Vanishing Series -- Forginess
Vanishing through hidden sin. Hidden sin causes the important things in our lives to vanish. To erode from the inside out! The damaged that sin does is not just to the committer. The consequences are often times great for the one the sin was committed against! Our doesn't just effect us but has a domino effect to the people around us!
This is why the offer of grace from God is so refreshing! We all love to hear about Gods grace. To receive Gods grace. We are always very excited to receive forgiveness from God. Sometimes it is hard to have that same enthusiasm over giving grace. Receiving grace is one thing but giving grace to another is completely different.
We all have a sinful desire to hold a grudge. To give grace and mercy we have to put to death our sinful nature. We all love the unconditional love that God lavishes on us but his grace at the same time is conditional.
Matthew 6:12; 14-15
God is watching how I forgive others! Gods grace and mercy is conditional and depends at some level on how I forgive others. Tough teaching! If I forgive I will be forgiven. If I chose not to forgive I will not be forgiven!
Matthew 18:21-27
How many times is seventy seven times? How much money was forgiven by the master? Each quantity is infinite! There is no way the servant could have paid the debt back. The servant who is owed a reasonable debt refuses to forgive! God promises torment for the one that refuses to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus uses this story to show what we are like when we have been forgiven billions and refuses to forgive others the small infractions that are committed against us!
So what is forgiveness as defined by God? A conscience and deliberate action to forgive regardless of whether or not the person receiving our forgiveness deserves it or not! Unconditional forgiveness with complete disregard for justice or fairness!
Why would I forgive?
God commands it.
Forgiveness makes you happier.
Forgiveness saves relationships.
Forgiveness strengthens marriage.
Forgiveness heals wounds.
True forgiveness comes from us when Gods grace works powerfully in our lives. It's not because we are good at letting things go or are a forgiving person. We have the power to forgive when we see the power of Gods grace and mercy in our own life!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Seven Churches and Seven Golden Lamp Stands
The Seven Churches and Seven Golden Lamp Stands
Revelations chapters 1-3 gives a very descriptive and accurate description of who Jesus is and a very accurate description of each of the seven churches.
Revelations 1:9-20
Jesus at his most glorious! Eyes of fire! Face shinning like the sun! Sword coming out of his mouth! His voice sounded like a trumpet! Jesus in this form is hard to ignore! It doesn't matter what you believe or who you are, when Jesus comes at you like this, you listen! Jesus tells John to write this down. Jesus commanded John to to write down that the seven churches he is about to talk about are the seven lamp stands.
Jesus addresses each church with:
His authority
Their strengths
Weaknesses
Gives them a warnings
Blessings
Each church in the list got an accurate picture of who Jesus is and also an accurate description of who they are and what they need to change! Each church had good qualities and also many things that they needed to repent of.
Revelations 2:1-7 The Church in Ephesus
Jesus claims his authority by saying he held the stars in his hands. Jesus commends them for their hard work, perseverance, and not tolerating wickedness. Jesus exposes their weakness of forsaking their first love. Jesus blesses them with the promise that if they repent they will be given the right to eat from the tree of life!
Revelation 2:8-11 The Church in Smyrna
Jesus claims his authority by saying he is the first and the last...no one before him or after him! Jesus claims his authority before instructing the church in Smyrna. Between the first and the last Jesus became us, lived like us and died like and was victorious over death through the resurrection! Smyrna was not perfect but Jesus does not point out their faults. Jesus encourages them. When your poor and afflicted you need encouragement - not a rebuke. Jesus blesses them by saying if they repent they will not be hurt by the second death (judgment day).
Revelation 2:12-17 The Church in Pergamum
Jesus shows his authority by coming with a double edge sword. Pergamum was surrounded by sin and giving into to some of the temptations around them. Jesus commends them for resisting temptation but also condemns them for worshiping other gods. Repent and Jesus promises them the bread of life and a new name!
Revelations 2:18-29 The Church in Thyatira
Jesus shows his authority by coming with blazing eyes and bronze feet! The church in Thyatira did a lot of good deeds and Jesus commended them for their love, faith, and service. However, the church had this against them, they tolerated sexual immorality. God always deals harshly with sexual sin. This is the only one where Jesus devides the church into two groups. The ones that will be judged and the ones that will not. In Gods eyes sexual sin demands judgment!
Revelations 3:1-6 The Church in Sardis
Jesus commands authority by holding the spirits in his hands and subduing the the spiritual world. Jesus condemns them for falling asleep spiritually and charges them to repent of face judgment! Jesus commends a few followers who have not strayed and have remained faithful. Jesus blesses them with the promise that they will be clothed in white and will walk with Him and he will call them out by name.
Revelations 3:7-13 The Church in Philadelphia
Jesus shows his authority by showing his holiness and lineage to David as the messiah. Jesus also displays his power by saying only he has the authority to open and shut eternity. Jesus commends them for not denying His name and acknowledges that they have been weak. Jesus promises that if they remain faithful He will punish the ones that have been tormenting them. Jesus encourages them to stay strong and reassures them that He is coming soon! Jesus blesses them with the promise that He will give them an eternal home in the temple and make them the new Jerusalem!
Revelations 3:14-21 The Church in Laodicea
Jesus claims his authority by confirming that he only is the ruler over all creation and the one true witness of God! Jesus condemns them for being luke warm. To God being luke warm is worst than being cold. Jesus also condemns them for being arrogant in what God has given them. Jesus also gives them an open invitation to come back to him, to knock at the door and seek him. Jesus blesses them with the promise that if they repent they will be able to sit with him in glory on his throne!
Reading the letters to the seven churches makes you wonder what about me? You have to ask your self the following seven questions:
If Jesus where to come to me, what would he say?
How would he come to me?
What authority would he claim to get me to listen to him?
What would he commend me for?
What would he condemn me for?
What call to repentance would he have for me?
What unique blessing would he promise me?
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Vanishing Series
•Light & Darkness: our nature is to desire to be in the dark.
John 3: 19-20
Why do we not want to come into the light? We are afraid to be exposed for for who we really are; our deeds will be exposed.
Afraid of rejection, change, judgement, consequences.
Vs 21
Take off the mask
***Psalm 36: 1-*** We have to admit we need help.
***Psalm 32: 3-5*** When we are open
Confess... Pray vs 6
James 5: confess to each other - it brings healing
Partial confession is worse than not confessing at all: God expects us to be completely transparent.
It takes a great amount of courage to be open, to come into the light - many Godly people in the bible have struggled to stay in the darkness, it took courage to come into the light, there was consequences, but they were eventually healed. It takes guts to say "this is who I am!"
Ex. Adam & Eve, Jacob, David, Peter - it took courage for them to see themselves and take ownership for their shortcomings.
•Light & Darkness: our nature is to desire to be in the dark.
John 3: 19-20
Why do we not want to come into the light? We are afraid to be exposed for for who we really are; our deeds will be exposed.
Afraid of rejection, change, judgement, consequences.
Vs 21
Take off the mask
***Psalm 36: 1-*** We have to admit we need help.
***Psalm 32: 3-5*** When we are open
Confess... Pray vs 6
James 5: confess to each other - it brings healing
Partial confession is worse than not confessing at all: God expects us to be completely transparent.
It takes a great amount of courage to be open, to come into the light - many Godly people in the bible have struggled to stay in the darkness, it took courage to come into the light, there was consequences, but they were eventually healed. It takes guts to say "this is who I am!"
Ex. Adam & Eve, Jacob, David, Peter - it took courage for them to see themselves and take ownership for their shortcomings.
Monday, May 2, 2016
How to lead a small group bible talk
What bible talk is not: a sermon or preaching. It is not a time for extensive teaching either.
Bible talk should be a little bible and a lot of talk. Must have thought provoking questions that get the group to talk and ponder rather than just making points.
Any points should be posed in the form of a question.
Always open with introducing yourself and a question. Ice breaker. Questions to start conversation.
Always ask someone to read. Use that time to gather your thoughts and prepare for your next question/points.
Compare and contrast so that the lesson is relatable to each person.
Opening question and bible talk example: Who is the worst villain of all time? Darth Vader? Hitler?
Who is the worst villain in the bible. Judas? No one names their child Judas today. Judas was so bad that he ruined the name judas for ever.
Why was judas such a villain?
John 12:1-6
Judas was fake. What if judas had said I want to save the money so I can steal it? The other disciples would have offered help. Judas would have gotten help with his greed.
Aren't we fake as well? We
Are no different than Judas sometimes. What keeps us from getting the help we need?
Luke 22
Why else was Judas such a villain? Judas was a bad deal maker.
Have you ever made a bad deal. A deal that you lost money and regretted.
Judas made the worst deal in history. He sold Jesus for a few small pieces of silver.
How many times have you sold yourself to sin for something that has no value. Example: 20yrs of marriage for adultery in a one night stand.
We are bad deal makers just like Judas, aren't we. We sell out to sin and sacrifice our salvation.
Sin is always a bad deal in the end isn't it? What other examples can you think of where sin looks rewarding but leaves you spiritually bankrupt?
How can Jesus help us not be fake or make bad deals like Judas?
Always close with a challenge and call to study the bible and learn more.
Sent from my iPhone
Bible talk should be a little bible and a lot of talk. Must have thought provoking questions that get the group to talk and ponder rather than just making points.
Any points should be posed in the form of a question.
Always open with introducing yourself and a question. Ice breaker. Questions to start conversation.
Always ask someone to read. Use that time to gather your thoughts and prepare for your next question/points.
Compare and contrast so that the lesson is relatable to each person.
Opening question and bible talk example: Who is the worst villain of all time? Darth Vader? Hitler?
Who is the worst villain in the bible. Judas? No one names their child Judas today. Judas was so bad that he ruined the name judas for ever.
Why was judas such a villain?
John 12:1-6
Judas was fake. What if judas had said I want to save the money so I can steal it? The other disciples would have offered help. Judas would have gotten help with his greed.
Aren't we fake as well? We
Are no different than Judas sometimes. What keeps us from getting the help we need?
Luke 22
Why else was Judas such a villain? Judas was a bad deal maker.
Have you ever made a bad deal. A deal that you lost money and regretted.
Judas made the worst deal in history. He sold Jesus for a few small pieces of silver.
How many times have you sold yourself to sin for something that has no value. Example: 20yrs of marriage for adultery in a one night stand.
We are bad deal makers just like Judas, aren't we. We sell out to sin and sacrifice our salvation.
Sin is always a bad deal in the end isn't it? What other examples can you think of where sin looks rewarding but leaves you spiritually bankrupt?
How can Jesus help us not be fake or make bad deals like Judas?
Always close with a challenge and call to study the bible and learn more.
Sent from my iPhone
The Word Of God!
The Word Of God!
The US is the most religious 1st world country in the world. And yet a recent survey exposed that many religious people in America did not even know the basic core beliefs of the religions they professed. Divorce rates in the US are height amount Christians than non Christians in the US.
This is probably a result of not knowing Gods word. We carry a bible, keep a bible and yet few actually read it. We lack convictions in Gods word because we do t know what it says.
How much do I love Gods word? How much do I make it the standard of my life? How much do I study out Gods word? Is the bible just a symbol of Christianity? A book that sits on a coffee table that's shows I have a bible and I am a Christian is just a symbol. A book that we place our hand on to take an oath is just a symbol! The bible was never meant to be a symbol. It was meant to be used and applied to our lives!
Where did Gods word begin? It began in spoken word in the garden in Genesis. In Deuteronomy 9:10, God chose to write his words down. God started with the 10 Ten Commandments. It was written in stone for a reason because Gods word is unchanging. The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were in biblical times!
In Isaiah 20:1-5 God not only spoke his word but used his prophet to demonstrate and give Israel a visual representation of his word! God wrote it down so it could not be forgotten and then demonstrated it through Isaiah so that it could not be ignored!
For three years Isaiah walked stripped naked and barefoot! Another example of this is found in Daniel 5:1-6.
Daniel 5:25-31 The king could not ignore Gods word. He was forced to acknowledge and listen to Gods word!
Why did God write the word on the wall in a secret language? God wanted the king to seek out the answer. To go to a man of God and allow God to speak through Daniel! Am I ignoring Gods word? Am I allowing God to use people in my life to speak to me or am I too prideful to listen?
Finally God used his son to be the physical representation of his word in John 1:1. Look at all the great lengths that God has gone through over the ages to insure that we have Gods word and are able to live it out!
The US is the most religious 1st world country in the world. And yet a recent survey exposed that many religious people in America did not even know the basic core beliefs of the religions they professed. Divorce rates in the US are height amount Christians than non Christians in the US.
This is probably a result of not knowing Gods word. We carry a bible, keep a bible and yet few actually read it. We lack convictions in Gods word because we do t know what it says.
How much do I love Gods word? How much do I make it the standard of my life? How much do I study out Gods word? Is the bible just a symbol of Christianity? A book that sits on a coffee table that's shows I have a bible and I am a Christian is just a symbol. A book that we place our hand on to take an oath is just a symbol! The bible was never meant to be a symbol. It was meant to be used and applied to our lives!
Where did Gods word begin? It began in spoken word in the garden in Genesis. In Deuteronomy 9:10, God chose to write his words down. God started with the 10 Ten Commandments. It was written in stone for a reason because Gods word is unchanging. The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were in biblical times!
In Isaiah 20:1-5 God not only spoke his word but used his prophet to demonstrate and give Israel a visual representation of his word! God wrote it down so it could not be forgotten and then demonstrated it through Isaiah so that it could not be ignored!
For three years Isaiah walked stripped naked and barefoot! Another example of this is found in Daniel 5:1-6.
Daniel 5:25-31 The king could not ignore Gods word. He was forced to acknowledge and listen to Gods word!
Why did God write the word on the wall in a secret language? God wanted the king to seek out the answer. To go to a man of God and allow God to speak through Daniel! Am I ignoring Gods word? Am I allowing God to use people in my life to speak to me or am I too prideful to listen?
Finally God used his son to be the physical representation of his word in John 1:1. Look at all the great lengths that God has gone through over the ages to insure that we have Gods word and are able to live it out!
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