, only edifying
Words are to be edifying. Not that they make the listener happy or give an uplifting feeling, but that they are good for building up a person’s faith. Words are to be helpful, not detrimental. And in that way, they are edifying.
Colossians 2:6-7 -Rooted and built up in Him
We see that being “built up,” or edified, is an addition to how we are rooted in Christ. That we are to abound in Christ. This doesn’t require a feeling. Or belief in Christ is not founded on emotion. Edification is a strengthening of our Faith, not and uplifting of our feelings.
I Thessalonians 5:1-11 -Edify each other because of judgment
As we await the final Day of the Lord, we are to comfort each other and edify each other. This edification must be a strengthening of our faith, an encouragement to become more like Christ, that when judgment comes, we do not stand condemned.
Jude 1:20-21 -Build yourselves up on your most holy faith
We see this admonition to build ourselves up, the same original word as edify, in the faith. We see this tied to keeping ourselves in the love of God and to prayer. It is not a matter of feeling uplifted in our faith, but one of strengthening and growing in our faith.
Edification is not an emotion or feeling, but is something we must all put effort into and strive to do, both for ourselves and for others. We must learn what God wants, and strive to become better in following it. Are you growing/building up as you should? Are you helping others to grow and be built up?
oikodome (oikos - a home & demo - to build). Literally, “the act of building”
-“Used only figuratively in the NT, in the sense of edification, the promotion of spiritual growth”
-(As a verb) Is used metaphorically in the sense of “edifying,” promoting spiritual growth and development of character of believers by teaching or by example, suggesting such spiritual progress as the result of labor
Acts 20:32-35 -Edified through God and His word of grace
We see here the means of edification: it is of God and through His word. The word of God does not always give the reader an uplifting feeling, but it is always good and useful for building up.
Romans 14:1-21 -Edify each other through action
We see here that edification requires effort and deliberation. We must decide to edify each other. We also see that edification is helping the weak to grow and become stronger. Edification, we see, is a deliberate effort to strengthen someone in the faith.
Romans 15:1-6 -Edification and hope through the scriptures and bearing one another’s weaknesses
I Corinthians 8:1-3 -Love builds up
When we think about what our love is for one another, we know that it’s utmost is a love that requires us to help each other be like Christ, that we may all be with Him for eternity. We do not do this by giving each other a good feeling, but by helping one another be better Christians.
I Corinthians 14:1-19 -Edification by way of being taught
In the context of spiritual gifts, we see that edification comes through being understandably taught, and that spiritual gifts were to be used to this purpose. If something is not understandable, it is pointless sound, and not edifying.
II Corinthians 13:1-14 -Instruction was given through Paul for edification
Teaching, even sharp teaching, is edifying. We can read through Paul’s letters, and we see that Paul’s teaching was not always that which would give an uplifting feeling. However, it was always good for strengthening one’s faith.
Ephesians 4:25-32 -No unwholesome words, only edifying
Words are to be edifying. Not that they make the listener happy or give an uplifting feeling, but that they are good for building up a person’s faith. Words are to be helpful, not detrimental. And in that way, they are edifying.
Colossians 2:6-7 -Rooted and built up in Him
We see that being “built up,” or edified, is an addition to how we are rooted in Christ. That we are to abound in Christ. This doesn’t require a feeling. Or belief in Christ is not founded on emotion. Edification is a strengthening of our Faith, not and uplifting of our feelings.
I Thessalonians 5:1-11 -Edify each other because of judgment
As we await the final Day of the Lord, we are to comfort each other and edify each other. This edification must be a strengthening of our faith, an encouragement to become more like Christ, that when judgment comes, we do not stand condemned.
Jude 1:20-21 -Build yourselves up on your most holy faith
We see this admonition to build ourselves up, the same original word as edify, in the faith. We see this tied to keeping ourselves in the love of God and to prayer. It is not a matter of feeling uplifted in our faith, but one of strengthening and growing in our faith.
Edification is not an emotion or feeling, but is something we must all put effort into and strive to do, both for ourselves and for others. We must learn what God wants, and strive to become better in following it. Are you growing/building up as you should? Are you helping others to grow and be built up?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I Cannot, But God Can - 1/18/09pm
Genesis 41:1-16 -Pharaoh’s dreams
Genesis 41:17-32 -The interpretation of the dreams
We see Joseph giving the honor and glory to God for the interpretation of the dream. He recognized his own inability to do as the Pharaoh wanted, but knew that God had the power to do so. It is hard to think of this passage without recalling a similar event that occurred some time later.
Daniel 2:10-11 -No man can do as Nebuchadnezzar asked
Daniel 2:17-23 -Daniel prays to God for aid
Daniel 2:24-30 -Daniel gives credit to God
Once again we see Daniel recognizing his own lack of ability and power, but acknowledges the ability of God to do what man cannot do. What man cannot not do alone can often be accomplished with God.
I Peter 4:8-11 -Let him do it as of the ability which God gives
We all serve in some way. Let us make use of the ability which God provides and do so earnestly.
Philippians 4:11-13 -I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Psalm 28:1-9 -The Lord is the strength of the righteous
Psalm 37:39 -The Lord is the strength of the righteous
God strengthens the righteous. It is not a matter of physical strength or the ability to do superhuman or Herculean tasks or that we will never fail in anything we try. It is a matter of the granting of the endurance and ability to overcome when we would otherwise fail. God gives the peace and hope that builds strength for us to do His will.
Luke 17:18-30 -That which is impossible (salvation) of man is possible with God
Ephesians 2:1-10 -Salvation through grace
Of ourselves, salvation is impossible. Nonetheless, God has grace towards us, in that if we do as He requires, we may be saved.
Genesis 41:17-32 -The interpretation of the dreams
We see Joseph giving the honor and glory to God for the interpretation of the dream. He recognized his own inability to do as the Pharaoh wanted, but knew that God had the power to do so. It is hard to think of this passage without recalling a similar event that occurred some time later.
Daniel 2:10-11 -No man can do as Nebuchadnezzar asked
Daniel 2:17-23 -Daniel prays to God for aid
Daniel 2:24-30 -Daniel gives credit to God
Once again we see Daniel recognizing his own lack of ability and power, but acknowledges the ability of God to do what man cannot do. What man cannot not do alone can often be accomplished with God.
I Peter 4:8-11 -Let him do it as of the ability which God gives
We all serve in some way. Let us make use of the ability which God provides and do so earnestly.
Philippians 4:11-13 -I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
Psalm 28:1-9 -The Lord is the strength of the righteous
Psalm 37:39 -The Lord is the strength of the righteous
God strengthens the righteous. It is not a matter of physical strength or the ability to do superhuman or Herculean tasks or that we will never fail in anything we try. It is a matter of the granting of the endurance and ability to overcome when we would otherwise fail. God gives the peace and hope that builds strength for us to do His will.
Luke 17:18-30 -That which is impossible (salvation) of man is possible with God
Ephesians 2:1-10 -Salvation through grace
Of ourselves, salvation is impossible. Nonetheless, God has grace towards us, in that if we do as He requires, we may be saved.
O Ye of Little Faith - 1/18/09am
Hebrews 11:1 -Faith is
Luke 12:22-30 -Will he not clothe you?
The disciples’ lack of faith resulted in worry and concern. If our faith is not what it should be, then we too will be overcome with worry and concern for the things that God can provide.
Matthew 8:24-27 -Jesus calms the storm
Once again, we see a lack of faith resulting in concern. Moreover, we see a lack of faith in the ability of God to carry out His plan and to protect His Son.
Matthew 14:22-36 -Peter tries to walk on water
Even when Peter cried out to the Lord, he was rebuked for his little faith. I daresay he showed more faith than most of us do! Nonetheless, he doubted the power of Christ. If our faith is not what it should be, we too will doubt the ability of the Lord to do as He said.
Matthew 16:1-12 -Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
The lack of faith of the disciples’ resulted in not understanding what Christ said. We must put our trust in the Lord, or we will misunderstand. We will not take heed of what is said, and we will fall.
Matthew 17:14-20 -The disciples fail to cast out a demon
The disciples’ faith was insufficient to do the will of God. If we are lacking in our faith, we too will fail to do what the Lord requires of us.
Luke 7:1-10 -The centurion’s great faith
We see here what having great faith is: look at the centurion’s complete conviction regarding the power and authority of the Lord. And we see the result is that the Lord hears him, and grants him a blessing.
Matthew 15:21-31 -The Canaanite woman’s great faith
Once again, we see that great faith is an absolute conviction: in this case that even the smallest part of Christ’s power would be enough to make her daughter whole.
Luke 17:5 -Increase our faith
Acts 16:1-5 -Churches increased in faith and grew in number
II Corinthians 10:12-16 -As your faith is increased
II Thessalonians 1:1-5 -Your faith grows exceedingly
We must strive to grow in faith. We cannot remain stagnant and of little faith. We must move beyond being of “little faith” and increase to “great faith.”
Luke 12:22-30 -Will he not clothe you?
The disciples’ lack of faith resulted in worry and concern. If our faith is not what it should be, then we too will be overcome with worry and concern for the things that God can provide.
Matthew 8:24-27 -Jesus calms the storm
Once again, we see a lack of faith resulting in concern. Moreover, we see a lack of faith in the ability of God to carry out His plan and to protect His Son.
Matthew 14:22-36 -Peter tries to walk on water
Even when Peter cried out to the Lord, he was rebuked for his little faith. I daresay he showed more faith than most of us do! Nonetheless, he doubted the power of Christ. If our faith is not what it should be, we too will doubt the ability of the Lord to do as He said.
Matthew 16:1-12 -Beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
The lack of faith of the disciples’ resulted in not understanding what Christ said. We must put our trust in the Lord, or we will misunderstand. We will not take heed of what is said, and we will fall.
Matthew 17:14-20 -The disciples fail to cast out a demon
The disciples’ faith was insufficient to do the will of God. If we are lacking in our faith, we too will fail to do what the Lord requires of us.
Luke 7:1-10 -The centurion’s great faith
We see here what having great faith is: look at the centurion’s complete conviction regarding the power and authority of the Lord. And we see the result is that the Lord hears him, and grants him a blessing.
Matthew 15:21-31 -The Canaanite woman’s great faith
Once again, we see that great faith is an absolute conviction: in this case that even the smallest part of Christ’s power would be enough to make her daughter whole.
Luke 17:5 -Increase our faith
Acts 16:1-5 -Churches increased in faith and grew in number
II Corinthians 10:12-16 -As your faith is increased
II Thessalonians 1:1-5 -Your faith grows exceedingly
We must strive to grow in faith. We cannot remain stagnant and of little faith. We must move beyond being of “little faith” and increase to “great faith.”
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A "Lot" of Bad Choices - 1/11/09pm
Genesis 13:1-18 -Abraham and Lot separate, Lot chose the good land towards Sodom
Lot chose selfishly
Lot chose based on physical, earthly criteria
Genesis 14:1-17 -Lot had moved into Sodom, was captured, and then freed by Abraham
Lot chose to put physical things above spiritual by moving into Sodom
Genesis 19:1-11 -Lot lives in Sodom, offers daughters in place of visitors
Lot moves back into Sodom, again choosing earthly things
Lot chooses one wrong over another wrong
Genesis 19:12-29 -God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah
Lot chose poorly in a wife
His poor choices have left him with nothing
Genesis 19:30-38 -Lot’s daughters get him drunk and lie with him
Lot poorly raised his daughters
Lot chose to drink
II Peter 2:4-10 -Lot accounted a righteous man
For all of his bad decisions, Lot is accounted a righteous man
We all make sinful choices in our life, yet we too can repent and be accredited as righteous
Lot chose selfishly
Lot chose based on physical, earthly criteria
Genesis 14:1-17 -Lot had moved into Sodom, was captured, and then freed by Abraham
Lot chose to put physical things above spiritual by moving into Sodom
Genesis 19:1-11 -Lot lives in Sodom, offers daughters in place of visitors
Lot moves back into Sodom, again choosing earthly things
Lot chooses one wrong over another wrong
Genesis 19:12-29 -God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah
Lot chose poorly in a wife
His poor choices have left him with nothing
Genesis 19:30-38 -Lot’s daughters get him drunk and lie with him
Lot poorly raised his daughters
Lot chose to drink
II Peter 2:4-10 -Lot accounted a righteous man
For all of his bad decisions, Lot is accounted a righteous man
We all make sinful choices in our life, yet we too can repent and be accredited as righteous
The Temptation of Christ: Spotting Sin for What It Is - 1/11/09am
Luke 4:1-4 -Man does not live by bread alone
In this temptation, Satan presents Christ with a suggestion: that He turn rocks into bread. On the surface, it seems a reasonable suggestion, as there’s certainly nothing wrong with eating bread. Yet, had Christ given in, it would have been sin. It would have been a misuse of His divine power, and it would have been following the wrong priority.
Deuteronomy 8:1-5 -Man does not live by bread alone
Matthew 6:19-33 -Seek first the kingdom
Luke 4:5-8 -Worship the Lord your God
In this next temptation, Satan offers Christ a great deal, and all He has to do is worship the devil! Christ refuses. Was the world Satan’s to give? Of course not. Sin often appears to offer us more than it can actually give. It often seems more beneficial than it is in truth.
Deuteronomy 6:13-15 -Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only
Daniel 4:24-32 -The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
Hebrews 11:24-26 -”The passing pleasures of sin”
Luke 4:9-12 -Do not tempt the Lord your God
In this third temptation, Satan tells Christ to throw himself off the temple, because God will save Him. He even quotes scripture to encourage Him. Christ refuses. We see (at least) two things here about sin. It can come along with misused scripture. And it is putting God to the test: it is a challenge against the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-16 -Satan’s quoted verses: God’s protection of the faithful
Deuteronomy 6:16-19 -To not put the Lord your God to the test
Exodus 17:1-7 -Israel tempts God at Meribah
Luke 4:13 -Left until an opportune time
Mark 1:4-11 -Jesus’ baptism immediately before fasting in desert
We see that Satan is good at what he does. He waited to tempt Christ until he was sure Christ was hungry. When he was rebuffed, he left “for a season” and awaited further opportunities. We also see that this temptation comes immediately after Christ’s baptism. Just as he did for the Lord, he does for us: awaiting times when we are weak, looking for opportune times, and expending special effort after we flee him and obey Christ.
Genesis 4:7 -Sin is crouching at the door
I Corinthians 10:12-13 -Take heed, lest we fall
In this temptation, Satan presents Christ with a suggestion: that He turn rocks into bread. On the surface, it seems a reasonable suggestion, as there’s certainly nothing wrong with eating bread. Yet, had Christ given in, it would have been sin. It would have been a misuse of His divine power, and it would have been following the wrong priority.
Deuteronomy 8:1-5 -Man does not live by bread alone
Matthew 6:19-33 -Seek first the kingdom
Luke 4:5-8 -Worship the Lord your God
In this next temptation, Satan offers Christ a great deal, and all He has to do is worship the devil! Christ refuses. Was the world Satan’s to give? Of course not. Sin often appears to offer us more than it can actually give. It often seems more beneficial than it is in truth.
Deuteronomy 6:13-15 -Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only
Daniel 4:24-32 -The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
Hebrews 11:24-26 -”The passing pleasures of sin”
Luke 4:9-12 -Do not tempt the Lord your God
In this third temptation, Satan tells Christ to throw himself off the temple, because God will save Him. He even quotes scripture to encourage Him. Christ refuses. We see (at least) two things here about sin. It can come along with misused scripture. And it is putting God to the test: it is a challenge against the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-16 -Satan’s quoted verses: God’s protection of the faithful
Deuteronomy 6:16-19 -To not put the Lord your God to the test
Exodus 17:1-7 -Israel tempts God at Meribah
Luke 4:13 -Left until an opportune time
Mark 1:4-11 -Jesus’ baptism immediately before fasting in desert
We see that Satan is good at what he does. He waited to tempt Christ until he was sure Christ was hungry. When he was rebuffed, he left “for a season” and awaited further opportunities. We also see that this temptation comes immediately after Christ’s baptism. Just as he did for the Lord, he does for us: awaiting times when we are weak, looking for opportune times, and expending special effort after we flee him and obey Christ.
Genesis 4:7 -Sin is crouching at the door
I Corinthians 10:12-13 -Take heed, lest we fall
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Cain and Abel - 1/4/09pm
Genesis 4:1-16
To Be Like Cain
Jude 1-13 -Taken the way of Cain
Angry that unrighteousness isn’t accepted
How often have you seen someone grow angry over the fact that their wrong doing isn’t acceptable to God? How often have you known someone who is set in their sin and unwilling to change, angry that God has said their actions are wrong?
Mark 10:17-22 -Rich young ruler
I Corinthians 6:9-20 -Such were some of you
Anger towards brother
Cain, instead of reacting as he should have, grew unjustly angry with his brother. In his anger, he killed his brother. How often do we lose our tempers and grow angry as Cain did?
I John 3:11-15 -Love the brethren, don’t murder like Cain
Matthew 5:21-26 -Anger and murder
Romans 13:8-10 -Love instead of kill
Anger towards punishment
For his sin, Cain was punished. And even though there was mercy in that punishment, and even though it was earned, he was unhappy with the severity of it. We must accept the consequences for our actions. Instead of becoming angry over them, let us use them to spur us on to perfection.
Hebrews 12:7-13 -Endure hardship has discipline
To Be Like Abel
Proper sacrifice
Abel offered a sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Do we?
Hebrews 11:4 -Abel’s sacrifice
Romans 11:28-12:2 -Present yourself as a sacrifice
Proper example
Abel set us a proper example. He was faithful to the Lord, even to the point of death. Do we set good examples for others? Do we follow the good examples in scripture?
I Timothy 3:1-11 -Good reputation of elders, deacons, and wives
I Timothy 4:11-14 -Set a good example
I Corinthians 11:1 -Follow Paul’s example as he follows Christ
To Be Like Cain
Jude 1-13 -Taken the way of Cain
Angry that unrighteousness isn’t accepted
How often have you seen someone grow angry over the fact that their wrong doing isn’t acceptable to God? How often have you known someone who is set in their sin and unwilling to change, angry that God has said their actions are wrong?
Mark 10:17-22 -Rich young ruler
I Corinthians 6:9-20 -Such were some of you
Anger towards brother
Cain, instead of reacting as he should have, grew unjustly angry with his brother. In his anger, he killed his brother. How often do we lose our tempers and grow angry as Cain did?
I John 3:11-15 -Love the brethren, don’t murder like Cain
Matthew 5:21-26 -Anger and murder
Romans 13:8-10 -Love instead of kill
Anger towards punishment
For his sin, Cain was punished. And even though there was mercy in that punishment, and even though it was earned, he was unhappy with the severity of it. We must accept the consequences for our actions. Instead of becoming angry over them, let us use them to spur us on to perfection.
Hebrews 12:7-13 -Endure hardship has discipline
To Be Like Abel
Proper sacrifice
Abel offered a sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Do we?
Hebrews 11:4 -Abel’s sacrifice
Romans 11:28-12:2 -Present yourself as a sacrifice
Proper example
Abel set us a proper example. He was faithful to the Lord, even to the point of death. Do we set good examples for others? Do we follow the good examples in scripture?
I Timothy 3:1-11 -Good reputation of elders, deacons, and wives
I Timothy 4:11-14 -Set a good example
I Corinthians 11:1 -Follow Paul’s example as he follows Christ
The Assembly - 1/04/09am
Who?
Who is together in the assembly? Who is required to gather together, and who may enter the assembly?
Hebrews 10:24-25 -Christians
I Corinthians 14:22-23 -An unbeliever or unlearned person
What?
What are we to do in the assembly? What acts are we to engage in together?
Colossians 3:16 -Sing
Ephesians 5:19 -Sing
Acts 4:23-24 -Group prayer
I Thessalonians 5:17 -Pray without ceasing
Acts 20:7-11 -Paul preaching at Troas
I Timothy 4:13 -Public reading, preaching, and teaching
Acts 20:7 -Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 11:17-32 -Directions for partaking of the Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 16:1-2 -Collection for the saints
II Corinthians 9:1-9 -Cheerful giver
When?
When are we specifically told to meet? When must we gather together?
Acts 20:7 -First day of the week
Mark 16:9 -Christ rose on the first day of the week
Where?
Where can we assemble? Does the Bible teach of specific locations?
Acts 2:46-47 -Temple courts
Acts 5:12 -Solomon’s Colonnade
Acts 12:12 -House
Acts 19:9 -School of Tyrannus
Acts 20:6-8 -An upper room
Why?
Why do we assemble? What is our purpose in doing so?
Hebrews 10:24-25 -Provoke to love & good works, exhorting
Acts 13:1-2 -Worship the Lord
Invitation
Romans 12:1-2 -Offer ourselves as sacrifice as our worship
Who is together in the assembly? Who is required to gather together, and who may enter the assembly?
Hebrews 10:24-25 -Christians
I Corinthians 14:22-23 -An unbeliever or unlearned person
What?
What are we to do in the assembly? What acts are we to engage in together?
Colossians 3:16 -Sing
Ephesians 5:19 -Sing
Acts 4:23-24 -Group prayer
I Thessalonians 5:17 -Pray without ceasing
Acts 20:7-11 -Paul preaching at Troas
I Timothy 4:13 -Public reading, preaching, and teaching
Acts 20:7 -Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 11:17-32 -Directions for partaking of the Lord’s Supper
I Corinthians 16:1-2 -Collection for the saints
II Corinthians 9:1-9 -Cheerful giver
When?
When are we specifically told to meet? When must we gather together?
Acts 20:7 -First day of the week
Mark 16:9 -Christ rose on the first day of the week
Where?
Where can we assemble? Does the Bible teach of specific locations?
Acts 2:46-47 -Temple courts
Acts 5:12 -Solomon’s Colonnade
Acts 12:12 -House
Acts 19:9 -School of Tyrannus
Acts 20:6-8 -An upper room
Why?
Why do we assemble? What is our purpose in doing so?
Hebrews 10:24-25 -Provoke to love & good works, exhorting
Acts 13:1-2 -Worship the Lord
Invitation
Romans 12:1-2 -Offer ourselves as sacrifice as our worship
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