The Gospel of the Kingdom 7.3 - November 7, 2010

The Gospel of the Kingdom
#3 – A Look at the Mountains – Business and Technology

1 Kings 3:5-15 (New International Version © 2010)
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.

God gave Solomon wealth and prosperity.
Deuteronomy 8:18 (New International Version © 2010)
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Some Kingdom Principles that govern the Business Mountain:
1. The Contentment Principle
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (New International Version © 2010)
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.

1 Timothy 6:10 (New International Version © 2010)
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Philippians 4:10-13 (New International Version © 2010)
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

2. The Principle of True Riches
Luke 16:9-14 (New International Version © 2010)
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.

3. The Principle of Generosity
1 Timothy 6:1-2 (New International Version © 2010)
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (New International Version © 2010)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

The goal of wealth is to gain the opportunity to glorify God. All that money does is change the scope of the audience that will listen.

Some questions to ask:
1. In your pursuit of wealth, have you held too tightly to things?
2. How are you living out Kingdom Principles with your current use of your wealth – whether that is money or social capital?
3. If money was no object, what would you do to advance the Kingdom? (Money will always be an object until you choose not to make it an object anymore)
4. Has the pursuit of wealth gotten the best of you? How are you working to put things back in perspective? Who is helping you?

The Gospel of the Kingdom 7.2 - October 31, 2010

The Gospel of the Kingdom

Understanding the Kingdom Principles

Matthew 10:16 (New International Version)
I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Kingdom Principles Work… What are they? (See Handout)

John 14:15-17 (New International Version)
If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

What Helps Us to Live Out Jesus’ Commands Better?
1. Deal with Blind spots
Matthew 23:15 (New International Version)
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

Romans 8:28-39 (New International Version)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; 
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2. Find Mentors and Models
Hebrews 10:19-25 (New International Version)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

3. Identify Your God Given Passion and Gain Clarity
Ephesians 4:14-16 (New International Version)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (New International Version)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 139:13-16 (New International Version)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

The Assignment: Work it through this week…

50 Commands of Christ - Summary List
1. Repent—Matthew 4:17, Luke 13:3
2. Let not your heart be troubled—John 14:27,
John 16:33, Matthew 6:25-26, Philippians 4:6-7
3. Follow me—Matthew 4:19
4. Rejoice—Matthew 5:12, (Also 2 Corinthians 6:10,
12:10, James 1:2-4)
5. Let your light shine—Matthew 5:16
6. Honor God’s law—Matthew 5:17-19
7. Be reconciled—Matthew 5:24-25
8. Do not commit adultery—Matthew 5:27-30
9. Keep your word—Matthew 5:33-37
10. Go the second mile—Matthew 5:38-42
11. Love your enemies—Matthew 5:44
12. Be perfect—Matthew 5:48
13. Practice secret disciplines (giving, praying,
fasting)—Matthew 6:1-18
14. Lay up treasures in heaven—Matthew 6:19-21
15. Seek first the kingdom of God—Matthew 6:33
16. Judge not—Matthew 7:1-2
17. Do not throw your pearls to pigs—Matthew 7:6
18. Ask, seek, and knock—Matthew 7:7-8
19. Do unto others—Matthew 7:12
20. Choose the narrow way—Matthew 7:13-14
21. Beware of false prophets—Matthew 7:15
22. Pray for those who spread the word—Matthew
9:37-38
23. Be as shrewd as serpents—Matthew 10:16.
(Also Romans 16:19)
24. Fear God. Do not fear man— Matthew 10:28
(Also Luke 12:4-5)
25. Listen to God’s voice—Matthew 11:15, 13:9,
13:43, Mark 4:23, Luke 14:35, 1 Kings 19:11-13
26.Take my yoke—Matthew 11:29
27. Honor your parents—Matthew 15:4
28. Beware of false teaching—Matthew 16:6, 11-12
29. Deny yourself—Luke 9:23 (Also Matthew 10:38
and Mark 8:34)
30. Do not despise little ones—Matthew 18:10
31. Go to Christians who offend you—Matthew
18:15 (Also Galatians 6:1)
32. Forgive offenders—Matthew 18:21-22 (Also
Proverbs 19:11)
33. Beware of covetousness—Luke 12:15
34. Honor marriage—Matthew 19:6, 19:9
35. Lead by being a servant—Matthew 20:26-28
36. Make the church a house of prayer for all
nations—Mark 11:17
37. Pray in faith—Matthew 21:21-22, John 15:7
38. Bring in the poor—Luke 14:12-14
39. Render unto Caesar—Matthew 22:19-21
40. Love the Lord—Matthew 22:37-38
41. Love your neighbor—Matthew 22:39
42. Be born again—John 3:7
43. Await my return—Matthew 24:42-44
44. Celebrate the Lord’s supper—Matthew 26:26-
27
45. Watch and pray—Matthew 26:41
46. Keep my commandments—John 14:15
47. Feed my sheep—John 21:15-16
48. Make and baptize disciples—Matthew 28:19
49. Teach disciples to obey—Matthew 28:20
50. Receive God’s power—Luke 24:49

Prayer 2.3 - October 17, 2010

Practice #2 – Prayer
2.3 – How do I pray for those who don’t believe?

Matthew 9:35-38 (New International Version)
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Acts 4:31 (New International Version)
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

How do we pray for the harvest?

1. Pray for a heart of compassion.
a. Jesus saw those who were like a sheep without a shepherd and had compassion on them. If we are going to reach those who are lost in the world, we must start to see the world with eyes that are full of compassion.

b. We pray in order to develop and participate in a relationship with God that will re-form us. We're not always praying in order to "change God's mind." We pray for the lost in order to have a passion and mission for the lost.

Ezekiel 33:6 (New International Version)
But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that man will be taken away because of his sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.'


2. Pray for Aid

a. When we are PRAYERED up we are prepared

b. Pray for others to see the needs in the field, and start working in the harvest

Ephesians 3:16-19 (New International Version)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

3. God is answering your prayers by sending you.
Matthew 10:1 (New International Version)
He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil[a] spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

a. Don’t let prayer become an excuse to stand on the sideline

b. When you start to work in the harvest, you start to see specific needs in the field.


Some Questions to think about…

1. Do you have a heart for those who are wondering like sheep without a shepherd? How can your prayer life create depth to your compassion?

2. If every great movement in the church begins with prayer, are you willing to spend the time in prayer to start a movement?

3. What is holding you back from sharing Jesus with your friends? Are you asking God to remove that barrier in your life?

4. What can you pray for to help you become more prepared to share the gospel?

5. Are you ready to get involved in ministry so you can see what the needs are in the field and focus your prayers toward meeting them?

Prayer 2.2 - October 10, 2010

Practice #2 – Prayer
2.2 – How do I pray? – Forgiveness

2 Samuel 11:1-5 (New International Version)
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."

2 Samuel 11:26-27 (New International Version)
When Uriah's wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.

2 Samuel 12:1-23 (New International Version)
The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.
"Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."
Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'
"This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "
Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.
On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."
David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."
Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"
He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

How Does David Respond?
Psalm 51 (New International Version)
For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity 
and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, 
so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.

How do we pray for forgiveness?
1. There has to be true repentance.
Psalm 51:10-12 (New Living Translation)
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
 Renew a loyal spirit within me.
 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
 and make me willing to obey you.

Chronicles 6:36-39 (New International Version)
"When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.
2. There has to be an accepting of the consequences.
Repentance does not take away the consequences, just the penalty. Consequences are not God punishing us. They are the result of our choices. God isn’t mad at us because we have bad consequences from a choice made.

David says, “…For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, 
so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge…”

Ezekiel 23:35 (New International Version)
"Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Since you have forgotten me and thrust me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness and prostitution."

3. The Goal of repentance is Restoration – not pain or guilt.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (New International Version)
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Some Questions to ask:
1. Do you believe that God is holding out on you?
2. Have you forgotten how much God has already given you?
3. Do you have people in your life that care enough about you to ask about real things before you slip too far? Or do they just try to help cover up when you make mistakes?
4. Are you in the middle of a crisis now that resulted from a series of poor choices that maybe happened a long time ago?
5. Do you understand the price for walking a destructive path? It is more than a “someday punishment.”

Prayer 2.1 - October 3, 2010

9 Practices #2 – Prayer
2.1 – The Case for Prayer

Luke 11:1-4 (New International Version)
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father,
 hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread. 
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.' "

Matthew 6:7-13 (New International Version)
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Some Realities of Prayer…
1. Prayer is a discipline.
Ephesians 6:18-20 (New International Version)
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

2. Prayer isn’t Obligating God.
Psalm 37:3-6 (New International Version)
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

3. Prayer is more listening than talking.
Psalm 46:10 (New International Version)
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

4. Prayer is not “Positive Vibes” sent out to the universe.
2 Chronicles 6:34-35 (New International Version)
"When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to you toward this city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

5. Prayer is a conversation with a real being that really wants relationship with us.
Psalm 66:18-20 (New International Version)
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

6. There are pieces of life that we can only tie into through prayer.

James 4:1-3 (New International Version)
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Some Questions to ask this week:
1. What do you spend most of your time praying for?
2.How much time do you spend listening in prayer instead of speaking?
3. When you sense God’s perspective in prayer and it is different than yours, what do you do?
4. How can you carve out more time for prayer in your day? Is it a matter of getting up earlier? Or is it a matter of seeing the world from a spiritual perspective?

Relationship 1.4 - September 26, 2010

Practice #1 – Relationship
1.4 – Being a Spiritual Leader

A Context for Elijah:
1 Kings 19:14-21 (New International Version)
He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him." So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. "Let me kiss my father and mother good-by," he said, "and then I will come with you." "Go back," Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.

4 Truths of Spiritual Leadership:
1. We all have to replace ourselves
No matter how much we have done in the Kingdom, we will all die.

Acts 13:36 (New International Version)
"For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed.

2. We have to know whom to choose
Ephesians 5:15-16 (New International Version)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

3. We have to talk WITH them, not AT them
1 Kings 19:21 (New International Version)
So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant.

They lived life together… This is the Discipleship Model.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (New International Version)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

4. We have to know when to step down.
Deuteronomy 2:2-3 (New International Version)
Then the LORD said to me, "You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.

Some Questions to ask:
1. Who has God brought into your life that He wants you to be a Spiritual Leader for?
2. What does it do inside of you to know that God wants you to be a Spiritual leader?
3. What obstacles do you face in becoming a Spiritual leader?
4. What is the cost if I don’t do my part in Discipleship?
5. Who will I ask to hold me accountable to owning my piece of handing off The Faith to the next generation, the next circle of influence, the next group of Spiritual leaders?

Relationship 1.3 - September 19, 2010

The 9 Practices

1.3 – Being A True Learner

Philippians 3:7-9 (New International Version)

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

What does it take to be a true Learner?

Luke 9:57-62 (New International Version)

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." 
But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

3 Obstacles to being a true Learner…

1. Comforts

Romans 8:18 (New International Version)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

2 Kinds of comforts we fight:

· Comforts of the past: past successes, hurts,

o Lot’s Wife, Children of Israel

· Comforts of the present: nice life, neat things, security in false things

· It is often more comfortable to hold on to what we know than it is to experience what we were created for.

· You cannot live by faith and make decisions in fear.

2. Priorities

Exodus 20:3 (New International Version)

"You shall have no other gods before me.

· If you ask someone if they are busy, they will almost always say yes. Not very many people will look at you and say – I am doing NOTHING!

· Everyone is busy. What we need to make sure of is that we are busy with the right things.

· The Phrase: “I DON’T HAVE TIME.” Is an excuse – not reality. Our priorities won’t let us do it. We always have time for our priorities.

· When your priorities are about things in this life, your kids grow up with the same priorities.

· Your kids are not better off if they don’t see you live by faith.

3. Obligations

Luke 14:26 (New International Version)

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.

These are hard statements!

Joshua 24:14-16 (New International Version)

"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

· Jesus isn’t playing. And Neither can we.

Some questions to ask:

1. Do I live my life looking backward or forward?

2. What other obligations to I let get in the way of fully following Jesus?

3. What priorities do I have that may not align with God’s design for me?

4. What is God asking me to let go of so that I can truly be a learning disciple, not just a stagnate follower?

Storming the Cave - September 12, 2010

Storming the Cave
Aaron Couch
September 12, 2010

Reasons for Personal Fasts:
1. To Plead With God.
Daniel 9:1-3 (New International Version)
In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom- in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

2. To Petition the Lord for a Special Request
Psalm 35:13 (New International Version)
Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting.

3. To Seek God’s Face in an Especially Focused Way.
Luke 2:36-37 (New International Version)
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Reasons for a Corporate Fast:
1. During a Time of Corporate Repentance
1 Samuel 7:5-6 (New International Version)
Then Samuel said, "Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the LORD for you." When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, "We have sinned against the LORD." And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.

2. To Seek the Lord’s Direction in Times of Trial.
Chronicles 20:2-4 (New International Version)
Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea. It is already in Hazazon Tamar" (that is, En Gedi). Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.

3. To Ask God for Protection During a Specific Time or Event.
Ezra 8:21-23 (New International Version)
There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

What is Fasting?
1. Fasting is choosing to tell God we love Him more than we love the things we give up.
Philippians 3:19 (New International Version)
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

2. Fasting is a set period of time to seek God’s face for a specific purpose in a more intense way.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Some things to release in a fast:
1. Food – Juice fasts, Daniel Fasts, abstaining from certain kinds of foods, Water fasts, Coffee, etc.
2. Things that dominate your time – TV, video games, electronics, cell phone, texting, Facebook, reading books, watching movies, Shopping, etc.
3. Things that take the place of God in your life – Relationships, Exercise, Makeup, etc.

For CARE Groups this week:
Some things to pray about this week:
1. We need a solution to our space problem.
2. We need clarity on the next step.
3. For people to come to know Christ – Give us Souls!
4. That we would be brave enough to storm the cave and fight the dragon. That we would be completely dissatisfied with sitting on the sidelines.
5. That God would do a miracle in our midst. In our lives, in our homes, and on the Palouse.

Practice #1: Relationship #1 - September 5, 2010

Discipling Relationships
There’s No Place Like Home

Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (NIV)
 1 These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3 Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Christians can experience lasting discipleship in their homes by relying upon four key relationships that God created in families.

Heart Relationship
-   We cannot give what we do not possess
-   We are handing off a relationship with God to others
-   Our heart is the executive center of our very being
-   Focus on behavior can miss the heart entirely

Spontaneous Relationships
-   Jesus used teachable moments often
-   Teachable moments occur when hearts are open and curious
-   Spontaneous relationships have to be spotted and accessed
-   Quality relationships spring out of time spent together

Routine Relationships
-   Routines are not bad
-   Routines build life rhythms
-   Routines can serve as memorials
-   Routine investments outweigh crash courses in anything

Community Relationships
-   Discipling the generation that is yet to come
-   Supportive relationships reinforce faith
-   Supportive relationships provide alternate modeling
-   The church is God’s family – Generations


Questions to Ponder

1.  What relationships do I think are essential for me to grow as a follower of Christ?
2.  When I think of disciple making do I think more program, system, class, or way of life? Why?
3.  How could my “home” make one step to become more of a relational environment for making disciples?
4.  Which of the four relationships am I growing in? Which of the four am I struggling with?

The Big 5: #5 Reproducing Disciples who can Disciple - August 29, 2010

The Big “5”
5.5 – Reproducing Disciples who can Disciple

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

John 5:16-18 (NIV)
So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him. Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 17:4 (NIV)
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.
What was the work?

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
God Expects each of us to be a part of that movement.

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The Question is – “Why?”
1.    So that we can know Him.
1 John 5:19-20 (NIV)
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

2.    So that we can grow.
Ephesians 4:14-16 (NIV)
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

3.    So that we can care for one another.
Romans 12:9-11 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Some Questions:
1.    Has your Spiritual Life Stagnated?
2.    Could you share your faith with a friend?
3.    Are you Serving in the Kingdom in some way?
4.    Do you really care about the people around you?
5.    How does that show up in your life?

Big 5: #4 Serving God Gives Life - August 22, 2010

The Big “5”
5.4 – Serving God gives Life

Acts 2:42-47 (New International Version)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Serving God give us life.  Serving self always takes it away.
Luke 9:23-25 (NIV)
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?”
We are wired to find fulfillment in serving one another.

Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Service Show Stoppers:
1.    The Belief that God is holding out on us.
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

2.    The Belief that what we are doing is not noticed.
Matthew 6:3-6 (NIV)
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

3.    Over Spiritualizing Selfishness
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

4.    Trying to do things for God and doing too little with God.Matthew 19:26-27 (NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Peter answered him, "We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?"

5.    Making choices because of fear.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Some Questions to ask this week:
1.    Am I serving in the Kingdom?
2.    Am I fulfilled in my service?
3.    Am I getting life or getting the life sucked out of me by doing what I am doing?
4.    What would I change about what I am doing in the Kingdom right now?
5.    What am I avoiding doing in the Kingdom that God is asking me to do?
6.    What am I holding onto that God wants me to let go of so that I can live by faith, not fear?

Big 5: Growth Focused - August 15, 2010

The Big “5”
Focused on Growth

Acts 2:42-47 (New International Version)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

2 Parts to Growth: Corporate and Individual.  They were committed to both
1.    Corporate Growth
“…And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (NIV)
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Luke 19:10 (NIV)
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
 
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
 
2.    Personal Growth
Hebrews 6:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

Personal Spiritual Growth can be measured in 2 ways:
1.    Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

2.    Willingness to risk in your faith
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
 
Matthew 10:32-33 (NIV)
Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Personal Growth is always hard, but always worth it.
 
John 8:31-36 (NIV)
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Weekly Questions: Explain what we are doing with these…
1.    Am I willing to be uncomfortable so that God could add to our number daily?
2.    What does that look like?
3.    Do I believe in God’s agenda enough to share my faith with my friends who don’t know Him?
4.    Who am I sharing my faith with right now that doesn’t know Jesus yet?
5.    What does Jesus want to set me free from?
6.    Why am I holding onto that in my life?

Big 5: #2 Others Centered - August 8, 2010

Make Me a Servant, Lord

Introduction
-     Greatest Commandment
 
Luke 10:27 (New International Version)
He answered: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself."

-    The greatest act of selfishness – Riverton, WY

I.    Judging Others
Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV)
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye,” when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
    A.    When judging is legitimate
   B.    Can’t judge others until you judge yourself (vs 4)
   C.    Don’t judge others who can’t receive it (vs 6)

II.    Serving others
Matthew 20:20-26 (NIV)
Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,
   A.    These boys had learned well at home
   B.    Jesus demonstrated how to serve others
John 13:5-11 (NIV)
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
   C.    Everyone wants to be the CEO

      a.    Pyramid turned upside down
Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

   D.    Bible heroes were servants
      -    Paul – II Corinthians 11
      -    James & John

   E.    The needy are to be served 
Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 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. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
 
James 1:27 (NIV)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

III.    When others hurt you
II Timothy 4:14-15 (NIV)
Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
 
   A.    Sticks and stones…
     a.    Paul didn’t whine

  B.    We shouldn’t be surprised when others hurt us
   C.    Proven to set boundaries
Matthew 5:23 (NIV)
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 18:15-17 (NIV)
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
 
Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Serving others helps us to:
1.    Be like Jesus
2.    Unite the body
3.    Be productive in service
4.    See God happen
5.    Have Joy to live
6.    Make like meaning

The Big 5: #1 Kingdom is at hand - August 1, 2010

The Kingdom is at Hand

Matthew 6:25-33 (New International Version)
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 7:21 (NIV)
Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

I.    Sense of Urgency
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

II.    Dedicated to Duty 
II Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

III.    Kingdom minded people have a heart of sensitivity
Luke 19:41 (NIV)
As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.
“This is not the future’s first verse!

Always it keeps coming – at supersonic speeds.
Suddenly in the desert stands

John the Baptist.
“Repent!” he shouts,
“The future – God’s future – is at hand!”
It will not wait

And so Jesus comes.
Are we ready?
Do we welcome Him?
Do we love Him?
Do we serve Him?
Do we see Him for who He is?
Or do we go on, hating the Romans,
Talking about the price of eggs?
Still the future speeds;
Tomorrow starts today.
People move.
Cities grow.
Times change.
In the name of God, we must do better than before!
The future will not wait!”

Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath 7.7 - June 25, 2010

7 Deadly Sins
7.7 – Wrath

Proverbs 22:24 (New International Version)
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
 
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV)
"In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

What is it?

Why is it such a big deal?

How do we fight anger?

1.    Remember who is in control.Psalm 56 (New International Version)
Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? All day long they twist my words; they are always plotting to harm me. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. On no account let them escape; in your anger, O God, bring down the nations. Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll —
 are they not in your record? Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise-in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, O God; 
I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

2.    Remember that you are not a victim of how you feel.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

3.    Remember that People are precious to God!
Exodus 20:13 (NIV)
You shall not murder.

James 1:19-21 (NIV)
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 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.

Some Questions to Ask:
1.    Am I avoiding deeper issues with my anger?
2.    Do I use my anger to control others?
3.    Do I trust God to deal with those who hurt others or me?
4.    When I become angry, who do I talk to?
5.    Knowing that anger will be a battle we face the rest of our lives, what provision are you making to help deal with anger well?

Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth - July 18, 2010

7 Deadly Sins
7.6 – Sloth

Proverbs 6:6-11 (New International Version)
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.

What is it?

Why is it such a big deal?
Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV) – Jesus’ Words
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NIV) – Paul’s Words
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

How do we fight sloth? (As a choice)
1.    Take Proper Rest.
Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV)
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

2.    Work for the Lord, not for men.
This seems cliché but it is true.
Colossians 3:22-24 (NIV)
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
 
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Some Questions to ask:1.    Am I burnt out?
2.    Do I need a break?
3.    Am I battling depression? Is that circumstantial or chemical?
4.    Am I taking advantage of breaks?
5.    Is my diet or exercise hindering my ability to accomplish things?
6.    Do I regularly put things off that should be done sooner?

Seven Deadly Sins: Pride 7.5 - July 11, 2010

7 Deadly Sins
7.5 – Pride

James 4:6-7 (New International Version)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

What is it?
Why is it such a big deal?
People have tried all kinds of ways to deal with the issue of pride in life…
 
Proverbs 16:2 (New International Version)
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

What does a humble person look like?

1.    A Humble Person Sees People From God’s Perspective.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (New International Version)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Philippians 2:3-5 (New International Version)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Matthew 6:1-2 (New International Version)
Be careful not to do your “acts of righteousness” before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

2.    A Humble Person Trusts God’s Timing.We somehow get the idea that God is holding out on us.  When we believe that we “deserve” better than God is giving us, we press our own agenda.  That never works out well.
 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 (New International Version)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

3.    A Humble Person is Beneficially Honest. In 2 regards – self and others
Romans 12:3 (New International Version)
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

4.    A Humble Person Finds Value in What God has Made Them.
Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
 
Psalm 139

Some Questions to ask:1.    What do I want people to say of me?
2.    Do I see people from God’s perspective?
3.    Do I trust God to take care of the details in my life?
4.    Do I feel like I need to be vindicated when I am wronged?
5.    Do I see my value from God’s perspective or the world’s?
6.    Do I look for opportunities to build others up or build myself up at others’ expense?

Seven Deadly Sins: Lust 7.4 - July 4, 2010

The 7 Deadly Sins
7.4 – Lust

Review: Envy, Gluttony, Greed
1 John 2:15-17 (New International Version)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
 
What is it?
   •    Very strong sexual desire… this can be expanded to be any strong desire for something temporal.
   •    Lust is a focus on acquiring earthly things.  It is a drive to have temporary things attempt to give
         you peace and hope.
 
Romans 8:23-25 (New International Version)
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Why is it a big deal?
   •    Lust always takes us away from God’s perspective.
   •    We cannot honor God and be consumed with lust.
   •    Lust in the brain… turns off judgment centers in the brain.
   •    What do I do with lust?
      o    The “M” word
      o    What if I am single?
      o    What if I am married? Is it okay to “lust” for your spouse?  This is not taking us away from
            God’s perspective. 
      o    Sex in a marriage is not “using” your spouse to masturbate.  It is the mingling of souls.  For
            many couples, they use the act itself totally for personal pleasure… that is lust at its core.
      o    One of the problems with porn is that it has taken away the drive for men to be good lovers for
            their wives.  We have become very selfish in our sexuality – even in marriage.
   •    Dealing with lust is not just about stopping the actions lust causes.  It is about dealing with the
          perspective that allows me to see the world from a skewed view.
 
Colossians 3:1-8 (New International Version)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

How do we battle Lust?
1.    Starve the Monster!   •    You are going to fight this monster in your life.  Do you want to fight a strong monster, or do you want to fight a weak monster?

Job 31:1 (New International Version)
I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.
   •    You cannot always be looking at things that you shouldn’t and then expect to not struggle with
          lust.
   •    Modesty is a key.
 
2.    Protect the wound!   •    It is not enough to acknowledge that there is a problem.  We actually have to deal with it.
 
2 Corinthians 10:5 (New International Version)
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
 
Colossians 2:20-23 (New International Version)
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
   •    We cannot do this on our own.  It is not a matter of the will.  It is a change of the heart.  A change
          of perspective.
 
3.    Vomit on a friend!
James 5:16 (New International Version)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
   •    Satan plays in the dark

Some tools to help:
Safe Eyes (www.xxxchurch.com)
X3watch (this does not stop visiting the websites, but reports questionable ones)
   •    Things like these deal with the fruit of lust, not the root.  They do not help heal lust.

Me and 3 groups
Sampson and the Pirate Monks groups
Pure Warrior (Book – some good practical helps)
Pure Warrior Ministry – Stuart Vogelman (Executive pastor at Real Life in Spokane Valley)
Some clear next steps:
Turn off the internet and cable at your house
Talk to someone about it
Begin to pray together about it
Read books
Read the Bible