Ephesians 5:3 - 9 (NLT) 3. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7. Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9. For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
One of the reasons I maintain a presence in the cyber space world known as “myspace,” is to spread God’s Word in an atmosphere where not everyone knows the Lord. All of the people on my “friends” list have professed to be Christian and yet, from time to time, I am motivated to call some of them to remembrance of God’s desires for their lives and their witness. And that’s an OK thing because that’s God’s desire for each of us, that we would help each other to know His will for our lives.
Yesterday, I noticed some posts using the infamous “F” word. Today’s verse clearly points out that this is something that God doesn’t want His children doing.
Many of us have things that we may do from time to time that may fall into the categories mentioned in the scripture verse today. Maybe it’s that off-color joke you laughed at, or the greed that inspired you to take advantage of someone in a business deal. God says His kids shouldn't be even associated with that kind of thing, and definitely not the ones doing them.
The point is, we need to help each other if we notice that someone is “slipping.” We shouldn’t run around talking behind their backs saying, “Did you know that (insert name here!) cheated on the math test?” or “Did you hear that (insert another name here!) is having an affair with?”
Instead we are to help each other (Galatians 6:1), encourage each other, pray for each other. Someday you may be the person in need of help.
Keep it pure and filled with love! Have a blessed day…
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
1 Corinthians 11:1 - 3 (NASB) 1. Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2. Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you. 3. But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.
Ephesians 5:1 - 2 (NASB) 1. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2. and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Christ is my head, Paul says. He’s my leader, my boss, the One that is in control of my life. It’s great that you are following what I taught you, but the most important thing to me is that you understand that Christ is the One I look to for everything. Nothing I am saying is mine, but Christ’s. I want you to know Him well enough as your head, your leader; that you will always know when someone tells you something that doesn’t line up with His teaching.
Ephesians 5:1 - 2 (NASB) 1. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2. and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
There are 3 dead trees on my land. I noticed one dead last year, the other this past spring and the final one was dead towards the end of summer. Why haven’t I cut those trees down yet? There’s something in my, I guess, that must think they’ll come back to life or regain the vigor that they once had.
The problem is the bugs are having a hay day with these dead trees and if I don’t get them out soon, those pests will affect and infect my living trees.
Could that be the same kind of thinking behind us leaving “dead” things in our services and churches? We hold on to the choir that has only 5 people in it, because we remember how great it was when there were 50 people up there. We hold on to a particular way of doing things because it used to be effective and perhaps we think it will be again.
Could some of these things possibly have become the idols Paul was speaking about in 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NLT) when he said,
Rather, shouldn’t we be “pruning out” these things that are not as effective in this present generation and “planting” new things that will reach the lost souls of today?
Maybe it’s not our reluctance to prune out these dead things that hinders so much, maybe it’s our reluctance to turn things over to a “different gardener.” We like the feeling that came with our “successes” in the church.
But, there is a time when we have to look towards new things, new ideas, and even at times, new leadership. I’m not necessarily talking about the preacher or elders, but younger Christians that have ideas that will reach their contemporaries. After all, are they not the generation that will have the helm some day?
Paul said “I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:23 (NLT)
What could possibly be important enough to us that it should stand in the way of reaching people for the lost?
Trust God, not the past. Trust God, not your egos. Trust God. It is His Church.
The problem is the bugs are having a hay day with these dead trees and if I don’t get them out soon, those pests will affect and infect my living trees.
Could that be the same kind of thinking behind us leaving “dead” things in our services and churches? We hold on to the choir that has only 5 people in it, because we remember how great it was when there were 50 people up there. We hold on to a particular way of doing things because it used to be effective and perhaps we think it will be again.
Could some of these things possibly have become the idols Paul was speaking about in 1 Corinthians 10:14 (NLT) when he said,
“So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.”
Rather, shouldn’t we be “pruning out” these things that are not as effective in this present generation and “planting” new things that will reach the lost souls of today?
Maybe it’s not our reluctance to prune out these dead things that hinders so much, maybe it’s our reluctance to turn things over to a “different gardener.” We like the feeling that came with our “successes” in the church.
But, there is a time when we have to look towards new things, new ideas, and even at times, new leadership. I’m not necessarily talking about the preacher or elders, but younger Christians that have ideas that will reach their contemporaries. After all, are they not the generation that will have the helm some day?
Paul said “I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:23 (NLT)
What could possibly be important enough to us that it should stand in the way of reaching people for the lost?
1 Corinthians 10:31 - 33 (NASB) 31. Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33. just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
Trust God, not the past. Trust God, not your egos. Trust God. It is His Church.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Mark 9:23 - 29 (NASB) 23. And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” 24. Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” 25. When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” 26. After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” 27. But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. 28. When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” 29. And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”
Jesus had been approached by a man asking for help for his son. The man believed the boy was possessed by a spirit. He told Jesus that the spirit, “slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out.” He also told Jesus that the disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but were not successful.
Jesus’ response points out the man’s doubt when He says “If” you can. The man immediately felt convicted and his response is once that we should have…”I do believe; help my unbelief.” We all have doubts.
We’ve been praying that God would remove the demonic cloud overshadowing our town, with it’s accompanying drugs, satan worship and witchcraft. But deep down maybe we’re not sure God will do it. HELP MY UNBELIEF. God has already won the victory through His Son Jesus Christ. We need to cry out to Him, claiming that victory and, in humility, ask Him to HELP OUR UNBELIEF.
The second thing I want to point out is Jesus’ statement in verse 29, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” God is waiting for His people to unite in prayer against things like the demonic forces in our area. He will show His mighty power when we UNITE IN PRAYER, admitting we cannot do anything, only God can.
HELP OUR UNBELIEF and HEAR OUR PRAYER, O MIGHTY GOD. Amen.
Jesus had been approached by a man asking for help for his son. The man believed the boy was possessed by a spirit. He told Jesus that the spirit, “slams him to the ground and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth and stiffens out.” He also told Jesus that the disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but were not successful.
Jesus’ response points out the man’s doubt when He says “If” you can. The man immediately felt convicted and his response is once that we should have…”I do believe; help my unbelief.” We all have doubts.
We’ve been praying that God would remove the demonic cloud overshadowing our town, with it’s accompanying drugs, satan worship and witchcraft. But deep down maybe we’re not sure God will do it. HELP MY UNBELIEF. God has already won the victory through His Son Jesus Christ. We need to cry out to Him, claiming that victory and, in humility, ask Him to HELP OUR UNBELIEF.
The second thing I want to point out is Jesus’ statement in verse 29, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” God is waiting for His people to unite in prayer against things like the demonic forces in our area. He will show His mighty power when we UNITE IN PRAYER, admitting we cannot do anything, only God can.
HELP OUR UNBELIEF and HEAR OUR PRAYER, O MIGHTY GOD. Amen.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7 (NLT)
4. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5.or rude.
It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
You've may have seen or heard this passage a thousand times or not. But do we stop and think when Jesus tells us to "love one another" that this is what He's talking about? Or when we say that we "love" somebody that this is what love really is? Not the popularized version that is prevalent in the world today, which mostly means "I'm hot for you!" or some such romanticized notion. This biblical definition, if adhered to, would prevent a lot of the divorces that are occurring in our society.
This is an excellent list to put before yourself every day and in every situation. Ask yourself the questions,
Am I being:
And not:
But instead:
Love God….Love one another…There's the rules, now go to work!
1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7 (TMSG) 4. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, 5. Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6. Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7. Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
4. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5.or rude.
It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
You've may have seen or heard this passage a thousand times or not. But do we stop and think when Jesus tells us to "love one another" that this is what He's talking about? Or when we say that we "love" somebody that this is what love really is? Not the popularized version that is prevalent in the world today, which mostly means "I'm hot for you!" or some such romanticized notion. This biblical definition, if adhered to, would prevent a lot of the divorces that are occurring in our society.
This is an excellent list to put before yourself every day and in every situation. Ask yourself the questions,
Am I being:
Patient
Kind
And not:
Jealous
Boastful
Proud
Rude
Irritable
Holding a grudge
Rejoicing about injustice
But instead:
Rejoicing whenever truth wins out.
Never giving up (on the other person)
Never losing faith (in God)
Always hopeful
Enduring through every circumstance
Love God….Love one another…There's the rules, now go to work!
1 Corinthians 13:4 - 7 (TMSG) 4. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, 5. Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6. Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 7. Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Acts 2:42 - 47 (NLT) 42. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47. all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
IF NO UNITY – NO (positive) WITNESS!
Notice that verse one does not say “some of the believers.”
It does not say:
It says “ALL THE BELIEVERS”
We then have to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to embrace these differences?” Are we making young people feel comfortable? Are we doing some of the music that they like?
“WE” TAKES WORK! (Eph 4:3)
• Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
• Galatians 6:1 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.
• Galatians 6:7 - 10 (NLT) 7. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Together we can win the world for Christ with Him as our head. Love each other. Ignore stupid differences. Build bridges, not islands. ...and the greatest of these is Love.
1. They devoted themselves to (continued in):• Doctrine/teaching (learning the bible)
• Fellowship (koinonia: partnership with Christ)
• Communion: literally “breaking of bread” – Lord’s Supper
• Prayer
2. EVERY soul FEARED (God)
3. ALL were together and had ALL things in common
4. WORSHIPED each day
5. Had the Lord’s Supper in each others homes
6. Shared meals
7. PRAISED GOD!
IF NO UNITY – NO (positive) WITNESS!
Notice that verse one does not say “some of the believers.”
It does not say:
all of those aged 40-80
all of those who only like older hymns
all of those who wear suits & dresses
all of those employed full time
all of those with college degrees
all of those who are of European descent
It says “ALL THE BELIEVERS”
We then have to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to embrace these differences?” Are we making young people feel comfortable? Are we doing some of the music that they like?
“WE” TAKES WORK! (Eph 4:3)
• Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
• Galatians 6:1 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.
• Galatians 6:7 - 10 (NLT) 7. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Together we can win the world for Christ with Him as our head. Love each other. Ignore stupid differences. Build bridges, not islands. ...and the greatest of these is Love.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
1 Corinthians 10:31 - 33 (NASB) Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; 33. just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.
…do all to the glory of God.
Glory according to “thefreedictionary.com” means great honor, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, majestic beauty, splendor, perfect happiness and enjoyment.
Does everything that you do (and think and say, etc.) bring honor to God? Does it cause people to praise Him? To adore Him? You get my drift. If we would ask ourselves that question before we spoke a harsh word to someone we probably wouldn’t speak it!
Just try this today. Run everything through this filter: Is what I’m about to do going to bring glory (see above definition) to God? If it won’t, skip it!
Now that isn’t an excuse to say, well I won’t go to Math class because I don’t think that will bring much glory to God. Not true. God will be happy (see definition again) that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing!
Church, this should be our filter for everything that goes on in the church building and that we initiate outside her walls. Does it bring glory to God? Is my attitude contributing to God’s glory?
Notice Paul ends this paragraph with the reason for the church’s existence – “so that they may be saved.” That will bring glory to God! If we all filter everything we do through this question of bringing God glory then people will WANT to be part of the church. They will WANT to be saved.
…do all to the glory of God.
…do all to the glory of God.
Glory according to “thefreedictionary.com” means great honor, praise, adoration, thanksgiving, majestic beauty, splendor, perfect happiness and enjoyment.
Does everything that you do (and think and say, etc.) bring honor to God? Does it cause people to praise Him? To adore Him? You get my drift. If we would ask ourselves that question before we spoke a harsh word to someone we probably wouldn’t speak it!
Just try this today. Run everything through this filter: Is what I’m about to do going to bring glory (see above definition) to God? If it won’t, skip it!
Now that isn’t an excuse to say, well I won’t go to Math class because I don’t think that will bring much glory to God. Not true. God will be happy (see definition again) that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing!
Church, this should be our filter for everything that goes on in the church building and that we initiate outside her walls. Does it bring glory to God? Is my attitude contributing to God’s glory?
Notice Paul ends this paragraph with the reason for the church’s existence – “so that they may be saved.” That will bring glory to God! If we all filter everything we do through this question of bringing God glory then people will WANT to be part of the church. They will WANT to be saved.
…do all to the glory of God.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
1 Corinthians 10:23 - 30 (NASB) 23. All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. 25. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; 26. for the earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains. 27. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. 28. But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; 29. I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30. If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?
1 Corinthians 10:23 - 30 (TMSG) 23. Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. 24. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. 25. With that as a base to work from, common sense can take you the rest of the way. Eat anything sold at the butcher shop, for instance; you don’t have to run an “idolatry test” on every item. 26. “The earth,” after all, “is God’s, and everything in it.” That “everything” certainly includes the leg of lamb in the butcher shop. 27. If a nonbeliever invites you to dinner and you feel like going, go ahead and enjoy yourself; eat everything placed before you. It would be both bad manners and bad spirituality to cross-examine your host on the ethical purity of each course as it is served. 28. On the other hand, if he goes out of his way to tell you that this or that was sacrificed to god or goddess so-and-so, you should pass. Even though you may be indifferent as to where it came from, he isn’t, and you don’t want to send mixed messages to him about who you are worshiping. 29. But, except for these special cases, I’m not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I’m going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. 30. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!
One of the biggest barriers we have in this world is OURSELVES!! I want this, I want that. I like this, I like that. Give me this, give me that. We tend to be just a tad self-centered. But, Paul is telling us that is not to be the Christian mindset.
In verse 24 he tells us, “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” In the book of Philippians, chapter 2 and verse 3 (NASB) he says,
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). We need to pray for help in this department because it is so unnatural! And remember, God, can do what is impossible for us. He can change our hearts.
When we begin thinking in this way, about the other person’s best interests, our churches will be places of peace without strife and jealousy. Then we can go forward in the Lord’s name, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ as His pure, unblemished bride.
Let this be our prayer: Lord, make me more like you. Help me to think about what is best for the other person and not just myself. I want to do your will while I am here on this earth. I want to please you in everything that I do and say. AMEN
1 Corinthians 10:23 - 30 (TMSG) 23. Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. 24. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. 25. With that as a base to work from, common sense can take you the rest of the way. Eat anything sold at the butcher shop, for instance; you don’t have to run an “idolatry test” on every item. 26. “The earth,” after all, “is God’s, and everything in it.” That “everything” certainly includes the leg of lamb in the butcher shop. 27. If a nonbeliever invites you to dinner and you feel like going, go ahead and enjoy yourself; eat everything placed before you. It would be both bad manners and bad spirituality to cross-examine your host on the ethical purity of each course as it is served. 28. On the other hand, if he goes out of his way to tell you that this or that was sacrificed to god or goddess so-and-so, you should pass. Even though you may be indifferent as to where it came from, he isn’t, and you don’t want to send mixed messages to him about who you are worshiping. 29. But, except for these special cases, I’m not going to walk around on eggshells worrying about what small-minded people might say; I’m going to stride free and easy, knowing what our large-minded Master has already said. 30. If I eat what is served to me, grateful to God for what is on the table, how can I worry about what someone will say? I thanked God for it and he blessed it!
One of the biggest barriers we have in this world is OURSELVES!! I want this, I want that. I like this, I like that. Give me this, give me that. We tend to be just a tad self-centered. But, Paul is telling us that is not to be the Christian mindset.
In verse 24 he tells us, “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” In the book of Philippians, chapter 2 and verse 3 (NASB) he says,
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.”
We are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39). We need to pray for help in this department because it is so unnatural! And remember, God, can do what is impossible for us. He can change our hearts.
When we begin thinking in this way, about the other person’s best interests, our churches will be places of peace without strife and jealousy. Then we can go forward in the Lord’s name, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ as His pure, unblemished bride.
Let this be our prayer: Lord, make me more like you. Help me to think about what is best for the other person and not just myself. I want to do your will while I am here on this earth. I want to please you in everything that I do and say. AMEN
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
1 Corinthians 10:14 - 22 (NASB) 14. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. 16. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17. Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. 18. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? 19. What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20. No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. 21. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?
If we knowingly do something that many people believe supports a particular religious belief and that belief is not in the ONE TRUE GOD, then are we not wrong for doing it? Take for example the crazy things people forward in their email.
You all know what I’m talking about! When you forward these messages, does that not say to the recipient on the other end that you believe them? “That’s silly,” you say. Well let me tell you there are many people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and do believe in “luck” and “superstition.” Don’t feed that false belief. They will think you share the same beliefs by your participation. If you really feel the content of one of these messages is worth forwarding then delete the “superstitious” part.
1 Corinthians 10:19 - 22 (NLT) 19. What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20. No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 21. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22. What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
If we knowingly do something that many people believe supports a particular religious belief and that belief is not in the ONE TRUE GOD, then are we not wrong for doing it? Take for example the crazy things people forward in their email.
* If you do not forward this to at least 10 people then you don’t really love God
* If you do not forward this in 7 seconds bad things will happen
* If you forward this in the next 7 seconds you will have good luck all day long
You all know what I’m talking about! When you forward these messages, does that not say to the recipient on the other end that you believe them? “That’s silly,” you say. Well let me tell you there are many people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and do believe in “luck” and “superstition.” Don’t feed that false belief. They will think you share the same beliefs by your participation. If you really feel the content of one of these messages is worth forwarding then delete the “superstitious” part.
1 Corinthians 10:19 - 22 (NLT) 19. What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20. No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 21. You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 22. What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
Monday, September 18, 2006
1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Sometimes we think we’re all alone facing these difficult choices in life. But God’s Word says that we are definitely NOT ALONE!
He is HERE for us. His Word is ALWAYS available for wise counsel. Though these things are true we must:
This doesn’t just hold true for individuals, it holds true for the local body of believers as well. They may be tempted to go down a road that God doesn’t want them to just because it looks glamorous. It could be the temptation to build a new building and going into debt outside of God’s timing. It could be the temptation to water down the Word of God or take the cross off of the outside of the building in order to attract new people. But God will show the church the way out of that temptation IF they are looking; IF they are listening and seeking God’s counsel through the Word and through prayer. The scripture says in Proverbs 8:17 (NASB) “I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.” (Deuteronomy 4:29, 1 Chronicles 28:9, 2 Chronicles 15:2, Matthew 6:33)
Tempted? Seek God! ONLY He has the answer…
Hebrews 4:14 - 16 (NASB) 14. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Sometimes we think we’re all alone facing these difficult choices in life. But God’s Word says that we are definitely NOT ALONE!
Hebrews 2:18 (NASB) For since He Himself (Jesus) was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
He is HERE for us. His Word is ALWAYS available for wise counsel. Though these things are true we must:
take the time to listen.
take the time to read His Word.
This doesn’t just hold true for individuals, it holds true for the local body of believers as well. They may be tempted to go down a road that God doesn’t want them to just because it looks glamorous. It could be the temptation to build a new building and going into debt outside of God’s timing. It could be the temptation to water down the Word of God or take the cross off of the outside of the building in order to attract new people. But God will show the church the way out of that temptation IF they are looking; IF they are listening and seeking God’s counsel through the Word and through prayer. The scripture says in Proverbs 8:17 (NASB) “I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.” (Deuteronomy 4:29, 1 Chronicles 28:9, 2 Chronicles 15:2, Matthew 6:33)
Tempted? Seek God! ONLY He has the answer…
Hebrews 4:14 - 16 (NASB) 14. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
1 Corinthians 10:7 - 12 (TMSG) 7. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.” 8. We must not be sexually promiscuous—they paid for that, remember, with twenty-three thousand deaths in one day! 9. We must never try to get Christ to serve us instead of us serving him; they tried it, and God launched an epidemic of poisonous snakes. 10. We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them. 11. These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. 12. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence.
The focus of “religion” is not to be parties or dances – it is to be JESUS CHRIST.
Now, substitute the word “church” for the word religion and read that sentence.
Try substituting your name for the word religion and read it again.
Paul is simply letting us know that Christ is the center of all things and we need to treat Him that way. But we are a stubborn people and despite all that our ancestors went through (vs. 8 – 10) we don’t seem to learn! Do we really think that we can get away with doing it our own way and escape the consequences if they did not?
Those of you that can say, “I’m not doing any of those things” Paul cautions not to become too cocky about that because you could easily slip just as others have. We can have NO confidence in the flesh but only in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
Trust Him. Love Him. Help each other. Love each other.
The focus of “religion” is not to be parties or dances – it is to be JESUS CHRIST.
Now, substitute the word “church” for the word religion and read that sentence.
Try substituting your name for the word religion and read it again.
Paul is simply letting us know that Christ is the center of all things and we need to treat Him that way. But we are a stubborn people and despite all that our ancestors went through (vs. 8 – 10) we don’t seem to learn! Do we really think that we can get away with doing it our own way and escape the consequences if they did not?
Some of you call yourselves Christian and are sexually promiscuous; having sexual relations outside of marriage.
Some of you call yourselves Christian and still try to get Christ to “do things for you” with no regard to what He wants you to do for Him.
Some of you call yourselves Christian and you are stirring up discontent in the body of Christ by gossiping about your brothers and sisters.
Those of you that can say, “I’m not doing any of those things” Paul cautions not to become too cocky about that because you could easily slip just as others have. We can have NO confidence in the flesh but only in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer.
Trust Him. Love Him. Help each other. Love each other.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
WORD…
1 Corinthians 10:1 - 6 (TMSG) 1. Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. 2. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. 3. They all ate 4. and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. 5. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased. 6. The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did.
Paul says, “our history…” The church at Corinth was not made up solely of Jews but He is pointing out the heritage of all Christians is from the Jews. They were, and are, God’s chosen people. God has allowed us non-Jewish people to come to Him through Jesus Christ – PRAISE the LORD!
So, Paul is telling us to learn from their mistakes. If after delivering His people out of Egypt and miraculously providing food and water in the desert He was displeased with them and caused many to die, will He not do the same to them who turn their backs on Him and choose their own way instead of His?
The lesson is for individuals and churches alike. If a church (local body of believers) gets caught up in wanting their own way instead of God’s it will suffer consequences.
We talked last night about how so many times churches come up with man made rules, often with good intentions, but none-the-less man made rules and try to insist that they be followed or else “you’re not a Christian.” Do you think God is pleased with that? Of course not! He wants everyone, every body of believers to look ONLY to HIS WORD for instruction and guidance. We’re not supposed to add anything to His Word.
So, as each of us goes about our day, let us “be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did.” And let us instead truly desire His way in our lives and foster, with love, His way in the lives of other believers.
AMEN
1 Corinthians 10:1 - 6 (TMSG) 1. Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. 2. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. 3. They all ate 4. and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. 5. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased. 6. The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did.
Paul says, “our history…” The church at Corinth was not made up solely of Jews but He is pointing out the heritage of all Christians is from the Jews. They were, and are, God’s chosen people. God has allowed us non-Jewish people to come to Him through Jesus Christ – PRAISE the LORD!
So, Paul is telling us to learn from their mistakes. If after delivering His people out of Egypt and miraculously providing food and water in the desert He was displeased with them and caused many to die, will He not do the same to them who turn their backs on Him and choose their own way instead of His?
The lesson is for individuals and churches alike. If a church (local body of believers) gets caught up in wanting their own way instead of God’s it will suffer consequences.
We talked last night about how so many times churches come up with man made rules, often with good intentions, but none-the-less man made rules and try to insist that they be followed or else “you’re not a Christian.” Do you think God is pleased with that? Of course not! He wants everyone, every body of believers to look ONLY to HIS WORD for instruction and guidance. We’re not supposed to add anything to His Word.
So, as each of us goes about our day, let us “be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did.” And let us instead truly desire His way in our lives and foster, with love, His way in the lives of other believers.
AMEN
Friday, September 15, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27 (NASB) 24. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27. but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27 (TMSG) 24. You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. 25. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. 26. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! 27. I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Do you want to miss out on going to heaven?
We can be full of the knowledge of HOW to get to heaven.
We can TELL other people how to get to heaven.
But if you don’t know Jesus Christ personally…and love Him with all of your heart to the point of obedience to Him…you will NOT get to heaven. The people Jesus is referring to in the passage from Matthew did things that “looked” like they were for Jesus but in reality they were “practicing” a lifestyle contrary to what Jesus preached.
He doesn’t want us to merely look like Him when we’re in public or talking to other Christians. He wants our hearts to be changed. He wants us to listen to Him through His Word and to obey Him.
If you’ll notice, Paul points out that “only one wins” the race (v. 24). We are NOT in competition with each other (so don’t act that way church!). The race of life has already been run for us, for you, by Jesus Christ. He is the Victor.
The race we’re “running” is against ourselves and our old nature. Do you want to make sure you cross the finish line with Jesus? Stay close by His side, listening to His every Word, and doing the best you can to follow what He says. Then you won’t “get caught napping” and miss out on the prize of being with Him forever.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27 (TMSG) 24. You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. 25. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. 26. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! 27. I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
Do you want to miss out on going to heaven?
Matthew 7:21 - 23 (NASB) 21. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ 23. “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’
We can be full of the knowledge of HOW to get to heaven.
We can TELL other people how to get to heaven.
But if you don’t know Jesus Christ personally…and love Him with all of your heart to the point of obedience to Him…you will NOT get to heaven. The people Jesus is referring to in the passage from Matthew did things that “looked” like they were for Jesus but in reality they were “practicing” a lifestyle contrary to what Jesus preached.
He doesn’t want us to merely look like Him when we’re in public or talking to other Christians. He wants our hearts to be changed. He wants us to listen to Him through His Word and to obey Him.
John 14:15 (NASB) “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
If you’ll notice, Paul points out that “only one wins” the race (v. 24). We are NOT in competition with each other (so don’t act that way church!). The race of life has already been run for us, for you, by Jesus Christ. He is the Victor.
The race we’re “running” is against ourselves and our old nature. Do you want to make sure you cross the finish line with Jesus? Stay close by His side, listening to His every Word, and doing the best you can to follow what He says. Then you won’t “get caught napping” and miss out on the prize of being with Him forever.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be.
When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:19 - 23 (KJV) 19. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
1 Corinthians 9:19 - 23 (TMSG) 19. Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 20. religious, nonreligious, 21. meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 22. the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. 23. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
I have “made” myself servant unto all, Paul says. He doesn’t say that when he became a Christian, “poof” he was a servant to all, or felt like a servant to all. It took a decision, commitment and follow-through to be a servant to all.
Christ died for all. Remember, “God so loved the world…” not just “some.” It is only logical and right then for the body of Christ to be a “servant to all.”
Paul goes through a list which Eugene Peterson puts marvelously in the Message (vs. 20-22), but “all” really means ALL:
And the list goes on and on and on…
We in the church today can barely be servants to people who like different music than we do or dress differently than we do. We need to set aside any personal likes and dislikes and realize that God loves EVERYONE. And we have been called to be servants of EVERYONE. We are to show them the love of God, not our up-turned nose or backs as we walk away! We ARE the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:22 - 23 (NLT) 22. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19 - 23 (TMSG) 19. Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: 20. religious, nonreligious, 21. meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, 22. the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. 23. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
I have “made” myself servant unto all, Paul says. He doesn’t say that when he became a Christian, “poof” he was a servant to all, or felt like a servant to all. It took a decision, commitment and follow-through to be a servant to all.
Christ died for all. Remember, “God so loved the world…” not just “some.” It is only logical and right then for the body of Christ to be a “servant to all.”
Paul goes through a list which Eugene Peterson puts marvelously in the Message (vs. 20-22), but “all” really means ALL:
The drug addicts
The drunks
The prostitutes
The prisoners
The homeless
And the list goes on and on and on…
We in the church today can barely be servants to people who like different music than we do or dress differently than we do. We need to set aside any personal likes and dislikes and realize that God loves EVERYONE. And we have been called to be servants of EVERYONE. We are to show them the love of God, not our up-turned nose or backs as we walk away! We ARE the Body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:22 - 23 (NLT) 22. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Ephesians 5:18 - 21 (NASB) 18. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19. speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20. always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21. and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Forgive me for yet another diversion from our look at the church in 1 Corinthians, but I must go down the road God points out. For the last couple of days He has been leading me down the road of thanksgiving.
Yes, I know, it’s not November yet, so what’s the hurry! But our thanks to God is not to be a once a year thing. The passage from Ephesians says “always” giving thanks. Not only that but it tells us to be thankful for “all things.” Can we or should we do any less?
As many of you know this has been a trying year in some respects. My wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with cancer and is in the middle of chemotherapy. She’s doing well thanks to God. I had a biopsy which, thanks to God, turned out negative. A very close friend of ours lost her mother to cancer and, thanks to God, she was a Christian. God decided to change the direction of our ministry and we moved my mother-in-law into a house on our property, etc. etc. etc. And, thanks to God, all things are working together for good!
God has continued to be faithful (He can do nothing else!). And, despite any of those things, even if we had nothing else to be thankful for (which we do!), we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!
I was walking in the early morning hours a couple of days ago and witnessed the beauty of the sun as it began to poke its head above the horizon. I was blessed to see God paint the sky with a myriad of colors and with incredible “brush strokes” and textures. I looked at the trees that we had planted several years ago and, as if for the first time, realized how blessed I was to have witnessed their growth and beauty. God has placed me in an incredible place and it seems that I had been too busy to thank Him for it for all too long.
Perhaps you have let struggles and concerns get in the way, or the busyness of school or your job. Take the time to look around today (and from now on!) and thank God for the little things.
Maybe it’s the incredible school that He has allowed you to attend or the way He has provided the financing. Perhaps it’s the friends that He has surrounded you with or the fellowship of believers that He has placed around you. Perhaps it’s that He allowed you to get out of bed for one more day.
I know that if you look, you will find endless lists of things for which to thank Him. And, most of all, you can thank Him for forgiving you of your sins and reconciling you to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hebrews 13:15 (NASB) 15. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
AMEN
Forgive me for yet another diversion from our look at the church in 1 Corinthians, but I must go down the road God points out. For the last couple of days He has been leading me down the road of thanksgiving.
Yes, I know, it’s not November yet, so what’s the hurry! But our thanks to God is not to be a once a year thing. The passage from Ephesians says “always” giving thanks. Not only that but it tells us to be thankful for “all things.” Can we or should we do any less?
Colossians 3:15 (NASB) 15. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
As many of you know this has been a trying year in some respects. My wife, Sharon, was diagnosed with cancer and is in the middle of chemotherapy. She’s doing well thanks to God. I had a biopsy which, thanks to God, turned out negative. A very close friend of ours lost her mother to cancer and, thanks to God, she was a Christian. God decided to change the direction of our ministry and we moved my mother-in-law into a house on our property, etc. etc. etc. And, thanks to God, all things are working together for good!
God has continued to be faithful (He can do nothing else!). And, despite any of those things, even if we had nothing else to be thankful for (which we do!), we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!
I was walking in the early morning hours a couple of days ago and witnessed the beauty of the sun as it began to poke its head above the horizon. I was blessed to see God paint the sky with a myriad of colors and with incredible “brush strokes” and textures. I looked at the trees that we had planted several years ago and, as if for the first time, realized how blessed I was to have witnessed their growth and beauty. God has placed me in an incredible place and it seems that I had been too busy to thank Him for it for all too long.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 (NASB) 16. Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Perhaps you have let struggles and concerns get in the way, or the busyness of school or your job. Take the time to look around today (and from now on!) and thank God for the little things.
Maybe it’s the incredible school that He has allowed you to attend or the way He has provided the financing. Perhaps it’s the friends that He has surrounded you with or the fellowship of believers that He has placed around you. Perhaps it’s that He allowed you to get out of bed for one more day.
I know that if you look, you will find endless lists of things for which to thank Him. And, most of all, you can thank Him for forgiving you of your sins and reconciling you to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Hebrews 13:15 (NASB) 15. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
AMEN
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:16 (NASB) 16. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.
Is this not the mission of the church to the world in a nut shell? We, the body of Christ, are to preach the gospel; the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins that we might have peace with God and live with Him forever.
Paul said “I am under compulsion.” I have to do it. That’s why God saved me…to tell others and show others the way.
Are you part of that mission? Do you feel compelled to tell the world the Good News about Jesus Christ? Is the body of believers that you are associated with actively telling the lost of this world the Good News of Jesus Christ? “Woe” to us all if we are not!
Mark 8:38 (NASB) 38. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Is this not the mission of the church to the world in a nut shell? We, the body of Christ, are to preach the gospel; the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins that we might have peace with God and live with Him forever.
Paul said “I am under compulsion.” I have to do it. That’s why God saved me…to tell others and show others the way.
Are you part of that mission? Do you feel compelled to tell the world the Good News about Jesus Christ? Is the body of believers that you are associated with actively telling the lost of this world the Good News of Jesus Christ? “Woe” to us all if we are not!
Mark 8:38 (NASB) 38. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Monday, September 11, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:1 - 15 (NASB) 1. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2. If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3. My defense to those who examine me is this: 4. Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 5. Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6. Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? 7. Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? 8. I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? 9. For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? 10. Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12. If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13. Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14. So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 15. But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
Paul had been talking in Chapter 8 about the freedoms that we have as Christians. There he pointed out that we could even eat meat that was sacrificed to idols, since we know that idols are only lifeless statues. But his caution to us is not to abuse those freedoms. Verse 9 of chapter 8 sums up his caution:
In this passage from chapter 9 he is pointing out that even the leaders (himself) are bound by this principle. He and the other leaders of the church have freedoms but should be equally, if not more so, cautious about exercising those freedoms so that the gospel of Jesus Christ might not be hindered in any way.
What freedoms do you feel you have the “right” to exercise? Perhaps it is the freedom to have a drink of wine in public? After all, the bible only says not to drink to “excess.” But SHOULD you exercise that freedom if it might cause someone else to stumble?
A local church might exercise their freedom to worship only by singing certain songs from a certain book. Or, they might feel they have the freedom to tell other people what kind of clothes they should wear (women-skirt or dress; men-pants; and of course no black!). The problem is, if these “freedoms” cause others to stay away from their church, are they not being a stumbling block to these Christians? And, perhaps stumbling blocks to those who God is calling to be His?
Paul says in verse 22b of chapter 9,
We need to be careful in the church not to set up exclusive “clubs” or “clicks” where others do not feel welcome. After all, the church is called to unity and love.
The Word of God is and should be our only guide for living, as individuals and as the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Paul had been talking in Chapter 8 about the freedoms that we have as Christians. There he pointed out that we could even eat meat that was sacrificed to idols, since we know that idols are only lifeless statues. But his caution to us is not to abuse those freedoms. Verse 9 of chapter 8 sums up his caution:
But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble
In this passage from chapter 9 he is pointing out that even the leaders (himself) are bound by this principle. He and the other leaders of the church have freedoms but should be equally, if not more so, cautious about exercising those freedoms so that the gospel of Jesus Christ might not be hindered in any way.
What freedoms do you feel you have the “right” to exercise? Perhaps it is the freedom to have a drink of wine in public? After all, the bible only says not to drink to “excess.” But SHOULD you exercise that freedom if it might cause someone else to stumble?
A local church might exercise their freedom to worship only by singing certain songs from a certain book. Or, they might feel they have the freedom to tell other people what kind of clothes they should wear (women-skirt or dress; men-pants; and of course no black!). The problem is, if these “freedoms” cause others to stay away from their church, are they not being a stumbling block to these Christians? And, perhaps stumbling blocks to those who God is calling to be His?
Paul says in verse 22b of chapter 9,
“I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
We need to be careful in the church not to set up exclusive “clubs” or “clicks” where others do not feel welcome. After all, the church is called to unity and love.
The Word of God is and should be our only guide for living, as individuals and as the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Psalms 51:1 - 17 (NLT)
1. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
2. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
3. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
4. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
5. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
6. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
7. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.
9. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.
10. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
13. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
16. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.
17. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
We’ve been talking for some time now in our weekly bible study about how drugs and the occult are such a problem here in the Sulphur Springs Valley (all over the country really). We’ve been praying for God to show His mighty power and eliminate these strongholds of satan in our midst.
One of the things we’ve been praying for is that the churches would be concerned about this; that all of those who call themselves Christians would unite in prayer and usher in the victory that God so wants to shower upon His people. Could it be that this Psalm should not only be our prayer as individuals, but corporately, as the prayer of our churches?
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Have a blessed day.
1. Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
2. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
3. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
4. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.
5. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.
6. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there.
7. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
8. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.
9. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt.
10. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
11. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
12. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
13. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
16. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.
17. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.
We’ve been talking for some time now in our weekly bible study about how drugs and the occult are such a problem here in the Sulphur Springs Valley (all over the country really). We’ve been praying for God to show His mighty power and eliminate these strongholds of satan in our midst.
One of the things we’ve been praying for is that the churches would be concerned about this; that all of those who call themselves Christians would unite in prayer and usher in the victory that God so wants to shower upon His people. Could it be that this Psalm should not only be our prayer as individuals, but corporately, as the prayer of our churches?
2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) 14. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
1 Corinthians 8:7 - 13 (NLT) 7. However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 8. Its true that we cant win Gods approval by what we eat. We dont lose anything if we dont eat it, and we dont gain anything if we do. 9. But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10. For if others see youwith your superior knowledgeeating in the temple of an idol, wont they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11. So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed. 12. And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13. So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I livefor I dont want to cause another believer to stumble.
There are going to be some believers, perhaps new Christians or those from different traditions than ours, who see some things as being wrong that we do not.
Some traditions might consider long hair to be a sin, or smoking, or drinking alcohol or dating before 18! If we knowingly flaunt these things before our brothers and sisters in Christ who find them to be sinful then we are WRONG to do them.
The goal of the body of Christ is peace and unity. If we cause someone else to stumble or knowingly put up a division in the body that should not be there, we ARE sinning.
Philippians 2:3 (NASB) 3. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
There are going to be some believers, perhaps new Christians or those from different traditions than ours, who see some things as being wrong that we do not.
Some traditions might consider long hair to be a sin, or smoking, or drinking alcohol or dating before 18! If we knowingly flaunt these things before our brothers and sisters in Christ who find them to be sinful then we are WRONG to do them.
The goal of the body of Christ is peace and unity. If we cause someone else to stumble or knowingly put up a division in the body that should not be there, we ARE sinning.
Philippians 2:3 (NASB) 3. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
1 Corinthians 8:4 - 6 (NASB) 4. Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6. yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
"Yet for us." That's the church. Paul acknowledges that for the world there may be many so-called gods or things that control peoples lives. There are indeed many lords that people in the world submit to as ruling their lives. And yet, for us, the called out ones, there is only ONE God, the Father and ONE Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Does everyone around us know that from the way we live our lives in this world?
ONE God, the Father
ONE Lord, Jesus Christ
Our existence is because of Him and through Him, for apart from Him we can do and would be nothing. By living our lives focused on Him we have meaning and direction for He is the source of ALL things.
"Yet for us." That's the church. Paul acknowledges that for the world there may be many so-called gods or things that control peoples lives. There are indeed many lords that people in the world submit to as ruling their lives. And yet, for us, the called out ones, there is only ONE God, the Father and ONE Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Does everyone around us know that from the way we live our lives in this world?
ONE God, the Father
ONE Lord, Jesus Christ
Our existence is because of Him and through Him, for apart from Him we can do and would be nothing. By living our lives focused on Him we have meaning and direction for He is the source of ALL things.
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