Sinless or Blameless?

Philippians 3:1-14

In this passage we see Paul speaking against the confidence in the flesh, our worldly accomplishments, stature in society..etc! What man holds in high glory GOD and Paul considers to be of no benefit.

"Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil!" Who is Paul speaking about here?  I believe he was not only referring to the world but also to the religious establishment that refused to let go of the law and continued to turn the gospel of Christ into a legalistic and worthless religion! God has never looked for perfection in us nor can we ever offer him perfection in our worship.

Paul consider himself blameless not sinless! There is a difference! Our heart should be the same in that we strive to live our lives for God so that we can be blameless.

Luke 9:23-25

Denying myself and following Jesus is not just a standard but a prerequisite; for Jesus said, If anyone would come after me he must deny himself! What does that mean to deny my self or deny my flesh?

Paul understood what it meant to deny himself and take up his cross daily! It has nothing to do with being sinless or perfect in actions. IT has nothing to do with a check list of laws or do's and don'ts that are followed. It has everything to do with having a heart for God and living a blameless life through deny our will and allowing Gods will to lead us in every situation!

Do you strive to deny your self daily? If so, do you deny your self for your sake or for Gods sake? True humility and self denial should always resign-ate from a desire to please God and not man.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

With out true love the way 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 defines it, all of our gifts and talents are worthless. We can not honor God with out love. Love has to be our motivation in all that we do. Paul's love for God, Jesus and the church compelled him to live the life that he lived that continously denied his flesh!

Philippians 2:1-11

Jesus has set the example for us in that he laid down his life for all of us. He is the ultimate example of humility. He has never done anything out of selfish ambition and considered all of us worth more than his own life! He proved this by sacrificing himself for you.

Paul understood this and it motivated him to not live a life that was sinless (which none of us can really obtain) but to live a life that was blameless and glorified God!

2 Corinthians 7:8-11

To live a blameless life is to live a repentant life. We will all sin, however, how we chose to respond when we sin  (either through worldly sorrow or Godly sorrow) will determine if our lives are blameless through Jesus!

Innocent Of The Blood Of All Men

Two major themes run through the book of Acts. The spreading of the gospel through the Holy Spirit and the reconciliation between the jews and the gentiles through salvation.

Acts 1:6-8

By design God chose people to spread his gospel. The book of Acts chronicles the preaching, teaching and the spreading of the gospel to Jews and Gentiles alike!

Acts 20:17-27

Paul declared himself innocent of the blood of all man because his life was devoted to spreading the gospel!

We need to ask ourselves, are we I innocent of the blood of all men? Does my life prove this to be true? What would motivate me or should motivate me to live a life that would be innocent of the blood of all men?

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Paul's motivation was Gods grace. Paul was reminded daily of where he had come from and to the extent that God saved him. As a result, Paul chose to give up his will for his life and eagerly accepted Gods will, which is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ!

Ezekiel 33:7-9

Jesus was the ultimate example of laying down our lives for our fellow man. Our lives should be about doing Gods will, serving and spreading the gospel and then we will be able to say, I am innocent of the blood of all men!

1 Timothy 2:1-3

God wants all men to be saved and have a relationship with him! As christians we are the vehicle that God has chosen to help advance his kingdom!

Acts 20:28-3

Everything that Paul did in his life was grounded in Gods grace. He constantly thought about he past sins and the grace that God had shown him in his life!

We need to ask our selves,  what is my purpose? Is the purpose of my life all about me and prosperity or other wordly things? Paul's purpose was to seek and save the lost! We need to incorporate evangelism and spreading Gods word into our daily lives. At work, the gym, with friends...etc.

Ezekiel 3:20-21

We need to also stay in each others lives. Have intimate spiritual relationships where we can hold each other accountable and call each other to righteousness. We need to warn each other from sin. God shows no distinction between the one who sinned and the one who did not warn his brother!

The challenge is to be like Paul and be able to claim that we are  innocent of the blood of all men by spreading the gospel of Christ and building spiritual relationships with my brothers and sisters!

DEALING WITH SERIOUS MARRIAGE OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS

INTRODUCTION:

1. Begin by asking why we have serious relationship problems in marriage and in relationships generally (a good time for discussion and getting people to think.

2. When marriages need help (and all do!), the first step is evaluating the nature of the problems before proceeding. NOTE: these same principles apply quite well to relationship challenges between disciples generally, not just marrieds.

3. Many marriages or other relationships are just stuck at a given point and have specific issues that can be addressed to help the marriage partners get "unstuck."

4. However, if the problems are really serious, indicating much deeper, unsettled issues, you will have to avoid the temptation to address the surrounding issues, such as communication difficulties, rather than seek to deal with the root itself.

5. Obviously, we cannot succumb to that temptation.

6. Always think about man's relationship with God in trying to help human relationships − the principles are quite similar.

6. When people are out of relationship with God, at least two things are obvious: One, it will not help them to simply work on behavioral issues − the problem is far deeper than that. Two, before such issues can be beneficially addressed, that bigger problem must be solved (sin!).

7. Unresolved sins in marriage will render attempts to improve other issues practically useless.

8. As in our relationship with God, improving behavior will not take away unresolved and unrepentant sins in that relationship.

BODY:

1. Help Both Mates See Their Sin and Its Consequences

   1. Begin by giving them a writing assignment.

      1. Prior to getting with them the first time, have them individually make a list of the strengths that they have had in their marriage in the past, and in the present.

      2. Next, have them write out what they have done to hurt the marriage (their own sins).

      3. Then have them make a list of the unresolved issues with their mate (their mate's sins).

      4. Don't give the assignment until you are going to get with them within three or four days.

1. This will give them time to do the assignment, but not too much time to be upset and/or angry once they are completely in touch with their hurts.

2. Ask them not to discuss the assignment with one another before getting with you – otherwise they will likely get into major arguments.

2. Go through the sin list in Galatians 5:19-21, and find out just where each partner is with God.

   1. When we first started using this approach, one couple (combined) was guilty of 8 of the 15 sins in the list, and another couple was guilty of 12 of the 15.

   2. Yet, both couples had been Christians for years, and one of them had been in leadership for years.

3. If we allow poor marriage relationships to lead into this kind of sin situations, we will lose our relationship with God.

   1. We must love others if we are to know God (1 John 4:8, 20).

   2. Some married couples are far too accepting of the kind of behavior within marriage that God simply will not accept − which means that they could be lost eternally due to the sins in their marriage left unchanged.

   3. And some leaders are likewise too accepting of sins in marriage (that simply would not be tolerated in other relationships).

4. The way of the cross demands that we show our mates real agape love.

   1. 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 is the passage to demonstrate just what this kind of love includes.

      1. Submission with all respect, even when the husband is leading harshly.

      2. The principle of "melting" those who mistreat us is the way of the cross (see also Romans 12:17-21).

      3. In 3:6, the woman's challenge is to trust God and not give in to fear.

      4. In 3:7, the man's challenge is to be considerate and respectful of his wife, even in areas where she is the weaker partner (perhaps her "weakness" is being less "logical" in her thought processes than her husband − or less organized, decisive, or whatever other quality tests his patience).

   2. No relationship shows more of who and what we really are than the marriage relationship. Without living as Jesus lived, our claims to be disciples are empty (1 John 2:6).

2. Help Both Mates to Understand Repentance

   1. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 is a key passage in showing the basis for repentance.

      1. Godly sorrow, not worldly sorrow is that basis. Do not be confused by self-pity and other forms of worldly sorrow. (Tears may be good, and tears may be bad − explain.)

      2. The level of alarm and urgency says much about where a person is on the road to biblical repentance.

   2. James 4:7-10 is another important passage defining repentance.

      1. Satan can be resisted in any marriage, but not without coming near to God.

      2. Double-mindedness in marriage is intellectually espousing one thing while practicing another. Expressing good intentions means nothing if no real change is produced. Actually, it is a form of lying!

      3. Hearts that are cut by sin produce real emotional repentance and humility. Pride and repentance cannot dwell together!

3. Help Both Mates to Follow Through With Their Expressed Intentions

   1. Accountability is a must.

   2. Swift action when repentance fails cannot be neglected (see Ecclesiastes 8:11).

   3. How to help them gain brokenness before God (Matthew 21:42, 44).

      1. Assignments to be done on their own are always needed – such as the following.

1. Find out what brought them to brokenness when they became disciples.

2. Have them read "Thirty Days at the Foot of the Cross" and make notes and/or answer questions.

3. Write down how Jesus responded to the same types of treatment that they feel they are receiving from their mates.

4. If they are in a leadership position, they may need to be relieved of some duties to both give them time to work on their sins, but also to impress upon them the seriousness of the situation.

5. Some intense prayer times with you may be key (perhaps combined with fasting).

2. Provide their disciplers or other leaders with direction and authority from you to help them follow through.

CONCLUSION:

1. The keys to helping get people "unstuck" in relationships are: refuse to accept their remaining in that position; be convicted about how being in such a state affects their relationships to God; do not let people focus on who is right, but rather on what it right (percentages of right and wrong are not of consequence); realize that resolution is the ultimate conclusion you are after; finally, imitation of Jesus is what being a disciple is all about.

2. Recognize your own tendencies to either be sentimental with one of those involved in the conflict, or to have critical attitudes toward them because of their sins or personalities. DON'T TAKE SIDES – BE A PEACEMAKER!

Trusting Gods Plan

^{Psalms 138:8}

For the most part we all know what gods plan for David was because we are able to follow his life though the bible and see. However Did David really know Gods full plan for him? I would have to say no. Never the less he had faith that God had a plan and that he would fulfill it no matter what.

God also has a plan for us. Question is, do we have the same faith David had? Do we pray to God asking him not to abandon the works of his hands? What are the works of Gods hands in our lives and are we holding on to them? Are we thankful for them? For me being given a faith in God is a work of God's hand. And increasing our faith through hardships, challenges and victories are works of God's hands too.

^{Psalms 57:2}

^{Psalms 57:3}

David wrought this wile he was hiding in a cave from Saul who wanted to kill him. David knew that even facing death God's purpose would be fulfilled. He was confident in god and even though he was being sought after by a mad man he was not complaining. Read the whole chapter.

^{Psalms 57:1-11}

Pall is another good example of a man who held on to the reality that Gods plan would be fulfilled no mater what and even though he spent a big part of his life in chains he could always see Gods hand in it and praise him for it.

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

^{Philippians 1:7}

We know through reading the bible that both of these men faced much persecution and sometimes even possible death. We also in reading the bible can see that this was part of Gods plan. This is in the bible to increase our faith that no mater what we go through Gods plan will be fulfilled.

Even Jesus facing death on the cross not wanting to go through the inevitable did not complain! He put his faith in God and went to him in prayer.

^{Matthew 26:42}

One more question to think about. Was the cup he was asking God to take away, The death he was facing or the death with out forgiveness we were facing?

Connecting to God's Church

What does it mean to be connected as a church? The goal of every church should be to help it's members become the likeness of Jesus Christ.

As a church the members have a choice to either be connected or dis-connected. The challenge of every disciple of Christ is be connected to Gods spiritual body. God calls us to be connected in relationships with one another as a family of God.

Acts 2:42

In the early church you were expected to be devoted to several things. It was not negotiable! You had to be devoted to the teachings of the gospel. Devoted to the fellowship! Devoted to the the breaking of bread ( Communion ). Devoted to prayer! This was not an option. To be Part of the first century church you made a decision to be devoted to these things! Obviously people are not perfect and the members of the early church may have struggled with for filling these expectations, however, there was still an expectation that the members be devoted to these things.

This is the example of Gods church that he has set for us. Many churches practice devotion to teaching, prayer....however, many neglect Communion, fellowship and developing deep spiritual relationships.

Using Jesus as an example. Jesus had several circles of close relationships. In his inner circle were James, John and Peter. Next were the 12 disciples and then in his outer circle were his followers. He built relationships and ministered to each of them in different ways!

We have to devote our selves to fellowship and building strong spiritual relationships. God has designed it this way. We are to carry each others burdens. We are designed to need each other!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 3:13

The way to not allow your heart to be harden by sins deceit is to stay connected to your brothers and sisters in Gods church by encouraging one another!

James 5:16

Romans 5:5

Some may think that having these types of relationships and being connected to the fellowship of Gods church in this way is not possible. You may think that this is not your personality or your nature. This is only possible with God and having his spirit inside of us! The only way to get connected into a deep spiritual relationship is through God and with the holy spirit. 

Was it worth it?

Heb 12:14-17 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears.

• What do you think Esau would say if you ask him was it worth it?

• What would you say if some one asked you was it worth it?

This is a new challenge for all of us! When we are struggling with any paticular sin, ask yourself that question, "Is it worth it?". For many of us Men the struggles with purity, sexually immoral thoughts and the like can lead to sinful and damaging acts, if not dealt with.

We need to think through our temptations and sinful nature and ask our self is it worth it? We already know it is not! Then pray, get a christian brother involved or just go for a walk or find something to do to help you focus on God and his word.

We cannot allow Satan to get a foot hold! Temptations that attack our purity are better dealt with before hand by sharing it with other spiritual brothers and through prayer.

Frankly I have found that if I share my weaknesses with the brothers no matter what the weakness is they will do all they can to help me with overcome it by praying specifically for me or holding me accountable and asking the tough questions that need to be asked of each of us . If you do not have those kinds of relationship with in your church body then I would seek out a church that does.

As brothers and sisters, the bible is very clear, with regard to our obligation to carry each others burdens and to confess our sins to one another. Then and only then can there be true healing in God. If you allow your self to be open with your spiritual brothers, it will strengthen your relationship with God.

ALL Things

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose [I emphasize the word PURPOSE because many times we look at our purpose].I share this with you all because as brothers in Christ we all need to understand Gods purpose in our life

And when we take our eyes off of that we can and will spin out of control.

 

God works in ALL things, not just isolated incidents, for our good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our LONG RANGE good. God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose/plans. Remember, we have been called according to his purpose and therefore we should trust in God not life's treasures. We have security in heaven, not on this earth so we learn to accept, not resent pain and persecution because God is with us at all times. One of the hardest things to do is wait to see Gods hand in every situation especially if we are going through family problems, but I can tell you that Gods way is

Alwayssssssssssss the best way.

Repentance, Forgiveness & Restoration

Repentance, Forgiveness & Restoration (RFR)

Have you ever said, "I'm sorry?" (When is this the appropriate thing to say?)

Have you ever said, "I'm sorry," when what was really needed was a humble plea to be forgiven?

Many brothers and sisters confuse regret with repentance. You cannot repent without regret, but you can regret without repentance!

2 Corinthians 7:10-11

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ¹¹See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

The object of repentance is not exclusively the sin itself, but the effect the sin has on a relationship.

Love for the relationship puts the sin in context. This is the driver for repentance (godly sorrow). If there is no love for the relationship, there is no drive (or even need) to repent!

Our relationship with God reflects the same idea. Do we repent primarily over our sin - or over what the sin has done to our fellowship with God? It's almost impossible to regret a wayward action and turn from it (godly repentance) if that action has no relational significance.

Hating sin is meaningless without an understanding of how it affects our personal relationship with God.

The same is true with our brothers and sister in Christ, with our spouses and with our children.

Hate your sin. But don't just hate the sin. Hate what it does to your relationships!

The sin cycle (many examples in Judges with Israel as a nation) includes separation, regret, repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.

Example of RFR: Story of David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 12

The LORD sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him.  4 "Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him."  5 David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, "As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity."  7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave your master's house to you, and your master's wives into your arms. I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. 9 Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.'  11 "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 12 You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' "  13 Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."       Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. 14 But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die."  15 After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them.  18 On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, "While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate."  19 David noticed that his servants were whispering among themselves and he realized the child was dead. "Is the child dead?" he asked. "Yes," they replied, "he is dead."  20 Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.  21 His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!"  22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me."  24 Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; 25 and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.  26 Meanwhile Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal citadel. 27 Joab then sent messengers to David, saying, "I have fought against Rabbah and taken its water supply. 28 Now muster the rest of the troops and besiege the city and capture it. Otherwise I will take the city, and it will be named after me."  29 So David mustered the entire army and went to Rabbah, and attacked and captured it. 30 He took the crown from the head of their king —its weight was a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones—and it was placed on David's head. He took a great quantity of plunder from the city 31 and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes, and he made them work at brickmaking. He did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.

The progression:

1. Guilty! (David is caught) v7

2. God tells David (through Nathan) how much he loves him vv7-8

3. God lays out David's sin v9

4. God describes the consequences of David's sin vv10-12

5. David acknowledges his sin v13

6. David repents (Psalm 51)

7. God forgives David v13, 24-25

8. David accepts God's forgiveness (Psalm 32)

9. David acts to restore the relationship (2 Sam 12:26-31)

So the steps are:

1. acknowledge the sin (which damaged the relationship)

2. repent of the sin in a godly way

3. in humility, ask forgiveness from the one sinned against

4. accept the forgiveness offered

5. act to restore the relationship (demonstrate willingness to re-engage and participate in the relationship)

Closing points to take away:

• Repentance begins with the offender.

• Asking forgiveness from another human being is an act of humility. At that point, you are no longer in control of the situation. Nor can you dictate the conditions of your apology.

• To say, "I'm sorry," is to acknowledge a mistake. To ask forgiveness is to acknowledge the motives of your heart.

• Sorrow is subjective and can range from little to great.

• Forgiveness is objective and has no middle ground; it's absolute (meaning it's either offered or it's not). There's no such thing as partial forgiveness.

• Restoration is the ultimate objective. Restoring the relationship is what closes the offense…and buries it.

Inspiration for this RFR study derives from three sources:

1. Growing Kids God's Way Leader's Manual (Chapter 13).

2. the Bible (NIV quoted).

3. God's desire to have the Houston church draw closer to him and to each other through the

restoration process, to mend damaged or broken relationships.

Obeying The Commands of God

Exodus 25 - God gave instructions on how to build the Ark and how to build his temple. It was designed for God to walk with his people. God humbled himself to fit in a box and to be cared by man. God gave specific instructions on how to carry the Ark. The poles where to remain in the Ark at all times and where not to be removed. No one was allowed to touch the Ark itself or they would die.

1 Samuel 4 - the Philistines capture the Ark. In the same way Satan is always trying to take God from us. The Philistines tried to use the Ark or to use God and it did not work. God brought curses down on the Philistines.

1 Samuel 6- the Ark is returned to Israelites.

1 Samuel 7

2 Samuel 6

The Israelite were excited about bringing the Ark to Israel. Uzzah died because he did not obey or honor Gods commands concerning the Ark. Where did the idea of putting the Ark on a cart come from? This idea came from the Philistines. It was easier to have the Ark on a cart and pulled by oxen rather than being carried by 4 men as God had commanded.

How many times do we try to dilute the word of God and obey only partial commandments because we think it's too hard?

God calls us to worship him and honor him in the way he wants. Satan wants us to think that it is okay to dilute the word of God and conform to the world.

Stop conforming to the world! The world tells us it's okay to be decetful, to stretch the truth. To listen to questionable music or watch movies filled with sexual imorality. As christians God calls us to become the likeniess of  Christ!

1 Samuel 6:9 - when we conform to the world then we say what David says here. How can I be righteous. Gods commandments are too tough. I can't have a pure dating relationship without committing sexual imorality. How can I be honest when it may hurt me financially...etc

Satan wants us in this position, he wants us to conform to the world and not decide to do things Gods way. Gods way through his commands are the way to true blessings!

1 Samuel 6:10-11

The Ark was left with Obed-edom and he was blessed! Eventually David resided to conform to God instead of the world. Vs 12-14 David decided to carry the Ark the way god commanded it regardless of how much it cost or how much of a burden it may have been..... As a result David became one of the greatest kings ever known!

John 14:15; 21; 23

What can we give God? Does he need us? God wants our hearts. He wants us to devote our lives to him. To honor his teachings by living a life emerged in his words and his commands! We express our love to God through obedience.

John 14:21

Every time we obey we express love to God! Ways that we can honor God and show him love:

1 Corinthians 6:
Philippians 4:8
Proverbs 3:9
Ephesians 5:25
Ephesians 4:29
Deuteronomy 6:1-25

Money and Marriage series 1

Money and Marriage

Marriage should be honored by all... keep your lives free from the love of money...Hebrews 13:4-5

In one passage the writer of Hebrews gives instructions about two key subjects for disciples: money and marriage (Hebrews 13:4-5). He realized that these were two areas that must be brought under the lord ship of Jesus. This week we will focus on those two areas. Money concerns us all. God's plan for marriage need to be understood whether or not we are currently married.

1. Money is not an evil. It is a necessity and the scriptures teach that it should be honestly earned. Read Ephesians 4:28, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 and 1 Timothy 5:7-8

2. what attitudes did you have toward money before becoming a Christian? What changes have you had to make?

3. What is the impact of the irresponsible person who does not do his or her best to provide for financial needs?

4. Read Hebrews 13:1-5. We all must deal with money, but what attitude must we be careful not to have? Why is the love of money at cross purposes with following Jesus?

5. Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. We are "rich" when we have the ability to meet our basic needs and then have money left over that can either be used to give us luxuries or help others. Most of us are in this category. From v. 18 write down three or four things we should do with our "discretionary money."

Connecting To The Church; Free Bible Study

What does it mean to be connected as a church? Every goal of every church should be to help it's members become the likeness of Jesus Christ.

As a church the members have a choice to either be connected or dis connected. The challenge of every disciple of Christ is to be connected to Gods spiritual body. God calls us to be connected in relationships with one another as a family of God.

Acts 2:42

In the early church you were expected to be devoted to several things. It was not negotiable! You were devoted to the teachings of the gospel. Devoted to the fellowship! Devoted to the the breaking of bread ( communion ). Devoted to prayer! This was not an option. Being apart of the first century church meant you made a decision to be devoted to these things!

Acts chapter 2 is the example of Gods church that he has set for us. Many churches practice devotion to teaching, prayer....however, many neglect communion, fellowship and developing deep spiritual relationships.

Using Jesus as an example. Jesus had several circles of close relationships. In his inner circle were James, John and Peter. Next were the 12 disciples and then in his outer circle were his followers. He built relationships and ministered to each of them in different ways!

We have to devote our selves to fellowship and building strong spiritual relationships. God has designed it this way. We are to carry each others burdens. We are designed to need each other!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Galatians 6:2
Hebrews 3:13

The way to not allow your heart to be harden by sins deceit is to stay connected in Gods church by encouraging one another!

James 5:16

Romans 5:5

Some may think that having these types of relationships and being connected to the fellowship of Gods church in this way is not possible. You may think that this is not your personality or your nature. This is only possible with God and having his spirit inside of us! The only way to get connected into a deep spiritual relationship is through God and with the Holy Spirit. 

Kip McKean Biogrophy

I sent the comments below in response to an article I found on Kipmckean.com titled "The Biogoraphy of Kip McKean." Some revisions have been made to my original post.

Kip, I have a lot of respect for you and what GOD has allowed you to accomplish for Him. I've met you several times and have always felt your sincerity, love and passion for God.

I have to admit that your article saddens me and my heart is troubled as a result of it. There is no doubt in my mind, that you have been hurt and wronged in the events that took place that you describe above, however, I cannot ignore the undertones in your article. Based off what I have read above it seems that there is a lot of bitterness towards the people that you feel have wronged you and although I understand your desire to want to "set the story straight" I don't see how this benefits anyone? It comes across more as gossip rather and a "calling out" of those that have hurt you rather than a humble response.

I have been a disciple for 21 years and I have never heard any derogatory remarks about you from any leadership of the ICOC and there has always been a call to evangelism and God's mission for us to seek and save the lost. Additional, I see no difference in my convictions, the convictions of my church which is to deny my self daily and take up my cross and to spread God's Word than I do in your convictions expressed in your biography. The ICOC or at least the church that I attend has never stopped calling each member to be sold out for God and a true disciple of Jesus.

After reading your article, one question I am left with, though is to what extent do you accept responsibility for the break up and events described in your story? You mention your humility several times but never give any specifics on what fault you have played in all of this. I know we both agree that no one is faultless except our Lord Jesus Christ. It concerns me that there is no mention of your role in the way our movement split, the allegations in the Henry Kriet letter which identified some serious problems with abuse of power and any other issues that were address in your article. It seems that the reader is only left with seeing that you were right and all the leaders of the ICOC were wrong. Normally when a Biography is written is done in an unbiased way showing the good, bad and the ugly. It troubles me that this was not the response you chose to give.

In closing I hope God blesses you and the ICOC with much success in evangelizing the word for Jesus. I also am glad to see that your first principals study series for non-disciples has not changed and we are unified in God's word with regards to salvation and our call to evangelism. I will keep you in my heart and prayers and I hope that through GOD we can see to fruition a world saved for Jesus!

To God Be the Glory!
YBIC,

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldy Sorrow; Free Bible Study

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10

10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

What does sorrow look like? Its not just the words I'm sorry. It's far deeper than than. Sorrow is an emotional response one filled with passion and remorse.

Why do you think it says Godly sorrow has no regrets?

Why do you think it says Worldly sorrow leads to death?

10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

As we discuss the differences between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow, lets look at two story's in the bible that can help us see examples of each. The stories of Peter's denial of Jesus and Judas betrayal of Jesus are similar in theme with respect to two people who end up doing things they regret, yet each of them has a different reaction when it comes to their sorrow and repentance.

JUDAS:

Matthew 26:14-16; 47-49; 27:1-5

14Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. 16From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

47While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." 49Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.

1Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

 3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4"I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
      "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility."

 5So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Did Judas have Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Why? Judas decided to give the money back which is a sign of repentance. Judas had remorse for what he had done. Judas decided to kill him as his punishment and to ensure justice....right? Who was Judas thinking about in his sorrow? Judas was thinking about him self. He returned the money because he felt guilty. He was filled with remorse and felt sorry for himself. He committed suicide because HE could not deal with the guilt and wanted an easy way out. These are all symptoms of worldly sorrow.

PETER:

Matthew 26:69-75; John 21:15-17; Acts 2:14

69Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. "You also were with Jesus of Galilee," she said.

 70But he denied it before them all. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

 71Then he went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there, "This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth."

 72He denied it again, with an oath: "I don't know the man!"

 73After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away."

 74Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!"

   Immediately a rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.

15When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
      "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
      Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

 16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
      He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
      Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
      Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

    Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.

14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.

Peter just like Judas betrayed Jesus. What was different about Peter's response? What type of sorrow did Peter have? Peter allowed his sorrow to convict his heart. He was not thinking about himself but about the way he had hurt Jesus. Godly sorrow brings action. Peter took what Jesus said, allowed it to cut his heart and made a decision to never deny Jesus again. Peter had Godly sorrow. In Acts 2 it was Peter who stood up and explained to the people at Pentecost who Jesus was and how they have killed the Son of Man! There was no denial there! Most historians believe that Peter ended up being crucified for Jesus's sake and he was crucified up side down. Peter's sin, brokenness and repentance led him to a changed life that was gave up everything for Jesus.

If we have Godly sorrow it too will change our life!

Pick Up Your Mat and Walk; Free Bible Study

Mark 2:1-12

It says many people came to Jesus. These people came to Jesus for many reasons. Some where skeptics and critics like the Pharisees, others wanted to see miracles and entertainment and then there was the Paralytic who just wanted Jesus to heal his physical condition.

We come to Jesus for many reasons too. Sometimes our reasons are righteous and noble and yet other times we have ulterior motives. Jesus accepted all of them and it says that he "preached the word".

Vs. 5 – Jesus noticed their faith!

What did the Paralytic do that was so faithful?

The faith of the Paralytic and his friends were relentless in their pursuit for healing. They would stop at nothing to get to Jesus. No crowds, no obstacle or any other thing would keep them from trying to reach Jesus.

Notice it was the Paralytics friends that were with him and not his family! Sometimes spiritually we need these type of friends in our lives to have faith for us and help us get closer to God. Friends like these are only found in the church.

Which is more important? Spiritual Health or our physical health?

Jesus healed this man spiritually and said "your sins are forgiven". The paralytic did not come to Jesus for forgiveness of sins, he came to him to have Jesus heal his physical disability and yet Jesus new what this man needed the most.

Sometimes we can loose sight of what is really important in life and that is having a relationship with God. Satan wants to distract us with worldly things and he wants us to put more value in our physical condition than our spiritual condition.

Vs. 6 – Why were the Pharisees so upset? They were the authority of the day and repentance and forgiveness of sins came in the form of sacrifices that were brought to the temple and the religious leaders. There was a lot of penance that came with forgiveness and Jesus challenged this by forgiving sins immediately. Jesus forgives freely and we do not have to earn his forgiveness!

Vs. 11 – Jesus commanded the paralytic to "get up and take your mat and go home".

What would have happened if the paralytic decided not to obey Jesus and refused to get up. He had every excuse why to do it. He could have been faithless that Jesus could save him. There were a lot of people around and if he could not get up the would ridicule him....etc! When Jesus commands us to do something we need to obey. Faith without deeds is dead the bible says in Hebrews. The paralytic had to believe with faith and then act with his own will to be healed.

What spiritual disability do you have that needs to be healed? What would Jesus heal you from and say, "get up take your mat and walk"!

Just like the paralytic we have to make a decision to pick up our mat and walk!

Remember the Lord

As an early Christian I thought life would become easier as a disciple. Things in my life were changing I had repented from several character sins and I was a new being in god!

Do you remember how you felt as an early Christian? What was your outlook on life.

Some times we loose the zeal and fervor for God we had at baptism. The worries of this world, the temptations and our sinful nature creep back in and we in essence forget our first love which is our relationship with god.

All of us go through situation that challenge our faith.


The book of kings was written while the Israelite were in captivity to Babylon. The Israelite were subject to the the Babylonian culture. Everyday the Israelite were subject to the Babylonians and to there idol worship and paganism.

Babylonians worship several gods. Baal and Mot. Baal was the storm god and Mot was the god of death. They believed that when it rained it was from Baal and when there was a drought Baal was away fighting Mot.

1 kings 17:1-24

Elijah takes a stand against Baal and the Babylonia authority. Baal was the god of rain and of fertility. Elijah was not just challenging their idolatry but the existence of their gods as a whole.

Vs 22 this is the first time someone was rising from the dead in the bible and  God challenges there god Mot in this. He shows that he is the God that gives life and controls death not Mot

Kings 18:21-46

For the years that lead up to this confrontation between the almighty God and the idolatry of Babylon, the Israelite felt abandoned by God! God had never left. God was always there.

When we hit these points in our lives where we feel defeated and as though God is not with us, we have to remember our lord and the power he has too overcome any situation.

This Earth Is Not My Home

Heaven is our final destination! This earth is not our home and therefore we should not treat it as such.

When you focus on heaven you want to do more here on earth! Heaven and the thought being in paradise with our lord should motivate us to honor him and do all we can here on earth!


John 12:23

Jesus understood and taught this concept. If you want to save your life in the next world, you have to loose your life ( or sacrifice your worldly desires) in this world.

When your thoughts go to heaven then you will have impact here on earth. This world is not our home and we need to remember where our true home is.

As Christians we don't think of heaven as much as we should. We think about our spiritual trials on this earth and our lives as Christians in this world. We need to focus on heaven!


Genesis 25-28

Jacob was give a name that meant deceiver. At his birth they basically named him liar.

Jacob lives up to his name and lies to his brother and father. He continued to lie and this mam that was named deceiver becomes a liar.

Jacob was on the run and trying to escape from the consequences of his lying actions when he finds and comes in contact with God.

God showed Jacob a glimpse of heaven and it changed his life! Jacobs heart changed from that point on in his life.


Genesis 29:13-29

Jacob was fleeing and Laban excepted him because of what Jacob shared with him about his trip. Maybe because of the experience Jacob had with God and the way Jacob shared that with Laban.

In his past Jacob deceived for what? Mostly for financial gain and power (I.e. Birth right). It safe to assume that Jacob struggles with greed and cheating. He was willing to steal from his brother and deceive his farther for money. Yet because of Gods intervention and Jacob seeing a glimpse of heaven, Jacob was asked to work for seven years for Rachel and he did it through honesty and hard work.

Ironically Jacob was lied to by laban and told to work another seven years for Rachel. Jacob could have demanded that labin honor their previous agreement but he didn't. Jacob choose to honor laban's request and work another seven years. Jacob was not the same man that he was before he saw a glimpse of heaven!

When we see what the true wealth is in heaven. We no longer care about worldly things. Satan wants us to focus on the here and now and not focus on the things to come?

Where is your focus at? Heaven or earth?

What does it mean to focus on heaven?

We need to recognize our urges for heavenly longings. Our desire for more is a desire from God, yet far to often we try to satisfy that desire with wordly things. The longings that we have for more and a restless contented spirit should be directed towards Heaven and our reward that is waiting for us. If we fill those longings with worldly objects we miss the opportunity to long for heaven.

As Christians we tell our selves to stop wanting. We want to reject our worldly desires and we concede to just give up on our desires. This is the time to not stop our desires of wanting but to realign our desires with heavenly things.

God planted desires in us that cannot be filled with earthly things. If we fill our lives with worldly things in the hopes of reaching happiness, we will become completely frustrated! We were not made for this earth or earthly things. We were created for heaven.

Heaven is were our focus needs to be. We need to think about what heaven is really like. The bible gives us glimpses of what it will be like but part of the intrigue that god has created is that we don't know what it will be like for sure. What we do know is heaven will give us rest for our souls and be completely the opposite of the world.


Revelations 4:1-11

Heaven is so far beyond our imagination and will be more than we could ever expect!

The biggest thing our farther says about heaven is that we will be with god!

Tamming The Tongue

 

How often I fail in this area. In my home with my family, at work with my coworkers and in public with strangers.

 

We can all too often allow ourselves to react to things in a worldly way or with anger, disgust, frustration and contempt. We can get caught up in the moment and say things or do things that could very possibly give people the wrong idea of what a disciple is. Remember that we are different, and people see that and want to know why. They watch us and some even ask questions.  How can we be a example to others when we cant control something as simple as what we say? 

The bible says that no man can tame the tongue.  Though we can guard our harts from impurity we can not tame the tongue.

 

 

 

^{James 3:1} Not many of you should presume to be teachers,   my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged ^f  more strictly.    

^{James 3:2} We all stumble   in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says,  he is a perfect man,   able to keep his whole body in check.   

^{James 3:3} When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.    

^{James 3:4} Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 

^{James 3:5} Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.   Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 

^{James 3:6} The tongue also is a fire,  a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person,  sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.   

^{James 3:7} All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 

^{James 3:8} but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  

^{James 3:9} With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.    

^{James 3:10} Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 

^{James 3:11} Can both fresh water and salt  water flow from the same spring? 

^{James 3:12} My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?  Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

 

Wars have been started with words, Peoples harts broken by words, childrens spirits broken by words, and lives destroyed by words.

 

Dose this mean that all is lost? The bible says that we all stumble in many ways. What do we do when we stumble?

Paul pleaded with God 3 times asking him to remove the thorn from his side. But what did god tell him?

 

 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

 

We repent! Humbly Repent!

 

Haven't wars been stopped with words, peoples harts mended with words, children's spirits renewed with words and lives enriched those words?  Learning to tame the tongue can be a daily battle but one that every christian should consider one of his greatest endeavors.

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus The Head

Colossians 1:15-20;    Psalms 89:7

Book of Colossians was written around 60AD and while Paul was in prison. The church in Colossians had many problems. Agnostics and other groups that were wavering in their faith.

Paul was challenging the church in Colossians to not forget what they were connected to Christ the head and we the body.

We too need to recognize who we are through Christ and the magnitude of what we are apart of being Gods body.

John 8:31-32

What is the truth? The whole gospel is the truth. The truth is Jesus Christ who is the head!

The body cannot survive with out the head. Many churches teach of reaching God through another deity (I.e...angels, Mary the mother of Jesus, the Pope, a preacher...etc). The only way to know God is through Jesus and Jesus alone! Hebrews 12:2

John 5:39

You can even study the scriptures and miss the connection to Jesus! Going to church does not save you. Being a good person does not save you. We are saved by God and through Jesus. Colossians 2:11-14

Colossians 3:5-13

In the world we come from dysfunctional families and messed up situations. As Gods body we have a functional families and father who is the head of the house. The church is not perfect but we are called to live different lives, free from
the sin that entangles and destroys our lives . This is Gods call to us to live in his house!

Colossians 3:14-17

Being connected to Jesus the head this is the life we should live. The life Gd has planned for us. A functional family in his church where we help one another through struggles and burdens to honor and glorify god with our lives.

First Principles: Seeking God Study

Purpose

 

To teach a person how to pursue a relationship with God by developing a seeker's heart and by coming to know Jesus as revealed in God's Word, the Bible.

 

• Acts 17:16-28. Ever ask yourself: "What on earth am I here for?" You aren't alone! Why did God create you and bring you to this very point and time in your life? So that you would seek him and find him in order to have a personal relationship with him. Who takes the initiative in seeking this relationship? Because God loves us and desires a relationship with us, he has been actively determining times and places long before we ever thought about seeking him (Psalm 14:2-3). Why do so few seem to be seeking today? God is unknown and the image many have of him is distorted. To seek God, we must be willing to change our ideas about who God is to match what has been revealed to us in the Bible. There is nothing more important or exciting in life than to seek and to find our Creator God.
• Jeremiah 29:11-14. We will find God if we seek Him with all our heart. Have you ever done something with all your heart? What will it mean for you to seek God with all your heart?
• Matthew 7:7-11. What does God promise those who diligently seek? Prayer is the means by which we can make our requests known to God. Do you pray? As you seek to know God better, take him at his word that he truly listens and responds to our prayers as a loving Father.
• Acts 8:26-40. What do we know about this seeker? He is important and therefore certainly busy, but still finds time for God. He reads the Scriptures himself and asks questions about what he is reading. He is humble and sincere enough in his search to ask for help. What he learns he acts on right away, as seen with his baptism. How did he feel after coming to know God better? The burning questions he had about God were answered in an afternoon.
• Acts 17:10-12. What was it about these Berean seekers that made Luke refer to them as having "noble character"? What does "great eagerness" imply? Why was it important for them to "examine the Scriptures every day" for themselves? What was the result of this eager yet diligent attitude? As with prayer, reading the Bible is vitally important to knowing God.
• John 1:18. Jesus has made God known. Where do we begin our search for God? We begin by getting to know Jesus. To the degree that we know Jesus, we will know God.
• John 20:30-31. The Word of God produces faith in Jesus. What will we find if we seek God by coming to know Jesus through God's Word? Finding God begins with coming to faith in Jesus which promises true life now and eternal life later! As we take a closer look at Jesus, are you willing to make a heartfelt effort to draw closer to God by praying and reading the Bible?

Additional Helpful Scriptures:

• Deuteronomy 4:28-31
• 2 Chronicles 15:1-4 
• Matthew 6:25-33
• Matthew 7:13-14 
• Matthew 13:44-46
• Hebrews 11:6