Woods In The Word Getting Coffee: Recent Episodes
Isaac Wood
Randall Wood and Isaac Wood are a father/son duo walking through the Bible book by book. Their insight and experience is shared in hopes of bringing God's Word to life in your life.
Episode 107 - PATIENCE
Living The Fruit-Filled Life
Bearing with One Another in Love
Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12-13
PATIENCE: Bearing with One Another in LoveEphesians 4:1-3 - I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I. Patience authenticates our walk with the Lord.
a. This word for Patience, often translated long-suffering is a self-restraint of the mind before it gives room to action or passion. This means there is actually a ‘spiritual pause button’ located somewhere between our brain and our tongue!
b. This word, translated Patience means a forbearance with respect to people, while Endurance is patience with respect to circumstances. In Eph 4 we see Humility, gentleness and patience are all needed in our walk with the Lord.
c. With respect to God, our Father– His patience, as described in Romans 2:4, is associated with His mercy toward us - “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”
d. Apart from His patience and mercy, where would you be today? Think of the pile of ashes at the end of a lightening strike, and you’d be close! How long is His long-suffering with us?!
II. Patience is surrounded by the other Fruit of the Spirit! We have seen before how they play off of each other in our fruit-filled lives.
a. The 9 fruit work in concert and combination as we see in Ephesians 4 and also in Colossians 3
b. Colossians 3 - 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
III. Patience requires a willingness to Forgive!
a. Peacemaking Forgiveness Promises
i. I will not dwell on this incident
ii. I will not bring it up & use it against you
iii. I will not talk to others about it
iv. I will not allow this to stand between us
b. Born out of a healthy recognition of how much forgiveness God has shown to us.
i. Pause and ponder all He has forgiven you for!
c. Again, He is patient with us. So much so, that we see…
IV. His patience with us bears witness to others, that they too may be saved!
a. 1 Timothy 1:15-16
b. Anyone can be saved – Whosoever – Romans 10:13
V. We patiently wait for His return!
a. James 5:7-8
Farmers understand; gardeners understand…watermelon seeds to watermelons – People are all in process – if you want to see and experience the goodness of the ripe watermelon, you have to plant the seed, patiently water and weed (invest your time, not just passive waiting, but active patience!); and in 90 days; you can be enjoying the fruit.
People develop in much the same way, just not as fast; and, they need watering and nurturing from the WORD, the Spirit, the Church, other Christ-followers like you – Philippians 1:6 & 2:12 – this all requires God’s patience, which is guaranteed; and our patience, hopefully assured, by our recognition of how patient God has been with us!
The Fruit of the Spirit is Patience!
Friends: Do you recognize how patient God has been with you? Are you grateful? Are you surrendered to His perfect patience in perfecting your life and saving your soul? Why not surrender it all today?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 106 - PEACE
Living The Fruit-Filled Life
The PEACE that passes Understanding
John 14:27; 16:33
PEACE: The Peace that passes Understanding
Shalom – Peace – not just the absence of conflict, but a completeness or wholeness – the idea of resting in God… being at Peace!
I. Jesus is our Source of Peace
a. John 14:27
b. John 16:33 – regardless of our situation
c. Luke 2:10-14 to 24:36 – His Birth to His Resurrection!
d. Know Jesus; Know Peace
e. No Jesus; No Peace – This means…
II. We experience Peace with God through Salvation
a. Romans 5:1
b. Testimony
III. We experience The Peace of God through Trust & Thanksgiving
a. Philippians 4:6-7
b. Isaiah 26:3 - Purpose firm & Trust in You
c. Perfect Peace is like ‘The Cushion of the Sea’ – Streams in the Desert – Oct 20
IV. We experience not just the Peace of God; but, the God of Peace through Faithfulness
a. Faithful thinking – Philippians 4:8
i. Romans 8:5-7
b. Faithful living – Phil 4:9
c. Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 8:5 - For those who live according to theflesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
Cushion of the Sea – Streams in the Desert – Oct 20
There is a part of the sea known as “the cushion of the sea.” It lies beneath the surface that is agitated by storms and churned by the wind. It is so deep that it is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When the ocean floor in these deep places is dredged of the remains of plant or animal life, it reveals evidence of having remained completely undisturbed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The peace of God is an eternal calm like the cushion of the sea. It lies so deeply within the human heart that no external difficulty or disturbance can reach it. And anyone who enters the presence of God becomes a partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.~Arthur Tappan Pierson
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 105 - JOY
Living The Fruit-Filled Life
We are Anchored Beyond our Circumstances
John 15:10-12JOY: We are Anchored Beyond our Circumstances
Your Joy does not depend on Your Circumstances ... Joy is anchored to that which can never be affected. - Pastor Crawford Loritts
From the Compassion International blog: “Happinessdoesn’t bring joy, and joy isn’t the byproduct of happiness. Joy is something grander than happiness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, and when we find joy it’s infused with comfort and wrapped in peace. It’s an attitude of the heart and spirit…”
- Joy is exceeding gladness of heart - the Internal quality based on your Eternal Reality (a Fruit of the Spirit, after all)that spills all over your External life – it spills all over your face; your body; your relationships; your circumstances – you can’t keep it in!
a. Joy is the thermostat that sets the conditions for living the Christian life!
- Joy motivates the Christian Life!
a. Joy motivates Worship – rejoicing is opening your mouth to let out what is overflowing from the inner fountain!
i. Walk through the Psalms – Psalm 16:11; 32:10-11; 33:1; 68:2-3; 98
b. Joy motivates Service – Psalm 100:1-5
i. Joy-filled servants are fun to watch…and, to serve with!
ii. They don’t serve to get joy, but because they have it.
c. Joy motivates Sacrifice – Hebrews 12:1-3
i. Hebrews 12:2 – The Joy of Jesus was based on His ability to confidently walk in the Pleasure of His Father.
- Joy is contagious (among God’s People). – Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 ; 3:9
a. Think of the most joyful people you know
b. What happens when you are with them? Joy!
c. 3 John 4!
d. Paul, in a Roman prison – Philippians 1:4, 18; 3:1; 4:4, 10 – The Epistle of Joy
- How’s your Joy? Again, it is essential to realize that JOY begins with surrendering your life to Christ – A, B, C!
a. A Fruit of the Spirit!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 104 - LOVE
Living The Fruit-Filled Life
The Greatest of These is Love
1 Corinthians 13; Romans 5:5-11; John 13:34-35
God Loves You. He gives you His love, so you can love like Him!
- God’s Love is Supreme – 1 Cor 13:13
a. The first fruit mentioned in Gal 5:22
b. Love is God’s motivation for everything else – John 3:16; Jeremiah 31:3 i. He can’t love you more than He does right now; And, He’ll never love you less, than He does right now. God loves you!
c. Love should be our motivation as well – Love just as – John 13:34
d. Love is essential to live the Fruit-filled Life i. We must receive God’s Love ii. We must give God’s love – 1 John 4:19 iii. How else will the world see His Love?
e. Love is Available by His Spirit – Romans 5:5
- God’s Love is Special
a. Unconditional, by definition; Perfect, by design
b. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
c. Patient & Kind – both are Fruit of the Spirit – they are all interconnected!
d. So, so, needed in the world today.
- God’s Love is Sacrificial
a. God’s motivation for the Cross – John 3:16; Romans 5:8
b. Our motivation to live – Romans 5, v9-11; 1 John 4:19
c. Always Giving, for the highest good of another
- God’s Love is to be Shared – Spread around..
a. Romans 5:5 – His Spirit fills us with Love
b. John 13:34-35 – We live that out by loving others
c. Romans 5:8 – He demonstrated it to us – modeled it i. By loving the unloveable, like us!
God Loves You. He gives you His love, so you can love like Him!
What should you say to Him, Today?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 103 - The Holy Spirit Our Leader
Know God More
John 16:12-13; Romans 8:13-14; Galatians 5:16-18
He will guide/lead you into all truth – How?
Henry Blackaby, in the great discipleship tool from the 1990s called Experiencing God, reminds us that it is a Biblical reality that God Speaks, by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.
So, let’s consider how the Holy Spirit leads us …
- By the Word of God – Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 119:105
a. Because the Word is Alive!
b. It is Alive because God-breathed it
c. God promises us that He will communicate through His Word
d. The Word is God’s light in a Dark World – illumination
- By Prayer with God – “Early will I seek you” Psalm 63:1-8; Jeremiah 33:3; Proverbs 3:5-6
a. He leads and He confirms – It comes in the form of His Peace – Philippians 4:6-7
b. We pray to Him, and He prays for us, far more than we comprehend! - Romans 8:26-27
- By (our interactions with) God’s People –2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Philemon 7
a. Comfort, refreshment, encouragement
b. The church’s confirmation is significant
c. Clarifying – The Church Family sees our potential, our gifting, and our impact long before we do.
- By God’s Divine Circumstances – All things – Romans 8:28
a. When your circumstances are confusing, the other 3 ways God speaks will be critical!
And that last point reminds us to consider- Why does the Spirit lead us in these ways?
- The Spirit leads us to know God more – He reveals Himself – Who He is!
a. His promise – When you seek me, you will find me, when you search for me with your whole heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 6:44
- The Spirit leads us to know God’s purposes – What He is doing!
a. He leads us to a stronger faith for the task He has for us – stretching – Ephesians 2:8-10
b. Amos 3:7; Prov 19:21
c. He invites our participation – Romans 12:1-2
- The Spirit leads us to know God’s ways -How He does What He does, based on Who He is!
a. So, we will accomplish His purpose, His way!
b. How matters! – How does God do His work? – Ephesians 3:20-21 i. Based on His ability, not ours!
ii. Far beyond anything we think
iii. According to His great power
iv. Working through us
v. For His Glory!
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In the Church
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In Christ Jesus
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Forever!
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Are you being led by His Spirit?
a. Why not surrender your life more fully to Him, today?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 102 - The Holy Spirit Our Teacher
Know God More
John 14:26
He will teach you all things – What things?
1. Dependence – What to say in the moment of persecution
a. Luke 12:12
2. Obedience – When to go / Whom to send
a. Acts 13:2-4
3. Resilience – How to make hard decisions
a. Acts 15 – esp. v 28
4. Guidance – How to follow directions
a. You have to be in motion to receive this teaching
b. Acts 16:6-10
5. Patience – Waiting for clarity
a. Can be a very active waiting – Acts 16:6-10
6. Relevance – How the Scriptures apply to our life right now
a. Acts 28:24-26
He will teach you all things – Whatever you need in themoment.
Listening is required. Let’s listen to Him right now.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 101 - The Holy Spirit Our Helper
Know God More
Psalm 54:4; John 14:15-17; 25-26
1. We all need help! Psalm 54:4
a. We need upheld!
2. The Spirit is our Helper
a. Paraclete
b. Of the same kind
3. The Helper is our Gift – 14:16
4. The Helper is ever Present!
5. The Helper is our Teacher
a. The Spirit of Truth
6. The Helper reminds us
a. What do you need to remember?
7. The Helper points us to Jesus!
8. The Helper gives us what we need – not what we want!
a. Conviction when wrong
b. Conviction to do right
c. Conviction to live in Victory
9. We all need Help!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
We are honored to be joined for EPISODE 100 of Woods In The Word Getting Coffee by our former pastor Darrel Gabbard to discuss his new book "The Unique Supremacy Of Jesus"!! Darrel has had a profound impact on both of us as our Pastor, Mentor and Friend. Darrel's book is AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon. Pour a cup of coffee and come join us!
Who is Jesus Christ?
This question was asked by many who heard and met Him. He was, and is, like no one else in history. In this insightful volume, pastor Darrel Gabbard answers this question, using Jesus’ own words.
Seven of Jesus’s responses are expounded upon in this book —
I Am
I Am the Bread of Life
I Am the Light of the World
I Am the Good Shepherd
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
I Am the True Vine
If you want to know who Jesus really is, you need to read this book!Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 99 - The HOLY Spirit
Know God More
Acts 1:1-11; 2:1-8, 38
1. Jesus passes the ‘Baton of Presence’ to the Holy Spirit
a. He will take it back one day – v4
b. Until then, The Spirit is given to Believers - 2:38
c. Jesus said this was for our benefit. - John 16:7
2. The Spirit baptizes believers. v5; 2:4
a. He comes to Help. Comfort, Guide, Convict
b. He indwells us and fills us to accomplish our Kingdom purpose.
i. Ephesians 5:18-21, be being filled… ii. We leak…
3. The Spirit empowers believers. v8
a. Individually
b. Corporately – witnesses, plural, as evidenced in Acts 2 when all 120 (Acts 1:15) are filled
4. The Spirit is HOLY; He makes us HOLY! – 1 Peter 1:13-16 quoting Leviticus 19:2
a. Separation – He calls us away from, ... and leads us to a dissatisfaction with the world’s empty promises – (lies)
b. Consecration – He leads us to commit by faith to the sure promises of God i. Romans 8:13-14
c. Devotion – We fall in love with Him as He focuses us on His faithfulness to His promises.
d. Abstention – Our spirit begins to align with His Spirit in us. i. Romans 8:1-8 ii. He doesn’t condemn us; He convicts us and draws us deeper to Know Him more!
5. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart, today!
a. You be Holy, for I am Holy i. Separation – What/who do you need to move away from? ii. Consecration – What/who do you need to draw closer to? iii. Devotion – Who do you need to focus on? Hint: The answer is God – Father, Son, Spirit. iv. Abstention – What passion do you need to starve to enable His Spirit free reign in your life?
6. He is the Holy Spirit!
a. Experience & obey Him today!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 98 - Jesus Is Your Example Of Service
Know God More
Luke 9:44-48; Matthew 20:17-28; Luke 22:21-27
Jesus’ mission was Saving Souls – our 1st step toward the lost – the message of salvation
Today - His ministry is Serving the Saints – our 1st step toward the found – Service
We learn this through a series of inappropriately timed arguments!
- Inappropriate Time #1 – After hearing (for the 2nd time) Jesus will suffer and die and rise again
a. ‘Great Ones’ want to be noticed - first!
b. Servants notice the unnoticeable i. People – children, elderly, lonely, hurting ii. Things – trash, anything out of place, or untidy… iii. Circumstances – that person lost their job, I wonder how they will pay their bills…. iv. All, without being noticed!
c. Servants are Humble – like a child! – James 4:6-10
- Inappropriate Time #2 – After hearing for the 3rd time
a. ‘Great ones’ use their authority and influence for themselves i. They are worried about position
b. Servants make sacrifices for others i. Give up rights – servant, slave, sacrifice ii. Die – Matthew 20:28 iii. John 12 – the grain of wheat…
- Inappropriate Time #3 – At the Supper, after hearing one of them would betray Him!
a. ‘Great ones’ require lots of patience!
b. Servants are an example to others.
c. John 13:12-17
d. Jesus is our Example i. Of Humility – Gentle and Lowly in Heart ii. Of Compassion iii. Of Sacrifice – laying down His life iv. Of Patience – repeating the answer over and over and giving clear examples
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 97 - Jesus Is Your True Friend
Know God More
Luke 24:13-49
1.Jesus is Alive! V 15 (And the 14 verses before)
a. This FACT changes everything.
b. We have known Him over the last several weeks as: i. The Word ii. Our Savior iii. Our Substitute iv. Our Sacrifice v. Our Source
Now, we view Him as a True Friend to those on the confused and broken road of hopelessness
2.He takes initiative – v13-16
a. He comes to those in need – Matthew 9:36
b. He draws near to walk with us through the pain
c. He waits to reveal Himself, until we are ready
3.He asks questions to expose our need & confusion
a. Sad – but, it’s the most Glorious Day, ever! – v17
b. Blind – Are you the only one? – v18
c. Hopeless – incomplete understanding – 19-21 i. Luke 9:22 ii. Luke 9:44 iii. Luke 18:31
d. Confused & Defeated – 22-24 i. They couldn’t believe, unless they saw Him ii. They are too defeated to look for Him iii. He is right in front of them
- As a True Friend, He gently rebukes & corrects
a. By using the Scriptures
b. The Living WORD (and True Friends, in general) will always use the Bible to stamp out ignorance
c. He shows them the necessity of His Death and Resurrection i. To Satisfy God’s Wrath for Sin ii. To redeem us from Sin iii. To demonstrate Victory and Power over Death & Sin.
5.He lingers when invited. V28-30
a. He never stays where He is not wanted
b. He always responds to the invitation to stay a while
c. Abiding
6.He opens eyes & emboldens faith – v31-35
a. Now they are convinced
b. They race back to tell their friends
- He confirms the Truth and commissions witnesses
a. With promised power – v49 & Acts 1:8
b. And we continue the mission in His Resurrection Power today
c. Together!
Our True Friend – On the challenging roads of life we walk today, He walks with us!
Who doesn’t need a friend like This!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 96 - Jesus Is Your Source Of Life
Know God More
Luke 24:1-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
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Why do you seek the Living among the dead?
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Crawford Loritts – “If God can raise a dead Jesus to live everlasting, what can He do for you?”
3.He can certainly give you New Life, too!
4.And ... He does – 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Is this true, or not?
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Has the old passed away?
a. Crawford Loritts – “Your past may explain you, but it does not excuse you.”
b. John 10:10
c. There is a thief – In your former life, he brought defeat, discouragement, death
d. His goal was your murder! That’s how much he hates you!
- But God loves you, so much more
a. How much?
b. This much – The Cross
c. Jesus says, I came that you might have life to the FULL
d. I died, so that you may live – 2 Corinthians 5:15
e. Why make me new? i. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ii. To Himself iii. For us? No, for others! iv. A New Creation
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A new Assignment
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A new Trust
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A new Message
8.Therefore ... v 20 – Ambassadors
a. For Christ
b. Not ... for Randall
c. Not ... for Midway
d. Not ... for Baptists
e. Not ... for America
f. For Christ!
9.God through us
a. Him, speaking through us
b. That’s His plan
c. We implore you/others/those we know don’t know
d. Be reconciled to God
e. That’s our job!
10.V21 – The Resurrection proves it!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 95 - Jesus Is Your Sacrifice
Know God More
John 1:29-34; Luke 23:32-49; Revelation 5:1-14
- We see the LAMB specified
a. John 1:29-34 – The Lamb has come; He is here; This is Him
b. 1:35-37 Two disciples followed Him, and people have been following Him ever since! V41 – “We have found the Messiah”
c. How was He to take away the sins of the world?
- We see the LAMB sacrificed
a. The Prophetic picture – Is 53:7-9
b. The Human picture – Luke 23:32-49
c. The Heavenly Picture – Hebrews 9:24-28
3.We see the LAMB Sovereign
a. Revelation 12
b. Worthy – 1-7
c. Worshipped – 8-10
d. Glorified – 11-14
e. This is the LAMB we now somberly remember, celebrate, and worship in the Supper.
4.The Bread – Hebrews 10:1-14
- The Juice – Hebrews 9:11-14
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 94 - Jesus Is Your Substitute
Know God More
Mark 15:6-15; 2 Corinthians 5:21
- The Rebel released
a. Captured
b. Guilty – of insurrection & murder – It says in verse 7, ‘who had committed murder!’
c. Notorious – Mt 27 - a famously bad man
d. Set Free – declared innocent, all know he is guilty – Will Graham thoughts
- The King crucified
a. The Innocent declared guilty, v8-10; In direct contrast to Barabbas - all know He is innocent
b. Condemned to Die – 11-15
c. Barabbas released for them; ‘Jesus , he delivered to be crucified (for them)’! To understand this would mean that you understand - 9
- The Plan Accomplished
a. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - Substitution
b. No other Way – John 14:6 – Jesus set the stage for this way back in the sermon on the mount
c. Matthew 5:20
d. Romans 3:22-26
e. In general terms this is how it works – but, now – let’s see the plan personalized for the individual – for you, for me!
- The Plan Personalized
a. 2 Corinthians 5:15 - He died in my place, so I can live for Him i. No longer for myself, but for my Substitute – The One who died for me!
b. Galatians 2:20 – I die to self; He lives in me! i. By Faith – I surrender ii. By Love – He sacrificed – He gave Himself for me (for you)
- more on that on Friday! iii. For me! – My substitute! Who is Jesus? He is Your Substitute!
c. Who are you living for?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 93 - Jesus Is Your Savior
Know God More
Luke 19: 1- 10
- Jesus saves the unlikely – 19:1-2
a. Tax collector, prostitute, murderer, Hollywood actor
b. Tattoo artist, Kat Von D; Justin Bieber, Alice Cooper…
c. You and me
2.Jesus saves the curious – v3-4
a. But where does the curiosity come from?
i. Romans 3:10-12 – No one does ii. John 6:44 – No one can
- Jesus saves individuals – v5-6
a. He called Zacchaeus by name
b. Meaning He knew everything about him
c. He knows your name
4.Salvation caused some religious folks to grumble – v7
a. Don’t stop for the grumblers – they don’t have a theological leg to stand on.
- Salvation causes true life change – v8
a. Holy Spirit conviction brings fast and slow changes in the new believer
b. Our goal is to be patient in our discipleship, but also clear as to the Truths of the Christian Life – Grace is key!
- Salvation comes by faith, alone. – v9
a. Another unlikely candidate - Believe – Acts 16:30-31
b. Galatians 3:26-29
7.Salvation is the mission of Jesus – v10
a. Remember who the seeker is!
b. We are like Him when we seek the lost…!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 92 - Jesus Is The Word
Know God More
John 1:1-18; Revelation 19:11-16; Hebrews 4:12-13
- Jesus is The First WORD of Creation
a. The Word of Life
b. The Word of Light – v5-10 i. Darkness has not ii. Darkness will not – overcome it!
- Jesus is The WORD of Salvation – v11-13
a. John 6:47 – … has Everlasting Life
b. John 14:6 – The WORD is The WAY!
c. Acts 4:12 – The only Way
- Jesus is The WORD of Presence – v14-15
a. with us & like us & for us
b. He understands us
c. Relates to us i. As our Comforter – Hebrews 4:15-16
ii. As our Example
-
John 13:13-15 – Serve like me
-
John 15:12-14 – Love like me
-
John 20:21 – As our Resurrected Lord - Go like me!
-
We know how, because He came & did it for us and with us – and then commissions us & empowers us to follow Him.
-
Jesus is The WORD of GRACE & TRUTH – v16-18
a. The perfect balance
i. We need Grace, because of the Truth about us ii. We have Grace available to us, because of the Truth about Him iii. We tend to either:
-
License – Grace, without Truth
-
Legalism – Truth, without Grace
b. The perfect representation of God, the Father - Colossians 1:19-20
- Not only is He is first WORD of Creation, but He will be The Last WORD of Judgment
a. Revelation 19:11-16
b. He’s coming again to execute the full Wrath of God on those who refuse His Salvation i. This should convict us if we don’t know Him
ii. Sober us if we do – SOBER & Motivate us to take this great Gospel message around the corner and around the World to all who need to hear the Gospel of HOPE!
c. The First WORD & the Last WORD – Rev 22:12-13
d. Conclusion – v 14-15 i. Make no mistake, there is an inside and an outside!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 91 - The LORD Our Healer
Know God More
Exodus:15:22-27; Matthew 8:14-17; Isaiah 53:4-5
- It’s not about the healing.
a. Because God has a higher purpose i. At the bitter waters – Their obedience ii. At the sickbed – Her service iii. With the oppressed – Fulfilling prophecy
- Showing who He is! iv. In His own life – Resurrection Power for all who believe; Death Defeated
b. Because we have a deeper need i. Matthew 9:1-8 ii. For the paralyzed man…and us – Forgiveness!
- It’s not about the pain
a. He knows, understands, and cares about the physical pain, the mental anguish, the emotional turmoil – We’ll see that in the weeks leading up to Good Friday
b. He experienced all of that, horrifically, to the point of forsakenness – My God, My God – Why have You forsaken me?
c. Yet, there was a higher purpose – Tetelestai!
- It’s about our forgiveness and freedom!
a. Matthew 9:1-8, again
b. Jesus touches the deepest need
c. Jesus establishes His authority to forgive
d. Jesus heals for the Glory of God
- Our Healer has higher purposes! Let’s trust His healing power.
a. James 5:13-16
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 90 - The LORD Will Provide
Know God More
Genesis 22:1-19
- The LORD will provide through our testing
a. 1 Peter 1:6-7 i. Momentary ii. Necessary iii. Purposeful iv. Praiseworthy
- God tests our Love.
a. John 21:15 – Do you love me more than …?
b. We pass the test through Confident Worship
c. We pass the test through Deepening Trust i. Hebrews 11:17-19
d. We pass the test through steadfast Obedience
- God will provide.
a. A Perfect Solution
b. A Prepared Substitute
c. A Preview of Ultimate Sacrifice
i. Isaiah 53:3-12
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 89 - I AM
Know God More
Exodus 3
Yahweh – I am that I am – He is!
The God of your Fathers – they should already know him as Elohim – The Creator; El Elyon – God Most High; El Roi – The God Who Sees; El Shaddai – Almighty God – Now…, Yahweh – His personal, eternal name – I Am
I AM means –
-
Eternally Now – He sees their affliction – verse 7 – He sees yours, too.
-
Eternally Present – listening to their cry; knowing their suffering – Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest
-
Eternally Active – come down to deliver and to bring to the land of promise – v8; And, now – v9
-
Eternally Promise-Keeping – Genesis 15:12-14 – as promised – v12, v17
-
Eternally Providing (we’ll see this more next week). V20-22 – their deliverance will come from His power and He will bless them in the process – they won’t go empty! He provides
-
Active in your present – right now!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 88 - God Almighty
Know God More
Genesis 17:1-9
- God Almighty takes the initiative – v1
a. To reveal Himself in a New Way
b. 13 yrs after ‘The God Who Sees’
- God Almighty gives the assignment
a. Walk before me
b. He doesn’t ask Abram, “What would you like to do for me, today?”
c. He is always at work around us and when he take the initiative to come to us, He is inviting us to join Him in what He is already doing.
- God Almighty establishes the relationship
a. Based on His Promises
b. Not, on your effort – or shortcuts - Hagar
- God Almighty multiplies – v2
a. It is at the heart of everything He does – multiplying the impact of 1 life into many others.
- Our Appropriate Response should be Humility – falling on our faces before His Holiness – v3
a. James 4:6-10
b. 1 Peter 5:5-7
- God Almighty brings Newness – v 4-6
a. New Name – Father of multitudes
b. New Capacity – exceedingly fruitful
c. New Impact – kings shall come
d. Isaiah 43:19 / Revelation 21:5 – New; Eternally New
- God Almighty thinks, plans, and promises Generationally & Eternally – v7
a. What if what He is actively doing in your life right now has very little to do with you, but is designed to enable Him to work mightily in your grandchildren or great-grands – people that may not even be here, yet.
b. The Almighty Eternal God is able to do just that.
- God Almighty bases His plans on His Grace – v8
a. His Generous gifts for you include the Best one of all
b. Himself! – He is personal with us – ‘He gets us!’
- Our Obedience flows out of the relationship God Almighty establishes. V9
a. The 7 realities of Experiencing God tell us as much
b. We traced these principles through the life of Abraham in our ‘On Mission With God’ study back in the Fall of ’22.
- The Impact will be far beyond imagination
a. Based on who He is - Gal 3:26-29
b. Based on what He is able to do
c. He is able:
In Daniel, He is Able to deliver the persecuted AND Humble the proud
In Romans, He is able to make us Stand firm in the Day of Judgment
In 2 Timothy 1:12, He is able to keep what we have entrusted to Him
In Hebrews, He is able to help the tempted and to ‘Save to the uttermost those who draw near to Him through Christ.
And in Ephesians 3:20-21 to make it abundantly clear - He isable to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we could ask or think … according to His power at work in us.
He is Almighty God – the Omnipotent One!
Paul said it best – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 87 - The God Who Sees
Know God More
Genesis 16
-
The God Who Sees doesn’t need our help. V 1-6
-
The God Who Sees requires our submission. V 7-12
a. He found her
b. He called her by name
c. He gave her an assignment
d. He made her a specific promise, based on her obedience.
- The God Who Sees redeems our messes. V 13-16
a. Hagar’s life was a mess of another’s making
i. God saw it.
b. Abram & Sarai actively & impatiently messed up their lives & Hagar’s with their own short-cut i. God saw it ii. They would need 13 more years of God’s patient development to be ready to parent Isaac.
c. He sees your mess & is more than able to redeem it for His Glory and your Good. i. He will find you ii. He will call you by name iii. He will give you an assignment iv. He will make you a specific promise.
- Here is what the God Who Sees is looking for – 2 Chronicles 16:9
a. Who has your heart?
b. If you’ll surrender your heart to Him, He’ll redeem your mess.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 86 - God Most High
Know God More
Psalm 57:2, Daniel 4
-
Elyon – means exalted, Supreme Being; signifying the supremacy and overwhelming majesty of our Creator God!
-
The Sovereign Ruler of the Universe has a plan for you.
a. Whether you are a pagan king or a peaceful saint
b. In Daniel 4 we see the Aramaic word that has the same meaning and concept, and we are let into the process by which this Awesome Supreme Being works to accomplish His purpose in an individual life
c. In this instance an individual that is going full speed, but 180o in the wrong direction!
-
What happens when the most pagan, most proud, most powerful leader of the known world is about to discover the Most High God’s plan for him?
-
Let’s study The Progression of a Sovereign Rebuke from El Elyon:
a. The Rebuke begins gently
· With a Dream v 4-18
· God is so gracious to warn us first – Amos 3:7 - “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”
b. The Rebuke intensifies firmly
· With a Warning, 19-27
· Daniel’s interpretation progressed to a stern warning.
· V. 22, 27 – Repent! It does not have to happen this way.
c. The Rebuke, when ignored, engages faithfully
· With the Promised Judgment, 28-33
· With Immediate impact! V33
d. The Rebuke relinquishes graciously
· With the required repentance, v 34-37
· Nebuchadnezzar could have skipped ahead to this step at any time
· You can too!
e. The Rebuke accomplishes His Glorious Praise
· With a Powerful Witness to the known World, v34-37, 4:1-3 · 5 Truths now proclaimed – from experience
-
His is an Everlasting Dominion; mine is not
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His Kingdom is timeless; mine is not
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Compared to Him, all humanity is nothing
-
His will is done on earth, as it is in Heaven!
-
You can’t stop Him; because I couldn’t!
· Now back to verses 1-3
· He could have avoided it, but would he know the Most High God any other way? Some of us can only learn it the hard way! This is what that looks like.
- We all have a Kingdom
a. Will we submit to the Most High God?!
b. And, embrace the purpose He has for us
· Psalm 57:2 - I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
c. Or will we wait for His painful, yet loving rebuke?!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 85 - Our Creator
Know God More
Genesis 1:1, 27-31; 2:7, 18-25
2 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 3:1-3
- We are created in the Image of God
a. You will never look on a mere mortal – CS Lewis
b. Sin has corrupted the Image, but it is still there and to be valued/respected in every human life
c. Every human life is a dignified human life because of Elohim, our Creator God
- We get our Identity from His Image in us.
a. He determines our Biology
b. We are uniquely formed/designed by Him, for Him.
- The World is happy to shape our Identity with Lies.
a. from the World’s Destructive False Identities propagated especially through ‘social’ media – could anything be more inaccurately named?
b. You are How Much Attention you get – You are your ‘Likes’
c. You are How Much Power you can grab – You are your insults
d. You are How Much Acceptance you receive – no matter the compromise required to receive it – You are your agreements
e. You are How Important you seem by being Right – You are your moral high ground
f. You are How Much Control you exert over others – You are your arguments! – Sin makes us delight in taking control.
The Gospel is the Cure & the Corrective for all of these False Identities: 2 Peter 1:3-9
-
Remember who you are
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Your Vertical Identity with God produces healthy and vibrant horizontal relationships with others – 1 John 3:1-3
a. Your Heavenly Father loves you!
b. You are His Child – Now
c. We shall be like Him – Forever
i. If this is your rock-solid conviction then the cleansing power of your forgiven life in Him will bring a moral purity to all of your horizontal relationships. Not your self-righteous purity, based on what you can get from others (Attention, Power, Acceptance, by Compromise…but His Perfect Purity in you attracting others to God’s Image in you..
- Our Identity, though marred by sin, is repaired, renewed, indeed, remade in Christ! Galatians 3:26-29
a. This is your identity – This is who you are – an image-bearer of the Lord Jesus.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 84 - God Is KnowableKnow God MorePsalm 46:101. We must ponder the paradox. a. How do we know the unknowable? b. How can the finite mind know the Infinite? c. Can the Created know the Creator? d. Only, as He allows us to, and He does! 2. Consider the Invitation. Psalm 46:10 a. Our Stillness is the Key – Take. Your. Hands. Off. Wiersbe b. That is why Satan loves noise, and our Flesh loves activity. And, Activity, especially too much of it, produces Anxiety…. 3. Admit the Hunger. Matthew 5:6; Philippians 3:7-10 a. I want to know Him b. You really are curious to know how you could grow deeper in your personal relationship with God… c. Tozier – ‘What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.’ d. P. 9 – The yearning to know.. 4. Recognize the Essence. John 17:3 a. Knowing God is the essence of Eternal Life! b. And so, we ask the question, ‘What is God like? Tozer – p 11 5. Commit Your Heart! 2 Peter 3:17-18 a. Peter at the end of his life… b. Paul, from a prison cell… c. Nothing matters more – There is no greater thing! 6. Take the Steps – A. W. Tozer – The Knowledge of the Holy, p 114-117 a. Forsake sin – Blessed are the PURE in Heart, for they shall see God! b. Commit your whole life to Christ by Faith i. Obey, deny, die, love c. Walk in the Spirit – Rom 6:11; Gal 5:16 – producing the Fruit of the Spirit d. Simplify your life’s concerns – we have too much going on – Luke 10:41 e. Meditate on the Majesty of God – Yarrow offer – start small; build strong f. Serve/Share out of the Overflow – give away what you learn!Oh, Friends! Let us commit our hearts, one-by-one, to the goal of knowing God more in 2024. If we get serious about Knowing Him, and then obeying what we learn in the process, we will have a year like no other!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 83 - Prince Of Peace
His Name Shall Be Called
Isaiah 26:3-4
Jesus offers Perfect Peace!
Isaiah 26:3-4 (GNT) - You, Lord, give perfect peace tothose who keep their purpose firm and put theirtrust in you. Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us.
This Peace is:
- Prophesied in the Past
a. Isaiah 9:6-7 – The Prince is coming!
- Proclaimed by the Angels … 700 yrs later
a. Luke 2:13-14 – The Prince is Here – Peace is Available
- Promised by Jesus as the Prince of Peace … 30_ yrs later
a. John 14:27
b. Oswald, Dec 14
c. John 16:33
- Purchased on the Cross & Made Available through the Resurrection
a. First words of the Resurrected Jesus to His gathered disciples - John 20:19-21
b. He knew what they needed most – He knows the same about you, as 2023 draws to a close.
- Provided by the Spirit – as Jesus said it would be
a. Galatians 5:22 – a fruit of a Spirit-filled life!
- Practiced by His People
a. Ephesians 6:15 – We walk in the Gospel every day, bringing peace to those around us.
b. We are able to do this because …
- This Peace Protects your heart & mind.
a. Philippians 4:6-7
b. 7th most popular verses searched on Bible Gateway in 2021; 10th in 2022
c. Draws you Closer to the God of Peace! - Philippians 4:8-9
Do you want this Perfect Peace as we approach 2024?
Isaiah 26:3-4 has the answer!
Keep your purpose firm.
Focus; Direction; Determination – yes, but more importantly, a complete surrender to your Sovereign God, who came to us as our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, and (just what we needed most) our Prince of Peace!
Put your trust in Him!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 82 - Everlasting Father
His Name Shall Be Called
John 1:1-14
Isaiah 9:6 – a child is born (Baby) and His name will be Everlasting Father (God)
Don’t miss what Isaiah is saying, so clearly - This baby will be God. He said it 2 chapters earlier in Isaiah 7:14 – and Matthew connects the dots for us in his very Jewish Gospel. - Matthew 1:22-23
Everlasting Father – The Baby is God; Jesus is God
The Apostle John also makes this very clear in the openingwords of His Gospel - John 1:1, 14 – The Word was God; The Word became Flesh.
**This Word of God, our Creator, became a man; humbled Himself; emptied Himself of the rights of the Godhead & submitted himself to the constraints of flesh & blood. Taking the time to grow & develop & live through all of the stages of humanity, until in the prime of manhood, he willingly went to the cross to be tortured & pierced for us.
Therefore, as Phil 2:9-11 says – God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is our Everlasting Father, our God & we worship Him. We proclaim the Scriptures, ‘Jesus Christ is Lord!”
Jesus is God!
This changes everything. I challenge you to read the Gospels against the backdrop that ‘Jesus is God’ – 90 days
John 10:27-33
What difference does this make? John 20:31
- It matters in how you live. John 10:10
a. For His purposes and not your own!
b. Ephesians 2:8-10
- It matters in how you treat others – Philippians 2:3 – 11
It should radically impact your selfishness, because it gives you a model of humility.
Don’t think less of yourself; but think of yourself, less!
3. It matters in how you will die!
a. Appointment …then the judgment! Hebrews 9:27
b. But for the believer, your sin has already been judged on the Cross
c. The first one to experience that was the Thief on the Cross. Luke 23:42-4
d. You will die in Peace, Assurance, and in Victory! 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
e. V 58 takes us back to how we live until we die – Steadfast, immovable, always abounding…knowing, that your labor is not in vain
f. How do we know that? Because Jesus, this child born to us; this Baby in the Manger, is, in fact, Our Creator God. He is our Everlasting Father !
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 81 - Everlasting Light
His Name Shall Be Called
John 1:1-14; 8:12
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
As our Everlasting Light, Jesus shines in the darkness to alleviate our fears and transform them into Hope in God. In the dark, late atnight, that’s when we wonder about the big questions. In the darkness our hopes/dreams turn into fears – even some of today’s most secular people admit they think about these questions at night when they can’t go to sleep:
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Do I matter?
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Does anyone care about me?
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How am I going to make it?
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Is this all there is?
-
What happens when I die?
Many in our churches on Sunday mornings, maybe even you, askthe same questions!
However, when Jesus brings the Light, our greatest fears turn into Everlasting Hope – Jesus came to Earth to say you matter. Let that rest upon you for a moment. You matter to God!
John 3:16 says HE came because of the great love of God for you. He came to, not just rescue you from sin’s power, but to adopt you into His everlasting, everloving family! Oh, yes, my friend, you matter! You are loved! Jeremiah 31:3 – an everlasting love!
You are wondering how you will make it and Jesus comes saying I am the Way – follow Me! The Living Word of God gives you the path to a life of success and even better, significance in His Kingdom – 1 John 2:6
You are wondering if this life you are now living is all there is; and Jesus comes saying – ‘The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come that you might have life and have it to the FULL.’ He brings Peace, Forgiveness, Reconciliation - all through His perfect presence - with us!
4 brief thoughts about the Light –
1. In the Light, we see ourselves; our dreams, deeds, desires, and … our emptiness – how very far short we are, from where we want to be.
2. In the Light, He sees us – but, then He always has! He knows you, friend. He has seen you at your best, and also, at your worst. And…let this sink in too, He loves you – He is absolutely crazy about you in the Best possible way! He created you, for Goodness sakes! And, in spite of our mess, He says, ‘Come to Me’…Matthew 11:28-30
3. You see, in the Light, we also see Him – at His Birth in the humble manger, as the choir has so wonderfully shown us; In His blood-soaked suffering on the cross – saying to the thief dying next to Him – Luke 23:42-43; In His Perfect & Holy Resurrected Essence as King of Kings – Revelation 1:17-18.
How will you respond to what you see; to Who you see?
You see yourself – so needy
You see Him – so loving
Is there really any choice at all?
Run to Him! Give Him your Life! Commit to live for Him - And, then you will find your purpose & your direction – What you were created for
4. In the Light, we are the Light for Him – Mt 5:16 – Eph 5:8-9
a. The Fruit of Light - All that is Good, and Right, and True!
b. He sends us to tell the world – our fears, have been turned to Hope!
c. The Everlasting Light has come!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 80 - Mighty God
His Name Shall Be Called
Isaiah 9:6, John
As our Mighty God, Jesus demonstrates power over allsituations and circumstances. To see Him in action let us go to John’s Gospel and notice Jesus’ power over water – the simple, yet necessary substance that comprises most of the planet (71%) and most of our bodies (55-60%).
Of the 85 times water is mentioned in the New Testament,John writes nearly half of them (41). And, he uses water to demonstrate the Deity, Humanity, and Supernatural Power of Christ.
- In John 1, Jesus submits to the waters of baptism.
a. To fulfill all righteousness – for credibility as a Teacher/Rabbi
b. To be identified as God’s son
- In John 2, He famously turns water into wine
a. Without fanfare
b. To prevent the host’s great embarrassment
c. Because His mother said so!
- In John 4, He is thirsty after a long journey on a hot day
a. He asks for a drink
i. To show how we can connect through a need
b. He offers Living Water
c. He is the Lord of Conversation
d. Lord of Compassionate Care
e. Lord of Leverage – reaching 1 to reach a whole village
f. Lord of the Harvest
- In John 6, He walks on it!
a. Lord of Creation
b. Lord of Physics
c. Lord of Impossibilities
d. Lord of controlling the ‘out of control’
e. Lord of Opportunity
- In John 7, He offers it as a symbol of the coming Holy Spirit
a. At the feast of Tabernacles
b. As water is being poured on the altar
c. He identifies as the Source of Life
- In John 13, He serves His disciples with it
a. As an example of humility & ministry
b. As an example of love
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In John 19, He thirst for it & It flows from His wounded side, confirming His Death
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In Revelation 1 – The sound of His victorious, omnipotent voice is compared to the roar of many waters.
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In Revelation 7:17, The water is Our tears, being dried – as all pain and sorrow are wiped away.
-
In Revelation 22:1, 17, It pictures our final state of perfection & peace.
Jesus is the Lord of All – The Mighty God – and He offers us Living Water!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 79 - Wonderful Counselor
His Name Shall Be Called
Isaiah 9:6, 46:8-11
Isaiah is privileged to announce that the Messiah is coming 700+ years in advance. And, he wants us to know His names. Names in the bible are so important because they reveal character. The name helps us truly know the person. We want to know God more. That will be our goal for all of 2024. Know God More. To do that we must study His names.
This morning we are beginning a study of names – a study that will carry us through Easter Sunday – 18 weeks from now; and even beyond Easter to Pentecost Sunday, 7 weeks after that when the Holy Spirit was poured out. This month we will focus on the 4 titles for Jesus mentioned in Isaiah 9:6, but for context, let’s read beginning in Is. 8:11 – 9:7.
Isaiah shares more about Counsel than any other Bible writer. 18 times he mentions the word – sometimes describing the futility of man’s counsel against God, but more than any other writer, he focuses on the Wonderful Counsel of God. It sounds like this -
Isaiah 11:1-5
Isaiah 46:8-11
In the New Testament, Paul focuses us on this concept in Ephesians 1:7-12
This child that is proclaimed by Isaiah as a Wonderful Counselor walked the earth as a Man, and taught us many truths. This morning, let’s consider 5 truths from the Wonderful Counsel of Jesus.
1. The Mission is Clear
a. Seeking & Saving - Luke 19:10
b. Serving & Sacrifice - Mark 10:45
2. The Truth is Convicting
a. Only He can set us Free – John 8:31-38
b. Only He can send us Forth – John 17:17-18
3. The Care is Compassionate
a. Compassionate Teaching - Matthew 5:3-10
b. Compassionate Ministry - Matthew 9:35-38
4. The Call is Compelling
a. Pray! – Matthew 9:37-38
b. Come to Him – Matthew 11:28-30
c. Go for Him – Matthew 28:18-20
5. The Reward is Certain
a. He is the Resurrection & the Life – John 11:25-26
b. He is preparing Heaven for His Followers – John 14:1-3
c. He wants us to know we are His – 1 John 5:9-13
d. Do you know?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 78 - ThanksLIVING
Psalm 103:1-22
The 2023 calendar needs our help! The first 6 months and 4 days go along pretty well. No real complaints, there. But, then, on July 5 we enter into the 118-day Halloween season, followed immediately on Nov 1 by the 55 days of Christmas. Talk about inflation! I never could figure out the 12 days of Christmas – but 118 days of orange Halloween lights on the tree – that is all too much.
Let’s get back to Thanksgiving – you may have missed it lastThursday, easy to do, since Black Friday now starts on a Tuesday in October. How confused and confusing are we?
God tells us there is a better way – He shows us through thePsalmist a much more centered and appropriate pace of life – In Psalm 103 - David describes a live of Thanksgiving; really, it’s a ThanksLIVING!
David says ThanksLIVING happens when you…
- Release your Praise!
a. Let it out
b. From your innermost parts – Eternity in your Hearts - Ecclesiastes 3:11
c. This is the desire to praise 7 worship your God
d. Hebrews 13:15 – the fruit of our lips; a sacrifice of praise! Get it out.
- Rehearse His benefits
a. He forgives all your sins
i. Personal – yours, different than mine
ii. He is able; are you willing to accept his forgiveness?
b. Heals all your diseases
c. Redeems from the Pit
i. Remember the pit?
ii. Many are still there! 3.2 Billion who need to hear!
iii. Redeem – buy you back
iv. He is the God who jumped down into the Pit at the cost of His life to bring you out.
d. Crowns you
i. A child of the King
-
Acceptance
-
Adoption
ii. Steadfast Love – Grace
iii. Mercy
e. Satisfies you with Good
i. Renewal – a satisfied life is a renewed life
- Remember His Character & His Ways – v 6-7
a. Who He is
b. Names/Character
c. Compared to our fragility -
i. Handle with Care / TLC
d. Compassionate Fathers get that
- Receive His Never-ending Love
a. 1 Cor 13:8
- Recognize His Complete Sovereignty – v 19-22
a. Over all
b. Including His angels
c. His works
d. His dominion – All His works in all His places
Takes us back to where we started – from within my innermost being – Bless the Lord, o my soul.
This is ThanksLIVING! An ongoing, daily recognition & reflection on Him. That will fix our calendar just fine.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 77 - Our Mission
Practical Theology
Matthew 24:14, 28:18-20
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love God’s Mission – The Church reaching the World with the Gospel. As we wrap up this 8-sermon series we tie together our love for God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with our love for God’s Word, church, world, and the gospel by proclaiming that we love the Mission of God.
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about God’s Mission in this way:
XI. Evangelism and Missions
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
We love God’s Mission – but, let’s make sure we truly understandwhat the Mission is.
God’s Mission is:
- The Gospel preached to Everyone – Matthew 24:14
a. Looking for Omega Man – Elmer Towns
- Disciples developed Everywhere – Mt 28:18-20
a. Bookends of Authority and Promised Presence
b. Disciples obeying through baptism, study, and passing it on to others – disciples make disciples! ….
- Christ’s Presence experienced to the End
a. Whether easy or hard – Matthew 7:13-14
i. Bob Shaefer – “If it was easy, someone would have already done it!”
ii. We’ve reached the easy places, but we have to continue to go to the hard ones.
b. Whether many or few
c. Whether near of far
i. Be faithful, knowing He is with us.
- Worship Proclaimed for Eternity – Revelation 7:9
a. John Piper in “Let the Nations be Glad” helped us understand that Missions Exists because Worship doesn’t; Missions is not the end goal.
b. Worship is the Goal
c. Someone from Everyone is reached – and is Worshipping before the Throne.
d. Endless Praise continues – Let’s practice verse 9
- The Mission will be Accomplished
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 76 - The Church
Practical Theology
Matthew 16:13-18, Ephesians 4:1-16
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love God’s People – The Church. And we need to say that out loud because the Church has gotten a bad reputation these days.
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about The Church in this way:
VI. The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ (which we joyously did last Sunday morning!), governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth (We have mission teams in Athens, Greece and Maui, HI right now). Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its two scriptural offices are that of pastor/elder/overseer and deacon. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation (this is sometimes referred to as the Church Universal in contrast to the Local body of believers).
We love God’s People because:
- We are Called Out – Matthew 16:13-18
a. By Him – 1 Corinthians 1:1-2
b. For His Purposes – Ephesians 2:10
- We are Knit Together – 1 Cor 12:18-27
a. Hebrews 10:19-25
b. Let us – Draw Near; Hold Fast; Consider How
i. We do life together!
c. You are my family!
- We are Built Up – Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40
a. a continuous, on-going process of maturing – 2 Peter 3:17-18
b. 1 Peter 2:1-5
c. Randolph Richards & Brandon O’Brien in Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes “Why go to church? Why worship with a group? Because, in some way we may not fully understand, the Spirit indwells the group in a way the Spirit does not indwell the individual. (We experienced that reality last Sunday morning). We are built together to become one, whole building: a single dwelling for His Spirit. Like it or not, we need each other.”
- We are Sent In
a. John 17:14-19 – As He went, we go; with Truth
b. Insulated, not isolated! – We must go to them!
c. Matthew 28:18-20 – As you go...make disciples – whomake disciples - disciple makers
d. Because He calls others out through us!
e. Acts 2:46-47 – the early church experiencedthis daily!
And then, One Day….
- We will be Caught Up
a. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
b. 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
We love God’s People – The Church. Where are you in this process?
Is He calling? Have you answered?
Is He calling you to Himself for Salvation?
Is He calling you to this church – to be knit together and built up in this Body?
Are you being knit into this body? What’s holding you back from truly connecting and committing?
Are you being built up? Growing? What’s the barrier?
Are you being sent? Do you see yourself as a sent one?
Are you confident of your future? Is your Hope in Christ? Are you watching the sky – Are you ready to be caught up TOGETHER? Who’s going with you?
Called Out; Knit Together; Built Up; Sent In; and, one day, Caught up – Together – This is why we love God’s People – the Church!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 75 - The Gospel
Practical Theology
1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 2:1-10
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about Salvation in this way:
Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
A. Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.
Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.
B. Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God. – You have been saved from the penalty of sin
C. Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person’s life. – You are being saved from the power of sin!
D. Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. You will be saved from the presence of sin
-
The Gospel is a Free Gift (because the ultimate price has been paid, John 19:28-30)
-
We all need the Gospel (because we are all wretched sinners, Rom 3:10-12, 23; Eph 2:1-3)
-
The Gospel came from God’s heart (Rom 3:24-26;Ephesians 2:4-7; John 3:16-17)
-
The Gospel brings life and purpose (Ephesians 2:10; John 10:10; John 20:31
-
We must repent & believe the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 1:11-13; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 24:46-48)
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 74 - God's World
Practical Theology
Genesis 1:1-2:3
We love God’s World:
-
Because He is our Eternal Creator
-
a. Let’s celebrate the Creation Story today – Gen 1:1-2:3
- b. Our God did that! Our Eternal God created beauty and function, while ordaining our rest and renewal. And, it was all good – Very Good! He created and established an order and rhythm to life. He created us uniquely for a life of worshipping our Divine, Eternal Creator through our stewardship of the Earth and everything on it.
- c. All of this was marred by sin in the Fall of Genesis 3. And yet, in the midst of the degradation and deterioration of sin, we can still live for His glory, and for the betterment of the society where He has placed us – That is our right and responsibility as Kingdom Citizens. Romans 8:19-25
This leads to our next Truth.
-
We love God’s World because He has given us (placed us in) stewardship of (dominion over) Creation. That is, He has charged us and equipped us to have positive influence in the World where He has placed us. Both in terms of how we manage creation, and, how we influence the culture for His Name’s sake.
-
a. We are to do this as Salt & Light – Matthew 5:13-16
i. Salt arrests Decay
ii. It preserves the Good
iii. It adds Flavor – We should bring the aroma of God! – 2 Corinthians 2:14-16
iv. Shine His Light of Love and Truth upon our spheres of influence.
-
Eph 5:1-12
-
b. We are to be Salt & Light in whatever we do – Colossians 3:17, 22-23
i. All work has value – Your stewardship of your influence wherever you are can have Kingdom Impact for Christ in your spheres of influence – at the Bank, in the School, on the Board, at the Dr’s office, in a support group, delivering meals…
- c. We are to faithfully be Salt & Light in whatever we do.
i. It is required of a steward to be found faithful - 1 Cor 4:1-2
ii. 1 Peter 4:10
-
Pray for our Leaders – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
-
Vote – when we don’t; or when we don’t vote our biblical values – we are neglecting this God-given role of influence in the culture.
-
Serve/Participate in local leadership – politics, rotary, business, social clubs, theater…
-
Advocate – especially for the marginalized in society
a. Orphanages, Pregnancy Care Centers, Hospitals
b. Baptists on Mission; A Feeding Center in Israel; Disaster Relief; Samaritan’s Purse…
-
Evangelize – our greatest influence - as we read earlier in our responsibility to the Social Order – Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. We bring the Gospel and the opportunity to repent and believe the Gospel into every area of life – that is our primary stewardship in the Great Commission – Go – means as you Go – make disciples.
-
This is our stewardship, our calling, and our responsibility – to Love God’s World – His Creation and His social structures – Family, Church, Community, Marketplace, Government... – and to steward our Gospel influence into every sphere in which He sends us.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 73 - The Word Of God
Practical Theology
Hebrews 4:12
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love the Word of God.
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about the Word of God:
The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.
So many places in the Word we could go this morning to see how the Bible bears witness about itself. Psalm 19; Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:11….but, I settled in, very early this week of the verse that will guide our thoughts this morning -
Hebrews 4:12 tells us - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
We love God’s Word because:
-
The Word of God is living – the Greek Word means quick!
-
a. In Psalm 119 God’s Word is recognized as our very life
i. 12 times the writer implores God, “Give me life according to your Word.”
ii. Verses 25, 37, 40, 50, 149, 156, 159
iii. Genesis 2:7 – the breath of life; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – God-breathed
-
The Word of God is active – Energēs – Powerful – Capable of Doing – 2 Timothy 3:17 – useful
-
a. Isaiah 55:6-11
- b. Trustworthy
-
c. It always accomplishes its purpose!
-
The Word of God is sharp – cut with a single stroke – just one verse
-
a. Piercing – goes right to the point of need – straight to the heart; or to the very division of soul and spirit – the essence of our humanity. Animals have souls; only humans possess a spirit – a life-giving spirit, breathed into our souls at creation; The Word of God speaks to the very uniqueness of our individual souls.
-
The Word of God is discerning – Kritikós – the only use in the New Testament – one whose business & special gift is to judge – The Word judges the thoughts and intents of our hearts
-
a. This living and active Word, penetrates our very lives, our souls, right down to our spirit, judging our motives and speaking to our heart – it convicts us and convinces us of Truth.
- b. Our hearts – deceitfully wicked left to our own devices,
i. The word is kardia – our thoughts, reasonings, understanding, will, judgments, designs, affections – (It’s really crowded in there!) – love, hatred, fear, joy, sorrow and anger. God knows. And, His living and active Word knows right where we are, every time we open it and engage with it.
ii. Spiros says, ‘these things can affect a man’s physical heart. Therefore ‘heart’ is used as a metonym for the mind in general.
-
Practical Theology – Loving and Living for God
-
a. We love the Word of God – If that is true, then we must be reading it; memorizing it (Hiding it, Psalm 119:11); studying it – but more importantly, letting it study us!
What is being discerned in your heart, right now?
What is God’s purpose for His Word in your heart today?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 72 - God The Spirit
Practical Theology
Romans 8:1-27
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love God the Holy Spirit.
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about God in this way –
Specifically, about God the Holy Spirit, it says:
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination, He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.
We love God the Holy Spirit because:
-
He gives us life – Rom 8:1-2; 9-11
-
a. The full life Christ promised
- b. The freedom of forgiveness – no condemnation
- c. Victory over sin!
-
d. The interconnected Trinity makes it possible
-
He guides our walk – 8:3-8
-
a. Our mind is set on Him – following His direction
- b. Sasha open, too!
- c. Adrian translating
- d. By expressing His fruit in our lives – Gal 5:16-26
i. That’s a whole other set of sermons!
-
He guarantees our future – v12-17, 23-25
-
a. Adoption
- b. Certainty
- c. Inheritance
- d. Anticipation in Hope (Confidence) Glory Awaits!- 23-25
-
e. His Spirit witnesses to our spirit that we are His!
-
He groans for our needs – v26-27
-
a. He intercedes for us
-
b. He knows us, and knows exactly what we need – in accordance with the will of God!
-
He gifts us for service to each other –
-
a. For the common good – 1 Cor 12:4-11
-
Is your life controlled by the Holy Spirit?
-
a. John 7:37-39
- b. Romans 12:1-2
- c. A Prayer to be filled – p. 12 of the Spirit-filled life booklet
- d. A Faith to Believe – not based on your feelings, but on the authority, truth and power of His Word.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 71 - God The Son
Practical Theology
John 5-6, 14:1-6
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love God the Son. The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about God in this way:
Specifically, about God the Son, it says -
Christ is the eternal Son of God. In His incarnation as Jesus Christ He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus perfectly revealed and did the will of God, taking upon Himself human nature with its demands and necessities and identifying Himself completely with mankind yet without sin. He honored the divine law by His personal obedience, and in His substitutionary death on the cross He made provision for the redemption of men from sin. He was raised from the dead with a glorified body and appeared to His disciples as the person who was with them before His crucifixion. He ascended into heaven and is now exalted at the right hand of God where He is the One Mediator, fully God, fully man, in whose Person is effected the reconciliation between God and man. He will return in power and glory to judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. He now dwells in all believers as the living and ever present Lord.
We love Jesus because:
- He is God sent to us – Immanuel – God with us. God became a Man – The Word became Flesh…but sent to us – this speaks of intentional purpose – The Sent-ness of Jesus is emphasized especially in John 5-6, 5:17-18 – making Himself equal with God
– In chapter 5 & 6 He does that repeatedly – 23 times He describes God as Father and most of the time He is the Father, who sent Me – 11 times in these teachings He emphasizes His sentness – 5:21-24; 6:38-40
So, let us emphasize this sent-ness as well:
Jesus was -
- a. Sent to rescue us (from ourselves) – Romans 3:10-12; 23-25
- b. Sent to redeem us (from sin) – Mark 10:45; Luke 19:10 – to seek and to save
-
c. Sent to reconcile us (to God) – 2 Cor 5:17-21
-
And, as 2 Corinthians 5 makes clear, We are sent by Him
-
a. We go for Him – John 13:16-20
- b. We go in His Authority – John 20:21; Matthew 28:18-20 – “The Great Commission”
i. And, with His Presence
-
c. We go as His message – 2 Cor 3:3 – We are the messenger and the message
-
Live Sent! – THIS IS THE PRACTICAL PART OF OUR PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
-
2 Corinthians 3:3 – ‘written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God - leads us to our next discussion – loving the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives – and, we’ll do that in our next episode. But for today, let’s close and consider – Jesus was sent - here, by God, for you. He came willingly, intentionally, and incarnationally – with skin on – to offer up his life as a substitutionary sacrifice for your sin. That is how much God the Father & God the Son love you.
What will you do with that love? He came to rescue you; redeem you; reconcile you to Himself; that He might sent you for Him, as His Ambassador to a lost and hurting world. What is your response, today?
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 70 - God The Father
Practical Theology
1 John 3:1-3; 4:7-12; 5:1-3
Today, we launch a new series on the study of God – Theology – Our goal is a practical study of God – A study that helps us love God supremely and live for him in real and tangible ways in this world.
Over the next 3 months, with a few appropriate interruptions along the way, we will consider 8 important truths in our study of practical theology – I am borrowing the topics from Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger’s Deep Dive series – Theology & The Mission of God. My content will be different, but I really like their titles:
We love God the Father; We love God the Son; We love God the Holy Spirit; We love God’s Word; We love God’s People; We love God’s World; We love God’s Gospel; We love God’s Mission
Today, we proclaim and celebrate that We Love God the Father.
The Articles of our Faith, known as The Baptist Faith and Message (2000) describe what we believe about God in this way –
There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all powerful and all knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.
A. God the Father
God as Father reigns with providential care over His universe, His creatures, and the flow of the stream of human history according to the purposes of His grace. He is all powerful, all knowing, all loving, and all wise. God is Father in truth to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. He is fatherly in His attitude toward all men. There are many attribute of God that we could celebrate with this study; but we will hold those for January and a study of the names of God. Today we will focus in on one key attribute of our Holy, Eternal, Righteous, Almighty, Creator God – He is the God who loves us. He cares! Our Creator cares!
In Exodus 34:5-8 He reveals Himself on Mount Sinai to Moses in this way…
Hesed – God’s steadfast love! This concept permeates the Old Testament – referenced over 200 times. Combine this with the New Testament concept that Jesus taught us –
Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount references God as our Father, or His Father – more than a dozen times.
This is a practical way to think about God – He is our Heavenly Father and He loves us –therefore, we should love him, too.
Today, let’s key in on truths taught by the Apostle of Love in 1 John:
-
Love’s Adoption – 1 J 3:1
-
a. Initiated by our Father – John 1:11-13
-
Love’s Anticipation – 1 J 3:2
-
a. We shall be like Him
-
Love’s Answer – v3; 4:7-10
-
a. For us – Hope / Jesus / Relationship / New Life / Victory
- b. From us –
i. Obedience demonstrates our Love – 4:11-12, 19; 5:1-3
ii. Overcoming Faith lifts us above the World’s circumstances to
enable our Love to flow to one another; and to the Lost World. 5:4-5
iii. Agape Leadership – p9-10 – The Local Church – a display window of love; and, a spiritual workshop and laboratory to grow this deep, abiding Love for one another, as an outgrowth of our love for God.
This will lead us into our topic for next Sunday – our love for God, the Son!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 69 - Know Jesus More
Shining Brightly In A Dark World
2 Peter 3
I. Our Context, v. 1-2
- Having shown us that we have ‘everything we need for life and godliness’; having assured us that we can trust His divinely inspired Word; having shown us that God knows how to rescue and to reserve for judgment; the great apostle, at the end of his life, wants his readers to focus on 3 established facts that he offers as a warning; and, as a launching point for our ongoing development as Christ-followers.
II. Remember What you Know
a. Scoffers reject the message and seal their fate. v. 3-7, 16
- i. They laugh at the truth.
- ii. They fulfill their own desires. SELF is paramount
-
iii. They deliberately overlook God’s activity.
-
Romans 1:18-23
-
iv. Scoffers are a reality; don’t be distracted, or influenced by them
b. God patiently seeks repenters. v. 8-10, 15
-
i. He is still waiting for more repenters.
-
Aren’t you glad He waited for you?
-
ii. He has established a fixed end to His waiting.
-
Acts 17:30-32
-
Hebrews 9:27
c. We have a holy responsibility. v. 11-14
- i. To lead a Holy Life – v11, 14
-
ii. To eagerly anticipate Christ’s return. – v12 -13
-
This is our Hope!
-
iii. To actively hurry Christ’s return. – v12
-
This is our Mission!
-
Matthew 24:14
III. Our Response of Faith, v. 17-18
- i. Heed the Warning
-
ii. Keep Growing – Are you?
-
Sunday School, Small Group, Ministry, Mission
-
iii. Anticipate Eternity
-
Be Hopeful
-
Be Confident
-
Be Faithful
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 68 - God Knows How
Shining Brightly In A Dark World
2 Peter 2
Review – Chapter 1 – We have been given All We Need for Life & Godliness and we can trust God’s Word. ... So ... Everything is good, and we’re all set to live the abundant life now and forever, right?
BUT ...
-
False Teachers are a real problem in the world – then, and now.
-
a. They teach destructive heresies
- b. They deny the Master – you can watch them start with one seemingly harmless teaching and move to denounce the authority of Scripture and then the Deity of Christ….always know that is where they are headed.
- c. And – many will follow their sensuality – Make no mistake – this is the draw!
- d. And – The Way of Truth is blasphemed
-
e. And – They exploit you with lies for money!
-
Their destruction will be swift and sure.
-
a. 3 Biblical examples
i. Rebellious Angels – Jude 6
ii. The Flood – Gen 6
iii. Sodom & Gomorrah – Gen 19
-
God know how to rescue and reserve for punishment.
-
a. He preserved Noah and family
-
b. He rescued Lot and his daughters
-
Strong warnings against defiling passions and despising authority – v10-14; 15-17
-
a. Chapter 1 is clear on who our Authority is
-
b. And how much He loves us!
-
The worst part of these false teachers is those they lead astray – 18-22
-
a. Entice sexually, promising freedom
- b. But it is bondage – God has 1 perfect, holy standard for sex and somehow we have convinced ourselves it does not apply to us.
i. God’s holy & righteous standard is only a biblical marriage of 1 biological male and 1 biological female for life.
ii. Anything else and everything else is an affront to a Holy God, which is not without consequence.
iii. Who are we kidding? Do we really think He doesn’t see? Do we really think that leading weak people astray in this area is not an
abomination to our Lord; who died to set us free from such filth?
iv. Knowing better and doing it anyway is worse than not knowing!
v. The weak and the unstable know some truth but they have not embraced it; believed it, like those who live in Chapter 1. They are easy prey for False Teachers & Destructive lies.
vi. Like Dogs and Pigs – so is a fool who returns to his folly.
vii. Like the soils in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13 – choked by the thorns – who planted the thorns – they come from the curse of sin and the lies of the enemy!
- Friends – where do you want to live? In Chapter 1 – Freedom in Christ’s grace and goodness; on in the Bondage of Chapter 2. You have a choice – Repent! Throw off the lies and the unholy lusts of the flesh and surrender to the Goodness and Freedom of Forgiveness in Christ.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 67 - Trust His Word
Shining Brightly In A Dark World
2 Peter 1:16-21
- The Power and Coming of Jesus is not a myth - v16
a. Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus
b. Eyewitness testimony is powerful
- God, the Father gave Jesus honor & glory at His baptism and transfiguration v17-18
a. Matthew 3:16-17
b. Mark 9:2-8
c. Isaiah 40:1-5; 42:5-9
- The Prophetic Word more fully confirmed v19
a. Luke 24:25-27; 44-49
b. Isaiah 55:6-11
- So, Pay Attention to The Word of God v19
a. Let its Light fill up your life and shine toward others
- Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit v20-21
a. Paul said God-breathed in 2 Tim 3:16-17
b. OT prophecies
c. Eye-witness accounts – Geisler and Turek
-
You can Trust His Word.
-
Review the Gospel! Live it Out!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 66 - All You Need
Shining Brightly In A Dark World - 2 Peter 1:1-15
If we could only remember what we know to be true – this would be the last sermon you would ever need to hear. Because in this sermon you will see that you already have all you need to live the Christian Life.
All You Need
-
You have obtained Faith
-
You have Grace and Peace in Abundance
-
You know Jesus!
-
You have been called by Him
-
You have His Divine Nature through His Promises
-
You have escaped corruption – think Rescued!!!
-
Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Steadfastness, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, Love
-
You are Effective and Fruitful; Not, Forgetful
-
Your Eternity is Sure & Rich
Grow to Know Jesus More.
You have all you need – isn’t that amazing!
So, use what you have; to grow to know Him more!
Be intentional to:
- Study your Bible – with others
- Sing His Praises – wth others
- Serve His People – together!
- Share His Message – with others!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 65
The Perfect Law of Liberty
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. - James 1:25
Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; 42 then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. 44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever, 45 and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. 46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, 47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. 48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes. - Psalm 119:41-48
From Psalm 119:41-48 we see that:
- God’s Word brings Grace leading to Salvation.
Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9
- God’s Word has Answers for Life.
Proverbs 3:5-6
- God’s Word is Trustworthy.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
- God’s Word is to be Obeyed.
James 1:21-25
- God’s Word brings Freedom.
John 8:32; 17:17
- God’s Word is to be Shared.
Romans 1:16; 10:14-15
- God’s Word leads us to Worship God
Matthew 22:37-38
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 64
Our Romans 12 Check-up
Romans 12:1-21
Romans 12 – focuses us on our Believing, our Belonging, and our Behaving!
-
Behave Sacrificially – v 1
-
Your life is a sacrifice – is it?
- Paul calls that kind of life, that behavior, reasonable worship!
-
Are you living more sacrificially now than in Jan? – More reasonably?
-
Believe Correctly – v 2-3
-
Renewing is an ongoing process
-
What you believe matters! The world is trying to control and conform you.
- That is certainly intensifying as we have moved from January into June.
- You have a choice as to what you believe and how you will combat the lies that surround you!
-
Through studies in Jonah, Habakkuk, and, in a Boat with Jesus, we are learning of God’s Sovereign and Mighty control in our world – and the wonderful reality that we can trust & follow Him!
-
Belong Cooperatively - v 4-8
-
You need the church and the church needs you – your unique contribution matters…
-
Love Genuinely – v 9-13
-
Discern evil from good
- Honor the family
- Be intentionally present
-
As Paul told the Thessalonians – ‘Excel Still More!’ – 4:1, 9-12
-
Minister Counter-Culturally – v 14-21
-
Be a Blessing – Abraham’s calling
- The blessings you receive are meant to be shared; reinvested, if you will to encourage and equip others.
Believe – your roots; Worship & Discipleship – Growing Deeper
Belong – your shoots; John 15:1-5 – Fellowship & Ministry – Growing Together as we abide in Christ – together!
Behave – your fruit; Obedience; Matthew 28:18-20 – Your Mission – Growing outward
- Keep Growing; Stay Connected; Make Disciples
- What’s Your Next Step?
Let’s keep having a Romans 12 kind of a year!
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 63 - Abraham: The Father of the Faithful
Romans 4:1-25; Heb 11:17-19
Paul writing to the Roman Christians who were a mix of believing Jews and converted Gentiles, show us how Abraham is the Father of all who believe. Genesis 15:5 - And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
- Abraham dared to believe God’s Promises. – v1-3
a. We can believe them too!
b. What does the Scripture say? - Romans 4:3 is a great question for us to ask on any topic –
c. Dads – lead your family by faith to believe the Promises of God and search the Scriptures for them!
d. He believed that God justifies the ungodly – v4-8
i. Romans 5:8
ii. Forgiveness is possible – David’s example in v6-8 from Psalm 32
e. Do the Math – v9-11
i. Gen 15 comes before Gen 17
- Abraham believed the Life of Faith was a Journey of Obedience with God – v11b-12
a. Regardless of where you started from
b. Hebrews 11:8
c. This life of Faith is available to all – Jews, Gentiles, and all the residents of Polk County in 2023.
d. Verses 13-18 reminds of Eph 2:8-9 – true for Abraham 2,000 yrs before it was written by Paul – true for us 2,000 yrs after it was written by Paul!
e. V.18 – In hope, he believed against hope
- Abraham understood that God tests our faith to prove its strength. V 19-21 (1 Peter 1:6-7)
a. Genesis 22:5-6
b. Hebrews 11:17-19
- Abraham’s faith brought the Conviction to stand in the Promises of God! – v20-25
a. How we need Dads of firm conviction today.
b. Convinced of the Promises of God & committed to live them all the way out – by Faith
c. Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as Righteousness!
d. How about you? This Father of the Faithful is our example – because we believe in God the same way he did.
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood - Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 62 - Follow The Leader
John 10:1-30
-
Jesus comes openly. v. 1-3
-
a. In contrast to the enemy, who is subtle, beguiling, sneaky, treacherous…lying…scheming for your destruction….
-
Jesus speaks to His own.
-
a. He calls us by name! v. 3
-
b. The God of the Universe loves to talk with His children!
-
Jesus leads us out.
-
a. You can’t stay where you are if you are going to Follow; Where is He leading you?
-
b. Following implies Going; not blindly; but, with purpose, direction, and faith – Hebrews 12:1-2
-
Jesus goes before us. v. 4-5
-
a. He leads from the front!
- b. I go to prepare a place for you…John 14:1-3
-
c. Yes, at death, but also in real time – right now, He is preparing a place for you to go.
-
Jesus is the Door to Abundant Life. v. 6-10
-
a. John 14:6 - In great contrast to the thief – whose goal is destruction.
-
b. 1-10 question
-
Jesus cares for His own v. 11-13
-
a. To the point of incredible sacrifice – 5 X
-
b. Because of His Great Love - “He would rather die than be in Heaven without you.”
-
Jesus knows His own. v. 14-16
-
a. Let that sink in – He know everything about you.
- b. And, He wants a deep, abiding relationship with you.
-
c. Nathaniel – This point transformed him from a skeptic to a disciple – John 1:45-49
-
Jesus has all Authority. v. 17-18
-
a. Authority to die for us; to live for us
- b. And to send us to others in His Name – Matthew 28:16-20
-
c. Who else would you want to follow? No one else is both all-loving and all-powerful!
-
There will always be a division over who Jesus is! v. 19-21
-
a. There has to be – although the logic is quite flawed.
-
b. If He is acknowledged for Who He is; then we are accountable to Him!
-
Jesus is clear; no confusion with Him. – v 24-30
-
a. V28 = John 3:16
- b. He holds us in His Love
- c. We are eternally secure in Him
- d. The Father draws us to Jesus! John 6:44
- e. Jesus is God in the Flesh!
- f. Therefore, Follow Him! – John 6:68-69
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 61 - Praise God
Lessons In Sovereignty - Habakkuk 3:1-19
-
A Serious Charge leads to a Stunning Reply – 1:1-11
-
a. God is always at Work for His glory
-
b. He uses any means necessary – even evil nations
-
A Searing Rebuke leads to a Sovereign Rebuttal – 1:12-2:20
-
a. He is working His Plan – 2:3; 214 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
-
b. He rules from Heaven! – 2:20
-
A Satisfied Prophet breaks into Sustaining Praise – 3:1-19
-
a. Live by Faith – 2:5
- b. GOD, the Lord, is my strength – 3:19
i. REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS!
Our Special Guest Paul Allen: Paul Allen has been the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings for 20 years, hosted a KFAN radio show for 23 and calling horse races at Canterbury Park brought him to Minnesota in 1995. His faith in God means more to him than anything and his meshing of faith and football is something we hope you enjoy!
Find Paul Allen on Twitter - @PAOnTheMic
The Paul Allen Faith and Goal podcast on Twitter - @FaithAndGoal
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-and-goal-with-paul-allen/id1589276062
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 60 - Live By Faith
Lessons In Sovereignty - Habakkuk 2:2-2:20
-
A Serious Charge leads to a Stunning Reply – 1:1-11
-
a. God is always at Work for His glory
-
b. He uses any means necessary – even evil nations
-
A Searing Rebuke leads to a Sovereign Rebuttal – 1:12-2:20
-
a. He is working His Plan – 2:3; 214 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
-
b. He rules from Heaven! – 2:20
-
A Satisfied Prophet breaks into Sustaining Praise – 3:1-19
-
a. Live by Faith – 2:5
- b. GOD, the Lord, is my strength – 3:19
i. REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS!
Our Special Guest Paul Allen: Paul Allen has been the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings for 20 years, hosted a KFAN radio show for 23 and calling horse races at Canterbury Park brought him to Minnesota in 1995. His faith in God means more to him than anything and his meshing of faith and football is something we hope you enjoy!
Find Paul Allen on Twitter - @PAOnTheMic
The Paul Allen Faith and Goal podcast on Twitter - @FaithAndGoal
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-and-goal-with-paul-allen/id1589276062
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 59 - Unexpected Answers
Lessons In Sovereignty - Habakkuk 1:12-2:4
-
A Serious Charge leads to a Stunning Reply – 1:1-11
-
a. God is always at Work for His glory
-
b. He uses any means necessary – even evil nations
-
A Searing Rebuke leads to a Sovereign Rebuttal – 1:12-2:20
-
a. He is working His Plan – 2:3; 214 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
-
b. He rules from Heaven! – 2:20
-
A Satisfied Prophet breaks into Sustaining Praise – 3:1-19
-
a. Live by Faith – 2:5
- b. GOD, the Lord, is my strength – 3:19
i. REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS!
Our Special Guest Paul Allen: Paul Allen has been the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings for 20 years, hosted a KFAN radio show for 23 and calling horse races at Canterbury Park brought him to Minnesota in 1995. His faith in God means more to him than anything and his meshing of faith and football is something we hope you enjoy!
Find Paul Allen on Twitter - @PAOnTheMic
The Paul Allen Faith and Goal podcast on Twitter - @FaithAndGoal
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-and-goal-with-paul-allen/id1589276062
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda Wood Marriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 58 - Where Is God?
Lessons In Sovereignty - Habakkuk 1:1-11
-
A Serious Charge leads to a Stunning Reply – 1:1-11
-
a. God is always at Work for His glory
-
b. He uses any means necessary – even evil nations
-
A Searing Rebuke leads to a Sovereign Rebuttal – 1:12-2:20
-
a. He is working His Plan – 2:3; 214 - For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
-
b. He rules from Heaven! – 2:20
-
A Satisfied Prophet breaks into Sustaining Praise – 3:1-19
-
a. Live by Faith – 2:5
- b. GOD, the Lord, is my strength – 3:19
i. REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS!
Our Special Guest Paul Allen:Paul Allen has been the Voice of the Minnesota Vikings for 20 years, hosted a KFAN radio show for 23 and calling horse races at Canterbury Park brought him to Minnesota in 1995. His faith in God means more to him than anything and his meshing of faith and football is something we hope you enjoy!
Find Paul Allen on Twitter - @PAOnTheMic
The Paul Allen Faith and Goal podcast on Twitter - @FaithAndGoal
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-and-goal-with-paul-allen/id1589276062
Other podcasts from Woodpile Ministries:
Rings To Tags - w/ Isaac & Amanda WoodMarriage. Family. Home. God's Way.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
Episode 56 - See Jesus on the Cross
Matthew 27:35-50
Psalm 22:1-18
1. He is Abandoned by His Disciples - Our Cowardice
2. He is Tortured and Executed by the Government - Our Cruelty
- He is Derided by the Passers-By - Our Insensitivity
4. He is Mocked by the Religious - Our Blindness
-
He is Reviled by the Guilty - Our Callousness
-
He is Forsaken by God - God's Holiness - 2 Corinthians 5:21; Isaiah 53:6
-
This is Predicted by the Prophets - God's Plan - Psalm 22:1-18
-
Eternally, He is Worshipped in Heaven - Revelation 5:5-10 - He is Our Ransom!
-
a. Despite our cowardice, cruelty, insensitivity, blindness, callousness….
- b. He became our ransom – What Love!
Better Together
Romans 12:4-13; Hebrews 10:19-25
I have a thesis in life – I believe that if those of us who are not in Sunday School or Small Group knew the richness of what we were missing…we wouldn’t miss it!
-
On January 1, 15 weeks ago, I brought you a message on having a Romans 12 kind of a year.
-
We looked at how we as a church apply the teaching of Romans 12 by
-
a. Behaving Sacrificially – serving others
- b. Believing Correctly – deepening our Theology
-
c. Belonging Cooperatively - Loving one another
-
Everything we do on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and Wednesday evenings has been focused on this idea of having a Romans 12 kind of a year.
-
Our sermon series on the story of Jonah, and “Lessons Learned in a boat with Jesus” especially helped us in our Believing and Behaving. Today, I want to drill down into our ‘Belonging Cooperatively’ and see the great benefits that happen when we get that right.
-
Let’s read Romans 12:4-13 again – it’s been a few weeks - and then let’s add to it Hebrews 10:19-25 and we will begin to see the picture of how we are ‘Better Together.’
-
From the Hebrews passage, we have 3 commands (in the plural) based on what Christ has given us - – v 19-21. Let us:
a. Draw closer to God – we do this together, in community -
- i. in Holiness through Faith v 22
- ii. True Heart
- iii. Clean Heart – Deal honestly with sin – 1 John 1:9; James 5:16
- iv. Pure Life – Matthew 5:8
- v. Are you drawing nearer to God? You’ll do it better together with a small group of people, either through SS or one of our small groups
- vi. Better Together!
b. Hold on to Hope v23
- i. Without wavering – steady
- ii. Because He is faithful – 1 Thess 5:23-24
- iii. Heb 6:18-19
- iv. Do you have confident Hope in your future with Christ? Ever waver?
- v. Do you need some helpful reminders that God is Faithful?
- vi. You’ll waver less and grow in confident Hope, together with other believers
- vii. Better Together!
c. Consider How to encourage one another – v24-25
- i. Intentionally Deepening our relationships
-
ii. We are all encouragers!
-
Did you come today to be encouraged or to encourage
-
If you come to intentionally encourage, you know how you will leave – guaranteed – you will leave encouraged!
-
iii. Encouraging requires creativity and thought
- iv. Love One Another – John 13:34-35
- v. Do you need encouragement? Are you an encourager by nature, or by gifting from the Holy Spirit?
- vi. You will find more encouragement and have many more opportunities to encourage others if you are diving deep in bible study and doing life together with other Christ followers.
-
vii. Me?
-
I believe in this concept of Better Together, and it has changed my life – and it is changing my life all over again, helping me live the Christian life in real tangible ways, giving me opportunities to encourage and be encouraged as we do life together and multiply the Kingdom of God.
d. If you knew what you were missing – you wouldn’t miss it – Now you know.
e. What will you do?
Episode 54 - Jesus In Boats - Boat No More
Lesson 7: There is a time to leave the Boat behind!
Easter Sunday
John 21:1-19
Lesson learned so far:
- More than you can imagine is waiting just beyond your obedience.
- He is Lord of the Journey and the Destination
- Ask better questions!
- When the rowing gets hard, help is on the way.
- There is a time to get out of the Boat (And, a time to get back in).
-
When you focus on Jesus, the boat doesn’t matter!
-
The Resurrection of Christ overcomes our Failures.
-
a. They failed him in His darkest hour – they scattered
- b. They now know they should have known better and they are ashamed. How could He still use us?
- c. They’ve met the Resurrected Christ, twice now, but they don’t understand the fullness of what it means: Victory; New Life; Clear Direction; Purpose for Living and Dying! PERFECT PEACE.
-
d. So, it’s back to fishing?!
-
Your Failure is God’s Doorway to your Restoration
-
a. He comes to you
- b. He calls to you
- c. He provides just what you need
- d. A purpose for living and the power to carry it out!
i. Feed my sheep by following Me!
-
God’s calling doesn’t change – Mark 4; Luke5; John 21:19; Acts 2; 1 Peter 5
-
a. He knows what He is doing!
-
But your assignment does change – some of you are ready for a change!
-
a. Being confused about what the Resurrection meant, they went back to the familiar and comfortable – fishing in a boat – but that proved empty…literally.
-
b. Their fishing days were over. He had told them many times, but it would be His death, burial, and resurrection that sets the stage for the formation of the church and the spread of the Gospel. Who’s going to spread it? These guys – and Peter will lead the charge! Acts 2:14-21; 4:8-12 (13)
-
His Resurrection Power & Authority means you can trust Him with your life; your direction; even, your death! – v18-19
-
a. With what kind of death, will you glorify God?
-
b. A Faithful One!
-
Our Final Lesson – Boat, No More!
-
a. The fisherman is now the shepherd
- b. We won’t see Peter in a boat anymore. He is shepherding the church and spreading the Good News with the authority of the Resurrected Christ.
- c. 1 Peter 5:1-11
- d. Boat, No More!
Episode 53 - Jesus In Boats - No Boat Needed
LIVE from Midway Baptist Church - 4/5/2023
Lesson 6: When you focus on Jesus, the boat doesn’t matter!
Matthew 14:28-33
Lesson learned so far:
- More than you can imagine is waiting just beyond your obedience.
- He is Lord of the Journey and the Destination
- Ask better questions!
- When the rowing gets hard, help is on the way.
- There is a time to get out of the Boat (And, a time to get back in).
We are exploring the sequel to Episode 51 – We left Jesus standing on the water, having declared, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” – Our topic tonight is - “When you focus on Jesus, the boat doesn’t matter!”
Matthew 14:26-33
Peter had faith to get out of the boat
- Where are the others?
Peter had focus on Jesus and did the miraculous – Hebrews 12:1-2
More than you imagine is waiting just beyond your obedience? Jesus said ‘Come!” – Peter went!
Peter got distracted and Fear took over.
Peter failed and sank, but did the best thing of all – what we should all do when we fail – He cried out – “Lord, save me.”
Jesus reached out.
- Immediately!
- Took Hold – He rescued Peter – too many of us want rescue without rebuke – without correction – we refuse to learn from what is sinking us.
Jesus rebuked his doubt – James 1:5-8 – hear it - !?
Have faith in me! Heb 11:6
Jesus received their worship.
- “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Where’s your faith tonight? Why do we doubt?
Do you know who this is we’ve been talking about tonight?
Episode 52 - Jesus In Boats - In And Out
Lesson 5: There is a Time to Get out of the Boat & Serve (And, a time to get back in).
Mark 5:1-20
Lesson learned so far:
-
More than you can imagine is waiting just beyond your obedience.
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He is Lord of the Journey and the Destination
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Ask better questions!
-
When the rowing gets hard, help is on the way.
Today, as we follow up on my message from 2 weeks ago – “He is the Lord of the Journey and the Destination” from Mark 4 – where Jesus calmed their storm and their fears and taught them to ask better questions – now, having journeyed to the other side – having reached their destination – It’s time to get out of the Boat!
Mark 5:1-20
Notice the clear bookends of the story – Verse 2 – He steps out of the Boat; Verse 18 – as He was getting into the Boat…
1st lesson, as an overview –
- Every ministry has its season.
a. There is a time to go – God’s perfect timing – for a Divine Appointment
b. And, a time to leave – when man rejects your further ministry.
c. Jesus is a gentleman – He doesn’t stay where He is not wanted.
Now, let’s look at the specifics:
- Jesus had an appointment with a desperate man. V 1-7
a. He is isolated
b. He is focused on death and destruction – Prov 8:36
c. He is self-destructing
d. But, he ran to Jesus – The tormented man asks Jesus not to torment him
- Jesus came all the way across the Sea of Galilee – through a storm, to rescue him – 1 man
a. From himself
b. From his demons
c. With His Love
- Jesus engaged him with authority and delivered him from the demons. V8-13
a. Demons know Jesus – James 2:19
b. Demons must submit to Jesus’ authority
c. Demons are focused on destruction
d. One human soul is more valuable than 2,000 pigs
- It is hard to comprehend and accept the compassionate power of Jesus’ love. V 14-17
a. Not everyone gets it.
b. They are afraid of the power and authority of Jesus.
c. They dismiss Jesus!
d. That does not mean the story is over
e. They are not forfeiting their access to the Gospel.
- Jesus commissions his newest disciple as a Home Missionary! V18-20
a. The power of a personal story will bear fruit – Mark 7:31-37
b. Ron Tyler’s book and story
- Notice the disciples are not even mentioned in this story. They are watching and learning from the ministry of Jesus. They learn how to engage in ministry and how to disengage! It’s not time for them to serve, yet; they are still in training, but soon, He will send them out in the same authority – for now, they are still learning lessons – How about you? What are you learning about Jesus? About His activity in your life (boat)? What is He calling you to do?
Woods In The Word Getting Coffee - Episode 51
Jesus In Boats
When Jesus Isn't In Your Boat
Matthew 14:22-27
(No notes for this one ... we just winged it)
Jesus In Boats
Jesus is Lord of the Journey & the Destination
(Lesson 2A: Learn to ask Better Questions)
Mark 4:35-41
Q1 - Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?
There are at least 3 problems with that question:
-
They don’t yet understand who Jesus is.
-
a. Teacher? This might be a reasonable question
- b. Creator? Almighty God; God of the Wind and the Waves
i. There might be a better question
- c. Acts 2:36 – by the Holy Spirit, Peter will testify – ‘Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.’
- d. Now – today - We do know who He is
i. So, when we question Him, let’s remember who we are talking to!
-
They don’t yet understand how much He cares for them.
-
a. “Don’t you care?” – ever ask that
- b. He cared enough to become one of us
- c. He cared enough to die for them – and us
- d. He cares more than we could ever imagine!
- e. He’s the one who said ‘Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.’ As they lifted up his cross – He knew what He was doing!
- f. 1 Peter 5:7 – Peter wrote that!
- g. How much does He care for you? Right now?
-
h. He cares enough to allow storms to come to test and prove our faith…
-
They don’t yet understand their problem.
-
a. They don’t have a storm problem
- b. They don’t have a water problem
- c. They don’t have a mortality problem – John 10:27-30
- d. They have a faith problem – v 40 - 1 Peter 1:6-9
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e. You? Do you understand your problem in the midst of the storms of Life?
-
They missed the Promise embedded in His instructions – v35
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a. Let us go across to the other side.
- b. “Together we will journey to a destination”
-
c. We’ll see the importance of their destination in a few weeks, but now they are in the classroom of life, facing a storm at sea – while following the clear instructions of Jesus. – Sleeping Jesus. Who is giving them a pop quiz – a Faith Test. Who will they trust in a Storm?
-
When it is all over and the waves are calm and the wind has stopped; and the
rebuke was settling in – They ask a better question –
Q2 - Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and water, and they
obey him?
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How you answer that question will determine your faith level.
-
a. If He is just a teacher, how far will you trust Him?
- b. If He is the Lord of Glory; the Creator God who made and controls the water and the wind; how far can I trust Him? All the way, my friends.
- c. You can trust Him all the way Home – John 10:27-28
Jesus In Boats
More Than You Can Imagine (Luke 5:1-11)
Ephesians 3:20-21
Luke 5:1-11
Be careful when Jesus steps into your boat!
-
Be available to say “Yes, Lord.” to the small request; a reasonable request - 5:1-3
-
a. And be ready to move!
-
b. Step 1 – “Yes”, to a simple, reasonable request.
-
Prepare to go deeper and further than imagined - v. 4
-
a. Realize that He will want to stretch you…
-
A Good Excuse is no substitute for Obedience - v.5
-
a. How critical that he said – “But at your WORD”
- b. What is He asking you to do right now
i. That you have been debating, ignoring, rationalizing…
ii. Stop it! Repeat after me – LORD, a good excuse is no substitute for Obedience; because I know it is YOU; and because I know exactly what you want me to do; I will let down my nets. I TRUST YOUR WORD!”
iii. STEP 2 – “Obey a Faith-stretching Command”
-
Cast Your Net – “Just Do It!” - v. 6
-
a. At His Word
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Involve Others – Share the Blessing / Get Help! - v. 7
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a. He wants to bless others thru your example of obedience
- b. The Impact is always far greater than we can imagine!
-
c. It might be more about them!
-
Be Humble (v8) & Be Amazed (v9-10)! – Never lose the Wonder of your calling!
-
The True Calling is to Complete Surrender – v 10-11
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a. “They left everything and followed Him” – STEP 3
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Epilogue – Acts 2:14-18, 21, 37-41
-
a. Talk about more than you can imagine (Eph 3:20-21)
- b. Talk about full nets
- c. Talk about fishing for men
-
d. Friends, God is Faithul!
-
“More Than You Can Imagine is Waiting on Your Obedience”
-
a. What is keeping you from letting down the net?
- b. 3 rd grade Sunday School – Deacon – Seminary Student - Associate Pastor - National Director of EE-USA – Senior Pastor of Midway Baptist Church - What? How did that happen????
- c. It was a series of little yeses; followed by a lot of faith-stretching commands; to a complete surrender – am I there yet?! I doubt it, seriously……We will see what the next fishing trip, brings….
- d. But, the Real Question this morning is what about you
i. – what is He calling you to do. Will you do it?
ii. I challenge you to let down your nets, but only at His Word – a big catch awaits!
- e. There is no better way to live, than with Complete Surrender.
i. Say, Yes
ii. Obey the next faith-stretching command
iii. Surrender All
Hey, Jonah – I have a question!
Are You Right To Be Angry?
Jonah 4:1-11
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Which way are you going?
-
Will God use your disobedience? / At what cost?
-
Are you ready for rescue?
-
What will you do with your 2nd chance?
-
Hey Jonah – Do you do well to be angry?
-
a. Let’s let God ask the question - 4:1-4
- b. V1 – It was exceedingly Evil for Jonah!
- c. This is every evangelist’s dream – go preach in a large pagan city and watch as the entire city from the highest to the lowest – humble themselves, repent of their wickedness, and believe God!
-
d. Every evangelist, except 1 – Jonah is mad – mad enough to die.
-
What is Jonah angry about?
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a. God’s Grace – not for the Ninevites
- b. God’s Mercy – no way
- c. God’s Patience – Finish them!
- d. His Steadfast Love – They don’t deserve it
- e. His Relenting from Disaster – He was looking forward to their destruction!
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f. I’d rather die than see you be God to my enemies!
-
What did Jonah just experience personally 2 chapters ago?
-
a. The Grace of God
- b. The Mercy of God
- c. God’s Patience
- d. His Steadfast Love
- e. His Relenting from Disaster
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f. Chapter 2:8-9
-
The Reluctant Prophet is now the Pathetic Prophet – but it gets worse
-
a. Verses 5-9
- b. I’d rather die than be uncomfortably hot!
-
c. V10-11 Do you do well to be angry about the plant?
-
The book ends abruptly – because if Jonah says one more word…
-
a. He’s toast or
- b. He hears a splash as he is landing back in the Mediterranean Sea!
- c. He had been rescued when he didn’t deserve it!
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d. True for all of us – Romans 5:8
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We have one appropriate response when God saves our enemies – Only 1!
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a. Halellujah! Unrestrained Joy
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b. Luke 15:1-7; 10, 20-24 – This is the guy who wished his father dead!
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Reminds me of Jesus’ story and question in Matthew 20:1-16
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a. It’s never too late to be saved – the last hour, just as saved as the first
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b. We celebrate the Generosity; the Grace of a God who Saves!
-
We aren’t like Jonah, are we?
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Jonah 4:1 – Do you do well to be angry?
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Who do you hate?
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How much time do you spend praying for God’s mercy & grace to fall on them –
compared to the amount of time you pray for God to strike them dead?!
- If they got saved today – radically transformed by the Gospel, we say we love – would
you celebrate or complain? Get Happy or Get Angry?
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Do you do well to be angry?
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Oh Lord, forgive us
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Cleanse our hearts
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May We repent in sackcloth and ashes as the Ninevites did!
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Forgive us Lord; Cleanse our hearts; Renew us, O Lord! Save who you will; we will
rejoice!
Hey, Jonah – I have a question!
What Will You Do With Your 2nd Chance?
Jonah 3:1-10
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Which way are you going?
-
Will God use your disobedience? / At what cost?
-
Are you ready for rescue?
-
And Today, Hey, Jonah – What will you do with your 2nd chance?
-
a. Jonah 3:1-3; sound familiar – an exact repeat of 1:1-3 with one key difference – this time Jonah goes to Nineveh – according to the Word of the Lord!
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God doesn’t owe us a 2nd chance!
-
a. Only by His Grace
- b. We don’t deserve it – Eph 2:8-9
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c. Jonah didn’t and he knew it – through God’s creative rescue and his regurgitation back on dry land.
-
Jonah is now owning his 2nd chance – v3-4
-
a. He committed to it while still in the Fish – 2:9
- b. He still looks and smells like someone who just came out of a fish!
-
c. He is going according to the word of the Lord!
-
Jonah delivers a clear and concise 8-word sermon. V 5
-
a. Yet 40 days – the time is fixed
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b. And Nineveh might be overthrown! – Your end is sure
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And – Wow! The people of Nineveh believed God!
-
a. V5 – greatest miracle in the OT
- b. Noah and the Ark; Creation; Isaac; Moses; The Red Sea….Gideon; Samson…Goliath
- c. A Pagan nation responding in repentance and faith - to an 8-word message from the Holy Creator God, delivered by a reluctant prophet!
-
d. I’ll take that!
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Their repentance started at the top with their leader – from the greatest to the least – v5-9
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a. The king humbled himself
- b. And led the others to follow his example
- c. Proclaiming a Total Fast from food or water
i. What would you do without in order to show God your heart is His?
- d. The path to revival is Brokenness, Surrender/Confession, Holiness/Commitment
- e. V9 – Who knows?
i. Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:8-10
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Their repentance represented a desperation to be rescued.
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a. How desperate are we?
- b. We say God must judge or is already judging America for her many sins and outright rejection of God.
- c. Are we ok with that happening on our watch?
- d. Where is the outcry; where is the desperation; where is the humble repentance in the Church!
- e. I get it – we are weary; we are tired; we have given up – Can God save America? We conclude, He can’t.
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f. God forgive us. And, I am here to tell you – He can; He is! He wants to do it - in us and then through us!
-
God always responds to sincere repentance! V 10
-
a. He extended incredible’ AMAZING Grace to the People of Nineveh
i. For nearly 200 yrs he extended their existence, before their final destruction in 612 BC; Did that matter?
ii. Does that matter today? – let’s fast forward 2750 years – Hey, Chuck – come tell us a story!
iii. Matthew 12:39-41 – as great as Jonah’s story is - They repented at his preaching – Someone greater is here in our midst!
iv. What will you do with Jesus?
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Death, Resurrection, Calling – for you!
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Is today your 2nd chance?
Hey, Jonah – I have a question!
Are You Ready for Rescue?
Jonah 1:17 – 2:10
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Which way are you going?
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Will God use your disobedience? / At what cost?
-
When we left Jonah he is sinking in the sea due to his own disobedience - God’s Grace is on the way in a most unexpected way. But we are left Jonah right here last week – because we need to soak in the realities and ramifications of our choices to disobey our Holy and Righteous God – the one whom we say we fear!
-
But today, we ask the question of Grace - Are you ready for rescue?
-
God chooses whom He rescues; and when
- He can do that any way He chooses
- He appointed/prepared the fish
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He left Jonah in the fish to let him contemplate his reality
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Whom you call to matters!
-
It doesn’t matter where you are; but you need to know where you are – at the end of Yourself
-
God answers the sincere cry of a distressed heart – the cry of faith
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When He knows your heart is repentant; He knows you are ready for rescue.
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Don’t forget to follow your prayer of desperation with a prayer of Thanksgiving!
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“Lord, save me!” is a cry and a confession; an admission and an acknowledgment!
-
Salvation belongs to the Lord!
-
His Grace enables Jonah’s 2nd chance – Ch 3
-
What about you?
-
In order to gain a 2nd chance you have to admit the failure of the 1st one
- 2nd chances are not guaranteed!
- They are only by God’s gracious intervention – never lose the wonder or the gratitude of what He has done for you! v 5-6
Hey, Jonah – I have a question!
Will God Use It?
Jonah 1:4-16
-
Which way are you going?
-
a. Last week we left Jonah on the run from God.
- b. He is trying to get as far away from God’s clear directive to preach God’s
- judgment to his enemies in Nineveh.
- c. He is on a ship headed to Tarshish – on the western edge of civilization
-
d. Others are now involved in his disobedience
-
Will God use your disobedience? / At what cost?
-
a. Others are always impacted when you disobey God. V 4-6
- b. They are fearing for their lives, while Jonah takes a nap!
i. Crying out to their gods – no atheists in foxholes
ii. Jettisoning the cargo
- c. They are frantic to find a God who cares!
- d. They are finding who to blame – v7 – Proverbs 16:33; Numbers 32:23
- e. They are forcing a confession – v8-9
- f. They are fixing the problem – v10-15
i. This is confirmed to be a Supernatural issue – beyond terrifying!
ii. They try to get home but realize they are rowing against God.
- g. They reach a final conclusion – v 16
i. Fear; Worship; Commitments
ii. Spiritually rowing with God
iii. Meanwhile Jonah is sinking to the bottom of the Sea – 17,280’ deep!
-
Yes, God used his disobedience!
-
a. But, look at the cost:
i. He paid the fare on the ship that threw him overboard!
ii. He was humiliated to admit that he was running from the God he serves.
iii. He is now sinking in the vastness of the Sea, with no expectation of rescue
iv. He deserves to die for dishonoring and disobeying God & He had to admit it outright to the sailors – whose lives he has endangered by involving them in his disobedience!
- God’s Grace is on the way in a most unexpected way. But we are going to leave Jonah right here for now – because we need to soak in the realities and ramifications of our choices to disobey our Holy and Righteous God – the one whom we say we fear!
Hey, Jonah – I have a question!
Which Way are You Going?
Jonah 1:1-3
- Who is Jonah?
a. A prophet in Israel – 2 Kings 14:25
- i. God’s servant; Good track record of listening to and speaking for God
- ii. In a time of peace & prosperity, preceding great judgement & captivity at the hands of the Assyrians
-
iii. A contemporary of Amos and Hosea who are warning Israel of the coming judgment of God!
-
What is his assignment?
-
Where is Nineveh?
a. 500 miles Northeast of Jonah ~ like Baltimore from North Carolina.
- Where is Tarshish?
a. 2500 miles West of Jonah – the western-most harbor of Spain! – Los Angeles from here!
b. The edge of the world!
- Why is he running?
a. Not because he is afraid of the Assyrians – although there was much to fear
- i. A brutal, ruthless, conquering Empire
- ii. A center of evil since Genesis 10 and the time of Nimrod
- iii. They were often terrorizing Israel
b. Not because he is afraid of the Wrath of God – although he should know better!
- i. He is disobeying a direct command of God
- ii. He is actively trying to run away from God – to get as far away as possible
- iii. God is omnipresent; omnipotent; omniscient. – all powerful; all knowing; all present
c. No, he is running because he is afraid of the mercy and grace of God!
- i. Jonah 4:1-2
-
ii. He does not want to see his enemies saved!
-
There are only 2 ways to go!
a. Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:6
b. Moving closer to Christ in obedience & faith
c. Moving away from him in rebellion or apathy – making our own way in the world
d. It is futile and harmful to run from God – it will cost you more; impact many others; keep you longer than you ever imagined.
- Which way are you going?
a. Are you moving toward Christ and His Plans in obedience, faith, and anticipation?
b. Or, are you running fast in the opposite direction?
c. Is He calling you to something you are refusing to do?
Gospel Essentials
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
How do we process the Gospel? – v 1-2
- The Gospel is meant to be preached
- The Gospel is meant to be believed
- The Gospel is meant to be our Foundation for Life – 2 Peter
- The Gospel is meant to continually develop us – Philippians 1:6
- The Gospel is meant to be embraced – hold fast
- The Gospel is meant to be remembered – v1 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
What is the Gospel?
- Jesus is God – The Annointed One, the Messiah
- His Death had a Purpose – for our sins
- His Death was Planned – according to the Scriptures – foreshadowed in the sacrifice of Isaac; the Passover in Egypt; and in many other ways; predicted by prophets – Isaiah 53:4-6; 10-11
- His Death was Real – The gospels record that the Roman Governor Pilate was careful to confirm His death, before releasing him for burial
- His Death was not the End! – He rose as He said He would! The tomb is still empty.
- He is Alive, Forever! Appeared to many who could bear witness to the Corinthians, if they needed it.
- He offers that same Life to you! He is still appearing to people! He is still changing lives.
What do we do with the Gospel?
- Believe it – Do you?
- Stand on it – Are you?
- Live it in community with others and let it continually develop you and your faith in this one who died for you.
- Hold it tightly – Hebrews 6:18-19 – part of that is remembering it, which we are about to do.
- Share it freely – Who needs to know this? 70% of rural North Carolina does not believe Jesus is the only way.
- Remember it often – Is there anyone here who needs to and wants to receive this amazing Savior as your very own today? Today is the Day of Salvation
The Footprints of the Faithful
Psalm 119:129-136; 1 Corinthians 11:1
-
Bear the Image of God – All humanity bears this identifying mark - Genesis 1:26-28
-
a. Therefore, all life is valuable & precious before our Creator, and should be before us as well.
-
Are Established in the Word of God – Psalm 119:105
-
a. His Word informs and directs our steps
- b. How we need His guidance to navigate in the mine fields all around us.
-
c. Hunger & Thirst – Matthew 5:6
-
Are Led by the Spirit of God – Galatians 5:16-26
-
Reject the Easy Way – Matthew 7:13-14
-
Go by Way of the Cross – Luke 9:23-25
-
Stay Joyfully Close to the Presence of God – Psalm 16:11; Psalm 34:8
-
Are Tear-stained from Weeping over Sin/Lostness – Psalm 119:136; Psalm 126:6
-
a. Blessed are they that mourn – Matthew 5:4
- b. Have you shed tears recently for your sins; the sins of others; the lostness/brokenness of our world?
- c. Where are the Tears in the Church, today?
Whose footprints have you been following?
Where are your footprints leading?
Who is following your steps?
“Will the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe? And, the lives we live inspire them to obey?”
Would you dare say, with Paul – “Follow my example, as I follow Christ”
“Let’s Have a Romans 12 Kind of a Year!”
Romans 12:1-21
In 2022, we focused on Growing Deeper to Reach Further. In 2023, I would like us to deepen our Beliefs; strengthen our Belonging; so we will target our Behavior for the Glory of God & His Mission in Polk County and around the World”
In other words… let’s have a Romans 12 Kind of a Year!
Romans 12 – focuses us on our Believing, Belonging, and our Behaving!
-
Behave Sacrificially – Rom 12:1
-
Believe Correctly – Rom 12:2-3
-
Belong Cooperatively – v 4-8
-
Strengthened by small groups; SS; ministry teams; service projects…
-
Love Genuinely – v 9-13
-
Discern evil from good
-
Honor the family
-
Be intentionally present
-
Minister Counter-Culturally – v 14-21
-
Be a Blessing
-
Celebrate & Mourn Appropriately
-
Be Engaged
-
Humble Yourself
-
Give Thought
-
Do Good
-
Believe – your roots; 2 Peter 3:18 – Worship & Discipleship – Growing Deeper
-
Belong – your shoots; John 15:1-5 – Fellowship & Ministry – Growing Together
-
Behave – your fruit; Obedience; Mt 28:18-20 – Your Mission – Growing outward
-
Keep Growing; Stay Connected; Make Disciples
-
What’s Your Next Step?
Let’s Have a Romans 12 kind of a year!
The ‘Whys’ of Christmas - Christmas Series 2022
Why Joy?
Luke 2:10-11
Why Joy?
-
Because the Angel brought Good News…actually GOD News, breaking 400 yrs of silence and fulfilling the promises for Messiah to come.
-
a. A God-issued declaration of Incredible news after 400 yrs of silence
Why Joy?
-
Because the News was for everyone
-
a. Lowly shepherds
- b. And later, Eastern Gentile Astrologers coming to Worship
- c. No one will be left out of God’s Love; God’s redemption – it is for everyone
- d. Including you!
Why Joy?
-
Because Salvation has come!
-
a. God became a Man; a Baby! To rescue us from our sin
- b. He is Savior, Christ, Lord
- c. Rescuer, the Promised One, Lord, Authority, Leader – Guide, Boss, Forgiver, Director
Why Joy?
- Because the Glorious Impossible has happened – God has come for us!
Why Joy?
- The Greatest Story ever Told has been told and retold and retold, every year for 2,000+ yrs to offer Hope & Peace to a hurting sin-soaked world – one person at a time.
Why Joy?
Because He is Here – He died and rose and lives today!
The ‘Whys’ of Christmas - Christmas Series 2022
Why call Him Jesus?
Matthew 1: 18-25; Luke 1:30-31
-
What is it about the name of Jesus?
-
a. The meaning
- b. The reference/picture
-
c. The assignment
-
Why call on His name?
-
a. Ask
- b. Saved
- c. Baptized
-
d. Name above all in Philippians 2:9-11
-
How do you respond to a God like that? To a Name that high & exalted
-
a. Believe – John 3:16; Acts 4:10-12
- b. Why? – because He believes in us!
i. And intercedes for us – Romans 8:34
ii. His Life and Name say we are worth dying for!
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
iii. He Believes that we are able to carry the message – 2 Corinthians 5:20
- c. Why? – to have Life!
i. The Life He has planned for you
ii. The Life that makes sense!
-
He answers so many of the fundamental questions of life:
-
a. Who am I?
- b. Why am I here?
- c. Where do I belong?
- d. What difference can I make?
- e. Is there more?
- d. Why? – because He comes to live in you and direct your life
- e. Why? – to have Hope & Forgiveness, with true Peace in your hearts.
i. No more Fear; no more Guilt; no more Shame
- f. Why? – You’ll never get a better offer – Greatest story ever told; greatest person who ever lived; the greatest opportunity you will ever have to live the greatest life of impact and fulfillment that you could ever live…both now and forever!
The ‘Whys’ of Christmas - Christmas Series 2022
Why did God become a man?
-
Because it was the right time. He is The God of all Time & Timing/Opportunity
-
i. The days were accomplished – Luke 2
- ii. It was the fulness of time – The Opportune time – Galatians 4:4
- iii. Not just chronos; but Kairos!
- iv. He has perfect timing and we see that in when Jesus came. When He was sent.
It was the right time because…
-
Because God had prepared the Way. He is the The God of the Specific Details
-
i. Pax Romana – A Time of a unified foundation in a (relatively) peaceful generation – 27BC to 180AD PEACE
- ii. Roman Roads; ships – A Time of an aligned transportation – TRAVEL
- iii. Greek Language – A time of a shared conversation – 300BC – LANGUAGE
-
iv. A wondrous anticipation – A time that was foretold - PROMISE
-
A plan of redemption; invitation; and adoption
a. Back to Luke 2:4-6 – A descendant of David being born in Bethlehem… Micah 5:2; 2 Samuel 7:16; Isaiah 49:6
-
Promised, yet delayed….400 yrs from the close of the OT and the opening of the New – Look at Malachi 4:5-6 and Luke 1:13-17
-
Because God had a specific promised purpose to fulfill. The God of Promises Made/Kept
-
i. Daniel 9:25 – the clock started when Cyrus issued the decree to rebuild the temple.
- ii. Genesis 3:15 – The promise was first given to Eve.
- iii. Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; 2 Samuel 7:16 – The promise repeated to David – his descendant would rule & reign Forever. Isaiah 49:6
- iv. Psalm 22 – the promise included how he would die!
Why did Jesus come when He did?
Because God is the God of all time and timing
Because God had prepared the Way
Because God had promises to keep, and a Purpose to fulfill
and….Friends, let’s bring it up to today –
Jesus came in the fulness of time – at just the right time, …
-
Because this is how God does everything! The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever.
-
i. Right on time
- ii. He does the same for you!
- iii. Today is the Day of Salvation – 2 Corinthians 6:2; Psalm 69:13; Isaiah 55:6
- iv. He came at the Perfect time, but what is even more important is that He came with the Perfect Message!
The ‘Whys’ of Christmas - Christmas Series 2022
Why did God become a man?
Genesis 1:26-28, 31; John 1:1-18; Philippians 2:5-11
-
Because of His Image in us – Life (Genesis 1:26-28, 31; John 1:1-3)
-
a. This is why all human life is precious and to be valued; distinct from all other life forms – Genesis 2:7 – a living soul – the breath of life…
- b. Marred – Darkness
-
c. Restored – reborn – to restore the Light
-
Because of His Intent for us – Love (John 3:16)
-
a. The motive was Love!
- b. The motive was rescue – from ourselves
- c. The motive was reconciliation – redemption – to buy us back!
-
d. The motive was/is Adoption – 11-13
-
To Identify with Us– Coming to Abide (John 1:14)
-
a. To dwell
- b. To show His Glory
- c. To shower us with Grace
- d. To convict us with Truth
- e. To perfectly balance what we need.
- f. To make God known; and knowable – v 18 and John 14:9
-
g. Hebrews 4:14-16
-
Do you know Him? He came for you? How do you respond to a God like that?
Another Wood in the Word joins us for some coffee today! We welcome Isaac's wife Amanda to the show to discuss her upcoming daily Advent devotional resources.
Join Amanda Wood for Advent (November 28 - Dec 25) with her podcast What She Said: A Thrill of Hope - A 20 minute daily podcast study of Luke 1 & 2 and Old Testament prophecies of Jesus to prepare your heart for Christmas. She has prepared a free ebook study guide available for us to walk throughv as we listen.
Amanda and Isaac also host a weekly marriage & family podcast called Rings To Tags that will be discussing this material as we go along.
Links for the podcasts & resources:
Click Here for the free ebook study guide: https://www.thewoodpileco.com/a-thrill-of-hope-e-book
Click Here for the Podcast Website:
- A Thrill Of Hope - https://www.thewoodpileco.com/podcast-2
- Rings To Tags - https://www.thewoodpileco.com/podcast-1
Click Here to connect on Facebook:
- A Thrill Of Hope - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087632138177
- Rings To Tags - https://www.facebook.com/rings2tagspod/
Click Here for Apple Podcasts*:
- A Thrill Of Hope - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-she-said-a-thrill-of-hope/id1654551257
- Rings To Tags - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rings-to-tags/id1634856692
also available on Google Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify & Overcast
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Prayer (James 5:13-20)
-
Look Up – v 13
-
a. Suffering? Pray!
- b. Joyful/Cheerful? Praise the Lord
-
c. Pray individually – recognizing His Sovereignty
-
Look to your Spiritual Leaders for help – v14
-
a. Hebrews 13:7
- b. Pray under authority – in the name of the Lord
-
c. Pray Corporately
-
Look to One Another – v15-16
-
a. Confession in small groups
- b. Accountability – my Wednesday guys; our questions
-
c. Pray together with Accountability
-
Look to Biblical Examples – v17-18 (Read your Bible!)
-
a. Elijah – just like us
- b. Pray Fervently – persistence; importunity - consistent and unrelenting – to the point of annoyance.
-
c. Pray Believing
-
Look after the Wanderer – v 19-20
-
a. Notice who is not here – this is the hardest part
- b. Go after them – bring them back – how can you do that if they wandered off?
- c. Use your spiritual authority:
i. To lovingly correct – Galatians 6:1-5
ii. To encourage repentance
-
Colossians 1:28-29
-
2 Timothy 3:16-17
iii. To bring reconciliation
-
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
-
d. Pray expectantly
-
Summary
-
a. Pray individually
- b. Pray corporately
- c. Pray with accountability
- d. Pray fervently
- e. Pray believing
- f. Pray expectantly
- g. Pray! Luke 18:1
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Patience (James 5:7-12)
Context: Rich abusing the Poor
Two weeks ago, we saw James’ explosive condemnation “Come now you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that await you.”
Today, we see his word of perseverance to the those who were suffering at the hands of the rich. The transition comes in verse 6 – let’s reach back to verse 5 for context…
In the midst of suffering and trials; unfairness and misery – James has this word of encouragement:
Be Patient – how long? – until the coming of the Lord
-
Patience is a permanent reality
-
a. But Good News, it is also a fruit of the Spirit
-
Farming is a practical example
-
You need a personal plan
-
a. Establish your hearts – plural, in community
- b. Fact – the Lord is Coming
-
c. Don’t grumble – He is at the door
-
Some Precious Biblical Reminders –– (Read your Bible!)
-
a. Suffering & patience are a package deal – the misery and waiting of the Prophets – Jeremiah – ignored and persecuted, etc.
- b. Steadfastness & Blessings are too! – the suffering of Job and his vindication
- c. God has a purpose – Tell your neighbor!
- d. He is compassionate & merciful – Can I get a witness?!
- The God who allows the suffering enables the patience, by His Spirit, and leads us to know Him @ a deeper level than we would otherwise – Paul in Phil 3:10
- e. Your suffering is not the end of the story – but there is a fellowship, a value to what you are experiencing – a closeness to Him…
- f. Job’s suffering was not the end of the story; God’s blessing and majesty were – Job 42:1-6
- g. The Prophets rejection was not the end of the story – Jesus was!
- h. The farmer’s waiting is not the end of the story – The Harvest is!
- i. The Cross was not the end of Jesus’s story – Life is!
- j. Resurrection is the end of our story – He is coming back, therefore we can persevere!
- k. He is our Hope! Let’s press on, together…
Communion Message
The Death of Jesus was _________
1. A Premeditated Murder
- a. The Religious Leaders plotted it – John 5:15-18; John 7:1; Matthew 26:1-5…
2. A Planned Mediation
- a. Mediation – an intervention in a dispute in order to solve it.
i. Acts 2:23; 3:15; 5:30
ii. Genesis 3:15
iii. 1 Timothy 2:5
- b. A fulfilment of the sacrificial system; Hebrews 9:22-24
3. A Prophetic Mission – Isaiah 53:1-9
- a. A horrific suffering by an innocent servant
- b. A Heavenly solution to our Human problem – v 10-12
4. A Precursor to Resurrection Miracles! Matthew 28:1-7; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-25; 35-49
- a. His, first
- b. Then, ours!
- c. You? He did this for you.
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Riches (James 5:1-6)
1. The Accountability for Riches – God sees; The Oppressed cry; God listens; The world takes notice
- a. To whom much is given; much will be required – Luke 12:48
- b. He owns it all and entrusts it to us in measures appropriate for our ability to manage it
- c. He detests those who hoard resources; oppress the poor; yet, live in luxury.
2. The Futility of Riches – Temporary and Fading
- a. Consider Luke 12:13-21 – your Soul or your Stuff – which matters more?
- b. Matthew 6:19
- c. Paul in his first letter to Timothy. Contentment is the Key
3. The Responsibility with Riches – We are Stewards of our entrusted resources – whether many or few
- a. Take care of your employees
- b. Serve God and others
- c. Don’t squander or hoard
- d. Make Kingdom Investments; not worldly ones
i. Seek First God’s Kingdom – Matthew 6:33, 6:20-21
ii. Be content – 1 Tim 6:6-11
iii. Pursue God (best done together) – 1 Timothy 6:12, 17-19
iv. Grasp your Salvation – Do you know?
v. Hope in God
vi. Thank Him for your provisions
vii. Share – as a conduit of His Grace – you are a channel, not a reservoir.
viii. Think eternally – 2 Timothy 4:6-8
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Perspective (James 4:13-17)
1. What is your Life? (the duration of your physical life)
- a. Finite - Acts 17:26 -27; Psalm 90:3-6
- b. Fixed – Hebrews 9:27-28; Appointed...and then, the judgment
- c. Fragile – mist, vapor – grass/flower – 1 Peter 1:24
- d. Forever – your spiritual body – in 1 of only 2 places – Matthew 7:13-14 – hold until the end
2. How shall you live this life? V15-17
- a. Don’t presume on God’s Will – Arrogance! Are you God? Do you know what tomorrow will bring? V 16
- b. Don’t reject God’s Will – Sin! Disobedience…v17 – that separates you from God
- c. Submit to God’s Will – v 15
i. You are surrendered to God – You trust Him
ii. Christ is your Lord – you have already given Him permission and access to your life
- d. Seek God’s Will – Romans 12:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-6
i. His Will is Good, Pleasing, Perfect
ii. Lean not
iii. Seeking Him – is your reasonable Worship – It makes sense to trust your Creator!
- e. Live Expectantly (God’s in charge; you aren’t); Live Eternally – for His purposes, not your own.
3. What about now, for you?
- a. For Some of you – the next step in your life – your frail, finite, fixed Life – is you need to receive Christ; is that you?
i. What are you waiting for? Tomorrow? that’s dangerous! You don’t know… Paul understood this concept well – 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Focus (James 4:11-12)
1. We are not to judge our fellow Christ-followers – Today, we will see that James, Jesus, and Paul have a lot to say about this important topic that so often gets us off track and out of sorts with each other.
- a. Tony Evans says – “So if you judge a fellow believer, you’re judging the law that commands us to love others. Remember, that brother or sister you criticize could have been you. As God has shown you grace and mercy, practice grace and mercy.”
2. We are doers of the Word; not Judges
- a. Our job is obedience
- b. Not, sheep inspectors!
- c. Witnesses, not judges.
- d. Matthew 7:1-5; 2 Peter 3:17-18
3. Preferences Abound – across denominations; within denominations; within specific churches
- a. And, that is ok.
- b. Romans 14:1-12
4. What about sin? Are we not to confront it?
- a. Yes, but without judgement; (Romans 8:1) and with, a goal of restoration – James 5:19-20
i. Written by the same guy, guided by the same Spirit, as the guy who wrote 4:11-12
ii. Galatians 6:1-2 – gently
iii. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – with the Word
iv. Trusting the Spirit of God to convict and restore – John 16:8-11
- b. Reconciliation is the Goal – 2 Corinthians 5:17-6:1
5. Focus on your own spiritual growth; and then the others. God will guide the rest!
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Warnings (James 4:1-10)
1. The Sin of Spiritual Adultery – v1-4
- a. Watch your ‘Wanter’ – The progression from desire to desperation to destruction is startling – Ken Sande – I Desire, I Demand, I Judge, I Punish
- b. as old as Adam & Eve – Genesis 3:6 – and progressed into their children’s lives in tragic fashion
- c. as new as our most recent idols – Our rights; Our bodies; Our Traditions; Our Politics; Our Team; Our Kids; Our Autonomy! – Me, Me, Me
- d. Friend of God (2:23) or Friend of the World?
2. The Love behind Spiritual Jealousy – v5
- a. God loves you deeply – Jer. 33:3
- b. God is jealous for you – Ex 20:5; 34:14; 1K14:22; Zec 8:2
- c. The world wants to draw you away
- d. Your flesh wants to draw you away
- e. God actively opposes your pride!
3. The Solution is Spiritual Humility – v6-9 – But, He gives more Grace – Aren’t you glad?!
- a. Grace flows in the direction of humility
- b. Humility begins with submission
- c. Submission empowers your ability to resist evil
- d. Draw near to God and He will close the gap.
- e. Humility asks for cleansing as we mourn over our sin. Where are the tears?
- f. Where is the brokenness? Psalm 51:7-12, 16-17
4. The Result is Spiritual Vitality – v10
- a. He will exalt you
- b. You are His child
- c. He sees Jesus in you – Phil 1:6
- d. He is working to make you like Jesus – Rom 8:29
- e. This is the path Jesus followed! – Phil 2:5-11
- f. So, have this mind in you – Is it? Do you think this way?
i. Are you humble?
ii. Have you submitted to Him, completely?
iii. Are you resisting the Devil, or is he having a field day in your life?
iv. Are you drawing near?
v. Can you feel His presence as He draws near to you?
vi. Do you need to spend some time weeping and mourning over your sin?
vii. Do you realize how it has grieved your Heavenly Father?
viii. Be broken before Him
ix. Receive His Grace
x. He will lift you up!
xi. He can’t do that until you bend low and humble yourselves.
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Godly Wisdom (James 3:13-18)
1. Godly Wisdom produces humble Obedience – do-ers of the Word – v 13
- a. Ties us back to chapter 2:26
2. Ungodly Wisdom fractures Relationships – v 14-16
- a. Outer turmoil – towards others – jealousy and envy
- b. Inner turmoil – within – selfish ambition
- c. Earthly, unspiritual (sensual), demonic – John 10:10
- i. He wants to ruin your relationships by polluting your thinking
3. Ungodly Wisdom is bent on seduction and destruction
- a. Disorder and every vile practice
4. Godly Wisdom is first, Pure.
- a. Free from defilement clean; spotless; Holy; Righteous
- b. Life-giving – John 10:10
5. Godly Wisdom is Other-focused – v17; Philippians 2:1-4
- a. Peaceable
- b. Gentle
- c. Open to Reason
- d. Full of Mercy
- e. Full of Good Fruit
- f. Impartial
- g. Sincere; Genuine
6. Godly Wisdom produces an Abundance of Righteousness through intentional Peacemaking!
7. Godly Wisdom is Life-giving
- a. Intentionally investing in others for their benefit – their flourishing – their experiencing of John 10:10!
CLOSING:
Our theme has been ‘Practical Faith flowing from Godly Wisdom. Right here in the center of his letter, James shows us how powerful and difference-making God’s wisdom is! He makes a stark contrast to the seductive and destructive impact of man’s ungodly demonic wisdom. What a difference Godly wisdom makes!
Do you need it today? Let’s remember to ask for it – James 1:5-8 and act on it!
And when it comes what will it look like? V 17-18.
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Speech (James 3:1-12)
1. Teachers have a higher accountability for their words. V1
2. Mature Christians (Teachers) recognize the power of the tongue.
- a. V 2-5 – they control their speech
- b. Where does this maturity come from?
i. From a tested faith – James 1:2-4
ii. Heb 5:11 – 6:1
- From a depth in the Word
- From a discerning experience in ministry
3. Mature Christians recognize that the Holy Spirit must control their speech.
- a. v 6 – 9 – the destructive power of the tongue
- b. James 1:19-21 – emphasizes how this works – be slow to speak…receive the implanted word – the Meat – grow to maturity
- c. Galatians 5:22-23 – self-control – “I can’t help it” is not a valid excuse for a Christian
- d. James 1:5-7; Godly wisdom in play, not double-minded, but mature; believing
4. Teachers (Mature Christians) depend on God’s wisdom before speaking – v 10-12
- a. They maturely recognize that they will be unstable otherwise.
- b. They ask and receive Godly Wisdom - James 1:5-8
- c. A deeper look at the attributes of this essential Godly Wisdom follows this text and we will examine it next week.
5. Let not many of you teach; but let’s all move toward maturity and ask God for His Wisdom in controlling our words.
- a. Are there words you have heard that you need to forgive?
- b. Are there lies you have heard that you need to replace – with the Truth of God’s Word?
- c. Are there words you have spoken that have harmed others?
i. Do you need to repent, confess, and humbly ask for forgiveness?
- d. Should you be teaching?
- e. What is your next step in maturity?
- f. Do you need to surrender your tongue to the Lord?
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Ministry II (James 2:14-26)
-
Practical Ministry proves your faith – v 14; Ephesians 2:8-10
-
a. Works are essential not to save you; but because you are saved!
-
b. God has prepared Good Works for you to do – to walk in; and, we do that together!
-
Practical Ministry engages need – v. 15-17
-
Practical Ministry is an expression of Faith – v. 18 - 19
-
Practical Ministry has an example in Abraham – v. 20-24
-
Practical Ministry has many other examples of ordinary, unexpected people meeting the needs of hurting, desperate people. v. 25-26
-
How are you expressing your faith?
-
a. In your giving
- b. In your going
- c. In your praying
- d. In your serving
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Ministry (James 2:1-13)
-
Practical Ministry is Impartial
-
a. Our impartiality flows from the principle that All are valuable in God’s sight
- b. Genesis 1:26-27
- c. Making Distinctions leads us on an evil path of assumption – v 4
-
d. Our impartiality flows from an understanding that God’s economy is better that ours! – 5-7
-
Practical Ministry recognizes All sin as Sin.
-
a. This flows from the principle that there are no BIG or little sins
- b. Sin brings Judgement; Condemnation; Punishment
-
c. Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23a
-
Practical Ministry loves our neighbor, regardless of who they may be.
-
a. Leviticus 19:15-18 – people like you
- b. Luke 10:29-37 – people not like you – v37 – The one who showed him mercy
-
c. The priest and Levite failed the Lev 19 test, but the Samaritan passed the Jesus test – lead with mercy, regardless of who they are …
-
Practical Ministry leads with Mercy – v12-13
-
a. Because He has been merciful to us! The Law of Liberty has set you free – Romans 8:1-8
- b. Mercy alleviates the consequences of sin – We don’t get what we deserve.
- c. Mercy destroys/removes condemnation, damnation, separation from God.
-
d. Mercy triumphs over judgement; You have experienced that – practice it with others!
-
Summary - Practical Ministry flows by Faith from the Wisdom of God
-
a. Impartial
- b. Sees Sin as Sin
- c. Loves regardless
- d. Leads with Mercy
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Obedience (James 1:19-27)
-
Our Goal is the Righteousness of God; not ours.
-
a. Man’s Way – I have all of the answers; listen to me!
- b. God’s Way – Listen, first; and then humbly share.
-
c. Are you listening?
-
Our Guide is the Word of God
-
a. Our intention is His Righteousness
- b. Instruction flows from Intention – Teach me!
- c. Obedience flows from Instruction – Lead me!
i. Deception – hearing is sufficient – I heard a good sermon today; off to do as I please
ii. Obedience – I heard a good sermon and will adjust my life to live it out this week
- d. Blessings & Freedom flow from Obedience
i. One of which is self-control – slow to speak…
-
e. Practical Ministry demonstrates Faith
-
….Faith is Active – Faith is expressed in active ministry and holy living.
-
His Righteousness is our Goal
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Perspective on Temptation (James 1:13-18)
-
Temptations are not from God – v13
-
Temptations come from within – from our desires – v14; James 4:1-3
-
a. We are lured away…
- b. Let’s talk about fishing – How many lures do you have in your tackle box? Why so many? If I was a bass in a lake in South Carolina on a cool October morning; how would you catch me? If I was a catfish in a farm pond in late spring, what would do the trick? How do you know that?
- c. What’s the key to knowing which lure to use?
-
d. What do all of these lures have in common, that the fish can’t see until it is too late?
-
Temptations follow a disastrous progression – v 15 - Gen 3:6 – The serpent used ‘forbidden fruit’ with Eve; What does he use with you?
-
a. Lust of the flesh – I want
- b. Lust of the eyes – Proverbs 27:20; Ecclesiastes 1:8 – that looks good
-
c. Pride of Life – I must have it!
-
Being tempted is not a sin – Jesus was tempted in the wilderness
-
When you give in to the desire, that is sin – You don’t have to – 1 Corinthians 10:13-14
-
As sin grows it leads to death – John 10:10 – The Enemy offers Guilt, Shame, Bondage, Condemnation, Destruction, all gift wrapped in pretty packages – bait with a deadly hook just beyond sight….
-
By contrast - God gives good gifts – even the way of escape – but, also a way of focus, growth, love, peace….that insulates us from temptations and makes the ones that do get through downright unappealing….Philippians 4:8
-
Trust His timing
-
If you are in a sin right now and you know it is destroying your life – stop, Spit the Hook; repent, get honest with God and be set free!
-
He has much better gifts to give – Forgiveness, Peace, Love, Purpose, Strength, Joy that we talked about last week.. He’s a Good God, who gives Good Gifts.
James - Practical Faith from Godly Wisdom
Practical Joy (James 1:1-12)
-
Practical Joy recognizes God is at work when trials come. V 2-4
-
a. Joy defined
-
b. 1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 5:3
-
Practical Joy values Growth over Relief
-
a. ‘Why me?’ Or ‘What should I learn?’
-
About God
- About me
-
About others
-
Practical Joy asks for God’s Wisdom – v 5-8
-
a. As the trials play out
-
Practical Joy is not based on temporary worldly success – v9-11
-
Practical Joy stands the test with an eternal perspective & anticipation
-
a. With an abiding love in God!
- b. Rewards – Crown of Life – 2 Tim 4:6-8
Series: When God has had Enough … A Study in Amos
Episode: He Promises a Future Hope (Amos 9)
-
A Future Hope is Promised – 9:11-15
-
He raises up the ruins
-
He repairs the breeches
-
He rebuilds the demolished – He does that for nations and for individuals
-
a. He gives us Hope beyond what we deserve or can imagine when we surrender our plans to His.
-
He preserves a worldwide remnant – because He has a plan and a purpose.
-
a. Yes, He judges sin and the consequences are often catastrophic – with incredible pain and suffering – but in the midst of judgment He is always working good from bad.
-
b. There is hope in the Lord! Genesis 12:3 is still in effect – as is the Great Commission; through Abraham’s example of Faith and Trust in the Lord, we can have the righteousness of God through Christ.
-
Prophets like Jeremiah in Judah and Hosea and Joel in Israel all offered the same Hope beyond the present judgment.
-
a. Jeremiah 29:11-; 70 yrs in the future
- b. Hosea 14:4-7;
-
c. Joel 2:28-29 fulfilled in Acts 2 and then vs 30-32
-
And beyond this all remains a future rest for the people of God – Hebrews 4:9-13 – Hope remains – but this Hope is only accomplished His Way – according to His Plan; by His Word
-
Our Hope is Secure in Christ – because of His Great Sacrifice for us. He is God’s provision for our sin. He took our judgment.
Series: When God has had Enough … A Study in Amos
Episode: He Judges Fairly (Amos 8-9)
-
The End is Coming! – 8:1-3
-
Why is the End Coming? – 8:4-7
-
Trampling the Needy
- Oppressing the Poor
-
Pride & Superiority
-
How is the End Coming? – 8:8-14
-
The Ground below will shake
- The Sky above will go dark
- The soul within will mourn bitterly
- The Word of God will cease
-
The End
-
Who is Bringing the End?
-
I will strike – 9:1
- I will search – 9:3
- I will destroy – 9:5-10
- I will Command 9:9
Series: When God has had Enough … A Study in Amos
Episode: He Offers Repentance on His Terms (Amos 5)
Key Verse – Amos 3:7-8
***“For the Lord God does nothing
without revealing his secret
to his servants the prophets.
The lion has roared;
who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken;
who can but prophesy?”***
-
God is in mourning – v1-3
-
He doesn’t get any pleasure from judgment
- Ezekiel 33:10-11
-
Preserves a remnant, but the loss will be catastrophic
-
Seek Me, not Religion, and LIVE! – v4-5
-
Not a building
- Not a space
- Not a formula
-
Him!
-
Seek Me, not Self-Righteousness, and LIVE! – v6-9
-
Proverbs 14:12
- Look at Creation; God did this!
- Truth and Correction are rejected/hated – v10-13
-
God knows!
-
Seek Good, not Evil, and LIVE
-
Whom are you feeding?
- Romans 8:1-11
-
How? Hate Evil; Love Good – v 15; John 3:17-21
-
IF NOT- Judgment – v16-23, 25 – Therefore!
-
Solution – Let Justice roll down… Actively meeting the needs of others should be as natural as water flowing downhill.
-
Micah 6:8
- John 1:17
- Seek Me and Live – John 10:10 – we keep coming back here – so true!
Series: When God has had Enough ... A Study in Amos
Episode: He Holds His People Accountable
Key Verse – Amos 3:7-8
“7 For the Lord God does nothing
without revealing his secret
to his servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared;
who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken;
who can but prophesy?”
Compare Amos 3:1-2 with 1 Peter 2:9-10
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A Distinct People
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a. Chosen by God
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b. To be His witnesses to the Gentiles
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A Distinct Punishment
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a. Greater relationship necessitates greater accountability
- b. Clearly from Him
- c. With a Merciful Warning
- d. The Watching World will see and know
i. In the open for all to see
ii. Strongholds plundered
iii. Suffering great loss
- e. Their ‘Worship’ despised
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f. Preceded by attention-getters that they completely missed!
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A Distinct Standard
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a. His Holiness
- b. Not their Luxury
- c. Not their Sacrifices
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d. Not their Worship
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Multiple Distinct Opportunities – designed to provoke them to repent!
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a. Famine
- b. Drought
- c. Disease
- d. Locusts
- e. Plaque
- f. War
- g. Death
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h. All with a purpose!
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A Distinct & Sobering Reality – Prepare to meet your God!
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a. Warnings have ceased
- b. There is a last opportunity to repent
- c. Judgment is swift
- d. Consequences beyond imagination
Series: When God has had Enough ... A Study in Amos
Episode: He Roars With Warning
Key Verse – Amos 3:7-8
***“For the Lord God does nothing
without revealing his secret
to his servants the prophets.
8 The lion has roared;
who will not fear?
The Lord God has spoken;
who can but prophesy?”***
7 Truths about these warnings:
1. God is Gracious to warn His People of pending Judgement.
a. He certainly does not have to!
b. It is consistent with who He is – Exodus 34:6-7
c. 2 yrs before the earthquake; Zech 14:5
d. 45 yrs before Israel will be carried off into captivity and cease to exist.
2. His judgements are not arbitrary or random
a. They are well earned by sin
b. Abuse, torture, neglect, terrible sins from the outside and the inside of the nation
c. Especially when it is directed toward the Poor, the Helpless, and toward God’s People and His Great and Holy Name
3. His Patience has a Limit – Longsuffering, but…
a. Just, Holy and Righteous
b. Gen 6 _ Noah
c. Gen 18_Sodom
d. Exodus with Pharoah
e. Num 14:20-23 with the generation freed from Egypt
f. With Solomon and the Kings after him in the now divided nation of Israel and Judah
g. And now in the time of Amos - with Israel for their Greed, Abuse, Affliction, Ignorance and Sexual Immorality – even in the very Temple of God! Ignoring God as if He does not see, cannot hear how they profane his name. (2:6-8)
4. His judgements are swift & thorough
a. Again, see Num 14: 22-24
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His judgements are explained – 2:9-12
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His warnings target self-sufficiency 2:13-16
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There is also the Hope available by way of repentance – Jeremiah 12:14-17
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What about us? Any parallels? What is He saying to the church today? To the individual Christian? To you?
Going Deeper - Deeper Choices
Joshua 24:14-28; Judges 2:6-10
- Recognizing the Opportunity for Commitment – v14-15
- Making the Commitment – v16-18
- Testing the Commitment – v 19-24
- Solidifying the Commitment – v-25-28; Judges 2:6-10
Going Deeper - Deeper Spirit
A Deeper Spirit-Filled Life
Acts 2:1-47; 1 Corinthians 2:9-3:3
Happy Birthday Church!
The beginning of the first church happened on Pentecost – the Feast of Weeks, or the Feast of the Harvest or Firstfruits – established in Leviticus, but always pointing to this one – 7 weeks after the Resurrection of Christ when the Church is empowered by the Holy Spirit for fulfilling the Great Commission.
- Acts 1:1-5, 8
- Acts 2:1-47
Having seen the church established thru the Spirit, we now see her functioning in accord with her mandate – verses 42-47
Verses 38-39 show us the gift of the Spirit is given at Conversion as God calls people to Himself
He comes to live in you as your Comforter, Convictor, and Guide.
But, are you trusting Him to guide and control your life? Are you surrendered to Him moment by moment?
- Eph 5:15-21
- Galatians 5:16-26
How do we live this out?
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-3:3
Deeper Sacrifice
John 15:12-14; 10:10-18; 1 John 3:16-18
I. Deeper Sacrifice is born out of a deep, abiding Love
II. Deeper Sacrifice is lived out through Obedience
III. Deeper Sacrifice unifies others around the Mission
IV. Deeper Sacrifice is not the end of the Story
V. Deeper Sacrifice must be Remembered
Colossians - Episode 9
(Colossians 4:7-18)
Two Kinds of People in the World – Those who stop watching movies at “The End” or those who watch all of the credits. Movie Credits reveal all of the important contributors who worked together for the outcome. Today, we’re going to roll the credits & we’ll learn a lot in the process.
You and Who?
Do you see yourself on this list?
- Beloved Brother; Faithful Minister; fellow Servant; fellow Prisoner…
Do you need any companions like that?
Companions recognize and celebrate the 2-way nature of the relationship This requires faithful intention to ask and receive opportunities to work together
Whose Colossians 4 list are you on? What descriptors would be used?
Who is on your list?
Colossians - Episode 8
(Colossians 4:2-6)
- Begins with Deeper Prayer – v. 2
a. Continue – remember our opening message in the series – Deeper Prayer from Col 1
- Thank God for People; for the Gospel
- Ask God to fill people; strengthen people – for endurance, patience, joy, t-giving
b. Steadfastly
c. Watchful – pay attention to movement and answers
d. With Thanksgiving
- Is Motivated by the Example of Others – v. 3-4
a. Their zeal for prayer
b. Boldness to walk through Open Doors
c. Christ-centered perspective
d. Clarity
3. Moves Outward – v5-6
a. With Wisdom
- Who? When? How? What?
b. With Vision
- See the opportunities as Divine Appointments
c. With Words
d. With Grace
- Unmerited favor
- No distinction
- No partiality
- No limits
e. With Salt
- Create flavor – with questions and scripture!
f. With Discernment
- Are they open?
- Genuinely interested?
- Appreciate uniqueness
MOM = M.O.M. = Model of Ministry
So, let’s think together this morning about the Deeper Care that a Mother brings to our lives – and how that helps us think about the right kind of ministry impact we want to have in our relationships as Christ-followers:
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Gentle – Epios – only 2 uses in the NT (2 Tim 2:24)– to warm, to foster, cherish – One who follows the will of another – and is ready to do what he wants”; mild
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Nourisher – One who provides with food or other substances necessary for life and growth; to foster the development of; promote:
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Provide what they need
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Protect from what they don’t
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Affectionate – yearning for
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Celebrating presence
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Be present
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Sharing life to be life-giving – giving of ourselves – our psyche – soul – all in!
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Very Dear – agapetos – beloved – loved unconditionally
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Hard Work – Prov 31:10-31; especially in the care of her household referenced in v 15, 21, 25-28 – concludes with v 29-31
In summary: As you live out your faith – as you go deeper in relationships, you must invest yourselves in people. Moms are our Models for Ministry. People need to know we care – and no one cares like a mother – especially a mother who is following Christ. Gentle – like one who follows the will of another and is ready to do what He wants.
Be gentle; nourish; provide; protect; care deeply; love unconditionally; celebrate presence; be fully present.
When sharing the gospel, share your life as well – just as a mother gives and gives for her children – you do likewise for your spiritual children – those you disciple in the faith
Thank you, mothers, for giving us a multitude of personal, practical examples of loving care, tender affection, and life-giving love!
Colossians - Episode 7
(Colossians 3:18-4:1)
All of what we think about today comes within the context of last week’s message – the practice of our Christian Faith as described in the 1st 17 verses of the chapter.
- Wives - He begins with wives and gives a brief 10-word admonition. Submit – ‘come under’ the leadership of your husband – this is your role, not your identity. Gal 3:28-29 – equal – joint-heirs – no distinction regarding your identity in Christ, but in marriage there is an important role of submission to the leadership/headship of a husband, because, as Paul showed us in Ephesians 5 – marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church – What is Christ’s role in the Church? Is that up for a vote, discussion? Is that based on how we feel about it? No, Christ is the Head. who are we – the Bride! Are we submitted to Him? Do we lose our individual identity? Eph 5: 22-24; 31-32
- Husbands – your role in the relationship is as Lover/Leader – modeled after Christ as the Lover and Leader of His Church. You have the harder job! Be like Jesus; Love like Jesus; Lead like Jesus…This is God’s design for marriage because it is his spiritual design for how we all live the Christian life in Him. Again, just 10 words - Col 3:19 Love; don’t be harsh. Conditional love; impatience, hurry up; fix it; stop it…
- Children – 10 words – Obey – everything – pleases – Guardrails…
- Fathers – 9 words – Do not provoke – Encourage! Catch them doing something right and celebrate it! Nurture them and foster their success – Don’t fake it, foster it! Be their #1 cheerleader.
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Bondservants – Doulos – It is the word Paul used most often to refer to his relationship with Christ. – Longest description of how to handle the Master/Servant relationship.
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a. V. 22 - Sincere, fearing the Lord
- b. Work hard, for the Lord
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c. He rewards His own
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Masters – be just and fair - remember you are accountable to your master!
Colossians - Episode 6
(Colossians 3:1-17)
Let’s look at the Deeper Practice of our Faith – How to live out all we’ve been learning from Paul and Jesus – How do we actually Grow Deeper to Reach Further in our life - If we get this right – if we grow deeper in this way – we WILL reach further and impact more people than we can even begin to imagine. So, let’s get practical – 4 steps
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Up, then Down
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Puts Christ First – seek – active work – set your mind! v. 1-4
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Recognize – Up, then Down
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Off, then On
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Puts on the Good – replace the negative with positive – v10
- Treat everyone the same – v11
- Recognize your holiness (their’s too) – v 12
- Actively practice these attributes – v 12-13
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Off, then On!
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In, then Out
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Peace in / Thanksgiving out
- The Word in / The Word out
Resurrection Power is:
1. The Power of Eternal Perspective in your Daily Life – Eph 2:4-6
2. The Power of Extraordinary Presence everywhere you go – Matthew 28:20
- A presence of Peace; Courage; Joy; Love
- He is with you
3. The Power of Significant Purpose
- A Mission that Matters
4. The Power of Victorious Conquest
- Eph 1:19-23
- Romans 8:31-39 – Secure in the Love of Christ
- For the rest of your earthly life and all of your Forever, whatever you face He has already won – and so have you, in Him.
5. The Path to this Power is Humility – Death to Self
- 2 Cor 12: 9-10 – His Power through our Weakness
- The Door is Surrender
We begin on this Palm Sunday with Christ’s Deeper Purpose:
Luke 9:51 – When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
This was His deeper purpose – the purpose John the Baptist recognized when he introduced Jesus to his disciples in John 1:29
- The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
This was the Purpose of Substitution by Christ
– He died in our place – 2 Cor 5:21 - For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- This is the Purpose of Identification with Christ
- There is also the Deeper Purpose of Separation from the World
Consider His Deeper Purpose:
1. He came to rescue usfrom our sin. John 3:16-17 – The Lamb of God – John 1:29
1 Cor 5:7 – Our Passover Lamb – sinless, pure, unblemished, slain
2. He came to establish the Way to God. Prov 14:12 – Matthew 7:13-14 - John 14:6
3. He came to commission an army. Mt 28:16-20
4. He came for the Joy of Pleasing His Father - Heb 12:1-2
5. He is coming again to receive His due Worship – Rev 5
Do you know Him?
Have you received Him?
Are you living for Him?
Colossians - Episode 5
(Colossians 2:16-23)
Deeper Freedom comes through a focus on:
1. Substance over Shadow – v. 16-17
- With Christ as our Filter
2. Relationship over Religion – v. 18 – 19
- With Christ as our Head
3. The Corporate Body over Individual Rights – Eph 4:13-16
- Growth
- Unity
- Process of Maturity – Patience
- Serving one another instead of judging them - Gal 5:13-15; 1 Cor 9:19-23
4. Spiritual Principles over Physical Traditions– v. 20 – 23; Gal 5:16-25
- A ‘Done’ v ‘Do’ mentality
Colossians - Episode 4
(Colossians 2:6 - 15)
Deeper Faith is:
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Received
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a. As a Gift
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b. Have you received it?
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Active – a walk (1 John 2:6)
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Growing – deeper & further
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Anchored – established, confined, strengthened
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Thankful
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Discerning – v8-10
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Dead to Self
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Powerfully Alive in Christ, with Christ, by Christ
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Forgiven & Forgiving – v13-14
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Victorious! v15
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Ministry is Gospel Proclamation
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Ministry is Suffering for Others (The Church)
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Ministry is Stewardship – Given from God; to me; for you
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Ministry is Christ-centered
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Ministry is Outward-Focused – Everyone – Warning; Teaching; Maturity is the Goal
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Ministry is Work – toil; struggle – for Others!
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Ministry is Christ-empowered – impossible without Him (John 15:5; Phil 4:13)
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Ministry is Encouragement & Unity in Love on the journey to maturity – Eph 4:11-16
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Ministry is Protection! Warning and Guarding
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Ministry is Rewarding & Joyful – 2:3, 5
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Who is Jesus?
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a. The Eternal Creator
- b. Preeminent – 1st
- c. The HEAD of the Church
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d. The Resurrected LORD – Victory over Death – Death was Defeated!
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What has He done?
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a. Reconciled
- b. Made Peace
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c. Sacrificed Himself in our place
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What will He do?
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a. Present you Holy and Blameless and Above Reproach
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b. Mature you – Phil 1:6
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Where is He now?
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a. Christ in you – the Hope of Glory!
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What is your Response?
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a. Worship
- b. Surrender
- c. Follow - Obey
- d. Mature – Keep Growing!
Deeper Prayer:
I. thanks God for People (v. 3-6)
- a. For their FAITH in Christ
- b. For their LOVE for the Church
- c. For their Eternal Perspective
- d. For their Fruitful Impact
II. thanks God for the Gospel (v. 5-8)
- a. Its TRUTH
- b. Its GROWTH: Globally & Locally
- c. Its MESSAGE: Grace & Truth
- d. Its MINISTERS
III. asks God to Fill People (v. 9-10)
- a. with the Knowledge of His Will
SO THAT
- b. to Walk
IV. asks God to Strengthen People (11-14)
- a. with All Power
For
- b. All Endurance
- c. All Patience
- d. With JOY
- e. With Thanksgiving
This is Deeper Prayer!