December 27, 2009 - Practice: Obey 4.4

Practices #4 – Obey

4.4 – Obedience Brass Tacks

 Genesis 3:1-8 (New International Version)
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' " "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.

God pronounces the consequences, and Adam Names Eve…

Genesis 3:20-23 (New International Version)
Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.

Genesis 4:1-2 (New International Version)
Adam lay with his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.
    •    Qanithi ish et yaweh should be structured different.

Genesis 4:3-5 (New International Version)
In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Genesis 4:8 (New International Version)
Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:11-12 (New International Version)
Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.

Trace the Lineage of Cain…
The last of Cain’s lineage is a man named Lamech…

Genesis 4:23-24 (New International Version)
Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me. If Cain is avenged seven times, then Lamech seventy-seven times."

We see that Eve ultimately figures things out… But the damage was already done.

Genesis 4:25 (New International Version)
Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, "God has granted (established for me) me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him."

Question: Where did it start?

Forgiveness is a fundamental requirement of the Christian existence.

Matthew 6:14-15 (New International Version)
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Forgiveness is giving up our right to be angry.  It is not a foolish choice to allow another to hurt you over and over and over.

Luke 17:3-4 (New International Version)
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."

Practice: Obey 4.3 - December 20, 2009

Practice #4 – Obedience
4.3 – Ultimate Obedience

Philippians 2:5-8 (New International Version)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, 
taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

The Christmas Season is a perfect example of what Jesus meant when He said, “If you love Me, you will obey Me.”

Some thoughts on Christmas as a model for Obedience:

1.    Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus…
John 13:15 (New International Version)
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
When you look at people, what do you see?

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.

The model of the Christmas story is this:
Whether a wise man or ignorant, rich or poor, a king or a servant, we must all follow Jesus’ lead and become a servant – both classes bowed before the king.  This was by His own choice, and His great pleasure to do.  Just as it should be for us.

2.    Jesus Modeled for Us What it Looks Like to Obey…
Matthew 16:24-25 (New International Version)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

3.    He Gave Up Everything to be Nothing…
Philippians 2:7 (New International Version)
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

John 19:9-11 (New International Version)
and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

Daniel 2:20-21 (New International Version)
and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

Job 1:20-21 (New International Version)
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. 
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Acts 4:8-20 (New International Version)
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 
 " 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone,’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name." Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

The Christmas story gives us a model of how we obey Jesus.  And every example in Scripture of those who lived by faith follows the same pattern.

*May this Christmas be filled with the reality of a love for Christ that leads to obedience.

Practice: Obey 4.2 - December 13, 2009

Practices #4 – Obey
4.2 – Lessons from the Race

Paul makes an interesting analogy for the Christian life.

1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (New International Version)
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Some Lessons We Can Learn From the Race:

1. In Training, You Have to Start at the Beginning.

Jeremiah 12:5 (New International Version)
If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?

• No one who runs a marathon starts out being able to run a marathon.

• Matthew 25 – Parable of the Talents

2. There are no shortcuts to running a marathon.

Galatians 5:6-8 (New International Version)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

3. Every Runner, in Every Run, Hits the Decision Point.

Character doesn’t come easy.

2 Timothy 4:7 (New International Version)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

• If you stop running, you never get the privilege of finishing.

So What do We Do With That?

Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Practice: Obey 4.1 - December 06, 2009

Practice #4: Obey
Obedience: Promise or Performance

Leviticus 18:4-5  
You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God. Keep my decrees and laws, for the man who obeys them will live by them. I am the LORD.
 
John 8:31-32
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."
 
I Samuel 15:22-23
But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king."
 
Matthew 21:28-32
What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, “Son, go and work today in the vineyard." “I will not,” he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, “I will, sir,” but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted? "The first," they answered. Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

I.    Obedience is needed even when we are not in the mood.

  a.    If we only obeyed when we felt like it

  b.    Even when it is hard to obey

II.    Obedience is needed even when it is not convenient

  a.    Felix – we will talk at a more convenient time
    
    Acts 24:25
    As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said,
    "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."
 
 b.    When it isn’t easy
 
  c.    Even when our schedule doesn’t allow it – could be that even God would have to make an
         appointment with us

  d.    Serving God is rarely convenient –
      i.    Having a baby is not convenient
      ii.    Going to school, going to work

III.    People of faith are willing to give their will to God’s will by being obedient

  a.    Abraham
    
    Genesis 22:1-3
 
    Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God
    said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice
    him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning
    Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac.
    When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.
 
  b.    Naaman
    
    II Kings 5:10-12
    Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, "Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh
    will be restored and you will be cleansed." But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he
    would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand
    over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better
    than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off
    in a rage.
 
  c.    Jesus
    
    Hebrews 5:7-9
    During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to
    the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 
    8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he
    became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
    He learned obedience by the things he suffered
 
Conclusion

I.    Obedience is God’s way of refining us – Sanctification:
 
  a.    Relationships
  
  I Peter 2:23

    When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.                Instead,  he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

    i.    Marriage

    ii.    Friends

    iii.    Church

 b.    It rewards us with spiritual confidence

 c.    We imitate Christ when we obey

Practice: Study 3.5 - November 29, 2009

The Practices #3 – Study
3.5 – What is the result of study?

In Study, we learn the rules.  But righteousness is not found in the rules alone.
Chapter 1 & 2 – Paul puts everyone in the same boat concerning sin and separation from God.
 
Romans 3:1-2 (New International Version)
What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
 
Why did God give us the law?
Romans 3:19-20 (New International Version)
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
 
Romans 3:21-26 (New International Version)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
 
We are not righteous just because of what we do.
 
Proverbs 16:2 (New International Version)
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.
 
What does Study produce in us?
 
1.    A Change of Attitude.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
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.    A Change of Perspective.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (New International Version)
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
 
3.    A Change of Approach.
Colossians 4:6 (New International Version)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
 
Our hope for Study…
2 Timothy 4:2 (New International Version)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Practice: Study 3.4 - November 22, 2009

The Practices #3 – Study
3.4 – The Lessons Learned

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (NIV)
The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.

The Bible shows us the mistakes of the past so that we can learn form them. The questions is whether or not we will let them teach us…

Matthew 13:13-15 (New International Version)
This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 
"'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'

What lessons does the Bible teach us?

1. What is true reality?
1 Corinthians 15:19 (New International Version)
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Psalm 17:13-15 (New International Version)
Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down; rescue me from the wicked by your sword. O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life. You still the hunger of those you cherish; their sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children. And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

2. What is our purpose in life?
Deuteronomy 6:13 (New International Version)
Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.

1 Samuel 7:3 (New International Version)
And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, "If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

Matthew 4:10 (New International Version)
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "

Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

3. What do we have to be thankful for?
Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
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 everything through him who gives me strength.

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (New International Version)
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.

Thankfulness comes when we focus on how much we have. A Lack of thankfulness comes when we focus on what we don’t have. The question is which do you choose to focus on?

How do we get to that place?

Psalm 119:9-11 (New International Version)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; 
do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart 
that I might not sin against you.

Practice: Study 3.3 - November 15, 2009

Practice #3 – Study
3.3 – The Rock

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
 
Context: Matthew 7:15-23
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
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. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
There is so much deceptive information out there.  It comes in many forms.
 
1.    “False Prophets,” or those who abuse the Word 
1 John 4:1 (NIV)
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
 
Luke 4:9-13 (NIV) 
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
 
2.    People who are “Anti-Christian”
John 15:18-21 (NIV)
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 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.  Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
 
Psalm 56:4-6 (NIV)
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.

So how do we endure all these obstacles to our faith?
 
1.    Change the way you see life.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
 
Mark 9:21-24 (NIV)
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can?’ ” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
 
2.    Build your life on what the Word says.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
 
3.    Live it out.
Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
 
James 1:22 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
 
**True studying of the Word always leads to a change of action.  It does not matter what you know.  It matters what you do with what you know.

Practice: Study 3.2 - November 8, 2009

The Practices #3 - Study

3.2 – Boundaries

Anytime someone tries to tell us what to do, our first response is to do something different…

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible gives us boundaries by which we live the best life possible.

Why does God give us the boundaries that He does?:

1.    To show us who He is. 
Exodus 18:20 (NIV)
Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.

Exodus 20:1-17 (NIV)
And God spoke all these words:
I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 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. Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

2.    To show us how to love Him.
It is a wrong perspective to worry about God zapping us for doing wrong.  This is not about “Do right or you will get a spanking!”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (New International Version)
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

John 14:15 (New International Version)
If you love me, you will obey what I command.
Scripture defines the perimeters of a truly loving relationship.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Practice: Study 3.1 - November 1, 2009

Practices #3 - Study
3.1 – Where does faith come from?

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
We live by faith, not by sight.
 
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.
 
Romans 14:23 (NIV)
But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
 
Faith is hard to define because we live in a culture of feelings. 

Some definitions of faith:
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) 
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Where does that kind of faith come from?  

Romans 10:14-17 (NIV) 
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
 
How do I get the Bible in me?
Read
Listen to the Bible on CD
Surround yourself with Friends that will help
Watch the Bible in DVD’s
Listen to sermons
Listen to the radio
Listen to Christian music
Attend a CARE Group
Attend another type of small group

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
 
3 Critical Phrases in this verse:
 
1. “Do your best…”
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men
 
2.  “…a workman who does not need to be ashamed…”
Ezra 9:6
and prayed: “O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.”
 
Leviticus 26:14-17 (NIV)
But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you.
 
3.  “…who correctly handles the word of truth.” 
John 8:32 (NIV)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
What does faith look like?
 
Psalm 15 (NIV)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Practice: Prayer 2.4 - October 25, 2009

Practices #2
2.4 – What do I do when God is Silent?

Job 3:23-26
Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”
Why does God talk to us?

Exodus 3:13-15
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

Some Questions to ask when God seems silent:

1. Do I have a sin issue?
2 Chronicles 7:14-15
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.

2. Do I have an agenda problem?
Luke 22:41-43
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

3. Do I have a perspective problem?
Psalm 73:1-3, 13-14, 27-28
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning… Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

4. Have I already done everything I know the Lord told me to do?
Matthew 7:21
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.

5. Is God trying to show me something new about Himself?
John 11:32-34
When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

So how do I respond when God is Silent?
Go back and make sure that you are doing everything God has already told you to do. Be faithful in that, and wait and pray.

Practice: Prayer 2.2 - October 11, 2009

The Practices #2 – Prayer
2.2 – When Did Jesus Pray?

Luke 11:1-4
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.’ ”

1.  Jesus prayed when He started the day
Mark 1:35-37
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
 
2.  Jesus prayed for help in major decisions
Luke 6:12-13
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles
 
3.  Jesus prayed in times of stress
Mark 6:45-46
Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.
 
4.  Jesus prayed in times of tragedy
John 11:41-42
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When should we pray?
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Practice: Prayer 2.1 - October 4, 2009

Practice #2 – Pray
2.1 – The Discipline of Emptying

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Divergent Worldviews:
 
1.    What Do I Want?
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

2.    What Does God Want?
2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)
No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.

Romans 14:4 (NIV)
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
 
John 3:36 (ESV)
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Prayer is the process of EMPTYING myself that allows the transition to a different worldview. 

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Genesis 2:25-3:7
The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
If we understand prayer as an emptying of ourselves of our own agenda, then it changes how we read passages about prayer.

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
How do we let go of our agenda and align with God’s?
 
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.
 
Prayer is a constant conversation with God in which we submit our agenda to Him in every moment of every day.  And in turn, we rely on His replying to us with what His agenda is for each moment.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
Pray without ceasing.
 
Where do I start?
1.    A decision to make God’s agenda more important than my own.
2.    Knock out the major stuff…
3.    Surround yourself with the right influences…

Practice: Relationship 1.4 - September 27, 2009

Practices #1 – Relationship
1.4 – Why Don’t I Want To?

Why don’t I want to get in to the kind of relationships the Bible outlines?

Proverbs 16:25 (New International Version)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Matthew 7:21-23 (New International Version)
"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. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
God’s Will is not a Secret:

Romans 12:1-2 (New International Version)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Matthew 5:22-24 (New International Version)
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Mark 12:32-34 (New International Version)
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Some Common Excuses for Not Getting into Relationship:

1.    I don’t need people.
Hebrews 3:12-13 (New International Version)
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Hebrews 10:25 (New International Version)
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.

2.    I am afraid of people

2 Timothy 1:7 (New International Version)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

•    So, if God doesn’t give that spirit to us, then who does?

3.    I have been hurt too many times
1 John 1:7 (New International Version)
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, purifies us from all sin.

John 8:36 (New International Version)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (New International Version)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

4.    I don’t understand these people
Hebrews 4:14-16 (New International Version)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5.    I am not good enough

Matthew 10:18-20 (New International Version)
On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 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, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

**Relationship with others says more about Who you believe God is than who you believe you are or who you believe others are.

Practice: Relationship 1.3 - September 20, 2009

Practice #1 – Relationship
1.3 – Wisdom’s Desire

We are to pursue Wisdom:
Proverbs 24:14 (New International Version)
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 4:7 (New International Version)
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 8:10-13 (New International Version)
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Solomon defines Wisdom:
Wisdom = Knowledge + Prudence + Discretion

Matthew 22:37-40 (New International Version)
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

How does Wisdom Stay Wise?

1.    Listen to Others 
Proverbs 13:1 (New International Version)
A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 12:15 (New International Version)
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 15:31 (New International Version)
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

2.    Learn from Others
Proverbs 15:12 (New International Version)
A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.

Proverbs 19:20 (New International Version)
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

3.    Invest in Others
Proverbs 15:7 (New International Version)
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

Proverbs 16:21 (New International Version)
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

Proverbs 16:23 (New International Version)
A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
Where do I start?

Practice: Relationship 1.2 - September 13, 2009

Practices #1 – Relationship
#2 Accountability – Dealing with the Hidden Agenda

Ephesians 6:10-14a (New International Version)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…

We have to remember the truth of our situation:

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The Realities of Accountability:

1.    We don’t belong here

1 Peter 2:11 (New International Version)
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Romans 8:18-23 (New International Version)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.  We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

2.    We learn through obedience, not information.

James 1:23-25 (New International Version)
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

3.    Accountability helps us stay obedient.

Proverbs 27:17 (New International Version)
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 15:22 (New International Version)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 12:15 (New International Version)
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 13:20 (New International Version)
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

4.    The Christian life demands growth – not compliance.

Isaiah 29:13 (New International Version)
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”

•    Accountability is not Disclosure!

•    Accountability is not Transference!

5.    Accountability is Empowering Someone to Grow – Really!
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (New International Version)
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Psalm 32:1-2 (New International Version)
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him 
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Accountability helps us stay focused on what is true, so that we can grow.

Where do I start?

Practice: Relationship 1.1 - September 6, 2009

Practice #1 – Relationship
What is Intentional, Spiritual Relationship?

Colossians 3:12-14 (New International Version)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

What are the keys to spiritual relationship?

1. Encourage one another – toward spiritual realities.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (New International Version)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (New International Version)
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.

God told Moses to encourage Joshua as the change of leadership happened…

Deuteronomy 1:38 (New International Version)
But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 3:28 (New International Version)
But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.

2. Serve one another – modeling Christ’s love.
Galatians 5:13-14 (New International Version)
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. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

James 1:27 (New International Version)
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.

3. Protect one another – Pastoring those who need help.
John 13:34-35 (New International Version)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Romans 12:9-11 (New International Version)
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.

James 2:15-17 (New International Version)
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

We Model Christ’s Love to the World in Our Relationships…

Ephesians 1:5-6 (New International Version)
He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

The Nines #9 - August 30, 2009

The Nines #9
Nine Statements that will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

How Do We Endure These Times?

Hebrews 11:1-12:4
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible…All these people were still living by faith when they died…And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.


Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them…And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground…

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Some Realities of Persecution:

1.    Jesus is our example, and our support

Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

2.    People will say what they say.

Psalm 56:4-6
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.

3.    If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

Mark 9:20-24 (Story of a Demon Possessed Boy)
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.   Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

How Do We Endure Persecution Well?

•    Be Poor in Spirit

•    Be Willing to Mourn

•    Be Meek

•    Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

•    Be Merciful

•    Be Pure In Heart

•    Be a Peacemaker

•    Be Willing to Endure Persecution for Righteousness

The Nines #7

The Nines #7
Nine Statements that Will Change Your Life!

Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

What is “Peace?”

John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33 (NIV)
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

• Peace is not the absence of conflict. In fact, often peace comes from conflict.
• Peace is the absence of turmoil. The inner struggle that comes when we view conflict incorrectly.

2 ways to have a heart of peace:

1. Don’t focus on your own interests!

Philippians 2:1-5 (NIV)
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 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.

2. Let God work out revenge!

Romans 12:17-20
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. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

4 Peace Stoppers:

1. The Need for Vindication
2. The Need for Personal Recognition
3. The Fear of Being Hurt or Let Down
4. The Fear of Being Insignificant or Insecure

We do not have to live a “Victimized” Christianity. This reality is the bottom line to a heart of peace.

For further reading: The Anatomy of Peace, The Arbinger Institute

The Nines #6

The Nines #6
Nine Statements that will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:8 (New International Version)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

James 3:13-18 (New International Version)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Why does Jesus care about our heart so much?

What we do comes from our heart:

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 20:5 (New International Version)
The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

Matthew 15:17-19 (New International Version)
Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man “unclean.” For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

Proverbs 16:2 (New International Version)
All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

God doesn’t care about what you know:

John 5:39-40 (New International Version)
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

God cares about how your actions reflect His love for you toward others.

Psalm 15 (New International Version)
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

When we keep our hearts pure, God reveals Himself to us.

Romans 12:1-2 (New International Version)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The Nines #5

The Nines #5
Nine Statements that will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:7 (New International Version)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
A Simple Definition of Mercy: Not getting what you deserve.
 
Hosea 6:6 (New International Version)
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
    •    God’s Rules are not for us to see how serious we are about getting to heaven!
    •    God’s Rules are not so that we can leverage God into doing what we want!
 
Why does God give us rules?
Exodus 20:2-17 (New International Version)
"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 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. Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

What does it look like to be Merciful?
 
The Story of Jonah:
Jonah 1:1-3 (New International Version)
The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.

Jonah 4:1-4 (New International Version)
But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. He prayed to the LORD, "O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." But the LORD replied, "Have you any right to be angry?"

The Story of the Prodigal Son:
Luke 15:22-31 (New International Version)
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
   
    •    Being Merciful means we encourage first, then exhort.
    •    Being Merciful means we put rules in their context.
    •    Being Merciful means we forgive the way God forgives us.                                                                      In Being Merciful, we get mercy:
 
Mark 11:25 (New International Version)                       
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

The Nines #4

The Nines #4
Nine Statements that will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:6 (New International Version)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Where else do we find this idea in the Bible?

Hunger:
John 4:31-38 (New International Version)
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."  But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."  Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Thirst: 
Psalm 42:1-3 (New International Version)
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 
When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food 
day and night, 
while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?"
 
How Do We Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness?
1.  Know - It starts with a decision
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

2.    Be – It moves to the heart
 
Psalm 119:10-12 (New International Version)
I seek you with all my heart; 
do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; 
teach me your decrees.
 
Hebrews 3:12-13 (New International Version)
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
 
Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
 
Matthew 15:17-19 (New International Version)
Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man “unclean.” For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.

3.    Do – It translates into our practice
James 1:22-25 (New International Version)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Jesus promises that we will be filled…
The only way to truly understand fulfillment in this life is to be a part of the lifestyle that Jesus has called us to.  You can try all day long, but you won’t be filled until you hunger and thirst for righteousness.

The Nines #3

The Nines #3
Nine Statements that will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:5 (ESV)

    Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

    •    It is hard to get our mind around this idea of Meek.
    •    Synonyms: gentle, lowly, humble; yielding, compliant, tame…
    •    Webster’s Dictionary: quiet, gentle, easily imposed on, submissive
    •    Word Picture: Ox in a plow – power under restraint…
    •    Implication: We have to choose to allow that to happen.  Choose, not feel!

    o    Power has the ability to keep restraint from happening.  Those with the power are stronger than             those who are trying to restrain them. 
    o    Therefore, power must be willing to choose to be placed under restraint
            Jesus is Calling This Truth Out of the Old Testament
Psalm 37:11
     But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.

Some Examples of Meekness

Joseph – Genesis 37; 39; 40; 42
    •    Joseph is 17 when he has the dream (Gen 37:2)
    •    Joseph is 30 when he enters Pharaoh’s service (Gen. 41:46)
    •    Then there are 7 years of plenty and staring into the 7 years of famine???
    •    Joseph is in the neighborhood of 40 years old when his vision is fulfilled.
    •    In that moment, he has the right, the ability, and probably the desire to extract judgment on his                 brothers…  but he doesn’t

David – 1 Samuel 16; 24; 26; 31 and 2 Samuel 23
    •    God appointed Saul as King (1 Samuel 10)
    •    God rejects Saul as King because he took what was the Lord’s and didn’t obey God (1 Samuel 15)
    •    God selects David as King and gives him great favor with the people
    •    Saul becomes jealous of David and starts trying to kill him
    •    Before God, David is the rightful king, and Saul is in David’s throne
    •    David has at least 2 chances to kill Saul and both times chooses not to
    •    Ultimately, David waits for God to work it out.  And He does.  Saul kills himself.

        o    What would have been the rumors if David had taken matters into his own hands?

    •    David’s mighty men get David a drink of water and he pours it out, not willing to have anything             that his men couldn’t have.
    •    David had the power, the right, and the desire, but chose not to.  – Power under restraint, by                 choice.
Jesus – Matthew 4; 28
    •    At the temptation, Satan appeals to Jesus desire for authority.
    •    Jesus has the right, the desire, the power, and the ability to make this happen
    •    Jesus chooses to let God provide
    •    This is at the heart of Meekness

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus is our ultimate model of Meekness…

    •    He had the right, the power, the desire, and the authority to keep bad things from happening to             Him, but He did not.  He chose to put His power under restraint so that we could experience peace.

The Nine's #2

The Nines #2
Nine Statements that Will Change Your Life

Matthew 5:4 (New International Version)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

2 Key Words to Consider:

1. Mourn = πενϑουντες

Examples of Mourning:

John 11:25-35 (New International Version)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." And after she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. "The Teacher is here," she said, "and is asking for you." When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked.
"Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept.

Luke 19:41-42 (New International Version)

As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace but now it is hidden from your eyes.

2. Comforted = παρακληθησονται

What do we mourn?

1. When people don’t live by faith in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (New International Version)

We live by faith, not by sight.

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:

2. When we consider the fate of those who don’t know Jesus.

Hebrews 9:25-28 (New International Version)

Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him

3. When people claim to be followers of Jesus, but act nothing like Him.

Matthew 7:21 (New International Version)

"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.”

John 5:39-40 (New International Version)
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

4. When children get hurt.

Luke 17:1-2 (New International Version)

Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.

5. When people in need are neglected.

James 1:26-27 (New International Version)

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 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.

We have to be broken by the things that break the heart of God.

The Nines #1

The Nines
9 Statements That Will Change the World

#1

What are the Beatitudes?

Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Matthew 5:1-3 (ESV)
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

What does it mean to be “Blessed?”

• The Greek word is: Μακαριοι

What does it mean to be Poor in Spirit?

Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

Matthew 10:39
If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Luke 12:15
Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

**It means that in our soul, we own nothing. How many possessions we have or don’t have is of no importance. Our life circumstances are of no importance. The only thing that matters is getting in the bulls eye of God’s Will.

How do we know that we are fulfilling the challenge to be poor in spirit?

Matthew 5:3b
“…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

**We can know that we are becoming poor in spirit when the priorities of this type of blessing are being realized in our life.

How do I know when I am holding on too tightly?

1. When you don’t let go of material things and assume that you know how to manage your possessions better than God.

2. God asks us to tithe back to Him. We are not poor in spirit when we make excuses to not do that.

3. We are holding on too tightly when we refuse to forgive.

4. Anytime that we make excuses to avoid service to others.