The D's of Discipleship

We are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of God (2 Peter 3:18).

While we may appreciate the command and attempt to grow, sometimes we as a congregation do not take the steps necessary for that growth.

Sometimes churches grow by people moving into the community, and by children growing up and becoming members. But in reality, there is very little evangelism taking place these days. The early church grew rapidly because they had a purpose and a goal.

It would help everyone to sit down and list what their goals are. Individually, we can set goals for ourselves to help our growth and development in serving God. As a congregation, we need to sit down and discuss our goals, and each member work to achieve those goals.

In Joshua chapter One, we have the captain of the Lord's army telling Joshua how to have success. It comes from obeying the Lord in all things He commanded.

The D's of Discipleship are:
Desire Spiritual Things
Discipline of Self
Dedication To The Lord
Devotion To God Our Creator
Determination To Do Right
Discernment Between Good and Evil
Diligence In Living The Christian Life
Doing The Will Of God

Take these words and apply them to athletic endeavors. Notice that if you are watching the Olympics, these words are used to describe those who are profiled and the champions.
These same words would apply in the business world describing good employees and their characteristics, as opposed to those who do not try very hard to help the company.

Read Ephesians 4:15-16 and notice that we all are commanded to assist the growth of the body of Christ. Each of us contributes to this growth. Imagine if we decided to work together, just how much more could be accomplished.

By Carey Scott

Perfect Love - 3/14/10pm

I John 4:7-19 -Perfect love drives out fear

God’s Love for Man
Freewill Ezekiel 18:19-29
Christ’s Sacrifice Romans 5:6-11
God’s Forgiveness I John 1:5-10
God’s Patience II Peter 3:1-9

Man’s Love for God
Keep Commands I John 4:20-5:5
Put His Will First Matthew 26:36-46

Man’s Love for Man
Don’t be a Stumbling Block I Corinthians 8:1-13
Submit to Others Ephesians 5:17-21

Luke 10:24-37 -The greatest commandment, good Samaritan

Run the Race - 3/14/10am

Philippians 2:12-18 -Hold fast so Paul knows he hadn’t run in vain
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, exhorting them to continue doing as they should so that Paul’s effort in teaching them would not have been futile.

Hebrews 12:1-2 -Run with endurance
I Corinthians 9:24-27 -Run in such a way as to receive the prize
We are exhorted to run with endurance, prepared to keep serving Christ, focused on Him. Likewise, we are exhorted to run the race, that is, live as a Christian, the best we possibly can.

Galatians 5:4-10 -You ran well, but became estranged from Christ
Galatians 1:11-2:5 -Paul talks to those of reputation, lest he run in vain
II Timothy 4:6-8 -I have finished the race
We can fail to properly run the race and find ourselves disqualified. We must make sure that we endure and continue to serve God, lest we become estranged from Christ.

Philippians 3:1-16 -Press towards the goal
I Thessalonians 4:1-8 -God called us not for uncleanness, but in holiness
Hebrews 11:6 -God rewards diligent seekers
Revelation 21:1-22:5 -The reward
We press on towards the goal, that we might receive the reward. Are you pressing on? Are you running the race with endurance and in such a way as to receive the prize of eternal life? How hard and how long are you willing to run?

Christ and Creation - 3/7/10pm

John 1:1-5, 14-18 - Christ is God, was at creation
Colossians 1:13-20 - All things were created through, by, and for Christ
Genesis 1:1-2:3 - Creation

Christ's Authority and power over Creation
Mark 3:1-6 - Jesus heals on the Sabbath
Mark 6:30-44 - Jesus feeds the 5,000
Mark 6:45-52 - Jesus walks on water
Marks 16:1-13 - Jesus rises from the dead

John the Baptist - 3/7/10am

Prophecies of:
Isiah 40:3-5 - A voice in the wildnerness
Malachi 3:1 - The messenger to be sent before the Messenger
Malachi 4:5-6 - Elijah the prophet

Life of:
Luke 1:5-25 - John's father is told that he will be born
Luke 1:57-66 - John is born
Luke 3:1-22 - John teaches and baptizes
Matthew 14:1-12 - John is executed

Daniel: A Ram, a Goat, and Two Kings - 2/28/10pm

Daniel 8:1 -In the third year of Belshazzar
Daniel 8:2-4 -Vision of a ram
Daniel 8:5-7 -A goat tramples the ram
Daniel 8:8-14 -A little horn (Antiochus Epiphanes)
Daniel 8:15-17 -Beginning of an explanation of the vision
Daniel 8:18-27 -Medo-Persia and Greece
History Recap: The Persian Empire fell to the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander, his empire was divided up into several smaller kingdoms, each ruled by one of his generals. Two of these kingdoms, the Selucid (Syria) and Ptolemaic (Egypt) are of particular interest to us.

Daniel 10:10-14 -What will happen to Daniel’s people in the latter days
Daniel 10:15-21 -Daniel is troubled
Daniel 11:1-4 -In the first year of Darius, a vision of 4 more kings od Persia and one mighty king (Alexander) after that
Daniel 11:5-8 -The king of the south (Ptolemaic/Egyptian kingdom)
Daniel 11:9-13 -King of the south will not prevail against the king of the north (Selucid/Syrian)
Daniel 11:14-16 -Men from among your own, rulership by king of the north
Daniel 11:17-28 -Kings of the North
Daniel 11:29-39 -A king of the north and abomination of desolation: Antiochus Epiphanes
Daniel 11:40-45 -Fall of the king of the south, later defeat of the king of the north
History Recap: After the division of Alexander’s empire, the kings of the Selucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms warred against each other, with Judea trading hands several times. Eventually, Antiochus Epiphanes led the northern Selucid kingdom to victory. He also established a fortress inside Jerusalem, forbid the worship of Jehovah, instituted the worship of Zeus in the temple, and massacred Jews who rose up against him. “Epiphanes” was a name he took for himself, proclaiming himself to be the epiphany, or manifestation, of a god. All of this led to the Maccabean revolt and a short period of Jewish independence before Roman governorship.

Not Talented, but Able - 2/28/10am

I Corinthians 12:1-31 -Many members, one body
Ephesians 4:1-16 -The whole body, knit together
Matthew 25:14-30 -Parable of the talents
Often, we focus on finding ways to use our talents in the Lord’s service. Really, we should be going beyond this. As in the parable of the talents, we each have a responsibility to do as much as we are able, not just as much as we think we are really good at. There are a wide variety of things that need to be done, that nearly anyone is capable of, even without a lot of talent or skill.

I Peter 4:7-11 -With the ability God provides, as good stewards
I Corinthians 4:1-2 -Stewards of the mysteries of God
I Corinthians 9:16-18 -Entrusted with a stewardship
Titus 1:5-9 -Elders to be blameless, as a steward of God
Exodus 17:8-16 -Hur, holding up the arm of Moses

Are we each doing as much as we are able? Or do we make excuses about things because we lack “talent?” You don’t have to be the best teacher to reach a class or the best writer to send a card. You don’t have to have the best voice to lead singing or be the best speaker to preach. If you are able to do something…get to work!

Daniel: Four Beasts - 2/21/10pm

In the second chapter of Daniel, we are presented with a situation where the king has a dream and wants to test his advisors by having them tell him the dream and its interpretation. Only Daniel is given this ability by God, and he does so. The dream is one we are probably familiar with, and has to do with the kingdoms which were to arise.
Daniel 2:1 -A dream in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign
Daniel 2:2-3 -Nebuchadnezzar summons the wise men
Daniel 2:4-13 -The wise men have no answer, the king grows angry
Daniel 2:14-23 -Daniel and his companions pray and are given the secret
Daniel 2:24-30 -Daniel comes to the king, giving the glory to God
Daniel 2:31-35 -Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
Daniel 2:36-45 -The explanation of the dream: the statue is four kingdoms
Head of Gold - Nebuchadnezzar/Babylonian Empire
Chest of silver - Medes and Persians/Persian Empire
Belly of Brass - Greek/Macedonian Empire
Legs of Iron, Mixed Feet - Roman Empire
Rock not cut with hands - Kingdom of God

In the 7th chapter of Daniel, Daniel is given a dream. This dream, like Nebuchadnezzar’s, had to do with four kingdoms and the Lord’s victory during the fourth kingdom.
Daniel 7:1 -Daniel’s dream in the first year of Belshazzar’s reign
Daniel 7:2-4 -The first beast, like a lion with eagle’s wings
Daniel 7:5 -The second beast, like a bear with ribs in its mouth
Daniel 7:6 -The third beast, like a 4-headed leopard with 4 wings
Daniel 7:7-8 -The fourth beast, different, with 10 horns and iron teeth. A little horn displaces 3 horns, speaking pompous words
Daniel 7:9-14 -The fourth beast is slain, the kingdom belongs to the Lord
Daniel 7:15-18 -The beasts are kingdoms, saints will receive the kingdom
Daniel 7:19-20 -What about the fourth beast and the little horn?
Daniel 7:21-28 -The fourth beast is a kingdom (Rome) which will rule the earth, one of the kings of which will persecute the saints for 3 ½ “times.” Then his kingdom will be removed and given to the saints.

In the book of Revelation, we see a beast that matches the fourth beast of Daniel 7 (Rome). The meaning of this passage is made more clear, having examined Daniel’s words.
Revelation 13:1-4 -The beast from the sea, possessing traits of the beasts from Daniel 7, particularly the fourth beast
Revelation 13:5-10 -The beast speaks blasphemies and persecutes the saints for 42 months (3 ½ years)
The Lord is victorious. The Lord’s prophecies have been fulfilled, save that we wait for Christ’s return. Are you prepared? Are you with the victorious Christ or against Him?

David's Great-Grandmother - 2/21/10am

Ruth 1:1-4 -Naomi and her family move to Moab
Ruth 1:5-7 -Naomi’s sons die, she decides to return from Moab
Ruth 1:8-13 -Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to stay
Ruth 1:14-22 -Ruth returns with Naomi
Ruth 2:1-3 -Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field
Ruth 2:4-14 -Boaz notices Ruth, notes her good deeds, treats her well
Ruth 2:15-18 -Ruth gleans and is protected by Boaz
Ruth 2:19-23 -Naomi encourages Ruth to continue gleaning in Boaz’s field
Ruth 3:1-5 -Naomi instructs Ruth in order to find her rest
Ruth 3:6-9 -Ruth obeys Naomi’s instructions
Ruth 3:10-13 -Boaz agrees to redeem Ruth
Ruth 3:14-18 -Boaz gives Ruth grain, who takes it to Naomi
Ruth 4:1-6 -Boaz offers the right of redemption to the closer relative
Ruth 4:7-12 -Boaz redeems Ruth
Ruth 4:13-22 -Ruth gives birth to Obed, father of Jesse, father of David

Daniel: Context 2/14/10pm

In the Days of Nebuchadnezzar (beginning 586 BC)
In his youth, Nebuchadnezzar defeated Jerusalem and carried the city’s inhabitants into captivity. This was done in accordance with God’s will as punishment for the sins of Judah.
Daniel 1:1-2 -Nebuchadnezzar captures Jerusalem
Daniel 1:3-7 -Noble young Hebrews are gathered
Daniel 1:8-14 -Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the king’s delicacies
Daniel 1:15-16 -Daniel and his friends are in better condition than the others
Daniel 1:17-21 -Daniel and his friends are blessed and given high position

In the Days of Belshazzar (ending 539BC)
Daniel remained in captivity with the rest of Israel, continuing until the reign of Belshazzar, son of Nabonidus and grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. It was in Belshazzar’s reign that Babylon was defeated on the night of October 29, 539.
Daniel 5:1-4 -Belshazzar uses the temple vessels for a party
Daniel 5:5-9 -The writing on the wall
Daniel 5:10-12 -The queen remembers Daniel
Daniel 5:13-16 -Daniel asked for the interpretation
Daniel 5:17-29 -Daniel gives the interpretation and condemnation of Belshazzar
Daniel 5:30-31 -Babylon falls to the Medes and Persians

And in the Days of Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian (about 536BC)
After the Babylonian empire fell, the Medo-Persian empire (often also referred to as simply the Persian Empire) “inherited” the captive Hebrews. Daniel, as before, was granted high position into the reign of Cyrus.
Daniel 6:1-3 -Daniel given high position
Daniel 6:4-9 -Daniel is plotted against, Darius signs the law against prayer/petition to any but himself for 30 days
Daniel 6:10 -Daniel continues to pray
Daniel 6:11-13 -Daniel is reported to Darius
Daniel 6:14-17 -Darius orders Daniel to the lion’s den
Daniel 6:18-23 -Daniel is kept save from the lions
Daniel 6:24 -The conspirators are cast into the lion’s den
Daniel 6:25-27 -Darius issues a decree
Daniel 6:28 -Daniel prospered in the days of Darius and Cyrus
Ezra 1:1-4 -Cyrus ends the captivity

Fear God - 2/14/10am

Sodom’s Example
Genesis 19:1-26 -The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Jude 5-15 -These are an example, the Lord comes to execute judgment

Fear the Lord
Proverbs 1:7 -Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Proverbs 9:10 -Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
Proverbs 15:33 -Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom
Psalm 36:1-12 -The sins of those who do not fear God, God’s loving kindness for those who know Him

Fear and Obedience
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 -Fear God and keep His commandments
II Chronicles 19:4-7 -Fear the Lord, be careful of what you do
Philippians 2:12-13 -Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Judgment
Matthew 25:31-46 -Judgment
Hebrews 10:23-31 -Vengeance is mine, it is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God
II Corinthians 5:10-11 -We will all be judged, therefore knowing the fear of the Lord we persuade men
Matthew 10:28 -Fear the one who can destroy body and soul
II Thessalonians 1:5-10 -Those who do not know God or obey will be punished
Revelation 21:8 -The second death
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
Mark 9:42-48 -Where the worm and fire do not die

Bible Study - 2/7/10pm

Psalm 19:1-14 -The law of the Lord

Preparing to Study
Ezra 7:1-10 -Ezra prepared his heart to study
Colossians 1:9-12 -Pray for you, asking that you may be filled with knowledge
Philippians 1:9-11 -Pray that your love may abound in real knowledge
James 1:5-8 -Pray to God for wisdom
II Chronicles 1:7-12 -Solomon asks for wisdom, pleasing God

A Habit of Study
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 -You shall teach them diligently
II Timothy 3:14-17 -Timothy knew the scriptures from youth
I Timothy 4:12-16 -Give attention to reading
Acts 17:10-12 -The Bereans daily searched the scriptures
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 -Solid food is for the mature, because of their constant use

Deuteronomy 8:1-3 -Man does not live by bread alone

Application of Study
James 1:21-25 -Be doers, not only hearers
Matthew 7:24-27 -The wise and foolish builders
Luke 8:19-21 -Jesus’ brothers and sisters are those who hear and do

Acts 8:26-39 -The Ethiopian eunuch

Be Reconciled to God - 2/7/10am

Ecclesiastes 7:29 -God made man upright, but men have sought out many inventions
Isaiah 59:1-8 -Sin separates men from God

Reconciliation through Christ
Though we have all sinned and separated ourselves from God, we can be reconciled to Him through Christ.
Zechariah 1:1-4 -Return to God and He will return to you
II Corinthians 5:12-21 -Reconciled to God by Christ Jesus
Romans 5:6-11 -Reconciliation by Christ’s death and resurrection
Colossians 1:19-23 -Once enemies, we are now reconciled
Ephesians 2:14-18 -Both Jews and Gentiles can be reconciled together
Luke 15:11-32 -The parable of the prodigal son

Repentance
To be reconciled we must repent and turn back to serving Him. A change from following after sin to following after Christ must b made.
II Corinthians 7:8-12 -The repentance of the Corinthians
II Timothy 2:11-26 -Repentance of those who acknowledge the truth
Hebrews 6:4-6 -If someone falls away, how can we return them to repentance?
Luke 13:1-5 -Repent or you shall also perish

Bringing Up the Gospel - 1/31/10pm

Matthew 13:44 -A treasure hidden in a field
Matthew 13:45-46 -A merchant seeking pearls
Luke 8:4-15 -The parable of the sower
I Corinthians 9:16-23 -Preach willingly, all things to all men

When an Opening is Provided
Sometimes, a clear and obvious opening to teach the Bible is provided. Perhaps someone asks you a question. Perhaps someone is reading their Bible and you see it. Perhaps someone begins talking about religious matters. Perhaps it is someone commenting on a magazine article on religion/Bible/Christianity. Whatever it may be, we must take advantage of it.
I Peter 3:15 -Always ready to give a defense
Ephesians 6:15 -Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
Matthew 19:16-22 -The rich young ruler
Acts 8:26-39 -The Ethiopian eunuch

By Creating Opportunity
Sometimes, the opening is not as clear or seems not to be there at all. Nonetheless, we must bring up the gospel to others. Finding some place to begin is often the difficult task in this, but if we look hard enough, we will find the best place from which to begin teaching the gospel.
Matthew 22:46-23:12 -Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes
Acts 14:1-7 -Paul and Barnabas go to the synagogue to teach
Acts 17:16-31 -Paul preaches at Athens

The Role of Prayer
Prayer plays an important role in this, as in anything. It is not a mater of asking for opportunities, so much as asking for boldness and wisdom. The opportunities are there, we just need help in seeing and using them.
Acts 4:23-31 -Prayer for boldness in speaking the word

God Promised Abraham - 1/31/10am

Genesis 12:1-3 -God promises Abraham land, nation, and seed
Genesis 15:1-6 -God reaffirms the promise of a great nation
Genesis 15:7-21 -God reaffirms the promise of land

Nation Promise
When the Israelites leave Egypt, we see that indeed the promise to Abraham that a nation would descend from him had been fulfilled.
Exodus 1:1-14 -The multitude of the nation of Israel
Exodus 12:31-39 -The multitude of the nation of Israel
Exodus 19:3-6 -God describes the Israelites as a nation

Land Promise
In the days of Joshua, the promise of the land was fulfilled. However, we see that there is a warning: if they fail to continue to following the Lord, they will be destroyed and removed from the land. They failed, and several hundred years later, they were carried into captivity.
Joshua 11:16-23 -Joshua conquers the land as God had promised
Joshua 23:14-16 -When you have transgressed the covenant
Deuteronomy 30:11-20 -But if Israel does not obey...

Seed Promise
And of course, most importantly of all, the Seed promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and through Him we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
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

God made promises to Abraham. God kept His promises to Abraham. He will likewise keep His promises that He has made through the Scriptures to us.
II Corinthians 6:14-7:1 -Having these promises, be cleansed

Testing the Spirits: The Prayer Rug - 1/24/10pm

I John 4:1 -Test the spirits to see if they are from God

My parents received this in the mail from “St. Matthew’s Churches," and I thought it would provide an opportunity to test the spirits and be reminded of why it is important to always compare everything to God’s word.

The Letter, side A
“They are receiving divine help in the form of answered prayer. Some are seeing loved ones saved, and many of them are receiving spiritual, physical, and financial blessings of all types - better jobs, raises in salaries, being able to buy and sell homes, buying new cars, and so on (III John 2, Philippians 4:19). Actually these dear people are receiving so many blessings that it is impossible to mention them all in a letter”
III John 2 -John prays that Gaius might prosper in all things as his soul prospers
Philippians 4:10-20 -The Lord provides needs, but be content in all circumstances

The Letter, side B
“Let us ask you: Would you like to have God’s blessings upon your home, your family, and your finances? Say, “Yes, Lord Jesus, I do need Your financial blessings upon me and my family’s finances” (Deuteronomy 28:6).”
Deuteronomy 28:1-8, 15-25 -God’s promises to Israel for obedience and disobedience when they enter Canaan

“P.S. Read the enclosed sealed prophecy, only after you have mailed this Prayer Rug back to the church for your free, blessed, Deuteronomy 8:18 Prosperity Cross.”
Deuteronomy 8:11-20 -Remember God, that you are not “self made”

At the bottom of the page, after the prayer check list, the verse Matthew 9:29 is partially provided.
Matthew 9:27-31 -Jesus rewards the faith of two blind men

The “Prophetic Word”
“Christ died on the cross for our sins (St. John 3:16)”
John 3:14-17 -The Son of Man will be lifted up

“Most of your battles will be fought inside your head. This is why your thoughts must be focused on God’s new future for you. Think ahead...not behind. God said, “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18).”
Isaiah 43:14-21 -God will bring down Babylon

“So we have heard the spoken word of the Spirit, and it is very powerful. This is what we are led to relate to you, through the “word of knowledge” (I Corinthians12:8)”
I Corinthians 12:4-11, 14:8-12 -The word of knowledge gift of the Spirit which has passed away

The Testimonial, side A
Psalm 55:17 is quoted independently of other paragraphs, but in conjunction with God answering prayers for wealth
Psalm 55:12-19 -David, abandoned and betrayed, turns to the Lord
Also briefly mentioned is part of Matthew 19:26, in the same context.
Matthew 19:23-26 -It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of
heaven
Side B of the testimonial contains “testimonials” of receiving money after using the “prayer rug.”

The Testimonial, side C
“This 2-¼ by 1-½ inch beautiful, blessed Prosperity Cross is a symbol of the power of faith and prayer, and it is yours for free, as the church’s gift to you. You may wear it, carry it or keep it in your wallet as your point of faith contact with your Heavenly Father for His spiritual, physical, emotional and financial blessings (III John 2, Philippians 4:19, Galatians 6:7, Deuteronomy 8:18, Malachi 3:10,11).”
Galatians 6:7-10 -Sowing to the flesh and to the Spirit
Malachi 3:8-12 -Israel is told to stop robbing God and they will be blessed instead of cursed

Apart from other context, Philippians 4:6 is partially quoted.
Philippians 4:4-7 -The peace of God, a result of prayer

Side D of the testimonial quotes, again, Philippians 4:6 and Deuteronomy 8:18, surrounded by “testimony” of financial improvements from use of the “prayer rug.”

Some of the Errors
James 4:1-6 -Ask, but do not receive because you ask amiss
Colossians 2:20-23 -The appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion
Hebrews 2:3-4 -Signs bore witness of the message
Matthew 6:19-20 -Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth
Acts 2:36-42 -Salvation

Victory and Defeat, Jericho and Ai - 1/24/10am

The Victory at Jericho
God gives Jericho to the Israelites, who do exactly as they are told. In the obedience, victory is given to them.
Joshua 6:1-5 -God gives instructions to Joshua
Joshua 6:6-11 -Joshua gives the instructions to the Israelites
Joshua 6:12-21 -The people obey, Jericho falls
Joshua 6:22-25 -Rahab and her family is spared
Joshua 6:26-27 -The curse on rebuilding Jericho

The Defeat at Ai
One person had sinned in looting Jericho. Because of his sin, victory was lost and severe consequences took place, both for Achan and for others.
Joshua 7:1 -Achan’s sin
Joshua 7:2-5 -Israel is defeated and flees at Ai
Joshua 7:6-9 -Joshua laments and cries out to God
Joshua 7:10-15 -God tells Joshua that Israel has sinned
Joshua 7:16-19 -Achan is found out
Joshua 7:20-21 -Achan confesses his sin
Joshua 7:22-26 -Achan is stoned and burned

The Victory at Ai
When Israel had chosen to once more fully obey the Lord, He again grants them victory.
Joshua 8:1-2 -The Lord tells Joshua to go and attack Ai
Joshua 8:3-8 -Joshua divides his force and prepares an ambush
Joshua 8:9-13 -Joshua marches the rest of his army towards Ai
Joshua 8:14-20 -The soldiers of Ai leave the city, which is sacked
Joshua 8:21-23 -The army of Ai is defeated
Joshua 8:24-29 -The city is destroyed, the people killed, and spoil is taken

Though Achan’s sin seemed such a small things, it cost Israel the victory, and brought about the end of his own life. If we choose to sin and not obey the Lord, even in something that seems small, we can influence others in such a way as to lose their souls, and we will ultimately have to pay the price of the second death. If, however, we do as the Lord says, we will have our victory.
Hebrews 5:5-11 -Christ, the author of eternal salvation to those who obey Him

Casting Lots - 1/17/10pm

Proverbs 16:33 -Casting lots, the decision is God’s

In the Old Testament
It seems that exactly what form casting lots took in the Old Testament is unclear. Evidently, some small objects, such as pebbles, were marked in some way and then thrown in some way as to differentiate the two. The idea was to remove the human element and choices and depend solely on the Lord.
Leviticus 16:7-10 -The sin offering and the scapegoat
Joshua 18:3-10 -The dividing of the promised land by lot
Jonah 1:1-16 -Jonah is chosen by lot as the cause of the storm
Psalm 22:14-18 -They cast lots for my clothing

In the New Testament
In the New Testament we are shown that not only those who followed the Lord cast lots in order to turn the decision over to the Lord, but it was also used by pagans to determine according to “fate,” “luck,” or the perceived will of other “gods.” It seems to have taken the form of small pieces of wood or stone that were marked, placed in a bag, and the thrown out. The first one out of the bag was what was chosen.
John 19:23-25 -Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing
Acts 1:15-26 -Lots are cast, Matthias is chosen to replace Judas

Submission to God
The casting of lots was done in submission to God. Whatever the Lord decided, the one casting lots had determined to do, no matter the outcome. We should have this same humility and attitude of obedience to the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
James 4:1-17 -Submit yourselves to the Lord
Hebrews 12:7-11 -Submit to the Father
Isaiah 53:1-12 -The submission and humility of the Christ
Philippians 2:5-8 -Be like Christ in humble submission to the Father

Failing to Listen - 1/17/10am

Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -The Lord judges those who do not listen to Him
I Kings 22:1-5 -Ahab wants to fight Syria, asks Jehoshaphat to join him
I Kings 22:6 -Ahab asks his 400 prophets
I Kings 22:7-9 -Jehosphaphat wants to ask a prophet of God, and Micaiah is called
I Kings 22:10-14 -Zedekiah prophecies victory, Micaiah is told to say the same
I Kings 22:15-18 -Micaiah speaks the word of the Lord: Ahab will lose
I Kings 22:19-23 -Micaiah condemns the false prophets
I Kings 22:24-28 -Micaiah is imprisoned
I Kings 22:29-30 -Ahab and Jehoshaphat go to Ramoth Gilead
I Kings 22:31-40 -Ahab is killed and his army is scattered

How often do we see those who are of the same mindset as Ahab? They don’t want to hear what the Lord says, unless it happens to be in accordance with their own wishes. If the Bible says otherwise, it will be ignored. It is an attitude we must be willing to avoid. If we do not listen to what the Lord says in His scriptures, then we will be punished.

Luke 8:4-10 -Hearing they may not understand
I Thessalonians 4:3-8 -Whoever rejects this rejects God
Acts 3:11-26 -Christ, the prophet raised up by God
Romans 2:1-11 -God’s judgment, including of those who reject truth and believe a lie

Are you heeding the Word of God? Or are you ignoring it except when convenient? Are you following the pattern laid down in the Bible? Or are you rejecting God?

A Letter from Jerusalem - 1/3/10pm

Acts 15:1-2 -Debate over circumcision arises
Acts 15:3-6 -The apostles and elders in Jerusalem discuss the matter
Acts 15:7-11 -Peter speaks
Acts 15:12 -Barnabas and Paul speak
Acts 15:13-21 -James speaks
Acts 15:22 -Word is sent from Jerusalem
Acts 15:23-29 -The letter sent from Jerusalem
Acts 15:30-32 -The letter is received and confirmed

Abstain from meat offered to idols
I Corinthians 8:1-13 -Eating of meat sacrificed to idols
I Corinthians 10:14-30 -Food offered to idols and idolatry

Abstain from blood, Abstain from strangled animals
Leviticus 17:10-14 -Life is in the blood
Hebrews 9:11-28 -The blood of bulls and goats, the blood of Christ

Abstain from fornication
Galatians 5:19-21 -The works of the flesh
I Corinthians 6:12-20 -The body is nor for sexual immorality, but for the Lord

Born Again - 1/3/10am

I Peter 1:1-2 -Addressed to Christians
I Peter 1:3-5 -Born again to
-A living hope through Christ’s resurrection
-An incorruptible inheritance
I Peter 1:6-9 -Rejoice in salvation, even through persecution
I Peter 1:10-12 -Salvation preached by the Holy Spirit through the prophets
I Peter 1:13-21 -Therefore:
-Gird up the loins of your mind
-Be sober
-Rest your hope on the grace
-As obedient children
-Be holy
-Conduct yourself in fear
-Know you are redeemed with Christ’s blood
I Peter 1:22-25 -Purified souls in obeying is equal to born again through the word of God
I Peter 2:1-3 -Therefore:
-Lay aside
-Malice (badness in quality, viciousness)
-Deceit (bait, crafty guile)
-Hypocrisy (like a stage actor)
-Envy (displeasure at another’s prosperity)
-Evil speaking (backbiting)
-Desire the word and grow

John 3:1-2 -Nicodemus comes to Jesus
John 3:3 -Man must be born again
John 3:4-8 -Man must be born of water and the Spirit
John 3:9-12 -Nicodemus does not understand
John 3:13-17 -Christ to be lifted up, that men might be saved
John 3:18-21 -Belief and works

I Corinthians 15:1-8 -Faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection
Hebrews 11:1, 6 -Faith is necessary, as is seeking God
Titus 1:10-16 -Disqualified for every good work
Titus 2:11-14 -Zealous for good works
Acts 2:32-39 -Baptism (water) and receive gift of the Holy Spirit
II Peter 1:19-21 -All prophecy came from the Holy Spirit
Galatians 3:1-14 -The Holy Spirit indwells through faith