Rightly Dividing the Truth – Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brad Carr
Last episode we looked at not being a "Sunday" Christian. Our biggest point was that we needed to change who we are on the inside so that who we are on the outside will reflect it. This week we are going to look at the idea of dying to ourselves spiritually. We are going to see the challenge that puts in front of us, but we are also going to discover the joy it can bring our life. We also will discover the idea of dying to self isn't some helpful advice, it is a command that if not obeyed will lead us to a life with no fulfillment in the end.
Verses Used In This Episode:
Luke 9:23 - 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Galatians 2:20 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Ephesians 4:22-24 - 22 to put off your old self,[a] which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. John 12:24 - 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 Timothy 2:11-12-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode we look at the "Sunday Only " Christian. We see how easy it is for us to fall into the trap of being the person we aught to be on Sundays when we are around other Christians, but then living as we want the other days of the week. We discover that God's plan doesn't involve days off. We don't get time-outs. Instead the challenge of the Christian is to actually become "a Christian". This means our entire lives become centered around God and His will. Yet in our hectic world we live in this is becoming less and less the norm.
Verses used in this episode:
Colossians 1:10 - 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Philippians 2:12 - 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, Matthew 7:21-23 - 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Luke 9:23 - And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Memory verse for Sunday ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Galatians 2:20--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode we look at helping the hurt and broken. We see 4 important keys to helping those who are beat down or crushed. We learn that often speaking is our first mistake. We also see the story of Job and how he handled his broken heart. Each of us have people in our lives who need someone to reach out to them. We have those we know and care about who are struggling greatly with a broken heart or deep depression. Come along as we learn how we can be the Christian friend we are suppose to be.
Verses Used In this Episode:
Romans 12:15 - 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Job 2:11-13 - 11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.
Job 4:5-8 - But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. 6 Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?
7 “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished? Where were the upright ever destroyed? 8 As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
Proverbs 25:20 - Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
Jeremiah 6:14 - They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6 - 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
Hebrews 4:16 - 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 7:25 - 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[a] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Job 42:10 - 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Galatians 6:2 - 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:3-4 - 3 Do 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.
Matthew 25:34-40 -
34 “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. 35 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, 36 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.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,
In this episode we look at the idea of Not Reading God's Word........................................... DOOOOO WHHHHAATTTTTTT!!!!
Yea I know pump the breaks we gonna be ok. We decide to look at the idea of no longer reading God's Word only but actually learning it. We learn that we can easily read the Bible and never learn it, but we can never learn it without reading it. We see that many people have great Zeal for God, but yet do so without a real knowledge of Him or His plan for us. Learning God's Word involves truly seeing the entire plan of scripture and allowing it to change who we are inside. We must dig deep to understand the entirety of God's plan in our lives and then live it accordingly. We see that a lack of knowledge will only lead to our eventual condemnation. But we also learn our true knowledge of His Word will help guide our lives and those we come in contact with.
Verses used in this episode:
Romans 1:21-23 - For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 10:1-4 - Brothers,[a] my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.[b] Hosea 4:5-6 - You shall stumble by day; the prophet also shall stumble with you by night; and I will destroy your mother.My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. 1 Peter 3:15 - 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 2:15 - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Memory Verse for Thursday -------------------------------------------------------------------- John 16:22
In this episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we look at seeking and saving the Lost. We look at Matthew and see Christ sitting with Tax Collectors and Sinners. We learn that Christ is the great physician coming to save the sick. But we also see that we too must seek to save the sick. We see that saving the sick involves us telling them what is wrong with them. We discover that the world will hate us because of this, and will call us haters, bigots and judgemental. Yet we see that unless we are willing to call sin what it is we can not truly save the sick. Instead they will continue to live in sin that seperates them from God and will eventually send their souls to eternity in Hell.
We realize that we must love each and every person we come in contact with, but we also discover the Christian can not love sin or anything evil. Please listen in as we see the power of saving the sick from the grasp of the devil.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 9:10-12: 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
Matthew 5:43-44 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Romans 5:8 - But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 12:9 - Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.
Jude 1:23 - Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals
Proverbs 13:20 - He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
1 Corinthians 5:11 - But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one
Psalms 26:4-5 - I do not sit with deceitful men, Nor will I go with pretenders. I hate the assembly of evildoers, And I will not sit with the wicked.
Memory Verse for Tomorrow ----------------------------------------- Romans 1:21-23-----------------------------------------------------------------
While it may sound like the lamest excuse on the planet, it has been and will continue to be used by the homosexual community for years to come. Its sounds much like something I would say as a child when I was caught by a parent. "But dad, I know what you said, but mom never said I couldn't". I think I may have tried that once, wanna guess how that turned out for me. Yet in light of the recent decision by the supreme court, I'd like to spend some time today giving you all the ammo you need to defend against this argument. Because Christ didn't say you can't in the words you may be looking for, doesn't mean he said you can, in the words you once again may be looking for.
Verses used in this episode:
John 16:12-13 - 12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Romans 1:26-28 - 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Jude 1:6-7 - 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day-- 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Matthew 19:3-6 - 3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful to divorce one's wife for any cause?" 4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
Memory Verse for Next Week ----------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew 9:10-11----------------------------------------------------------
In this weeks episode we look at the idea of persecution. We often act surprised when the Christian life gets difficult. We wonder if God is paying attention or if maybe He has forgotten that we are on His side. Yet those thoughts are far from scriptural. We instead see a promised life far from perfection on this earth. We aren't promised rainbows and gumdrops on a daily basis, but instead challenges and hills to climb. The faster we see this in God's Word the quicker we can begin to accept it. The faster we begin to accept it the quicker we can grow because of it.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 5:10-12
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 2 Timothy 3:12
12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Galatians 1:10
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant[a] of Christ.
Romans 12:2
2 Do not be conformed to this world,[a] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.[b]
John 15:18-25
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’[c]
Matthew 10:16-23
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Memory Verse for Next Week ------------------------------------------ Matthew 19:4-6
In this episode of Rightly Dividing The Truth we look at the idea of being a Peacemaker. We see that God brought Peace into this world through the giving of His Son on the Cross. We learn that in ourselves peace can never exist without the blood of Christ. We must long for His peace through our obedience of His will. When we do chose to obey Him, we can finally have the peace we long for.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 5:9 - 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Romans 15:33 - 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Isaiah 2:3, 4 - 3 and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
John 20:19 - 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
Colossians 1:19, 20 - 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Ephesians 2:11-17 - 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands-- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
Romans 7:18-25 - 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 5:1 - 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:22 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Romans 12:18 - 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
James 4:1-3 - 1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder.
In this episode we look at being Pure in Heart. We see that what comes out of a man, is what is on the inside. We learn that changing our actions involves first changing our hearts. We learn that it is possible to change the heart, and that if we do not judgment is coming for us. We see the importance of what God looks at verses what man looks at, and we determine to change ourselves from the inside out, starting right now.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 5:8 - 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
I Samuel 16:7 - 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
Matthew 12:34 - 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Mark 7:20-23 - 20 And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Acts 26:9, 10 - 9 "I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them.
Romans 6:17 - 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,
James 4:8 - 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
II Timothy 2:22 - 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Ephesians 3:17 - 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Matthew 15:8 - 8 "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;
Matthew 22:37 - 37 And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Acts 8:21 - 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.
Memory Verse for Next Week --------------------------------------------- Matthew 5:9-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we look at the idea of being Merciful.
We see Websters definition of Mercy as:
a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment
b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion
b : a fortunate circumstance
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress
Better yet we see the greatest example of Mercy being shown by God, in the giving of His Son and His death to make our sins right. But we also learn what it means for us to be Merciful. We Learn that we too must be willing to show compassion to those who have wronged us, or even to those who are living against God. Because that Mercy we show on this earth will be the Mercy shown to us on judgment day.
Verses used in this podcast:
Matthew 5:7 - “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Matthew 9:13 - Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Hebrew 4:16 - Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Matthew 7:1-2 - 1"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
Ephesians 2:4-5 - 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Titus 3:4-6 - 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Memory Verse for Next Episode --------------------------------------------------------- Matthew 5:8----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In tonight's episode we learn what it really means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We see that often we attempt to fill empty holes in our lives with all the wrong things. And no matter how much we fill those empty holes, we always end up wanting more. Yet desiring God's Word is the one thing able to make us whole. It is the one thing able to fill every desire we may have. We see the example of Christ, who was filled with the Word of God and desired nothing more than to continue to obey it. We also take some time to seek forgiveness for desiring things other than God, and put ourselves on the right path from this day forward.
Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 4:1-4 - Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
John 19:28 - After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”
Hebrews 4:15 - 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
1 Corinthians 10:31 - 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Psalms 42:1-2 - As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?[b]
Psalms 34:8 - Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Memory verse for Thursday --------------------------------------------------- Matthew 5:7-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode we look at the idea of being Meek. We learn that Meekness isn't weakness. We learn that Meekness isn't being downtrodden or uncourageous. No instead we see that Meekness is gentleness. Its the characteristic that Moses had more than anyone else on earth. Its the characteristic that Christ uses to describe himself. We learn that Meekness is the key to winning souls, both our own and those around us.
Verses used in this podcast:
Matthew 5:5 - Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Titus 3:2 - 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Galatians 6:1 - 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.
2 Timothy 2:25-26 - Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
James 1:21 - 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
3 John 1:9-11 -9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
Numbers 12:3 - 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)
Matthew 11:28-30 - 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Philippians 3:3-14 - 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 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; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Hosea 6:1 - “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.
Memory Verse for Tomorrow ---------------------------------------...
In this episode we continue our study of the Beatitudes. We take a look at the idea of those who Mourn. We learn that mourning is far more then sorrow over the loss of a loved one. Though we do see a need for comforting even during those times of our life, Christ appears to be speaking about something far more important here. Instead Christ is talking about the feeling we should truly have toward sin. We often look at the idea of sin and think, "yea that's bad, it probably shouldn't be a part of my life." Yet the Bible is very clear on the Christians real attitude toward sin, sorrow and grief. We must see how deadly sin is in our lives. We must come to the understanding of how much was given for us to overcome the death of sin. Because of that knowledge we can not feel anything but sorrow and mourning for our sinful situation and the sinful situation of the world. But that mourning causes a repentance in our lives today, and a desire to help all those around us be comforted by the salvation offered only in Christ. Verses Used in this podcast:
2 Corinthians 1:4 - who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Matthew 5:8 Proverbs 28:13 - Whoever xconceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who yconfesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Isaiah 66:2 - cAll these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. 2 Corinthians 7:10 - For xgodly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas yworldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 5:21 - qFor our sake he made him to be sin rwho knew no sin, so that in him we might become sthe righteousness of God. Philippians 2:1-4 - If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit,1 if any tenderness and compassion
×
References for Philippians 2:1
Cross References
1 2:1 - 2Co 13:14 2 2:1 - Col 3:12
2 then make my joy complete3 by being like-minded,4 having the same love, being one5 in spirit and purpose.
×
References for Philippians 2:2
Cross References
3 2:2 - S Jn 3:29 4 2:2 - Php 4:2 5 2:2 - S Ro 15:5 ; Ro 12:16
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,6 but in humility consider others better than yourselves.7
×
References for Philippians 2:3
Cross References
6 2:3 - Gal 5:26 7 2:3 - Ro 12:10 ; 1Pe 5:5
4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others
Psalm 51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 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. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. 6 Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.
7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
In this episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we look at the idea of being Poor in Spirit.
Memory Verse for Next Week -------------------------------- Matthew 5:4---------------------------------------------
In this episode we look at the idea of really listening to God. Naaman expected much the same thing we often expect God's answers to be magical. We expect God to answer out prayers with might and force. We expect to know he is giving us an answer. But God doesn't always answer our prayers in such a way. Instead he often gives us the simplistic of answers and many times we may not even notice his answer. Naaman learned a valuable lesson and we should too.
Memory verse for next week. ------------------------------------------- Luke 5:8----------------------------------------------------
In this weeks episode we look at the story of Jabez.
We learn that asking God for blessings isn't wrong. But we also learn our heart and intentions play a big role in how God answers our Prayers. We examine Jabez's heart and several other verses about God's desire to give us those things we ask of Him. It takes a big person to be willing to ask for help, but without God we are going to continually need more and more. God answered Jabez's prayer with a Yes, how will He answer you?
Verses used in this podcast:
1 Chronicles 4:9-10 9 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain." 10 Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!" And God granted what he asked.
Luke 11:10-13
10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
John 14:13-15
13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
1 John 5:13-14
13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Memory Verse for Next Week --------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Kings 5:10-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Introduction
Paul had been given a gift from the Philippians. Paul takes time in Philippians 4:10-13 to let them know he received the gift, and that he understood why the gift had been delayed. Paul spends time teaching about true spiritual contentment. Paul explains that true contentment is only found in Christ.
Philippians 4:10 – Does Paul offer thanks?
Paul begins with what appears to be thanks for the Philippian gift, however there are many who claim this section of scripture to be a “thankless thanks” The word εὐχαριστία (thankfulness, gratitude) is not found in this section of scripture Some have even gone so far as to claim the fact that Paul waited to even offer thanks to the fourth chapter proves chapter 4 must be out of order.
Philippians 4:10 - Does Paul speak harshly in regards to their gift?
Paul uses the words “at last” in reference to the Philippians having concern for him. No doubt this may have initially come across as harsh. Paul then uses the term ἀνεθάλετε (revived, or hath flourished). It is taken from Ezekiel 17:24 “has made the dry tree to flourish” Paul then clarifies the Philippians had not delayed in caring for him, however the opportunity was not there previously, but now was.
Philippians 4:11 – Paul had to learn contentment?
Paul begins by reminding the Philippians he wasn’t writing to them to ask for more help (1 Thessalonians 2:9 Paul expresses how he found contentment – He Learned it The Greek word for state or circumstances is not found here, but is easy to place in the text given the context. Paul uses the Greek word αὐτάρκης (self-sufficient, contented, satisfied) this is the same word used by the stoics to speak of self-sufficiency Paul certainly didn’t mean the same thing the stoics meant by that word (Philippians 2:3-4)
Philippians 4:12 – In what circumstances did Paul learn contentment?
Paul ended verse 11 by saying he had learned contentment in “all” circumstances He now clarifies that his contentment is found in both the lows and the highs of life True contentment is independent of circumstances It is honestly harder for those of us here in the States to find contentment in prosperity Paul uses the word μεμύημαι (learned the secret or been initiated). Much like the initiation into a pagan cult or elite social group. This once again brings with it the idea that Paul has learned these things over a long and laborious process
Philippians 4:13 – Where was Paul’s contentment based?
The term “all” used here does not carry with it the idea of super natural abilities. Paul was able to do “all things” inside the context of contentment. The Greek word Χριστός (Christ) is not included in some original manuscripts The Greek term ἐνδυναμοῦντί is translated as strength in most translations. This word is a participle from δύναμις (power) and ἰσχύς (strength). Paul was given strength not by his power but by Christ’ power. (2 Corinthains 12:9-10)
Memory Verse for Next Week ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 Chronicles 4:10----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode of Rightly Dividing The Truth we look at the Calvinistic doctrine of Predestination. We see that by looking at scripture there is no way to prove predestination. We notice the fallacy of using the hardening of Pharaohs heart, and the lack of personal responsibility placed in the teachings of predestination. We learn that God is not a respecter of persons and that our own choices will ultimately determine our final resting place. Come along as we look at the doctrine of predestination, but more importantly as we look at what God's Absolute Truth has to say about it.
Verses used in this podcast:
Exodus 4:21 - 21 And the LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.
Exodus 10:1 - 1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them,
Mark 8:17 - 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
Hebrews 3:13 - 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Exodus 8:15 - 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.
Exodus 8:32 - 32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and did not let the people go.
1 Samuel 6:6 - 6 Why should you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? After he had dealt severely with them, did they not send the people away, and they departed?
Romans 9:13 - 13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
Deuteronomy 16:22 - 22 And you shall not set up a pillar, which the LORD your God hates.
Hebrews 12:16 - 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.
Acts 10:34 -34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,
Romans 2:11 - 11 For God shows no partiality.
Revelation 3:20 - 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Psalm 69:28 - 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous.
Revelation 3:5 - 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Philippians 4:10-13-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is part two of our study on the idea of being Betrothed to Christ. Come along as we discover just how serious how commitment to Him should be.
Verses used in this episode:
2 Corinthians 11:2 - 2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
Ephesians 5:21-33 - 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Romans 6:3-5 - 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Galatians 3:26-27 - 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Luke 14:25-33 - 25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Jeremiah 3:1-14 - NAS 1 God says, "If a husband divorces his wife And she goes from him And belongs to another man, Will he still return to her? Will not that land be completely polluted? But you are a harlot with many lovers; Yet you turn to Me," declares the LORD . NAS 2 "Lift up your eyes to the bare heights and see; Where have you not been violated? By the roads you have sat for them Like an Arab in the desert, And you have polluted a land With your harlotry and with your wickedness. NAS 3 "Therefore the showers have been withheld, And there has been no spring rain. Yet you had a harlot's forehead; You refused to be ashamed. NAS 4 "Have you not just now called to Me, 'My Father, You are the friend of my youth? NAS 5 'Will He be angry forever?
In this episode we begin a two part study of the idea behind being Betrothed to Christ. It seems we as members of the Church often spend so much time focusing on the idea of Baptism when it comes to converting the lost. But far too often we spend little or no time talking about the commitment it takes to chose to live for Christ. We look at the age of Christ as He is in the temple as well as at His baptism. We see the age of those God allowed to live in the wilderness. We examine the idea behind betrothal, and the seriousness it carried in Scripture. Should we stop teaching Baptism? No But do we need to teach what comes after it far before that decision is made? Absolutely.
Verses used in this episode:
Acts 2:37-38- 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 22:16 - 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
John 3:5 - 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Mark 16:16 - 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
1 Peter 3:21 - 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
James 2: 17- 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Colossians 2:12-13 - 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Hosea 2:19-20 - 19 And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. 20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD.
Isaiah 61:10 - 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Memory verse for next week --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 Corinthians 11:2-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well its been forever since my last podcast. Between Lads to Leaders and the birth of our third child these last 2 weeks have been rather crazy. So in honor of the birth of baby Jax I am releasing three podcast over the weekend to get caught back up. We will have one episode today and then a two part podcast to be released Saturday and Sunday.
This week we are looking at the significance of the birth of Christ. While it may seem odd, we discover while his birth was significant in the fulfillment of prophecy, it was His life and more importantly His death and resurrection that is far more important. We see the celebration of His birth on Christmas day is never found in scripture, while seeing how the Great Savior was spoken of many years before His birth. Just as Jax's birthday was important to our family, his birth will mean very little compared to what he does with the life God has allowed him while on this earth.
Verses used in this podcast:
Luke 2:1-2, 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Galatians 4:9-11, 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
Matthew 5:19 - 19 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"
Isaiah 7:14 - 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Matthew 1:23 - 23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel"(which means, God with us).
Isaiah 9:6-7 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Micah 5:2-5 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;
Matthew 1:18-21 - 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
John 1:29 - 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
In this episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we look at the first steps to removing sin from our life.
As David spoke in Psalms 51, we learn we must have a:
Prayer of Confession
Prayer of Concession
Prayer of Cleansing
Prayer of Commitment
Our sin is easiest removed the closer we are to God, and the closer we are the less Sin has a hold on us.
The question is not do you have sin in your life, the question is what are you doing about it?
Verses used in this Podcast
Psalm 51
Have mercy on me,[a] O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right[b] spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Luke 18:9-14
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But[a] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
Matthew 10:32-33
32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Luke 5:32
32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Romans 3:23, 6:23
3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
James 5:16
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
This is part 2 of 7 keys to a Healthy Marriage
In this episode we look at the need for Laughter, Love, Endurance and Yielding
verses used in this episode:
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Psalms 126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Psalms 4:7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
1 Corinthians 7:1-5 7 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Hebrews 13:44 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
1 Corinthians 7:10-1110 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
Ecclesiastes 4:1212 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Romans 12:9-219 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[a] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[b] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[c] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Memory Verse for Next Week-------------------------------------2 Timothy 4:9-10------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode of Rightly Dividing The Truth we discuss 3 keys to a healthy marriage. This is part one of a two part series on Marriage We learn that Spirituality, Listening and Empathy are keys to enjoying our Marriage and making it last.
With divorce at an all time high, we need to spend as much time as possible learning what God teaches to help us remain faithful to our marriages. We must start early teaching our young children the importance of marriage. We must learn to be honest about all the good and all the bad with our marriages so that they can know what is reality and what is a dream.
Verses used in this episode:
Proverbs 18:22 - 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
Matthew 19:4-6 - 4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."
2 Corinthians 6:14 - 14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
James 1:19 - 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Proverbs 18:2,13 - 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Ephesians 4:29 - 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Matthew 7:12 - 12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Philippians 2:3 - 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------------- Psalms 4:7--------------------------------------------
In this Episode of Rightly Dividing The Truth we look at God's answers to our Prayers.
We see God's answer of Yes
We see God's answer of No
We see God's answer of Wait
Though all of us greatly desire a Yes answer to most of our Prayers, God often chooses to say Hold On I'm not ready to answer just yet. These times may be the most challenging for us as we are often not a patient people. We live in a world based on speed and impatience, and many times that rubs off on the Christian.
Lets see what scripture tells us about listening to God, actually hearing His answers, and obeying those answers no matter what they are.
Verses used in this episode:
Psalms 118:5 - 5 Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Luke 22:39-44 - 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Habakuk 2:1-3 - 1 I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.2 And the LORD answered me:"Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end--it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.
Gen 39:21-23 - 21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. 23 The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph's charge, because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.
Heb 13:5 - 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Gen 40:8 - 8 They said to him, "We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them." And Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me."
Memory Verse for Next Week --------------------------------------- 2 Peter 2: 20-22----------------------------------------------
How strong do you feel?
Are you able to lift 100 lbs?
Maybe 200?
Maybe, just maybe you can lift 500 lbs. But I still think your weak. I don't think your strong at all.
Why you ask? Well simple, you may have physical strength, but compared to the strength of God you are a puny sight indeed.
Yet I wonder how many of you act like me and think you can solve all of life's problems on your own. How many of you have decided to put it all on your shoulders and do it yourself? You ever been successful doing it all on your own? I have. Yet for the few times in my life when I did it all on my own there are thousands of times that on my own I failed so bad.
This week we look at strength we can find in God. Strength we can use to overcome everything this world can throw at us.
So the choice is simply yours. Do you want to fight to solve the problems of life on your own? Or do you want to allow the strongest being to ever exist to take those burdens from you and see you through every problem in your life?
Verses used in this podcast
2 Timothy 4:9-22 - 9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Matt 12:14 - 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.
Deut 31:8 - 8 It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."
Psalms 119:28 - 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
Isaiah 40:31 - 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:13 - 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Psalms 46:1-2 - 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------------------------------------- James 5:19-20-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this episode we look at that feeling we all get when we do the wrong thing. You know that gut punch you feel when you know you just hurt someone by the thing you said or did. That feeling you got when you were growing up each time Mom gave you those sad hurt eyes over your disobedience.
Today we look at the positive and the negative side of grief. We see that grief in and of itself isn't bad, but that what we do with that grief is what makes it Godly or Worldly. Our grief must move us to repent from the sin we have committed. But once that grief has caused us to repent, God calls us to move on. He isn't looking for us sit and sulk over what we have done. Instead he has promised us forgiveness and more importantly forgotten sins.
But we can also allow our grief to cause heartache and sorrow, but all along we refuse to change the lifestyle we had been leading. This worldly grief ultimately leads us to death. While we see the example of Judas and the earthly death his sorrow lead him too, the eternal spiritual death is the thing that should be more concerning to us.
Verses used in this episode:
2 Corinthians 7:8-13 - 8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it--though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.13 Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
2 Corinthians 2:4 - 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
Ecclesiastes 7:2 -2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.
Luke 19:8 - 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."
Luke 22:61-62 - 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." 62And he went out and wept bitterly.
Acts 3:19 - 19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
Matthew 27:3-5 - 3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.
Matthew 19:20-22 - 20 The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Exodus 8:8 - 8 Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, "Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people,
Well the Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.
In the words of the good old Mark Twain, good news…. I'm still alive
I wanted to finish the podcast at the end of last week, but some satanic plague tried to finish me off. I kept thinking I would be able to improve and record the podcast but each and every day was no better then the first. So today feeling better but sounding worse, I just decided it had to happen. It normally takes me 10 more minutes then the actual recorded podcast time to produce, edit and post. Today I recorded two podcast back to back due to needing this weeks podcast ready as well. What should have taken me about an hour and 20 minutes, took me almost 3. I can't tell you how many times I had to stop recording and walk away due to coughing and near broken ribs.
But I wanted to go ahead and post up last weeks podcast now and setup next weeks podcast so everything would be back on track.
I just recently had the not so fun experience of getting to buy a new truck. While some of you may say, thats awesome why aren't you excited, the rest of you are saying yea but now you got to pay for it. You see its been 10 years since my last truck was bought, and needless to say things don't cost what they used to. But the experience got me thinking, I wonder how many people refuse to live the life of a Christian, because to them it "cost too much"
So this week we look at 4 things that Christianity will cost you
Fun
Friends
Financially
First Place in Your Heart
The biggest issue is no matter how many things we list, nor how many things we think Christianity cost us, all of their combined value will never equal the life of Christ. So the question for todays podcast is your Christianity costing you "too much" or better yet is it costing you everything for the reward that is coming eternal?
Verses used in this episode:
Romans 7:15-20 - 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
Hebrews 11:24-25 - 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
Galatians 6:6-8 - 6 One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
1 John 2:15-16 - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.
John 15:19-20 -19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours
Matthew 5:16 - 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Mark 12:41-44 - 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money in...
This is Part 2 of The Woman at the Well
In this episode we learn:
Christ told the woman the truth about her Sin.
Christ offered her an opportunity to be part of the Saved
Christ gave her food so she could Feed Others
Verses used in this episode:
Proverbs 27:5-6 - 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Matthew 18:15-17 - 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Galatians 6:1 - 1 Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
1 Timothy 5:20 - 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
Matthew 7:1-5 - 1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Ephesians 1:3-8 - 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
John 1:9-13 - 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 John 3:1-2 - 1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
Romans 1:16 - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1 Timothy 1:12-16 - 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus...
In this episode we look at evangelism. Mainly we begin a two part study on Christ speaking to the Woman at the Well. We see 2 of the 5 main points Christ teaches us in this episode. Many of us struggle to teach those around us and it may just be because we are going about it all the wrong way. Christ first shows us to seek the outcast. Christ didn't come to teach those who were healthy but instead those who were sick. In our own lives we too need to seek those who the rest of the world may not see as equals.
We also learn to find common ground when seeking to speak to someone. Christ spoke to the woman about water, something she did every day. We need to seek to have common ground with those we are studying with, even going as far as Paul and being all things to all people.
verses used in this episode
John 4:1-39 - 1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." 13 Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water." 16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here." 17 The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true." 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things." 26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he." 27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you seek?" or, "Why are you talking with her?" 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.
O NOOOOOOOOOO I forgot to give us our memory verse for next week. So I'm going to give it to you first in the show notes.
Hebrews 10:26
So you want to tell everyone about the good news found in God's Word. THEN WHY DON'T YOU?
Well if you live and breath the same oxygen as me I bet I have that answer, the fear of rejection. While some of us may feel that we don't know enough to teach the truth, most of us fall into the other category mentioned above. We worry about people not accepting the truth. We worry about being judged because of it. We worry about being told no. We worry about not saying things the right way so as to change the hearts of those we are studying with.
But as we see in this episode that role is not ours to play. It is not our place to change the hearts of the lost. No its our place to teach the truth to the lost, God takes care of the changing part. We learn about the power God has through His Word, and we learn that our lives are just a life of God living through us. Come along and see the freedom you can have from the worry of evangelism, and see the power of God as it changes the lives of those around you.
Verses used in this podcast
Philippians 4:13 - 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
John 16:33 - 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will havetribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Galatians 2:20 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Romans 1:16 - 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Philippians 2:12-13 - 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Memory Verse for next week --------------------------------------------------------Hebrews 10:26 ----------------------------------------------------
In this Episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we continue our study on the power of Influence. I'm joined this week by a very special guest, Justin Morris. Justin is a freshman at Freed-Hardeman University and a bio-chem major looking to go pre-med. And while he may be very smart, a great athlete and a pretty good looking guy, those things are not why I brought him on the podcast. Justin is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. A great speaker and song leader, but more importantly someone who truly cares about living the Christian life.
In this episode we see look at the opportunity given to all of us to influence those around us for the good. We learn that you can take some "things" to heaven. (I'll let you listen to find out what or "who" that is) We also see how important our influence is when it comes to being able to teach others in our lives. We learn that losing that positive influence can hinder us from ever being able to teach those who need God's Word so much in their lives. We continued to learn that whether or not we will influence people is not the choice we get to make. No, the choice is whether that influence will be positive or negative. What influence will you chose to give in your daily life?
Verses Used in this Episode:
1 Corinthians 15:33 - 33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals."
Proverbs 13:20 - 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
1 Peter 2:12 - 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Proverbs 22:24 - 24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man,
Memory Verse for Next Week ------------------------------- Acts 17:6-----------------------------------------------
In this Episode of Rightly Dividing the Truth we look at the power of Influence. I'm joined this week by a very special guest, Justin Morris. Justin is a freshman at Freed-Hardeman University and a bio-chem major looking to go pre-med. And while he may be very smart, a great athlete and a pretty good looking guy, those things are not why I brought him on the podcast. Justin is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. A great speaker and song leader, but more importantly someone who truly cares about living the Christian life. In this episode we see the power we have when it comes to influence. We learn that no matter what we may all desire, we are always giving some type of influence to those around us. For some of us that influence is always positive and uplifting. You may be constantly striving to live the life God wants you to, while everyone around you sees God living in you. For others of us we are constantly living a life which influences people for the wrong. We live a life filled with selfish living and everyone around us can see it in our lives.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 5:13-16 - 13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 3:16 - 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Galatians 5:7-9 - 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Proverbs 27:17 - 17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------- 1 Peter 2:12-------------------------------------
If you are looking for another story like many of the "reality" tv shows we have on today, the story of Ruth is not it. No our "reality" shows as well as the world itself is filled with those who could care less about hard work and loyalty. They don't care about obedience and they certainly don't care about remaining faithful to one individual. But recorded for all time is this short 4 chapter book, about a woman who is far far from those things previously mentioned. Instead Ruth is loyal, honorable, faithful and obedient. She is a guiding light to the lives of all Christians. Ruth lets us see the real things that should be important in our lives, and the hard work it takes to get them. But all of her hard work and obedience would mean nothing if not for the redeeming quality of Boaz. Boaz sees the worth of Ruth and buys her and Naomi so as to redeem them from the poverty that is surely to befall a woman living alone during this era. But Boaz is just an example of what is to come. Christ bought those he found worth in also. He paid the ultimate price with blood that no silver or gold could ever do. He purchased all the lost, once and for all. Christ became our Boaz by redeeming us from our sins. Come along and listen as we study the story of Ruth, and as we see the challenge she gives us of how we should live our lives.
Verses used in this episode:
Ruth 1:12-18 - 12 Turn back, my daughters; go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, even if I should have a husband this night and should bear sons, 13 would you therefore wait till they were grown? Would you therefore refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, for it is exceedingly bitter to me for your sake that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me." 14 Then they lifted up their voices and wept again. And Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law." 16 But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
Ruth 2:5-12 - 5 Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" 6 And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. 7 She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest." 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn." 10 Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, "Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?" 11 But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. 12 The LORD repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!"
Ruth 3: 8-13 - 8 At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! 9 He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant.
One of the most common statements Christians often make involves them "losing their fire" for God. Unfortunately our loss of fire normally occurs because we have the wrong "fire" in us to begin with. We fill our time going to Youth Rallies and Gospel Meetings searching for something to create a flame in our lives. We feel down and out and un-motivated from time to time and just plan to "recharge" our batteries. However if we spent some time reading about Jeremiah we would quickly learn the fire inside us should never go cold. No Jeremiah says it best by using the imagery of fire being in his bones and the impossibility of being able to keep it inside. Instead for Jeremiah he can't contain the truth, it consumes him, it burns through him and everyone sees it through him.
But it is a matter of putting the right "fire" inside us if we don't want to feel cold and un-excited. We feel cool and unmotivated because our fire in us is simply that it is "OUR" fire. Yet if God and His Word is our "fire" we will never lose that burning desire to teach and save those who are lost. Does that mean we won't feel let down or upset from time to time? Certainly not. We will always experience difficult and trying times when it comes to personal evangelism. But the difference is if God is burning inside us, if His Word consumes are very being, even in our most down times we still will feel the need to teach the lost. We must long to be like Jeremiah, filled with God's Word, weary of holding it in, and certainly WE CAN NOT.
Verses used in this episode:
Romans 12:11 -11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Revelations 3:16 - 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
1 Corinthians 16:15 - 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
Joshua 1:8 - 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Jeremiah 1:9 - 9 Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.
Jeremiah 4:19 - 19 My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh the walls of my heart! My heart is beating wildly; I cannot keep silent, for I hear the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.
Jeremiah 20:9 - 9 If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
Memory Verse for Next Week ----------------------------------------------------------- Ruth 1:16------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I guess my title itself will drive many away from both this post as well as this podcast. Honestly if this podcast was remotely popular I'd just about expect to see something on the local news about the local "homophobe" who has been spewing hate speech all over the internet. You see our society has developed a perfect plan to get what it wants. Call someone out for being against you and unfortunately more times then not those speaking against it become quiet. The arguments for homosexuality are based entirely outside of scripture, so those of you still trying to preach the "Good News" are considered legalist and hatemongers. The worst part of all of this is the very small minority is allowed to speak with a voice that sounds out the overwhelming majority. The Williams institute states that 3.5% of the American population is part of the homosexual community. However with the homosexual agenda being pushed so hard its awfully hard to consider that statistic as truth. Even during its own report the Williams institute appears to go on to say because many people have had feelings for those of the same sex the total number of homosexuals may be pushing 5%. Sure it could be, then again there may be those in the homosexual community who have had feelings for those of the opposite sex, can we go ahead and make it 2% then?
Yet a simple study of God's Word is all that is needed to find out exactly where God stands on this subject. Does the fact that He condemns it make the decision to not live in homosexuality any easier for those who desire it? It should. But I also 100% understand their desire to practice the act. Not because I have those desires, but because I like all people also have the desire to sin. I want to do it, just as Paul wanted to do it. And that desire battles daily against what God would rather I do. But to claim that homosexuality is not a choice is a farce and nothing more then a ploy to get to do what the individual practicing it wants to do. I can claim the exact same thing regarding every other sin God has condemned but it still wouldn't make committing that sin ok, as God has called all people to repentance. Plus our sin is exactly that "OUR" sin and James chapter 1 makes that abundantly clear. So lets spend some time examining the scriptures on homosexuality, because what Brad Carr has to say on the subject means nothing. But what God has to say about it is Absolute and final.
Verses used in this podcast
Romans 1:18-32 - 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God,
The idea of Divorce is inherently man’s. Scripture teaches us that from the beginning God did not intend for divorce to exist, yet it was man’s desire that caused God to allow it. Stated another way, God made man and woman to be joined as one flesh with no intentions for that to ever change. Man wanted to break that bond, and so God had to create some form of rules to govern that breakage. To look at divorce and claim that because God allowed it He therefore must approve of it, is a far reaching conclusion for one to make. God has allowed man to make decision after decision that has been and will continue to be against His will, but He certainly doesn’t approve of those decisions.
We see the first idea of divorce being given to us in the Law of Moses. It places stipulations on the man for giving his wife a certificate of divorce. Deut 24:1, “if she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her”. Notice the issue of indecency listed here. This man was not to divorce his wife because she burned the toast that evening, but instead he could give her a certificate of divorce if he found something in her life to be indecent. Duet 23:14, “therefore your camp must be holy, so that he may not see anything indecent among you and turn away from you.” There can be no doubt God is not looking to put his people away because they don’t wash clothes the way they should or dress nice enough around His friends. No God was only planning to turn away from His people if sin existed among them, if they lived outside of His commands.
The second major statement about divorce is recorded for us in Malachi 2:13-16. In this section of scripture the idea of our covenant relationship with God is related to our covenant relationship with our spouse. Garland states it this way, “the prophet believes that disloyalty to God goes hand in hand with disloyalty to one’s wife; and covenants may not be broken without dire consequences.” God further reminds us how much he dislikes this in vs 16 by stating he “hates divorce”. What we must draw from this is God’s hatred of divorce is less the breaking of the covenant bond itself and more the manner in which the bond was broken. The divorce is merely the end formality to an adulterous relationship where one has chosen to indecently be with someone they are not currently married to. Even through this section of scripture we can see God’s plan was never to have divorce be part of our lives as He has always intended we remain married to our spouse and Him from the beginning.
While the Old Testament does speak on the matter of divorce it must also be noted the New Testament is not devoid of truth regarding the matter at hand either. Interestingly outside of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7 the majority of text surrounding divorce is spoken of by Christ Himself. Mark 10, Luke 16, Matthew 5 and 19 all contain Christ teachings on the topic of marriage and divorce. For the purpose of this paper we will focus our attention on Matthew 19. As we have already seen Christ response was to point back to God’s original plan in Gen 2. But even after reaffirming God’s plan for marriage to them, those asking question still were not satisfied. They went on to say, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” Christ response is telling and greatly condemning, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” Christ statement is so opposite of what the Pharisees had come to ask him. They twisted scripture to say Moses commanded them to divorce, yet Christ reminds them the command was just the ceremony required to make it final, the desire itself for divorce was because of their own disobedient hearts. But Christ also shows His Heavenly Father’s authority with the statement, “from the beginning it was not so.” Christ concludes his argument against divorce in vs 9 by letting us know divorce with remarriage f...
One does not have to turn very far in scripture to begin to see God’s original design for man and woman. Even before the first chapter is completed in Genesis we see God creating man in His image. God recounts for us His plan to make someone for Adam. God in His infinite wisdom knew that nothing he had created was suitable for Adam, and so from Adams rib God made Eve. No sooner had Eve been created that God announced his reason for such a couple, “For this reason a man and woman shall leave their father and mother, and the two shall become one flesh”. There can be no greater understanding of God’s desire for marriage then to truly examine how serious this event is to God. Henry states “See here how great the virtue of a divine ordinance is; the bonds of it are stronger even than those of nature. To whom can we be more firmly bound than the fathers that begat us and the mothers that bore us? Yet the son must quit them, to be joined to his wife, and the daughter forget them, to cleave to her husband.[1] The idea of leaving our own parents who have loved and nurtured us for years to be bound to someone else is a weight that should never be carried lightly. That decision lets us know how serious we must take it, but also how important that individual must be to leave those we know love us. But the purity of marriage as God designed it only lasted for seven more generations when Lamech broke God’s original plan by taking two wives. Man, because of sexual desires and the desire to gain authority and material things began to stray from the one woman one man concept God had ordained.
But God has not been silent since Genesis 2 about his original plan for marriage. Instead God has continued to make His voice known through many scriptures inspired by the Holy Spirit. Christ recalls God’s original plan when He is asked about divorce in Matt 19 and Mk 10. Christ response, as it is in so many other cases while He was on this earth, was to quote scripture. Christ reaffirmed God’s plan by quoting Gen 2:24, but He even went further by adding, “Therefore what God has put together let not man separate”. Christ didn’t begin His debate on divorce and remarriage by quoting laws and regulations against them. No Christ began by just simply stating what God wants from man and woman. God desires that man and woman leaves his and her mother and father and those two cleave together to become one flesh. Christ also reminds us who it is that makes that union, God Himself. Though the marriage of Adam and Eve is special due to God’s direct hand being involved in that marriage, our following through with His plan for marriage also involves Him joining us together. It is far more than just some man standing in front of us during a wedding ceremony. God himself takes part in joining those two individuals as Christ has just reminded us.
While the design of marriage itself may be evident as seen in these passages the question of the permanence of that union may still arise. Stylianopoulus quotes Saint John Chrysostom by saying, “Both by the manner of creation, and by the manner of lawgiving, [Christ] showed that one man must dwell with one woman continually, and never break off from her.”[2] Both the way that God made man and woman and joined them together as well as Christ reaffirmation of that union should be enough for us to see marriage is a permanent decision for the two people involved. It should be noted that nothing else is said after the union of Adam and Eve, no rules or grounds for separating. That reason should be beyond evident as God had no desire for that to ever be an issue with man. Man in his attempted wisdom made for himself other plans along the way. Those plans involved the breaking of that union that God had put together in order that man would be pleased without any concern for God
[1] Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 10). Peabody: Hendrickson.
Well we have just spent the last 3-4 days stuffing our faces full of food. Some of us maybe way more then we really should have. And ideally we have spent some time reflecting on our lives and on how much we actually have to be thankful for. Some of you may have gone around the table letting people say what they are thankful for. But I wonder how many of us see this time of the year as the only time we should be thankful as a Christian? How many of us have to be reminded by a big stuffed turkey that God has given us more then we could ever desire in His Son.
We live in a society where possessions and fame are greatly desired by so many people. Yet God's Word reminds us that those things are all but fleeting. Instead as we will see in this episode God has told us to be thankful in any and all circumstances we find ourselves in. He didn't say so because those things are fun or easy all the time. No he said that because our Joy is not to be placed in things or events, but in Him. If we know that He loves us and sent His Son to die for us, and we know that we are living a life that is according to His will, how can we ever not be smiling? Instead I think we can all agree the real Christian sees life much different then those of this world. And seeing things differently causes us to stand out as a joyous people among a world of sad people who have no way.
Verses used in this Episode:
Colossians 3:17 - 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Psalms 105:1 - 1 Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
Ephesians 5:20 - 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Psalms 136:1-3 - 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Philippians 2:5-8 - 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
James 1:1-4 - 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Romans 8:28-29 - 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 - 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Memory Verse for Next Week --------------------------------------------------- Matthew 19:6------------------------------------------------...
Well we planned to discuss Marriage in this episode, but an event happened this weekend which changed my mind. For those of you who don't know me I am a semi-hardcore hunter. I took up bow-hunting about 3 years ago and for lack of a better word it has become an addiction. I love the challenge created by bow-hunting. Having to have that animal that close to you without them smelling or seeing you creates an adrenaline rush like no other. Well I'll leave the podcast to let you know exactly what happened this weekend, but the main jest involves my buddy John Mark having the courage to tell me something that took a lot of courage to say. While this was in regards to something of little to no issue for anyone else, it was a big deal to me. But from that conversation came a teaching point.
John Mark could have easily kept his comment to himself, and though the end result would have been bad for me, he wasn't responsible to let me know that bit of bad news..... or was he? See John Mark had the courage to tell me something very unpopular, but that difficult conversation saved me from a good deal of pain and agony. My question though is in regards to our spiritual relationships, do we have the courage to make the tough conversation. You see we live in a world where the words "I love you" are used all over the place, and more times then not they aren't used the way they should. But my question is if we love someone are we really willing to show it? Showing someone we love them spiritually involves us watching after their souls. It involves having the courage to tell someone we "love" that their lives are filled with sin, and that we love them so much we don't want them being lost. That decision doesn't come easy, and most of the time it is not going to be popular. But we have been given the life-saving news of the Gospel, how can we claim we love someone and yet watch them drown without doing all we can to save them. We know we are far from perfect, but that does not release us from the responsibility to let those in our lives know if they are living in sin. Humans always want to be loved, but if you really want to know if someone loves you, have them correct you or let you know your not living as a Christian. There is no greater way to be loved. Thankfully John Mark loved me enough to tell me the truth this weekend, and I know he loves me enough to tell me the truth spiritually as well.
Verses used in this episode:
Matthew 7: 1-5 - 1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Proverbs 27:5 - 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Psalms 139: 23-24 - 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Galatians 6:1 - 1 Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Memory Verse for next week -----------------------------------------Colossians 3:17---------------------------------------------------------------
In this weeks episode we examine what happens after we receive salvation. We live in a world where so many people look at salvation as the end-game to our spiritual life. While they may be willing to say Christians should live a Christian life, they certainly wouldn't say if they don't there would be any issue with their salvation. Yet God has never changed His words about His followers living for Him. Time and time again God reminds us our life is changed when we decide to follow him. He has never promised us the easy road, instead its more than obvious the Christian road is the harder road. Our real challenge is never being satisfied with where we are in our Christian journey. We must work to be better today then we were yesterday. We do that through a knowledge of His will, and a sincere desire to apply that knowledge in our daily life.
Verses used in this Episode
2 Peter 3:17-18 - You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Jude 1:17-21 - 17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions." 19It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
Ephesians 3:14-19 - 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength tocomprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1 Peter 2:1-5 - 1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:6-7 - 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
1 John 1:7 - 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Memory Verse for Next Week --------------------------------------Genesis 2:24---------------------------------------
Last week we looked at multiple verses about Baptism. This week we continue to search scripture to see the importance of Baptism in Obtaining Salvation. We begin by looking at our Memory verse for this week, Acts 22:12-16 and Paul's account of his own conversion. We see Paul obviously having belief in God and Christ. Christ has called Paul out for his persecution of the Church, and Paul knows who it is he is speaking too. There can be no doubt Paul knows his fault and there can be no doubt he believes Christ is the son of God. Yet was that enough for Paul? If that belief was enough verse 16 wouldn't even exist. Instead even though Paul believed, even though if Paul knew he needed to stop the persecution he had been committing he was still commanded by Aninias in vs 16 to arise and be Baptized and wash away his sins. Just as Acts 2:38 lets us know Baptism washes away our sins the same thing is repeated here to Paul.
One of the most used arguments against Baptism is that Baptism is a work. People love to say we can't work our way to heaven, and if Baptism is a work it won't help us get to heaven. There is no verse in all of scripture claiming Baptism to be a work. More importantly the claim that Baptism is a work, yet Confession or Repentance isn't a work is based in nothing but lies and misinformation. If you want to claim Baptism is a work you must state the same about every other aspect of Salvation. We must look at prayer, confession, repentance, even belief, and in doing so we will see we would then have nothing we should ever do to obtain salvation. We could just live as we want and salvation would still be ours. If this was the case salvation would be everyones, no one would escape it. But God hasn't promised salvation to all, no he promised the opportunity of salvation to all through the giving of His Son.
We take a look at Ephesians 2:8-10 and see how people have misinterpreted verses 8-9 over and over. Yes we can not gain salvation by works, but God lets us know it is so we can't Boast about what we did. He then immediately lets us know we are His Workmanship created for good works. Christians who chose to live life without works are dead Christians who lack the faith spoken of in James 2. You can never use scripture to prove Baptism is a work, but you sure can prove it is essential for our Salvation.
Verses used in this Episode:
Acts 22:12-16 - 12 "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15 for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'
Acts 2:37-38 - 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receivethe gift of the Holy Spirit.
John 3:1-10 - 1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh isflesh,
This is the 5th episode of a multi-point series on Obtaining Salvation. In this Episode we discuss the idea of Baptism. We mainly spend this episode talking about some verses that point us to the need for Baptism. We look at the call of those on the day of Pentecost and discuss the response of the Eunuch.
One of the greatest things I struggle to understand is the plethora of verses surrounding the subject of Baptism and its essentiality for Salvation, yet people live to argue that point. So many people will look at a verse that claims repentance saves, but will ignore that same verse as it states Baptism also saves. It is so amazing to me that people are constantly hunting for a new way to obtain salvation, as if the salvation given to those before us wasn't good enough. When we look at the response of Peter in Acts 2, it is more then obvious his command will lead those people to salvation. When Peter commanded them to repent and be baptized in Acts 2:38 no one responded with a question of why can't there be another way. No one said, "I'd like to repent, but the Baptism thing doesn't sound like something I'd like to do." No one also said, " Well lets forget doing that repentance thing, I'll just go with Baptism."
No, Peter spoke, and they responded by simply obeying. God's word is plain in regards to Baptism being far more then some accessory action after Obtaining Salvation. Just take a look at the response of the Eunuch in Acts 8. How could Phillip preach Christ to him, and his one recorded response be a question about Baptism. If Baptism was not vital to his Salvation, why would he desire to step out of that chariot and into that water. Baptism is our entrance into Christ, and outside of Christ there can be no Salvation. Its obvious that the Eunuch saw his need for Baptism, and it was far more then just some outward sign, as there was no one there but Phillip to even witness it.
Belief is part of Obtaining Salvation. Repentance is part of Obtaining Salvation. Confession is Part of Obtaining Salvation. And just as those things are part of Obtaining Salvation, so to is Baptism.
Verses used in this Podcast
Acts 2:37-38 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:29-38 - 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. 33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." 34 And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?"35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
John 3:5 - 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 3:21 - 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body butas an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
This is the fourth of a multi-part series on Obtaining Salvation. In this episode we look at the idea of confession. No we aren’t talking about some confessional and a box you need to go sit in. Instead we look at the idea of confessing Christ. We ask the questions, Does Confession actually mater? Is Confession part of us obtaining Salvation? When does our Confession take place?
Confession is obviously part of our Salvation Experience. Romans 10:9 lets us know that confession leads us to salvation. We are also reminded that if we are not willing to confess Christ before man, Christ will not confess us before the Heavenly Father. Unfortunately so many people look at Romans 10:9 and want to claim that salvation can be obtained by only Confessing Christ. It is amazing to me people want to be so picky when it comes to Salvation. I think if God had penned 10 verses in a row all of which were worded “X will save you”, “Y will save you”, “Z will save you” people would still pick one or two of those things and try to claim that is all that is necessary for salvation. God’s Word is not a buffet. It was never written for us to pick and chose what we want.
So if we know confession is part of us Obtaining Salvation, the next question is when does that confession happen. The only example we have of a confession actually occurring regarding Salvation is found in Acts 8 and the Eunuch. Phillip preaches Christ to the Eunuch, and the question is then asked, “what doth hinder me to be baptized”. Phillips response, “if you believe with all your heart you can.” The Eunuch’s response is bold and telling, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God”. We have no other example of a confession being made prior to Baptism, but this example alone is enough. It is why today when someone comes forward to be baptized we ask him or her to confess this same important truth.
But it’s also obvious our confession of Him doesn’t end there. Instead our lives confess Christ. Our words, our actions, how we treat people, how we work when the boss isn’t looking, all these things either confess Christ or deny Him. Our challenge is more then just standing in front of our friends the day we want to be baptized and confessing Christ. Instead the harder challenge is living that lifestyle day end and day out.
Verses used in this episode
Romans 10:9-10 - 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Matthew 10:32-33 - 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Mark 8:38 - 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Acts 8:36-37 - 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. dWhat hinders me from being baptized?”37 6Then Philip said, e“If you believe with all your heart, you may.”And he answered and said, f“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Matthew 16:16-17 - 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Memory Verse for Next Week ---------------------------------Acts 2:37-38-------------------------------------------
This is part 3 of a Multi-part series on Obtaining Salvation.
We have all heard the preacher in the movies call out, "Repent! for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". But what on earth does repentance even mean? As we have studied to this point, Obtaining Salvation begins by listening to God's Word. That listening leads us to have an assured Faith that God is who He says He is and that His promises will come true. Because we know that His promises are going to come true we see that those who do not live for Him will spend eternity in Hell. So just as it did for those in Acts 2:37 we too are now stuck with the question, " What shall we do?"
Well that question is first answered by saying, Repent! So what does Repentance actually involve? Repentance is the active changing of our lives away from sin and toward God. It is the understanding that we can not die to sin through Baptism, and yet continue to live in it. Our lives effectively take a U-Turn from a life filled with selfish sin to a life filled with selfless obedience in Him. We learn that Godly sorry, or the idea of feeling bad about our sin filled lives, causes repentance or turning from that sin. Yet Worldly sorry causes us to just feel bad that we have been caught and never leave that life of sin.
Just as hearing and believing God's word is vital to our salvation to too is Repentance or turning away from the life the world wants you to live. The choice is ours as to who we will serve. We will either continue to be slaves to sin, or we will be slaves to God and to righteousness.
Verses used in this episdode
1 John 1:9 - 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Luke 13:3 - 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Acts 3:19 - 19 Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
2 Peter 3:9 - 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Acts 2:38 - 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:1-16 - 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old selfwas crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient...
This is part two of our study on Obtaining Salvation
Once we have had the opportunity to listen to God there becomes a desire on our part to do one of two things. Either we want to dismiss that Truth because we disagree with it or we want to live our own way, or we accept it as truth and desire to follow it. That desire to follow it involves a vital part of us obtaining salvation, faith. While I will agree that our faith may begin with nothing more then a belief in Him and His love for us, I also know that if that belief does not grow into an active Faith our salvation is indeed in question. God's Word tells us that without Faith it is impossible to please Him. We can see that Faith is very important when it comes to Obtaining Salvation. But God's Word also tells us that Faith alone is not enough.
Faith is the assurance the guarantee the 100% no question knowledge that what God has said is truth and that what He has promised will come true also. It is not merely hope or wishing, but a full assurance that creates in us a desire to live Godly because we know His promises are real. My father wasn't one of those parents who counted to 3, instead I did what he told me to do because I was fully assured punishment was coming if I did not. Our assurance of God's promises creates in us a desire to live for Him to obey Him at each and every turn. Its far more then just a belief that He is real, or even that He has made Heaven for us. Instead we can see so many examples of those people living active faith in Hebrews 11. We see their actions at each and every turn, and we see how their faith was verified by those actions.
Faith causes us to change who we are, to go to the extremes at times when living for Him. It makes us stick out like sore thumbs, it makes us serve Him at every turn.
Verses used in this episode
Romans 10:17 - 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
James 2:14-26 - 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Hebrews 11 - 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him.
This is our continuation of our study with brother Mark Ray on the Old and New Law. Last week we discussed the purpose behind the Old Testament. We learned about all that it teaches us, and how we ca learn who God is from how he deals with His people. We learned that God's plan has always included the New Law, and that Christ is the center of all those plans.
This week we spend time studying when the New Law went into effect. We learn that just as the entirety of the Bible focuses on Christ, so too does the change from the Old to the New Law. The New Testament came into existence at the death of Christ on the Cross. The New Testament was a will that required a death to make it in effect. That death occurred as Christ, our sacrificial Lamb, died on the cross for our sins. At this point the New Testament came into effect, and the Old Law became and instructional tool for our learning. We no longer had to live by the Old Testaments laws and legality, but instead under the New Law filled with grace.
We also asked why people seek to return to the Old Law. We learn that people are often selective when it comes to the Old Law. They seek to go back and grab things they like but ignore the rest of the Law. God tells us if we want to return to the Old Law we must take the whole Law. We also see that pride often keeps us from following God's plan. We find that true life is found in Christ and the New Law, and that no forgiveness is found in the Old. We learn our Law we live under is found only in the New Law, but we never forget the lessons taught to us throughout the Old Testament.
Verses Used in this Podcast
Hebrews 5:1-10 - 1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; 6 as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 7:11-17 - 11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
Matthew 5:17-18 - 17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot,
One of the biggest issues surrounding God's Word is the worlds misunderstanding of the Old and New Testament. In order to help us understand this better, I decided to bring in the big guns, Brother Mark Ray. This episode is a first for Rightly Dividing The Truth, you actually get to hear someone else's voice besides mine.
The value of understanding the Old and New Testament should not be overlooked. The Old Testament was written for our instruction. It holds within it the knowledge of who God is, and what His plan has been since the beginning. It is a vehicle to point us to the central character of God's Word, Jesus Christ. Through it we learn how God deals with His people, even those like us who make tons of mistakes. We learn the mistakes of the israelites and more importantly the mistakes we should not repeat.
We see God's plan from the beginning. We see that we were to problem with the Old Law. It wasn't a fault of God, but instead a fault of man who couldn't hold to that Old Law. There was no forgiveness of sins under the Old Law. Each and every year sacrifices had to be made for sins. Yet each and every year those sacrifices were not enough. However Christ finally solved that problem for us, by making Himself the final sacrifice for our sins. Once and for all He gave of Himself so that for the first time in history salvation could be obtained.
Verses used in this podcast
Hebrews 4:9 - 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,
Psalm 150 - 1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Ephesians 5:19 - 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
Colossians 3:16 - 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Luke 24:44 - 44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled."
John 1:29 - 29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 14:6 - 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 - 31 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Romans 15:4 - 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
1 Cor 10:1-12 - 1 For I want you to know, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,
This is the first of a Multi-Part series on Obtaining Salvation.
I dare say the words above have been said by my mother to me more then 1000 times in my life. Mom would ask me to clean my room or take out the trash, but for some reason until I heard "are you Listening?" I just never moved. I often wonder how many times God has been calling for me in the same way. How many times he has been knocking at the door and yelling at me to just Listen. I decided to begin a major series for this podcast involving how we obtain Salvation. Though every topic we discuss on this podcast is important, Salvation reigns supreme.
The first step to Obtaining Salvation is found in Listening to God. When we seek to know how to do something we should aways begin with the source. As men instructions are of little value to us. Not because those instructions aren't important, but instead because we want to see if we can solve the puzzle without them. Unfortunately the puzzle of Salvation can not be solved by just "winging it". Instead we must begin by listening to the one who provided that Salvation to begin with. God longs for us to be his children, but as we shall see in this episode unless we listen to Him we can not be his Children.
There are three basic things we can do to help us listen. This applies not just to listening to God but also to our spouses, friends and coworkers.
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Remove any preconceived notions. We can not enter into our conversations with God already "knowing" what it is He is planning to tell us. This simply means if we want to hear what He is actually trying to say, then just simply let Him say it without your past or your "knowledge" influencing it. We must be willing to take God's Word for what it is without trying to shape His Word to our system of Beliefs.
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Listen to His Word in Context. Don't take God's Word and chop it up to help you understand it better. Instead look at each and every verse on a subject or issue. Listen to the whole of the Word and then you will better be able to see what God wanted you to hear from the beginning. Look at the chapter the verse your reading is in. Look at chapters before and after. Notice what is being discussed and who it is being written to. Google every verse on the subject your studying if you need to and see the entirety of God's thought not just a snapshot you hope will make you right.
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Study the Scriptures Daily. You know I honestly hope you don't trust me. I don't say that being mean, but instead I'd feel more secure in your Salvation if you refused to trust me and instead searched Scripture to make sure I was telling the truth. Why is it that we have gotten so far away from ensuring the things taught to us are from Him. How is it that we plan to fill full spiritually when we spend 1-2 hrs a week trying to Listen to His Word. The Bereans obviously figured out how to Listen, maybe we just need to imitate them and ensure we are listening to the Truth
John 8:47 - 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God."
John 10:27-28 - 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Hebrews 4:7 - 7 again he appoints a certain day, "Today," saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Revelation 3:20 - 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Acts 2:37-38 - 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Why thank you, I'll take that as a compliment. While that may not be your normal reaction to being called a Weirdo, I think it is becoming ever more evident that it should be. The world around us is becoming so much more all the same. "Churches" are being filled with people who believe anything and everything about the Bible. Its becoming an anything goes society both in and out of the religious community, instead of telling someone they are wrong will will just make everyone right. So our real challenge is becoming more and more to be Weirdos. We need to be a fish going in the "wrong" direction. We need to stand out like a sore thumb.
It is more then obvious that fitting in with the rest of the world is going to lead us in the wrong direction. We have so many people who are worried they don't fit in. They feel like outcast, they feel uncool, they feel simply like Weirdos. My daughter struggles with this very much. She is somewhat the teachers pet. She is how can I say this nice, the goody two shoes. And so I spend a lot of time talking to Halle, I want her to embrace being different. I want her to stand out. I want her to be a Weirdo.
This week we spend time striving to be Weirdos. We challenge ourselves to be outside the norms. We see God's call for us to stand out among the crowds. Do you think your a Weirdo? Do you want to be a Weirdo? This week lets learn how
Romans 12:1-2 - 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Matthew 5:48 - 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 7:12-20 - 12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Proverbs 1:10-15- 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse"-- 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths,
Psalm 1:1-2 - 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Philippians 2:15 - 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Matthew 5:14-16 - 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heav...