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A Study in I Corinthians-Week 05

For the next 6 weeks we’ll be continuing our study of I Corinthians.

On the surface, it looks as though Paul is changing the subject here. But remember, the theme of I Corinthians is unity in the Body (of baptized believers) through the Holy Spirit.
What kind of unity is there when some behave one way and others behave another?

Do not misunderstand. Sexual immorality is contrary to the high moral Law of God. Jesus said, “You have read that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery’(Exodus 20:14). But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

The Verses

01. 1-5 Paul has heard of immorality in the church of Corinth…vile, unimaginable immorality: A son sleeping with his mother (or step-mother, perhaps). Verse 2 is a reference to the Christians in the church, not the immoral one(s). They are proud of their “tolerance.”

Tolerance is a very politically correct stance in American society today. We are told we must be tolerant of everything and everybody (except, of course, traditional Christianity, true patriotism, and the political right). Funny thing is, the ones who preach tolerance the loudest are among the most intolerant people on earth.

There is great theological argument over the meaning of verse 5. My own stand is that this is Paul telling us that those who behave this far off the mark could not possibly be following Christ, for He would not lead them there. So Paul says, “Turn them over to Satan…” Recognize that they are likely unsaved and quit worrying about it. Let the Holy Spirit deal with them. In the mean time, do not let them be an influence in the church even if it means kicking them out.

02. 6-8 He deals with the issue of boasting again (remember 1:14-15 & 3:21?). Yeast is always representative of sin. Your pride is a sin, and can infect the whole church.

03. 9-11 Here Paul is talking about immoral Christians. In verse 10 he makes clear that he is not talking about those outside of Christ.

04. 12-13 We don’t have to “judge” those who are not Christians. God will take care of that. He will be fair and just with them, just as He is with us, because He is the definition of fairness and justice.

When he talks about “judging” those inside the church, he is not talking about the ultimate judgement…that’s left to God. He means that by judging each other we establish accountability to one another, and thus promote the cause of unity.

Verse 13 “Expel the wicked man from among you” is an extension of the “God will judge those outside of the church” thought.

Look at II Corinthians 2: 4. Paul’s purpose was to help them, not to condemn.

In the next chapter, we will discover some other issues that bring disunity to the church.

Kathy Miller has a passion to help teens

Some Some people just have a fire in their hearts to put their Christian experience into action.

That's Kathy Miller.

Kathy's heart is for young girls who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and don't know where to turn.

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The Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida

A vision for Southwest Florida Christian businesses.

Thirteen years ago a group of Southwest Florida businessmen, who happened to be Christians, grew tired of having to deal with the secular world-view...

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Gerald Peterson encourages character development

Gerald is a local consultant for Character First, an Edmond, Oklahoma based organization dedicated to encouraging students, businessmen/businesswomen and people in government agencies to develop positive character traits in their lives.

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A Study in I Corinthians-Week 04

I Corinthians 4:1-21

For the next 7 weeks we’ll be continuing our study of I Corinthians.

So far, we’ve discovered that Paul desired for Christ’s church to be unified. He wanted them to know the wisdom and power of God and to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit, who dwells in all true Christians.

The Verses

01. 1-5 When people see us, it should be evident that we are servants of Christ, not steeped in the world. We are to be faithful above all else. Paul teaches us that a “clear conscience” is not proof of salvation, nor does it render us innocent of sin. We cannot judge another’s salvation, that is God’s business and it will be He who shines the light of Christ on one to determine his/her salvation.

02. 6-7 Paul restates his admonition that we are not to follow our “favorite” preacher or leader, we are to follow Christ. This is the third time he has dealt with this, so it must be very, very important. What we have in Christ did not come from us, from some esoteric commitment, but came from Christ, Himself.

03. 8-13 Regardless of our “station in life,” if we have Christ, we are rich. There are Christians who brag about their “spirituality” and depth of understanding. Paul says, “Don’t do that.” He declares that he and his fellow workers are content to be at the end of the spiritual line. There is no “Me first! Me first!” like immature elementary kids. (This is a flash-back to Chapter 3, verse 1). A follower of Christ must be ready to face persecution, poverty, slander and “…the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world”for the sake of Christ’s gospel.

04. 14-17 Paul’s purpose is not to shame us, but to get us focused on the gospel and nothing else. “Imitate me” is not pride, it is an attempt to set an example of being steadfast in the faith regardless of circumstances. Paul always teaches the same message: Christ crucified for the remission of sin.

05. 18-21 Paul addresses arrogance.

Why do you suppose the members of the church at Corinth had become arrogant? Are we in danger of becoming arrogant?

Paul will see how arrogant they are when he gets there. He will also see how much power they have (none).

The Kingdom of God is not about talk…it is about God’s power, which, if we are humble, can be manifested in us.

So, if Paul were coming here to speak to us, would he need to come with a whip or could he come in love, gently. Would he find us (you) insisting on getting your own way, pouting and behaving like children? Or would he find us (you) dedicated to the cause of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Word of Life Ministry offers light in the darkness at Awakening conference

Crime, the economy, joblessness and hopelessness are all real fears and emotions prevalent in people's hearts and minds today.

On the surface there seems to be no solution to the pain and suffering.

Gaspar Anastasi, pastor of Word of Life Ministries, says, "Yes there is!"

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LOCAL MINISTRY PROVIDES HELP TO NEEDY

Hard economic times bring some people down and leave them wondering where they can find help. Over nine thousand people found help with groceries at a food pantry in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

Under the watchful eye of Associate Pastor, Dax Urbina, the food pantry's volunteer director, Ginny Hansen, reports that the business of helping people access food is up...way up.

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A Study in I Corinthians-Week 03

I Corinthians 3:1-23

For the next 8 weeks we’ll be continuing our study of I Corinthians.

After his greeting and his thanksgiving for the Church of Corinth, Paul dove right into the theme of I Corinthians: Unity in the Spirit.
He decried divisions in the church, imploring us to give up self and focus on Christ and what He wants for us. He told us that this unity can only come when we yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s leadership and wisdom.

01 1-4 Paul knows that there are divisions in the church at Corinth, and he concludes that he is going to have to treat them like babies, not like mature Christians, because mature Christians would not be engaged in divisiveness. He cites the reasons for the divisions as: jealous quarreling...that is: each member wanted things HIS/HER own way. Paul says they are acting like carnal creatures, not born again believers who are growing in Christ’s wisdom. They are prone to follow each other, or someone they think is special instead of following Christ and Christ only.

02 5-9 Paul emphasizes servanthood…the same servanthood Jesus exhibited when He washed the disciples feet over their initial objections. He tells us that each member has a specific part in the ministry, and that when we do it according to God’s plan, He causes it to grow. In verse 9 Paul tells us that we are God’s building (as opposed to the brick and mortar that we meet in).

03 10-15 Here Paul reminds us that our foundation is Christ. That applies both educationally and spiritually. If our foundation is anything other than Christ, such as our own wisdom, our own opinions, our own desires, that foundation will be thrown into the fire and destroyed. We won’t come “un-saved,” but we will never know the joy of being in a right “servant oriented” relationship with God. Our salvation will be little more than “fire insurance,” keeping us out of Hell and out of joy as well.

04 16-17 Remember, God does not live in the church house. We call this God’s house because we have dedicated it to Him and to His Kingdom’s use, but this building is not His temple, YOU are his temple. If you are NOT His temple, then you need to be saved and become His temple. Now, contrary to popular teaching, Paul is not talking about the body, per se. He is talking about that which is your essence, that which is the real you…your innermost soul.

05 18-20 Absorb the full meaning of this passage: If you count yourself wise because you know the ways of the world, or are greatly educated, or are someone important in the eyes of the world, you are nothing more than a fool. But if you are a fool for Christ’s sake, then you are really wise. Being wise, you would never set yourself up as somehow physically, intellectually or spiritually superior, but would humble yourself as a servant to the Most High God.

06 21-23 Don’t boast! Don’t boast about yourself, don’t boast about each other, don’t boast about some great leader (spiritual or natural), don’t boast about some theologian. Boast only in Christ.

Remember: If you have a relationship with God through Christ by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, believing in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, trusted in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary, you are of Christ.

And Christ is of God.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS

WHO WERE BORN IN THE 1930's 1940's, 50's, 60's and early 70's!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos..

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after that trauma, our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags..

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds , KFC, Subway or Nandos.

Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Toffees, Gobstoppers, Bubble Gum and some bangers to blow up frogs with.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of old prams and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and dens and played in river beds with matchbox cars.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo Wii , X-boxes, no video games at all, no 999 channels on SKY, no video/DVD films, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

Only girls had pierced ears!

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns at Easter time...

We were given air guns and catapults for our 10th birthdays.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Mom didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!

Sport activities had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment... Imagine that!! Getting into the team was based on MERIT !

Our teachers used to hit us with canes and gym shoes and bully's always ruled the playground at school.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.

They actually sided with the law!

Our parents didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Kiora' and 'Blade' and 'Ridge' and 'Vanilla'

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL !

And YOU are one of them!

CONGRATULATIONS!

IN MEMORIUM

Stop.

Think for a moment what it must be like for those doing battle in our armed services overseas at this moment.

Do you wonder, as I wonder, whether they wonder whether future Memorial Days will be to remember them?

Whether or not you agree with a person's decision to serve in the U.S. Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, the National Guard, the Merchant marines, or any of their respective Reserves, you must know that they serve in harm's way for us.

Those who have gone before them did the same.

Many of them, hundreds of thousands of them, gave their lives so you could have whatever lifestyle and/or opinions you have.

They firmly believed that freedom is worth dying for.

They were right.

Remember them this weekend, especially on Monday.

I hope this helps:



HAVE A GOOD MEMORIAL DAY!

A Study in I Corinthians-02

I Corinthians 2:1-16

For the next 9 weeks we’ll be continuing our study of I Corinthians.

Chapter 2 is a set-up for Paul to go in depth into his discussion of divisions in the church.

The Verses

01. 1-3 This is not a philosophical or intellectual approach to Christianity, it is simple and direct. Its only topic is Christ crucified. The “mystery” spoken about here is that which had not previously been known and is now revealed. The cross had never been directly revealed before and now it is. Paul asserts that his only topic is Christ crucified for the remission of sin.

02 4-5 Paul was not trying to impress with flowery language or the wisdom of man, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. He did this so that you and I would not depend on our education, our intellect, or our reasoning power, but on the power of God. Salvation does not depend on how “reasonable” we can be, but upon faith, which must stand on the power of God.

03 6-7 The wisdom that Paul spoke was not the wisdom of the world. In fact, the world hears Paul’s “wisdom” and considers it folly. Christianity is not an anti-intellectual faith, but it is not based on intellectualism. Christianity was God’s plan from before the beginning of time. Remember: You want good history? There is none better than the Bible’s, but it is not about history. You want good philosophy? There is none better than the Bible’s, but it is not about philosophy. You want good psychology? There is none better than the Bible’s, but it is not about psychology. The Bible is God’s revelation of His character, His love for His creation and His plan for its redemption.

04 8-11 If Pharaoh had understood God’s plan, he would never have had Israel in slavery. If Nebuchadnezzar had understood God’s plan, he would never have Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fiery furnace. If Darius had understood God’s plan, he would never have thrown Daniel into the lions’ den. And if FDR, Truman, Nixon or even Barack Obama had understood God’s plan, we would not be in the mess we’re in today. Verse 9 tells us that no intellectual has ever fathomed God’s plan. Verse 10 tells us that God has now revealed it to us through His Holy Spirit. Verse 11 reminds us that we can’t read each others’ minds and we SURE can’t read the mind of God. But the Holy Spirit can.

05 12-14. We don’t have the spirit of the world, but the Spirit (capital ‘S”) of God. It is the Holy Spirit of God who enables us to communicate with God and who interprets God’s mind to and for us. The Holy Spirit is a “He,” not an “it.” He expresses spiritual truth to us from God and to God from us.

It is at this point that we must be careful. Not in the history of creation has the Holy Spirit ever told one person one truth and another person some other “truth” about the same subject. (Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity, harmony and love.”) If there is disunity, you can be absolutely certain that it is NOT of the Spirit of God.

06 15-16 Iff (if-and-only-if) we are Spirit filled [which if you have ever been saved you are (the question is not “Do you have more of the Spirit?” The question is, “How much of you does the Spirit have?”)], we will be unified in the interpretation and application of God’s Word. But look!!! Paul says “But we have the mind of Christ.”

So…do YOU have the mind of Christ, today? If you do, how are you using it to promote the unity of the Spirit in our church?

If you don’t, that means you are not saved and you need to confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God has raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) that you might enjoy the fullness of John 3:16, and the joy of true salvation.

Predictions

With all the problems the World is facing,it can be unsettling to the mind.

Today, I will share with you ten predictions that are true!


Top 10 Predictions for 2010

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth..
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

Isn't It Great To Remember Who Is Really In Control,
and that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever."
(1 Peter 1:25)

A Study in I Corinthians 01

I Corinthians 1:1-31

For the next 10 weeks we’ll be studying I Corinthians.

The major themes of I Corinthians are: Church Unity; Church Leaders; Christian Morality; What Christian Should Do; What You Can Do; Expressing Love; and The Resurrection.

The Verses

01. 1-3 Paul introduces himself and establishes his authority. He addresses the First Baptist Church of Corinth as the sanctified and holy ones. He tells them they are included with Christians world-wide. He wishes them God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense, tells them that it comes from the Father and equates God and Jesus.

02. 3-9 Paul expresses gratitude to God for the Corinthian church. He refers to them as “enriched” in their speech and knowledge. Paul’s testimony about Christ is confirmed in them. Is his testimony about Christ confirmed in you?

Questions: How do you know that you repented unto salvation years ago? Because you continue to repent today. How do you know that you believe unto salvation years ago? Because you continue believing today. How do you know that God had an encounter with you years ago? Because He continues having an encounter with you today. The evidence of salvation is not only that He changed your life, but that He continues to change your life.

Paul promises strength to endure and great reward at the finish line (Heaven). He proclaims the faithfulness of God.

YouTube.com: The True Gospel (Paul Washer @ VCY America Conference)

03. 10-12 Paul establishes the first theme of I Corinthians: Unity in the church. He stresses that there be no divisions. We are not to follow Paul, Apollos, Calvin, Wesley, Sturgeon, R.G. Lee or any other theologian, we are to follow Christ.

04. 13-17 Christ is unified: with Himself; with God and with the Holy Spirit. Our job is not to baptize, although we should baptize as many as will receive Christ. Our primary job is to preach Christ, crucified for the remission of sin.

The cross divides the saved from the unsaved, but it should not divide the saved. It should unite them.

05. 18-25 To the unsaved person, the message of the cross doesn’t make sense. The message of the gospel (Christ crucified for the remission of sin and raised from the dead) is just too “out there” to grasp. Muslims can’t accept the “God killed His Son” thing; Jews want to please God by obedience to the Law (See Romans for a refutation of this concept). We don’t live by signs and wonders, we live by faith, without which it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

06. 26-29 Before any of us was saved, we were just like the rest of the world, impressed by our own wisdom. God chose the simplicity of the gospel to reveal to us His plan for His creation: that al who confess Jesus is Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9)

07. 30-31 Since we have no righteousness of our own, and since we can never achieve righteousness, Christ did not give us His righteousness, He IS righteousness for us. Therefore, there is no room for pride in the Christian life. If we boast, it must be about, and only about, what Christ has done for us in His death, burial and resurrection (Ephesians 2:4-9)

REAL MOANERS

Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.

A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

Practice safe eating - always use condiments.

Shotgun wedding - A case of wife or death.

A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.

When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.

A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.

What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead give away.)

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.

She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.

A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia - the LAN down under.

Every calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted - Taint yours and taint mine.

A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory that was never developed.

A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.

Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.

Acupuncture is a jab well done.

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER Part 6

A Six Weeks Study about What Prayer Is and How To Engage In It

Week #6 Intercessory Prayer and Objects of Prayer.

James 4:3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives

Remember What Prayer Is

Prayer, by strict, Scriptural definition, is basically making petitions to God, with a number of conditions attached, the most basic of which is that the person praying should really expect to receive what he asks. The men who originally translated the Bible into English must have seen this truth or they wouldn't have used the word "pray" to translate the Greek verb "proseukesqe". The English word "pray" originally meant "ask earnestly", and nothing else! (Remember Shakespeare?)

John 16:24 "Until now you have asked nothing in My Name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full".

What Is Intercessory Prayer?

It is generally understood that intercessory prayer is making petitions to God on the behalf of others. This definition is fairly accurate, but as shown in the table above, a completely precise definition is that intercessory prayer is making petitions concerning the spiritual needs of others. This is not to say that we can't include petitions for other needs in a working definition.

I Timothy 2:1-2 “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Philippians 4: 6 & 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

To Whom Do You Pray?

This issue must be included in any complete definition of Biblical prayer. It is, of course true that you can address a petition to almost anything, ask earnestly, and call it a prayer. But a Biblical prayer is only addressed to God. Of course, since we believe in the Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all of whom are God, it follows that we can address our prayers to any one of the Three.

Pray for the Forgiving of Sin

In the “Lord's Prayer,” the only petition that has a qualification attached to it, and the only one that Jesus comments on at the end, is the prayer for forgiveness of sin.

Pray for Healing and Deliverance

We have a Scriptural obligation to pray for the healing of the sick. We should also pray for deliverance, and this does mean freedom from bondage.

Pray for Protection from the Evil One (John 17:15)

Pray for Sanctification (Being made holy through the action of the Holy Spirit)

Pray for Unity among the Saints (Ephesians 4:2)

Pray For Spiritual Enlightenment (Ephesians 1:18)

Pray for yourself . In John 17, Jesus set the example by praying for Himself.

Whatever else you do, remember: we are instructed by Scripture to

PRAY

ISAIAH 48:15

"My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they all stand up together."

I CERTAINLY THOUGHT THIS WAS ENLIGHTENING.

BEYOND OUR SUN, IT'S A BIG UNIVERSE.

ANTARES IS THE 15TH BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY IT IS MORE THAN 1000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY. NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU?

NOW TRY TO WRAP YOUR MIND AROUND THIS.

THIS IS A HUBBLE TELESCOPE ULTRA DEEP FIELD INFRARED VIEW OF COUNTLESS

'ENTIRE' GALAXIES BILLIONS OF LIGHT-YEARS AWAY.

BELOW IS A CLOSE UP OF ONE OF THE DARKEST REGIONS OF THE PHOTO ABOVE.

HUMBLING, ISN'T IT?

And yet, God knows how many hairs are on your head; and, not even a single sparrow dies apart from His will.(Mt. 10:29-31)!

NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU? AND, HOW BIG ARE THE THINGS THAT UPSET YOU TODAY?

AND

HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER

A Six Weeks Study about What Prayer Is and How To Engage In It

Week #5 – Individual and Appropriate Prayer

Prayer, both personal and corporate prayer, should be appropriate to the situation.

Luke 6:28 “…bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 8:18-22 “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.”

Luke 18:1-8 “…Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Acts 10:9-15 “Peter went up on the roof to pray.”

Acts 21:4-5 “…and there on the beach we knelt to pray.”

2 Corinthians 13:5-7 “Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong.”

Ephesians 6:17-20 “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,…”

Colossians 1:9-14 “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,”

2 Thessalonians 1 11-12 “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.”

Philemon 1:6 “I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”

James 5: 13 “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.”

James 5:14 “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.”

James 5: 16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Jude 1:20 “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER-Part 4

A Six Weeks Study about What Prayer Is and How To Engage In It

Week #4 – Pray without Ceasing

I Thessalonians 5:17(KJV) – “Pray without ceasing.” (NIV) - “Pray continually.”

What does it mean to pray without ceasing? (Select the best answer):
a. Be down on your knees all day, every day
b. Enter into a monastery and devote your life to prayer and fasting
c. Be aware of God’s presence constantly and be in communication with Him
d. Speak in lofty language so that God can understand you

Does prayer have to be out loud? I Samuel 1:12-14 (People who insist that one must “speak the words” or God won’t hear you).

Won’t we run out of things to pray about?
Only in the same way you might run out of things to say when you’re with a
friend.

A non-comprehensive look at Biblical prayer:

Some prayer habits we develop:

“Father….Father…Father…” (When you are speaking with a friend, do you
say his/her name to begin every sentence?)

“Lord, You know” (uh…that goes without saying – we don’t have to tell God what He knows. He already knows what He knows. He’s omniscient).

Preaching in prayer: Lord, we should love one another. We should be
dependable. The end times are coming and we should get our act together.

Prayer should not be about selfish desires or special consideration.

Some things prayer SHOULD be about:

1) Finding out what God is doing and getting on board with it.
2) Yielding oneself to God’s will.
3) Expressing love and praise for Him.
4) Protection
5) Confession and Repentance
6) Guidance and Direction
7) Our Faith
8) Forgiveness (A great study in-and-of itself)
9) Asking God His reasons for things (Not to challenge, but to learn.)
10) Others
11) Thanksgiving
12) Deliverance from trouble
13) Wisdom
14) Specific groups’ needs
15) The most important prayer of all: Prayer for SALVATION.

POSITIONS IN PRAYER

Various positions for prayer can be found in the Scriptures.

"bowed down his head" Gen. 24:26 2.

"Let us kneel before the Lord our maker." Psa. 95:6; Dan. 6:10 3.

"lift up hands" Lam. 3:41; 1 Tim. 2:8 4.

"fell on his face to the earth" Josh. 5:14; 7:6

We can see that no definite position is required by Scripture, therefore we are at liberty to choose the position in which we pray to God.

A person could pray while sitting and driving a car.

The point is:

We need to continue in prayer.

We need to pray all day, every day.

GREAT PRAYERS IN THE BIBLE

OLD TESTAMENT
Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom &
Gomorrah: Genesis 18:23-33
Jacob’s Deliverance From Essau:
Genesis 32:9-12
Jacob At Peniel: Genesis 32:24-30
Moses Intercession For His People:
Exodus 32:11-13 32:31-32
Moses and the Lord:
Exodus 33:12-13 & Exodus 33:18
Moses: Exodus 33:15,16
Moses Intercession For Miriam:
Numbers 12:13
Moses & Promise Land: Deuteronomy 3:24-29
Moses & Israel: Deuteronomy 9:26-29
Moses' 40 Day Prayer:
Deuteronomy 9:18-20; 9:25-29
Samson: Judges 16:28
Hannah's Prayer for a Child:
1 Samuel 1:10-12
Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving:
1 Samuel 2:1-10
Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom: 1 Kings 3:6-9
Solomon's Prayer to Dedicate the Temple:
1 Kings 8:23-61
Elijah's Prayer for the Widow’s Son:
1 Kings 17:20-22
Elijah's Prayer at Mt. Carmel:
1 Kings 18:36-39
Elisha’s Prayer: 2 Kings 6:15-18
Hezekiah: 2 Kings 20
Jehoshaphat For Deliverance: 2 Chronicles 20
Prayer & Fasting: Ezra 8:21-23
Nehemiah's Prayer & Fasting: Nehemiah 1:3-11
Nehemiah and Israel Prayer & Fasting:
Nehemiah 9:1
Esther and the Nation of Israel
Prayer & Fasting: Esther 4 & 5
David's Prayer for Protection: Psalm 3
David’s Prayer for Favor: Psalm 4
David’s Prayer for Guidance: Psalm 5
David’s Prayer for Mercy: Psalm 6
David’s Prayer from Persecution: Psalm 7
David’s Prayer for God’s Help: Psalm 13
David’s Prayer: Psalm 23
David’s Prayer For Trust: Psalm 25
David's Prayer & Fasting: Psalm 35
David’s Prayer For Forgiveness: Psalm 51
Daniel's Prayer: Daniel 9:4-19
Jonah: Jonah 2:2-9

NEW TESTAMENT
Jesus Temptation & Fasting: Matthew 4:1
Jesus Praying in the Wilderness: Matthew 6:6
The Lord's Prayer:
Matthew 6:9-13 & Luke 11:2-4
Jesus to the Father: John 12:27-28
Jesus Prayer of Thanksgiving: Matthew 11:25-26
Jesus Prayer for Lazarus: John 11:41-42
Jesus High Priestly Prayer: John 17
Jesus in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:39 & 42
Jesus at the Cross:
Luke 23:34, 46 & Matthew 27:46
Apostles For Divine Direction: Acts 1:24,25
Apostles & Believer’s Prayer: Acts 4:24-31
Stephen for His Murderers: Acts 7:60
Paul His First Plea: Acts 9:6
Cornelius Prayer & Fasting: Acts 10:30-31
Early Church Praying & Fasting for Paul &
Barnabas Acts 13:1-3
Paul For the Corinthians: 2 Corinthians 13:7
Paul For the Ephesians: Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul For the Philippians: Philippians 1:9-11
Paul For the Colossians: Colossians 1:9-17

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER Part 3

Week #3 – Jesus’ Own Prayer Example: John 17:1-26 (The Lord’s Prayer)

The Verses

1. Glory to God (Just like in the Disciples’ prayer)

2. Jesus gives eternal life. There is no other source. God has given us to Him.

3. “…they may know you…” speaks to the personal relationship we have with God (just like “Our Father…” in the Disciples’ prayer)

4. Only God is worthy of glory, and the reason Jesus is worthy of glory is that Jesus is God

(1. The Father is not the Son and He is not the Spirit, but He is God.
2. Jesus is not the Father and He is not the Spirit, but He is God.
3. The Spirit is not the Father and He is not the Son, but He is God.)

5. Jesus identifies Himself with the Elohim of Genesis 1.

6. Jesus prays for His immediate disciples:

a. What they knew; whose they are and their belief in Jesus as Messiah (6-10)

b. Jesus prays for their unity (11)

c. Jesus prays for their protection (12 & 15)

d. Jesus prays for their sanctification - set apart for special purposes (17)

e. Jesus declares that He will send the disciples into the world (19).

20. Jesus prays for your and me…all believers

a. Jesus prays for our unity (20ff). How do we achieve unity? (Romans 12)

b. The implications of verse 21 are staggering: the world will know that we belong to Christ, not by our church attendance, our Biblical knowledge or our piety, but by our unity as we love one another. (See: John 13:36; 15:12; 15:17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Ephesians 4:2 and I Thessalonians 4:9)

24. God has shown forth His love for us in Christ, and He expects us to love others just like He has loved us.

25. Anyone who is a believer knows that God sent Christ into the world to die for our sins.

26. The love God has for Christ is the love Jesus wants us to have for one another and for Him.


When we pray, it would be good for us to emulate (not imitate) the prayer of Jesus for Himself, for His disciples and for you and me. Please notice that His entire prayer was specifically about and for the spiritual growth of His Kingdom.

If we are to be like Christ, we need to learn to pray like Christ prayed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL WIFE

I LOVE YOU MORE WITH EVERY PASSING YEAR. I WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO GET THROUGH A DAY WITHOUT YOU!




Where we met.



Where we honeymooned.


Valentines Day.


Same Valentines Day.


Daytona Beach Vacation.


Not ours...but I don't have any pictures of ours, so these will have to do.

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER Part 2

Week #2 – The Form of Prayer - Luke 11:1-4 & Matthew 6:5-15

There were two great faults the scribes and Pharisees were guilty of in prayer, against each of which we are here cautioned—vain-glory (v. 5, 6); and vain repetitions, v. 7, 8.I. We must not be proud and vain-glorious in prayer, nor aim for the praise of men.

Although the disciples had walked and talked and slept with Him, they did not know how they should pray. Luke’s account has them asking Jesus how it should be done.

Luke 11:1-4 The Verses

1. The disciples saw Jesus praying and wanted to know how they should pray.
2 – 4 Jesus gave them what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” (more correctly called, “The Disciples’ Prayer”).

Matthew 6:5-15 The Verses

5. “Our…” He is not an abstract god, He is personal. The word “Our” denotes that he belongs to us (if we belong to Him through Christ). “Father” denotes the relationship he has to us and we to Him. Think of the best father you have ever met. He is a better father than that.

6. “…in heaven…” As the “head” of the God-head, He abides in heaven, not in a church building. We call this “God’s house,” and it is, in the sense that we have given it to Him; dedicated it to Him. But it is not His home.

7. “…hallowed…” The adjective form “hallowed,” as used in The Lord's Prayer, means holy, consecrated, sacred, or revered.

8. “…thy name…” The Bible puts a lot of stock in names, especially the name of God. In the Old Testament Hebrew, the writers would not even say His name, but used a combination of Yahweh and Elohim, from which some conclude we get the name, Jehovah.

9. “Thy kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first…”). Effective prayer sees God’s kingdom as our highest desire.

10. “…Thy will be done” Remember Jesus in the garden as he prayed for God’s will to be done. His will WILL be done in heaven, it SHOULD be done here on earth.

11. “Give us this day our daily bread…” Now we get to our needs…not our wants, our needs. (Matthew 6:25-32). We tend to think of our God as our magic genie in the sky. We also tend to miss the “these” of Matt. 6:33. It is a definite pronoun with specific antecedents: clothes; food.

12. Then we have a complete though, which cannot be divided up: “Forgive us our debts in the same way that we forgive others theirs.” A dangerous thought.

13. God does not lead us to temptation (James 1:13). This is about praying to be able to withstand satan (the evil one).

14. The traditional close to the Model Prayer does not appear in the oldest manuscripts. That does not mean it was not included, just that it did not appear in the oldest manuscripts. That’s all it means.

15. Most of us think prayer is just “talking to God,” but it is much more than that. It is recognizing who He is and submitting to Him in all areas of our lives. Anything less is just religious superstition and misguided babble.

THE DOCTRINE OF PRAYER Part 1

A Six Weeks Study about What Prayer Is and How To Engage In It

Week #1 – The Nature of Prayer - Luke 18:9-14

The Verses

9. Jesus was specific with regard to whom this parable was directed: the self-righteous and the condescending.

a. A self righteous person is one who is convinced that his goodness qualifies him/her as an evaluator of others’ behavior and/or beliefs.
b. Looking down on people is a violation of Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves”

10. This is a contrast between the most “loved and respected” Pharisee and the “hated “ tax collector. Which do you suppose “looked down on the other?”

11. The Pharisee’s prayer was very self-oriented and very condescending of others.

a. While he thanked God that he was not like other men, he actually was very much like other men.
b. Remember Jesus’ words in the Beatitudes? (Matthew 5:20; Matthew 5:22; Matthew 5:28)

12. The Pharisee tried to explain his virtues to God. He thought his standing before God was determined by his religious actions.

13. The tax collector expressed the essence of Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.

a. He realized his standing before God.
b. He cried out for mercy.

14. Jesus proclaimed that it was the tax collector that went home justified (that is placed in a position “just as if he had never sinned”).

a. If we seek self-aggrandizement, we reap the humbling of God…which, trust me, we don’t want.
b. When we humble ourselves, we exemplify what Paul was writing about in Romans (especially chapter 6) when he told us to “die to self.”

“The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

What is the “much” that a proper prayer availeth?

1. The subject is prayer for the sick, therefore the “much” refers to that related to sickness.
2. Read James 5:1-16

So here are some things we can say Biblically about prayer:

1. Prayer must be directed toward the greatness of God
2. Prayer must be humble.
3. Prayer must be real (in terms of our standing in God’s eyes).
4. Prayer must emanate from righteousness (right standing before God…accomplished through Christ).
5. Prayer must be “effectual;” i.e.: producing or capable of producing an intended result.
6. Prayer must be “fervent;” i.e.: characterized by intense emotion.

Mr. Simon
by Ken Medema

HE IS ALIVE!

"Why seek ye the living among the dead. He is not here, He is risen as he said." (Luke 24:5)

I Corinthians 15:12-58 RESURRECTION!

I Corinthians 15 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament. It addresses on of the early heresies of the church: that there is no bodily resurrection.
The fact is, the resurrection of Christ is the most important part of the gospel, for as we will see, if there is no resurrection, there is no salvation.

The word resurrection is from the Greek: ανάστασις (anastosis) the standing up of a corpse. The resurrection is always referring to the physical, not the spiritual.

There were three prevailing philosophies: Stoicism (the soul merges into deity at death); Epicureanism (totally materialistic); Platonism (immortality and transmigration of the soul).

The Verses

Verses 12-19 Paul presents a series of seven “ifs.” (Seven is the number of completion and/or perfection) Paul is using logic here to present both a physical and a spiritual truth. (Remember how logical he was in Romans?)

Verses 20-28 Christ is the “firstfruits.” Firstfruits was a Jewish feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. It was observed on Nissan 16, which was the third day after Passover and the second day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Firstfruits was a time of thanksgiving for God’s provision. Remember Romans 5:12-14? Death is the final enemy we face on this earth. And that has been conquered by Christ’s resurrection. Verse 28 tells us that Christ will return to his place in the Godhead after the millennial reign.

Verses29-34 The whole of I Corinthians 15 concerns the resurrection from the dead. Paul cites the example of those who were baptized as a proof of the resurrection. Their actions symbolized their hope that they would live again. The resurrection is the hope of the dead. Baptism illustrates the hope of the resurrection. One who is baptized rises out of a watery grave, symbolic of the resurrection. Paul is thus saying, "What good is it to be baptized if we do not rise in a resurrection from the dead?” Why then should one be baptized for a hope that would never come true?" However, Paul affirms that, because Christ died and rose again, we have this true hope, the resurrection, to look forward to.

Verses 35-42 Think of yourself as a seed. You have all of the requisites for life…indeed, in a sense, you are alive but you are not what you will be. A seed must “die” and be buried to become the plant it is to be. If we do not die, we cannot become what Christ has willed us to become. If you sow wheat, wheat comes up, not corn. If Christ sows you as saved, you are saved to the uttermost.

Verses 43-49 We perish, our resurrected body won’t. We are weak, but we will be strong. Verse 44 contrasts the natural with the supernatural. We’ll have a totally different kind of body…one we cannot imagine.

Verses 50-52 We cannot inherit God’s kingdom if we do not first give up our present form. The “mystery” mentioned here is that which is now revealed. In the Old Testament it was unrevealed. In the New Testament it is revealed. A twinkling of the eye is faster than a blink. A twinkle is the reflection of a light ray, and travels at 186,000 miles per second! That’s fast.

Verses 53-58 We’re going to be changed! If we are not changed, we cannot be in Heaven with God. But we do not need to fear death! The grave would like to win, but it will not! Christ has already walked the waters of death for you and me. He’ll bring us into eternity! In Christ, we are victors!

THE TRIALS OF JESUS

The night of Jesus’ arrest, He was brought before Annas, Caiaphas, and an assembly of religious leaders called the Sanhedrin (John 18:12-14; 18:19-24 & Matthew 26:57).

After this He was taken before Pilate, the Roman Governor (John 18:28), sent off to Herod (Luke 23:7), and returned to Pilate (Luke 23:11-12), who finally sentenced Him to death.

There were six parts to Jesus’ trial: three stages in a religious court and three stages before a Roman court. Jesus was tried before Annas, the former high priest; Caiaphas, the current high priest; and the Sanhedrin.

Do you know who Annas was? In addition to being the former high priest, he was the one in charge of the sale of items for sacrifice when Jesus overturned the tables in the Temple. It was a sort of sacrificial flea market, called “The Bazaar of Annas.”

He was charged in these “ecclesiastical” trials with blasphemy, claiming to be the Son of God, the Messiah.

The trials before Jewish authorities, the religious trials, showed the degree to which the Jewish leaders hated Him because they carelessly disregarded many of their own laws.

There were seven illegalities involved in these trials from the perspective of Jewish law:

(1) No trial was to be held during feast time.
(2) Each member of the court was to vote individually to convict or acquit, but Jesus was convicted by acclamation.
(3) If the death penalty was given, a night must pass before the sentence was carried out; however, only a few hours passed before Jesus was placed on the Cross.
(4) The Jews had no authority to execute anyone.
(5) No trial was to be held at night, but this trial was held before dawn.
(6) The accused was to be given counsel or representation, but Jesus had none.
(7) The accused was not to be asked self-incriminating questions, but Jesus was asked if He was the Christ. A “yes” answer would have proven blasphemy.

The trials before the Roman authorities started with Pilate (John 18:23) after Jesus was beaten.

The charges brought against Him were very different from the charges in His religious trials. He was charged with inciting people to riot, forbidding the people to pay their taxes, and claiming to be King.

Pilate found no reason to kill Jesus so he sent Him to Herod (Luke 23:7).
Herod had Jesus ridiculed, but wanting to avoid the political liability, sent Jesus back to Pilate (Luke 23:11-12). This was the last trial as Pilate tried to appease the animosity of the Jews by having Jesus scourged.

The Roman scourge is a terrible whipping of 39 lashes.

In a final effort to have Jesus released, Pilate offered the prisoner Barabbas to be crucified and Jesus released, but to no avail.

The crowds called for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified.

Pilate granted their demand and surrendered Jesus to their will (Luke 23:25).

The trials of Jesus represent the ultimate mockery of justice.

Jesus, the most innocent man in the history of the world, was found guilty of crimes and sentenced to death by crucifixion.

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECIES OF JUSUS’ TRIALS

1. Accused by false witnesses (Psalm 35:11; Matthew 26:59-61)
2. Mute before accusers (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 27:12-19)
3. Wounded and bruised (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 27:26)
4. Smitten and spit upon (Isaiah 50:6; Micah 5:1; Matthew 26:67)
5. Mocked (Psalm 22:7,8; Matthew 27:31)
6. Fell under the cross (Psalm 109:24; John 19:17; Luke 23:26)
7. Hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16; Luke 23:33)
8. Crucified with thieves (Isaiah 53:12; Matthew 27:38)
Made intercession for His persecutors (Isaiah 53:12; Luke 23:34)

WHY IS A FIRE ENGINE RED?

Answer: Because there are twelve inches in a foot.

Say what?

"What does twelve inches in a foot have to do with fire engines?" I hear you asking.

Well, I'm glad you asked.

Carefully follow the reasoning:

A foot is a ruler.

Queen Mary was a ruler.

The Queen Mary was a ship.

Ships go to sea.

There are fish in the sea.

Fish have fins.

The Fins fought the Russians.

The Russians are Red.

That's why a fire engine's red...'cause they're always rushin'.

SOME ST. PATRICKS DAY HUMOR FOR YOU

Paddy was driving down the street in a sweat because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking place. Looking up to heaven he said, "Lord take pity on me. If you find me a parking place I will go to Mass every Sunday for the rest of me life and give up me Irish Whiskey!" Miraculously, a parking place appeared.Paddy looked up again and said, "Never mind, I found one."

Father Murphy walks into a pub in Donegal, and asks the first man hemeets, "Do you want to go to heaven?" The man said, "I do, Father."The priest said, "Then stand over there against the wall."Then the priest asked the second man, "Do you want to go to heaven?""Certainly, Father," the man replied. "Then stand over there against the wall," said the priest.Then Father Murphy walked up to O'Toole and asked, "Do you want to go to heaven?"O'Toole said, "No, I don't Father." The priest said, "I don't believe this.. You mean to tell me that when you die you don't want to go to heaven?"O'Toole said, "Oh, when I die , yes. I thought you were getting a group together to go right now."

Paddy was in New York .He was patiently waiting and watching the traffic cop on a busy street crossing. The cop stopped the flow of traffic and shouted, "Okay, pedestrians. " Then he'd allow the traffic to pass.He'd done this several times, and Paddy still stood on the sidewalk.After the cop had shouted, "Pedestrians! " for the tenth time, Paddy went over to him and said, "Is it not about time ye let the Catholics across?"

Gallagher opened the morning newspaper and was dumbfounded to read in the obituary column that he had died. He quickly phoned his best friend, Finney. "Did you see the paper?" asked Gallagher. "They say I died!!""Yes, I saw it!" replied Finney. "Where are ye callin' from?"

An Irish priest is driving down to New York and gets stopped for speeding in Connecticut . The state trooper smells alcohol on the priest's breath and then sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He says, "Sir, have you been drinking?""Just water," says the priest.The trooper says, "Then why do I smell wine?"The priest looks at the bottle and says, "Good Lord! He's done it again!"

Walking into the bar, Mike said to Charlie the bartender, "Pour me a stiff one - just had another fight with the little woman." "Oh yeah?" said Charlie , "And how did this one end?""When it was over," Mike replied, "She came to me on her hands and knees.""Really," said Charles, "Now that's a switch! What did she say?" She said, "Come out from under the bed, you little chicken."

Patton staggered home very late after another evening with his drinking buddy, Paddy. He took off his shoes to avoid waking his wife, Kathleen. He tiptoed as quietly as he could toward the stairs leading to their upstairs bedroom, but misjudged the bottom step. As he caught himself by grabbing the banister, his body swung around and he landed heavily on his rump. A whiskey bottle in each back pocket broke and made the landing especially painful. Managing not to yell, Patton sprung up, pulled down his pants, and looked in the hall mirror to see that his butt cheeks were cut and bleeding. He managed to quietly find a full box of Band-Aids and began putting a Band-Aid as best he could on each place he saw blood.He then hid the now almost empty Band-Aid box and shuffled and stumbled his way to bed. In the morning, Patton woke up with searing pain in both his head and butt and Kathleen staring at him from across the room. She said, "You were drunk again last night weren't you?"Patton said, "Why you say such a mean thing?""Well," Kathleen said, "it could be the open front door, it could be the broken glass at the bottom of the stairs, it could be the drops of blood trailing through the house, it could be your bloodshot eyes, but mostly ..... it's all those Band-Aids stuck on the hall mirror.

MONDAY MUSINGS FROM OUR FOUNDERS-Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key

U. S. ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA; AUTHOR OF THE “STAR SPANGLED BANNER”

[M]ay I always hear that you are following the guidance of that blessed Spirit that will lead you into all truth, leaning on that Almighty arm that has been extended to deliver you, trusting only in the only Savior, and going on in your way to Him rejoicing.

Exodus 5 - 7

The following is an overview of Chapters 5 - 7 of Exodus. The purpose here is to show how God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, prepared for the coming of Mesiah

Chapter 5

The Verses

1. Why was it Aaron who spoke to Pharaoh? The Lord wanted His people to have a festival to Him.
2. Pharaoh did not know the Lord and so did not relate to their need to worship. People in Lehigh Acres don’t know the Lord and can’t relate to what we do here.
3. The people knew that it was a dangerous thing to “mess” with the Lord.
4. Verses 4-9 tell us about Pharaoh’s determination to make Israel obey him. Despots always seek power and control. They rule by fear, intimidation and punishment.
5. Verses 10 –21 Tell us about Pharaoh’s belief that the people were lazy. The people wanted God to judge their leaders for making their work more difficult. Sometimes we work harder at satisfying the world than we do at satisfying God.
6. Verses 22-23 Contain Moses’ blaming God for their issues.

Chapter 6

The Verses

1. God reiterates His promise to Israel.
2. God uses His personal name here. The text should read I am Yahweh.
3. Verses 3-8 God identifies Himself and once more reiterates His promise to Israel.
4. In verses 9-12 Moses reports what God has said, the Israelites didn’t believe him and Moses gets discouraged.
5. Verses 14-25 is a genealogy used to establish Moses’ identity and a link to Jesus.
6. Verses 28-30 Ensure that we know that we are referencing the right Moses and Aaron. They are of the line of Levi. This establishes Moses’ credentials.

Chapter 7

The Verses

1. “I have made thee a “god” to Pharaoh” is a comparative thing. One who represents God has an important post.
2. Aaron represents Moses; Moses represents God.
3. Both Moses and Aaron were up in years when they brought “proof” of God to Pharaoh.
4. In verses 8 – 13 The staff becomes a snake. The Egyptian sorcerers did the same. Why? What is going on in these plagues? Are they just magic acts and whoever does the best magic wins?
5. I want you to know, the upcoming plagues are a set-up. God is establishing in Pharaoh a particular mind set such that when He finishes them, Pharaoh will have no excuse for defying God.
6. As the plagues increase in awfulness, God sets the stage for the coming of Messiah by means of the greatest gift of all: the Passover.

You see, Israel did nothing to deserve God’s favor…He gave it freely to them. And at the Passover God spared His children by the shed blood of a lamb. At the final Passover, God spared His children by the shed blood of THE LAMB…JESUS.

O, WHY?

Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every two hours?

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

What is the speed of darkness?

Are there specially reserved parking spaces for "normal" people at the Special Olympics?

If the temperature is zero outside today and it's going to be twice as cold tomorrow, how cold will it be?

If it's true that we are here to help others, what are the others doing here?

Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem longer?

Do you cry under water?

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

Did you ever stop and wonder......

Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze
these pink dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?"

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there... I'm gonna eat the next thing that comes outta it's bum."

Why do toasters always have a setting so high that could burn the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer?

Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time, but don't point to their bum when they ask where the bathroom is?

Why does your Obstetrician, Gynaecologist leave the room when you getundressed if they are going to look up there anyway?

Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!

Can blind people see their dreams? Do they dream??

If quizzes are quizzical, what are tests?

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables,then what is baby oil made from?

If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?

Why do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Stop singing and read on . . . . . . . . .

Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet Soup?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at
you, but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Does pushing the elevator button more than once make it arrive faster?

MONDAY MUSINGS FROM OUR FOUNDERS-James Kent

James Kent

JUDGE; LAW PROFESSOR; “FATHER OF AMERICAN JURISPRUDENCE”

My children, I wish to talk to you. During my early and middle life I was, perhaps, rather skeptical with regard to some of the truths of Christianity. Not that I did not have the utmost respect for religion and always read my Bible, but the doctrine of the atonement was one I never could understand, and I felt inclined to consider as impossible to be received in the way Divines taught it.

I believe I was rather inclined to Unitarianism; but of late years my views have altered.

I believe in the doctrines of the prayer books as I understand them, and hope to be saved through the merits of Jesus Christ. . . .

My object in telling you this is that if anything happens to me, you might know, and perhaps it would console you to remember, that on this point my mind is clear: I rest my hopes of salvation on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Exodus 2:23 – 3:20

Exodus is a continuation of what was begun in Genesis. Joseph died and Exodus tells us that the entire generation of Joseph also died. Israel multiplied and became a great nation. A king who did know anything about Joseph came to power. He feared Israel and so instructed the midwives to kill boy babies. That was the law when Moses was born, and we know the story of Moses and the bulrushes, his birth and his being raised by an Egyptian. Finally this king of Egypt died.

The Verses

Verses 23-25 (Moses is a partial picture of Christ, but not a perfect one. Moses was a murderer; Christ is a Savior. In verses 20-22, we find the rejected Moses receiving a bride. We live in an age that rejects Christ, but He will take a bride, the church.) The Israelites “groaned” or “sighed” because they were slaves.

God heard them, “remembered” His covenant and set in motion His plan to deliver Israel. God always hears His people. When we are hopeless, God provides Hope.

God has redeemed us for the same reason He kept His covenant with Israel not our merit (Romans 3:23-24), but because of our drowning in sin.

Chapter 3:1-6 Moses was tending sheep. He saw a bush on fire but not consumed. This should bring to mind images of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace but not consumed. This should remind us of Israel’s going through fiery times but not being consumed. This should give us confidence that in times of trials we can count on Christ to get us through one way or the other…and we must decide to be content, regardless of how He does it.

The angel of the Lord who appeared to Moses is none other than the pre-incarnate Christ.

The taking off of the shoes was a way of demonstrating respect. What are some ways we show respect for one another? What are some ways we demonstrate our respect for God?

God called from the bush. I thought I said the angel represented Jesus! I did. God and Jesus are one and the same.

Chapter 3:7-10 God proclaims His intent to rescue Moses and the Israelites from Egypt (Egypt represents the grip of sin on our lives).

Using hindsight and the Word of God, what role was God going to give Moses in delivering the Israelites from Egypt?

What two challenges to faith did God place before Moses? (He had to believe God cared and he had to believe God could)

As we move out of our comfort zone into a new era of the ministry of First Baptist Church, how can we apply these challenges to ourselves?

Chapter 3: 11-18 Here we see Moses struggling with his call and recognizing his weakness (verse 11) and God revealing Himself as the Great I Am. We also see God’s instructions to Moses.

Verses 19-20 God laid out His plan to save Israel.. He did not tell Moses that it would be easy…in fact He told him it would be hard. Salvation is not easy, it had to be purchased with a terrible price: the death of Jesus and the laying of the sins of the world upon him.

MONDAY MUSINGS FROM OUR FOUNDERS-William Samuel Johnson

William Samuel Johnson

JUDGE; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; PRESIDENT OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE; U. S. SENATOR
"[I] . . . am endeavoring . . . to attend to my own duty only as a Christian. . . . let us take care that our Christianity, though put to the test . . . be not shaken, and that our love for things really good wax not cold."