First Apostolic Church: Recent Episodes
Paul McGee
9/18/24 - Self Worth Series - Part 2 | Renewed Mind, Realized Worth | Pastor Paul McGee
9/4/24 - Self Worth Series - Part 1 | Uniquely Designed, Divinely Loved | Pastor Paul McGee
4/7/24 PM - Harvests Unseen | Pastor Paul McGee
Due to technical issues this is just a partial recording. We apologize for the inconvenience.
4/7/24 AM - Our Mission - Part 5 | And Equipping them to be Sent Out to Plant & to Harvest | Pastor Paul McGee
3/24/24 AM - Our Mission - Part 4 | Thus Winning Those Souls (cont) | Pastor Paul McGee
3/10/24 AM - Our Mission - Part 2 | Showing Compassion to Every Soul | Pastor Paul McGee
3/6/24 - Genesis - Part 13 | The Intricacies of Faith and Offerings | Pastor Paul McGee
12/10/23 AM - The Gift of Hope Series - Part 3 | Hope For Salvation | Pastor Paul McGee
11/26/23 AM - The Gift of Hope Series - Part 1 | Hope For Redemption | Pastor Paul McGee
11/19/23 AM - We Offend All Series - Part 5 | Avoid Chronic Offenders Syndrome | Pastor Paul McGee
10/29/23 - We Offend All Series - Part 4 | God's Sovereignty & Satan's Devices | Pastor Paul McGee
10/22/23 AM - We Offend All Series - Part 3 | Your Response, Your Reward | Pastor Paul McGee
10/1/23 AM - We Offend All Series - Part 1 | Offense - The Common Thread of Life | Pastor Paul McGee
5/7/23 AM - Psalm 23 - Part 5 | From the Presence of Mine Enemies into the Presence of the Lord | Pastor Paul McGee
2/12/23 AM - Making Sense Out of Forgiveness - Part 4 | A Good Conscience | Pastor Paul McGee
2/5/23 AM - Making Sense Out of Forgiveness - Part 3 | Misgivings of Forgiving | Pastor Paul McGee
1/22/23 AM - Making Sense Out of Forgiveness - Part 2 | Misgivings of Forgiving | Pastor Paul McGee
1/15/23 AM - Making Sense Out of Forgiveness - Part 1 | Bitterness & Forgiveness | Pastor Paul McGee
12/14/23 PM - Just A Little Longer | Bro. James Malone
We apologize for our sound issues that we were working through during this time.
5/22/22 PM - It's Time To Remember | Pastor Tony Frederick, ALJC Indiana District Section 6 Presbyter
3/9/22 - John Series - Part 49 | "Same God, Different Relationship" | Pastor Paul McGee
3/9/22 - John Series - Part 48 | "Same God, Different Relationship" | Pastor Paul McGee
3/6/22 PM - The Cost of Heaven | Rev Danny Hampshire | Annual World Missions Commitment Service
3/2/22 - John Series - Part 47 | "It's Either a Love or a Hate Relationship" | Pastor Paul McGee
2/20/22 AM - The Lord's Prayer - Part 1 | "Precautionary Principle of Prayer" | Pastor Paul McGee
1/9/22 AM - Philippians Series - Part 8 | "A Divine Work In Common Vessels" | Pastor Paul McGee
12/5/21 AM - Philippians Series - Part 4 | "May Christ Be Magnified" | Pastor Paul McGee
11/28/21 AM - Philippians Series - Part 3 | A Pastor's Joy & Prayer (cont) | Pastor Paul McGee
11/21/21 AM - Philippians Series - Part 2 | A Pastor's Joy & Prayer | Pastor Paul McGee
10/23/21 - The Destruction of Desolation | Bro. David Gill | IN District Sec. 6 Overflow Rally
10/10/21 PM - Magnified & Exaggerated | Pastor Tony Frederick | 80 Year Church/10 Year Pastoral Anniversaries
10/10/21 AM - Hearing The Two Trumpets | Pastor Tony Frederick | 80 Year Church/10 Year Pastoral Anniversaries
10/8/21 - No Sweat Allowed | Pastor Tony Frederick | 80 Year Church/10 Year Pastoral Anniversaries
8/5/20 - Pastor Paul McGee | Part 16 - "The Father's Will Is The Son's Work" ; Part 17 - "Call To Witness"
3/21/18 - Rev. Paul R. McGee, Jr. | the first nine minutes or so did not get recorded... sorry
"The Story of Promotion"
I'd Rather Have a Skeleton in the Closet, Than a King in a Cave 2/12/17 PM - Pastor Paul McGee
Only the first fifteen minutes are recorded due to technical difficulties. This was a topical Bible Study on Thanksgiving.
The sons of Korah must have separated themselves from their father's tent to avoid being swallowed by the earth. Due to the actions of their father their family no longer attends to the sacred vessels but are now stationed at the doors of the temple. Even though that may be the case and they may suffer the ridicule of others their praising days are not over. Their mentality is "I shall yet praise Him!"
While the family and marriages are under attack, we still support the idea of commitment within the marital covenant. We still believe the covenant God established in Genesis is the model he intended for himself and the church. However, regardless of the baggage we may have brought into our relationship with God he still puts his garment over us and claims us.
The Shulamite of the Song of Solomon handled herself differently prior to her marital status compared to after it. She had become stale and indifferent. Yet, in spite of it, Solomon's desire had constantly been toward her. With this story serving as a capable type of Christ with his church it expresses the persistent desire of him toward us.
When they walked around the walls of Jericho the number of times that they did, they were circling a promise that God had given them by word some 400 years earlier. A way in which we circle our promises is by prayer. We must never forfeit our right to pray until something happens.
He who knew no sin became sin so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ. Not only did we lay some things upon him but he in return laid some things upon us. It was a trade-off... it was the great exchange. It was a lopsided exchange and certainly we benefited the most.
David mentioned that God delighted not in sacrifices except a broken spirit but then relays that God does like sacrifices when the walls of Jerusalem are built up. God takes no pleasure in sacrifices from unguarded lives. He wants the walls around our spirits and hearts to be broken while we keep secure the walls around our lives. Hearts open to him and lives closed to the influences of our time.
God didn't appoint a place... He appointed a man. That didn't negate the fact that the Temple, the house of God, was already in the thoughts and will of God. But before he chose a place for it, he chose a person, a people for it. Whereas men are looking for a place, God is looking for a man.
A common misconception of the church is the she exists to win lost souls. While that is part of our existence, it isn't all we exist for. When a new babe in Christ is born, there are development stages and disciplines needed in order for it to become a functioning adult Christian.
We apologize for this partial recording due to technical difficulty. However, Pharaoh refused to let God's people go. He gave a little but in doing so he wanted Israel to compromise some as well. But in this matter and others like it, there is no room for compromise. There are some things in this life such as: values and identity that are non-negotiables.
There are several examples in the New Testament Scripture that follow the guidelines provided in the book of Psalms about going forth with seed and coming back with a harvest. There were primarily four instructions: (1) Go, (2) Have a Burden, (3) Take the Seed, and (4) Rejoice over any results.
It appears after the mistake of Nadab and Abihu with their strange fire that God instructed Moses to tell Aaron and the remaining priests not to leave the tabernacle because the anointing oil of the Lord was upon them. This was the eighth day since the beginning of priests consecration. According the law, they could have left because seven days had already passed. But God didn't want the present distraction to cause them to leave prematurely when He was up to something... the anointing was present and evident.
We are ambassadors, representatives of Christ. Since the ascension of Jesus Christ, God is now beseeching (calling for, summoning) souls by us.
Jesus was often moved with compassion. It boils down to this: he was moved with compassion by a need. Compassion goes beyond recognizing a need. It is the desire and ability, if possible, to alleviate the need and it belongs to every soul. The soul is the eternal part of man that will continue to live somewhere after death. It is the truly redeemable part of man.
This is a ongoing series breaking down our personal church mission statement phrase by phrase. To love as God loves, showing compassion to every soul, thus winning those souls and equipping them to be sent out to plant and to harvest.
The doctrinal foundational stones that assemble to the chief cornerstone did not need any adjustments. They harmonize and fit perfectly with everything he is and represents. They are costly due to their prep work. And it is important how we hand them down from generation to generation. They should still fit together without anything being damaged or modified.
The questions that beg answering are these: Does death always lead to a better place? Is it always true that a person who dies is better off than when they were alive? Do all dead people go to a better place? As far as we know, there is only one biblical way that the grave can be better than living.
The first time the Bible records Samson crying out to God or praying results in a spring of water coming forth from the land to quench his thirst. The writer said the water source was still there until that day. The prayer Samson prayed created a spring the existed perhaps beyond him. We must take note that when we pray, God may be providing some prayer springs not only for our generation but generations to come.
If God is involved, it isn't luck. God isn't taking a chance at being successful. God won't take you to the school of failure by mistake or happenstance. There may be a lesson he wishes for us to learn and so he takes us there on purpose.
Job had been stripped of his riches, his children, and meaningful respect of his wife and servants. His health had been affected but along the way the spirit became wounded. He reached a point where he assumed his good days were in the past. He didn't have anything to look forward to. A man's spirit can sustain him when other things in life are deplorable but if his spirit ever gets wounded... nothing can help that short of a miracle from God. Regardless the circumstances, don't allow a wounded spirit to tell you that your best days are behind you. Just as Job, we still got some good if not better days ahead of us.
The ever popular rebuttal in today's world is "Don't Judge Me." Are they right or are they wrong? Is the opening verses of Matthew 7 speaking against judging entirely or trying to place emphasis on the proper order? Lend an ear as we discuss the validity of this popular phrase.
God does have a plan for our lives. He ordained Jeremiah a prophet even from the womb. However, God does not dictate the steps... he directs them. If God dictated every choice and decision we would be without freewill. Even if we make a mistake, he has the ability to take all things and work them for our good if we are seeking to please him.
In the closing verses of some of the Gospels the mandate to the disciples was "go". However, when we look at the first chapter of Acts, the command is to "wait". We have to hurry up and wait. Why? There can be no distribution until the priest shows up... it's worth waiting for.
There are examples in the Bible where a godly home produced godly kids and where a godly home produced ungodly kids. Therefore, godly homes may not guarantee or promise godly kids but they may increase the likelihood for such and decrease the risk factor of the other outcome.
Generations of people from the earliest of times have been awestruck and enamored with the stars. What was presented as an after-thought of God has been an unsolved mystery to tens of thousands. Men and women alike have devoted their lifetime to unraveling what God devoted two Hebrew words to... that translate "also stars" or in our KJV Bibles "he made the stars also".
The phrase "forgive and forget" is not in the Bible. Many believe it is and tout those words in moments where wrong has been done. Does the omniscient, all-knowing God forget or not know something about us after forgiveness? It's not that God doesn't have the ability to remember, it's that he remembers but chooses to refrain from taking action on us for our sins.
John the Baptist did his job so well as the forerunner of Christ that when Jesus showed up all John had to do was indicate it to his disciples and they followed Christ. The Church of our age must be guilty of the same as we herald the second coming of Christ. We must decrease. Rather than building our kingdom, we must be building the kingdom of God.
This is a Mother's Day message shared by the First Lady of First Apostolic Church. We must teach our children to value the things of God more than the things of this world. It won't happen by accident. We must do it with intent and purpose. These treasures may be unseen but they have the greatest value.
Revelation - Part 20: The description of the New Jerusalem is finished in the opening verses and then the rest of the last chapter is a post script to the book of Revelation but more importantly the Word of God. The tone is set by Jesus himself... Behold, I come quickly. Let the reply of the church be the reply of John... Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation - Part 19: Chapter 21 is very descriptive about the New Jerusalem. It begins speaking about some other things new such as: a new heaven and a new earth. The angel plainly informs John that God will make all things new.
Revelation - Part 18b: In the remainder of chapter 20, Satan is loosed for a short time to once again try the nations. The Great White Throne judgment occurs for the dead and the second death takes place--death and hell being placed in the lake of fire. Once again those gathered against the beloved city will not prevail but be taken by fire.
Jesus told Peter that he was an offense unto him. Then he told him why. All it takes to offend Jesus, God incarnate, is to savor, uphold and cater to the things of this world (men) more than the things of God.
Perhaps an often misunderstood section of our Bibles are the Epistles. Though they may contain salvation language, their purpose is to instruct us on how to live.
Revelation - Part 18a: Satan is bound. There appears to be the resurrection of Tribulation saints, thus another phase of the first resurrection. There is the Millennial Reign of Christ or the Kingdom of God which last 1,000 years. Then Satan will be loosed.
The writers of Hebrews tells us all of these, referring to those delivered and those that endured, obtained a good report through faith. We are people that walk by faith and live by faith. Therefore, anything we do, receive and endure will be through faith.
Revelation - Part 17b: When he came the first time it was as the ultimate sacrifice but when he comes the second time to the earth it will be as the ultimate judge. The Great Supper of God for all the fowl will be held. The beast and false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire.
I guess one could count the wounds and stripes as a broken body. However, not one bone of Jesus' body was broken. The only thing spoken of as "broken" in the scripture was his heart according to a Messianic Psalm. In communion, fellowship with man, the first thing Jesus would do is break the bread to symbolize his broken body. Yet the only thing that was broken was his heart. It must take a broken heart for a broken relationship. That brings man back into communion with God.
Revelation - Part 17a: There is a lot of praise happening in the heavens and good reason for it. This celebration will culminate in the marriage of the lamb.
By virtue of Calvary, all of us are positioned not far from the kingdom of God. But "not far" is not the same as "in". Help us not to be lulled to sleep by the idea of almost.
Revelation - Part 16: The fall of the commercial aspect of Babylon is depicted in this chapter. The kings of the earth, the merchants, and the mariners lament her fall because of how it affects them. When all is said and done this city that hustles and bustles with activity will come to a peculiar silence.
We have all had moments when something failed or did not go as planned. We may have lost something yet we can find it where we lost it.
The activity of our every day lives is powerful. We may consider it mundane but it may be preparing us for a grand moment in time.
Often it seems the finish line is pushed another mile in front of us. But there are times God shows up and says I'm here to deliver you right now.
It was a Samaritan that returned to give praise for the healing of his leprosy. It was a stranger to the Jewish heritage but one that knew what he had experienced in his body.
Revelation - Part 15b: We look further into this harlot that is carried by the beast with seven heads and ten horns. She eventually will be overthrown by the ten horns and destroyed.
Judas did not betray the Lord in the temple or around the table as they were eating. He betrayed the Lord in the garden... in the place of prayer.
Satisfaction can lull us into remaining where we are when we should be advancing forward. The hardship of satisfaction is the immobility it can gender.
Everyone has a story... we can't escape from being born into sin. Two words can change the rest of our lives... "but God." There is hope for the most dismal cases. Our past will always mock our future if we allow it to and not everything that happens to us is a consequence of our past. What we really need is a "but God" moment. Surrender to that moment and what it has in store for your future.
Revelation - Part 15a: Chapter 17 focuses on one aspect of Babylon... the religious aspect. One false religion will appear to be supported by the one world government. The roots of this false church reach all the way back to Babel--the mother of harlots.
The plea is not always "come up" sometimes it must be "come down." The tops of extremely high mountains may be wonderful to visit and exciting to scale but you can't live there. You must come down. It is at the base of those mountains we are able to live under more pressure with the abiding presence of the Lord.
It appears the scriptures indicate those who called on the Lord were labeled saints. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit we have received is a praying spirit. When we know not what we ought to pray it intercedes for us. The Lord asks us to call on him.
Let not this phrase be the words of a Christian. Issue in doubt means that, in all likelihood, victory is impossible and defeat is imminent. The things we are fighting for, issues, are worth fighting for. Let not doubt creep in and persuade us otherwise. If we do not see victory in this life, we will in the life to come.
A good name is better than riches. We have been given an good name in the person Jesus Christ.
Revelation - Part 14: An explanation is given about each of the final vials of God's wrath.
For fear, two and one half tribes built an altar that would have no function except to be seen in order to give the appearance that they were in relationship with God to the same degree as those that passed over Jordan into the Land of Promise.
The mind of God from the very beginning had the church in mind. He created a small scale visible model in the marriage dynamic of the family to represent the intangible and invisible forethought of a future reality he had--Christ and the church.
Revelation - Part 13c: Two aspects of the end time harvest are view in the closing verses of chapter 14. Chapter 15 is an introduction of the vials that will be poured out in the next chapter.
God told Abram that he was his exceeding great reward and often spoke of blessing him. Abram wanted to know what God would give him being that he didn't have a child. No matter how blessed Abram could get if profited little if he didn't have an offspring--a future to inherit the blessings of God.
Revelation - Part 13b: We meet three angels in this portion of John's vision. The items mentioned here are spoken of as finished events yet to take place.
The love relationship God posed to Moses was to be propagated first and foremost by the family rather than the church. It was to be taught to the children at their house with tokens of remembrance at their posts and their gates. We must aspire to retreat to the original design of the family... family driven faith.
Revelation - Part 12c: The focal point is mainly on the False Prophet and his role. He will cause all to worship the beast and head up the construction plans for the image of the beast. Also, the mark, the name or the number of the name is discussed here as well. Many excerpts from more recent articles in news venues are shared here.
We get occupied sometimes with things that result from other things. Our primary concern should be verifying we have a connection with God. Fruitfulness for the branch and healing for the lady with the issue of blood all depended on the connectivity of each to their power source. John 15 exceeds the idea of fruit and is grounded in connectivity.
We don't go looking for trouble but all too often trouble finds us. There are times our struggles last beyond what we believe is necessary. They fall outside our definition of normal. Enough becomes enough! The Apostle Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong." The consolation we have is that we will be made stronger by the struggle.
Customarily on coronation day the person to be anointed king would stand by a pillar. That pillar would be considered his. In other events he would stand by that pillar to give a public decree. When one was standing by that pillar you knew that person was the king. God told the church of Philadelphia that if they overcame he would make them a pillar in the house of God. We should all desire to be a resolute pillar that the King of Glory can stand by.
Revelation - Part 12a: What John sees in his vision is a composite of all the kingdoms leading up to the present time in his vision of the ten kingdom (ten horns) confederacy with the beast out of the sea representing that kingdom and the ruler called Antichrist. John is looking back whereas Daniel had looked forward and saw four beasts arise out of the sea. The will of God was exercised in all these kingdoms ultimately trying to sway Israel once again to let God be their King.
Jesus told Peter he could not follow him where he was going. Yet the constant plea of the master to the twelve had been "follow me." Where Christ was going was Calvary and there is a prerequisite for following him there. Jesus had told what that was at different times. Simon the Cyrene experience it. He bore the cross AFTER the Lord. When you pick up your cross, you'll be able to follow the Lord... even to Calvary.
Revelation - Part 11b: The man child, Jesus Christ and the angel, Michael are spoken of in this lesson. We also consider a what the eagle's wings that help the woman may mean along with her journey into the wilderness to a prepared place.
Paul wanted Timothy to know whom he believed and what he believed. Anytime Paul admonished new believers to follow him or the churches it was predicated upon he and the churches following Christ. There are some expectations of those who will follow the Lord. If we hold the form, the functions and activities will be regulated by that. Follow Him!
Revelation - Part 11a: There are four main characters considered in chapter 12 of Revelation: a woman, a dragon, a child, and an angel. Right away we are told about some wonders or literally signs. Portions of this chapter are signs or symbolic in nature.
Revelation - Part 10b: We continue talking about the witnesses in this lesson. The seventh trumpet begins to be blown here. We also consider the judgment seat and contrast it with the Great White Throne Judgment.
A murderer in the Old Testament defiled the land by the blood he shed. The land cannot be cleansed any other way than by the blood of the one who shed the blood. God made himself a body through Christ which provided blood. He became part of the human family and took the sin of us all on himself. He became the perpetrator for us so he could cleanse the land which humanity was originally made of. It took blood for the blood shed in order to cleanse the land.
This series was written by Pastor George Akers from Sanford, NC. This is the last lesson in this series. The church is illustrated in the scriptures mainly by three metaphors: the bride of Chris, the body of Christ, and the building of Christ. Through each of these we can see how we must relate to Christ. We also understand that each of our individual roles are important and we must take responsibility for them.
Revelation - Part 10a: John measured a temple but in order to do that there must be one in existence--a rebuilt temple. We are also introduced to two witnesses that have some similar abilities to Elijah and Moses of old.
Revelation - Part 9: Here we come upon another interlude in the book. Seven thunders are uttered but John is advised to write them not. Also, John interacts with the vision by eating the little book that is in the angel's hand. He still has a work to do.
Basic Training for Life is a series developed by George Akers of Sanford, NC. In this lesson and the next we hit the tops of the trees of standards of holiness. These are the affects of holiness. They help protect holiness.
Revelation - Part 8b: A massive army joins the four angels that are loosed from the Euphrates River. The horses in this army are peculiar in their appearance. This depicts some of the events of the sixth trumpet. Sadly, the Bible records that none of the survivors repent after these series of judgments.
Moses could observe what Joshua was going to experience but he would never experience it himself. Although Moses would never experience it, he received a mandate from heaven to encourage and strengthen Joshua. The simple admonition was "encourage him." During an era of great discouragement, we must encourage one another even if we have never experienced what the other is going through.
Job was overwhelmed by how good the wicked seemed to have it. His view no doubt was jaded by his current suffering. Nevertheless, he saw that both the strong and the bitter will die. Yet there is a ray of hope in his understanding because the wicked will go to the grave and remain in the tomb but the righteous will go to the grave and remain in the tomb just for a little while. Job attests to the fact later he knew his redeemer lived and that he would see God.
Basic Training for Life is a series created by George Akers of Sanford, NC. We explore what worship is. We define some of the postures of worship and its basic function found through our giving. More than anything we leave with the understanding that God is seeking true worshipers.
Revelation - Part 6b: The 144,000 are Jews. Consideration is given to the number no man could number being tribulation saints that respond to the gospel of the kingdom of their dispensation. Possibilities are explored since this is something still ahead of our time.
Commonly we make the association that Judah's name means praise. Throughout the story of Joseph there were times when Judah spoke up. There are three main things that resulted due to him speaking up: Joseph was released from the pit, that provided he would be the manager of the storehouses later, and he was responsible for Benjamin. Praise will release dreams, give you provision in the future, and cause power (Benjamin-son of right arm, power, strength) to show up.
Basic Training for Life is a series authored by Pastor George Akers of Sanford, NC. In this lesson Spirit Baptism is considered. It is a necessity for everyone and they will speak in tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance.
Felix's wife, Drusilla, came from a family heritage of people who missed opportunities. She stands in the shadows as her husband tells Paul to go for now and at a convenient season he'll call for him. Her heart must have dropped to her knees as she heard another missed chance. Paul preached of judgment to come--a time of no second chances. The culture of her time regulated her to silence at best. For her it was a quiet desperation that was crying out to alter the history of her family.
Revelation - Part 6a: First we digress to finish up the sixth seal in Revelation chapter 6. Then we continue in chapter 7 answering the question in the last verse of the previous chapter. We start to investigate the character of the 144,000 with the seal of God in their foreheads.
Revelation - Part 5b: Seals two through five are looked at in this study. Also, consideration is given to Matthew 24, the Olivet Discourse, and how it may correlate to the book of Revelation.
Revelation - Part 5a: Two schools of thought surface when you talk about the seven seals, trumpets, and vials. One is that each follows the other in succession and the other is that they all are the same story each with more or less detail than the other and conclude at the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. Only the first seal is considered in this lesson.
Revelation - Part 4: The earth belonged to God by virtue of being the Creator. However, God gave dominion over the earth to Adam and Eve in Genesis. Through their transgression dominion was forfeited to the serpent. The worthy Lamb as it had been slain is an event in time past that qualified Christ to regain dominion over his earth... Worthy is the Lamb!
Korah's rebellion on the surface was only a symptom of a deeper rooted problem of under appreciating his role and function. He was privileged to serve as close as a human could to the sacred furnishings yet grew complacent. We need not be indifferent toward being saints. It is an honored place. It's no small thing.
Basic Training for Life is a ten week course that was created by Pastor George Akers of Sandford, NC. In lesson two, we investigate the method and the name used in water baptism. This follows our repentance from lesson one.
Revelation - Part 3c: Understanding that the earthly tabernacle and temple were reflections of the heavenly tabernacle help us in this study. A common happening that we see started here is how the four beasts and twenty-four elders--heaven in general--has a way of coming back to worship.
Basic Training for Life is a ten week course that was created by Pastor George Akers of Sandford, NC. In this first lesson we place importance back on repentance. Through a careful study of God's Word we describe what repentance isn't and what it is.
Jacob made some commitments at a place called Bethel that were later virtually forgotten. However, time and circumstance provided a road back to that dusty altar where he could regain a grip on them.
Eliab was a mocking, demeaning force against David as he checked on his brothers stationed in battle. If David had adhered to the voice of Eliab, he would have returned home without ever involving himself. But David advanced in the cause in spite of the hurling words of Eliab. His actions alone proved the belittling of Eliab to be null and void.
Though little is know about Joseph of Arimathaea, he craved the body of Jesus in his inactive state. He cares for the body because he knew what it was capable of. In a figurative sense the church is the body of Christ. It needs some disciples that will crave and care for it in its less active states. We do this knowing that the body of Christ can't remain dead, immobile, and inactive. It will live!
Martha, Lazarus, Jesus, and Mary were in Bethany. Mary poured ointment upon the Lord and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. When worship and prayers are made in the presence of the Lord, you will leave that place smelling just like he does.
Revelation - Part 3b: In addition to a focus being on the throne in chapter 4 there is an emphasis on holiness. Through deduction we eliminate who the twenty-four elders are probably not and consider who they may represent.
Several chapters are given to the subject of leprosy in the Old Testament. It tells us how to deal with leprosy in the body, in our garments, and in our house. In each case, it had to be dealt with. At times, a change in perspective helps us see our own calamity and provokes action. We must not handle serious matters carelessly.
We all have experienced "mountain top" experiences and they should be savored. However, we cannot live in those moments. Somewhere along the way you must come down the mountain. Day to day live is living with Jesus only. Yet Jesus only is the origin of those mountains of miracles and deliverance. Jesus will take you up the mountains but he will be there with you when you come down them as well.
Revelation - Part 3a: Some cautions are shared about accepting what happened to John in the beginning of chapter 4 as a type of the rapture of the church. Then there are some opinions share why this speaker supports a pre-tribulation rapture. Finally the importance of the throne room in this chapter is considered.
Revelation - Part 2: This is somewhat of an overview of chapters 2 and 3. These letters addressed to the messengers of the churches really reaches all the way to the individual--member--level. They were applicable for the churches of their age and every church in every age to come.
God came down in the likeness of men so that he could eventually make us sit together in heavenly places. He sat where we sat so He could seat us where He sits.
Revelation - Part 1: The main thrust of this opening chapter is the fact that this book is to be a revelation (an unveiling and disclosing) from Jesus Christ and about Jesus Christ. The message is that his coming which is at hand will disclose any details left unexplored. At this critical moment, Jesus' voice and presence should be found in the midst of his churches.
To be free from sin is to be a servant of righteousness but to be free from righteousness is to be a servant of sin. Paul basically told us that sin will not have dominion over us if we remain servants to righteousness.
Jesus mentioned the temple becoming a den of thieves because the people who bought and sold their was over valuing the sacrifices. He drove out both those who bought and sold. When we over value human sacrifices we often under value His ultimate sacrifice. Just let your sacrifice be a sacrifice... nothing more and nothing less.
God gives us his best. In return, he expects the best from us. We have dishonored God when we have offered polluted bread. Polluted bread is anything less than our best.
We were blessed by the Covey's and their vision for the country of Bulgaria. They shared their passion for reaching the lost. They were a blessing to have in service.
Jesus' quest on earth was that the world may know God. Yet when he left that responsibility was given to us. We must bridge the gap between the world that don't know Him and us that do.
Living really concerns the Lord. Our health and finances don't rely solely upon us. They depend upon God. He truly is the center of it all!
Due to technical difficulties part 1 of this lesson did not get recorded. This lesson explores the practices of love as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is capable of everything listed because God is love. True love is a picture of God.
All things consist in Him. All things were created for Him. All things live in Him. It's in Him.
Spotlight Service: What does it truly mean to be like Christ? There are characteristics and attributes a Christian should adopt from Christ. We are most Christ-like when we are trying to emulate Him.
Daniel - Part 17: Daniel receives a little more information about the future but then is told to seal the book until the time of the end. Here in Daniel, the Doctrine of the Resurrection is mentioned long before it is ever discussed in the New Testament scriptures.
God does not swear by another... he swears by himself. Others may have to swear by a higher power but God is that power... Nothing is too big for God!
Mother's Day: We are not given her name. She is not introduced to us as the daughter of such and such. She is simply described to us as the mother of Zebedee's children. Her desire of the Lord was that her boys would be near to him. That would prove to be very beneficial to her children throughout their lives
Daniel - Part 16b: A little more history brings us what some have called the "Antichrist of the Old Testament" --Antiochus Epiphanes. Yet, around Daniel 11:36 we skip forward to the last days and are given a description of the Antichrist. We entertain the idea of whether or not he is the king of the North mentioned in the closing of chapter 11.
The Word of God is a source of spiritual riches. It profits us in various ways.There are many ways that it equips us. This lesson highlights these areas.
A timeless subject is the Word of God. We must be careful that it does not become common to us in that we lose the awe of its true character. Worlds were framed by it. Healing was secured by it. We have been begotten and made to grow by it. It is a precious Word.
Daniel - Part 16a: With great exactness the vision foretells of the history of several battles from the time of Alexander to Antiochus Epiphanes. Again, it is history to us but it was prophecy for Daniel and those of this day.
In this instance, Jesus had compassion on the multitude NOT because they were diseased or possessed with unclean spirits BUT BECAUSE they continued with him for three days. In other portions of scripture Jesus had compassion because the peoples' needs drew him to them but here he already addressed the needs and is still compassionate because of their faithfulness. There is need driven compassion and faithfulness driven compassion.
There was a paradigm shift in the New Testament. Jesus desired not only to do stuff "for" people but he wanted to do something "to" them.
Daniel - Part 15: Chapter 11 sets the stage for the final vision that Daniel will witness. It also emphasizes the reality of a spiritual world where things mirror what is happening in the natural world.
Nehemiah did not come down from the wall because he was doing a great work. He could not come down until the work was finished. Likewise in the New Testament Jesus could not come down from the cross until the work was finished because he was doing a great work.
In the Old Testament there is an unsettling tension between the demands for justice by Joab against Absalom and the longings of love by David, his father. David's mourning was affecting the celebration of victory. We are left with this tension because David just does as requested but against what he wanted. His plea to Absalom's death was the answer that would come thousands of years later... would God I had died for thee. Calvary answered the tension. Justice was served and love was honored in what was given.
Daniel - Part 14c: Time gaps have existed in other places of prophetic scripture besides here in Daniel. The last week of the seventy will begin when the Abrahamic covenant which concerns land is confirm. Whoever confirms the covenant is the prince that shall come... the antichrist. Three and one half years into the last seven he will cause sacrifices and offerings to cease in the temple. This tells us there must be another temple rebuilt before this can happen.
While often considered an ancient concept the subject of betrothal has a modern day application in the life of every Christian. There lies a strong parallel between the Jewish model of betrothal and our life in Jesus Christ. We are His bride, He is our Bridegroom, and we are betrothed to Him. Now we await the marriage ceremony...
Though it is an amazing concept, we sometimes are guilty of limiting God. The Psalmist even recorded that the children of Israel "limited the Holy One of Israel."
The timeline begins with the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. Sixty-nine weeks are fulfilled from then until Messiah the Prince or the public proclamation of the Messiah. After these sixty-nine weeks Messiah will be crucified and Jerusalem and the Temple will be destroyed prior to the start of the last week (7 year period).
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. We are reminded that we can build our faith just as one can naturally build their bodies. Ways that we build our faith is by prayer, Bible reading, fasting, and talking about God (TAG).
Accommodations tend to adapt and bend toward where someone is but expectations set a goal for where you want someone to be. The lame man had been accommodated for above forty years with people giving alms but when Peter and John set the expectation for him to rise and walk, the miraculous happened.
Daniel - Part 14a: The seventy weeks in Daniel are explained in the last four verses of Daniel 9. The word "weeks" actually means "units of seven". We understand by the context that the unit is years... a total of 490 years. Scripture shares six things that will happen within that period of time. These verses really are a key or legend to future events.
"And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." - 1 John 3:24
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4
Daniel - Part 13: Daniel responded to prophecy with prayer. The Apostle Paul knowing the terror of the Lord felt compelled to persuade men. Prayer and persuading others to the truth are two dynamic responses to prophecy. Take the knowledge you have and share it!
Daniel - Part 12b: Consideration is given to the little horn seen coming out of the Grecian Empire. A dual fulfillment and prefiguring is looked at with Antiochus Epiphanes and the coming antichrist.
There is not a place or path that God sends us on that he does not plan on coming himself. He sends us ahead to a fully furnished place to make preparations for when he comes. If we will go, He will come.
In the end times, idolatry often shifts from objects made by humans to the human himself. However, genuine love for God shatters humanism.
The contribution and involvement that we have on any scale is important. Even those that are deemed small in our eyes or the eyes of others in reality may materialize as being something quite large. Do not despise the day of small things or little beginnings!
The "one flesh" aspect of marriage is considered along with the ever common topic of commitment in marriage.
Ladies' Meeting: We cannot even begin to imagine the depth of love that God has for us. It is the same love He had for Israel and that Hosea had for Gomer. We need to give in to His love so we can give up fear! Fear of disappointment, death, want, etc. And once we have embraced true love, we can give love to others.
Daniel - Part 12a: We consider Daniel's second vision that involves the Medo-Persian and Grecian Empires as they relate to Israel. The scripture is very explicit in the interpretation of these two domesticate animals -the ram and the goat.
Daniel - Part 11: In this lesson we are tying up the loose ends of chapter 7. We are investigating this term "saints" and looking toward the everlasting kingdom to come.
The design God ordained for marriage is so important because he would use that model for the relationship between him and his church.
Daniel - Part 10: The characteristics of the fourth beast were considered. We looked at the little horn (antichrist). We studied what the bible said this horn will do. Among them is that he will think to change times and laws. His spirit is already at work and revealed in the fact that entities that exist already have and continue to attempt to change laws.
Moses at times occupied a thankless role of ministering to the people around him. He dealt with multiple complaints. He was involved in a lot of work in order to consecrate Aaron and his sons. Even some of them voided the purpose they were consecrated for. But while Moses ministered to them, he couldn't help being ministered to himself. That is the blessing in the ministry.
Psalms 87 expresses that God has an affinity toward the gates of Zion. While that may suggest a love for the church and a love for the sons of Korah in spite of their father's mistake, it may also be that he loves those places that were once inhabited by our enemy. He loves those areas deemed as unable to be overcome yet are overcame. He conquers those then cherishes them.
Daniel - Part 9b: The first school of thought of the first three beasts being modern day kingdoms in existence when the antichrist is revealed is further explored. Then the other school of thought of those beasts paralleling the kingdoms represented in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel chapter 2 is considered.
As soon as Jesus read from Isaiah about preaching the gospel to the poor and setting at liberty them that are bruised, he let them know those scriptures were fulfilled in their ears that day. But the people could only see him as Joseph's son. Yet he was something more.
The love of God constrains us and by Him all things consist. Love is a cohesive element in our lives. It keeps us together. Therefore, with that in mind, love matters.
Daniel - Part 9a: We will endeavor to look at two schools of thought on the possibilities of what the four beasts that arise out of the sea may represent. Some lean toward all four of them being modern day empires that will be in existence during the rise of the antichrist. Another opinion is that these beasts parallel the metals and empires illustrated in the dream King Nebuchadnezzar had in chapter 2.
There is an attack on the family. It comes with many different faces. Through attacking the families there is an attack on the church. We must protect our house at all cost.
With great purpose a master would compassionately bring up a servant boy. He wanted that boy to feel more like a son than a servant. He may even desired to adopt him as a son eventually. The master loved him into that place. What manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us!
Daniel - Part 8: As with several of the beginning chapters in Daniel, it is a narrative. Therefore, we follow one of the most known Bible stories of the lion's den. Here prayer wasn't a response it was a lifestyle.
Commonly on the heels of faith rides doubt. Doubt is not unbelief. It is a position of uncertainty between faith and unbelief. It is questioning the faith you do have. Sometimes we just need someone to reaffirm our faith even our questionable faith.
The fifth and final saying is really a subset of sayings. However, they relay this simple concept: To be identified with Him (Jesus) is to be identified by Him.
The amazing thing concerning the destruction of the city of Babylon is that King Belshazzar knew his city was compassed by enemy armies yet he continued to have a party and desecrate the holy vessels of God. Typically the Babylonian system of then and now breed a no-worries mentality and increase their disdain for things holy.
Jesus' admission in his high priestly prayer was that none is lost. He had not lost any except for the one that fulfilled scripture. As a Pastor and a church our desire should be to emulate the life of Christ. Can we say none is lost? Are there those who have escaped our hands that have not been a fulfillment of scripture?
The fourth saying can be summed up in this phrase: Disciplines position us for destiny. Discipline doesn't earn us anything but it does position us to received some things.
Jeremiah had a message of warning to the Israelites: Do not carry your burdens on the Sabbath day. Hands dedicated to burdens would be less likely used for worship. Our worship services need to be different than any other ordinary day.
Daniel - Part 6: The King of Babylon has yet another dream. He is given time for repentance before the dream ever unfolds. The results reveal what a walk in pride cost him.
Faithful Sayings - Part 2: A few more of these faithful sayings or doctrines are as follows: preaching produces a working disciple and a good work follows a God-given desire.
Samson was born to be a deliverer. His entrance into the world was for this purpose. Often times the spirit of the Lord move upon him to do exploits. He had some notable victories in his lifetime all of which were fought for. But scripture records, "So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life." His greatest victory is when he died. And on a spiritual plane our greatest victories are when our flesh dies. This is not a victory obtained by fighting but by surrendering.
Within the Pastoral Epistles are five "faithful sayings." These are in essence trustworthy doctrines that had become commonplace due to the repetition of their preaching and teaching. The first looked at here is that Jesus came to save sinners.
The Treasure Principle - Part 3: There is concentration on tithing and offerings in this lesson. The sixth key is shared as well: God increases our standard of living so that we might increase our standard of giving.
Daniel - Part 5: In this lesson we explain what is the "Time of the Gentiles". We look at some things that will point to the coming of the Lord. We also discussed some points about chapter 3 of Daniel... the notable 3 Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace.
A group of ladies approach the tomb on resurrection morn with spices they bought and oil ready to anoint the body of Jesus. However, they recall the stone that was rolled over the stones mouth just a few days earlier. Their purpose in life has been ministering to Him and no stone of intimidation was going to prevent that now. They had an attitude of resolve. It was: I Must Minister To Him.
This series is based upon the book by Randy Alcorn titled "The Treasure Principle". The following keys will be learned in this lesson: 2) My heart always goes where I put God's money; 3) Heaven, not earth, is my home; 4) I should live nor for the dot but for the line; and 5) Giving is the only antidote to materialism.
Daniel - Part 4b: This is a continuation of the explanation of the image. The feet that are part iron and part clay are a portion yet to be fulfilled. A couple options are shared as possibilities for the era of the feet. We are in anticipation for the day when the stone comes and destroys the image.
This series is based upon the book by Randy Alcorn titled "The Treasure Principle". In this lesson we learn what the principle is: You can't take it with you -but you can send it on ahead. We also learned the first key to this principle: God owns everything. I'm His money manager.
Daniel - Part 4a: Daniel gives the dream of a great image and its interpretation which spans from his time until the second coming of the Lord. In this study we discover the different empires the image represented.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. Only two came back with a good report and a willingness to possess the land God said they could have. Yet when a new leader was needed instead of Moses, God chose Joshua. What set Joshua apart? Primarily his hunger for God.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. The talents were distributed but only those who invested them and gained were considered "well done". What will you do with what God has given you? Will you be well done?
God may bear our burdens but he will not bear our works. Our works are our duty. At times, works are removing obstacles out of the way by helping make it a more perfect way in our lives.
There are some doors that seem to open of their own accord. It is similar to Peter with his angelic visitation and deliverance from prison. However, when the angel departed, there was another door that did not open until Peter knocked and waited patiently. Our walk by faith is tried when the angel departs.
Though there isn't a place or position or an anointing that will inoculate or exempt us from being weak, there is not a weak moment or a "too much" scenario that can eliminate or annihilate or dismiss the fact that we are anointed.
Daniel - Part 3: Daniel had the hard task of telling the king his dream and its interpretation.
Our problem is not ownership it is experience. We have yet to experience the height, width, and depth of this thing. Joshua don't stop walking and become comfortable with that aspect of the land because there is more land that belongs to you that your eye has not seen nor has your foot touched.
Daniel - Part 2b: While there were others from Judah that succumbed to the Babylonian ways, Daniel and his friends stood firm. How can this be? They had two contributing factors in their lives: 1) A revival of the Word of God had happened in their lifetime and based upon the names their parents gave them 2) They must have had some parental discretion.
Though our commitments to God should be firm, at times it seems there is a fine print OBO lurking. We are sold out to him until what we perceive as a better offer comes along. Our lives lived for God should be non-negotiable grounds. There should not be any OBO (or best offer) clauses in our lives.
We all experience God differently. In the sense, that sometimes it is easier and other times more difficult to sense his presence. Mary "saw the Lord" when he spoke her name. But for the ten disciples it took seeing the suffering and wounding in the life of another. For Thomas, he had to feel the suffering himself. Nevertheless, the end result was the same... they all saw Jesus.
Daniel - Part 2a: Daniel's world is similar to the tenor of the world we live in. He was subjected to their teaching, the king's provision, and a changed name but held the integrity of his God.
In essence, Esau squandered his birthright for a temporary, isolated meal. He gave up the eternal birthright that would have benefited generations after him in his family for a temporary moment of satisfaction. We do well not to fall prey to the same scheme and protect the eternal things we have been given.
The Old Testament tabernacle was a shadow of the gospel -the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, it and the gospel was leading us to the experience Peter spoke of in Acts 2 -the plan of salvation.
Daniel - Part 1: This lesson really is some background work leading us up to and including the first two verses of Daniel. Emphasis is placed on why we should study the prophetic books. We walk through some Biblical history that will help our understanding during this study.
Jacob approaches a well that has three folds encircled about it. He is eager to water the sheep but the shepherds indicate they cannot. There is a custom or a contingency for opening this well... it cannot happen until all the flocks are gathered together.
One of the most comforting ideas is when we cannot or could not see Jesus... Jesus could still see us. A man blind from birth is well acquainted with a world of darkness. Though he could not see the Lord, he was seen by the Lord. That Christ which was the light of the world stepped into his darkened world and radiated the light.
Elisha was granted a double portion of what his mentor Elijah had. In a literal sense that must have meant since Elijah had seven notable miracles then Elisha would have fourteen. However, Elisha goes to his grave with only thirteen. The last miracle to take place would occur when everything of his life had deteriorated away except for the bones. Yet the miracle was in the bones and a grand testament to the living God of Elisha.
Solomon underscored that a child without the rod AND reproof will be without restraint. In the most basic words, an experience and an instruction was needed for guidance and direction. To be without one or the other is to wander aimlessly. Solomon switched from the home to society at large, people in general. As churches we sometimes emphasize our experience but it would be futile without direction. We need both.
The presentation of our bodies is based upon the renewing or renovation of our minds. Hands denote our actions and feet our ways. Before there was ever a foot or hand nailed to Calvary, there was a crown of thorns put on the head. A crucified head will always precede crucified actions and ways (hands and feet).
The question Pilate asked the crowd was probably also a question he was asking himself. What was he going to do with Jesus? Each of us meet this crossroad where that question must be answered. So what is your answer?
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. Exampled in the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Peter was a tenacious faith. A faith that was illustrated by their works. It is imperative... you gotta have faith.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. The lady with the issue of blood had to contend with the multitude in order to touch Jesus. She did not begin without a plan. Ultimately her plan was to touch him. That touch forever changed her life.
There is usually a certain level of reassurance when someone tells you that they have prayed for you. However, think of the level of assurance that comes from knowing Jesus has prayed for you. He prayed for Peter and prayed for something specific. Listen to find out what.
The blessings of a man is not just determined by what he does not do but also by what he does. He is planted which denotes another's involvement. He will be fruitful and if he isn't presently perhaps it isn't his season. This is a stand alone lesson on Psalms 1.
Pharaoh was concerned when the children of Israel paused for a moment from their burdens to consider deliverance. When they paused... when they were not preoccupied with their burdens, they focused on worshipping and sacrificing to God. Pharaoh's long success against the Israelites was due to keeping them preoccupied with their burdens. We must be engrossed with the right things. Otherwise, they will steal us away from more important things.
We Offend All - Part 5: James said, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man..." Therefore, I am convinced that we offend more with our words than we do with our actions. This lesson provides some help for not becoming the offender.
An overview of the past 100 years is a segment of history littered with change. This climate may induce boredom with those things that stay the same. One important trait of Jesus Christ is that he stays the same. The very characteristic that may persuade some to disconnect is also the dependable anchor that we all value at uncertain times.
Failure is an inevitable part of life. Though it may be certain it does not have to be fatal.
We Offend All - Part 4: We acknowledge the sovereignty of God when we admit that God can change our circumstances. But we hold that same sovereignty aloof when we ridicule Him for allowing something perceived negative to take place. Among being offended at people and churches, we also have been offended at God. We have been offended because we thought He was absent, sever, merciful, or simply late. In the midst of this offended/offender atmosphere is a satanic device called unforgiveness. We are admonished to forbear and to forgive one another. However, the more forbearing we do the less forgiving we will need to do.
The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament. Jesus was given a name above every name. And in him (Jesus) dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
God not only sets the boundaries on our lives but he also sets the boundaries on the items that might enter our lives. For instance, how long can weeping stay? How long will God be angry? The answer to these and others are set by God.
We must be aware of how much is being placed on us. Circumstances and situations have a tendency to become overwhelming. But we have the power to say when enough is enough. Just say, "When!"
We Offend All - Part 3: We cannot choose what happens to us but we can choose how we will respond to what happens to us. We should value our relationships more than we value being right. A focus on offenses and churches reveals if a person will stick with an assembly through thick and thin they have the possibility of being fruitful in their old age. It takes time for a harvest. A harvest is difficult when people are constantly transplants.
Waiting in scripture should not be interpreted as we do nothing but continue in our efforts. Waiting on the Lord is a waiting with a certain end.
What we do on the earth can have great impact in hell. Our worship here can directly affect the atmosphere there. We can shake hell with our participation in spiritual things on the earth.
We Offend All - Part 2: Though offenses will come we still have a choice whether to be offended. To avoid it is to render offense ineffective. It takes work. Love can help us serve one another in spite of offenses. The greatest testament of the church isn't "it doesn't have any problems" but that "it continues to love through the problems."
In Solomon's reflection he relays how he was almost in all evil right in the middle of church. This can happen by progression. Familiarity gives way to boredom. Boredom according to a notable doctor gives way to our conscience going to sleep. Therefore, we have no scruples for what we do or don't do even right in the middle of church.
One aspect the church is responsible for is evangelizing the world. If she forbears to deliver, God will render to her according to her works. God often times incorporates his body in this notable venture but those sought after many times don't understand deliverance. Or they don't understand how we are an aid in that. We must go to the masses because they may not come to us.
We Offend All Series - Part 1: Though James was speaking specifically to leaders that encompasses all of us to a certain degree. We all lead something. Furthermore, James finally encircled "any man". One thing is certain that he shared "in MANY things WE offend ALL". This may burden us or relieve us. Either way it relates a common thread for humanity.
A quick overview of "Baptism - Part 1" brings us to speed in this lesson. Here we will consider this idea of immersion further and the concept of calling the name of Jesus over someone. This placement of a name upon a thing, place, or person denoted ownership, redemption, and particularly God's presence.
Emphasis is placed on what the mode of baptism was during the first century. And consideration is given to how today's church should still be built upon the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone.
Though Lazarus has no recorded spoken word in scripture, his life's witness helps draw a crowd at the house in Bethany. Plainly the people did not come for Jesus' sake only but also to see Lazarus. Our lives may be a drawing card to an outsider. We better not undervalue our contribution to the church because the multitudes are looking for Jesus and a witness.
An oddity appears in the story of the demoniac of Gadara. The people of that area wants Jesus to depart after they learned about the radical change in the demoniac. They were content with their mode of life. The hardest things for us to leave or depart from are the things we grow content with without God. But there is no gain in contentment if God isn't involved.
If scripture ever describes God to us as remembering, it isn't because he has forgotten. He plainly told us in Isaiah that he would not forget. If God remembers, it is in the sense that is going to take action on His promises. Zechariah's ancestry described in the first verse of the first chapter voiced that... whom the Lord remembers, the Lord blesses, in His appointed time.
Going to church isn't just summed up in entering and leaving but what we do in between. We enter to worship and that changes us insomuch that we can't return and go forth the same way we came.
Jesus made a call to Lazarus, the dead. However, there had to be a response. There still needs to be a response when God calls to the deteriorated and dead things in our lives.
Ladies' Meeting - They say that shoes can make or break an outfit. Likewise, our attitudes can define how the world sees us. What can shoes teach us about attitudes? A LOT!! What kind of shoes describe you - flats, sneakers, crocs, flip-flops, mules, pumps, wedges, loafers, etc?? Find out in "Even if the Shoe Fits..."
We are accountable to the next generation for sharing with them those items we have been given. We cannot live for the moment because there will always be another generation.
The perspective of God upon the mount in Exodus differed according to each groups placement in their distance of worship to him. Those on the outskirts saw him as a devouring fire. Those at the intermediate stage saw him as heavenly and was in fellowship with him. However, Moses, who was the closest, was granted revelation. He had things shared with him no other group had.
There was basically two prayer requests of hell in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. First, there was the request for mercy. Second, there was the request for a man to be sent with a testimony or a Word from God. Regardless, in both cases, these request were readily available while both the rich man and Lazarus existed on the earth. Benefit from what is available now so you will not be requesting those things later.
When the crowd during Pentecost understood that they were responsible for the crucifix of Jesus, they wanted to know what they could do. The first word out of Peter's mouth was to repent. Our initial and daily repentance is a vital part of our Christian lives.
Almost every ancient city was built near or on a body of water. This was vitally important when under siege because a city could last for several days as long as they had a water supply. Jerusalem had no water supply except what was provided by a meager aqueduct system. Nevertheless, there was a river which made glad the city of God. God was as a place of broad rivers to them. He was in the midst of them.
The vicious cycle of worship for Israel is that they fell in and out of relationship with God. The Old Testament law recommended severing any relationship that lead the people away from worshipping God. However, when the prodigal returns to his father's house, more importantly he returned to his father... a relationship. As a result he received several things from the outflow of that relationship.
God cares for the sparrow, he is concerned about the grass, and he tends to the lilies. He does these things very intentionally. However, how much more does he look, care, and tend to us. His fingerprints are on our lives. We are one-of-a-kind to God.
We may be acquainted with a move of God. But we must get back to the place where rivers of living water burst forth from our being.
God is not a million miles away. Each of us can have a face to face experience with God.
Most of the Israelites were not allowed into His rest, Canaan, because they majored on praise and minored on worship. They tested, proved, and saw his work but they did not know his ways -manners, habits, of course of life, or of moral character. There are some places that worship will take you that praise never will be able to.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. Anything we start in life, we do so with the end result in view. We must consider from the beginning if the reward of finishing is worth the trouble along the way. There is no greater decision of commitment than a commitment to God.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit. Other people or preconceived notions of other people can serve as hinderances to our own calling in God. We must find what God wants us to do in the body and grow comfortable with that.
Job was told he would come forth "as gold". There is an alloy called "Corinthian Brass" that this refers to. It shimmers almost like gold but has a better durability. As a matter of fact, the heat of the furnace affects this alloy's brilliance just as our testings affect ours. Those things in our lives are just making us "as gold".
Just as a person's vitals can identify clinical deterioration the lack of worship can indicate poor health in a believer. Being that we serve what we worship, a changed object of worship is a changed allegiance in our service. Worship has been greatly attacked from the beginning of time because it will be the vice of the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ will attempt to be revered above God. Therefore, worship is a vital sign because if we sway now we may succumb then.
Without a strong remembrance the Israelites would seek aid and answers from the house of Egypt, namely Pharaoh. Yet this would prove as it had in the past to be a fruitless effort. The strength of Pharaoh was to sit still according to Isaiah. God is a very present help and Pharaoh is a procrastinator. His plea is tomorrow. But the tragedy, if you will strength, of tomorrow is that it robs us of what is available today.
Commonly we have been exposed to something good on the surface that has a negative or self-serving purpose as an undercurrent. However, what if some of the bad and negative items in our lives God was using to bring us to a juncture in the road for an entirely different purpose? Follow Saul as he sought to remedy a problem which left him in a chief seat, with choice meat, and a new anointing.
Father's Day - Sometimes being a man isn't enough. Furthermore, being there isn't enough. Times necessitate being a man, there, and ready. Ready to act, ready to engage, and ready to be involved.
This is a practical study that illustrates the importance midwives play in new births. Learning from the physical plane, we make our application on the spiritual plane.
Many times our prayers are not for ourselves but for someone else. Our personal prayer time and prayers are important not just for self benefit but for others. They could be somebody's miracle.
There are a few musts of the gospel: 1. It must be preached 2. It must be received (obeyed) 3. It must be stood on
If these are followed, it will save you.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit.
Jacob wrestled with an angel and held on out of desperation for a blessing. If we can be desperate about a blessing then we must be desperate about souls.
Spotlight Service: This service provides a place for men feeling out the ministry to function in the pulpit.
The Bible is filled with individuals who have left God's promise only to return to it. The reality is there is no life comparable to God's promise.
Traditionally during the feast of Passover there are four cups of wine that are taken. Each of those cups relate to the history of the children of Israel. Each even hold powerful significance for our lives today.
Prayer is constantly under attack. Our adversary does not want us to pray. Therefore, timeless thieves of prayer are staged to attack at will. Among some of the thieves of prayer may be these: convenience, busyness, apathy, and hypocrisy.
In the lives of Abraham and Lot we notice a couple of things. Abraham had an altar and a tent in his life while Lot seems to only have a tent. A quick contrast and comparison of altars and tents reveal that altars beat tents any day. Don't allow your tents to become bigger than your altars.
A common phrase in the Bible is about the blood being poured out at the bottom of the altar. Since the brazen altars were high in comparison to the stature of a Jewish man, you started at the bottom and ascended to the top. If much blood was found at the bottom, it was due to much sacrifice on the top. Thankfully where we all begin, the bottom, has been saturated by blood because of His ultimate sacrifice.
The so-called competition on Mt. Carmel was simple. Each group was going to pray to their gods or God and the God that answered by fire would be God. Elijah's first preparation in receiving an answer of fire was to repair the altar. The altar was broken down due to neglect. Fire comes and God draws near when people pray.
Samuel prays where the children of Israel has been twice defeated and God thunders a great thunder in answer to his pray and discomfits their enemy. They got victory where they had defeat due to prayer. However, Samuel was leaning on more than a rich heritage of prayer. His success is revealed by the postscript of 1 Samuel seven... he went to Ramah, his home, and built an altar. The victory at Mizpeh was an extension of a family altar. We will be strong in our extensions when we are strong in our base. Build a family altar!
Ahaz found an altar that was pleasing to him and thus pushed aside the altar in the temple that was pleasing to God. When you find an altar that pleases you, it probably doesn't please the Lord. Israel's relationship to God was usually dependent upon their attitudes and relationships to the altar of God. Don't alter the altar because people typically pray at that altar they worship at.
Saul was known not to have inquired about the ark of God. He even built (Hebrew: began to build) an altar his first altar one time. It is as though he started it but never finished it. Yet he is Saul -asked for. He seems to be the product of a request or the evidence of a prayer. Ironically, he refrains from completing his altar. A few mistakes are attributed to Saul's demise as a king but there could be no greater cost to him than that of his unfinished altar.
Though Noah is known by generations as the ark builder, he was also an altar builder. The first recorded altar of history was the altar Noah built. More importantly, building an altar seems to be Noah's first act after being confined to the ark for a little over a year. Noah made prayer a priority.
About two hundred and forty years after the creation of Adam, the birth of a need rebirthed prayer. The first family evidently communed with God in the garden eastward in Eden. Circumstance had somewhat silenced that God-directed voice. When Seth bore his son, Enos, then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. God's call is as strong as ever... the call to himself.
Human ingenuity is wonderful but some things in life require the 7th hand -the God hand. We may make headway by our human reasoning and tactics but some things will never be complete without God's intervention.
Our society taps into energy drinks by the groves to secure a quick fix of alertness that will soon fade and many times cause them to crash. However, God's people have a holy energy that is everlasting and does not have the negative side effects.
There are certain things in this Christian life that on the surface may truly appear foolish. The Old Testament High Priest wearing a garment with bells on the hem may have looked foolish then. However, the ringing of those bells kept him alive. Likewise, our worship and other similar things keep us spiritually alive.
How we give and receive forgiveness is vitally important. You can give forgiveness without forgiveness being asked for. Although forgiveness has been given you will not receive it until you admit your wrong and that you are in a position of needing it.
When someone mentions "forgiveness," there are mixed emotions according to which side of the coin you are on -the offended or the offender. Regardless, it is necessary to process our feelings and both parties benefit from this powerful act.
This is an overview of the subject of fasting. There are some practical tips toward the end if a person is considering a fast.
The Apostle Paul mentioned there was one thing he apprehended but continued with a two-fold description. He spoke about forgetting the past and reaching for the future. He spoke of these things as one because your reaching, the chase, can be hindered by the past.
A principle is found in Romans 15 about giving. Basically, the Gentiles had received spiritual things from the Jews and felt it their duty to minister unto them in natural things. Therefore, with pleasure the Gentiles gave to the Jews because they had received so much from them.
Consideration is given to what Stephen actually seen or what was meant when he saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God.
Each of us are at different stages in our walk with God. However, our goal should be a first chair relationship, which is a life of commitment.
It is important to think before you make decisions because life is built upon choices. In addition, it is vital to lend an ear to the guidance of the spiritual leaders in your life. Words, actions, relationships, etc. should all boil down to one notable word... think.
This is a biblical view through scripture of the practice of foot washing and the spiritual benefits gained by this symbolical washing. One cannot participate without literally assuming the attitude and role of the servant. Forgiveness and cleanliness run deep through a basin of water.
Jesus, who own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree. That body and sin was laid in a borrowed tomb. It was prepared with an abundant amount of myrrh and aloes -both sweet-smelling. Dead bodies stink. Many sins have been called an "abomination" -loathsome on account of the stench. Therefore, the pleasant aroma of the myrrh and aloes was placed with anticipation of the repulsive, revolting smell of death, which is the payment of sin. However, when the disciples entered the tomb, the dead body burdened with the pungency of putrefaction was gone and only the sweet aroma remained. Amazingly, Christ still removes the stench and the aroma remains.
Amazingly, all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. A sample of those that will rise in judgment with us will be the people of Nineveh and the Queen of the south. They repented and she came to hear the words of wisdom in a time of no spiritual infilling. We stand in a day of spiritual infilling and great opportunity. What will our response or desire be?
When the Apostle Paul checked on the welfare of the church in Thessalonica through Timothy, the report was well concerning their faith and love. With those two items being well, everything else between those mentioned in 2 Peter 1 must have flourished as well. In essence, it pictured a mature church.
In regard to the church and individual relationships, Paul informs us about a few different things: 1) Our strength results from being 201Cin the Lord201D, 2) We are responsible for fully arming ourselves, and 3) Our primary action is defense.
God was not asking us to provide tears on demand when we were bearing seed or sowing seed. He was telling us that when we weep not to waste those tears. Most tears result from affliction more so than joy. Don't waste your affliction. In moments of hardship when tears are flowing down your face, just add some seeds. Contrary to popular belief, it is a great time to sow when you are in the crucible of suffering.
There is a call from heaven for the saints of God to return back to their first experience. Getting close will not do. We must get there!
Three primary recommendations that the Apostle Paul offered for involvement in relationships are these: 1) Be filled with the Spirit, 2) Submit to each other, and 3) Fight powers, not people.
It is vitally important not to underestimate the critical transaction of a service... the altar call. It is the recovery room to a person that has just underwent surgery by the Word of God. No one needs to recover alone.
We all have some sort of a disability in our lives. That disability is the very thing God wants. Our disabilities become his abilities.
Paul spoke of our love being as Christ's love and explained how Christ demonstrated his love. He gave himself for the benefit of others. With that background, Paul began to talk about the wrong motives of other supposed "love". He told us of the error of giving ourselves for the benefit of self.
God had plans for Israel that were good and not evil. However, it would be after seventy years of captivity "when" those plans would begin to unfold. God's timing is perfect even if it seems inconvenient to us.
In stewardship it is important to remember a major reason for our blessings is to be a blessing. Normally, before we give what we have, we give who we are unto the Lord.
The Apostle Paul basically underscores the idea that our thoughts affect our walk. He then gives a sample list of things we ought to avoid.
In one setting, David went from not being greatly moved to not being moved. What caused this change in just a course of a few verses? I believe he shared it in between the two statements. David knew his expectation was from the Lord.
The roles of the five-fold ministry all use one common thing... the word. It is through their use of the word that the saints are perfected or equipped. Then the saints function in their work of the ministry. Then by them doing so, the body is edified or promoted for growth.
While some areas of our life may be able to be altered or reformed, there are other items that must die. One of the things that must be killed daily is our flesh. Scripture tells us that the flesh is not profitable.
The list can be long of the things we ought to commit to. However, if we will commit to surrender or servanthood, all those other items will follow.
The Apostle Paul bases much of the success of the Ephesian church on their ability to walk in a way that balances out their calling of being the church. He tells them how to walk. He also tells them the qualifiers of their walk of unity.
The writer to the Hebrews was addressing a people who once endured much affliction after they were illuminated. But at this present stage in their lives they were tottering in their faithfulness. After all, we don't draw back the author emphasizes.
Our faith is important to our Christian maturity because so many other traits are added to our faith. In addition, faith was taken above all in the armor of God in Ephesians 6. It was a means of protection to those other protective pieces of the armor. In this lesson we highlight the other items that should be added to our faith in order to continue to grow.
Ultimately, Paul's prayer for this early church was for them to be dominated and controlled by the fullness of God. He wanted them to become everything that Spirit inside them wanted them to become. God having freedom to work to his fullest in our lives or the life of the church is the glory in the church.
To the sons of Abraham's concubines Abraham gave gifts but to Isaac Abraham gave all that he had. Abraham gave everything to the one that had trusted him when everything appeared as though it was gong to be taken from Isaac.
While the Holy Ghost is an excellent beginning, we must continue to grow up into Him in all things. Peter admonishes us to add to our faith a lists of seven other items. In doing so we further solidify our calling and election in Christ.
The church reveals the mystery. Collectively and individually we have been given grace for ourselves. In addition, grace has been given to us as distributors of it. A church, a group of people should be the most gracious that have been shown the most grace.
Throughout the pages of scripture God identifies himself as several things. In essence, he is whatever we need for the present circumstance. He always proves to be more than enough.
There is a real danger for the church to slip into a lukewarm mode and drift off into a cold state. We must take advantage of that position when we are hot. This is a challenge to seize the opportunity when it is present.
When Daniel realized how near he was to the end of the seventy years of captivity, he turned his attention toward the books (Bible) and prayer. Our reaction to the events of our time should be the same. The Challenge: 24/7 Plan.
The sign was a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. This was a sign the shepherds would understand. Micah prophesied of one coming to reign for ever with dominion even unto the tower of the flock, the tower of Edar. Historically where temple lambs were born and swaddled to insure no blemish or brokenness for sacrifice would be the place in the vicinity of Bethlehem where this Saviour would come. In essence, forecasting his purpose on earth -the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world.
When we emerge from our trials and troubles, we should come forth as more than conquerors. We should walk away victorious but with tangible spoils from our battles. Spoils won in battles were dedicated to maintain God's house. Likewise what we get from our difficult circumstances should maintain the original splendor of the church. Solomon's Temple was exceeding magnifical because much of the materials were trophies of war. The people didn't just see gold and silver but they saw where they had overcome the Ammonites and the Moabites. The church was and ever should be a monument of victory.
When Jesus died on the cross, he made a way for all segments of society to be saved. Nearness to God was no longer dictated by class restrictions. Now Gentiles were not only brought nigh to God by Jesus' blood but Jew and Gentile had access to God.
Loneliness isn't just a reality. Loneliness sometimes can be an idea. There have been people in crowded rooms that still experienced the feelings of loneliness. The enemy of our souls wishes to intimidate us with this idea that we are all alone and no one has ever been where we are. Nevertheless, a scripture treasure is where Jesus told his disciples that he would not leave them comfortless but he would come to them. We are not alone.
It is disappointing to invest yourself and everything you have into a person only to have them fail you. Samuel knew what this was like. He emptied his horn on Saul. Although Saul failed, God had Samuel to fill his horn because there was another anointing he wanted him to be instrumental in... David. Be sensitive to God because when you think it is finished he may have you involved in someone's start.
Periodically we must cast our eyes over our shoulder in order to see where we are compared to where we were. In that reflection we need to note the "But God" moment in our lives. An impossibility swings on the hinges of possibility with those two words. Only hindsight can help us realize that God often works in a person before he works through them.
Ezra brought back the second group of captives from Babylon who desired to return to Jerusalem. Those who returned were free from their captivity but still lived in the vicinity of the Persian Empire. Therefore, they contended with the regulations and litigation that flowed from that empire. Likewise us who have been born again contend with the influences of living in a fallen world, not to mention our flesh we must deal with daily. Nevertheless, God provided the church as a nail where we have moments of grace and receive a little reviving in our bondage. Get to the sanctuary and experience a little reviving. It will carry you!
The general instruction when in a siege or a struggle was to refrain from cutting down any fruit bearing trees. The wood from such a tree may have adequately been made into a bulwark but primarily it was a supplier of life. When the dust of a struggle settles, you need fruit bearing trees to help sustain you. Therefore, do not sacrifice today what you may be or future generations may be in need of tomorrow.
The benefits Paul has already told were readily available to the church stem from a relationship with God. If you break your relationship with God, you cease to exist in him. Therefore, we reject the benefits of the church when we reject God. Above all other matters, know God.
Deeply seated in the first family was an element of discontent. A discontent that fostered a disregard for a command to the extent of disobedience. The peril: They had everything they needed. Don't sacrifice everything you have for temporary pleasure!
The first mile is one of obligation. The second mile is one of opportunity. However, you will never reach the second mile unless you finish the first mile. Our roads of obligation open up to us various opportunities.
Some of the wonders of being in the church are as follows: 1) Redemption, 2) Forgiveness, 3) Inheritance, 4) Trust/Hope, and 5) Sealed.
Paul has a desire to finish namely two things in his life: 1) His course and 2) His ministry. The ministry Paul had simply was to testify or be the voice. Although God could work independent of us, he has devised a plan to work through us. God wants us to be his voice.
Fountain or cistern? Living water or stagnant water? In reality, when we try to substitute our man-made plans for God-made plans, they are broken and useless from the very beginning. If you are going to make your cistern, make it big because cisterns that hold no water many times become prisons. In this case, a prison of your own making.
In speaking to the Ephesian church, Paul tells them how God foreknew and predestined not an individual but a group of people. God knew he would have a church (us in Him) and he designed a plan for that church. The choice is yours to be a part of the church or not.
Worship and serve are two words with a thread of connection throughout God's Word. Worship is an expression of our service. You will not worship a God you do not serve.
At times, marriages are in competition with various other concerns of life. These items tend to divide and separate spouses from each other emotionally and physically. Therefore, we must be intentional about being there for the other.
The stage is set in order to facilitate our study of the book of Ephesians. Hopefully by setting this foundation listeners may appreciate some of the reasons Paul said or mentioned what he did.
This session finishes the twelve tools for communication and views resolving conflict through a Biblical lens.
There will always be a mixt multitude among God's people. But, we must strive on and not be swayed by their influences.
Baptism in Jesus name is explored again with some tremendous insights of the manners and customs of that day.
Pentecost prior to the book of Acts had its basis being the harvest of that year. An individual's approach to the day of Pentecost was in proportion to what type of season they had. However, the Pentecost we modernly identify with in Acts has a person's approach being based upon the promise. Now it's not what has happened to us but it is what is in store for us.
Normally, among the "top five" lists of marriage problems is communication. In this lesson we share some practical items to help in the area of communication, especially when it may be a sensitive subject, a disappointment, or a problem.
You may be the only Bible that some people read was the old adage. This truth is heightened with our social media driven society. Our lives are living epistles, known and read of all men. Let's represent our Lord well by being the best ambassadors possible.
The society that we live in is captured by the words of Maxie Richards: "a generation left without hope." However, those in Christ have a living hope that not only exist in this life but in the life to come.
Part 3 of Marriage Matters is Shulamite in the Song of Solomon reflecting on her relationship before she was married. What existed then? Do those same things exist after marriage? Consideration is given to their eagerness to see each other and the complimentary language used.
Part 3 - Discovering the favor of God may be obtained by avoiding what knowingly displeases God. The Lord was displeased: 6) with disobedience, people simply being unmoved and 7) when people serve as an obstacle or get in the way of those who are trying to reach the Lord.
Situations in life will cause tears to trail down our faces. Environments of doom and despair intimidate the remaining hope of our person. We are shackled and chained, destined for captivity. We are being ripped from the bounty of the land of our nativity, our inheritance... we are overwhelmed. Yet, instruction and encouragement comes in a few phases prior to our departure. Refrain from weeping, your work shall be rewarded, you will come back, and there is hope in your end. The success of your journey back is contributed largely to how you demark the path on your way out. Mark it well because the present is temporary. There is HOPE in your END.
It was important to Paul to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost. By this time Pentecost had become known as the place of spiritual awakening and renewal. Whereas Paul's ship could have traveled straight to Ptolemais where he would continue his journey by land, it sailed about 400 miles from Patara to Tyre because there the ship was to unlade her burden. Tyre is just about 25 miles north of Ptolemais. Paul purposefully avoided certain stops because the necessity of being at Pentecost. However, he didn't negate the importance of pulling in a port where burdens could be unloaded. In our voyages, the junctures of unloading our burdens are critical to our arrival at a personal spiritual renewal. Cast your care upon Him!
Part 2 - Discovering the favor of God may be obtained by avoiding what knowingly displeases God. The Lord was displeased: 4) when a man numbered the people being motivated by pride and 5) when truth is not upheld and consequently there is no judgment.
The cry of a blind man caused Jesus to stand still and attend unto him. While the clamoring crowd discouraged his diligence, the creator of the universe responded to his desperation. Gratefully, our cries of faith and fear arrest the attention of the master.
David asks two questions of God after the city of Ziklag had been burned with fire: 1) Shall I pursue? and 2) Shall I overtake? God's answers: 1) Pursue, 2) Overtake, and 3) Recover all. God's answers exceeded David's questions. His supply is always greater than our demand.
The bloody coat brought to Jacob birthed a presumed hopeless future. The falsified evidences of the past keep us at arms length from our future. Although the proof may be inaccurate, it is true to us and holds us hostage from enjoying anything beyond the bloody coat. Thankfully, every bloody coat can be covered or even exchanged with the blood of HIS body when we put on Christ.
At times the key element that separates the people in the Father's house from those in the pig pen is one wrong decision. As notable as right decisions are, one wrong decision can be the start of a downward spiral that ends abruptly. Our decisions direct our destinies. Therefore, we should weigh each one of them carefully.
Discovering the favor of God may be obtained by avoiding what knowingly displeases God. The Lord was displeased: 1) with a man who wanted to limit his service when his service was going to exceed self and extend to someone else, 2) when people on the fringe of the camp complained, and 3) when a man pulled another into his sin or error.
Grandparent's Day - Timothy had a heritage of unfeigned faith that stretched all the way back to his grandmother. It was the key role of a grandparent that helped cultivate the scriptures in Timothy's life. Even though he had a Greek father, the impact of a grandparent pressed its way through to his generation.
Most people view Jesus as the carpenter's son. A select few seen him as the redeemer or the savior. However, all that began to change at the Jordan baptism. What was manifested there was the knowledge his mother had held in her heart from the beginning. He was the Son of God. It would be that Son of God status that the devil was constantly trying to probe and intimidate during the wilderness temptations of Luke 3. Why? Ultimately, because the purpose for the manifestation of the Son of God, scripture says, is that he might destroy all the works of the devil. Therefore, since we have been given power to become the sons of God as well, the devil is trying get us to forfeit our son of God status. The Son of God status ties the hands of the devil.
It wasn't enough for the generation that experienced the manna to have knowledge of the miraculous provision. Therefore, they were commanded to place some in the Ark of the Covenant for future generations to be exposed to it. There are aspects in this Christian life that should not only live in one generation never to succeed in another. There needs to be manna for the next generation.
The older brother in the story of the prodigal reveals issues often not addressed, because our focus is on the one who left. However, both brothers were in similar conditions...selfish and prideful. It is possible that our behavior as Christians keeps the backslider from returning home...the older brother refused to join the celebration. He would have been content giving up on his brother...when you consider the prodigals in your life do you find yourself giving up on them? Is it time to give up, yet?
Highlights: 8) Recognize if God's hand is in the development 9) What is their financial standing? 10) Get feedback from the family 11) Beware of unhealthy family attachments 12) Pop the question
Three simple words spoken to the disciples would relay some important lessons from a very brief life. In their memory of Lot's wife would be someone who was almost saved, who perished, and who stood as a warning to everyone else on their journey to safety.
This timeless idea of submission is considered alongside the differences of the male and female. Two primary needs are shared: women need love and men need respect.
Highlights: 3) Pray for guidance - Be specific 4) Don't manipulate the results 5) Don't compromise character for comeliness 6) Players are for games not relationships 7) Don't start committing until you are well informed
Hannah didn't want a norm to be set for her or Samuel. He will observe on average that people make a visit to the temple, worship the Lord, offer their sacrifices, pray and return home. Perhaps if she had practiced that, she would have been more apt and contented to offer her good and retain her best. For that matter, oh how Israel would have suffered if Hannah assumed her good was good enough!
The fallacy in many marriages is because one or both mates expected the other to complete them. That is an unrealistic expectation that can never be met by your husband or wife. That was never the intended purpose of your spouse by God... at best they compliment not complete. You are only complete in him (Colossians 2:10).
If only about 10% of people are going to remain single, there must be some type of criteria for finding a mate. Genesis 24 is a wonderful chapter of qualifiers and wisdom for searching out potential mates. In this lesson two items are address: 1) DO NOT DATE OR MARRY AN UNBELIEVER and 2) DO NOT MARRY OR CONTINUE TO DATE A PERSON WITH AN INCOMPATIBLE SPIRITUAL APPETITE
Mountains - troubles... they littered the scriptures time and time again. Hopeful people like Job yearned for the new day to be void of them. Jesus even encourages his disciples that though they exist don't let them trouble your heart. Yet among the lists of titles people have contributed to God Isaiah prophesied of a seed that would inherit my (our) mountains.
All the men of war were wasted in the wilderness. This is indeed a sad commentary. Their strength, their mental alertness, and their agility was wasted on the rigors of a wilderness rather than the pursuit and the possession of their promise. Doubtful about possession because they had never been owners only owned. These men wasted the LIFE in their years.
Mephibosheth was a royal heir, but it wasn't until someone helped him out of Lodebar that he was treated like it. Life's circumstances had dealt him more sorrow than joy. Finally, David reached out to pay tribute out of respect to his friend Jonathan. Like Mephibosheth, we too are often consumed by life's circumstances and settle down in Lodebar, a place of no pasture, when there's divine victory that awaits us in the King's house...
Asa stayed true to the Lord for many years. It was only toward the end of his life that he drew away from what he had held so dear. He was diseased in his feet - symbolical of his direction being wrong at that time in his life. Ultimately, God rewards faithfulness.
Holiness from the inside out part 3. The final lesson in our series on holiness and modesty. It includes segments on makeup and jewelry.
The last lesson in a series of eight. On the heels of the peacemakers are the persecuted. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake... persecution comes because peace finds its roots in righteousness and purity. As the man Jesus was clothed with a crown of thorns and then a robe of purple so likewise should we bear persecution and suffering now in order to bear the glory then... a robe distinguishing us as a part of His kingdom.
Solomon followed all the way through. He determined to build the house of God. He began the task. He didn't stop until it was finished. Our determination and start is futile if we don't finish. There is truly a reward for finishers.
A continuation... Frustration and isolation results when we separate from the world but we don't separate unto the Lord. True separation is "from" and then "unto". Samson didn't know God had left him yet this happened while following his desires to the Valley of Sorek - the border of Philistine and Israelite lands.
A continuation of "Operation Separation". While God saves us from our sin and sins he will not save us from our sinning. The sinning is an act of our will. He still gives us the choice. His Spirit and biblical teaching/preaching will help us if we allow but ultimately the decision is ours.
In 2 Corinthians 6 the Apostle Paul calls the church at Corinth to separation. He had already touched on this concept in his previous writings but addresses it again now. There should be a definite difference between the church and the world.
Many times a way to peace is through conflict. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ. And it was his blood of the cross that made peace. Emulating that process; death, burial, and resurrection we can be peacemakers.
The rulers could not say anything against or deny what had happened to the lame man in Acts 3. When they conferred about the situation among themselves, their only hope was to keep its impact and influence from spreading. This alone is reason why we must act outside the box because we have an experience that cannot be denied. The adversary is just wishing to contain its impact.
A pure heart is necessary. It affects every area of our life since the heart is the seat of all the issues of life. In essence, this beatitude tells us those who strive to emulate God will recognize God.
Jeroboam sinned and affected generations after him. Anytime the sin of succeeding generations are mentioned they are tied back to Jeroboam. One man's sin had a lasting impact until Asa. Asa did not following in those footsteps. We should aspire to be an Asa instead of Jeroboam.
Having an anointing without understanding leads to frustration, as it is possible to receive an anointing today... not to be demonstrated until a later time in life. We're set apart for a purpose, and understanding the purpose is half the battle.
If a brother is overtaken in a fault there are a couple of ways people respond. They either seek to restore that person or amplify their fault and publish it to all they come in contact with. Scripture admonishes us to be a restorer.
We all experience "the wilderness" from time to time but we must evaluate how we got there. Three different occurrences in scripture describe how we arrive there. The demon possessed man was DRIVEN there by the DEVIL. Jesus was LED there by the SPIRIT. Lastly, Elijah WENT there HIMSELF. Our response to "the wilderness" should vary based on how we got there.
Much in the Christian life is spoken about walking, running, and fighting but we need not overlook the importance of just standing. Paul's final admonition to the church at Ephesus was to take the whole armor of God. Why? So they might STAND.
Mercy begets mercy. Being merciful is possible if you have progressed through the prior four beatitudes. Mercy and judgment can coexist if the one extending the mercy bears the judgment. Mercy is more than a recognition and more than a feeling. It provokes you to action.
The Lord told David that he did well to have a desire in his heart to build a house for the Lord. Later, Solomon, David's son, spent seven years of his life building the temple. David's heart had become his son's life. This truth is not illustrated any greater than in the Fatherhood and Sonship of God.
Desires are natural yet we must appease them with the proper things. There is a major difference in being filled and being satisfied. In this lesson we discovered how are godly appetites can be satisfied.
The common bend of humanity is to resort to familiar things they once entertained or did. If they were delivered from a past sin, it is that terrain that they oft times engage in again because it is familiar. Thus resulting in their spiritual demise.
In order to fulfill your carnal desires, you must ignore the cry of wisdom. Two women are vying for your attention: Wisdom and Lusts. Each lead you down entirely different path and have absolutely different ends. If you continue to follow your lusts, it will not be without the constant cry of wisdom's voice.
This is part one of a holiness series begun in Ladies' Meeting. This first lesson focuses on hair. Others will follow in this series but they meet only the first Thursday of each month.
Matthew 5:5 - The modern-day definition of meekness is somewhat removed from the Biblical definition. Simply put, meekness is power under control. They "inherit" the earth. Yet an inheritance is reserved for those accounted as heirs to the successor. Discover how a spirit of meekness positions one to be an heir.
Jeremiah 29:11 - Noah's ark, Moses' ark, and the Ark of God each had an expected end which purpose was preservation. Their success was determined by carefully following the plan for each. No adjustments were needed. Likewise in our lives, no modifications are necessary... Just follow the plan.
Joshua 7 - Achan had items in his life, in his home that should not have been there. With this understanding, Achan kept these things hid. As with Achan so with us -we keep hid at times things that are sinful. In reality, they need to be brought to the open and destroyed. Sadly, if we continue hiding them, it will have a negative affect on our family and church.
The blessing in mourning is that you can only mourn if you can feel. Mourning is one indication that you are not past feeling. Secondly, the blessing in mourning is that you shall be comforted; one will be called alongside you to help you.
Too often we stay trapped in our struggles, when we have the answer already -get out of the boat. When we get out of the boat we're actively refusing to accept current conditions. When you get out of the boat, the miracle will begin.
Based on the closing verses of Psalm 91, beginning at v13 - God is our faithful deliverer; his deliverance, strength and protection are for the faithful. While we may not physically tread upon a lion and an adder, we can have God's deliverance over the most hurtful and deadly battles in life - because of our faithfulness.
The first step in this progression is realizing our need. The blessing always flows from the better to the less. When we poise ourselves as poor in spirit, we become prime candidates for being blessed with nothing less than the kingdom of heaven.
An inspired recollection prompted David to include Uriah the Hittite as last among the list of mighty men. His gut must have still ached as he pondered removing a mighty man from his life -a man that had his best interest in mind.
Being careful or sensitive to her surroundings caused a great woman to provide for a prophet and even make a place for him in her home. What she made provision for would someday make provision for her. Be careful because you never know when you might be nursing the answer to a future problem.
Enoch and Elijah bypassed death as will everyone born again and alive when Christ returns. However, Elijah was sent on a journey by the spirit of the Lord to various cities prior to his departure that would set him in proper alignment before he left. Discovery what these cities represented and how they can benefit us before the catching away.
We allow certain circumstances and situations, dare I say wounds to define us. We permit them to characterize the finality of our lives when in reality they should only distinguish us.
Eve has been associated with being the first woman, the first wife, the first deceived, and the first transgressed. However, let us not skip over the most important... the first mother. Through "the" childbearing, humanity is saved. Her blessing was greater than her curse!
This is a splattering of lessons from Elijah. However, the main thrust is probably the importance of having a successor in your life and ministry.
Often times after God has promised us some things the enemy attempts to take or snatch our promise. At that moment, we must rise and ward off the attack of our adversary. In doing so, we fight using our faith in what God has promised us.
To stop at repentance and water baptism is to deny Jesus' resurrection. Many have only fulfilled a portion of the journey. However, we must follow the Lord even after his passion.
In spite of what life may provide, we must never give up our cup. We must serve when things frustrate us or when our expectations are not met because we are serving the king. The greatest in the kingdom must be servant of all!
God always marries his touch with his Word. If God touches you, there is something beyond that. We must be patient to wait on the word that accompanies the touch.
No greater appreciation for Elijah will be derived than in the 19th chapter of 1 Kings. It is here we see him respond as human flesh. If you couldn't identify with him being obedient without hesitation to the voice of the Lord that he unmistakably knew, then here you can truly identify with the prophet.
Technical difficulties only allowed the first 24 minutes of this sermon to be recorded. However, those minutes were deemed important enough to share. Walk with David as he does the right thing and yet everything seems to be turning out wrong. Perhaps how we respond as a victim will help our victor status. Our apologies for this short segment. Please glean from these precious recorded moments.
While it is important for us to know God's voice likewise it is important for him to know our voice. A way that we familiarize him with our voice is by prayer. Our posture in prayer will help determine our posture before men.
Since the devil is devoid of truth, we need to reverse the statements he is making to us. We are not ignorant of his devices. His tactics have not changed from the beginning. Therefore, we should educate ourselves about our adversary.
A characteristic that is inseparable from Elijah is his prompt obedience. Obedient - that word alone sums up the life of Elijah. Sacrifices are great but obedience is better. Furthermore, our sacrifices are only accepted upon altars of obedience.
Mark & Debra Naimy are missionaries to the Philippines. They shared the wonderful things the Lord is doing in that work. This entails information and inspiration!
People normally respond according to how much time they have left. It may influence whether their attitude is casual or not. We know there is a second coming of the Lord. However, we do not know when that will happen. Are you ready yet?
He was commonly known as Elijah the Tishbite. However, something made him known as "a man of God" to the widow. It was more than the miracle. It was a life filled with the traits of a godly person.
The church at Sardis evidently had some dead things and some things that were dying. The angel didn't admonish them to do anything about the dead things because they couldn't. However, they were told to strengthen the things that remained. Do something about what you can do something about.
Rahab's true token of protection and escape from destruction was a scarlet thread. However, colored thread (particularly scarlet) involved the dyeing industry. This was a costly process but not as costly as the dying of the insect this scarlet extract came from. In essence, protection and escape has always been dependent on the dying industry.
When the word of God comes to you, there is clear instructions about God's will. God has already sent the provisions to your God-ordained "there". Try to interpret your dried-up brook as an answer to prayer.
Don't settle for the counterfeit, when you can have the genuine. Great sacrifice may be required to obtain the genuine but its worth it.
Only the stedfast minded are unstoppable. There isn't any room for negotiations. I've changed my mind... I am going to serve the Lord.
Elijah Series: Set against a dismal background was a man void of a scriptural pedigree. His response to the insurmountable wickedness of his era was praying the Word. Elijah was a man... because he stood before the Lord.
When we pursue holiness, we become a terror unto our adversary. Our pursuit poises us as a threat to our enemy.
Does true freedom come with restraints or protection? It really depends on your vantage point. In this lesson, we consider the idea of prohibition vs. protection.
Plant the seed in good ground. Anyone can count the number of seeds in a fruit but only God can know the amount of fruit produced from a seed.
No one is exempt from needing a covering. Not only did the death of Christ provide that but it also offered reconciliation.
Our Christian liberty through grace is not a license to sin. True freedom is with restraints.
There is a challenge and a sense of unease when leaving the familiar and going to the unfamiliar. However, when it is God's idea, we should take our cue on how to react from Him along the way.
The breath God gave man is the only thing that could not be taken from the life of Job. In that, praise was preserved and it appealed to God by drawing Him near during Job's season of heartache.
All the platitudes in the world may not suffice during our struggles but simply knowing we do not face them alone helps. We can have a "God experience" in our valleys.