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Searching Study Notes for "" in James
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Power of Gratitude - Free at Last

MLK - as bad as slavery was - there a slavery that last for eternity

2 Corinthians 5:21 - Jesus might become sin for us

As existence of righteousness does not ensure we receive it

Satan tries everything to help us miss this opportunity

Jews after saw their failures in the past - created many regulations so they would not sin

  • Not the content of their character
  • Basis of conformity to rules
  • Majored in the minors and minored in the majors

Religion that is performance based is doomed

  • what must we do to please God
  • Condemn others outwardly
  • Condemn ourselves inwardly
  • Everything becomes a matter of right and wrong
  • Hearts focused if we have done enough and have done it right
1 Corinthians 15:10 - I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me
Romans 7-8 - Focus is not on themselves but on him who died for them; Because they are saved
James 1:23-25 - Law points out their sin clearly / making them feel more indebted to God

Motivation to last a lifetime - Our love responding to his grace

Other motivations:
  • Fear - only for a while
  • Christian fellowship - until other's disappointments and failures
  • Ambition - until our disappointments and failures
NOT: Measure up and I will accept you
YES: I'll accept you, now let's walk together in my strength

Power of Gratitude - Free at Last

MLK - as bad as slavery was - there a slavery that last for eternity

2 Corinthians 5:21 - Jesus might become sin for us

As existence of righteousness does not ensure we receive it

Satan tries everything to help us miss this opportunity

Jews after saw their failures in the past - created many regulations so they would not sin

  • Not the content of their character
  • Basis of conformity to rules
  • Majored in the minors and minored in the majors

Religion that is performance based is doomed

  • what must we do to please God
  • Condemn others outwardly
  • Condemn ourselves inwardly
  • Everything becomes a matter of right and wrong
  • Hearts focused if we have done enough and have done it right
1 Corinthians 15:10 - I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me
Romans 7-8 - Focus is not on themselves but on him who died for them; Because they are saved
James 1:23-25 - Law points out their sin clearly / making them feel more indebted to God

Motivation to last a lifetime - Our love responding to his grace

Other motivations:
  • Fear - only for a while
  • Christian fellowship - until other's disappointments and failures
  • Ambition - until our disappointments and failures
NOT: Measure up and I will accept you
YES: I'll accept you, now let's walk together in my strength

Power of Gratitude - Free at Last

MLK - as bad as slavery was - there a slavery that last for eternity

2 Corinthians 5:21 - Jesus might become sin for us

As existence of righteousness does not ensure we receive it

Satan tries everything to help us miss this opportunity

Jews after saw their failures in the past - created many regulations so they would not sin

  • Not the content of their character
  • Basis of conformity to rules
  • Majored in the minors and minored in the majors

Religion that is performance based is doomed

  • what must we do to please God
  • Condemn others outwardly
  • Condemn ourselves inwardly
  • Everything becomes a matter of right and wrong
  • Hearts focused if we have done enough and have done it right
1 Corinthians 15:10 - I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me
Romans 7-8 - Focus is not on themselves but on him who died for them; Because they are saved
James 1:23-25 - Law points out their sin clearly / making them feel more indebted to God

Motivation to last a lifetime - Our love responding to his grace

Other motivations:
  • Fear - only for a while
  • Christian fellowship - until other's disappointments and failures
  • Ambition - until our disappointments and failures
NOT: Measure up and I will accept you
YES: I'll accept you, now let's walk together in my strength

Power of Gratitude - Day-Tight Compartments
Sentence of death is on us and everyone we know

Matthew 6:34 - Focus on today, live in day-tight compartments, rather than worrying about tomorrow

The most important factor in remaining effective and thankful as we get older is to stay busy doing things that matter to God

Women of noble character was busy from dawn to dusk - Proverbs 31
Being happy with our lot in life and our work - Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

Worried about aging and death - No, because I would be ungrateful for all the blessing God has given me
Every good and perfect gift is from above (people in our lives) - James 1:17

What percentage of your thoughts focus of past regrets and future worries?

Be Still My Soul - Postures
Prayer is not only for our minds and hearts, but our bodies

Types of prayer postures:

Kneeling
  • Elijah - with his face between his knees (1 Kings 18:42)
  • Daniel - knelt in prayer three times a day (Daniel 6:10)
  • Peter - knelt in prayer for the life of Tabitha (Acts 9:40)
Standing - Jesus gave instructions and standing in prayer (Mark 11:25)

Prostrate
  • Moses - for 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25)
  • Daniel - fell prostrate before the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:17)
  • Jesus - fell on his face in prayer at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36)
Lifting and spreading out hands
  • David - Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 88:9, 119:48, 143:6
  • Ezra - Ezra 9:5
  • Moses - Exodus 9:29
  • Solomon - 1 Kings 8:22
Gazing upward - Jesus looking up to heaven (Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:41, 7:34)

Out loud and silently - Esther 4:1, Hebrews 5:7, James 4:7-9 / 1 Samuel 1:13

If prayers are not offered from a variety of postures then we are not praying as we ought

We can not separate our bodies from our hearts

Author has developed the ability to pray with great concentration and intimacy while running

Be Still My Soul - Postures
Prayer is not only for our minds and hearts, but our bodies

Types of prayer postures:

Kneeling
  • Elijah - with his face between his knees (1 Kings 18:42)
  • Daniel - knelt in prayer three times a day (Daniel 6:10)
  • Peter - knelt in prayer for the life of Tabitha (Acts 9:40)
Standing - Jesus gave instructions and standing in prayer (Mark 11:25)

Prostrate
  • Moses - for 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25)
  • Daniel - fell prostrate before the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:17)
  • Jesus - fell on his face in prayer at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36)
Lifting and spreading out hands
  • David - Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 88:9, 119:48, 143:6
  • Ezra - Ezra 9:5
  • Moses - Exodus 9:29
  • Solomon - 1 Kings 8:22
Gazing upward - Jesus looking up to heaven (Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:41, 7:34)

Out loud and silently - Esther 4:1, Hebrews 5:7, James 4:7-9 / 1 Samuel 1:13

If prayers are not offered from a variety of postures then we are not praying as we ought

We can not separate our bodies from our hearts

Author has developed the ability to pray with great concentration and intimacy while running

Be Still My Soul - Postures
Prayer is not only for our minds and hearts, but our bodies

Types of prayer postures:

Kneeling
  • Elijah - with his face between his knees (1 Kings 18:42)
  • Daniel - knelt in prayer three times a day (Daniel 6:10)
  • Peter - knelt in prayer for the life of Tabitha (Acts 9:40)
Standing - Jesus gave instructions and standing in prayer (Mark 11:25)

Prostrate
  • Moses - for 40 days (Deuteronomy 9:18, 25)
  • Daniel - fell prostrate before the angel Gabriel (Daniel 8:17)
  • Jesus - fell on his face in prayer at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36)
Lifting and spreading out hands
  • David - Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 88:9, 119:48, 143:6
  • Ezra - Ezra 9:5
  • Moses - Exodus 9:29
  • Solomon - 1 Kings 8:22
Gazing upward - Jesus looking up to heaven (Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:41, 7:34)

Out loud and silently - Esther 4:1, Hebrews 5:7, James 4:7-9 / 1 Samuel 1:13

If prayers are not offered from a variety of postures then we are not praying as we ought

We can not separate our bodies from our hearts

Author has developed the ability to pray with great concentration and intimacy while running

Falling in Love with God - Intro

Loving God is a journey

Father draws us to himself - John 6:44

Father does not change - James 1:17
Hard to understand God when we are so inconsistent

It is OK for a journey to have highs and lows

Why love God?
Why not just obey him?
Why not just "gut out" our journey with God? Because we are commanded to

What touches you most about God?

  • He never quits
  • Always a refuge
  • Always will take you back
  • He will make sure you know where you are
  • Champion of the truth and the underdog
  • Tender with the weak and brokenhearted
  • Hammer the arrogant and pround
  • Never makes a mistake

Despite all the good qualities of God - our relationship with God still takes work



Falling in Love with God - Bitterness

An emotional response (along with fear) that succeed at undermining our love for God

A result of an uncard-for emotional wound

Matthew 18:15-17 - can resolve most issues
Sometimes we are just called on to forgive
Not forgiving is like allowing a physical cut become infected

Examples

  • Esau wept bitteryly when he failed to receive the blessing - Genesis 27:34
  • Israelites incrediblity harsh and treatment from the Eyptians - Exodus 1:14
  • Naomi changed her name to Mara, meaning "bitterness" (losted husband and sons) - Ruth 1:21
  • Hannah wept "in bitterness of soul" because of her infertility - 1 Samuel 1:10
  • David's men because of the loss of their children - 1 Samuel 30:6
  • Job while not understanding the discipline of God - Job 7:11
  • Missing the grace of God cause bitter root - Hebrews 12:15
  • Envy becomes bitterness - James 3:14

Bitterness will actively oppose any attempt to restore our love for God

Bitter or better - a channel of curses or blessings

Disciples need Jesus' example to overcome the pain of the cross

Jesus wants us to have his attitude toward suffering

  • What form do we expect our Christian suffering to take?
  • Are we looking for a Christianity that does not involve suffering?

Bible command us to get rid of all bitterness
Two ways to overcome bittereness:

  • Forgive - Ephesians 4:32
  • Trusting God is at work in all things for our good - Romans 8:28


Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Power of Spiritual Thinking - The Easy Way Out
Taking the easy way out is as normal as breathing.

We love labor saving devices - medicine, cars, wash machine, lawn mower, tools

Not bad for life, but there is button pushing when it comes to overcoming our sinful nature
  • Deny self daily
  • Repentance - when we don't respond to God's grace - God will find a way to help us to repent
    • Through kindness - Romans 2:4
    • Through discipline - Hebrews 12:5-11
  • Persevering though suffering - James 1:2-4
Greater the gain in spirituality, the larger the price tag

God is determined to raise us up to maturity, despite our wailing and weeping through the rod of discipline
Sooner we cooperate, the sooner our trials may end

Do you want Joy? > Become spiritually mature
Do you want to mature? > Pray for God to help (suffering will most likely be involved)

Reject the temptation to desire the easy way
That way will lead to death - Proverbs 14:12

Purpose Driven Life - Seeing Life from God's View
How do you see your life? What images come to mind?

Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind

Life on earth is a Test

Trials, temptations, refining, and testing occurs over 200x in the Bible

Success:
  • Abraham - offering his son
  • Jacob - working for Rachael
  • ...and many others
Failed:
  • Adam and Eve - failed when tempted
  • David - failed several times
  • ...and many others

Your realize that nothing is insignificant, tested by:
  • Major changes
  • Delayed promises
  • Impossible problems
  • Unanswered prayer
  • Undeserved criticism

God wants you to pass - James 1:2-3

 
Life on earth is a Trust
 
God loans you the earth, we never really own anything

Want to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant"

God uses finances: As a test (in good times) and a trust (hard times)

Purpose Driven Life - Seeing Life from God's View
How do you see your life? What images come to mind?

Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind

Life on earth is a Test

Trials, temptations, refining, and testing occurs over 200x in the Bible

Success:
  • Abraham - offering his son
  • Jacob - working for Rachael
  • ...and many others
Failed:
  • Adam and Eve - failed when tempted
  • David - failed several times
  • ...and many others

Your realize that nothing is insignificant, tested by:
  • Major changes
  • Delayed promises
  • Impossible problems
  • Unanswered prayer
  • Undeserved criticism

God wants you to pass - James 1:2-3

 
Life on earth is a Trust
 
God loans you the earth, we never really own anything

Want to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant"

God uses finances: As a test (in good times) and a trust (hard times)

Purpose Driven Life - Restoring Broken Fellowship
Relationships are always worth restoring
God has given us the ministry of restoring
God gave everything (his son) for restoring relationships
Does not mean avoiding conflict or appeasement
 
Talk to God before talking to the person
 
God may change your heart or their hear - James 4:1-2
Tell God your frustrations
Most conflict is rooted in unmet needs; some needs can only be meet by God
 
Always take the initiative
 
God expects you to make the first move - Matthew 5:23-24
Abandon your offering at the alter and go make things right first
Acting quickly reduces the spiritual damage
Bitterness is only hurting yourself
 
Sympathize with their feelings
 
Use your ears more than your mouth - Philippians 2:4
Focus on feelings and not facts
Start with sympathy, not solutions
 
Confess your part of the conflict
 
Ask "Am I the problem?" - Matthew 7:5
The way you handle a conflict creates a bigger hurt
 
Attack the problem, not the person
 
How you say it is important as what you say
Cold War - country decided on weapons that should never be used
 
Cooperate as much as possible - Romans 12:18
 
Sometime it cost our pride, self-centerness
 
Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution
 
Reconciliation focuses on the relationship
Takes a lot of effort to restore a relationship

Purpose Driven Life - Restoring Broken Fellowship
Relationships are always worth restoring
God has given us the ministry of restoring
God gave everything (his son) for restoring relationships
Does not mean avoiding conflict or appeasement
 
Talk to God before talking to the person
 
God may change your heart or their hear - James 4:1-2
Tell God your frustrations
Most conflict is rooted in unmet needs; some needs can only be meet by God
 
Always take the initiative
 
God expects you to make the first move - Matthew 5:23-24
Abandon your offering at the alter and go make things right first
Acting quickly reduces the spiritual damage
Bitterness is only hurting yourself
 
Sympathize with their feelings
 
Use your ears more than your mouth - Philippians 2:4
Focus on feelings and not facts
Start with sympathy, not solutions
 
Confess your part of the conflict
 
Ask "Am I the problem?" - Matthew 7:5
The way you handle a conflict creates a bigger hurt
 
Attack the problem, not the person
 
How you say it is important as what you say
Cold War - country decided on weapons that should never be used
 
Cooperate as much as possible - Romans 12:18
 
Sometime it cost our pride, self-centerness
 
Emphasize reconciliation, not resolution
 
Reconciliation focuses on the relationship
Takes a lot of effort to restore a relationship

Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation
Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity

How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23
By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
  • God teaches love by putting unloving people around us
  • God teaches peace by allowing times of chaos and confusion
You can not claim to be faithful if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful

Temptation follows 4 steps:
  1. Satan identifies a desire within you - Comes from within - Mark 7:21-23
  2. Satan tries to get you doubt what God has said about sin - Don't let your doubt turn you from God - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Satan tries replace truth with lies - He is the Father of lies - John 8:44
  4. Our disobedience - Drawn away and trapped by our own desires - James 1:14-16


Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation
Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity

How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23
By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
  • God teaches love by putting unloving people around us
  • God teaches peace by allowing times of chaos and confusion
You can not claim to be faithful if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful

Temptation follows 4 steps:
  1. Satan identifies a desire within you - Comes from within - Mark 7:21-23
  2. Satan tries to get you doubt what God has said about sin - Don't let your doubt turn you from God - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Satan tries replace truth with lies - He is the Father of lies - John 8:44
  4. Our disobedience - Drawn away and trapped by our own desires - James 1:14-16


Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation
Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity

How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23
By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
  • God teaches love by putting unloving people around us
  • God teaches peace by allowing times of chaos and confusion
You can not claim to be faithful if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful

Temptation follows 4 steps:
  1. Satan identifies a desire within you - Comes from within - Mark 7:21-23
  2. Satan tries to get you doubt what God has said about sin - Don't let your doubt turn you from God - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Satan tries replace truth with lies - He is the Father of lies - John 8:44
  4. Our disobedience - Drawn away and trapped by our own desires - James 1:14-16


Purpose Driven Life - Growth Through Temptation
Happy is the man who does not give in - will be rewarded with the crown of life - James 1:12

Every temptation is an opportunity to do good through the path of maturity

How does the Holy Spirit produce fruit in our lives? - Galatians 5:22-23
By allowing you to be tempted by the opposite opportunity
  • God teaches love by putting unloving people around us
  • God teaches peace by allowing times of chaos and confusion
You can not claim to be faithful if you've never had the opportunity to be unfaithful

Temptation follows 4 steps:
  1. Satan identifies a desire within you - Comes from within - Mark 7:21-23
  2. Satan tries to get you doubt what God has said about sin - Don't let your doubt turn you from God - Hebrews 3:12
  3. Satan tries replace truth with lies - He is the Father of lies - John 8:44
  4. Our disobedience - Drawn away and trapped by our own desires - James 1:14-16


Purpose Driven Life - Defeating Temptation

There is always a way out
He will not permit any temptation that you could not overcome - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Refocus attention on something else

By resisting, you actually reinforce it
Don't fight the though, change the channel
Power of suggestion - the more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you
Temptation begins by capturing your attention - Satan can't get your attention when you are focused on something else

Reveal your struggle to a gold friend or support group

If you fall, a friend can help you up - Eccelesiastes 4:9-10
Hiding your hurt intensifies it
Satan wants you to think that your temptation is unique - We all fight the same temptations - 1 Corinthians 10:13
The reason we hide our faults is pride - everything is under control

Resist the Devil

He will flee when you resist - James 4:7
Without Christ we are defenseless against the Devil
Satan can not make you do anything, he can only suggest
Use the Word of God as your weapon against Satan - Jesus simply answered Satan with scriptures
Don't ever try to argue with Satan - he better at it

Realize your vulnerabilities

The heart is deceitful above all things- Jeremiah 17:9

Don't carelessly place yourself in tempting situations, avoid them - Proverbs 14:16



Purpose Driven Life - Dont Get In A Hurry
Believe God is working in your life - Expect gradual improvement

Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned
  • Write down insights God teaches you
  • Reason we must relearn lessons is forget them
  • Keep a firm grip on what you have heard - so you don't drift - Hebrews 2:1
Be patient with God and your self

There are many examples where God goes through the process of maturing
It took over eighty years to mature Moses
Don't try to get out of anything prematurely - James 1:4

Don't get discouraged

Things God plans don't always happen right away, just be patient - Habakkuk 2:3
A delay is not denial from God

Purpose Driven Life - Balancing Your Life (part 2)
Write down your progress in a journal

We remember what we record
Writing helps clarify what God is doing in your life

Moses kept a written record of their progress - Numbers 33:2 (NLT)
Moses recorded the stages in their journey - Numbers 33:2 (NIV)

Don't just record the good things
David recorded his fears, doubts, and struggles with God

Write down for the coming generations what the Lord has done - Psalms 56:8


Pass on what you know to others


He who blesses others is abundantly blessed - Proverbs 11:25
Paul told us spiritual things so we tell others - 2 Timothy 2:2
Knowledge increases responsibility - James 4:17
Teaching other followers = a good servant of Christ - 1 Timothy 4:6

We learn for God's glory and the growth of the kingdom

30 Days at the Cross - Hating Sin

We can feel pain because God feels pain
By his wounds you have been healed - 1 Peter 2:24

Questions:

  • Have you loved someone wholeheartedly and they stopped loving you?
  • Has someone take advantage of you?
  • Have you ever been neglected, forgotten, or rejected?

Amazing grace cost amazing pain

Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? - James 4:4-5

How does God feel about:

  • Lack of trust?
  • Sexual sin?
  • Lack of care?
  • Being pushed aside because of school or business?
The greater capacity to love, the greater the capacity to feel pain

Imagine that you can home from work and you found a dog that just kill your child
We killed Jesus with our sin, how should we be treated?
  • How do you feel about sin? Do you hate it?
  • Do you allow sin to stay around?
Your hatred toward sin is in proportion to your love for the one who died for you
Resist the devil and he will flee; Come near to God and he will near to you - James 4:7-10

30 Days at the Cross - Hating Sin

We can feel pain because God feels pain
By his wounds you have been healed - 1 Peter 2:24

Questions:

  • Have you loved someone wholeheartedly and they stopped loving you?
  • Has someone take advantage of you?
  • Have you ever been neglected, forgotten, or rejected?

Amazing grace cost amazing pain

Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? - James 4:4-5

How does God feel about:

  • Lack of trust?
  • Sexual sin?
  • Lack of care?
  • Being pushed aside because of school or business?
The greater capacity to love, the greater the capacity to feel pain

Imagine that you can home from work and you found a dog that just kill your child
We killed Jesus with our sin, how should we be treated?
  • How do you feel about sin? Do you hate it?
  • Do you allow sin to stay around?
Your hatred toward sin is in proportion to your love for the one who died for you
Resist the devil and he will flee; Come near to God and he will near to you - James 4:7-10

30 Days at the Cross - Heights of Humility

World often assumes humily with being quite, soft, weak, a loner, apathetic and without convictions

Does this sound like Jesus to you?
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on the cross - Philippians 2:8
Death on the cross was considered a curse - Deuteronomy 21:22-23
He allowed himself to be cursed
He put his trust in him who judges justly - 1 Peter 2:23

With humility, you give up yourself, but in the process you find God and yourself

Questions and answers about humility:

  1. Where does God dwell? with the humble and concrite - Isaiah 57:15
  2. Who does God esteem? he who is humble, concrite, and trembles at his word - Isaiah 66:2-3
  3. Who receives God's grace? not the proud but the humble - James 4:6
  4. Who does God lift up? those who humble themselves under God's mighty hand - 1 Peter 5:5-6

 



30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

30 Days at the Cross - Problems or Possibilities
Suffering is a problem for us:
  • We don't like it
  • Trouble figuring it out
  • Try hard to avoid it

We spend too much time asking questions:
  • Why is God doing this to me?
  • Is this from God or Satan?
  • Why does he allow me to suffer like this?
It is the response that matters, Jesus' response was:
  • Jesus, through suffering, was made perfect - Matthew 26:36-46
  • Our Lord sympathizes with our weakness - Hebrews 2:18
  • He was without sin during his sufferings- Hebrews 4:15
  • He forgave during his sufferings - Luke 23:34
  • Accepted God's will for His life
We should not be concerned on why but how we will respond

We should:
  • Consider it a pure joy - James 1:2
  • Know it is for our maturity - James 1:3-4
  • Know it is an opportunity to prove our faith - 1 Peter 1:6
Look for the lesson, make sure your suffering counts for someone
The issue is how you respond and how you will respond in the future

Teach Us To Pray - Hungry and Thirsty (part 2)
We must Desire God Alone
Many people fail to have satisfying prayer lives because they are double-minded when they pray
Must do our best to rid ourselves of distractions
Unless you passionately fight for time alone with God, it will not happen

God Blesses the Hungry Heart
When we pray righteously, it allows God to work powerfully in our lives
  • Blessed are those who hunger for they will be filled - Matthew 5:6
  • Everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds - Matthew 7:7-8
  • You have not because you ask not - James 4:2
  • Judah sought God, and he was found by them - 2 Chronicles 15:15
  • Sometimes we need to wrestle with God to show how much we want it - Genesis 32:26
Power of prayers are dependent on the hunger in your heart
No hungry heart will ever be turned away

Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Teach Us To Pray - Changes in Character
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place - Psalms 51:6
Character can grow if we take a sober gut-level check look at who we are

Too often we pray:
  • Help me be a better person
  • Help me to change
  • Help me to love you more
We don;t know specifically what we need to change
When we aim at nothing, that is what we hit

The word of God discerns the thoughts and intentions of our heart - Hebrews 4:12-13
Like a mirror reflecting how we look spiritually - James 1:23-25
We also learn the truth about ourselves from other people in our lives - Proverbs 20:5

Ask God to help you see what you need to change
Ask others what things they see in your sinful nature

How badly do you want to change?
It will show by the way you pray
My power is made perfect in weakness - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Man of Prayer - Empowerment

Paul tells us that we don't know how to pray like we should - Romans 8
Part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to help us in this area - Romans 8:26-27

God will answer this prayer
We have a tendency to become distracted - help me to be focused

Do not have because we have not asked - James 4:2
Don't forget to pray about praying



Man of Prayer - YHWH-jireh
YHWH-jireh means "the Lord will provide"

Our God is a provider
God saw Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram

"My God will meet all your needs - Philippians 4:19

He is a good provider
Every good and perfect gift comes from His hand - James 1:17
No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly - Psalms 84:11

Man of Prayer - Praying for our personal lives
Jesus has given us permissions to seek divine intervention
He delights in our desire to experience His intervention

Part our our prayer time should be devoted to our needs:
What do you want?
Sometimes we do not have because we do not ask - James 4:2
OR because our motivation is not proper

Asking for God's favor can not be self-centered because God is infinite:
David asked to be the apple of God's eye - Psalms 17:8
He was a man after his own heart - Acts 13:22

Spiritual needs may include:
  • To submit to the will of God
  • To please the Father
  • To affirm my powerlessness
  • To experience His presence
  • To know his will
  • To be transform (character)
  • To become spiritually mature
  • To be humble
  • To be fruitful
  • To walk in the Spirit
  • To obey willingly and joyfully
  • To receive blessing
  • To be protected
  • To be useful


Man of Prayer - Praying for Provision (part 2)

God provided manha day after day for 40 years to the Israelites
They could not take more than a day's portion - otherwise it would rot
Manha means "it is what it is"

It was to teach them that man does not live on bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord - Deuteronomy 8:2-3

It is NOT inapproprate to ask God to provide for our needs
He is YHWH - jireh - the Lord will provide

God delights in our dependence on Him as the source of our provision
We often do not have because we have not asked - James 4:2

 



Promises of God - Not tempted Beyond What You Can Bear
He will not let be tempted beyond what yo can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

God has not promised that we will not be tempted - James 1:13-15

No situation will ever be too difficult. God simply will not allow it.
There is never an excuse for sin.

Jesus is our ultimate example
He himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18


Promises of God - Not tempted Beyond What You Can Bear
He will not let be tempted beyond what yo can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

God has not promised that we will not be tempted - James 1:13-15

No situation will ever be too difficult. God simply will not allow it.
There is never an excuse for sin.

Jesus is our ultimate example
He himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18


Promises of God - Not tempted Beyond What You Can Bear
He will not let be tempted beyond what yo can bear - 1 Corinthians 10:13

God has not promised that we will not be tempted - James 1:13-15

No situation will ever be too difficult. God simply will not allow it.
There is never an excuse for sin.

Jesus is our ultimate example
He himself suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted - Hebrews 2:18


Wild at Heart - The Strategy (part 3)
2. Intimidation

Our condition may become normal to use after a while - depression
If you pray and fight against – It will get worse.
Once the Enemy is discovered, he usually does not just roll over and die.
Jesus says get tough and resist the onslaught

Next level Satan tries intimidation and fear
He wants you to agree with intimidation because he fears you
Fighting back, he will lose – Resist the devil and he will flee – James 4:7

Why do so many pastor’s kids go off the deep end?
Evil One is trying to an old tactic – strike first and maybe the opposition will run
He can’t win, you know

God is with us
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” – Joshua 1:5
The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is his name – Exodus 15:3

How did Jesus win the battle against Satan? God was with him
Doesn’t simply mean that he’ll be around - he will fight for us
Satan is trying to appeal to the traitor’s commitment to self-preservation when he uses fear and intimidation.
So as long as we are back in the old story of saving our skin, looking out for Number One, those tactics will work.

Become a warrior
The most dangerous man on earth is the man who has reckoned with his own death.
All men die, few men ever really live.

Kingdom First - Words are Big
Jesus wanted people to get to heaven; it is the little things (our words) that will make us or break us - Matthew 5:37
If anyone considers himself religious and does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, is deceived and religion is worthless - James 1:26

Paul: most important ingredient?
Reliability - unreliable men will not only break God's chain but also discourages others - 2 Timothy 2:2

Most obvious way we can be unreliable is with our tongue
David about adversaries - Not a word from their mouth can be trusted - Psalms 5:9

Get character that speaks and lives the truth
Our "no" is okay if we say "no"
But in mostly it should be "yes" - 2 Corinthians 1:19

Jesus is our best example
Perhaps his favorite phrase was "I tell you the truth"
He did and he does

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

Kingdom First - Personal Responsibility (part 2)
When talking about removing the plank from our eye so we can remove the speck from someone else, there are two extremes:
  1. Becoming inwardly focused, see only our problems
  2. Trying to help other straighten out their lives without being open to the same help ourselves
How do I get a sober estimate of myself?

A. Look daily into the mirror of God's word
Foolish to just look at the word of God and not let it transform you - James 1:22-25

B. Pray fervently for God to open your eyes and give you insight into your heart and life
An incredible prayer about searching our heart - Psalms 139:23-24

C. Be open with those in your life
Be quick to confess sin - James 5:16

D. Have a humble attitude toward challenge in your life
Let this be our goal - Psalms 141:5

One Another - Confession Questions (part 2)
What is the power of confession?

a. It brings the forgiveness of sin and purifies us from all unrighteousness - 1 John 1:7-9

b. Confession brings fellowship with God and with brothers and sisters - 1 John 1:7-9
Confession is just not good for the soul, it is good for other's souls and unity

c. Confession represents a strong stand against Satan
Resist the devil and he will flee - James 4:7

d. Confession is contagious - one person's confession can encourage another's confession

First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

First the Kingdom - Expectations
1. Jesus promised to judge us at the last day by his words - John 12:48
Ignorance is anything but bliss
Reliance on the teaching of the religious is dangerous

2. Jesus intends for us to act on his words once we have heard them
Knowing without doing is worse than not knowing in the first place - Luke 12:47-48
To hear the Word without obey is to be self-deceived - James 1:22-25

3. Storms of life are a reality
Disciples will in one way will have more storms because the persecution they face

4. The type of value system we have will be revealed
It will be revealed via the storms we face - our foundation (faith) will be tested - 1 Corinthians 3:11

One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 4)

Some things that depend on us

We can always have a gracious attitude

Paul choose to focus on the result - Christ is being proclaimed - Philippians 1:15-19

We can always be humble

Consider others better than ourselves - Philippians 2:3-4
Walk worthy of the calling - with all humility and gentleness - Ephesians 4:1-2

We can always be positive - Philippians 2:14-15

We can always listen - James 1:19-20

We can always control our anger - James 1:20

Some things are our of control when to comes to reconciliation but they are many things within our control to build a relationship



One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 4)

Some things that depend on us

We can always have a gracious attitude

Paul choose to focus on the result - Christ is being proclaimed - Philippians 1:15-19

We can always be humble

Consider others better than ourselves - Philippians 2:3-4
Walk worthy of the calling - with all humility and gentleness - Ephesians 4:1-2

We can always be positive - Philippians 2:14-15

We can always listen - James 1:19-20

We can always control our anger - James 1:20

Some things are our of control when to comes to reconciliation but they are many things within our control to build a relationship



One Another - Reconciling with One Another (part 4)

Some things that depend on us

We can always have a gracious attitude

Paul choose to focus on the result - Christ is being proclaimed - Philippians 1:15-19

We can always be humble

Consider others better than ourselves - Philippians 2:3-4
Walk worthy of the calling - with all humility and gentleness - Ephesians 4:1-2

We can always be positive - Philippians 2:14-15

We can always listen - James 1:19-20

We can always control our anger - James 1:20

Some things are our of control when to comes to reconciliation but they are many things within our control to build a relationship



Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 1)
James address Christians under pressure
Without pressure, the human body soon slows down and dies
Pressure keeps the blood flowing

James chooses to call himself servant rather than brother - James 1:1
He was a prominent leader in the early church but he kept a down-to-earth perspective
Anyone in a leadership role needs to have the same attitude

How are trials to be met? With pure joy - James 1:2-8
There are two options: continue in the process of becoming mature or walk away and do it our own way
Maturity is not just spiritual longevity - it is how you react under pressure

What do we do it we lack wisdom? Ask for it
Not IQ but for knowing what to do in tricky situations
It's a promise of God that he will enable you to live more intelligently

What is last big trial you faced? How did you react?

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 3)
God does not work to ruin our lives but to improve us - James 1:16-18
Don't accuse God of wrong doing like Job did - Job 1:22

Our fate is in God's hands, not in the stars - v. 17

God's goodness is his gift of rebirth
Peter makes this clear - 1 Peter 1:23

James moves to relationships with one another
Don't retaliate when times are tough - James 1:19-21

James' wisdom would transform many a relationship if put into practice

Natural Reaction Jesus' action
Be quick to speak Be quick to listen
Don't listen Slow to speak
Be first to become angry Slow to become angry


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 2)
Poor and rich people need to watch their step - James 1:9-11
Proverbs teach us that the middle way between poor and rich is best - Proverbs 30:7-9

The crown of life is not received quickly nor cheaply - James 1:12
There are too many rationals to go the easy way:
  • My upbringing is less than perfect
  • I'm different
  • I need lots of sleep
  • I am a young Christian
  • I am an old Christian
  • I used to be worse
We can not become more dependent on explanations than on God
You always find a reason why you can not persevere

We are not victims, by God's power we can be victors

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 2)
Poor and rich people need to watch their step - James 1:9-11
Proverbs teach us that the middle way between poor and rich is best - Proverbs 30:7-9

The crown of life is not received quickly nor cheaply - James 1:12
There are too many rationals to go the easy way:
  • My upbringing is less than perfect
  • I'm different
  • I need lots of sleep
  • I am a young Christian
  • I am an old Christian
  • I used to be worse
We can not become more dependent on explanations than on God
You always find a reason why you can not persevere

We are not victims, by God's power we can be victors

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 2)
Poor and rich people need to watch their step - James 1:9-11
Proverbs teach us that the middle way between poor and rich is best - Proverbs 30:7-9

The crown of life is not received quickly nor cheaply - James 1:12
There are too many rationals to go the easy way:
  • My upbringing is less than perfect
  • I'm different
  • I need lots of sleep
  • I am a young Christian
  • I am an old Christian
  • I used to be worse
We can not become more dependent on explanations than on God
You always find a reason why you can not persevere

We are not victims, by God's power we can be victors

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 2)
Poor and rich people need to watch their step - James 1:9-11
Proverbs teach us that the middle way between poor and rich is best - Proverbs 30:7-9

The crown of life is not received quickly nor cheaply - James 1:12
There are too many rationals to go the easy way:
  • My upbringing is less than perfect
  • I'm different
  • I need lots of sleep
  • I am a young Christian
  • I am an old Christian
  • I used to be worse
We can not become more dependent on explanations than on God
You always find a reason why you can not persevere

We are not victims, by God's power we can be victors

Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 4)
True freedom is not political freedom but spiritual freedom - James 1:25
Remember how the Jew sought political freedom?

Religion without self-control is useless - James 1:26
Worldly speech includes gossip, slander, cursing, swearing, deceit, etc

Lack of social concern is a sure sign that a person is a false Christian
Worldly values and social apathy go hand in hand
Do we really care about the widows and orphans and widows - James 1:27


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 4)
True freedom is not political freedom but spiritual freedom - James 1:25
Remember how the Jew sought political freedom?

Religion without self-control is useless - James 1:26
Worldly speech includes gossip, slander, cursing, swearing, deceit, etc

Lack of social concern is a sure sign that a person is a false Christian
Worldly values and social apathy go hand in hand
Do we really care about the widows and orphans and widows - James 1:27


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 4)
True freedom is not political freedom but spiritual freedom - James 1:25
Remember how the Jew sought political freedom?

Religion without self-control is useless - James 1:26
Worldly speech includes gossip, slander, cursing, swearing, deceit, etc

Lack of social concern is a sure sign that a person is a false Christian
Worldly values and social apathy go hand in hand
Do we really care about the widows and orphans and widows - James 1:27


Life to the Full - Crown not Frown (part 5)
In the spirit of James 1:27 and the heart of helping others, here are some ideas on helping others:
  • Pray about adopting a child
  • Visit a nursing home
  • When the homeless ask for spare change, do not be stingy, give to them - Luke 6:30-38
  • On your next vacation, go to a 3rd world country
  • See what you can sell to help the poor - Luke 12:33
  • Get to know a homeless person and have them into your home - Matthew 25:35
  • Read the news - follow up with the victims of accidents, fires, robberies


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 1)
When we show favoritism, we are unlike God - James 2:1-4

You probably has heard that we should not judge
Judging is a merely drawing a conclusion on evidence

There are certain kinds of judging that are prohibited or discouraged:
  • Hypocritical judging - Romans 2:1
  • Superficial judging - John 7:24
  • Judgment in disputable matters - Romans 14:1
  • Analyzing another's motives - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
  • Judging someone to be inferior to you - James 2:3-4
  • Grumbling against a brother - James 5:9


Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 3)
God is just, his laws are just - this should give us great confidence
God justice - does not guarantee life will be fair - James himself was executed in 62AD

There is quite a difference between compassion and softness - James 2:8-13
The struggles to decide what to do, only God's perfect law can guide us:
  • Revolution or comprise
  • Retaliation or connivance
  • Reaction or corruption
If you ask the man on the street what is the most part of the Bible, what would they say?
Maybe the Ten Commandments? - If so, they would be wrong

  1. Love God wholeheartedly - Deuteronomy 6:5
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself - Leviticus 19:18
Neither are in the Ten Commandments

A mark of true Christianity is adherence to these two laws
Total commitment and total involvement
As long these are two commands are the top priority, our focus will not be warped or unbiblical

Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 5)
Christians who have no interest in helping the disadvantaged are not Christians at all - James 2:14-17

Jesus himself saw the crowds and healed them - Matthew 14:14
He taught that only those who reached out to the imprisoned, poor, hungry, and sick would be welcomed into heaven - Matthew 25:31

Mere belief is not enough; it is acting on the faith you have - James 2:18

Ask yourself, do these people believe? - Titus 1:15
Anyone who isn't a true disciple is an unbeliever - Titus 1:16



Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 5)
Christians who have no interest in helping the disadvantaged are not Christians at all - James 2:14-17

Jesus himself saw the crowds and healed them - Matthew 14:14
He taught that only those who reached out to the imprisoned, poor, hungry, and sick would be welcomed into heaven - Matthew 25:31

Mere belief is not enough; it is acting on the faith you have - James 2:18

Ask yourself, do these people believe? - Titus 1:15
Anyone who isn't a true disciple is an unbeliever - Titus 1:16



Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 5)
Christians who have no interest in helping the disadvantaged are not Christians at all - James 2:14-17

Jesus himself saw the crowds and healed them - Matthew 14:14
He taught that only those who reached out to the imprisoned, poor, hungry, and sick would be welcomed into heaven - Matthew 25:31

Mere belief is not enough; it is acting on the faith you have - James 2:18

Ask yourself, do these people believe? - Titus 1:15
Anyone who isn't a true disciple is an unbeliever - Titus 1:16



Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 5)
Christians who have no interest in helping the disadvantaged are not Christians at all - James 2:14-17

Jesus himself saw the crowds and healed them - Matthew 14:14
He taught that only those who reached out to the imprisoned, poor, hungry, and sick would be welcomed into heaven - Matthew 25:31

Mere belief is not enough; it is acting on the faith you have - James 2:18

Ask yourself, do these people believe? - Titus 1:15
Anyone who isn't a true disciple is an unbeliever - Titus 1:16



Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 5)
Christians who have no interest in helping the disadvantaged are not Christians at all - James 2:14-17

Jesus himself saw the crowds and healed them - Matthew 14:14
He taught that only those who reached out to the imprisoned, poor, hungry, and sick would be welcomed into heaven - Matthew 25:31

Mere belief is not enough; it is acting on the faith you have - James 2:18

Ask yourself, do these people believe? - Titus 1:15
Anyone who isn't a true disciple is an unbeliever - Titus 1:16



Life to the Full - Dead or Alive? (part 6)
Person justified by what he does not faith alone - James 2:24
James is talking about the lifestyle of a saved person not about the point of salvation
Faith alone? A true living faith is never alone - accompanied by a heart that obeys

Deeds are the animate faith; Spirit is what makes the body alive

Jesus spoke often of deed, seldom of intentions - Matthew 7:21-23

In Revelation, Jesus constantly focuses on deeds - Revelation 2:2, 19; 3:1, 8, 15

Is your faith dead or alive?
What deed in your life shows that your faith is alive and well?


Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 1)
Wisdom can be earthly or demonic

Teachers will be judged more strictly - James 3:1
The danger with the wrong type of teacher is his misuse of his tongue:
  • Sarcasm
  • Negativity
  • Bitterness
  • Cursing
  • Worldly reactions
Coming across as self-righteous is a danger too
We all stumble in many ways - James 3:2
James included himself


Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 1)
Wisdom can be earthly or demonic

Teachers will be judged more strictly - James 3:1
The danger with the wrong type of teacher is his misuse of his tongue:
  • Sarcasm
  • Negativity
  • Bitterness
  • Cursing
  • Worldly reactions
Coming across as self-righteous is a danger too
We all stumble in many ways - James 3:2
James included himself


Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 3)
When to comes to the tongue, it is the little things that make all the difference

James compares the tongue to - James 3:3-7:
  • Bits into the mouth of a horse
  • A rudder on a large ship
  • A spark that starts a large fire
  • Taming wild animals is easier that taming our own tongue
Our lives will be used for good or evil, depending on how we control this tiny part of our body

James used his experienced practical teaching style to explain that good and evil should not coexist - James 3:9-12
3 of 4 major crops were - figs, olives, and grapes

Is there far more positive coming from your mouth than negative?

Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 3)
When to comes to the tongue, it is the little things that make all the difference

James compares the tongue to - James 3:3-7:
  • Bits into the mouth of a horse
  • A rudder on a large ship
  • A spark that starts a large fire
  • Taming wild animals is easier that taming our own tongue
Our lives will be used for good or evil, depending on how we control this tiny part of our body

James used his experienced practical teaching style to explain that good and evil should not coexist - James 3:9-12
3 of 4 major crops were - figs, olives, and grapes

Is there far more positive coming from your mouth than negative?

Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 3)
When to comes to the tongue, it is the little things that make all the difference

James compares the tongue to - James 3:3-7:
  • Bits into the mouth of a horse
  • A rudder on a large ship
  • A spark that starts a large fire
  • Taming wild animals is easier that taming our own tongue
Our lives will be used for good or evil, depending on how we control this tiny part of our body

James used his experienced practical teaching style to explain that good and evil should not coexist - James 3:9-12
3 of 4 major crops were - figs, olives, and grapes

Is there far more positive coming from your mouth than negative?

Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 3)
When to comes to the tongue, it is the little things that make all the difference

James compares the tongue to - James 3:3-7:
  • Bits into the mouth of a horse
  • A rudder on a large ship
  • A spark that starts a large fire
  • Taming wild animals is easier that taming our own tongue
Our lives will be used for good or evil, depending on how we control this tiny part of our body

James used his experienced practical teaching style to explain that good and evil should not coexist - James 3:9-12
3 of 4 major crops were - figs, olives, and grapes

Is there far more positive coming from your mouth than negative?

Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 4)
There are two sorts of wisdom: earthly and heavenly

Do you have God's wisdom? - James 3:17-18
  • pure - not mixed with anything else - in thought, word or deed?
  • peace-loving - never to be soft on sin and not follow ways of violence
  • considerate - do we really put others first?
  • submissive - "obedient, compliant", open to persuasion
  • full of mercy and good - God is looking for changes and results
  • impartial - not taking the side of the unjust
  • sincere - "unhypocritical"
Wisdom in the Bible is more about moral quality than intellectual quality
Is why the wise may turn out to be fools and the "foolish" may the wisest of all


Life to the Full - Two Wisdoms (part 4)
There are two sorts of wisdom: earthly and heavenly

Do you have God's wisdom? - James 3:17-18
  • pure - not mixed with anything else - in thought, word or deed?
  • peace-loving - never to be soft on sin and not follow ways of violence
  • considerate - do we really put others first?
  • submissive - "obedient, compliant", open to persuasion
  • full of mercy and good - God is looking for changes and results
  • impartial - not taking the side of the unjust
  • sincere - "unhypocritical"
Wisdom in the Bible is more about moral quality than intellectual quality
Is why the wise may turn out to be fools and the "foolish" may the wisest of all


Life to the Full - Macho Mist (part 2)
Spiritual adultery - How easy it is to flirt with the world if we fail to guard our hearts - Proverbs 4:23
In Jewish law, adultery is grounds for divorce

The Spirit cause to live within us envies intensely - James 3:5

The nature of God: He will tolerate no rivals for his love
God is a jealous God - Exodus 34:14

One of the quoted OT verse in the the NT is about pride - Proverbs 3:34
Much of the pride mention in the NT is bad: Pride goes before the fall - Proverbs 16:18
Pride mentioned in the NT is usually good: I take great pride in you - 2 Corinthians 7:4
It depends on where the pride is rooted and the attitude behind it

If you feel ineffective, frustrated, unproductive, opposed - it might be because God is opposing you because of your pride
He is trying to get your attention so you will turn back to him

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 1)
James addressed the rich who exploited the poor and those who failed to stand up to the sin - James 5:1-6

Withholding wages, even overnight - was considered cheating a labor by underpaying him - Deuteronomy 24:14-15

v5 - the "day of slaughter" was the day an animal was slaughtered and mostly all eaten since there was no refrigeration

v6 - they were "condemning and murdering" innocent men
Actively - cast their vote against the lower castes
Passively - failed to defend them

Am I passionate about advocating for the poor?

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Life to the Full - Got to Pray (part 2)
James 5:7-11 - Addresses patience in peace and in suffering

Two examples of patience in suffering:
  • The prophets - Suffered because they were opposed by the religious
  • Job - Maintained his integrity despite not understanding why he was suffering
James 5:12-13 - what is meant by "do not swear"
Jewish were very fond of oath-taking - Matthew 5:33-37
James may have been referring to rash oath-taking - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Rather than swearing (v12), we should pray (v13)
No true disciple should need to take an oath since we must be men and women of our word
Simply let our yes be yes and our no be no

Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

  • It is our responsibility to grow
  • We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

  • Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
  • Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

  • Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
  • Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
  • Perservering is where you mature


Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

  • It is our responsibility to grow
  • We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

  • Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
  • Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

  • Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
  • Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
  • Perservering is where you mature


Heart of Maturity (Methods of Maturing)

Methods of Maturing

Self-Training with the Word

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Constant use of the word - for direction, correction, and guidance

With each other

Colossians 1:28-29

  • It is our responsibility to grow
  • We need small groups, large groups, and one another times

Imiatating others

1 Corinthians 4:14-17

  • Follow the qualities in people which are best examples of Christ
  • Collectively the best qualities show an example of Christ

Perservering in trials

James 1:2-4

  • Whenever (that means anytime) the testing of your faith comes
  • Consider it a pure joy - Many Trials
  • Perservering is where you mature


Desire's Journey - Battle Between Us
What causes fights? Isn't it the evil desires within you? - James 4:1-2

The life we want is so far from the life we truly want.
For longing to be filled - we need the cooperation of others
We need others, it is part of our design
Very few of our desire are self-fulfilling

The world is indifferent to our desire
We weren't made to be ignored
We pretend it does not matter - it is doing damage to our souls

Resentment - simmering anger at our blocked desires
We pretend we have rise above it

Desire's Journey - Battle Between Us
What causes fights? Isn't it the evil desires within you? - James 4:1-2

The life we want is so far from the life we truly want.
For longing to be filled - we need the cooperation of others
We need others, it is part of our design
Very few of our desire are self-fulfilling

The world is indifferent to our desire
We weren't made to be ignored
We pretend it does not matter - it is doing damage to our souls

Resentment - simmering anger at our blocked desires
We pretend we have rise above it

Jesus - The Healer (part 2)

Causes of Sickness:

Break Down of System

Our spiritual immune system can break down:

  1. Time with God isn't exciting...less time spent
  2. Dynamic prayer becomes nonexistant
  3. Desire to go to Church decreases
  4. Becomes critical toward the church, people, even God
James 1:13-15
  • I didn't become a disciple to be here and then fall away
  • Sin gives birth to death...maybe slow maybe fast.
Some are accidential injuries

You must be prepared:

1 Peter 4:1-11

  • Because we are not prepared
  • Wolves are all around us.
Some are self-afflicted injuries

Ephesians 5:10-18

  • Comes when we make excuses.
  • Like shotting ourselves in the foot.
Jesus can heal your weaknesses and injuries

Will you let him?



Jesus - The Healer (part 2)

Causes of Sickness:

Break Down of System

Our spiritual immune system can break down:

  1. Time with God isn't exciting...less time spent
  2. Dynamic prayer becomes nonexistant
  3. Desire to go to Church decreases
  4. Becomes critical toward the church, people, even God
James 1:13-15
  • I didn't become a disciple to be here and then fall away
  • Sin gives birth to death...maybe slow maybe fast.
Some are accidential injuries

You must be prepared:

1 Peter 4:1-11

  • Because we are not prepared
  • Wolves are all around us.
Some are self-afflicted injuries

Ephesians 5:10-18

  • Comes when we make excuses.
  • Like shotting ourselves in the foot.
Jesus can heal your weaknesses and injuries

Will you let him?



Jesus - The Healer (part 2)

Causes of Sickness:

Break Down of System

Our spiritual immune system can break down:

  1. Time with God isn't exciting...less time spent
  2. Dynamic prayer becomes nonexistant
  3. Desire to go to Church decreases
  4. Becomes critical toward the church, people, even God
James 1:13-15
  • I didn't become a disciple to be here and then fall away
  • Sin gives birth to death...maybe slow maybe fast.
Some are accidential injuries

You must be prepared:

1 Peter 4:1-11

  • Because we are not prepared
  • Wolves are all around us.
Some are self-afflicted injuries

Ephesians 5:10-18

  • Comes when we make excuses.
  • Like shotting ourselves in the foot.
Jesus can heal your weaknesses and injuries

Will you let him?



God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

God does not change (part 1)
Preached on 2003-01-12

Hebrews 13:8 - Same always; it is his nature

Hebrews 6:13-20
- God's purpose is unchanging
- Wanted to make it clear

Numbers 23:19-20
- God's Integrity never changes
- God keeps his promises and oaths
- Who else do I know is like this?

Malachi 3:6 - God does not change
James 1:16-18 - God does not change

But our lives change

God allows our lives to change so we hold on to his unchanging hand

Waking Dead - Deep Restoration (part 5)
Our sin give the enemy a certain claim to our lives - Romans 6:16

As we renounce any sin, we also renounce any claim we've given to Satan in our lives
This often comes in the form of  "agreements" - Satan has suggested something to us and we have said yes.
  • "Don't ever trust anyone"
  • "Your heart is bad, never show it to anyone"
  • "You are dirty and will never get free"
We command our enemy to flee - James 4:7

As long as we have unhealed places in our hearts, it is next to impossible to live in freedom and victory
No matter how much discipline we apply to it

Our enemy knows them well and trying undermine us and uses it against us with a disabling effect

Waking Dead - Setting the Heart Free
All spiritual warfare follows a simple pattern - James 4:7

Submit and resist
Submit ourselves to Christ and resist whatever has come against us or those we love
Their needs to "dailyness" to our walk

1. We have to choose to abide in Christ
Consecrate our whole body:
  • Body - Romans 12:1
  • Soul - Luke 10:27
  • Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:17
2. Then we need to cleanse our lives with the blood of Christ
Take our place under the headship of Christ
The faith of centurion, he understood authority - Matthew 8:10

Most sins fall under:
  • Pride - independence from God
  • Idolatry - Giving our devotion, fear, or any part of our heart to something other than God
We need to ask God to search our hearts so we might confess sin and agreements we have made

Contagious Christian - Pull of Compassion
Caring for the tangible needs of others is at the core of Christianity
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless - look at orphans and widows in their distress - James 1:27

Compassion is echoed throughout the Bible:
  • Be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor - Deuteronomy 15:11
  • Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me - Matthew 25:40
  • All I ask is that you remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do - Galatians 2:10
Uncaring Christianity does not attract inquirers
Clear and consistent demonstration of Christ-like love is a powerful magnet that pulls people toward Him

Not about who you are or what you did
It is about how you care, being a neighbor - Luke 10:36-37
In Luke 10 - when the wounded man awoke, he must have wondered, "Who did this? Why would they do help me in such a great way?"
It is when people start asking, "Why didn't he not turn away like everyone else?"

As I have loved you, so you must love one another - John 13:34-35
All men will know that you are my disciples

Christian Responsibilities
  1. Yourself - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
    1. We need to be financially independent in the sense that we take care of our own. As adults we should not be dependent on parents, family, friends, or the church except in rare instances.
    2. Non-Christians do not respect people who do not carry their weight financially. We hinder the spread of the Gospel if we are irresponsible with our finances.
  2. Family - 1 Timothy 5:4-8
    1. Taking care of our family is one of the most basic responsibilities we have. If we fail, we deny the faith.
    2. Responsibility includes at least parents, grandparents, spouse, children, 7 brothers and sisters.
    3. It is right for us to repay our parents and grandparents.
  3. Government - Romans 13:1-7
    1. We need to support the government through the payment of taxes.
    2. We pay not according to what we can get away with but what is right to pay.
  4. The Church - 1 Cor 16:1-2
    1. Each one has the responsibility to take care of the church financially.
    2. Set aside on the first day of every week.
    3. Plan and save for special contributions.
  5. The Poor - Luke 12:33; James 1:27

QUESTIONS

  1. In which of the above areas am I not fulfilling my responsibilities?


Contagious Christian - Making the Message Clear (part IV)
Another illustration similar to the bridge analogy...

Baseball Illustration

If one wants to enter the All-Universe Hall must meet the following requirements for 5 years
  • Must play error free ball
  • Pitchers must strikeout everyone in a no-hitter every time
  • Must have 1.000 batting average
  • Each hit must be a home run
Who can do this for a season?
To earn your salvation, you must do something similar - Romans 3:23
One missed law is guilty of breaking all of the laws - James 2:10
We need Jesus' sacrifice to reach God



Mission - All Nations
The only event in history where all mankind gathers together is Judgment Day

An expert in the law asked "What I do to inherit eternal life?" and "Who is my neighbor?"
This expert had given his life to study of the scriptures

Jesus illustrates the greatest commandment - one man helping another
Does not talk about:
  • Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
  • Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted
Who are you helping? Do see those in need?

James 2:14-16 - Do you claim to have faith? It is never alone
Food, clothing, a blanket shows that you have saving faith

Christian who "share their faith" don't always "share their food"

Sometimes we resemble the expert in the law who did not love their neighbor
By focusing on helping the poor, many people seem to become more evangelistic
Physical and spiritual needs are inseparable

Jesus said, I was hungry, of need of clothes, sick. Did you help him? - Matthew 25:35-36

He takes it personally - Jesus grew up poor
Doves were the sacrifice of the poor - Luke 2:24


Mission - All Nations
The only event in history where all mankind gathers together is Judgment Day

An expert in the law asked "What I do to inherit eternal life?" and "Who is my neighbor?"
This expert had given his life to study of the scriptures

Jesus illustrates the greatest commandment - one man helping another
Does not talk about:
  • Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
  • Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted
Who are you helping? Do see those in need?

James 2:14-16 - Do you claim to have faith? It is never alone
Food, clothing, a blanket shows that you have saving faith

Christian who "share their faith" don't always "share their food"

Sometimes we resemble the expert in the law who did not love their neighbor
By focusing on helping the poor, many people seem to become more evangelistic
Physical and spiritual needs are inseparable

Jesus said, I was hungry, of need of clothes, sick. Did you help him? - Matthew 25:35-36

He takes it personally - Jesus grew up poor
Doves were the sacrifice of the poor - Luke 2:24


Mission - All Nations
The only event in history where all mankind gathers together is Judgment Day

An expert in the law asked "What I do to inherit eternal life?" and "Who is my neighbor?"
This expert had given his life to study of the scriptures

Jesus illustrates the greatest commandment - one man helping another
Does not talk about:
  • Some daring act of evangelism - although He did this almost daily
  • Being baptized  - although it is commanded and can never be omitted
Who are you helping? Do see those in need?

James 2:14-16 - Do you claim to have faith? It is never alone
Food, clothing, a blanket shows that you have saving faith

Christian who "share their faith" don't always "share their food"

Sometimes we resemble the expert in the law who did not love their neighbor
By focusing on helping the poor, many people seem to become more evangelistic
Physical and spiritual needs are inseparable

Jesus said, I was hungry, of need of clothes, sick. Did you help him? - Matthew 25:35-36

He takes it personally - Jesus grew up poor
Doves were the sacrifice of the poor - Luke 2:24


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Trusting God - Samuel
Preached by Rob Milner

Read 1 Samuel 13

Following God's instruction is the key to our success

1 Samuel 10:8 - Go to Gilgal and wait for 7 days and then we will sacrifice
Samuel was the judge before their were kings

Saul waited for 7 days but did not wait to do the burnt offerings
He did not follow God's instructions exactly
How long before we stop waiting?

Ever wanted to take matters into our own hands?
There is nothing as good as trusting and then God fulfilling his promise

There are two battles:
  • Battle between good and evil
  • Battle between faith and action
James 2:18-24
  • v22 - Faith and works - work together
  • Faith without deeds is dead
  • Where am I not following exactly?
  • What am I not submitting to God's will?

James 4:7-8 - God calls us to submit to him fully

Trust in God and not your situation

1 Samuel 13:11-12 - Saul doubted that Samuel was coming

James 1:5-8 - we should believe and not doubt

Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in God and not on one's own understanding
Depending on one's own understanding creates:

  • Pride
  • Controlling person
  • Self-reliant
  • Unreliable - allows our situations to change us
  • Lose of conviction
Psalms 118:8 - Better to rely on God than man

Protect your blacksmiths or you will be found defenseless

1 Samuel 13:19-21
What are the blacksmiths of our lives?
  • Knowledge of the Bible
  • Daily prayer/walk with God
  • Brotherly fellowship


Sin (part II)
Galatians 5:19-21
  • Sin is the fundamentally “un-God-ward” orientation of our “flesh” or “sinful nature” and finds expression in many different ways. Emphasize “and the like.”
  • What is the common element in all these things? Self-centeredness.
  • Be as specific as necessary to explain and share from your own life about the sins listed. How do you see yourself in these verses? What sins have been characteristic of your own sinful nature? (If needed, look at additional Scriptures which catalog sins.)
James 4:17
  • We are sinful and in need of forgiveness not only as a result of those sins we have committed, but for failing to do the good that we know to do.
Romans 6:15-18
  • How does sin enslave?
  • Note that sin is a power that must be defeated as well as specific acts that must be repented of.
  • Who alone can set us free from sin? (John 8:31-36)
Romans 6:23
  • What are the eternal consequences of sin?
  • Why be urgent to learn about receiving the gift of God that comes through Jesus Christ?
  • Review these verses as honestly as you can to get in touch with the bad news about your own sinfulness. In the next couple of studies, we will look at the good news of God’s solution to our bondage to sin. (Note: In some instances it is important to have the person articulate how he or she was saved or forgiven of sin before examining the Bible’s teaching about salvation.)


Followup - Bible Study Application

How should we use God’s Word?

  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2. Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    1. Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    2. Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


Followup - Being Discipled: Imitation & Indignation
Imitation

Hebrews 13:7; Philippians 4:9 - Imitate your leaders
  • Purpose
  • Faith - reliance on God
  • Love - warmth and encouragement
  • Endurance - even-temperedness and stability, keeping head in all situations
Indignation

Sin is what keeps us from being a great disciple
  • Pride - Proverbs 26:12 - “I can make it on my own”
    • No you can’t! - James 4:6 - God opposes the proud
  • Selfishness - Philippians 2:1-8 - Jesus made himself nothing


Followup - Balanced Attitude and Application
Attitude
How we should view God’s Word
  1. Matthew 4:4 - We need it to survive. Why do you eat every day? We need to “feed” ourselves daily on God’s Word
  2. Deuteronomy 33:44-47 - Not mere words but they are your life.
  3. John 12:47-48 - God will use it as the standard of judgment. Example: Final exam for college course - the test will be form the text.
Application
How should we use God’s Word?
  1. James 1:22 - Do what it says!
  2.  Acts 17:11 - Examine it daily
  3. Hebrews 4:12-13
    • Use it to find what our hearts are really and change that which is not pleasing to God
    • Use it as a “scalpel” to cut the sin in our lives and in the lives of others
  4. John 20:28, Romans 10:17 – Deepen our faith in Christ.


Followup - The New Testament Church (part II)
A picture of the New Testament Church (continued)

4. Giving
  • Generously - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11, Luke 16:13-16
  • Weekly - 1 Corinthians 16:1
  • To advance the gospel - Philippians 4:14-16, Titus 3:13-14
  • To meet the saints’ needs - Romans 15:25-27, Acts 2:44-45
5. Preaching - 1 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2

Work

  1. Evangelism - Philippians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Peter 2:9
  2. Serving
    • Serving food - Acts 6:1-4
    • Providing clothes - Acts 9:36-39
    • Looking after its orphans and widows - 1 Timothy 5:16, James 1:27
    • Showing hospitality - 1 Corinthians 16:5-6, 3 John 5-8, Hebrews 13:!2
    • 1 John 3:16-17, James 2:15-16, Matthew 25:34-36
Conclusion

That God may be glorified in His church - Ephesians 3:21

Followup - Prayer (part I)
Introduction
  1. We must understand who we are praying to: God, the Creator, All-powerful and Sovereign, and our Father.
  2. Prayer is essential for spiritual growth.
  3. Prayer is the key to deepening our relationship with God.
  4. Prayer unleashes the power of God. - James 5:16
  5. Prayer is not natural, it must be learned - Luke 11:1-4
Jesus’ Prayer Life
  1. Mark 1:35 - Jesus, although very busy, found time to pray in a place and time free from distraction.
  2. Luke 6:12 - Jesus spends all night praying to God.
  3. Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus prays with loud cries and tears.


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Followup - Prayer (part II)
Key to Effective Prayer
  1. 1 Peter 4:7 - Be clear-minded and self-controlled
  2. Luke 18:1-8 - Be persistent
  3. James 5:16-18 - Personal righteousness
  4. Matthew 21:21-22 - Believe and do not doubt
  5. Psalms 5:3 - Pray daily and expect prayers to be answered
Conclusion
  1. God can and will do the impossible through prayer
  2. Prayer is vital to a dynamic walk with God.
  3. God is looking for people who will devote themselves to be close to Him. - Jeremiah 30:21


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part II)

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

  • The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
  • Questions
    • What has sinned?
    • Who is separated from God then?
    • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

  • Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Procrastination
    • Looking down on others
    • Unwillingness to help/serve
  • Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

  • Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
  • Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
  • After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part II)

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

  • The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
  • Questions
    • What has sinned?
    • Who is separated from God then?
    • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

  • Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Procrastination
    • Looking down on others
    • Unwillingness to help/serve
  • Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

  • Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
  • Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
  • After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part II)

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

  • The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
  • Questions
    • What has sinned?
    • Who is separated from God then?
    • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

  • Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Procrastination
    • Looking down on others
    • Unwillingness to help/serve
  • Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

  • Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
  • Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
  • After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part II)

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

  • The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
  • Questions
    • What has sinned?
    • Who is separated from God then?
    • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

  • Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Procrastination
    • Looking down on others
    • Unwillingness to help/serve
  • Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

  • Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
  • Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
  • After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further


Sin and Repentance - Kansas City (part II)

Definition of Sin
Romans 3:21-25

  • The Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) testify about the righteousness from God (Jesus)
  • Questions
    • What has sinned?
    • Who is separated from God then?
    • Where does our redemption come from?

Sins of Omission
James 4:13-17

  • Involves inward things that people don't nessarily see
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Procrastination
    • Looking down on others
    • Unwillingness to help/serve
  • Question: What sins of ommission would you say have been or are currently in your life?

Sin of Commission
Galatians 5:16-25

  • Go through the list and define each sin to paint a clear picture
  • Person leading the study share their own sin (5-6 minutes), then 1 or 2 others for 2-3 minutes
  • After the person studying shares then suggest meeting again to talk about things further


Counting the Cost (part I)
Purpose: We want to review things with you to answer any questions or help with situations that could occur.

Luke 14:25-27
  • Question: What do you understand these scriptures as saying to you?
  • Question: Who would be the most challenging relationship for you to keep God above?
  • Question: What if your (spouse, kids, parent) did not want to be a disciple (or left) what would you do?
  • Satan will use relationships closest to you to try to pull you away.
  • Don't think these things will never happen to you - never underestimate the devil
  • v26 - Even his own life
    • What will you need to overcome?
James 4:7 - Temptations will come but you need to resist them - fighting for your life/salvation.

1 John 1:5-10
  • Even when you sin after you are baptized then the blood of Jesus will continue to purify you from all sin if we stay in the light
  • We should confess our sins and having discipling relationship helps us to take care of one another
  • Question: If someone approaches you and talks about how many changes they have seen in you. What should you tell them (role play)


Jesus is God (part I)
Examples showing the deity of Jesus:
  • All Authority - Matthew 28:18; Colossians 2:10
  • Called God by James - James 2:1
  • Called God by John - 1 John 5:20; Revelation 1:18; Revelation 19:16
  • Called God by Jude - Jude 25
  • Called God by Paul - Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:15-17; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13
  • Called God by Peter - 1 Peter 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17
  • Forgives sins - Mark 2:5
  • Judges - John 5:22
  • Knew All things - John 21:17


NT Commands (part III)
Commands found in the New Testament:
  • Be thankful - Colossians 3:15
  • Be slow to speak and anger - James 1:19-20
  • Do everything in love - 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • Do everything without complaining or arguing - Philippians 2:14-15
  • Do not be proud or conceited - Romans 12:2
  • Do not lie - Colossians 3:9-10
  • Do not take revenge - Romans 12:19
  • Do not conform to the world - Romans 12:2


NT Commands (part III)
Commands found in the New Testament:
  • Be thankful - Colossians 3:15
  • Be slow to speak and anger - James 1:19-20
  • Do everything in love - 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • Do everything without complaining or arguing - Philippians 2:14-15
  • Do not be proud or conceited - Romans 12:2
  • Do not lie - Colossians 3:9-10
  • Do not take revenge - Romans 12:19
  • Do not conform to the world - Romans 12:2


NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


NT Commands (part IV)
More New Testament commands:
  • Do not store you treasures on earth - Matthew 6:19
  • Do good to all people - Galatians 6:10
  • Do good you know you ought to do - James 4:17
  • Do what the Word of God says - James 1:22
  • Do not fight - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Do not cause anyone to stumble - 1 Corinthians 10:32
  • Do not fear man - Luke 12:4-5
  • Encourage daily - Hebrews 3:13


NT Commands (part VI)
Reading New Testament commands each day:
  • Honor your father and mother - Matthew 19:19
  • Let your "Yes" be a yes and your "No" be a no - James 5:12
  • Live in harmony with one another - Romans 12:16
  • Love one another - John 13:34-35
  • Must not quarrel - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Pray continuously - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Pray for persecutors - Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28
  • Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 3:1
  • Rejoice in your trails - James 1:2-3


NT Commands (part VI)
Reading New Testament commands each day:
  • Honor your father and mother - Matthew 19:19
  • Let your "Yes" be a yes and your "No" be a no - James 5:12
  • Live in harmony with one another - Romans 12:16
  • Love one another - John 13:34-35
  • Must not quarrel - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Pray continuously - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Pray for persecutors - Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28
  • Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 3:1
  • Rejoice in your trails - James 1:2-3


NT Commands (part VI)
Reading New Testament commands each day:
  • Honor your father and mother - Matthew 19:19
  • Let your "Yes" be a yes and your "No" be a no - James 5:12
  • Live in harmony with one another - Romans 12:16
  • Love one another - John 13:34-35
  • Must not quarrel - 2 Timothy 2:24
  • Pray continuously - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Pray for persecutors - Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28
  • Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 3:1
  • Rejoice in your trails - James 1:2-3


NT Commands (part VII)
Been studying the New Testament commands for the past week:

  • Resist the devil - James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9
  • Stand firm in the faith - 1 Corinthians 15:58; 1 Corinthians 16:13;1 Peter 5:9
  • Store treasures in heaven - Matthew 6:20-21
  • Submit to the governing authorities - Romans 13:1
  • Submit yourself to God - James 4:7
  • Submit yourself to each other - Ephesians 5:21
  • Test everything - 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • Walk with the Spirit - Galatians 5:25
  • Warn those who are idle - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
  • Watch your life and your doctrine closely - 1 Timothy 4:16


One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


One Another (part II)
Some more scriptures about relationships:
  • Confess your sins to each other - James 5:16
  • Do not lie to each other - Colossians 3:9
  • Do not slander one another - James 4:11
  • Don’t grumble against each other - James 5:9
  • Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others - 1 Peter 4:10
  • Encourage each other - 1 Thessalonians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
  • Encourage one another - Hebrews 10:25
  • Encourage one another daily - Hebrews 3:13


One Another (part V)
Reading through the one another scriptures this week:
  • Make your love increase and overflow for each other - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
  • Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling - 1 Peter 4:9
  • Pray for each other - James 5:16
  • Serve one another in love - Galatians 5:13
  • Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - Ephesians 5:19
  • Spur one another on toward love and good deeds - Hebrews 10:24
  • Stop passing judgment on one another - Romans 14:13
  • Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ - Ephesians 5:21
  • Teach[one another] - Colossians 3:16
  • Wash one another’s feet - John 13:14; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17
  • When you come together to eat, wait for each other - 1 Corinthians 11:33


God Is (part I)
Starting a study of God attributes this week:
  • Abounds In Goodness - Psalms 31:19; Psalms 52:1; Romans 11:22
  • All Powerful - Jeremiah 32:17, 27
  • All Knowing - 1 John 3:20
  • Does Not Change - Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17
  • Eternal - Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17


God Is (part IV)
Part 4 on the study of God:
  • Light - 1 John 1:5
  • Long-suffering - Psalms 86:15; 2 Peter 3:15
  • Love - 1 John 4:8, 16
  • Merciful - Exodus 34:6; Psalms 103:8-10; James 5:11
  • Most Wise - Romans 16:27; Jude 25


Names of the Believers (part I)
Starting the study of the names of believers:
  • Believers - Acts 5:14; 1 Timothy 4:12
  • Beloved of God - Romans 1:7
  • Beloved brethren - 1 Corinthians 15:58; James 2:5
  • Blessed of the Lord - Genesis 24:31; 26:29
  • Blessed of the Father - Matthew 25:34
  • Brethren - Matthew 23:8; Acts 12:17
  • Brethren of Christ - Luke 8:21; John 20:17
  • Called of Jesus Christ - Romans 1:6


Names of the Believers (part VI)
Believer name scriptures:
  • Fellow-citizens with the saints - Ephesians 2:19
  • Fellow-heirs - Ephesians 3:6
  • Fellow-servants - Revelations 6:11
  • Friends of God - 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23
  • Friends of Christ - John 15:15
  • Godly, The - Psalms 4:3; 2 Peter 2:9


Names of the Believers (part VII)
Believer scripture relating to being heirs:
  • Heirs of God - Romans 8:17; Galatians 4:7
  • Heirs of the grace of life - 1 Peter 3:7
  • Heirs of the kingdom - James 2:5
  • Heirs of promise - Hebrews 6:17; Galatians 3:29
  • Heirs of salvation - Hebrews 1:14


Followup: Purity (part II)
2 Timothy 2:22
A. What does it mean to “flee” from something?
     To desperately run away from something dangerous (a murderer, predator, etc…)
B. What does it mean to “pursue” something?
     To move toward something with all your strength
Ephesians 5:3-7
  • How much is a hint? Are there any hints in your life?
  •  What does God call us to replace impurity with?
How do you overcome these temptations? Psalms 119:9-16
* We overcome sin by meditating on God’s precepts (word) and following his statues.
James 5:16 (we as a family are here for each other, not to judge but to support)
* God wants you to be pure and holy, he’s given you his word and spiritual brothers and sisters to help you on your spiritual journey.


Proverbs on Pride (part I)
Proverbs 16:18 - First pride, then the crash

This is one saying that always been apart of history:
  1. Cain’s pride led to him killing his brother Abel
  2. King Saul’s pride led to him attempting to kill David
  3. David lost his son Absalom to pride as Absalom attempted to overthrow David
  4. Hitler, Sadam, on and on (even to the extent of pride leading to the shake up in God’s modern day kingdom)
NT Greek word for pride = “puffed up with pride”
  • This is a very descriptive word (like a peacock strutting his feathers)
  • The proud person puts on the mistaken belief that he is better than he is
Pride/arrogance begins in the heart (so often we say I’m prideful but take it to lightly)

Mark 7:20-22 - (arrogance/pride) is a reflection of the heart = don’t take it so lightly

Luke 1:50-52 - God scatters the thoughts of the proud (busy covering themselves & looks)

James 4:6 - Every time you say, “Ha-Ha, I know I’m prideful” realize “God’s apposing me”
  • Not so funny then
  • The proud man does not submit to God thus becomes God’s enemy


Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man

Summary

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.



Genesis 3 - The Fall of Man

Summary

The serpent deceived the woman; she and Adam ate from the tree. Man blamed woman, woman blamed the serpent. The earth became cursed, and God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden.

Observations

Genesis 3:1 - Did God really say
The first way Satan tries to get Eve to disobey God is to create doubt to what God said. Many times Satan does not even try to tell us to do a 180 turn (you might notice what is going on then) - just a slight detour to the right or to the left [Deuteronomy 5:32]. It does not take much to get us off course from the narrow road [Matthew 7:14].

Genesis 3:4 - You will not surely die
Another temptation Satan throws our way is doubt in his punishment or promises. He would love for us to believe we will be judged at the end of our lives [John 12:48].  "Live your life the way you want to" - Satan. He does not want you to remember the promises God has spoken to encourage us in our walk with him.

Genesis 3:6 - desirable for gaining wisdom
When struggling with sin, we often come up with "good" reasons why we need to sin. In this case, Eve comes up with a "spiritual" reason. She wanted to gain "wisdom" - we need to have wisdom in our daily lives, right? God does not always reveal everything to us and for good reason. We should start with fear of the Lord since it is the beginning of wisdom [Psalms 111:10].

Genesis 3:9 - Where are you?
Good question to ask ourselves all the time. Where am I in relation to God? We often "disappear" when we sin either physically or more likely mentally. When we look in a mirror [James 1:23-24], we are blinded and do not see our true selves. We don't want to deal with the underlying problems in our character - it will be paining and requires effort but in the end it is worth it.

Genesis 3:19 - dust you are and to dust you will return
If you need a reminder on humility, this scripture will help. We come from the dirt of the ground and we will return there someday. We need to seize the days we have - stop worrying about tomorrow [Matthew 6:34].

Personal Application

I need to be aware of Satan's tricks continuously. He does not want to be noticed. I need to pray and reflect on how I am living my life and find where Satan is getting me to deviate even a fraction of a degree. I need also examine my thought and find out they are out of line with God's Word. I will ask others what they see where I have taken a devour on God's narrow road.



Prayer of the Righeous - Intimate Prayer

WHo is he who will devote himself to be close to me? - Jeremiah 30:21

God looks for people who will devote themselves to being close to him
Some of the greatest men of the Bible were described as God's friends

  • Enoch - walked with God for 300 years before took him away - Genesis 5:22-24
  • Noah walked with God - Genesis 6:9
  • Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend - Exodus 33:11
  • Abramham was God's friend - James 2:23
  • Daniel was God's friend from the first time he prayed - Daniel 10:12
  • Solomon prayed that his words would near to God day and night - 1 Kings 8:59
    • And God answered him - 1 Kings 9:3

Nehemiah had an intimate friendship with God:

  • Referred to God's convenant of love - Nehemiah 1:5
  • He pleaed for God to hear him - Nehemiah 1:6
  • Had personal confession of sin - Nehemiah 1:6-7
  • He reminded God of his great deeds - Nehemiah 1:8-10
  • He appealed to God - Nehemiah 1:11


Genesis 13 - The Cowboy Conflict

Summary

Abram journeyed with his nephew Lot. Their servants argued, so Lot went to Sodom, Abram to Canaan. The LORD promised Abram the land.

Observations

Genesis 13:7 - So there were quarrels
When there are many things involved, sometimes because there are quarrels. Quarrels come from our evil desires within us [James 4:1]. It is not the amount of items but our heart toward them. In this day in age, there are many quarrel and we have many things. Right now Congress can not agree on much of anything. Are we fighting the good fight or just fighting each other?

Genesis 13:11 - Lot chose for himself the whole region of the Jordan
Lot had a choice, the better Lot wanted the "well-watered" land for himself but in the ended up with the land full of sin. When chose what is better for ourselves rather than others, we many times not get what we think we are getting. If Lot had the choice over again, he would have likely would chose to give the land to Abram but it instead cost him his life.

Personal Application

I have been very quarrelsome at work recently - there is a lot that frustrates me right now. I need to relax and count my blessings. It is not worth broken relationships or loss of life.



Mind Change - Humility
Humility is the most powerful force in the world.

God loves it.

God honors it.

God blesses it.

With it, you cannot lose. You can have it in all circumstances.

Luke 14:11 - Who humbles himself will be exalted
James 4:6 - He gives grace to the humble
1 Peter 5:5 - Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another

Mind Change - Challenge
Decide to enjoy the challenge.

If it is going to be there, you might as well enjoy it.

God is allowing it for some good purpose.

Like Jacob, don’t let go it until it blesses you.

James 1:2-4 - Consider trials a pure joy

Mind Change - Challenge
Decide to enjoy the challenge.

If it is going to be there, you might as well enjoy it.

God is allowing it for some good purpose.

Like Jacob, don’t let go it until it blesses you.

James 1:2-4 - Consider trials a pure joy

Mind Change - Challenge
Decide to enjoy the challenge.

If it is going to be there, you might as well enjoy it.

God is allowing it for some good purpose.

Like Jacob, don’t let go it until it blesses you.

James 1:2-4 - Consider trials a pure joy

Guarding Your Heart (part II)
Being open and vulnerable will help keep your heart healthy
  • Proverbs 28:13 - You will always prosper and find mercy from God and other people
  • Hebrews 3:13 - Talk with others daily to receive the encouragement needed
  • James 5:16 - Healing will come to your heart when you confess to others
Develop a “play-it-safe” mentality with your heart
  • Deuteronomy 11:16 - Satan will always be trying to entice you to return to your life of sin
  • Psalms 101:2 - Be careful every day and in every situation
  • 1 Corinthians 10:6-12 - Don’t be over-confident; even the greatest have fallen
  • Ephesians 5:15-17 - Don’t be careless with your life; take the time to think about all you do
  • Hebrews 2:1 - Lack of Being careful will cause you to drift from God
Your salvation is a priceless gift and your most important possession. Guard it with great care and do whatever you can to keep the number one killer of Christians out of your life - sin!! Satan will work to steal you away from God but God has given you the information and the power to overcome all of his efforts. (Ephesians 6:10-18) Heaven is too great a reward to not do all you can to guard your salvation.

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 9 - Trials of Many Kinds
James 1:2-8
  1. Why does God allow us to go through trials?
  2. What should your attitude be about going through trials?
  3. What are the trials in your life right now?
James 1:12-15
  1. How can you persevere through trials and stand the test?
  2. Where do temptations come from? What things tempt you? Have you talked about your temptations with God and with another disciple?
1 Peter 1:3-9
  1. Why should we rejoice in trials?
  2. How can you know if your faith is genuine or not?
  3. Write a list of some of the tests that could come your way (financially, relationships, persecution, etc.)
  4. How can you prepare today for trials you may face later?
Application: Talk with another disciple today about the trials and temptations you face. Discuss your attitude about trials. Be happy!

Day 13 - Saved to Serve
Matthew 25:31-46
  1. What will you be judged for on the last day?
  2. Why is it not enough to simply give money to beggers?
  3. Which of the six things listed in verses 35-36 have you done recently?
  4. Who are we really ignoring when we neglect the needy?
Deuteronomy 15:7-10
  1. What does it mean to be "hard-hearted" or "tight-fisted"?
  2. What kind of giving does God expect from you?
  3. Who are some of the poor and needy around you - and how are you going to help them?
Matthew 10:40-42
  1. What are some small acts of kindness that will not be forgotten by God?
  2. How can you help the needy even if you have little money?
James 1:27 - What is true religion in God's sight? Who does God have a special concern for?

Application: Who can you help today? Do it. Also, make plans with another disciple to help other needy people this week.

Day 19 - Powerful Prayers
1 Chronicles 17:15-22
  1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
  2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
  3. How did God bless Israel?
  4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
  5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?
Genesis 24:10-27
  1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
  2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
  3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
  4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?
James 5:15-18
  1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
  2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
  3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?
Application: Make your prayer very special today. Pray with faith and gratitude!

Day 19 - Powerful Prayers
1 Chronicles 17:15-22
  1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
  2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
  3. How did God bless Israel?
  4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
  5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?
Genesis 24:10-27
  1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
  2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
  3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
  4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?
James 5:15-18
  1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
  2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
  3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?
Application: Make your prayer very special today. Pray with faith and gratitude!

Day 19 - Powerful Prayers
1 Chronicles 17:15-22
  1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
  2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
  3. How did God bless Israel?
  4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
  5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?
Genesis 24:10-27
  1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
  2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
  3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
  4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?
James 5:15-18
  1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
  2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
  3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?
Application: Make your prayer very special today. Pray with faith and gratitude!

Day 19 - Powerful Prayers
1 Chronicles 17:15-22
  1. What was David feeling as he prayed to God? Why?
  2. How has the Lord treated you with undeserved honor and blessings?
  3. How did God bless Israel?
  4. How has he done even greater things for his people today?
  5. What attitude toward God does this prayer express?
Genesis 24:10-27
  1. Why do you think the Lord answers this prayer so quickly?
  2. The servant's prayer was simple, but he had great faith. How can you tell?
  3. What was the servant's first response to the answered prayer?
  4. Are you remembering to thank God for every answered prayer?
James 5:15-18
  1. What makes prayer powerful and effective?
  2. Do you pray eagerly and earnestly?
  3. Do you pray with great faith? Have you been righteous this week?
Application: Make your prayer very special today. Pray with faith and gratitude!

Ministry - The Heart of Humility
Matt. 18:4, Luke 14:10, James 4:10, Phil. 2:5,7-8

Have you ever made a goal in your life to become a humble person? Have you ever prayed consistently over a period of time for God to give you a humble heart? Jesus shocked the crowds following him that day when he declared for all men to change and become like little children or they would not enter the kingdom of heaven! Then he lifts up the quality of humility in a child's heart and commands his disciples to have this heart! The world teaches us that humility is soft, weak, passive, no convictions. Jesus was certainly not this! He was a man of convictions, fearless with the opposition, and pressed on resolutely about his goals! However, he washed the disciples feet, touched the leper, served the crowds, and obeyed the Father in everything. One of the real tests comes in serving. Jesus made himself nothing, became a servant, and humbled himself on the cross for us! Do people know me to be a serving person? How do I feel when I am serving-awesome? Do I serve only when I want to serve and what I want to do if it serves my interests?Jesus came to serve and not to be served! He came to give his life as a ransom for many! Whoever wants to be great among you must be your slave! Matt. 20:26-28

Questions:
  • Who do you serve?
  • Do you serve those who are struggling in their faith?
  • Do you feel opposed at everything you try to do?
  • Could it be God opposing your pride? James 4:6 Is God simply trying to teach you humility and trust?
  • What simple thing can you do to serve someone today? Whether they are in the church or not.


Ministry - Even Greater Things
John 14:12-14

Ordinary men do great things. James 5:17-18 - Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Heb 11:8-end of the chapter. Great men in the bible are noted for their faith. God recognizes, rewards, and replenishes faith. Life begins at today. Everyday is a new day. New goals, new dreams, new horizons, new victories, new life. Faith in God allows us to do greater things than we have ever done.

Questions:
  • What are some of the greatest things that you have ever done in your life?
  • What great things do you dream about doing now?
  • What "greater things" are you going to do this year?
Write a short list of "greater things" that you want to see God achieve in your life or through your life this year.

Ministry - Even Greater Things
John 14:12-14

Ordinary men do great things. James 5:17-18 - Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Heb 11:8-end of the chapter. Great men in the bible are noted for their faith. God recognizes, rewards, and replenishes faith. Life begins at today. Everyday is a new day. New goals, new dreams, new horizons, new victories, new life. Faith in God allows us to do greater things than we have ever done.

Questions:
  • What are some of the greatest things that you have ever done in your life?
  • What great things do you dream about doing now?
  • What "greater things" are you going to do this year?
Write a short list of "greater things" that you want to see God achieve in your life or through your life this year.

Prayer of the Righeous - More Powerful Than We Can Imagine (part II)

Two different responses to God's power:

1. Moses doubted God's power to feed the 600,000 men
God asked His arm was too short - Numbers 11:21-23

2. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego faced the furnace
The were convicenced God would save them from it - Daniel 3:17-18
They saw Jesus' glory and he spoke about him - John 12:41

John the Baptist described God's power and man's insignifiance - Matthew 3:3

  • We are like grass that withers before the eternal God - Isaiah 40:7-8
  • We are a mist - James 4:14
  • The nations are drop in the bucket - Isaiah 40:14

Imagine trying to asking a clerk compensate for dust when weighing an item for purchase - it would be absurd

How do you current view God?



Who is Jesus? Messiah

Jews do not believe Jesus is who Christians say he is

Up until about 1,000 years ago, Jew mainly interpreted Isaiah 53 as a prediction of the coming Messiah but now read it as the Suffering Servant aka the nation of Israel

But there is some issues with this thought:

  • Servant was sinless - Isaiah 53:9
  • Lamb who submits without resistant - Isaiah 53:7
  • Servant dies as a substituionary atonement for the sins of others

In fact, there is only one possible candidate for all of these to be correct:

  1. Born from a seed of a woman - Genesis 3:15
  2. From the seed of Abraham - Genesis 12:3
  3. From the tribe of Judah - Genesis 49:10
  4. From the line of David - Jeremiah 23:5-6
  5. Both man and God - Isaiah 9:6
  6. Born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2
  7. Died in 33AD - Daniel 9:26
  8. Rose from the dead - Isaiah 53:11

Jews have been waiting for a political messiah but did not realize the Messiah would come as a lamb of God to be slaughtered for the sins on the world - Isaiah 53:7

Even demons know that Jesus is the Messiah - James 2:19



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