Matt 2:1-12
Verses 1-2 Wise men or Magi = specialists in astronomy
-They wanted to worship Him- give worth to Him
Verses 3-4 This bothered Herod and many other people but he inquired more to find out if this could be the Christ
Verses 5-6 The answer is found in the prophet Micah 5:2-5 written 700 yrs before Christ
Verses 7-8 Herod’s plan to find Christ so he could “worship Him”
Verses 9-10 The Star miraculous star
1. It signified birth.
2. It signified kingship.
3. It had a connection with the Jewish nation.
4. It rose in the east, like other stars.
5. It appeared at a precise time.
6. Herod didn't know when it appeared.
7. It endured over time.
8. It was ahead of the Magi as they went south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
9. It stopped over Bethlehem.
Verses 11 They found Jesus and worshiped Him with
Gifts
Gold- King (purity)
Frankincense – Smoke of incense went up to the Lord Lev. 16. Priest to bring an offering to God
Myrrh-Embalming spice to represent his death was a Sacrifice
1. What is the “star” in your life how is God showing Himself to you?
Person-Dan 12:4 “Those who lead many to righteousness are like the stars of the sky” Phil 2:15 in this crocked and perverse generation
Situation- Matt 27:54 Centurion “Surely This was the Son of God
The Word- Living and Active -Atheists C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel
2. What is “troubling” you about God, why won’t you give your life to Him? It may change Herod’s title
-friends and family mocking you (you are living for an audience of One)
-not have all the information about Him (start reading)
-Maybe you are afraid to give some sin in your life up (let God take care of it)
3. Gifts- Notice the gifts that they gave Jesus validated who Jesus was. The message of Jesus Christ revolves around those gifts.
Gold-He is King- God became flesh John 1:3,10-11
Frankincense-He is the priest- Hebrews 6-9 Talk about how Jesus became the new priest for us. Makes peace with God the Father for us. The Bible says because of our sins we are enemies of God
Myrrh-He is the sacrifice- Eph 5:1b Jesus came to pay the price for our sins and the Bible says John 1:12 What does Jesus want us to believe about Him? Clear Gospel
Like the poem that Zane recited the one thing that we can give Him to validate who He is, our hearts. I want to highlight that offer God has for you. Will you give Him your heart?
When we give Him our hearts we are admitting that we need a Savior
If you are a have already done that- tonight lets take the challenge of this next song, are you giving the King your best?
The Little Drummer Boy played his best in an act of worship to the King Romans 12:1-2 talks about you life being an act of worship to Jesus, that means our lives should be pleasing to Him. What ever you have which is not much should be given to Him. Your life should be the best song to the Lord that it can be and it is not to late to start.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love”
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Jesus Rules
Battle of Armageddon – the end of this battle Christ’s establishes Kingdom. Satan will use the Antichrist to deceive the world.
Rev. 14 and 16 help us to understand that even though the Antichrist is the ruler there is unrest and war. When people are Godless they are loveless. (Jail illustration)
Battle between Satan’s army and God’s Army that rides out of heaven. (Believers from tribulation. will be bystanders, preserved)
Satan’s army will be destroyed
Rev. 19:11-13 Description of Christ
White Horse=Conquest conqueror
Faithful & True=He said He was coming back and now here He is
Eyes of Fire= Notice he judges in righteousness
Dipped in Blood, bought by blood of Jesus
Word of God=He is what God wants to tell us
v14 Saints with Christ
v15 Striking the nations= nations that followed Antichrist.
God will exercise justice
Wrath -because sin takes away God’s perfect plan
V16 To be the King of all
V17-Rev 20:3 Doom of Antichrist, False Prophet, rejecters final doom. Satan will be bound for 1000yrs
Rev 20:4-6
Jesus comes and conquers and now he sets up his kingdom on earth.
Who will be there? Mt. 13:41-43,49-50, Mt 25:41
Believers from the past (us) clothed in white linen
Believers from the tribulation period
No unbelievers until procreation happens
Matt 19:28- We will rule with Him and use our rewards to assist.
Here are then Characteristics if that Kingdom.
Jerusalem Capital Isa 2:4
Curse is lifted Is. 11:7-8 Animal harmony
Is. 65:20 Life span increased
Universal peace Is 2:4, 11:6
Fulfill land Boarders an promises Gen 15
Jesus will rule with an iron rod 19:15
Satan bound Rev.
Joy- Is 12:1
Knowledge of God and his plans Micah 4:1-2
Prosperity in crops and money Amos 9:13,
Holiness - people will be following the Lord, Christians will actually be people that you can look to for an example Zeph 3:11
God’s Glory- we will see all of God’s good gifts Is 35:1
All will be focused on the one true God, no false gods Zech 13:1
Rev 20:7-10
End will be set free for one last time and be able to deceive those who were born during this time. Even after they have witnessed Christ is fair rule and a perfect human society they will still give in to deception.
What us that tell us about the condition of the human heart
Man is a rebel by nature.
The problem is his heart.
The problem is not his environment.
Messiah’s kingdom is perfect, yet when given the chance, he rebels.
Romans 2:4 God’s Kindness leads to repentance. I went to the nth degree and people still do not listen.
Rev. 14 and 16 help us to understand that even though the Antichrist is the ruler there is unrest and war. When people are Godless they are loveless. (Jail illustration)
Battle between Satan’s army and God’s Army that rides out of heaven. (Believers from tribulation. will be bystanders, preserved)
Satan’s army will be destroyed
Rev. 19:11-13 Description of Christ
White Horse=Conquest conqueror
Faithful & True=He said He was coming back and now here He is
Eyes of Fire= Notice he judges in righteousness
Dipped in Blood, bought by blood of Jesus
Word of God=He is what God wants to tell us
v14 Saints with Christ
v15 Striking the nations= nations that followed Antichrist.
God will exercise justice
Wrath -because sin takes away God’s perfect plan
V16 To be the King of all
V17-Rev 20:3 Doom of Antichrist, False Prophet, rejecters final doom. Satan will be bound for 1000yrs
Rev 20:4-6
Jesus comes and conquers and now he sets up his kingdom on earth.
Who will be there? Mt. 13:41-43,49-50, Mt 25:41
Believers from the past (us) clothed in white linen
Believers from the tribulation period
No unbelievers until procreation happens
Matt 19:28- We will rule with Him and use our rewards to assist.
Here are then Characteristics if that Kingdom.
Jerusalem Capital Isa 2:4
Curse is lifted Is. 11:7-8 Animal harmony
Is. 65:20 Life span increased
Universal peace Is 2:4, 11:6
Fulfill land Boarders an promises Gen 15
Jesus will rule with an iron rod 19:15
Satan bound Rev.
Joy- Is 12:1
Knowledge of God and his plans Micah 4:1-2
Prosperity in crops and money Amos 9:13,
Holiness - people will be following the Lord, Christians will actually be people that you can look to for an example Zeph 3:11
God’s Glory- we will see all of God’s good gifts Is 35:1
All will be focused on the one true God, no false gods Zech 13:1
Rev 20:7-10
End will be set free for one last time and be able to deceive those who were born during this time. Even after they have witnessed Christ is fair rule and a perfect human society they will still give in to deception.
What us that tell us about the condition of the human heart
Man is a rebel by nature.
The problem is his heart.
The problem is not his environment.
Messiah’s kingdom is perfect, yet when given the chance, he rebels.
Romans 2:4 God’s Kindness leads to repentance. I went to the nth degree and people still do not listen.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
"The Ugly Stuff"
“The Ugly Stuff”
Slide 1
Go over the End Times timeline
1. Purposes of the Tribulation
To save Israel or turn them to Jesus. God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 and promised to bless him and his descendants. This is last effort in God’s plan to bring Israel back to Him
To judge unbelievers
Key figures and events.
Slide 2
7 Year tribulation kicks off when a peace treaty is signed by the Anti-Christ and Israel
Dan 9:27 & Isa 28:14-22
So there is a strong possibility there is a gap between the Rapture and the start of the trib. Not long but could be a few weeks or months
Anti-Christ 1 John 2:18, Revelation 13 He is a man powered by Satan. Smart, good leader, convincing & Powerful
Names
Ø Beast ,Man of Sin/Lawlessness, Willful King
Career-
Phase 1 – Political leader that that comes out of the western world (Roman Empire) he will be in the world before the Rapture occurs. He is a powerful enough ruler to sign a covenant with Israel and guarantee safety.
Phase 2 – During first half of the Tribulation he will become the ruler of the restored Roman empire. And of a 10/11 nation confederacy. He will be killed and restored back to life again. Rev. 13:3, 12, 14
“Abomination of Desolation” The Anti-Christ sets himself up in the Temple to be worshiped with sacrificial offerings
Phase 3 - Rev 13:5-7 Dictator of the world
Apostate Church = manmade religion “Mystery Babylon”
Jewish Levitical System back in effect.
Satan Cast out of Heaven and the “Abomination of Desolation” happens. Ushers in worship of Satan and the Mark “666”
Slide 3 The False prophet
Rev 13
Anti-Christ is a human with power from Satan/ Desire is to mimic God
Counterfeit Trinity. Anti-Christ=son , False Prophet=spirit, Father=Satan
Slide 4 Two witnesses
Slide 5 144,000 witnesses
Events that happening
Slide 6 - Seal Judgments
Slide 7 - 1st 4 seals are the four Horsemen ¼ population will die
Slide 8 - 5th seal cry of the Martyr’s to avenge their blood.
This illustrates how God takes care of the wicked people. Comfort to know that God is just.
Slide 9 - Cosmic Disturbances, shows that God is in control of nature. Rev 6:15-17 it affects everyone and it shows that we need to come to a point in which we trust Him.
Slide 10 & 11 Trumpet Judgments Vegetation, seas, water supply, heavens (stars, sun moon) Plague of Locusts
Slides 12 & 13 Bowl Judgments Similar to the plagues that fell upon Egypt.
Slide 14
What is the good news 1. More people then ever before will trust in Christ. 2. This has not taken place, this will end when Christ comes again.
Slide 1
Go over the End Times timeline
1. Purposes of the Tribulation
To save Israel or turn them to Jesus. God made a covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 and promised to bless him and his descendants. This is last effort in God’s plan to bring Israel back to Him
To judge unbelievers
Key figures and events.
Slide 2
7 Year tribulation kicks off when a peace treaty is signed by the Anti-Christ and Israel
Dan 9:27 & Isa 28:14-22
So there is a strong possibility there is a gap between the Rapture and the start of the trib. Not long but could be a few weeks or months
Anti-Christ 1 John 2:18, Revelation 13 He is a man powered by Satan. Smart, good leader, convincing & Powerful
Names
Ø Beast ,Man of Sin/Lawlessness, Willful King
Career-
Phase 1 – Political leader that that comes out of the western world (Roman Empire) he will be in the world before the Rapture occurs. He is a powerful enough ruler to sign a covenant with Israel and guarantee safety.
Phase 2 – During first half of the Tribulation he will become the ruler of the restored Roman empire. And of a 10/11 nation confederacy. He will be killed and restored back to life again. Rev. 13:3, 12, 14
“Abomination of Desolation” The Anti-Christ sets himself up in the Temple to be worshiped with sacrificial offerings
Phase 3 - Rev 13:5-7 Dictator of the world
Apostate Church = manmade religion “Mystery Babylon”
Jewish Levitical System back in effect.
Satan Cast out of Heaven and the “Abomination of Desolation” happens. Ushers in worship of Satan and the Mark “666”
Slide 3 The False prophet
Rev 13
Anti-Christ is a human with power from Satan/ Desire is to mimic God
Counterfeit Trinity. Anti-Christ=son , False Prophet=spirit, Father=Satan
Slide 4 Two witnesses
Slide 5 144,000 witnesses
Events that happening
Slide 6 - Seal Judgments
Slide 7 - 1st 4 seals are the four Horsemen ¼ population will die
Slide 8 - 5th seal cry of the Martyr’s to avenge their blood.
This illustrates how God takes care of the wicked people. Comfort to know that God is just.
Slide 9 - Cosmic Disturbances, shows that God is in control of nature. Rev 6:15-17 it affects everyone and it shows that we need to come to a point in which we trust Him.
Slide 10 & 11 Trumpet Judgments Vegetation, seas, water supply, heavens (stars, sun moon) Plague of Locusts
Slides 12 & 13 Bowl Judgments Similar to the plagues that fell upon Egypt.
Slide 14
What is the good news 1. More people then ever before will trust in Christ. 2. This has not taken place, this will end when Christ comes again.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
"Swept Away"
The next event that we are waiting for is the event called the “Rapture”
Comes from the word “Rapturo” the Latin translation of “caught up” in 1 Thess. 4:17
What is the Rapture? The supernatural removal of the church out of this world.
I Thess. 4:13-18
Vrs 13 “Fallen asleep” is a metaphor for death (they were concerned about their Christian friends that would miss this event.
Vrs 14 Gospel all will take part
Vrs 15 Don’t worry they will be first (their soul is already there)
Vrs 16 “Dead in Christ” will receive their resurrected bodies 1st
Vrs 17 “Caught up” those who are alive and with the Lord always
Vrs 18 This brings us great comfort
Why do we believe Rapture is next? And before the Great Tribulation
Revelation 6-18 says God’s wrath 14 times and does not mention the church but church is mentioned 19x in rev 1-3 6x in 19-22 a return
Its Immenant -hanging over ones head- 1 Cor 15:51-52
Like last week we can see the stage being set but there are no specific signs given in the Bible.
1 John 2:28
-This brings with it the concept that we should be living a life that is in line with the Lord
Why the Rapture?
We are not meant for wrath
1 Thess 1:9-10, 1 Thess 5:9-11, Rev 3:10
Dan 12:1
What happens when we arrive in Heaven? Judgment
Rewarded 2 Cor 5:10, 1 Cor 3:9-15
These reward are described as crowns to glorify Christ with and the Bible teaches the concept of He gives us responsibilities in the 1000 yr reign
Comes from the word “Rapturo” the Latin translation of “caught up” in 1 Thess. 4:17
What is the Rapture? The supernatural removal of the church out of this world.
I Thess. 4:13-18
Vrs 13 “Fallen asleep” is a metaphor for death (they were concerned about their Christian friends that would miss this event.
Vrs 14 Gospel all will take part
Vrs 15 Don’t worry they will be first (their soul is already there)
Vrs 16 “Dead in Christ” will receive their resurrected bodies 1st
Vrs 17 “Caught up” those who are alive and with the Lord always
Vrs 18 This brings us great comfort
Why do we believe Rapture is next? And before the Great Tribulation
Revelation 6-18 says God’s wrath 14 times and does not mention the church but church is mentioned 19x in rev 1-3 6x in 19-22 a return
Its Immenant -hanging over ones head- 1 Cor 15:51-52
Like last week we can see the stage being set but there are no specific signs given in the Bible.
1 John 2:28
-This brings with it the concept that we should be living a life that is in line with the Lord
Why the Rapture?
We are not meant for wrath
1 Thess 1:9-10, 1 Thess 5:9-11, Rev 3:10
Dan 12:1
What happens when we arrive in Heaven? Judgment
Rewarded 2 Cor 5:10, 1 Cor 3:9-15
These reward are described as crowns to glorify Christ with and the Bible teaches the concept of He gives us responsibilities in the 1000 yr reign
Sunday, November 25, 2007
What are the signs?
What are the signs? We are in the church age
The term “last days” refers to the time between Christ’s first and second coming. Heb 1:12
Why look into the end times prophecy? Benware Pamphlet
God is in control, 2. He is good, 3. Holy living(understand the judgements) 4. effects our priorities 5. Gives us hope
Groundwork for End Times prophecy
Abrahamic Covenant tells us that God is not done with Israel. Gen 12
Which helps us to understand the end times events
There are no events that must happen in order for the second coming of Christ to happen, hence “no one knows the or the hour”
“like a thief in the night” We are to be prepared Matt 24:40-44
Major Signs that point to the end…and are things that will happen in the Tribulation Matthew 24:3-6
Increased Apostasy (false teaching) During the tribulation period the main form of apostasy is going to be “The AntiChrist” he will set himself up in the temple to be worshipped. The movement toward apostasy will make people more comfortable with him and his religious system. Mt 24:24 “even the elect if it was possible could be deceived”.
Doctrinal Characteristics of apostasy
-denial of Trinity (Godhead) 1 John 2:22
-denial of the incarnation 1 John 2:23
-denial of His return 2 Peter 3:4
Lifestyle characteristics of apostasy
-When there is warped doctrine there are warped morals
2 Tim 3:1-5
Deception usually takes some time to build up, it is a move away from truth but in a way that is slow and comfortable.
Preparation for the Ecumenical United Religion/church.
Revelation 17 gives us a picture of what the apostate religious system will look like under the name “Mystery Babylon” It will be world wide, have political clout, unfaithful to the truth, appearance of glory on the outside but internally corrupt and will persecute the believers in the tribulation. 2 Thess. 2:4 (antichrist as God)
-Most of the modern day religions refer to Jesus or give Him a prominent place in their theology. Apostate Christiandom
The groundwork for this system will possibly start at the close of the church age.
Political Preparations. Israel Ez. 37 The reestablishment of Israel as a nation and occupying the land. 1948 Israel became a state and now more then 5 million Jewish people are in Palestine.
-Zech. 12:2-3 Talks about how Jerusalem will be attacked and it will be a “heavy stone”. All eyes will be on the Holy land and it will be the center of end times events.
Practically speaking right now, how often are we hearing about the middle east?
-10 nation coalition led by the antichrist. Rev 13.
Technology Dan 12:4 Knowledge of these Prophecies.
The Lightning rod illustration
5. Matt 24:6-7 Wars 194 countries and currently there are 30 armed conflicts, roughly 15%, Famines 25,000 people a day die of Hunger related issues. Pestilences (disease), Modern medicine has claimed control over many diseases but new diseases keep springing up. Earthquakes 130,000 Minor since 1900, 134 strong cat. 7
Are there signs that the next event is closer? Yes, can we pinpoint exact things? We can speculate
The Bottom line is…
Are you ready for it?
Next week we are going to talk about the next event which is the
“Rapture of the church (believers)”
The term “last days” refers to the time between Christ’s first and second coming. Heb 1:12
Why look into the end times prophecy? Benware Pamphlet
God is in control, 2. He is good, 3. Holy living(understand the judgements) 4. effects our priorities 5. Gives us hope
Groundwork for End Times prophecy
Abrahamic Covenant tells us that God is not done with Israel. Gen 12
Which helps us to understand the end times events
There are no events that must happen in order for the second coming of Christ to happen, hence “no one knows the or the hour”
“like a thief in the night” We are to be prepared Matt 24:40-44
Major Signs that point to the end…and are things that will happen in the Tribulation Matthew 24:3-6
Increased Apostasy (false teaching) During the tribulation period the main form of apostasy is going to be “The AntiChrist” he will set himself up in the temple to be worshipped. The movement toward apostasy will make people more comfortable with him and his religious system. Mt 24:24 “even the elect if it was possible could be deceived”.
Doctrinal Characteristics of apostasy
-denial of Trinity (Godhead) 1 John 2:22
-denial of the incarnation 1 John 2:23
-denial of His return 2 Peter 3:4
Lifestyle characteristics of apostasy
-When there is warped doctrine there are warped morals
2 Tim 3:1-5
Deception usually takes some time to build up, it is a move away from truth but in a way that is slow and comfortable.
Preparation for the Ecumenical United Religion/church.
Revelation 17 gives us a picture of what the apostate religious system will look like under the name “Mystery Babylon” It will be world wide, have political clout, unfaithful to the truth, appearance of glory on the outside but internally corrupt and will persecute the believers in the tribulation. 2 Thess. 2:4 (antichrist as God)
-Most of the modern day religions refer to Jesus or give Him a prominent place in their theology. Apostate Christiandom
The groundwork for this system will possibly start at the close of the church age.
Political Preparations. Israel Ez. 37 The reestablishment of Israel as a nation and occupying the land. 1948 Israel became a state and now more then 5 million Jewish people are in Palestine.
-Zech. 12:2-3 Talks about how Jerusalem will be attacked and it will be a “heavy stone”. All eyes will be on the Holy land and it will be the center of end times events.
Practically speaking right now, how often are we hearing about the middle east?
-10 nation coalition led by the antichrist. Rev 13.
Technology Dan 12:4 Knowledge of these Prophecies.
The Lightning rod illustration
5. Matt 24:6-7 Wars 194 countries and currently there are 30 armed conflicts, roughly 15%, Famines 25,000 people a day die of Hunger related issues. Pestilences (disease), Modern medicine has claimed control over many diseases but new diseases keep springing up. Earthquakes 130,000 Minor since 1900, 134 strong cat. 7
Are there signs that the next event is closer? Yes, can we pinpoint exact things? We can speculate
The Bottom line is…
Are you ready for it?
Next week we are going to talk about the next event which is the
“Rapture of the church (believers)”
Sunday, November 18, 2007
"Thanks-taking": Giving
We are willing to take from God but when it comes to giving to Him problems arise. The Bible is clear about the discipline of financial giving to the work of the Lord. Tonight I want to examine a few passages about giving. Some time in 2008 I am planning on doing a series on finances, not just about giving but about biblical principles for our finances. The N.T. alone has over 1600 references to money, like the drama more then heaven or hell. Why is that, because God knows that it can be a huge issue in our lives. In a sense it is what our world revolves around.
I want to use Paul’s charge in 2 Corinthians because they were challenging Paul and what the giving to the Jerusalem church was used for.
Paul used the Macedonian church as an example of true Christ centered giving.
2 Cor. 8
vrs1-4 They had a strong desire to give to the work of the Lord, so much that they gave beyond their ability. (Sacrificial)
Widows Mite Luke 21:1-3
-The Bible nowhere says we need vow of poverty to follow Christ
V4 Ungency, they wanted to help the cause of Christ
Vrs 5-8 First they gave themselves salvation, then to the work (time), their resources. As a result this tests the sincerity of their love for God and others.
Vrs 9 Christ is our inspiration We can never pay Him back nor does He expect that but we should be inspired by his generosity toward us. He sacrificed, are we sacrificing?
Vrs 10-15
10-11 Keep your commitment because you had a good reason to make it.
Vrs12 Attitude is everything
Vrs 13 Don’t go into debt to help others
Vrs 14 help others and God will inspire others to help you when you are down and out.
Vrs 15 The manna again, we can’t hold on to tight.
2 Cor 9
V1-2 Paul reminds them of their willingness a year ago (superfluous = overflow) Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basic way we felt when we realized what God did for us.
Vrs 3-5 Paul reminds of their commitment and his boasting of their commitment. Notice he says this was truly out of their generosity not obligation. We should never feel obligated by a person to give our only obligation is to God b/c of what he has done.
Vrs 6 Reap what we sow
Vrs 7a How much should I give?
Purposes in his heart (amount) Tithe O.T concept meaning tenth. Was a tax
· Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 A Jewish person was to give a 10th to the Levites, 10th to the festival and 10th every three years to the poor =23 & 1/3 % Church does not tax people.. When you hear tithe it means the expectation is 10% but it cannot be a dogmatic truth. Is it a good place to be in your giving?
· Pray to make your decision,
· Proportionate 2 Cor 8:12
· 1 Cor 16:1-2 prospers and regular
· Vrs 7b Cheerful giver
Bottom Line
Jump to vrs 12-13 Giving supports the ministry(Hudson Taylor ill), thanking God (worship) and being a testimony to others that you are willing to sacrifice and not hold onto everything you have.
Relient k lyrics
I want to use Paul’s charge in 2 Corinthians because they were challenging Paul and what the giving to the Jerusalem church was used for.
Paul used the Macedonian church as an example of true Christ centered giving.
2 Cor. 8
vrs1-4 They had a strong desire to give to the work of the Lord, so much that they gave beyond their ability. (Sacrificial)
Widows Mite Luke 21:1-3
-The Bible nowhere says we need vow of poverty to follow Christ
V4 Ungency, they wanted to help the cause of Christ
Vrs 5-8 First they gave themselves salvation, then to the work (time), their resources. As a result this tests the sincerity of their love for God and others.
Vrs 9 Christ is our inspiration We can never pay Him back nor does He expect that but we should be inspired by his generosity toward us. He sacrificed, are we sacrificing?
Vrs 10-15
10-11 Keep your commitment because you had a good reason to make it.
Vrs12 Attitude is everything
Vrs 13 Don’t go into debt to help others
Vrs 14 help others and God will inspire others to help you when you are down and out.
Vrs 15 The manna again, we can’t hold on to tight.
2 Cor 9
V1-2 Paul reminds them of their willingness a year ago (superfluous = overflow) Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basic way we felt when we realized what God did for us.
Vrs 3-5 Paul reminds of their commitment and his boasting of their commitment. Notice he says this was truly out of their generosity not obligation. We should never feel obligated by a person to give our only obligation is to God b/c of what he has done.
Vrs 6 Reap what we sow
Vrs 7a How much should I give?
Purposes in his heart (amount) Tithe O.T concept meaning tenth. Was a tax
· Mal 3, Deut. 14, Numbers 18 A Jewish person was to give a 10th to the Levites, 10th to the festival and 10th every three years to the poor =23 & 1/3 % Church does not tax people.. When you hear tithe it means the expectation is 10% but it cannot be a dogmatic truth. Is it a good place to be in your giving?
· Pray to make your decision,
· Proportionate 2 Cor 8:12
· 1 Cor 16:1-2 prospers and regular
· Vrs 7b Cheerful giver
Bottom Line
Jump to vrs 12-13 Giving supports the ministry(Hudson Taylor ill), thanking God (worship) and being a testimony to others that you are willing to sacrifice and not hold onto everything you have.
Relient k lyrics
Thursday, November 15, 2007
"This is my what": Communion
Luke 22:14-20
Vrs 14-18 Jesus celebrates the Passover feast with the Disciples
He tells them this will not happen until Rev 19:9 the “marriage feast of the Lamb” What they are witnessing will not happen again until all the end times events come to pass.
The Passover commemorated Israel's escape from bondage in Egypt. In Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb was painted on the door frames, causing the plague of the firstborn to pass over their houses sparing the firstborn sons from death. The Last Supper was very significant because Jesus showed his disciples he was about to become the Passover Lamb of God. His blood would open the door to freedom. His followers would exchange slavery to sin and death for eternal life in God's Kingdom..
V 19 This is my Body do this in remembrance
V20 The cup of the “New Covenant in my Blood”
Covenant Agreement is usually between two parties (bilateral) mortgage illustration. Conditional agreement
Old Covenant “Mosaic Covenant” if you obey me I will care for you
God wanted to show His people that they could never live up to their end of the agreement. He wanted to prove to them that even though they could not He is still gracious, loving and merciful.
New Covenant of Jesus Blood was unilateral, unconditional.
Jesus shed His Blood for the forgiveness of sins. When you believe and enter into that relationship you fall into God’s unconditional love.
This unconditional approach was not foreign to the Jews it actually started with Abraham Gen12:1-7 God told Abraham He would bless him with an everlasting and forever covenant. Jesus was Abraham’s seed. We are blessed by Him.
Why do we celebrate communion?
Remembrance 1 Cor. 11:24-25 (Look at Him)
Examine (Myself) 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Look at you life, how are you living up to God’s standards, how are you not? Who do you have to make a mense with?
Participate (Myself ) 1 Cor. 10:16-17
Together in unity (Others) 1 Cor 10:17 & 11:33
Proclaiming His death (to others) 1 Cor 11:26
Why do we use these elements?
Bread – manna God’s provision
Feeding of 5000
John 6:29-40 Notice how Jesus shows them that Moses bread came from Heaven and Jesus is the one that comes from Heaven (New Covenant) I am the Bread of life He is our daily provision, He is what we need to feel satisfied, He is what nourishes our sould.
Lets meditate on this as we observe the remembrance of Jesus’ broken body.
Cup- wine = deliverance We understand that in the first Passover the Israelites were directed to put blood on their door mantle so the spirit would Passover. We understand that in Old Covenant they were to bring a spotless lamb and its blood would cleanse them from their sin
Wine represents God's covenant in blood, poured out in payment for mankind's sin.
• Typically wine is served four times during the Passover meal. According to Jewish tradition, the four cups represent four expressions of redemption. The first cup is called the cup of sanctification; the second is the cup of judgment; the third is the cup of redemption; and the fourth is the cup of the kingdom.
Vrs 14-18 Jesus celebrates the Passover feast with the Disciples
He tells them this will not happen until Rev 19:9 the “marriage feast of the Lamb” What they are witnessing will not happen again until all the end times events come to pass.
The Passover commemorated Israel's escape from bondage in Egypt. In Exodus, the blood of the Passover lamb was painted on the door frames, causing the plague of the firstborn to pass over their houses sparing the firstborn sons from death. The Last Supper was very significant because Jesus showed his disciples he was about to become the Passover Lamb of God. His blood would open the door to freedom. His followers would exchange slavery to sin and death for eternal life in God's Kingdom..
V 19 This is my Body do this in remembrance
V20 The cup of the “New Covenant in my Blood”
Covenant Agreement is usually between two parties (bilateral) mortgage illustration. Conditional agreement
Old Covenant “Mosaic Covenant” if you obey me I will care for you
God wanted to show His people that they could never live up to their end of the agreement. He wanted to prove to them that even though they could not He is still gracious, loving and merciful.
New Covenant of Jesus Blood was unilateral, unconditional.
Jesus shed His Blood for the forgiveness of sins. When you believe and enter into that relationship you fall into God’s unconditional love.
This unconditional approach was not foreign to the Jews it actually started with Abraham Gen12:1-7 God told Abraham He would bless him with an everlasting and forever covenant. Jesus was Abraham’s seed. We are blessed by Him.
Why do we celebrate communion?
Remembrance 1 Cor. 11:24-25 (Look at Him)
Examine (Myself) 1 Cor. 11:27-32 Look at you life, how are you living up to God’s standards, how are you not? Who do you have to make a mense with?
Participate (Myself ) 1 Cor. 10:16-17
Together in unity (Others) 1 Cor 10:17 & 11:33
Proclaiming His death (to others) 1 Cor 11:26
Why do we use these elements?
Bread – manna God’s provision
Feeding of 5000
John 6:29-40 Notice how Jesus shows them that Moses bread came from Heaven and Jesus is the one that comes from Heaven (New Covenant) I am the Bread of life He is our daily provision, He is what we need to feel satisfied, He is what nourishes our sould.
Lets meditate on this as we observe the remembrance of Jesus’ broken body.
Cup- wine = deliverance We understand that in the first Passover the Israelites were directed to put blood on their door mantle so the spirit would Passover. We understand that in Old Covenant they were to bring a spotless lamb and its blood would cleanse them from their sin
Wine represents God's covenant in blood, poured out in payment for mankind's sin.
• Typically wine is served four times during the Passover meal. According to Jewish tradition, the four cups represent four expressions of redemption. The first cup is called the cup of sanctification; the second is the cup of judgment; the third is the cup of redemption; and the fourth is the cup of the kingdom.
Friday, November 9, 2007
MIssion Possible M5 "The Church"
Mission Possible M5 “The Church”
Over view
Acts 1:9 You are my witnesses…Jerusalem
Jerusalem Holy City center for Jewish worship.
Where do we worship? At Church… how can we be witnesses at church? Aren’t all the people Christians?
(the hour)
1. Come to “The Five” prepared to do ministry. Benware ill how can I can make this place a better place. Church is not a show
(being a part of the church)
2. How can I use my gifts in the church to further Christ’s witness?
The church should be the communicator of the truth and be a witness not only to others but to one another but working together as a unit. First 11 verses of chapter 12 tell us that each person who is a believer has a gift given by God
On the website I will post an online spiritual gifts test.
Why do we have these gifts? Verse 7 sums it up
Three areas that we want to examine when it comes to being a part of the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Verses 12-13 Unity within the Body there are many parts but they are under one Head Jesus and they work together for the same purpose.
John 17:11, 20-21 Jesus prays that we would be as one.
Unity gives credibility.
Philippians 2:1-4 key to unity is looking out for others rather then yourself. This does not mean there are never disagreements but in a church we should have specific purposes of why we exists “The Five” and know that we have to be unified on accomplishing them b/c God says we should.
Verses 14-20 Diversity in the Body of believers each to do a different job for the purpose of furthering God’s kingdom. Paul uses the illustration of a human body.
I don’t expect my ears to see but that does not mean I do not need them everyone is called to do something different.
When you figure out your gift and start serving you will feel a sense of fulfillment, realize you are doing your part and you grow. Tom Arthur
Verses 21-27 Interdependence- we need one another to be Christ’s witnesses. When we decide not to use your gift you are affecting the people around you and yourself.
sorry for the late post
Over view
Acts 1:9 You are my witnesses…Jerusalem
Jerusalem Holy City center for Jewish worship.
Where do we worship? At Church… how can we be witnesses at church? Aren’t all the people Christians?
(the hour)
1. Come to “The Five” prepared to do ministry. Benware ill how can I can make this place a better place. Church is not a show
(being a part of the church)
2. How can I use my gifts in the church to further Christ’s witness?
The church should be the communicator of the truth and be a witness not only to others but to one another but working together as a unit. First 11 verses of chapter 12 tell us that each person who is a believer has a gift given by God
On the website I will post an online spiritual gifts test.
Why do we have these gifts? Verse 7 sums it up
Three areas that we want to examine when it comes to being a part of the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Verses 12-13 Unity within the Body there are many parts but they are under one Head Jesus and they work together for the same purpose.
John 17:11, 20-21 Jesus prays that we would be as one.
Unity gives credibility.
Philippians 2:1-4 key to unity is looking out for others rather then yourself. This does not mean there are never disagreements but in a church we should have specific purposes of why we exists “The Five” and know that we have to be unified on accomplishing them b/c God says we should.
Verses 14-20 Diversity in the Body of believers each to do a different job for the purpose of furthering God’s kingdom. Paul uses the illustration of a human body.
I don’t expect my ears to see but that does not mean I do not need them everyone is called to do something different.
When you figure out your gift and start serving you will feel a sense of fulfillment, realize you are doing your part and you grow. Tom Arthur
Verses 21-27 Interdependence- we need one another to be Christ’s witnesses. When we decide not to use your gift you are affecting the people around you and yourself.
sorry for the late post
Monday, October 29, 2007
Mission Possible M4 "Your Circle"
Mission Possible M4 Acts 1:8 “Your Circle” Judea, Southern Kingdom of Israel, Home for most of the Jews. They were under Roman rule.
Our Judea is: Family, friends, co-workers & classmates.
“Be My witnesses” with family, friends, classmates and co workers.
Matthew 13:57 It is tough in our circle
Three questions which are three challenges.
1. What does my Christian walk look like among them?
1 Timothy 3:6-8 “good reputation” 1 Timothy 4:15
Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel
Areas to focus in on:
-Am I compassionate? Jesus had compassion on people.
-Am I judgmental? Quick to point out others wrongs where I am right
-Am I practicing what I preach? Don’t only be hearers but be doers (you have a responsibility, they don’t)
During trouble -Mt. 10:17-19 problems happen so you can be a testimony. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.
Acts 22:11-13 God will use you if you have a good testimony
2. Do I look for opportunities to bring up spiritual conversation or invite them to events that may bring up spiritual issues?
Romans 1:16
3. Do I regularly pray or them?
Col. 4:2-6
Our Judea is: Family, friends, co-workers & classmates.
“Be My witnesses” with family, friends, classmates and co workers.
Matthew 13:57 It is tough in our circle
Three questions which are three challenges.
1. What does my Christian walk look like among them?
1 Timothy 3:6-8 “good reputation” 1 Timothy 4:15
Acts 5:33-42 Gamaliel
Areas to focus in on:
-Am I compassionate? Jesus had compassion on people.
-Am I judgmental? Quick to point out others wrongs where I am right
-Am I practicing what I preach? Don’t only be hearers but be doers (you have a responsibility, they don’t)
During trouble -Mt. 10:17-19 problems happen so you can be a testimony. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.
Acts 22:11-13 God will use you if you have a good testimony
2. Do I look for opportunities to bring up spiritual conversation or invite them to events that may bring up spiritual issues?
Romans 1:16
3. Do I regularly pray or them?
Col. 4:2-6
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Mission Possible M3 "Our Community"
Mission Possible M3 “Our Community”
Acts 1:8 “You will be my Witnesses... in Samaria”
Samaria Background. Because of the fall of (Northern Kingdom) Israel to the Assyrians they started to intermarry. The Jews disliked them because they were half breads
Did the message get to Samaria Acts 8:4-13
Vrs 4-5 “Those who were scattered preached” Troubling time helped them live out purpose in their lives. How do we handle when trouble hits. Do we proclaim the hope we have? Is it an opportunity to share with others.
Vrs 6-8 Philip was preaching and healing doing amazing things in the name of Jesus.
This is a message coming from the Jews who were known to hate Samaritans. Now they were hearing a message of love forgiveness and help. The Jewish testimony among the Samaritans was not very good.
The Christian testimony to outsiders is not very good. Christians have a testimony of hate, judgment, being close minded and infringing on others people’s rights
We have to break that barrier down if we are going to have people listen to the message. How do we do this? And where do we need to do this?
Lets look at what happens if we don’t
Vrs 9-11 Simon who previously astonished people.
People looked to a sourcer and thought he was “from God”
If the people of God are not in their community and impacting it then people will look elsewhere to find meaning and purpose in life. If Christians are in the community the results is the message is preached and people believe. Most Christians think that being out in the community means political activism.
God has trusted us with this message.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Message of reconciliation. Committed us to the word of reconciliation.
Vrs 12-13 people believed not only the ones who where looking in the wrong direction for meaning, but also the one who was leading believed as well.
1. Gets the message out
2. Encourages other believers to follow suit
3. Encourages others Christians in their ministries
Our Samaria is Lacey Township & the surrounding area.
Demographics of Lacey 60% of population are young families
Examples of what a community focus has done in our church our church has many ministries but I want to focus on these specific ministries because they are very open to the community.
-Youth Ministry Robert Oliver old Pastor
-Kids Club
-Mops
Nothing is impossible with God
Two ways that we can focus on to minister to people in Lacey.
1. Help them with their middle class problems James “show me your faith” John “let your light shine”
2. Help them with their spiritual needs Mark 6:33-35
Acts 1:8 “You will be my Witnesses... in Samaria”
Samaria Background. Because of the fall of (Northern Kingdom) Israel to the Assyrians they started to intermarry. The Jews disliked them because they were half breads
Did the message get to Samaria Acts 8:4-13
Vrs 4-5 “Those who were scattered preached” Troubling time helped them live out purpose in their lives. How do we handle when trouble hits. Do we proclaim the hope we have? Is it an opportunity to share with others.
Vrs 6-8 Philip was preaching and healing doing amazing things in the name of Jesus.
This is a message coming from the Jews who were known to hate Samaritans. Now they were hearing a message of love forgiveness and help. The Jewish testimony among the Samaritans was not very good.
The Christian testimony to outsiders is not very good. Christians have a testimony of hate, judgment, being close minded and infringing on others people’s rights
We have to break that barrier down if we are going to have people listen to the message. How do we do this? And where do we need to do this?
Lets look at what happens if we don’t
Vrs 9-11 Simon who previously astonished people.
People looked to a sourcer and thought he was “from God”
If the people of God are not in their community and impacting it then people will look elsewhere to find meaning and purpose in life. If Christians are in the community the results is the message is preached and people believe. Most Christians think that being out in the community means political activism.
God has trusted us with this message.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Message of reconciliation. Committed us to the word of reconciliation.
Vrs 12-13 people believed not only the ones who where looking in the wrong direction for meaning, but also the one who was leading believed as well.
1. Gets the message out
2. Encourages other believers to follow suit
3. Encourages others Christians in their ministries
Our Samaria is Lacey Township & the surrounding area.
Demographics of Lacey 60% of population are young families
Examples of what a community focus has done in our church our church has many ministries but I want to focus on these specific ministries because they are very open to the community.
-Youth Ministry Robert Oliver old Pastor
-Kids Club
-Mops
Nothing is impossible with God
Two ways that we can focus on to minister to people in Lacey.
1. Help them with their middle class problems James “show me your faith” John “let your light shine”
2. Help them with their spiritual needs Mark 6:33-35
Monday, October 15, 2007
Mission Possible: M2 "Ask the Master"
Mission Possible M2 “Ask the Master”
Matthew 6:5-15
Verse 5 “When you pray” don’t be like the hypocrites Main reason for their prayer is so others can observe how spiritual they are. They have received their reward because they were just doing it so others can see.
Verse 6 What should we do in personal prayer? Clear ourselves from distractions. Psalm 91 “The secret place” Getting yourself right with God.
God will answer those prayers.
Why do we pray in public when the Bible seems to say not to?.
John 11:38-44 for the benefit of others teach
Matthew 18:19-21 get together with others believers Join with me
Acts2:42 The first church “prayers” part of worship
Verse 7 Vain repetitions “Centering prayer” Tony Campola Saying Jesus’ name over and over.
As Willard says in his book. “Prayer is an intelligent conversation”
Verses 8 God Knows your needs. Like a parent knows their child’s needs and it is not necessary to use a lot of words or some elaborate case. Eph 3:20 Able to do more
Verse 9 This is how we pray
“our Father in heavens”
1. Recognizing God’s position in our life “Abba” Mk 14:36, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6
2. “Heavens” He is not far from us Acts 17:27
3. Hallowed Name is to be revered
In Biblical times names meant something
Word “hallow” is set apart. Nothing can compare to Him
Verses 10 “Thy Kingdom come” God’s promise is that His kingdom will be established and we want to pray for that to come quickly. This keeps our focus on what is to come. End times events
“thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” pray that our lives are according to the will of God and that we don’t fall out of it by doing what is wrong. Everything must be brought into obedience of Him.
Verse 11 “give us this day our daily bread” Provide for my needs today. In some senses what good is knowing that our needs will be met tomorrow if we are supposed to live for the present.
Verses 12 Forgive our debts. Because of our sin we owe God death. Asking for God’s pardon and grace and in return we want the ability to forgive those who have wronged us.
Have pity on me because sometimes I can’t help it. If we look at other people in this manner we may be able to not hold their sin against them. Homeless peoples decisions.
Verses 13 Keep us from bad situations. This prayer starts with the Glory and power of God and ends with our weakness and feebleness. It is helping us to realize that we must not be prideful.
“deliver” protect us from Satan Eph. 6
Verses 14-15 The phrase “As we forgive our debtors” was a new phrase and not found in Jewish devotions or communication with God.
God will not forgive you if you do not turn from your sin of un-forgiveness toward another. God only forgives what we have remorse or sorrow for.
As a believers we have to follow the Master and daily pray. As far as our mission we need to be praying.
If you have prayer requests please e-mail mike@the5church.com
Matthew 6:5-15
Verse 5 “When you pray” don’t be like the hypocrites Main reason for their prayer is so others can observe how spiritual they are. They have received their reward because they were just doing it so others can see.
Verse 6 What should we do in personal prayer? Clear ourselves from distractions. Psalm 91 “The secret place” Getting yourself right with God.
God will answer those prayers.
Why do we pray in public when the Bible seems to say not to?.
John 11:38-44 for the benefit of others teach
Matthew 18:19-21 get together with others believers Join with me
Acts2:42 The first church “prayers” part of worship
Verse 7 Vain repetitions “Centering prayer” Tony Campola Saying Jesus’ name over and over.
As Willard says in his book. “Prayer is an intelligent conversation”
Verses 8 God Knows your needs. Like a parent knows their child’s needs and it is not necessary to use a lot of words or some elaborate case. Eph 3:20 Able to do more
Verse 9 This is how we pray
“our Father in heavens”
1. Recognizing God’s position in our life “Abba” Mk 14:36, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:6
2. “Heavens” He is not far from us Acts 17:27
3. Hallowed Name is to be revered
In Biblical times names meant something
Word “hallow” is set apart. Nothing can compare to Him
Verses 10 “Thy Kingdom come” God’s promise is that His kingdom will be established and we want to pray for that to come quickly. This keeps our focus on what is to come. End times events
“thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” pray that our lives are according to the will of God and that we don’t fall out of it by doing what is wrong. Everything must be brought into obedience of Him.
Verse 11 “give us this day our daily bread” Provide for my needs today. In some senses what good is knowing that our needs will be met tomorrow if we are supposed to live for the present.
Verses 12 Forgive our debts. Because of our sin we owe God death. Asking for God’s pardon and grace and in return we want the ability to forgive those who have wronged us.
Have pity on me because sometimes I can’t help it. If we look at other people in this manner we may be able to not hold their sin against them. Homeless peoples decisions.
Verses 13 Keep us from bad situations. This prayer starts with the Glory and power of God and ends with our weakness and feebleness. It is helping us to realize that we must not be prideful.
“deliver” protect us from Satan Eph. 6
Verses 14-15 The phrase “As we forgive our debtors” was a new phrase and not found in Jewish devotions or communication with God.
God will not forgive you if you do not turn from your sin of un-forgiveness toward another. God only forgives what we have remorse or sorrow for.
As a believers we have to follow the Master and daily pray. As far as our mission we need to be praying.
If you have prayer requests please e-mail mike@the5church.com
Friday, October 12, 2007
Mission Possible M1 "Far Out"
Mission Possible: “Far Out” “to the end of the earth”
“with God all things are possible”
Acts 1:4-8 Context of passage.
Vrs 5 John baptized with water
Believers will be baptized with the Holy Sprit.
Vrs 6-7 Will Jesus restore Israel (reference to Abrahamic promise)
This is not the time for that but this is the time to start your mission.
Vrs 8 The Focus. The Last thing Jesus said.
“You shall receive power” Promise
What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
Seals us for the day of redemption Eph. 4:30
Guides us into truth, understand the Word John 16:13
Helps us John 15:26
Convicts us of sin John 16:8
In the context of 1:8 gives us power to be His witnesses
What are we Jesus’ witnesses of.
The Gospel
- we are sinners, because of our sin we deserve death, Jesus came to die for us, he rose again, if we believe we have eternal life.
What He has done in our lives.
We all have a story
Bless others with the resources we have
“to the end of the earth”
Hudson Taylor missionary to China
Campus Crusade for Christ
Isaiah 49:6 “to the Gentiles”
People who are not like us. In our case it is the less fortunate.
New Jersey
2nd highest average income in 2006
1st in income over a three year average
76% of people make over the national average
Lacey Township
Average household 56k
A great way to impact the “ends of the earth” is by using our resources in order to soften people to the Gospel message.
3 opportunities
2 short term and one long term, 1 long term
Long term commitment www.WorldVision.org
Sponsor a child $30 a month
Short term Operation Christmas child Take a box today
$20 a box www.samaritanspurse.org
How are you impacting “the ends of the earth”
“with God all things are possible”
Acts 1:4-8 Context of passage.
Vrs 5 John baptized with water
Believers will be baptized with the Holy Sprit.
Vrs 6-7 Will Jesus restore Israel (reference to Abrahamic promise)
This is not the time for that but this is the time to start your mission.
Vrs 8 The Focus. The Last thing Jesus said.
“You shall receive power” Promise
What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?
Seals us for the day of redemption Eph. 4:30
Guides us into truth, understand the Word John 16:13
Helps us John 15:26
Convicts us of sin John 16:8
In the context of 1:8 gives us power to be His witnesses
What are we Jesus’ witnesses of.
The Gospel
- we are sinners, because of our sin we deserve death, Jesus came to die for us, he rose again, if we believe we have eternal life.
What He has done in our lives.
We all have a story
Bless others with the resources we have
“to the end of the earth”
Hudson Taylor missionary to China
Campus Crusade for Christ
Isaiah 49:6 “to the Gentiles”
People who are not like us. In our case it is the less fortunate.
New Jersey
2nd highest average income in 2006
1st in income over a three year average
76% of people make over the national average
Lacey Township
Average household 56k
A great way to impact the “ends of the earth” is by using our resources in order to soften people to the Gospel message.
3 opportunities
2 short term and one long term, 1 long term
Long term commitment www.WorldVision.org
Sponsor a child $30 a month
Short term Operation Christmas child Take a box today
$20 a box www.samaritanspurse.org
How are you impacting “the ends of the earth”
Saturday, October 6, 2007
"The Water is Warm" Baptism
“The Water is Warm” Baptism
Acts 8:26-40
“Eunuch” word can also be used for a government official. He was returning from Jerusalem from worshipping. Leads us to believe he may not have been emasculated Deut 23:1
Was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 & Philip shared the Good News
1 Cor. 15:1-4 realize something is wrong.
His response… Faith then obedience, he asked to be baptized.
What does the Bible say about baptism.
Baptism does not save a person v 36-37 And is not necessary for salvation, criminal on the cross.
Passages that support John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Baptism that saves is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 1 Cor. 12:13?
Makes you a part of the Universal Body of Christ
Problem passages: “Baptism that saves” 1 Peter 3:21 Not physical baptism but spiritual baptism
Baptism is a response to faith in Christ as an act of obedience. It is a command
What about infant baptism? Acts 2:38-39 Context 40-42
We don’t see this practice until the 3rd century and it has some roots in the idea that infant circumcision of Jews.
Churches that practice this are relying on what church fathers have taught not the Biblical texts.
Baptism is an outward symbol of what happens at the moment we are saved. Romans 6:3-4 Purification of sins.
Water=death, Dunking = dead to sin, Raising out = new life with Christ. “Baptizo” Greek Immerse yourself in God.
Baptism is a distinctive time in a persons life.
John the Baptist’s baptism was that people were identifying with his message and what he taught.
Jesus’ Baptism displayed His humility, obedience and started His earthy ministry.
If you trusted in Christ and have not been baptized this is a good starting point to say now it is time for me to start living the way God wants be to live.
So who should be baptized? Anyone who has trusted in Christ and is taking their faith seriously.
Acts 8:26-40
“Eunuch” word can also be used for a government official. He was returning from Jerusalem from worshipping. Leads us to believe he may not have been emasculated Deut 23:1
Was reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 & Philip shared the Good News
1 Cor. 15:1-4 realize something is wrong.
His response… Faith then obedience, he asked to be baptized.
What does the Bible say about baptism.
Baptism does not save a person v 36-37 And is not necessary for salvation, criminal on the cross.
Passages that support John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9
The Baptism that saves is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5 1 Cor. 12:13?
Makes you a part of the Universal Body of Christ
Problem passages: “Baptism that saves” 1 Peter 3:21 Not physical baptism but spiritual baptism
Baptism is a response to faith in Christ as an act of obedience. It is a command
What about infant baptism? Acts 2:38-39 Context 40-42
We don’t see this practice until the 3rd century and it has some roots in the idea that infant circumcision of Jews.
Churches that practice this are relying on what church fathers have taught not the Biblical texts.
Baptism is an outward symbol of what happens at the moment we are saved. Romans 6:3-4 Purification of sins.
Water=death, Dunking = dead to sin, Raising out = new life with Christ. “Baptizo” Greek Immerse yourself in God.
Baptism is a distinctive time in a persons life.
John the Baptist’s baptism was that people were identifying with his message and what he taught.
Jesus’ Baptism displayed His humility, obedience and started His earthy ministry.
If you trusted in Christ and have not been baptized this is a good starting point to say now it is time for me to start living the way God wants be to live.
So who should be baptized? Anyone who has trusted in Christ and is taking their faith seriously.
"Matters of the Heart" Part 2: Revenge
Matters of the Heart” Part 2: Revenge
Step beyond anger is taking revenge.
-Someone spread a rumor about you
-Someone physically hurt you or a family member
-Someone misrepresented you and made you look bad
-Someone made an underhanded comment right to your face to purposely hurt you.
-a boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you
-an ex-husband or wife is making it tough for you to see your children.
“revenge is sweet”
Matthew 5:38-48
V38 OT passages Ex. 21:24, Lev. 24:20 & Deut. 19:21
Not of revenge but punishment for crime. It limited what the offender had to endure. It was not a command it was more like restitution for the offended if they desired it. Lex talionis “law of retaliation”.
That was the external and it became a means to get even with the offender.
Jesus then brings this to the next level. Where is your heart and why do you feel the need to get even.
V39a Evil people need love too.
Jesus is asking us to look at this person and have compassion on them because they are evil (as we are)
Jesus the example of this Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 2:22-23
Two things Christ is trying to teach us
We must not take revenge but have a loving and forgiving heart. V39b-41
Show the person who has wronged you that you will go to the greatest degree to keep or restore peace.
-we are not doormats, we can defend ourselves but the main goal is to restore peace and not take revenge.
Romans 12:17-21. God takes care of that.
V42 Go to the next step and do good to them.
Sometimes it is easy not to pay people back but how easy is it to do something for them?
Not taking revenge or seeing revenge can be our best teacher
Hungarian immigrant
Richard Petty’s win
V43 “hate your enemy” is not in the law of Moses but it was something that the Pharisees practiced. They hated the enemies of Israel.
V44 In order for our hearts to be in the right place Jesus gives us commands on what to do.
1. Love –
2. Bless – make them happy
3. Do good
4. Pray – that prayer will change how you feel
V45 “that you may be sons” is saying that you may be like God who still blesses evil people. Every good gift comes from above
V46-47 Even the worst of the worst can love someone who shows them love. There is no reward for that.
V48 “be perfect” God’s requirement
In order to live in a way that is pleasing to God and worthy of His Kingdom we would have to be perfect in all these situations. We know we can’t be. That does not mean we should not try but we have to rely on Jesus no come to our rescue.
Step beyond anger is taking revenge.
-Someone spread a rumor about you
-Someone physically hurt you or a family member
-Someone misrepresented you and made you look bad
-Someone made an underhanded comment right to your face to purposely hurt you.
-a boyfriend or girlfriend broke up with you
-an ex-husband or wife is making it tough for you to see your children.
“revenge is sweet”
Matthew 5:38-48
V38 OT passages Ex. 21:24, Lev. 24:20 & Deut. 19:21
Not of revenge but punishment for crime. It limited what the offender had to endure. It was not a command it was more like restitution for the offended if they desired it. Lex talionis “law of retaliation”.
That was the external and it became a means to get even with the offender.
Jesus then brings this to the next level. Where is your heart and why do you feel the need to get even.
V39a Evil people need love too.
Jesus is asking us to look at this person and have compassion on them because they are evil (as we are)
Jesus the example of this Luke 23:34, 1 Peter 2:22-23
Two things Christ is trying to teach us
We must not take revenge but have a loving and forgiving heart. V39b-41
Show the person who has wronged you that you will go to the greatest degree to keep or restore peace.
-we are not doormats, we can defend ourselves but the main goal is to restore peace and not take revenge.
Romans 12:17-21. God takes care of that.
V42 Go to the next step and do good to them.
Sometimes it is easy not to pay people back but how easy is it to do something for them?
Not taking revenge or seeing revenge can be our best teacher
Hungarian immigrant
Richard Petty’s win
V43 “hate your enemy” is not in the law of Moses but it was something that the Pharisees practiced. They hated the enemies of Israel.
V44 In order for our hearts to be in the right place Jesus gives us commands on what to do.
1. Love –
2. Bless – make them happy
3. Do good
4. Pray – that prayer will change how you feel
V45 “that you may be sons” is saying that you may be like God who still blesses evil people. Every good gift comes from above
V46-47 Even the worst of the worst can love someone who shows them love. There is no reward for that.
V48 “be perfect” God’s requirement
In order to live in a way that is pleasing to God and worthy of His Kingdom we would have to be perfect in all these situations. We know we can’t be. That does not mean we should not try but we have to rely on Jesus no come to our rescue.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
"Matters of the Heart" Part 1: Anger
“Matters of the Heart” Part 1: Anger
Matthew 5:17-20
V17 Abolish or fulfill – Jesus life and sacrifice fulfilled what the law required for our salvation. Jesus’ life gave the law meaning
V18 God’s Word stands and His entire plan will come through
V19 If you break the commandments and teach others to break them your heart is in the wrong place. There will be a loss of reward.
V20 “One must surpass humanly contrived religious respectability, if one is to mesh their life with the kingdom of heaven” Dallas Willard in Divine Conspiracy
Matthew 23:2-3 Follow the law and don’t look to the Scribes and Pharisees. There was something commendable about them. The Pharisees aimed at the praise of men not God.
**what are you doing in your life so others will notice?
It’s a matter of the heart not just observing the law.
Become the kind of person from whom the deeds of the law flow
Matt 12:33-35 Our words reveal what is in our heart.
Matt 23:25-26 work on your heart not you outward appearance
“law is not the source of righteousness but the course of righteousness.”
John 6:29 “the work is belief” displays the heart
Dikaiosune = greek word Greek philosophy Socrates, Plato, Aristotle “what makes a person good”
Old Dikaiosune = law New Dikaiosune = the desire of the heart.
You shall not murder the 6th commandment
V 22 Heart issue # 1 Anger What is anger?
Anger is a response or a feeling based on a situation, in and of itself it is not sin. Ephesians says in your anger do not sin. “anger without cause” when there is no just cause
. Possibly after someone has said they were sorry or did not intentionally harm you.
When is anger right or ok? Jesus’ anger ill
What causes anger?
Tough situations, people not doing what we want them to do, wounded ego, self-righteous think we are better. It takes energy to keep anger alive. Reminding ourselves of why we are angry.
***Story of Cain’s anger was because of himself
What should we do with our anger?
1. James 1:19 says be slow to anger. Your testimony
2. Think about the positives
3. Write a letter.
4. Ephesians 4:26 “Don’t let the sun go down”
Result-“in danger of judgment” **keep your anger in check
What does unchecked anger lead to?
Billy Sunday Ill Shot gun
1. Ill feelings - contempt “Raca” = empty headed - Aramaic word may have come from the sound of gather spit. The intent of contempt is to push away, leave someone out or exclude them. lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
Once contempt is established it justifies anger.
-Cain was jealous
Result-“in danger of the council” being sued, guilty of the crime = sin
2. Action - “you fool” Where anger and contempt are full blown there is the act of writing the person off and defaming their character.
Not much power in today’s society but biblically…
Pro. 14:16, 18:2 & 26:11
-Cain was a murderer
Result-“in danger of Gehenna” a burning garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. You are actually sinning, wages of sin is death.
V23-25 If your heart is in the wrong place get it right. Religious exercises are not acceptable to God if your heart is wrong.
V26 There will be a consequence for not getting it right. Cain's consequences.
Matthew 5:17-20
V17 Abolish or fulfill – Jesus life and sacrifice fulfilled what the law required for our salvation. Jesus’ life gave the law meaning
V18 God’s Word stands and His entire plan will come through
V19 If you break the commandments and teach others to break them your heart is in the wrong place. There will be a loss of reward.
V20 “One must surpass humanly contrived religious respectability, if one is to mesh their life with the kingdom of heaven” Dallas Willard in Divine Conspiracy
Matthew 23:2-3 Follow the law and don’t look to the Scribes and Pharisees. There was something commendable about them. The Pharisees aimed at the praise of men not God.
**what are you doing in your life so others will notice?
It’s a matter of the heart not just observing the law.
Become the kind of person from whom the deeds of the law flow
Matt 12:33-35 Our words reveal what is in our heart.
Matt 23:25-26 work on your heart not you outward appearance
“law is not the source of righteousness but the course of righteousness.”
John 6:29 “the work is belief” displays the heart
Dikaiosune = greek word Greek philosophy Socrates, Plato, Aristotle “what makes a person good”
Old Dikaiosune = law New Dikaiosune = the desire of the heart.
You shall not murder the 6th commandment
V 22 Heart issue # 1 Anger What is anger?
Anger is a response or a feeling based on a situation, in and of itself it is not sin. Ephesians says in your anger do not sin. “anger without cause” when there is no just cause
. Possibly after someone has said they were sorry or did not intentionally harm you.
When is anger right or ok? Jesus’ anger ill
What causes anger?
Tough situations, people not doing what we want them to do, wounded ego, self-righteous think we are better. It takes energy to keep anger alive. Reminding ourselves of why we are angry.
***Story of Cain’s anger was because of himself
What should we do with our anger?
1. James 1:19 says be slow to anger. Your testimony
2. Think about the positives
3. Write a letter.
4. Ephesians 4:26 “Don’t let the sun go down”
Result-“in danger of judgment” **keep your anger in check
What does unchecked anger lead to?
Billy Sunday Ill Shot gun
1. Ill feelings - contempt “Raca” = empty headed - Aramaic word may have come from the sound of gather spit. The intent of contempt is to push away, leave someone out or exclude them. lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
Once contempt is established it justifies anger.
-Cain was jealous
Result-“in danger of the council” being sued, guilty of the crime = sin
2. Action - “you fool” Where anger and contempt are full blown there is the act of writing the person off and defaming their character.
Not much power in today’s society but biblically…
Pro. 14:16, 18:2 & 26:11
-Cain was a murderer
Result-“in danger of Gehenna” a burning garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. You are actually sinning, wages of sin is death.
V23-25 If your heart is in the wrong place get it right. Religious exercises are not acceptable to God if your heart is wrong.
V26 There will be a consequence for not getting it right. Cain's consequences.
Monday, September 3, 2007
"The Women at the Well"
Intro: In this passage Jesus describes himself as the “Living Water” The water that quenches a persons deepest thirst and spiritual need. Not by some formula or religious activity but by giving us Himself if we are willing to take Him
On of the main reasons people come into church is to get their spiritual needs answered and met. So there is a call on Pastors to facilitate that. .
In John 4 A needy women found Jesus in an unlikely place
verses 3-9
The political background “Jews hate Samaritans” Goes back to the exile of the Jews, Sargon King of Assyria repopulated the area of Samaria where the northern kingdom of Jews were with foreigners and complicated the ancestry, so they were half breeds. They had such a bad relationship they would not even have a Samaritan serve them.
***Are there people in your life that you feel such hatred or toward that you don’t even want anything from them
Verses 10-15
Jesus tells her who He is.
She did not get the point and she was just looking for her physical needs met. **is that why you are interested in God
verses 16-18 Jesus points out her sin Omnisceince
***What is the sin that Jesus is pointing out in your life?
Unbeliever- what is keeping you from trusting?
Believer- Fine tooth comb Gum and Lice
Verses 19-20 Theological question where should I bring my sacrifice.
Jews would bring a sacrifice to the temple in Jerusalem
Samaritans would bring it to Mt Gerizim- which was the place Abraham offered up Issac and met Melchizadek . They only accepted the first 5 books of the Bible the Pentatuach
** what do I do? Unbeliever Romans 10:9
Believer 1 John 1:9
Verse 21-24 Jesus explains that there is no need for a specific place. God desires worship in Spirit and In truth
Spirit-God gives us His spirit when we believe
Truth- The worship of God through Christ
Verses 25-30 The woman response
** What is your response to God and His word can people see that living water flowing out of your life, or it is a stagnant drip.
On of the main reasons people come into church is to get their spiritual needs answered and met. So there is a call on Pastors to facilitate that. .
In John 4 A needy women found Jesus in an unlikely place
verses 3-9
The political background “Jews hate Samaritans” Goes back to the exile of the Jews, Sargon King of Assyria repopulated the area of Samaria where the northern kingdom of Jews were with foreigners and complicated the ancestry, so they were half breeds. They had such a bad relationship they would not even have a Samaritan serve them.
***Are there people in your life that you feel such hatred or toward that you don’t even want anything from them
Verses 10-15
Jesus tells her who He is.
She did not get the point and she was just looking for her physical needs met. **is that why you are interested in God
verses 16-18 Jesus points out her sin Omnisceince
***What is the sin that Jesus is pointing out in your life?
Unbeliever- what is keeping you from trusting?
Believer- Fine tooth comb Gum and Lice
Verses 19-20 Theological question where should I bring my sacrifice.
Jews would bring a sacrifice to the temple in Jerusalem
Samaritans would bring it to Mt Gerizim- which was the place Abraham offered up Issac and met Melchizadek . They only accepted the first 5 books of the Bible the Pentatuach
** what do I do? Unbeliever Romans 10:9
Believer 1 John 1:9
Verse 21-24 Jesus explains that there is no need for a specific place. God desires worship in Spirit and In truth
Spirit-God gives us His spirit when we believe
Truth- The worship of God through Christ
Verses 25-30 The woman response
** What is your response to God and His word can people see that living water flowing out of your life, or it is a stagnant drip.
Monday, August 20, 2007
"Salt & Light"
Matthew 5:13-16 Our christian testimony
Salt: Seasons, cures, preserves.
Sweat and tears are salty, We should work hard and morn for people who do not know God.
Light: We are a reflective light of Jesus Christ
Romans 13:12, Ephesians 5:8 & 14
Our good works should be a light that shines before others so that they would praise God.
God Bless, Mike
Salt: Seasons, cures, preserves.
Sweat and tears are salty, We should work hard and morn for people who do not know God.
Light: We are a reflective light of Jesus Christ
Romans 13:12, Ephesians 5:8 & 14
Our good works should be a light that shines before others so that they would praise God.
God Bless, Mike
Monday, August 13, 2007
Is there only one way to Heaven?
Why do people have this infatuation with Heaven?
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Is there only one way and what is it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Narrow - The nature of Truth is that it must be narrow. If there is only one truth it is narrow. Truth illustrations?? Another suggestion is that it is narrow because we can’t take anything or anyone with us.
Unfortunately “Narrow minded” is a negative characteristic of a person
What is the narrow way? Gospel Matt 1:21, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
Acts 4:12, John 14:6
Difficult- This is not saying that God makes it difficult but it is difficult for people to accept truth it is difficult for people to turn their backs on sin selfishness and give their lives to God
Few- the harsh reality that the majority reject God and His plan. Maybe only few enter because only few seek. Jesus said if you seek you will find.
Wide Gate
Broad- Is the way to destruction (not annihilation but ruin or loss) Broad minded open accepting. How broad minded are you when you spouse cheats on you or someone robs your home?
Many enter it because there are many ways.
God Bless!!
Ecclesiastes 3:11
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
Is there only one way and what is it.
Matthew 7:13-14
Narrow - The nature of Truth is that it must be narrow. If there is only one truth it is narrow. Truth illustrations?? Another suggestion is that it is narrow because we can’t take anything or anyone with us.
Unfortunately “Narrow minded” is a negative characteristic of a person
What is the narrow way? Gospel Matt 1:21, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
Acts 4:12, John 14:6
Difficult- This is not saying that God makes it difficult but it is difficult for people to accept truth it is difficult for people to turn their backs on sin selfishness and give their lives to God
Few- the harsh reality that the majority reject God and His plan. Maybe only few enter because only few seek. Jesus said if you seek you will find.
Wide Gate
Broad- Is the way to destruction (not annihilation but ruin or loss) Broad minded open accepting. How broad minded are you when you spouse cheats on you or someone robs your home?
Many enter it because there are many ways.
God Bless!!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Why does God allow suffering?
Listen to the podcast if you were not there to hear Madalaine's testimony.
Here are some passages I used in the message.
Suffering alerts us that there is a problem
Romans 5:12 tells us sin is in the world
Romans 8:18-22 talks about suffering focuses us on the afterlife and we realize that the whole world is subject to sin.
Suffering directs our perspective
Prverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:18
Suffering shapes our spiritual life and drives us toward maturity.
Romans 5:3-4 & James 1:2-4
Suffering also unites believers together
1 Corinthians 12
Suffering gives us opportunities to meet the needs of others
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 & Galatians 6:2
We are the hand and voice to comfort others in their time of suffering.
God wants to comfort you in your suffering.
If you need to talk with anyone please contact me at mike@the5church.com
God bless!
Here are some passages I used in the message.
Suffering alerts us that there is a problem
Romans 5:12 tells us sin is in the world
Romans 8:18-22 talks about suffering focuses us on the afterlife and we realize that the whole world is subject to sin.
Suffering directs our perspective
Prverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:18
Suffering shapes our spiritual life and drives us toward maturity.
Romans 5:3-4 & James 1:2-4
Suffering also unites believers together
1 Corinthians 12
Suffering gives us opportunities to meet the needs of others
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 & Galatians 6:2
We are the hand and voice to comfort others in their time of suffering.
God wants to comfort you in your suffering.
If you need to talk with anyone please contact me at mike@the5church.com
God bless!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Were we created or are we here by chance?
Here are some "Quick facts" that can help us to know that we are not here by chance.
QUICK FACTS
The odds of the simplest single celled life form assembling according to Harold Morowitz are 1 in 1099,999,999,916
The odds of all the functioning proteins assembling in one place according to Fred Hoyle 1 in1040,000
The odds of any individual being born with a “favorable” mutation 1 in 10 billion to 1 in 1trillion
The 2nd second law of thermodynamics says that all things start out with more order than they end with (decay) the theory of macroevolution says the opposite. Law beats theory any day of the week!
The divine watchmaker argument shows that common sense alone can prove that order doesn’t come from chaos in our universe. Interesting patterns like crystals and fractals maybe, but not information.
The fossil record shows us that species exist, then die, and are replaced by another species right after. As opposed to neo-Darwinian evolution which says that a given species tends to slowly change into another.
The fossil record also shows a reversal of the speciation rate; since modern man came on the scene no new species have appeared and instead several go extinct each year. (note: the term species has many definitions)
“The production of a new animal species in nature has yet to be documented” Paul & Anne Ehrlich(biologists)
With all of our modern technology, we haven’t yet created any form of life under ideal (laboratory) conditions.
DNA is one of the most complicated things in the universe, following a complex set of rules and grammar, while maintaining incredible amounts of information. Information is created, it doesn’t luckily appear.
They say that DNA packets the size of 2 aspirin could hold the genetic information of all the people on Earth. Yet all the computers in the world couldn’t yet match this information density (efficient packaging). Generally speaking, the more complex anything in our universe is the faster it breaks down (unless it has help).
The # of electrons in our universe matches the # of protons to a precision of 1 part in1037. If this were not so gravity wouldn’t hold planets in orbit because electromagnetism would be a more powerful force.
1037 is equivalent to this; Cover the entire North American continent with dimes, to a height equal to the moons orbit about 239,000 miles up. Now cover 1 billion North American continents with dimes and paint one dime red. Blindfold a friend and have him choose a dime at random. The odds he will pick the red dime are 1 in 1037! To pay our national debt off with dimes (some 6 trillion dollars) would cover 1 square mile less than two feet deep in coins. That’s 60 trillion dimes!
We have only one universe to use as a sample, because we can never even in principle know of another outside of our own. The universe we live in is finite, believed to contain 50 billion-trillion stars, and it is alone. Many scientists argue for multiple universes to improve the odds for evolution, but they do so from faith, not facts. In our one known universe the mathematics say life shouldn’t exist.
The laws of physics are said to control the processes that allow evolution to occur. Someone had to write those laws. No judge would ever claim that he could sentence someone to jail for violating a law that wrote itself. Our moral values (instincts) that allow us to write moral laws are anti-Darwinian.
These facts can all be found in the books cited in the above paper by Hugh Ross and Fred Heeren. Almost none of the ideas are mine; they are adaptations and combinations of all the things that I have read. Certain values have been updated due to ongoing research since the writing of the cited books.
Check out these passages about creation
Genesis 1, psalm 19, Romans 1
Listen to the message giving by Chris Bird on the audio link
QUICK FACTS
The odds of the simplest single celled life form assembling according to Harold Morowitz are 1 in 1099,999,999,916
The odds of all the functioning proteins assembling in one place according to Fred Hoyle 1 in1040,000
The odds of any individual being born with a “favorable” mutation 1 in 10 billion to 1 in 1trillion
The 2nd second law of thermodynamics says that all things start out with more order than they end with (decay) the theory of macroevolution says the opposite. Law beats theory any day of the week!
The divine watchmaker argument shows that common sense alone can prove that order doesn’t come from chaos in our universe. Interesting patterns like crystals and fractals maybe, but not information.
The fossil record shows us that species exist, then die, and are replaced by another species right after. As opposed to neo-Darwinian evolution which says that a given species tends to slowly change into another.
The fossil record also shows a reversal of the speciation rate; since modern man came on the scene no new species have appeared and instead several go extinct each year. (note: the term species has many definitions)
“The production of a new animal species in nature has yet to be documented” Paul & Anne Ehrlich(biologists)
With all of our modern technology, we haven’t yet created any form of life under ideal (laboratory) conditions.
DNA is one of the most complicated things in the universe, following a complex set of rules and grammar, while maintaining incredible amounts of information. Information is created, it doesn’t luckily appear.
They say that DNA packets the size of 2 aspirin could hold the genetic information of all the people on Earth. Yet all the computers in the world couldn’t yet match this information density (efficient packaging). Generally speaking, the more complex anything in our universe is the faster it breaks down (unless it has help).
The # of electrons in our universe matches the # of protons to a precision of 1 part in1037. If this were not so gravity wouldn’t hold planets in orbit because electromagnetism would be a more powerful force.
1037 is equivalent to this; Cover the entire North American continent with dimes, to a height equal to the moons orbit about 239,000 miles up. Now cover 1 billion North American continents with dimes and paint one dime red. Blindfold a friend and have him choose a dime at random. The odds he will pick the red dime are 1 in 1037! To pay our national debt off with dimes (some 6 trillion dollars) would cover 1 square mile less than two feet deep in coins. That’s 60 trillion dimes!
We have only one universe to use as a sample, because we can never even in principle know of another outside of our own. The universe we live in is finite, believed to contain 50 billion-trillion stars, and it is alone. Many scientists argue for multiple universes to improve the odds for evolution, but they do so from faith, not facts. In our one known universe the mathematics say life shouldn’t exist.
The laws of physics are said to control the processes that allow evolution to occur. Someone had to write those laws. No judge would ever claim that he could sentence someone to jail for violating a law that wrote itself. Our moral values (instincts) that allow us to write moral laws are anti-Darwinian.
These facts can all be found in the books cited in the above paper by Hugh Ross and Fred Heeren. Almost none of the ideas are mine; they are adaptations and combinations of all the things that I have read. Certain values have been updated due to ongoing research since the writing of the cited books.
Check out these passages about creation
Genesis 1, psalm 19, Romans 1
Listen to the message giving by Chris Bird on the audio link
Monday, July 23, 2007
Is the Bible reliable?
Here are my notes with some (not all) of the info.
1. What the Bible claims of itself
2 Timothy 3:16 “Inspired by God”
Matt 24:35 God’s truth will live forever
2 Peter 1:21 Men moved by God
Ways God communicated His Word. Audible, dreams, visions and recording experiences
2. How we got the Bible we read today. The Cannon
In 397 The Council of Carthage recognized the books of the Bible we have today.
3. Manuscript evidence
There are over 24,000 manuscripts
Old Testament dated from 200BC-70AD Burned Copies
New Testament dated from 125AD- 250 AD
There are no original manuscripts found but the manuscripts found compared to one another validate the message. They were found in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Italy. There are variants in some manuscripts but none have an effect on any Christian doctrine. They are spelling errors, duplicate words or numerical errors.
No other ancient writing has anything close to the amount of manuscripts the Bible has. Next in line is Homers Iliad with 600
Why is it so important to have this many manuscripts?
Biblical manuscripts are 99.5% accurate
4. Historical (non Christian) writings that confirm Biblical accounts of things
Tacitus 1st century
Josephus 38-97
Thallus
Pliny the Yonger 112
Emperor Trajan
Talmud
5. Predictive Prophecy
100% Accurate not a guess based on experience
Non-messianic
Daniel 2:37-42 The succession of the Great Kingdoms of the world Babylon, Medeo Persia, Greece and Rome. So accurate that critics constantly attack it.
Isaiah 44:28-45:1 Predicts Cyrus King of Persia 150 years before he was born.
Ez 37:7 Return of Israel to the land
Daniel 12:4 Increased travel and knowledge
Messianic prophecy
Isaiah 53:2-12
(Forgot to mention this one) Daniel 9 actually predicts the year that Christ would be crucified.
Zecheriah 12:10
Psalm 22:16
6. Personal Experience Hebrews 4:12 Living and active
God’s Word has the power to transform lives.
Books I used for this message and the links where you can buy them.
Who Made God? by, Zacherias/Geisler
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=47103&netp_id=305603&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
The Case For Christ by,Lee Strobel
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=26465&netp_id=120237&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW#curr
Baker Encyclopedia of Christin Apologetics by, Norman Geisler
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=1021510&netp_id=127912&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
Enjoy!! See you next week at "The Five"
1. What the Bible claims of itself
2 Timothy 3:16 “Inspired by God”
Matt 24:35 God’s truth will live forever
2 Peter 1:21 Men moved by God
Ways God communicated His Word. Audible, dreams, visions and recording experiences
2. How we got the Bible we read today. The Cannon
In 397 The Council of Carthage recognized the books of the Bible we have today.
3. Manuscript evidence
There are over 24,000 manuscripts
Old Testament dated from 200BC-70AD Burned Copies
New Testament dated from 125AD- 250 AD
There are no original manuscripts found but the manuscripts found compared to one another validate the message. They were found in Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Italy. There are variants in some manuscripts but none have an effect on any Christian doctrine. They are spelling errors, duplicate words or numerical errors.
No other ancient writing has anything close to the amount of manuscripts the Bible has. Next in line is Homers Iliad with 600
Why is it so important to have this many manuscripts?
Biblical manuscripts are 99.5% accurate
4. Historical (non Christian) writings that confirm Biblical accounts of things
Tacitus 1st century
Josephus 38-97
Thallus
Pliny the Yonger 112
Emperor Trajan
Talmud
5. Predictive Prophecy
100% Accurate not a guess based on experience
Non-messianic
Daniel 2:37-42 The succession of the Great Kingdoms of the world Babylon, Medeo Persia, Greece and Rome. So accurate that critics constantly attack it.
Isaiah 44:28-45:1 Predicts Cyrus King of Persia 150 years before he was born.
Ez 37:7 Return of Israel to the land
Daniel 12:4 Increased travel and knowledge
Messianic prophecy
Isaiah 53:2-12
(Forgot to mention this one) Daniel 9 actually predicts the year that Christ would be crucified.
Zecheriah 12:10
Psalm 22:16
6. Personal Experience Hebrews 4:12 Living and active
God’s Word has the power to transform lives.
Books I used for this message and the links where you can buy them.
Who Made God? by, Zacherias/Geisler
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=47103&netp_id=305603&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
The Case For Christ by,Lee Strobel
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=26465&netp_id=120237&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW#curr
Baker Encyclopedia of Christin Apologetics by, Norman Geisler
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=1021510&netp_id=127912&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW
Enjoy!! See you next week at "The Five"
Monday, July 16, 2007
Beatitudes Part 2
Beatitudes part 2
Matthew 5:7-12 Blessed = happy are
Vrs 7 Merciful - the feeling that is motivated by compassion
Matthew 18:21-35 Denarius = days wage 6 Thousand Denrii == a talent. 10 thousand = 60 million days wages
Result: If you are merciful others will be more likely to be merciful to you. God will also be merciful Psalm 18:25
Ap. We should be inspired by God’s mercy to be merciful to others.
Vrs 8 Pure in heart- purity-freedom from guilt and sin
The only way a person can be pure is giving there lives to Jesus.
Psalm 24:4 not worship another and not given allegiance to another.
2 Tim 2:14-22 As a believer we need to strive for purity
Result: See God Salvation=eternal life
Christian living see God work
Vrs 9 The peacemakers - hard work to keep the peace between people - desire to help people cooperate. Sometime a thankless office
Result: "called sons of God" Other people will see you as Jesus’ followers.
Vrs 10 Persecuted - your commitment to God provokes others to persecute. Be happy you are doing something right
2 Tim 3:12 "Yes, all who live Godly lives will suffer persecution"
Some go to great lengths to avoid persecution Gal 6:11-12
Result: Kingdom of heaven. Something spiritual happens. Stephen and other martyrs God gives you extra strength
Vrs 11-12 Eternal reward and you are in great company
Matthew 5:7-12 Blessed = happy are
Vrs 7 Merciful - the feeling that is motivated by compassion
Matthew 18:21-35 Denarius = days wage 6 Thousand Denrii == a talent. 10 thousand = 60 million days wages
Result: If you are merciful others will be more likely to be merciful to you. God will also be merciful Psalm 18:25
Ap. We should be inspired by God’s mercy to be merciful to others.
Vrs 8 Pure in heart- purity-freedom from guilt and sin
The only way a person can be pure is giving there lives to Jesus.
Psalm 24:4 not worship another and not given allegiance to another.
2 Tim 2:14-22 As a believer we need to strive for purity
Result: See God Salvation=eternal life
Christian living see God work
Vrs 9 The peacemakers - hard work to keep the peace between people - desire to help people cooperate. Sometime a thankless office
Result: "called sons of God" Other people will see you as Jesus’ followers.
Vrs 10 Persecuted - your commitment to God provokes others to persecute. Be happy you are doing something right
2 Tim 3:12 "Yes, all who live Godly lives will suffer persecution"
Some go to great lengths to avoid persecution Gal 6:11-12
Result: Kingdom of heaven. Something spiritual happens. Stephen and other martyrs God gives you extra strength
Vrs 11-12 Eternal reward and you are in great company
Monday, July 9, 2007
Beatitudes Part 1
Sermon on the mount- Jesus’ Teaching style was either a response to what was happening or a challenge of the prevailing assumption. Not to impart info but to change lives
Beatitude = Supreme happiness, People learn by experience and are blessed when they learn. If we truly learn we put into practice.
Jesus was challenging the prevailing attitude “if your life stinks you must be doing something wrong”
Vrs 3 Poor in spirit. Need for God, down and out, realizing we are sinners. Gospel
Result- Salvation = God’s Kingdom
Vrs 4 Sorrow over, loss, sin, other souls
Result - God Comforts
Psalm 30:11, Isaiah 12:1 (over sin)
Vrs 5 Meek: Psalm 37:11 Gentle, humble, submissive & easily imposed on.
Jesus’ up-sided-own kingdom Phil 2:5-11
Result - Content with position and God continues to promote.
Vrs 6 Desire for righteousness Pr 11:23 . Isa. 26:8
Righteousness is the truth of God Sermon series can help peoples huger and thirst.
Result - Live well have a full life
Beatitude = Supreme happiness, People learn by experience and are blessed when they learn. If we truly learn we put into practice.
Jesus was challenging the prevailing attitude “if your life stinks you must be doing something wrong”
Vrs 3 Poor in spirit. Need for God, down and out, realizing we are sinners. Gospel
Result- Salvation = God’s Kingdom
Vrs 4 Sorrow over, loss, sin, other souls
Result - God Comforts
Psalm 30:11, Isaiah 12:1 (over sin)
Vrs 5 Meek: Psalm 37:11 Gentle, humble, submissive & easily imposed on.
Jesus’ up-sided-own kingdom Phil 2:5-11
Result - Content with position and God continues to promote.
Vrs 6 Desire for righteousness Pr 11:23 . Isa. 26:8
Righteousness is the truth of God Sermon series can help peoples huger and thirst.
Result - Live well have a full life
Monday, July 2, 2007
"A Changed Man"
This week we studied John 3:1-21 Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus. The notes for this sermon were very scattered so here is what I have...
Nicodemus a Pharisee (Religious Leader of that day) went to Jesus at night. Jesus challenged his way of thinking. Jesus flat out tells him you have to be "born again" to see the kingdom of Heaven.
Nicodemus does not understand and Jesus explains that you have to admit you are a sinner and trust Him for Salvation.
Other passages used: Ezekiel 36:25-27 (God will give His Spirit) Numbers 21:4-7 (The snake story)
God's motivation for each one of us is love (3:16) Romans 8:32 reminds us of that.
We also see Nicodemus in John 7:45-52 & 19:38-42 as some proof that this messsage changed his life.
Has Jesus' love changed you? How have you responed to that?
Told you they were scattered:)
Listen to the sermon for better notes. God Bless
Nicodemus a Pharisee (Religious Leader of that day) went to Jesus at night. Jesus challenged his way of thinking. Jesus flat out tells him you have to be "born again" to see the kingdom of Heaven.
Nicodemus does not understand and Jesus explains that you have to admit you are a sinner and trust Him for Salvation.
Other passages used: Ezekiel 36:25-27 (God will give His Spirit) Numbers 21:4-7 (The snake story)
God's motivation for each one of us is love (3:16) Romans 8:32 reminds us of that.
We also see Nicodemus in John 7:45-52 & 19:38-42 as some proof that this messsage changed his life.
Has Jesus' love changed you? How have you responed to that?
Told you they were scattered:)
Listen to the sermon for better notes. God Bless
Monday, June 25, 2007
"The Sower"
Another great evening at "The Five" Sonni Rea Lavine shared her testimony and it was great. I think the highlight of it was when she said
"I hated everyone and I hated myself, I couldn't love anyone because I didn't love myself. I didn't really know love until I found God"
It is amazing how God has used her life!!
Notes from the Sower
Mark 4:13-20
v 14 Seed - The Word - Logos - core or essence of what God wants to say
Different kinds of soil are different conditions of the heart.
v 15 Pathway - Hard heart
-No interest in God or not willing to let pride down. Gospel
-Not willing to listen to God’s guidance for life
application. Open heart and mind to things of God -prayer
v 16- 17 Stony Soil - Shallow no depth - does not know what the Bible says about our lives.
- Tribulation - to- Teach, direct, shape, alert
- Persecution - John 15:18-25 world hates
application. Develop roots- read, Bible study- nav book offer
v 18-19 Thorny soil - Distracted heart
-Cares of world (worry) Phil 4:6-7
-Deceitfulness of riches Heb 13:5
** Two ways to become rich is accumulate more or desire less
-Desire for other things. Moth and rust destroy
1 John 3:17 Use your resources for God’s work
application- Keep your focus on God - pray
v 20 Good soil-
-Heart is soft to God
-Not shaken by tribulation or persecution
-Not overtaken by worry, finances or possessions
- Fruit is the evidence that God is allowed to work in their lives.
Who is the sower?
Seed is the essence of what God wants to say. Our lives need to be the essence of what God is saying to other people.
We have no control over the conditions of their heart we just need to be faithful in living and telling others about Christ.
"I hated everyone and I hated myself, I couldn't love anyone because I didn't love myself. I didn't really know love until I found God"
It is amazing how God has used her life!!
Notes from the Sower
Mark 4:13-20
v 14 Seed - The Word - Logos - core or essence of what God wants to say
Different kinds of soil are different conditions of the heart.
v 15 Pathway - Hard heart
-No interest in God or not willing to let pride down. Gospel
-Not willing to listen to God’s guidance for life
application. Open heart and mind to things of God -prayer
v 16- 17 Stony Soil - Shallow no depth - does not know what the Bible says about our lives.
- Tribulation - to- Teach, direct, shape, alert
- Persecution - John 15:18-25 world hates
application. Develop roots- read, Bible study- nav book offer
v 18-19 Thorny soil - Distracted heart
-Cares of world (worry) Phil 4:6-7
-Deceitfulness of riches Heb 13:5
** Two ways to become rich is accumulate more or desire less
-Desire for other things. Moth and rust destroy
1 John 3:17 Use your resources for God’s work
application- Keep your focus on God - pray
v 20 Good soil-
-Heart is soft to God
-Not shaken by tribulation or persecution
-Not overtaken by worry, finances or possessions
- Fruit is the evidence that God is allowed to work in their lives.
Who is the sower?
Seed is the essence of what God wants to say. Our lives need to be the essence of what God is saying to other people.
We have no control over the conditions of their heart we just need to be faithful in living and telling others about Christ.
Monday, June 18, 2007
"The Lost Son(s)"
This past Sunday I was so encouraged by the drama, I believe it gave us a good visual for the message.
The basic notes I have are..
Luke 15:11-32 Jesus was telling this parable to the Pharisees to show them the error of their ways.
The prodigal son (the rule breaker) left his father with his inheritance and wasted it away. His attitude was that he knew better then his father. He was down and out and verses 17 said that he came to his senses and realized he was wrong.
Verse 21 is key verse because the son said "I have sinned" he admits that he wronged his father. This is what we need to do.. admit to God that we are sinners and we need his forgiveness.
The father was gracious and loving and took his son in. Like our Heavenly Father who is gracious and loving toward us.
Verses 25-32 The prodigy son. He was the rule keeper and was angry that his father had grace on his brother.
Many times people think that keeping the rules will get us to heaven, the Bible is clear that it will not. Ephesians 2:8-9
Other verses mentioned
Lamentations 3:22-24
Deuteronomy 21:18-21
God Bless and see you next week!!
The basic notes I have are..
Luke 15:11-32 Jesus was telling this parable to the Pharisees to show them the error of their ways.
The prodigal son (the rule breaker) left his father with his inheritance and wasted it away. His attitude was that he knew better then his father. He was down and out and verses 17 said that he came to his senses and realized he was wrong.
Verse 21 is key verse because the son said "I have sinned" he admits that he wronged his father. This is what we need to do.. admit to God that we are sinners and we need his forgiveness.
The father was gracious and loving and took his son in. Like our Heavenly Father who is gracious and loving toward us.
Verses 25-32 The prodigy son. He was the rule keeper and was angry that his father had grace on his brother.
Many times people think that keeping the rules will get us to heaven, the Bible is clear that it will not. Ephesians 2:8-9
Other verses mentioned
Lamentations 3:22-24
Deuteronomy 21:18-21
God Bless and see you next week!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
"The Fishermen"
Hey everyone! For those of you who are interested in sermon notes for furthur study, here they are for 6/10/07.
Luke 5:1-11
Verses 4-5 The two points are:
1. Obedience 2 John 1:6
2. Trust Proverbs 3:5-6
Verse 8 Peter's response. Sinful people can not be around God. 2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus became sin for us.
Verses 9-10 Comfort and commission Isaiah 51:1&12
God wants us to tell others about Him.
Verse 11 "Foresake everything and follow" Use your resources, time and treasure and focus them in on God.
This is just a brief overview of some of the things that were taught this past Sunday. I also want to say that I had an amazing time at the first "Five" fellowship dinner. I am looking forward to many more times like that.
Luke 5:1-11
Verses 4-5 The two points are:
1. Obedience 2 John 1:6
2. Trust Proverbs 3:5-6
Verse 8 Peter's response. Sinful people can not be around God. 2 Cor. 5:21 Jesus became sin for us.
Verses 9-10 Comfort and commission Isaiah 51:1&12
God wants us to tell others about Him.
Verse 11 "Foresake everything and follow" Use your resources, time and treasure and focus them in on God.
This is just a brief overview of some of the things that were taught this past Sunday. I also want to say that I had an amazing time at the first "Five" fellowship dinner. I am looking forward to many more times like that.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Sermon notes
One of the suggestions I received this past Sunday is that I should have sermon notes on occasion. I think that is a great idea but because of the way things work around the office I would have to have them finished by Thursday. Because of my busy schedule that is not possible. So I have decided to "blog" some notes and scripture passages. If you want to look them up during the week or just see what I am thinking, this is the place. We will also have all the messages available on CD after the service. We are also working on the podcast format.
I will see you at "The Five" God Bless
I will see you at "The Five" God Bless
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