Teaching & Sermons with Ines Franklin: Recent Episodes
Ines Franklin
Ines Franklin is passionate about teaching God's word and helping Christians mature in their faith. Here you'll find recordings of her sermons at Mariners Church and lessons for www.trochia.org. She shares vulnerably from her own life journey to emphasize the importance of strengthening our relationship with Jesus and trusting the Bible as our compass for life. Learn more about her upcoming work at www.inesfranklin.com
It is easy to be anxious in times of uncertainty. What does it look like when we let God be our guide?
When Jesus says that he is the "True vine.." he is comparing himself to the failures of man- but unlike man- He is always fruitful... What does this mean for us?
"The Way, The Truth, The Life" is one of the most powerful statements from Jesus. It is often regarded as a statement of exclusivity, but what is the real message?
God wishes to nourish our lives since we hunger to be fulfilled. What does satisfying this hunger look like when we walk with Him?
Sometimes the things we count on as being secure fail- however, the security we have in Christ is unfailing
Passover is an important part of biblical history for God's chosen people- it was also a reminder to the world the God's power was greater than the power of any king or idol.
Those who live by the holy spirit have their mind on things of the spirit. How do we get directions from the spirit of Christ?
We welcome babies with great anticipation, just like how God welcomes children reborn in His name. What does it mean to be a child of God?
Adoption video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cPtcjWwWzw
We don't need convincing that kindness is good, but how do we find kindness that is consistent?
Love is essential for our well-being- how do we have an understanding of love through the eyes of God?
We know that we can achieve who God wants us to be by living in community and now we can focus on joining Christ in life on mission. How do we focus on serving those outside our community?
MLK Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=qyDiPttOmH4
We have learned that we are supposed to grow in our walk with God, but we aren't meant to do it alone. What does it mean to do life together in community?
We have a natural desire for growth- to improve ourselves. Though there are many directions that the world gives on how to satisfy this desire, we can look to scripture for the true answer
God has many titles- "Wonderful Counselor" "Everlasting Father". We can learn more about God by understanding His titles. What does "Mighty God" mean for us?
We want a fruitful life that has purpose. How do we find joy in the purpose of God's plan for us?
We all face temptation at one point or another. We look at the story of David's fall to learn of the damage so that we can choose a different path.
The salvation of Christ allows us to start over when we have fallen- how do we keep ourselves from falling again?
In the parable of sowing seeds- the "seed" is the word of God. How do we make it so that the soil of our hearts is fruitful?
What is knowledge without wisdom? -Where do we find it?
Link to Relevant Clip Referenced in the Sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_akwHYMdbsM
What is the benefit if we learn to listen better? What do or don't we gain from listening?
What is God telling us when we meet with Him? We explore the different ways we can meet with Him
We cannot add a single hour to our day- How can we change our view of time so that we are fulfilled with joy in our life?
Only our savior knows everything. We don't need more information for our minds, we need to inform our hearts.
Parents want to give their children a sense of identity. What is the identity that God has given us?
After the fall of man, our world was no longer operating according to God's plan. Where does that leave us now and what is his plan for us?
Our view of God can sometime be smaller than what it should be- until we examine our Savior's sacrifice up close
People tend to dislike things that are fake- How can we be real Christians when the world needs us?
God is the great "I am", -Jesus is the shepherd and the gate.
Referenced video of Jesus the gatekeeper:
https://vimeo.com/47506129
Appreciating the unity in a united spiritual family and focusing on what it takes to work towards it
A Divine appointment when a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” John 4:7
GOD’S GREAT GIFT: A gift that transforms! Receiving the gift of Grace.
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10
Does God need a name? Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. Joshua 24:2Not all “gods” are the sameFor even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God... 1 Corinthians 8:5-6What is his name? Moses said to God, “Suppose…they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” Exodus 3:13I AM or I will be = ehyehGod said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14HE IS = YHWH, Tetragrammaton translated in English as “LORD”God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.” Exodus 3:15YHWH + Jireh (Will Provide), Rapha (Heals You), y Nissi (Is My Banner)Other names in Hebrew: Elohim (God), El Elyon (The Most High God), Adonai (Lord, Master, Sovereign), El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty), El Olam (The Everlasting God), El Qanna (Jealous God); in Greek: Logos (Word of God), Alpha and Omega (The First and the Last).It’s His identity and His characterThen the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Genesis 34:5-7The name that savesThose who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Joel 2:32Jesus, the physical embodiment of YHWH himself“A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11“I have made you [your name] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26Jesus = Yeshua, the Lord savesSalvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12Jesus is the LordGod exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” Matthew 6:9How to respond to God’s name?Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. Genesis 34:8
THE VERY BEST GIFTLuke 2:22-40 God’s very best gift ...the grace of God was on him... Luke 2:40 forgiveness of sins This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 eternal life The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 Embrace the unexpected Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36 Looking at the New Year quite differentlyPeople who believed God’s promises:Joseph and Mary: obedienceimmediate self-gratification vs. trusting in the LordSimeon: faithful expectation...was righteous and devout...was waiting...and the Holy Spirit was on him...revealed to him by the Holy Spirit...moved by the Spirit, he went...took him in his arms and praised God... Luke 2:25-28anticipating salvationSovereign Lord...”my eyes have seen your salvation....” Luke 2:29accepting division“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many...” Luke 2:34 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord... and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 Anna: belief in the Lorda prophet...never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying Luke 2:36-37 grateful for redemption ...she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38
Obsessed with shiny stuff, deep thirst revealedAs the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1The unexpected reality of Christmas:1.God’s glory revealedAn angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… Luke 2:9For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:142.To the weak and powerlessAnd there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8•Outsiders, poor, despised, low-class, outcasts…they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. Luke 2:9-10aGod chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. 1 Corinthians 1:28-293.It’s Good News! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10b-11The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:144.Through a child This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing…being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21Responding to the unexpected Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14Curiosity When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15PraiseThe shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20Christmas shines: Lord, I need you!All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24
I love you thiiiiiiiis much!God’s favor, name by name Luke 1:26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancyGod sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.The greatest birth announcement ever!The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:30-33Promised long ago“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15A child like no otherFor to us a child is born …he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” Luke 1:34God’s love on display“For no word from God will ever fail.” Luke 1:37•Grace-bestowedcharitoo = to grace, highly honor or greatly favorIn love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6•Beyond measure…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39•Among us This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:10 Love overcomes all fear“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18
When waiting gets oldPromise made“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God… A voice of one calling: ‘In thewilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert ahighway for our God. …the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all peoplewill see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:1,3-5“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…” Malachi 3:1What are you hoping for?Promise fulfilled Luke 1:5-24ChoseBoth of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all theLord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childlessbecause Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both veryold. …he was chosen by lot… Luke 1:6-7, 9Prayer heardBut the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayerhas been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you areto call him John. Luke 1:13Joy and delightHe will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because ofhis birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord …he will befilled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring backmany of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:14-16Choose your response Luke 1:18-25Zechariah, doubt: “How can I be sure of this?Elizabeth, gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me...”Prepare to be surprisedGod’s timing is perfect“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like athousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow inkeeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patientwith you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come torepentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9God is your strength“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; butthose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar onwings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and notbe faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31
Our last sane moment… Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
The enemy of gratitude The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
• Is God good? “Did God really say…?” Genesis 3:1 • Is God truthful? “You will not certainly die.” Genesis 3:4 • Is God powerful? “you will be like God” Genesis 3:5
Ingratitude = failure or refusal to acknowledge receipt of something good from another
The result of ingratitude At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. … So they hid from the LORD God… Genesis 3:7-8 NLT
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
A good thanksgiving, for all your days Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gratitude protects your heart 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves…clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts…And always be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15
“I don’t need it.” I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11
The joy of gratitude Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
David’s heart‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22David’s last words:When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 1 Kings 2:1•Be strong “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man…” 1 Kings 2:2“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you….” 1 Chronicles 28:20I need You Lord…Lord, I need YouTruly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2Immanuel, God with you “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me…the Spirit of truth. …he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:1, 15-17•Commit wholeheartedly “…learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you…” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10 NLTShalom: peace, whole, nothing missing, nothing broken•Commit wholeheartedly, Continued…Good, good FatherYou, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you... Psalm 63:1I love you Lord, and I lift my voice…“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37•Walk in obedience “... and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations...” 1 Kings 2:3Search me, O God Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me…. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10,12 NLTWhat a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus!“…As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” John 13:34-36God’s heart“…Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” 1 kings 2:3Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves." –ConfuciusAfter Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.”2 So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men… 1 Samuel 24:1-22 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me – God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. Psalm 57:2-3Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Psalm 142:6He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” 1 Samuel 24:3-4aThen David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 24a-6 38 …“you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel…so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them…and will be consecrated to your God.’” Numbers 15:38-40tzitzitMake tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear. Deuteronomy 22:12 “This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you… 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.” 1 Samuel 24:10, 13 “May the LORD be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.” 1 Samuel 24:15Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid. …22 LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent. Do not be far from me, Lord. 23 Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Psalm 35:1-3,22-2317 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly. 18 You have just now told me about the good you did to me; the LORD delivered me into your hands, but you did not kill me.” 1 Samuel 24:17-18“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:1223 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:239 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:919 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-2119 When a man finds his enemy, does he let him get away unharmed? May the LORD reward you well for the way you treated me today.” 1 Samuel 24:16-19What story do you want to tell?
…the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart… 1 Samuel 13:14God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do. Acts 13:22 NLT Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23לֵבָב > ♥Hebrew lebab = the inner center of thought, will, emotion, passion (courage) and spirit – INNER BEIGN~Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. 3 The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them. 1 Samuel 17:1-3PHOTO: Valley of ElahA champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; 6 on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. 7 His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him. …For forty days, the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 1 Samuel 4-7,16PHOTO: Andre the GiantPHOTO: Robert WadlowPHOTO: David and Goliath illustrationAwesome physical staturematurity, battle experienceover 200 lbs. of metal armor, bronze javelin, spear with a massive iron pointJesse had eight sons… David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 1 Samuel 17:12-15Youth, good looksshepherd skills, experience in killing wild beastsa wooden staff, five smooth stones, a sling Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 17:17-19“What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 1 Samuel 17:43-44What is battle you are fighting at this time?“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45This very day… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:46-47The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes. Deuteronomy 1:30David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 1 Samuel 17:50 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a NLT For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 NLTGod sees God loves God fights
Jesus + nothing = everything!For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLTI am called to live in freedom.We are brothers and sisters.Use your freedom to serve!It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives…The desires of the sinful nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Galatians 5:19-21“20 “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” Mark 7:20-2324 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24-25aBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23PHOTO: tethered elephant24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:24-2513 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Romans 7:13-155 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8A slave cannot rescue a slave. Our freedom is to bring freedom to others.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLTAs for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! Galatians 5:12For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. Galatians 5:13akαλέω kaléō = call, name, direct, summon, invite, appointWhat does it mean to “be called?” Calling is the truth that God calls us to himself so decisively that everything we are, everything we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism, and direction lived out as a response to his summons and service. -Os Guinness, The Callקָרָא qara = call, shout, summon, to name, announce, appointBut now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1God’s call changes everything! The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3“At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’” Luke 14:1718 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel. Galatians 1:616 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.” 23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. Luke 14:16, 23He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:143 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13a NLTadelphós = brethren, siblings, brothers and sisters22 “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you…” Matthew 5:22-2312…to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6“Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:15So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-2923 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-2616 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Hebrews 13:1
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. John 11:17-2021 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” John 11:21-2425 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:25-2728 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. John 11:28-3031 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:31-3233 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.“Come and see, Lord,” they replied. John 11:33-34Jesus wept. John 11:3536 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11:36-37 Jesus wept. John 11:35The sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:3“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick…” John 11:5-6“…he stayed where he was two more days” John 11:6“Let’s also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” John 11:21 and 32Your brother will rise again.” “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” John 11:25-26“Where have you laid him?” John 11:34Jesus wept. John 11:35“See how much he loved him.” John 11:36But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” John 11:37For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10“Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:6-8Jesus wept. John 11:35“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope tha
Why would God want me?Am I where God wants me to be?Where am I going?What’s next?Why is it taking so long?Am I on a detour?Did I get lost or miss a turn?What am I supposed to do?As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-34 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:113 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4“love covers over a multitude of sins” 1 Peter 4:8Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. …Be devoted to one another in love… Romans 12:5, 10Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
POTHOLES, SINKHOLES & DEAD ENDSMatthew 4:1-11 Am I on a detour?An unexpected, but required turn16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1Hazards of the journey•Do it yourself2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The temptercame to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Matthew 4:2-3•Force God’s hand5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Matthew 4:5-6•Shift your trust8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9The only reliable guide, the sword of the SpiritYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105Respond like Jesus: “It is written”15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15…man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Deuteronomy 8:3Do not put the LORD your God to the test... Deuteronomy 6:16Fear the LORD your God, serve him only... Deuteronomy 6:13All the power you needBe strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. 110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.Psalm 119:109-110
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1-2By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones. Hebrews 11:22Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. Genesis 37:2Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3-4Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. Genesis 37:5The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:2Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” Genesis 39:6-7One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:11-12What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their soul. Mark 8:36 The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. Genesis 39:20-21But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison. …The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. Genesis 40:14,23Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. When he had shaved and changed his clothes, he came before Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:14-16Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.” Genesis 41:39-40Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household. “The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Genesis 41:51-52Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt. And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Genesis 45:4-5You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
Where am I going?If you’re running on empty [Elijah] came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die.“I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than myancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. 1 Kings 19:4-5• Food for the journeyThe angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him andsaid, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got upand ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty daysand forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.1 Kings 19:7-8• Hiding placesThere he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word ofthe LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah? 1 Kings 19:9Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths,you are there. Psalm 139:7-8Can’t see what’s ahead?The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD,for the LORD is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11a• Not in the wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fireAnd after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulledhis cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of thecave. 1 King 19:12b-13a• God knows where you are goingI will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counselyou with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8Refreshed and back on the journey…The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert ofDamascus. When you get there…anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholahto succeed you as prophet.” 1 Kings 19:15-16• Do as God desiresBe very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, makingthe most of every opportunity,because the days are evil. Therefore donot be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17• Finish wellSo Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He wasplowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfthpair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha thenleft his oxen and ran after Elijah…Then he set out to follow Elijah andbecame his servant. 1 Kings 19:19-21Jesus is your journey and your destination“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father exceptthrough me.” John 14:6“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to seemy glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before thecreation of the world.” John 17:24
Why would God want me?Am I where God wants me to be? Where are am I going? What’s next? Why is it taking so long? Am I on a detour?Did I get lost or miss a turn? Who is with me?The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:11-12“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” Judges 6:13The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Matthew 14:25-28Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:6-10 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. John 14:16-17aYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. Proverbs 11:14Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
The wake up callWhen the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from withinthe bush, “Moses! Moses!”And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:4“Here I am” –best place to startJacob (Genesis 31:11)Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4)Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8)God calls you at the right timeThe LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I haveheard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned abouttheir suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of theEgyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land,aland flowing with milk and honey... And now the cry of the Israelites has reachedme, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I amsending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”Exodus 3:7-10“Why me?” “Why now?” …Why not?But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bringthe Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11Typical responses:“How can I…” Gideon (Judges 6:15)“Is not my clan the least…” Saul (1 Samuel 9:21)“Who am I, and what is my family…” David (1 Samuel 18:18)“Who is able to…” Solomon (2 Chronicles 2:6)“Woe to me!...I am a man of unclean lips…” Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5)“I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6)“Get away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Peter (Luke 5:8)Respond like Paul“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that heconsidered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” 1 Timothy 1:12You’re not going aloneAnd God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I whohave sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worshipGod on this mountain.” …God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:12,14
“He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 NLT Worship: Celebrating faithful love Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. Psalm 144:1 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 144:2 LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:3-4Prayer: A plea for rescue Part your heavens, LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. Psalm 144:5 Send forth lightning and scatter the enemy; shoot your arrows and rout them. Psalm 144:6 Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners Psalm 144:7 whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Psalm 144:8Reflection: Victory comes from God through Jesus I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, Psalm 144:9 to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword, deliver me; rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Psalm 144:10-11 whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. Psalm 144:8, 11Praise: Anticipating promised joyThen our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Psalm 144:12Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision.Our sheep will increase by thousands, by tens of thousands in our fields;our oxen will draw heavy loads. Psalm 144:13-14There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. Psalm 144:13-14Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD. Psalm 144:15 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
The obstacle course of the Christian journeyPeaks and valleys, joys and challenges, favor and persecution A warm receptionWhen we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters received us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. Acts 21:17-20Persecution…some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place… The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. …the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!” Acts 21:27-28, 30-32, 35-36The mark of persecutionMisunderstood, criticized, harassed, oppressed, lies & violenceFaith revealed“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12The hurting and wounded Finishing the race
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12Two wrong strategies:•measure Dad by God’s standards•measure God by Dad’s standardsIf someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. Proverbs 20:20No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. John 1:18“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:25-26 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. Luke 18:18For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Psalm 57:10The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. John 3:35See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1aFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:9-11Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8“And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:29-32Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:18Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Acts 17:19-21Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” Acts 17:22-23“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” Acts 17:24-26“God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:27-28“Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:29-30“For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. Acts 17:32-34While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. Acts 17:23“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” Acts 17:24“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16“And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and br
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47…“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you...” Matthew 28:18b-20…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”Acts 10:1-3“He distinctively saw an angel of God.” Acts 10:3“Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” Acts 10:5-6When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:7-8 “He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Acts 10:11-13“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied…The voice spoke to [Peter]…“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times… “So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:14-16a,20Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:36-38“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Acts 10:39-41He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. Acts 10:42-44[Jesus Christ, the Righteous One] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1b-2“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prov. 9:10.Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 I The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking i
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. …All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:16a,18-19“All that's being done in evangelical Christianity in America can be done with good equipment, modern media, and a few gifted men. Very little that is happening in the church is explainable solely on the basis of God’s activity and authority.” ~Dr. Stuart BriscoeAs Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. Acts 9:32-35Aeneas = “praiseworthy”By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:16Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” Acts 9:36-38Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Acts 9:39Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. Acts 9:40He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Acts 9:41-42Tabitha (Aramaic), Dorcas (Greek) = “gazelle”He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Why Mother’s Day?“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12Spiritual object permanence, rememberingMothering reveals God’s heart:So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 I see you“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15 And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. Then the angel of the LORD told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” …She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:8-10,13I hear you“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…” Isaiah 66:13In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life...”…Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the LORD for him.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11,19-20Mothering reveals God’s heart, ContinuedI love you“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Luke 13:34This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10To Timothy (whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. Acts 16:1), my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:2-5
The lie: The church isn’t for me, I’ve done too much/sinned too big.Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. Acts 9:1-2 “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.” Romans 3:10-11f For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. Philippians 3:2The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying… “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name…” Acts 9:11-15Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9:17-19a He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:16-19You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 9:19b-22…Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. Psalm 18:17The truth: The church is for me. God rescued, forgave and gives me purpose through Jesus Christ.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:13-15Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:16-17And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18After his suffering, [Jesus] presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3Witnesses“Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Acts 1:4“…in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:5,8God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Acts 2:32The resurrection of Jesus changed everythingAnd [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18…as high priest that year [Caiaphas] prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. John 11:51-52God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Acts 2:32Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31Holy SpiritAll the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all. Acts 4:32-33And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all. Acts 4:33Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. …I will show you the most excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:27,31Love…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails… Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit... 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, 14:1a
A miracle: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment; an event manifesting divine intervention, a wonderful occurrence. Merriam WebsterΛάζαρος = “God helps” or “my God has helped”Now a man named Lazarus was sick. …So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” John 11:1, 3Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” John 11:5-7On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days…When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him…” “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:17,20-22When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. John 11:33Jesus wept. John 11:35Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. John 11:38During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7“Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:39-40Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a Divine work of art, something that God is making, and therefore something with which He will not be satisfied until it has a certain character. ~C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain“Unanswered prayer _______”Jesse – each of the following statements should be a slide:Strengthens faith in trusting a big God. ~CindyHelps me understand that it’s all in HIS time not mine… because eventually it will be answered ~Bill…teaches me to be patient, rely on God’s provision and trust in the Lord. ~ Jennifer…reminds me that I don’t control God. Which is unfortunately a necessary reminder. ~PaigeChanges my heart. ~Barb…the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds…“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” John 12:24-28For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. John 6:38Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:40“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33pray continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” ~Helen KellerAs Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” John 9:1-2 NLT“What do you want me to do for you? “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Luke 18:41 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him...I am the light of the world.” John 9:3,5The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. Ezekiel 18:20.“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus. “But so that the works of God might be displayed in him, as long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me.” John 9:3-4“God had not made the man blind in order to show his glory; rather, God has sent Jesus to do works of healing in order to show his glory.” ~Gary M. Burge After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). John 9:6-7aSo the man went and washed, and came home seeing. John 9:7bHis neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked,…“How then were your eyes opened?” John 9:8…the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight… John 9:15A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:24-25 “Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. John 9:30-34Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. John 9:35-38Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. John 8:39-41Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16
Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. John 4:46-47 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” John 4:48-49“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” John 4:50-52Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee. John 4:53-54Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” John 2:23-24 NLTOnce more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. John 4:46-47 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” John 4:48-49Then Jesus told [Thomas], “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. John 4:50 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” John 4:51-52Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. John 4:53Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
A miracle: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment; an event manifesting divine intervention, a wonderful occurrence. Merriam WebsterOn the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:3-5Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so,” John 2:6-8and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:9-10“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life; and have it to the full.” John 10:10What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:11“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. John 2:1-2“Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:3-5Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. They did so,” John 2:6-8and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” John 2:9-10What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:11Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’” Matthew 25:37-39 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:19“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matthew 25:34
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Galatians 6:1-3Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Galatians 6:4-6Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:25-26“…use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1“…whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister…” Matthew 12:50…you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently… Galatians 6:1Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:4If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Galatians 6:3Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else… Galatians 6:4For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10For each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:5“…whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Galatians 6:6
Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:8-9…the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. Romans 4:16Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us, we were placed under guard by the law. We were kept in protective custody, so to speak, until the way of faith was revealed. Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. Galatians 3:23-24 NLTNow that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. Galatians 3:25“We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. …Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Acts 13:32-33, 38For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child... Galatians 4:5-7 NLTThere is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28“Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who hast not made me a gentile. Blessed art Thou … who hast not made me a slave. Blessed art Thou … who hast not made me a woman.” - Rabbi Judah ben Elai (150 A.D.)Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:3-6If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29 …God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:7b
Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia: Galatians 1:1-2[I was] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee…as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. Philippians 3:5-6…intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. Galatians 1:13-14[Saul] fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:4-6…sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead… Galatians 1:1See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! Galatians 6:11You’ve been rescuedGrace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5God so loved the world that he gave (dídomi) his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 1 Corinthians 7:23Some will try to enslave you again.I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7IMAGE: PESEVERATION – man walking in circlesAvoid the two paths to "do it yourself" grace Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:26-27 “…a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ…because by the works of the law no one will be justified! …If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.” Galatians 2:16, 18For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:14What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Romans 6:1-2If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:10My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:21You’re free forever“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36Use your freedom! For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
FREEDOM • mariners church chapel THE PRICE OF FREEDOM Acts 13 There’s no such thing as a free lunch Our freedom fighter “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19 § Jesus: The promise “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. Acts 13:32-33a § Jesus: The everlasting Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead…God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. Acts 13:28-30,37 § Jesus: The treasure “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 It cost Jesus; it’s just given to YOU for free
Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time. Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. SocratesYou have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. Job 14:5 NLTBe very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you…and you will be a blessing...and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21Nothing had been left of the army of Jehoahaz except fifty horsemen, ten chariots and ten thousand foot soldiers, for the king of Aram had destroyed the rest and made them like the dust at threshing time. 2 Kings 13:7“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram. So the Israelites lived in their own homes as they had before. 2 Kings 13:4-5“…they did not turn away from the sins…they continued in them. Also, the Asherah pole remained standing in Samaria” 2 Kings 13:6Now Elisha had been suffering from the illness from which he died. Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him. “My father! My father!” he cried. “The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” 2 Kings 13:14Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 2 Kings 13:15-16“Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.” 2 Kings 13:17Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 2 Kings 13:18“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.” 2 Kings 13:19-20aBring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the [windows] of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” Malachi 3:10(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Did you know that the Bible talks a lot about money (about 2,350 verses), more than verses on faith and prayer, combined! And Jesus said more about money than about both heaven and hell. God cares a great deal about how we feel about money and possessions. God knows that we are all prone to greed, no matter how much or how little we have. God wants us to live in freedom, because He is our provider and he knows what we need.Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples… Luke 12:1Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Luke 12:13Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Luke 12:14Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Ephesians 5:5 NLTAnd he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.” Luke 12:16“He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ Luke 12:17-19“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ Luke 12:20Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. Psalm 39:6“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows…Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:6-7,32For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year.” ― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape LettersDo you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 1 Corinthians 10:5-6Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Corinthians 10:7-10These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that on one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:12-13Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2aSo, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13“I know God won’t give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.” –Mother TheresaThanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 1 Corinthians 10:14 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others…For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,33b, 11:1 “A new command I give you: Love one
Luke 17:3-19 tells the story of Jesus healing ten men of leprosy, and giving to one of them, the one who said, "Thank you", an even greater gift. Today, Ines answers the question: How to develop a heartfelt gratitude that is not attached to our circumstances?Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Luke 11:11-13When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. Luke 11:14One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Luke 11:15-16Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul directs us to always be thankful through Jesus Christ. Today, Ines answers the question: How does taking communion helps us shift from occasional thanksgiving to a life of gratitude?Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17“The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them.”G.K. Chesterton, Writer, Poet, Lay Theologian, NovelistAnd whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17eucharistéō = To be grateful, thankful, to give thanksFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve…While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:20, 26-28“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 1 John 6:35You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18…The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Isaiah 55 reminds us that God has promised us joy, a joy that endures through the high and low moments of life. Today, Ines answers the question: How do I get and hold on to joy?As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Psalm 126:1-2aThen it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:2b-3Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev. Psalm 126:4Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5-6When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Psalm 126:1-2aMany times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. He caused all who held them captive to show them mercy. Psalm 106:43-46Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:2b-3So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6Restore our fortunes, LORD, like streams in the Negev. Psalm 126:4“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5-6And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:2b-3Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
Psalm 121 reminds us that we shall never lose hope because God is alive and he keeps his promises. Today, Ines answers the question: How do I remain hopeful, especially in the waiting? The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”–“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” Mark 1:1-3In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Isaiah 2:2You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31-33 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-3Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. Colossians 1:15-19Jesus, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:36,42I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13“Faith knows for whom and for what it is waiting. It is fulfilled faith because it lays hold of the fulfilled promise.” -Karl Barth I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Running a Marathon On the side line: naysayers, doubters and haters But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. Nehemiah 4:7•Their weapons: ridicule, anger, attacksThey all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. Nehemiah 4:8•The aim: discourage, destroyAlso our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” Nehemiah 4:11•Their tactic: persistence Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” Nehemiah 4:12Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8On the race: step by step with God•PrayHear us, our God, for we are despised…We prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah 4:4a,9They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9On the race,•Remember After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14•Focus, fight the right fight Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were scheming to harm me; so I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer. Nehemiah 6:2-4•Trust Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. Nehemiah 4:20-21For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:7Beyond the finish line So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:16Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
You can’t eat walls Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain… Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.” Nehemiah 5:1-2, 5Nehemiah’s alarm When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. Nehemiah 5:6A heart restoration I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are charging your own people interest!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them and said: “As far as possible, we have bought back our fellow Jews who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your own people, only for them to be sold back to us!” They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say. Nehemiah 5:7-8•Blessed to be a blessing“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing....and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:2-3•Love for people“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them...Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you.” Leviticus 25:35-36The flow of wisdom So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest! Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them—one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.” Nehemiah 5:9-11Starts with GodFor where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:16-18Leads to justiceThen Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Mark 3:4-5Food for life“We will give it back,” they said. “And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.” Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised...the whole assembly said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised. Nehemiah 5:12-13 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
PositionMoreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year—twelve years—neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. Nehemiah 5:14The great outcry of the peopleNow the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.” Nehemiah 5:1-2The reality of injustice by others But the earlier governors—those preceding me—placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. Nehemiah 5:15Motive •Reverence for GodBut out of reverence for God I did not act like that. Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land. Nehemiah 5:15b-16•Justice and compassion Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people. Nehemiah 5:17-18Reward Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people. Nehemiah 5:19(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19“Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” Isaiah 55:3In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. Luke 2:1,3-4He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:5While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:8-10For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-3, 10Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12[Jesus] who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:6-7“He so loved us that for our sake, He was made a man in time, although through him all times were made. He was made who made man. He was created of a mother whom he created. He was held by hands that he formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.” Augustine, Sermon 188, 2.The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:15So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had be
Building for the futureThen I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18The purpose of the workBeautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. Psalm 48:2To work well with others, put God first Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them. The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Nehemiah 3:1-3God uses ordinary people willing to work •Priests•Men, Women, Sons, Daughters•Craftsmen, Goldsmith, Perfume makers•Governors, Rulers, Merchants•ServantsYou did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:16(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
A mission from God, through us, for other peopleThe words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:1-2They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. Nehemiah 1:1-2See 8 photos (I will run through them fairly quickly, but as soon as I start talking about camping, put up Camping 1 and 2 and hold #2 for a while as I set up the glamping metaphor.)“Christians are like manure: you leave them all in one pile and it stinks, but if you spread it out it makes things grow.” -Francis ChanThey said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3“Bad news is the genesis of breakthroughs.” –Caleb Anderson, Favor with Kings, pg. 37The Babylonians set fire to the royal palace and the houses of the people and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 39:8“I [King Artaxerxes] issued an order and a search was made, and it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition…Now issue an order to these men to stop work, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order.” Ezra 4:19-21 “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” –C.S. LewisWhen I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people… Romans 9:1-4aWhen [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:36-38For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4b…As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalomwould reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved inthis way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and sohe stole the hearts of the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:5-6…“Look your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you…If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” 2 Samuel 15:3-4A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are withAbsalom.” 2 Samuel 15:13 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing. 2 Samuel 15:12Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem,“Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leaveimmediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and putthe city to the sword.” 2 Samuel 15:14The king’s officials answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever ourlord the king chooses.” 2 Samuel 15:15The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom…Go back, and take your people with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.” But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.” 2 Samuel 15:19-21Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I findfavor in the LORD’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwellingplace again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let himdo to me whatever seems good to him.” 2 Samuel 15:25-26But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 18:33When they hurled their insults at him, [Jesus] did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. 2 Samuel 18:5 “Have faith in God…And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:22,25“The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.” 2 Samuel 12:13(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests…The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. Nehemiah 2:8-9I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. Nehemiah 2:11-12The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Nehemiah 2:13Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace. I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing? they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king? Nehemiah 2:19A mission from God is always met with resistance“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:18, 20I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding...” Nehemiah 2:20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38“In the past few years, I’ve observed an epidemic of sorts: patient after patient suffering from the same condition. The symptoms of this condition include fatigue, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, heartburn, bowel disturbances, back pain, and weight gain. There are no blood tests or X-rays diagnostic of this condition, and yet it’s easy to recognize. The condition is excessive busyness.” Dr. Susan KovenMany are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs: “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 2 Samuel 23:1-2The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ 2 Samuel 23:3-4“If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. 2 Samuel 23:5But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.” 2 Samuel 23:6-7After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.” 2 Samuel 7:1-3But that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.” 2 Samuel 7:4-6Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 2 Samuel 7:7“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 2 Samuel 7:8“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. 2 Samuel 7:9-10Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you.’” 2 Samuel 7:11“‘When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever…Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” 2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have fo
Anchor ScriptureI pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19Read through Scriptures:That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” 1 Samuel 21:10-11David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. 1 Samuel 21:12-13Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?” 1 Samuel 21:14-15David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him. 1 Samuel 22:1-2After removing Saul, [God] made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ Acts 13:22David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” 1 Samuel 21:1That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” 1 Samuel 21:10-11David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. 1 Samuel 21:12-13For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 Achish said to his servants, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me? Am I so short of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man come into my house?” 1 Samuel 21:14-15David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him. 1 Samuel 22:1-2Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack…When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:1-4Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:3-4…We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that h
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:13-14
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:15-16
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5:14
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:15-16
Chiastic pattern:
A: prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well
B: pray for each other so that you may be healed
A: prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective
PRAYER HEALS!
Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man...When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:3-5
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20
The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. James 5:15
(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.” 2 Samuel 12:1-3“Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.” 2 Samuel 12:4David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.” 2 Samuel 12:5-6Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more.’ 2 Samuel 12:7-8‘Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ 2 Samuel 12:9-10I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled “to the measure” of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1Bad for you now: You lose thingsThe LORD sent Nathan to David…Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?” 2 Samuel 12:1-9aBad for you later: You gain consequences‘Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ 2 Samuel 12:10What to do instead: Repent, seek after God’s heartThen David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” 2 Samuel 12:13I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Psalm 38:18Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:1-2, 10If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Psalm 32:1-2(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27Read through Scriptures (James 2:1-13):My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:2-4Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? James 2:5-7If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:8-9For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. James 2:10-11Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1…if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:9 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Deuteronomy 10:17If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right…Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:8,13bRead through slides (James 2:14-26):What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James 2:14Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:15-17But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:18-19You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:20-22And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. James 2:23-24In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:25-26What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? James
Would you rather have knowledge or wisdom?“Wisdom is, I suppose, the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” The Fourfold Treasure (1871) Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds(A) and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:14-16 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20“When the devil speaks a lie, it is bad. When he uses the world to perpetrate a lie, it is worse. But, when the members of the church become his instruments to spread devilish wisdom, it is the worst of all situations.” Simon J. Kistemaker and William Hendriksen, Exposition of James and the Epistles of JohnBut the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17“If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees! Vance HavnerWhere then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky…God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells…then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:20-21,23,27-28The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. Psalm 111:10I [wisdom] love those who love me, and those who seek me find me…For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death. Proverbs 8:17, 35-36If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me,saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Psalm 42:10Scripture Read through:Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:1-2When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:3-4Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James 3:9-12Teaching Slides:Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. James 3:2 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:3-4Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” Matthew 15:11All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8“All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Romans 3:12-14With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3:9-10Do no
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For Godcannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. v.13But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9-11The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. v.14A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… Galatians 5:17Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. v.15Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Psalm 7:14Image slide: spiraltext-01.pngDon’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. v.16…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all theflaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Colossians 3:1-4Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. v.17-18Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:20-21And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan?” Mark 3:22-23“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” Mark 3:24-27“Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” Mark 3:28-30Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Mark 3:31-33Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:34-35When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” Mark 3:21And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Mark 3:22Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” Mark 3:1-32 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Mark 3:33Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:34-35“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:37“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. Mark 10:29-30Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:4-6aThis is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
Life gives us many choices. In this episode Ines teaches us about the most importaint choice that Jesus teaches us about.“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Matthew 7:15-16Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:17-20“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29 “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13b-14 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:9-10 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 “Enter through the narrow gate.” Matthew 7:13a “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Ines teaches us how we can become more attractive as Christians by learning how to judge corectly rather than be critical followers of Jesus. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” John 4:24Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Leviticus 19:15 “You have judged correctly” Luke 7:43 “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” Romans 2:1David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity. Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!...” 2 Samuel 12:5-7aHave mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Psalm 51:1-3 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge…Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:4,10Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12…“Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:39-42 “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:43-45“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:1-5But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:6-8Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13
Bending under the pressureOn a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. Luke 13:10-11•The serpent’s venom Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1•God’s cure Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17Called to freedomWhen Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Luke 13:12-13Three faces of freedom•Mary – blessed, favored, grace Luke 1:26-33•Rahab – mercy, kindness Joshua 2:1-14•Peter’s mother in law – life, generosity Luke 4:38-39Radiant, Joyful and Free! Once you are free, don’t look back!•Lot’s wife – longing, consumed, dead Genesis 19:15-17,26Choose freedom everyday•The Snake and Paul Acts 28:1-6I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:19-20…and immediately she straightened up and praised God(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Today Ines challenges us to put our faith in action and live to the full potential that God has created us for!“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:13-17“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:31-33“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom...For I was…”•“hungry and you gave me something to eat” •“thirsty and you gave me something to drink”•“a stranger and you invited me in”•“needed clothes and you clothed me”•“sick and you looked after me”•“in prison and you came to visit me.”“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we…? “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40"When you give away extravagant love, people feel like they've met heaven." Bob Goff, Love DoesOur Mission:Inspire people to follow Jesus and fearlessly change the world“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world…I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:18,22-23(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life to pay for our worldly sins so that we could have eternal life. Yet we still fear death as though it is “The End”. What if that ending is only truly the first beginning? John 12:23-33 reminds us that Jesus is more alive today than ever. When we follow him faithfully, we can experience His gift of abundant life now and forever. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
What is love? If you ask multiple people this question, you will receive multiple answers. In the Book of Ruth, we learn of love and its many facets of loyalty, sacrifice and faith. This podcast demonstrates how following your faith in Jesus will keep you on the path of true love. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Advice on relationships and how to make or break them is found on nearly every magazine cover in the grocery store. There never seems to be advice on the most important relationship in your life, the one you have with Jesus. In Genesis 2 & 3, we explore our relationship to God and how it informs the way we should relate to one another. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Priorities. Every day we awake to our set task list in our minds. Get out of Bed, Go to work, Eat dinner, etc. But in our daily routine and habits, how often do you prioritize God? In Mark 10:21-27, we discover how Jesus wants us to prioritize our faith above our daily comforts and truly devote our lives to our Lord. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
In your day to day life, do you get the feeling that you need something more? Is your soul thirsty for God’s love and guidance? Today as we study Pslam 63 (My favorite passage!), we explore the desire to have God in our lives and as our guiding force. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Equality is a consistently hot topic in the media. When you get down to it, respecting others is at the root of equality. 1 Peter 2:16-17 tells us to not only show proper respect for all of God’s creatures, but to use this as a positive tool in your daily life and practices. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
During the holiday season we are reminded to live with thanks in our hearts and lead our lives with a purpose. Why are we not prompted to celebrate this virtue year round? Today Isaiah 40 shows us that with the abundant hope God has given us, we can survive and thrive in any situation that comes our way at any time of the year. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
The choices we make every day reveal our identity and truth. Romans 8 tells us that as children of God, our choices are made in the spirit of Him. When you identify in the truth of Christ, every decision you make is in “step with the Spirit” (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We have all heard the saying that appearances can be deceiving, and it is what is on the inside that truly matters. Do you allow God to shape you instead of the world? Looking at Romans 12, we reflect on how we can offer ourselves to him as an instrument of our faith and live a practical life in his light. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Do you feel like you have more than enough peace in your life? In the songs of this Christmas season, we hear the message to “let there be peace on earth.” As we reflect on at Isaiah 9.6 we are reminded that as children of God we walk with peace everyday. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Sometime we try to pick and choose the laws of God that we like or suit us at that time. In Romans 7 we seek to better understand the law, sin and how those correlate with our daily walk with the Lord. Paul lays out a very powerful message in Romans to give us a better understanding of God’s law in our life. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
The Lord has spoken into our lives and thankfully, we are continually reminded of the truths the Lord has set forth for us. We take this week to read through the gospel chapters, so we can be reminded that we are not at war with God. How can we be at peace with God when the world wants to help us forget that we are at peace with God. There is nothing we can add to God’s grace as we take a look at Romans 5 - God’s love being poured out for us giving us an unshakable hope. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
This week we learn by example how we are to follow Jesus through some of his initial followers. Don’t we wish we felt at ease telling others about God and our journey? We need guidance when telling others and we have a God who wants to guide us. Looking at Psalm 32:8, the Lord speaks to us directly and tells us how he will show us the way. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We follow the story of two men in the bible who hear the story to Jesus’ resurrection and flee away from the city. Away from Jesus and choose a different path. When do we know we are on “the not so good” road and can we change our path or find our way back? Where have you found yourself on “the not so good” road in your life? Jesus finds us here and minsters to us, guiding us back to the path that was originally marked out. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
In those moments in life where something has left such a profound mark on us, good or bad, how can we be affirmed that God is watching over us. We look to the book of Psalms to see a great example of where God is when life happens and His unending kindness. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
When we want to seek God’s voice and we are ready to listen but God seems silent, how can we be encouraged to keep listening? We look to numerous people in the bible who were struggling with this same issue and how they chose to handle their predicament. We will see that some chose to handle it wisely and others less so. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We can enjoy reading the bible because we love God’s word, not because we should feel guilty for not reading it. This week we try to discern how God speaks to us through his word; opposed to, how the evil one try’s to deceive us. Only when we can identify the difference between the two can we know which one to trust. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Struggling with distractions, we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us what our identity is supposed to be. Today we discuss how we can reset our identity during the week and understand what our identity truly is through Christ. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
In this message Ines Franklin and Kenton Beshore, Lead Pastor of Mariners Church, Irvine, deliver a powerful message honoring the beauty and bravery of being a woman and a mother. (Mariners Church, Irvine, CA)
In order to understand the importance of Palm Sunday, we first need to understand the big picture. This week we study the events leading up to Palm Sunday to better grasp how and why this day unfolds through scripture. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Starting off in the book of Genesis to understand God’s intention for judgement and how we are to understand its meaning. We study the differences between how God has said we are to judge and how we tend to judge. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Jesus gives us the feeling of completeness and fullness. Ines Franklin digs deep into the sermon on the mount and how Jesus shows us that the key to living life to the fullest is through the power of prayer. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
This message tackles the difficult topics of divorce and adultery. This week we visit the book of Matthew and dig deeper into the sermon on the mount. Through Jesus sermon we can learn that He wants us to be happy but the way we are looking for it isn’t the correct way. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We are born with the right to be happy but we are in a constant pursuit. We explore the ways the people tend to look at happiness, research of happiness, defining it and if it is something that is actually achievable by the worlds standards. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
How can we prepare our hearts and our minds to have fruitful and productive lives in the upcoming year. We look this week at how God defines being productive and fruitful so we can live it out; as well as, reflect on ways we could have lived differently in this past year. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
The joy in our hearts can only be increased by our Lord and Savior. In times that the world tries to tell us how we can have joy. This week we learn how to truly increase joy in our lives and avoid the pitfalls of false happiness and in doing so we must first know the difference between happiness and joy. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We are always obsessed with time. This can be another pitfall keeping us from experiencing God’s love. We look at the book of Exodus to see how we can use our time more effectively in a way that is honoring to God. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Understanding what keeps us from experiencing God’s love and what gets in the way of us loving our neighbor. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and this get’s in the way of loving ourselves and loving others the way God calls us to love them. Comparison can offer perspective and it can help us feel grateful but there can be pitfalls that damage our sense of self. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We need to love our neighbor because we need it for our survival. God calls us to settle down and be prosperous together in community. It’s so easy for us to be that bad neighbor. This week we take a look at ways we can be a loving neighbor because we have been placed around one another for God’s purpose. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Today we are going to focus on how temptation is the pitfall that we all struggle with. We take a look in the book of James to better understand how Jesus’s brother deals with temptation and how we can be mindful of the cycle of temptation after we have persevered through our struggles. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
It is essential to identify the telltale signs of temptation triggers in our lives but most of us haven’t taken the time to step back and discern what the enemy is trying to use against us. Evil crafts meticulous lures of desire to deceive us off the path of the wise and onto a path of insecurity and anger. That’s not the life we want. Let’s equip one another to be mindful of temptation and overcome it. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine)
After spending three weeks in Sri Lanka and India with our ministry friends there, my husband and I were reminded of the importance of relationship. In this sermon, I share a little bit about the trip and about how important it is to seek wisdom from God through a close relationship with Him. I am convinced that the only way to discern God's will is to live in a close relationship with God. I was so excited to share a preview of the result of my nine year study about discerning the will of God: four practical ways to discern God's will even through life's most challenging seasons. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
For most of us, surrendering to God is a daily struggle. We respond to God's faithfulness in one of three ways: with faith that is willing; with faith that is willing but with conditions; and with faith that is unwilling. Thankfully, our lack of faith does not change God; but, it changes us. The story in Judges 4 and 5 is a great example of this, and thus it encourages us to increase our willingness to trust God. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We love heroes! The Bible tells great stories of heroes and villains. In this sermon, we study the story of Samson. We soon learn that he was his own worse enemy. He was wonderfully human, like you and me. Nevertheless, God used Samson's strengths and weaknesses. This EPIC story reminds us that God can use us, ordinary folks, to do extraordinary things. It's never too late. God never leaves us nor forsakes us. Jesus is our ultimate hero. He has work for us to do. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Jesus is waiting at the very place where we run to hide. He never forces himself on us, but he has a way of interrupting our thoughts and actions with truth and love. Sometimes our past mistakes lure us to disqualify ourselves from his love and calling. But, God’s ways are greater than ours are. The story of the woman at the well reminds us how much Jesus loves us and how far he will go to offer us new life. (Mission Lutheran Church, Laguna Niguel, CA)
It seems impossible to change the world, but what if you’ve been selected to change one life? God has called you. He gives you the authority and power. Now go! Change the life of a family member, a neighbor, co-worker, the dry-cleaning lady, housekeeper, or a friend. It is now your time. Jesus wants to be with you and to send you. He believes that you can be and do like him. Yes, you can change one world. It will change yours. Are you willing? (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
I grew up wanting to write my own story. My idea of success was owning a Jaguar by the time I was thirty and having my picture included the Encyclopedia Britannica. Lame Jesus called Levi, he called me, he calls you, to a bigger story. Follow Jesus. Don't settle for anything less! (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine CA)
In Luke 5, we read of a leper who does the unthinkable. He, an "unclean," unlovable, dishonored, rejected man, approaches Jesus. With bold humility he asks, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." We can learn so much from this story. All of us pray, but few of us are willing to pray boldly, and so often we do not pray with humility. Are we afraid that our requests might be unreasonable? Are we afraid that God is not able or willing to answer our prayer? Are we refusing to humble ourselves? But, what if – because He loves us – he is not only willing, but he is waiting for us to ask? (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine CA)
Communion helps us remember who Jesus is, and what he did and continues to do. At Mariners Church Chapel, we celebrate Communion every Sunday. The danger for us who take communion regularly is that we can easily make it routine and lose sight of its meaning and importance. If we do not take the time to remember, this tradition soon becomes an “empty” ritual or tradition. It’s pretty easy to take Communion for granted, to get used to celebrating it and not take the time to make sure you are going into the Lord’s Supper with the right frame of mind. Before we take Communion, we need to spend some time reflecting on these two questions: "Who is Jesus" and "What did Jesus come to do?" (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
Have you ever thought of confession as a celebration? Our personal "fellowship" with God depends on a clear recognition of our human nature, as well as a proper estimate of the nature of God as revealed by his Son Jesus Christ. Confession is a reality check. It connects us with our inability to save ourselves, with God's gracious willingness to save us, with the enormous price that was paid for us and with the gratitude that should fill our hearts. When we confess, we celebrate God's grace. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine CA)
In a world that over promises and under-delivers, where suffering seems to be on the rise, we all need hope. The Christian hope is rooted in the work of salvation completed by our Triune God. Do we understand it? Will it pass the test of suffering? Can we get more of it? In this sermon, Ines explores how it is, as Paul tell us, that we can increase our hope even when we experience great suffering. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
None of us are perfect parents, but we all have a perfect heavenly Father. We can learn from God how to care for children and make a positive difference in their lives. Ines preaches on material compiled by Doug Fields. From his thirty years of experience as a youth and young adult pastor, Doug compiled ten actions children need from caring adults. Here Ines covers the last four and also shares from her own experiences. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
We are designed by God to be in relationship with Him and each other. But, let's face it, relationships are messy and love is not always easy. We want to love people, but our love is limited, compromised and imperfect. Through sharing from her personal stories and the study of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Ines Franklin shares how it is possible to love like God loves. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
By the second week in December, we all feel the pressure of the Christmas holiday season. There is so much to do, so much busyness, that we can easily miss the reason for Christmas. Ines takes us through the story in Luke 2:22-40. Joseph and Mary are following the rules in taking Jesus to the Temple, but they have a surprise encounter with a couple of strangers, Simeon and Anna. What they offer Joseph and Mary is something we desperately need. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
No matter how you feel about the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we are all going to feel the pressure of what I call the runaway train of "more." We will see more, do more, eat more, buy more, give more, stress more and maybe weigh more. If we are not careful, this tsunami of more can do a lot of harm to our hearts. Ines Franklin seeks to remind us of the natural human tendency and danger of wanting more and to invite us to grab hold of the only antidote against it, GRATITUDE. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
At the root of any waiting lies a promise. Something was pledged or committed to us. There are two ways to wait, passive waiting or active waiting. For this message, we're going to look back at how God makes and keeps his promises. We're going to consider how we are to actively wait until his promises come true. When it comes to Jesus, some of us are deep in passive waiting. It is my desire that today's message will shift us to active waiting. (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)
It is not Easter and we are not talking about a funeral, but this message is about the Resurrection. Every day is a good day to talk about the resurrection of Jesus Christ because it affects us here and now. Believing in the resurrection means that we can trust on God to bring new life to a dead marriage or a broken relationship. He wan restore a shattered heart and save us from our additions. This message is about leaning on the power of the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit. I gave it just a few days after my mother-in-law died of a sudden heart attack. Amazing! (Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)