DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT

2012-01-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

OUR MISSION - To equip and mobilize God’s people for the work of ministry in fulfilling Christ’s Great Commandment (Matthew 22:35-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

OUR STRATEGY - As disciples, we are called to take an active part in affecting our society for the Kingdom of God. This is a three part activity where faith becomes action:

1. ACADEMICS - To see God’s heart and His purpose for fruitful, effective discipleship through a time of daily prayer, Bible reading, journaling, Scripture memorization, as well as Bible teaching and accountability.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (Proverbs 8:34)

2. SERVICE - To develop a willing servant’s heart and to assist the church in all areas of service. A servant is engaged in furthering the vision of the church and accomplishing the goals given to the leadership by the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:16 ...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

3. MISSIONS - To allow the Holy Spirit to impart to us a passion for the lost and to be involved in the Lord’s Harvest locally and to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Acts 1:8)

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Class attendance

Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich…
Classes will begin at exactly 7:00 pm. Students must attend every class unless cleared with the instructor. You cannot be discipled you if you are not here.

2. Dedicate at least one hour each day to the Lord for daily devotions

Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doors.
Intentionally set aside one hour a day for devotions. This is a time you are giving to the Lord to do the work associated with this course: prayer, Bible reading, journaling, reading the lesson & Scripture memorization.

3. Fasting

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us …
Fast distractions (cell phones, TV, internet, gaming, movies, etc.) during your time of devotions. Cell phones should only be used for emergencies during this time.
Absolutely no alcohol, any illegal substance or misuse of prescription medication. Students of Basic Training must also disconnect with all R-rated movies.

4. Weekly assignments

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Read the assigned Scriptures and journal.
Read the lesson notes the week prior to coming to class.
Memorize the assigned Bible verse(s) and be ready to recite it in class.
Use the Weekly Time Sheet. Check each box as you do the activity for that day. This must be an accurate record of your Discipleship activities through the week.

5. Scripture memorization

Psalm 119:11 Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.
The assigned memory verses will be recitated at the beginning of each class. Preferred translations are NKJV, KJV, NIV, NASB.

6. Accountability group

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.
Each student must choose up to four, same gender, accountability partners in the class and meet each week.

7. Church attendance

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Students are to attend the weekly Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services and take notes on the sermon. The weekly quiz during class will include the sermon.

8. Service

John 13:14-17 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you… Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Students are to be involved at one of two scheduled Saturdays for a service day at the church from 9:00 am to noon. You are also encouraged to serve weekly as your schedule allows.

9. Being an example.

Be an example in lifestyle. 1 Timothy 4:12 …be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in spirit, in faith, in purity…
Be an example in submission to leaders. Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

10. Evangelism & outreach.

Be involved with our Peeps Ministry, evangelism & Missions (Giving, communicating, raising funds, going).
Luke 14:23 Then the master said to the servant, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” (Also John 4:35)

MY DISCIPLESHIP COMMITMENT

As a student of Christian Life Center’s Discipleship Development Class I commit myself to God and to the members of my church.

1. I will protect the unity of my church (Ephesians 4:3) by…

Acting in love toward other members. (1 John 4:7; Romans 14:19; 1 Peter 1:22)
Dealing with slander, gossip, etc. in a Biblical, pro-active way. (Proverbs 6:16-19, 16:28, 20:19; Psalm 101:5, Hebrews 12:15
Furthering the vision God has given to the Pastors. (Matthew 8:5-13; Romans 15:5-6; Hebrews 13:17)

2. I will help carry the responsibilities of my church by…

Praying for its growth and welfare. (1 Thessalonians 1:1-2)
Inviting the un-churched to come with me to church. (John 1:45-46)
Embracing all who attend the services. (Romans 15:7; 1 John 4:7)
Involvement in the financial responsibility of my church. (Malachi 3:10-12)

3. I will serve within the ministries of my church by…

Developing a servant’s heart and serve where needed. (Philippians 2:3-4, 7)
Helping others to serve Jesus and His church. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

4. I will properly represent Christ and His Body by…

Faithfully attending the corporate services. (Hebrews 10:25)
Living a godly lifestyle in this society. (Philippians 2:14-15; 1 Timothy 3:2)
I ask that the Holy Spirit empower me to accomplish this commitment by His power and Might. Amen.

COURSE TOPICS

1. Course Overview & Memorizing Scripture

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

2. Knowing God

Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
The Character of God.
The four-fold ministry of Jesus Christ.

3. The Discipleship Decision

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Developing a wholehearted commitment to follow Christ at all cost.
Lordship & Biblical convictions.

4. The Disciple & God’s Word

2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Overview of the Bible.
How to read & interpret Scripture.

5. The Disciple’s Life of Worship

John 4:-24 ...But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Worship as a lifestyle.
The power of genuine praise & worship.

6. Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

Matthew 6:9-13 This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The disciple’s prayer life.
Living victoriously over our old nature, the world and the demonic.

7. Called & Equipped With Divine Purpose

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Discovering our passion, spiritual gifts & personal style of ministry.
Identifying God’s purpose for our lives.

8. Discipling: God’s Plan For Kingdom Growth

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Making disciples (mentoring) & fulfilling Christ’s Commission.

SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION

The following Scriptures, corresponding with the lessons, are to be memorized each week. Students may pick one out of the two.

Knowing God

ROMANS 5:8-9 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:8-9)
2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Discipleship Decision

MARK 8:34-35 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:34-35)
GALATIANS 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

The Disciple & God’s Word

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
JOSHUA 1:8-9 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8-9)

The Disciple’s Life of Worship

JOHN 4:23-24 ...A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
PSALM 100:4-5 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4-5)

Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

EPHESIANS 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
MATTHEW 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Called & Equipped With Divine Purpose

EPHESIAN 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians2:8-10)
EPHESIANS 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Discipling: God’s Plan For Kingdom Growth

MATTHEW 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
JOHN 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

REQUIREMENTS FOR A CERTIFICATE

Attend all the classes. (A student may miss a pre-approved class for emergencies)
Read the lessons before class and take the weekly quizzes.
Memorize the assigned Scriptures.
Hand in the Weekly Time Sheet and Journal.
Be a part of an accountability group.
Serve in an area of the church and at one of the two workdays.
Attend Sunday & Wednesday services.
Sign the Discipleship Commitment & show an attitude of dedication to the Institute.

“PEEPS,” AN OUTREACH MINISTRY

A “Peep” is simply a random act of kindness! We want to show people in Riverside through practical acts of God’s love that we care for them. Here’s how it works:

Pick up several Peep cards in class and have them with you at all times.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a need and when the Lord highlights a need, respond. The opportunities are endless. They include:
Buying someone’s lunch or coffee while waiting in line of a drive through. As you pay for your order, pay for the order placed by the person behind you and ask the attendant to give them a Peep Card.
Giving away your umbrella when it rains or helping loading and carrying groceries for someone who is elderly.
Offering to help your neighbor rake the lawn or any other yard work.
Then, give the person you have “peep’d” a card, bless them and go about your day.
Be creative and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Typically, this is not a time to preach. However, the Lord may certainly lead you to pray for them and go from there. The idea is to do this with no hidden motive and with no hidden agenda, except to show God’s unconditional love.
As people receive the Peep card, they are encouraged to visit our Peeps website, www.weloveriverside.com, and leave a Facebook comment. Periodically visit the sight to see the comments.

Email us with questions or comments

FINISHING WELL BEGINS TODAY

2012-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

We must develop a spiritual compass (God's Word) by which we can monitor our life’s direction and finish well.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

2 Timothy 4:6-8 ...the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 1:21-28, 3:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-19

1. There are many examples of people who did and did not finish well in Scripture. Some did not finish well with one decision (Judas) and others with small unchecked decisions throughout their lives.

1 Timothy 1:18-19 ...concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,..

2. At the end of Daniel’s life in Daniel 6 we see his determination, even in the face of the lion’s den, to finish well. This determination was not developed overnight. In Daniel 1, he determined not defile himself with the King’s food. This Biblical convictions carried him successfully through turbulent times in his life. We, too, can finish well by developing disciplines that enable us to finish well. This is a challenge, no matter how old or young we may be.

A FEW SCRIPTURES TO STUDY

2 Peter 3:10-13 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Matthew 24:36-51; 1Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

HOW DO I FINISH WELL?

It begins with decisions we make today and carries into tomorrow. Here are a few of the main characteristics we can learn from those who finished well in the Bible.

1. They had a deeply personal relationship with God and continued to look to Jesus their entire life. (The word “looking” is the Greek word meaning to look away - living for Jesus without distraction.)

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:8-13 …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead…

2. They had a focus, a prophetic vision, and purpose for living and trusted God to bring that purpose into being.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;…
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Matthew 4:18-22
Acts 9:15-16

3. They viewed & handled life from perspective of God’s Word. They believed that all things work for the good with God’s people and that He would deliver them out of every circumstance.

Psalm 18:1-3 I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.
Daniel 3:19-30
Romans 8:28

4. They acknowledged their own weaknesses to God and maintained victory over their own sin.

Psalm 51:1-12 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me… Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me…

5. They had people in their lives who would tell them the truth and were able to speak into their lives. And, they were teachable, humble & obedient.

Jethro & Moses in Exodus 18
David & Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-14

OUR PRAYER FOR YOU...

Our prayer is that you will take the issue of finishing well seriously.

First, one must be born again to finish well. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life, forgive you and wash you of all your sins. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and to make you into a dedicated follower, and thank Him for eternal life!

John 3:3-17 "...unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again..."

Click this link to see how you can be born again and have the gift of Eternal life!

A prayer of salvation, prayed from heart to God...

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner and I’ve broken God’s Law. I confess and turn from my sins and I ask Your forgiveness. Jesus, I believe you died on the cross and took my place in judgment. I believe that You rose from the grave and that You sit at God’s right hand in Heaven. Come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit’s power and change me into the person that You want me to be. I accept You as my Lord and my Savior. And thank You for giving me eternal life! Amen.

Now serve Him wholeheartedly in whatever you. We will one day stand before the Throne of God and give an account of our lives (Romans 14;12). May the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" be spoken as you enter glory.

Matthew 25:14-30 ...His lord said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."...
Hebrews 9:27-28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Please feel free to email us

THE ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS

2011-12-15T12:08:00.001-08:00

This is the Christmas story from Matthew & Luke in chronological order. All Scripture is from the New King James Version of the Bible.

Christ's birth announced to Mary

Luke 1:26-38 | Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Joseph's dream

Matthew 1:18-25 | Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus and the proclamation to the shepherds

Luke 2:1-20 | And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

Wise men from the East

Matthew 2:1-14 | Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.

The flight into Egypt and return to Nazareth

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”

When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

Matthew 2:19-23 | Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. ...And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Luke 2:39 | …And they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Have a very Merry Christmas

And a prosperous New Year

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PRINCIPLES OF PRAISE & WORSHIP

2011-11-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

John 4:19-24

The woman said to Jesus, “...Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

FOUNDATION PRINCIPLES

1. We were created to worship God.

Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 22:34-38

2. God is not seeking worship as much as He is seeking the worshiper.

John 4:23-24 …for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

3. Worship is different from praise.

Praise is born in faith. It is an instrument of war, and a way of creating an atmosphere for the Presence of the Lord. Worship is born from the womb of relationship. -- Judson Cornwall
Worship in the Old Testament is Proskuneo: To kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand; to prostrate oneself (literally or figuratively); to reverence to adore
Worship and praise in 2 Chronicles 20:15-24

4. Worship is not music.

Liturgy and music can assist a worshiping heart, but they cannot make a non-worshiping heart into a heart of worship. The danger is that they can give the appearance of having worshiped. The crucial element is not the outward form but the heart.
Worship is expanded through music.
Music unites worshipers and sets the atmosphere for worship.

5. Worship is an attitude of the heart.

Israel developed an elaborate system of worship and could do so without the heart. Isaiah 29:13
Worship is an attitude of reverence, awe, and submission to God for who He is. It is not a passing emotion.
The essence of worship, when we gather together, is not the physical prostration as much as the flattening of the human will which rises to assert its own dignity, ignorant all the while that our highest dignity will be the nobility of entering the Presence of the King with worship, thereby giving place for His glory to dwell in our midst. -- Pastor Jack Hayford
Worship is an attitude which recognizes the superiority of Christ and our dependence upon Him. Joshua 5:15

6. Worship is our love to God expressed.

It is a love response to a relationship.
Worship causes the worshiper to be more interested in relationship itself with God than what may come out of that relationship.

7. Worship is centered on the Person of Jesus Christ.

It is His Person, not His performance that is the object of our worship. We worship the King, not the Kingdom.
He is worthy to be worshiped because He restored us to a loving relationship with the Father.

8. Worship involves prayer.

Prayer maintains the “life flow” of our relationship with the One whom we worship.

9. Worship is enhanced by personal expression.

Sameness is not the goal of a corporate worship experience. We all express our love in differing ways, and those differences will lend flavor and color when allowed to be blended together.
Those who are leading us in worship should never worship as a “surrogate” for the congregation.

10. Worship is eternal.

It was in effect before Adam. As long as there has been Heaven there has been worship. When we worship we touch the eternal.

11. Worship is a celebration.

The worshiper enjoys God. Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

12. Worship is a lifestyle.

Romans 12:1-2
We worship because we are worshipers. Worship flows from a worshiper no matter where he or she is.

BIBLICAL STYLES OF WORSHIP

1. Audible

Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.

2. Singing

Psalm 147:1 Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
Ephesians 5:18-20 -- Psalms: Songs sung from Scripture. Hymns: Songs of joy or praise, songs of our forefathers. Spiritual songs: Songs of the Spirit and in tongues, spontaneous songs to the Lord.

3. Lifted Hands

Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.

4. Musical Instruments

Psalm 150:3-5 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

5. Bowing down, kneeling

Psalm 95:6-7 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

6. Clapping

Psalm 47:1-2 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!

7. Dancing

Psalm 149:3-4 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.
Choreographed Dance — Psalm 68:24-26 Your procession has come into view, O God, the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary. In front are the singers, after them the musicians; with them are the maidens playing tambourines...

8. Shouting

Psalm 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 66:1-2 Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!

DEFINITIONS OF “PRAISE” IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Keyed to Strong’s Concordance

Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Towdah) and his courts with praise (Tehilla); give thanks (Yadah) to him and praise (Barak) his name.

1. Halal (1984)

To be clear (transparent) or shine, to laud, rave, celebrate glamorously, loudly foolish, to make a show. Used 113 times in the Old Testament 24 times with “JAH,” or “Hallelujah,” the spontaneous outcry of one excited about God. This praise is offered in delight and rejoicing. Most occurrences are plural, involving choirs, instruments, speaking (Jeremiah 31:7), singing (Psalm 69:30) and dancing (Psalm 149:3).
Psalm 22:22 I will declare your name to my brothers in the congregation I will praise you.
The entire Psalm 150 uses this word. Also 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalm 18:3; 69:69:34; 102:18; Revelation 19:1, and many more!

2. Yadah (3034)

To confess, praise, give thanks, to use the hand, throw, revere or worship with extended hands, to throw out the hands with rejoicing. “Yadah” was predominantly used to express public proclamation and declaration of God’s attributes and works including a confession of sin.
Confessing God’s Truth in difficult circumstances: Psalm 42:5-6 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
We can declare praise to God publicly and with intensity: Psalm 111:1 Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

3. Towdah (8426)

Confession, extending the hands in adoration, lifting the arms with hands cupped inward, a choir of worshippers, the sacrifice of praise and thanks, a vow.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Towdah) and his courts with praise (Tehilla); give thanks (Yadah) to him and praise (Barak) his name.
Also 2 Chronicles 29:31; Nehemiah 12:31-40; Psalm 42:4; 50:23; 69:30-31; 107:22; Isaiah 51:3

4. Barak (1288)

To kneel, praise, salute, bless: To endue with power for success, prosperity, fertility, longevity, etc. To expect in hope. This word is used 289 times in the Old Testament.
Psalm 103:1-2, 20-22 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

5. Shabach (7623)

Praise, commend, a shout, proclaiming God’s (unashamed) with a loud voice, triumph, power, mercy and love to God, to address in a loud tone.
Psalm 117:1-2 Praise (Halal) the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

6. Zamar (2167)

To touch with the fingers parts of a musical instrument, to pluck a stringed instrument, to celebrate in song and music.
Psalm 33:1-3 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will praise (Yadah) you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing (Zamar) praises (Tehilla) to your name.

7. Tehilla (8416)

A hymn, praise, praise worthy deeds. This word, used 57 times in the Old Testament, comes from the root “Halal,” defined earlier. Tehilla brings in the idea of singing extemporaneously, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “Tehilla is that which births and blesses the Name of the Lord. It is the song that the Lord sings in the midst of His church.” Leonard Gardner
It is spontaneous - Psalm 40:3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
God dwells in the spontaneous praise of the believer - Psalm 22:3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.
Tehilla is the the praise of victorious warfare - Psalm 149:6-9 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. 2 Chronicles 20:22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

WORSHIP FROM ISAIAH 6:1-8

Our worship of God is determined by our attitude towards God. Attitude determines the decisions and actions we take. Attitude is similar to Paul’s use of the term “mind” in Philippians 2:5, when he said, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” By examining Isaiah 6, we will gain a better understanding of the mind or heart that should be in us, and how that affects our relationship with the Father.

1. Praise & Adoration (v. 1-4)

The first attitude of worship is adoration expressed in praise and gratitude. Adoration, which is a spirit of reverence and awe, is the starting point for all genuine worship. We do not praise God if we do not love him and express that love to Him.
Psalm 33:1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting (beautiful) for the upright to praise him. Also Psalm 100:1-5
Psalm 63:2-4, 67:1-5, 103:1, 107:1-2; 150:1-6; Revelation 4:11

2. Confession of Sin & Forgiveness (v. 5-7)

Isaiah conducted a self-examination and realized he was in sin. Once he realized his sin he confessed his sin before God, and was cleansed. Once we realize our sin we must confess it before God. True confession includes the acceptance of God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9) It is important to accept God’s forgiveness so that we can enter further into worship if God. If we do not accept forgiveness then we cannot be made clean, and we can go no further into God’s Presence.
Isaiah 30:15; Acts 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9

3. Hearing God’s Word (v. 8a)

God did not speak to Isaiah until after he had confessed his sins and received God’s forgiveness. The Word of God is Holy and we must have our hearts cleansed for the Lord to speak to us through his Word. Hearing also involves the attitude of anticipation. Do we anticipate hearing God’s Word? Do we really desire His direction for our lives?
Nehemiah 8; Luke 13:44; Acts 13:42

4. Surrender & Obedience (v. 8b)

Worship involves the attitude of submission or surrender. After Isaiah heard the Word of God, he responded in complete submission. Romans 12:1-2 shows that worship and our obedient response to His Word are truly one and the same attitude!
Matthew 6:10, 26:39; Luke 1:38; Romans 6:13; James 4:7

Enter his gates with thanksgiving (Towdah) and his courts with praise (Tehilla); give thanks (Yadah) to him and praise (Barak) his name.

Psalm 100:4

Questions? Contact us.

MASTERING OUR ANGER

2011-10-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Photo from the movie, “Anger Management” with Nicholson & Sandler

Over 20 million Americans suffer from toxic anger that is too frequent, too intense, and lasts too long. Managing or controlling anger does not always work. Mastering our heart when confronted with the opportunity to unleash destructive anger is the key, then we are not enslaved to it. As God’s people, we MUST master it!

Self Evaluation - Many of the things listed below are actually very insignificant in the grand scope of life. But because we lose sight of God's great purpose for us we are easily angered about many things. (Proverbs 29:18) Honestly take the survey and describe your reaction as "no anger, irritated or angry."

You are blamed for something you did not do. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone borrows something from you and damages it. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone crowds in front of you in line. No anger, irritated, angry
You’re behind someone driving slow and you’re late for an event. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone says something about you that isn’t true. No anger, irritated, angry
A relative forgets your birthday. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone takes credit for something you did. No anger, irritated, angry
After an exhausting day at work, you find your car won’t start. No anger, irritated, angry
You plan to meet a friend for dinner and he/she does not show up. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone you’ve always been fair with doesn’t treat you fairly. No anger, irritated, angry
A pushy salesperson at a store won’t leave you alone. No anger, irritated, angry
You get a speeding ticket for going five miles over the limit. No anger, irritated, angry
Someone dents your brand new car in the parking lot. No anger, irritated, angry
You go on a vacation and it rains the whole time. No anger, irritated, angry
List other things that may trigger a response of anger...

THREE EXAMPLES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

The Bible has many examples of people who acted in anger as well as the consequences for that behavior. Below are only three examples of unresolved anger...

1. CAIN in Genesis 4:3-12

Cain’s inability to deal with his anger against Abel leads to the first recorded murder. This Hebrew phrase personifies sin as being like a crouching animal ready to pounce.
What was the consequence of Cain’s anger? (Genesis 4:10-16)

2. MOSES in Numbers 20:1-13

God told Moses to speak to the rock (In Exodus 17:1-7 God told Moses to strike the rock). However, because of his anger, he struck the rock twice, breaking God’s type. Unresolved anger can keep you from the “Promised Land” (God’s promises).
What was the consequence of Moses’ anger? (Numbers 20:12)

3. KING SAUL in 1 Samuel 18-27

This is the account of Saul’s fierce jealousy and anger against David which ruined his life and the lives of those in his family. Anger can cause you to hate the person God wants to use in a mighty way.
What was the consequence of Saul’s anger? (1 Samuel 18:8-10)

INCORRECT WAYS WE HANDLE OUR ANGER

1. Open aggression

Explosive, short fuse, rage, intimidation, blame, yelling and sarcasm, etc. This obviously hurts others and causes us to do things we WILL regret.

2. Suppressing our anger

Pretending not to be offended and allowing the build up of anger (S&H Green Stamps, right).
Letting days go by without even mentioning an offense. Depressed and moody. Then the “cash in.” This type of behavior is not only destructive to others but to our lives as well!

3. Passive aggressive behavior

Manipulating others behind the scenes to get our way.
It can manifest itself as helplessness, procrastination, stubbornness, resentment, silent or pouting, uninvolved in groups when not in charge, complaining about people but avoiding face to face confrontation.
This type of destructive behavior causes terrible relationships and church factions as people are swayed into sin by the angry person persuasion.

JOSEPH’S MASTERY OVER HIS OWN ANGER

Genesis 50:19-21 Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Also Genesis 45:5-8)

Joseph could have been justified in his anger towards his brothers for selling him into slavery and ruining a large part of his life. Instead of unleashing years of pent up anger on his brothers, Joseph acts in a supernatural way. He chose to process it differently.

1. He released vengeance into God’s Hands.

2. He willfully changed his viewpoint from the victim perspective and realized God’s grander scheme in his life (Romans 8:28).

3. He overcame evil with good.

STEPS IN BREAKING THE STRONGHOLD OF ANGER

Anger is normal. However, the Bible states that we must learn to express it correctly and not allow it to remain but to deal with it in a positive, redemptive fashion. Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.

Here are four important steps, when consistently applied, will enable us to master this destructive behavior.

STEP 1 – TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR ANGER.

We are very prone to blame others for “making us angry.” It’s a little like what the airline hostess said just after a very hard landing. “That was quite a bump, and I’m here to tell you it wasn't the airline’s fault, it wasn’t the pilot’s fault, it wasn’t the flight attendant’s fault, it was the asphalt.”
Read James 1:14-15 & 1 John 1:8-9
What do these verses tells to do?

STEP 2 – POUR OUT YOUR HEART TO GOD AND THEN RECEIVE HIS SPIRIT WITHOUT CONDEMNATION. (Romans 8:1).

Like David’s wilderness years, Joseph’s years in prison could have created enormous, strongholds of anger. Both are powerful examples of men who had mastered anger by learning to pour out their hearts to God, then receiving God’s Spirit of joy!
Learn to genuinely state your feelings to God (since he knows what we are thinking anyway!).
Read Psalm 51:1-13; Psalm 62:8 & Psalm 69
What is King David saying or doing here?

STEP 3 – PUT AWAY ANGER.

Don’t simply “manage or control” it, MASTER IT (Genesis 4:3-12)
We have the ability to choose to walk away without a fight. Resolve it or dissolve it!
Read Genesis 45:4-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 & Ephesians 4:29-32. What do these verses tells to do?

STEP 4 – OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.

While dropping anger is a very important step, it only creates a void that must ultimately be filled (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26). The answer lies in proactively doing something that would be of benefit for the one who triggered our anger. This can be something practical or simply to pray FOR that person.
Read Proverbs 25:21; Luke 6:27-36 & Romans 12:17-21
What do these verses tells to do?

APPLICATION

1. Identify one situation you have a problem with and describe the consequences of taking that emotion to its negative, destructive end. Now describe the consequences if you were to wait 24 hours and act proactively.

2. Do you see yourself delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit from the destructive behavior of reactive anger? Are you willing to develop the discipline of owning your actions without blaming someone else for “making you do it?”

3. Apply the 4 steps (Breaking the Stronghold of Anger) and make them a very real and active part of your life. Without application becoming a lifestyle, there will not be deliverance from this stronghold.

4. In partnership with and through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can live free of the tyranny of destructive anger (Galatians 6:9).

A SIMPLE PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus,

I pour out my heart to you and acknowledge and confess my anger.

I will not blame others for the way I respond.

I need You, Your power and Your ability to be delivered from this life controlling behavior.

Thank you Lord, in advance, for setting me free and giving me the ability to respond in the correct, Biblical way.

Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit and show me how to overcome evil with good.

In Your Name I pray. Amen.

PURPOSE Part 2: OUR GOD-GIVEN PASSION

2011-09-15T15:34:00.001-07:00

This is the second part of a series on developing our God given purpose and calling. We pray the notes will guide you in the direction of more fruitful ministry.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

DISCOVERING A MEANINGFUL PLACE OF SERVICE

Many of us use the “trial & error” method of finding our place in the Body of Christ - motion without movement. This may eventually lead to a meaningful place of service, but there’s a better way! God has gifted all of us in multiple ways to accomplish His will in and through us by serving Him in line with our passion, gifts and personality.

Notice the illustration below showing three main areas of our lives that need to be identified and applied. In this way we will be able to make a significant impact in the Kingdom of God by being who God created us to be and doing His Will with results.

1. Our PASSION tells us WHERE we can best focus our energy (Motivation). It is the area in which we desire to make a significant impact. (Unwed mothers, child evangelism, family, etc.)

2. Our SPIRITUAL GIFTS tell us WHAT we do best in the Kingdom of God (Ability). These are spiritual abilities and activities which give us tremendous joy. (Prophecy, Evangelism, Helps, Mercy, etc.)

3. Our PERSONAL STYLE of ministry or temperament tells us HOW we will serve using our passion and gifts (Confidence). This is our own unique personality. Each person is uniquely “wired” in the way they respond to situations and people. Knowing your personality or temperament will help you to understand what kind of work environment is helpful to you. As well, it will help you to know how to work with others with different personalities. (Task/people oriented, structured/unstructured)

Identifying our Spiritual Gifts requires an extensive survey. Because of that we will simply address the process of identifying our passion. Please contact us if you desire the complete set of notes which include the Passion, Spiritual Gifts & Personal Style Surveys.

IDENTIFYING OUR PASSION

Notice Solomon’s passion to govern God’s people with wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1:7-12...
That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “…Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

DEFINITION - Passion is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference in a particular area of life or in a ministry. It answers the WHERE issue.

Go through the following questions and honestly take time to identify where your passion may lie. This will require a time with no distractions.

PASSION ASSESSMENT

Reflect on the following Questions. On separate sheets of paper, answer the following questions. Do not answer these questions in light of what others may want you to say, make them totally yours.

1. What people group do have a deep burden for (infants, teenagers, homeless, inmates, etc.)? What social issue greatly burdens you (AIDS, oppression, reaching the lost at home or abroad, et.)?

2. If you knew you couldn’t fail and would have the necessary resources, what would you do? Be specific.

3. What situation do you see that concerns you which, if changed, would be more glorifying to God and help others?

4. What do you truly and genuinely care about? Identify those things.

5. At the end of your life you have peace knowing that you’d done something about…

6. List the top most meaningful and positive life experiences at home, work, school, etc. Briefly describe what you achieved and why it meant so much to you.

7. In light of the information above, write a brief paragraph stating what YOU believe to be your God-given passion and purpose in life.

8. What do you need to start doing now to get to where God wants you to be? Write three goals and attach a due date to each one.

____________________________

NOTE - Contact us if you desire to have a complete set of notes which includes the Passion, Spiritual Gifts and Personal Style of Ministry surveys.

Contact us for questions or comments

PURPOSE Part 1: OUR DIRECTION IN LIFE

2011-08-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Many of God’s people have never been taught or encouraged to take the time to discover their purpose for life. Therefore life is a random experiment, filled with lots of motion but no movement towards a Divine purpose or destiny (Proverbs 29:18). It ends up being a hit and miss journey resulting in frustration, disappointment, and failure.

You, however, were NOT created for failure but a life of fruitful in God’s purposes.

Notice the following principles about purpose...

1. Everything God does, He does for a purpose. (Genesis 1; Isaiah 14:24; Jeremiah 29:11)

2. God created with a purpose in mind and created you. (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:14-16)

We were created in the image of God with a great purpose to fulfill. (Genesis 1:26-28)
We are wonderfully made! (Psalms 139:13-18)
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10)

3. You cannot find purpose apart from a personal relationship with your Creator! Nor can you really find purpose in life by asking someone else. Ask God who created you. (John 6:68)

4. Purpose is not initially known or obvious, except to our Creator. The people in the Bible whom God used experienced an unveiling of their purpose over time. Here are a few examples...

God usedAbraham, a pagan from Mesopotamia because He saw a way to bless the world through him. Genesis 12:2-3 “...and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
God used Moses, a fearful stuttering failure, because He saw a deliverer. Exodus 3:7-10 “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
God used David, a willing shepherd boy, because He saw one of the world’s greatest kings. Psalm 78:70-71 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance.
God used Gideon, a cowering thresher of wheat, and called him a mighty man of courage and a great deliverer for God’s people. Judges 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Others include:

Adam in Genesis 1:28 Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
Israel in Exodus 19:3-6 ... you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Joseph in Genesis 37:1-11, 50:19-21 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Joshua in Joshua 1:1-9 Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites.
Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:4-5 ... before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Paul in Acts 9:15-16 This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings...
Peter and three of the disciples in Matthew 4:18-22 ...Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

5. We discover our purpose when we fully entrust our life to our Creator. “A man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

6. God has a detailed map of your journey through life. In fact, He has written a book about you! (Psalms 139:13-18) This book is for you to discover. It is not a guarantee of things to come unless you abandon all to Him and partner with Him in seeing His purposes lived out through you!

7. Excercise: Outline Joseph’s life from Genesis 37:5-11; 41:39-46; 42:6-50:23. What can you discover from his life that will help you in understanding God's purpose for you?

A PERSONAL EVALUATION

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Answer the following 10 questions with a 1 - Yes, 2 - I’m not sure or a 3 - Not yet

1. Is the understanding of God’s plan for my life THE most important thing in me? ______

2. Do I believe that God has a great plan for my life? ______

3. Do I live with passion and a sense of purpose NOW? ______

4. Is my vision for my life bigger than my ability and my resources? ______

5. Do I seek to make a significant contribution to the world in my lifetime? ______

6. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to discover and develop God’s plan for me? ______

7. Once I have a glimpse of God’s Will am I willing to adjust my life? ______

8. Do others know God’s purpose for my life? ______

9. Do I invest time with people who stretch and challenge me? ______

10. Do I actively help others discover who they are in God? ______

WRITING A LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT

Habakkuk 2:2-4 Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.”

1. Developing a purpose statement for your life requires that we understand three things about ourselves:

WHO has God created me to be? This is understanding your passion, spiritual gifts, personal style of ministry and strengths.
What do I want to BE? This is expressed through your strengths, weaknesses and qualities you want to develop.
What do I want to DO? These are the significant contributions you want to make in your life, the world and the Kingdom of God. It defines the legacy you want to leave.

2. Steps include…

The first step is prayer. Ask God to reveal your purpose in life.
Study the lives of Bible characters and see how God revealed His purpose for them, how their lives changed and the result of their obedience.
Take time to discover your passion, Spiritual Gifts, personal style of ministry (temperament) and your strengths and begin to be involved in the Body of Christ, guided by who God created you to be.
Seek wise and honest counsel. Others can see things in you that you may not be able to see.
Make it specifically yours, not generic in nature. Adjust as necessary.
Don’t aim for perfection. It will go through changes and be refined as time goes on.
The shorter the better.
Set achievable goals and launch out into fruitful activity!

As you begin to act on God’s revelation of His purposes for you, understand that you WILL encounter challenges, obstacles and even times of failure. Get up and keep going in the direction God has shown you! And watch Him unveil your purpose in life as you walk with Him.

MEMORIZING & MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURE

2011-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

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

1. Begin by selecting a scripture to memorize such as: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4 (Quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 in response to the devil’s temptation in the wilderness.)

2. Understand the context of the Scripture, what is before it and what follows it. Then describe the general overall meaning and why God through the writer wrote that Scripture (build the scene in your mind). Now break it into logical phrases and begin to memorize each phrase in the context of the verse.

3. WRITE OUT the Scripture several times, saying it out loud and emphasize a different word each time.

Man does not live on bread alone… Man does not live on bread alone…

4. Think about the MEANING of each word.

Man: Every man; all mankind. This is a universal principle. Everyone is included.

Man does not: A final decree. No one will change it. A firm negative.

Man does not live: Living is more than just existing. There is physical life and spiritual life. God made us to enjoy the pleasures of life in His presence. Christ came to give us eternal life and abundant physical life. God is life and He made life.

5. Use the Scripture in PRAYER to God. As you pray, ponder each word for personal application. Example:

Man does not live on bread alone… “Lord, You want me to discover Your life. It is far richer and fuller than I can comprehend. You want to live Your life through me! You want to see through my eyes, speak through my mouth, love through my heart and work through my hands.”

But on every word comes from the mouth of God. “I must learn to gain nourishment from every part of Your Word.”

6. By memorizing God’s Word, you “hide” His Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). This enables the Holy Spirit to use it as needed.

MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURE

Meaning - The word “meditate” in this scripture is the Hebrew word, “haghah” meaning to murmur, muse, muter, to whisper and to speak. It describes a low moaning sound like that of a dove (Isaiah 38:14; 59:11) or the growling of a lion which has trapped its prey (Isaiah 31:4).

1. Meditation is a positive “MURMURING” OF SCRIPTURE to yourself. It is to repeat Scripture to yourself, to ponder.

Psalm 1:2 “…on His law he meditates day and night.”

2. Meditation is REFLECTING upon the words of Scripture.

Psalm 119:15 “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”

3. Meditation is communing with God in the LANGUAGE OF HIS OWN WRITTEN WORD.

Psalm 119:48 “I lift up my hands to (for) your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.”

4. Meditation is BUILDING YOUR DAY around Scripture.

Psalm 119:97 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

5. Meditation brings WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING.

Psalm 119:97-100 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts… I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.”

6. Meditate when you DOUBT that His promises will ever come to pass.

I Kings 8:56 “Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed all of the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.”

7. Meditate when people wrong us without just cause.

Psalm 119:23 “Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.”

8. Meditation is an act of OBEDIENCE to His Word.

Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."

A FEW SCRIPTURES TO MEMORIZE

There are so very many Scriptures to commit to memory! Below are only a few to begin with. We’ll be adding more as time goes on. The following Scriptures are in the NKJV & NIV translations. After choosing one, memorize the “address” as well by saying it at the beginning and at the end.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians2:8-10)

Romans 5:8-9 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:8-9)

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Galatians 5:22-25 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)

Joshua 1:8-9 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8-9)

2 Peter 1:3-4 His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Galatians 6:7-9 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:7-9)

John 3:16-18 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

1 Peter 1:6-9 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

Questions? Contact us.

ABUNDANT LIVING

2011-05-14T22:10:00.000-07:00

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Eventhough Christ has presented us with the opportunity of living an abundant life, we seem to always look for more money, better position, greater benefits, right relationships, etc. Our search is focused on self fulfillment (Luke 12:15-21). However, God has (already) presented us with the opportunity to live an abundant life!

Psalm 16:11 In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. (Also John 7:37-38)

Ephesians 3:15-21 ...Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

ABUNDANCE BLOCKERS

1 Corinthians 10:1-7 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
“Subtle” attitudes and behaviors that block God’s abundance from flowing through our lives may include (but are not limited to) the following...

1. Testing God, Not believing God’s Word UNTIL He’s proven His ability.

Numbers 14:20-23 The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth, not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times — not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.

2. Neglecting the Tithe, equivalent to robbing God.

Malachi 3:8-12 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.

3. Unforgiveness. If we want to receive forgiveness we MUST forgive others.
Matthew 6:14-15 ...For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses

4. Speaking evil about others, bringing discord and division (gossip).
Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:… one who sows discord among brethren.

Death & life are in the tongue. (Proverbs 18:21; 13:2-3)

5. Indecision, a half-hearted obedience in following Christ.

James 1:6-7 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (Also Joshua 24:15)

6. There are many other things that cause us not to live abundantly: a constant anger issue, hidden sin,, etc. However, walking out of the things that block God’s blessings and into freedom boils down to one activity: repentance, changing the way we think with a corresponding action.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

OBEDIENCE BRINGS ABUNDANCE

1. Obedience, hearing and doing God’s Commandments, brings true prosperity and abundance. His commandments are summed in Matthew 22:36-40, to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:…

Verses 3-14 amplify the blessings — They would be blessed in their everyday life, in their homes, their farms, their families. They would be blessed in the city, their country and when they traveled back and forth. An obedient Israel would be blessed with safety and protection from their physical and spiritual enemies. They would be blessed in warfare, their enemies would come out against them one way but flee before them in seven ways. The Lord would establish them as a Holy people and would enjoy a special relationship with God, Himself! They would influence the world and be a blessing. The Lord would make them the head and not the tail, they would be above and not be beneath. God’s purpose in blessing Israel was greater than just enriching the nation for its own sake. He intended to glorify Himself through blessing them as they would in turn be a blessing to the world.

Verses 14-68 amplify the result of disobedience, three times as many!

2. As God’s people, we must not be ignorant of the enemy’s schemes to keep us out of the blessing God has promised for our families and for the church. Believe God’s Word. He promised to never leave you or forsake you. He IS your abundant life!

Psalm 16:11 In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

A DISCIPLE’S PRAYER FOR PERSONAL CLEANSING & RENEWAL

2011-02-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

PSALM 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

A disciple is dedicated to maintaining a pure lifestyle before the Lord. To maintain a passion for the Kingdom (Revelation 2:1-7) we must regularly come before the Lord for “spiritual renewal” in prayer.

The ONLY way we are purified of sin is that we walk in the light and maintain an open relationship with Him. This is not legalism but a lifestyle of repentance. Notice what 1 John 1:7-9 says: "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The following areas are NOT intended to condemn (Romans 8:1) but to guide us through an honest evaluation followed by cleansing from the Holy Spirit. Go through each area and confess each area of need as God reveals with the willingness to make it right and to forsake it. Then praise God for His cleansing through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. God’s Word Psalm 119:97, 140

     Do I love to read and meditate on God’s Word?
     Do I apply what I read to everyday life?

2. Holy Spirit control Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18-21
     Do I ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit each day?
     Am I sensitive to the Spirit’s voice and do I allow Him to lead and control me?

3. First Love Philippians 1:21-23; Revelation 2:4-5
     Is Jesus Christ still the most important Person in my life?
     Does my schedule, spending, etc. reveal that God is first in my life?

4. Prayer 1 Timothy 2:1-2
     Am I faithful to a consistent life of prayer?
     Is my prayer life filled with joy and intimacy with the Father?

5. Submission 1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 13:17
     Do I truly obey God from the heart?
     Do I genuinely obey human authorities that God has placed over my life?

6. Humility Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15; Luke 14:7-11
Am I quick to admit I am wrong?
Am I willing to take the “lower place”?

7. A pure heart Matthew 5:8; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:9
Do I keep “short accounts” with God and do I search my heart for issues that displease Him?
Is repentance (a change of thinking accompanied with action) a part of my everyday life?

8. Moral purity Matthew 5:27-30; 2 Corinthians 10:3; Ephesians 5:3-5
Do I aggressively keep my mind free from immoral fantasizing?
Am I accountable to someone?

9. Priorities Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:12-14
     Do I love what God loves and hate what He hates?
     Do I seek to do His Will each day?

10. Finances Proverbs 19:17; Malachi 3:10-12
     Do I Tithe the first portion of my earnings to God?
     Am I a generous person?

11. Forgiveness Acts 24:16; Colossians 3:12-14; Hebrews 12:14-15
     Am I willing to release offenses and be reconciled to God and the person with whom I am offended?
     Do I stop slander and not allow a destructive spirit of unforgiveness to divide my church?

12. Evangelism Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8
     Do I have a burden for people who do not know Christ?
     How am I reaching the lost with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ?

QUESTIONS

1. As a disciple my entire being is to be open to Christ to do as He sees fit. Are there areas in my life where God’s absolute Lordship may not be established?

2. If so, what steps must I take to open those areas in submission to His Lordship?

Questions? Contact us.

POSSESSING OUR “PROMISED LAND”

2011-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

2 Peter 1:2-4 “[We have been given] exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

1. God has given to us great promises from His written and spoken Word. However, some find it difficult to know how to possess and walk in those promises. (Hosea 4:6a; 2 Peter 1:2-4)

2. First of all, we must understand that what God promises only He can fulfill! (Romans 4:18-2) Notice the three below...

To Abraham: Genesis 13:14-18
To Moses & Israel: Numbers 33:50-56
To Joshua: Joshua 1:1-5

3. Israel was called to possess a land that God would give them.

Numbers 33:50-54 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the LORD said to Moses, Speak to the Israelites and say to them: “When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess...”

4. The word for “possess” is the Hebrew word “yaresh” meaning to occupy by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place; to seize, to expel, to destroy, to enjoy. (Numbers 33:50-56; Deuteronomy 1:6-8; Joshua 1:1-9)

IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES

Many of God’s promises are based upon/conditioned upon our active faith. They never seem to simply tumble out of Heaven in finished form. Just as Israel had to cross the Jordan and aggressively appropriate the land so we must be aggressive with ourselves to appropriate our promises. As the Promised Land was occupied with enemies who were to be dispossessed, so our enemies (doubt, fear, unbelief, etc.) must be dispossessed. Here are a few steps to consider…

1. CONFESSION - Confessing His promise is based upon the foundation of Godly integrity: we believe, live and say the same message.

(Romans 10:9-10) Some believe that receiving a promise is to simply confess it into being and are discouraged when they realize that they must partner with God in the process and see that promise become a reality. The heart must believe God’s promise before the mouth makes a confession.
Confession begins the process of the promise becoming a part of you. It brings accountability to wait for it (Habakkuk 2:2-4).

2. CONDITIONS - We receive His promises by meeting His conditions.

Promise: “I have given you the land...” (Numbers 33:50-56)
Condition: “Drive out all the inhabitants of the land.”
Promise: Prosperity and success (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Condition: “Fully obey the Lord and His commandments.”
Promise: Knowing and understanding God’s will. (Romans 12:2)
Condition: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.”

3. CONFRONTATION - To receive the “Promised Land,” we must fight to possess the land.

Possession is an aggressive act. (Numbers 33:50-56) Promises are not received passively but by living in daily partnership with God (Deuteronomy 8:1-9)
When God gives us a promise it is in its “raw” form. The “enemies” of doubt, fear must be subdued and overpowered. It is a continuing fight as the book of Judges teaches us.

GOD’S PROMISES & TRANSFORMATION

1. As we come into a relationship with Christ the Light is turned on and we see not only His beauty but our own sin and shortcoming as well (Isaiah 6:1-8). Because of this we may begin to perform His Word and His promises in their own strength (Galatians 3:3). However, there IS a better way. God’s Word has power in itself (Hebrews 4:12) to bring about change in us. He simply needs a willing and a patient believer!

2. We see the powerful truth of this principle in the life of Abraham as God called him, gave him promises and then promised to fulfill them Himself.

ABRAHAM’S CALL & GOD’S COVENANT

Read Genesis 12:1-5 (The call of Abram) & Genesis 15 (God’s Covenant with him)

1. God called Abraham, a pagan who worshipped pagan gods, to move away from his country, Mesopotamia (now Iraq), and go to the land He would show him (Genesis 12:1-5; Acts 7:2-4). God gave him a promise that He would make him into a nation and be the family through whom the Messiah would ultimately come (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:5). Abraham’s total inability to perform God’s Word because of age AND the magnitude of the promise allowed him to do only one thing: BELIEVE (Genesis 15:4-6; Romans 4:18-21).

2. But God went a step further. God “cut a blood covenant” with Abraham stating that He would not only promise but He would fulfill the promise as well! In ancient times the blood covenant was common among almost all of the people of the middle east. It was a way of establishing a binding contract between two parties. Animals were killed and cut down the middle and the two halves were laid opposite each other. The two parties then passed between the two halves of the animal and said, “May God do so to me and more if I break this covenant. This was a binding blood covenant, and could not be broken.

HERE ARE A FEW PROMISE GOD HAS GIVEN TO US

1. We are Children of God.

John 1:12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

2. God has promised to provide.

The Tithe assures provision Malachi 3:10-12 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the LORD of hosts; and all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.

3. God has promised to give us strength in times of need.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart ! I have overcome the world!

4. We have Eternal Life & His power to keep us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 11:25 Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…”
John 10:27.28 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

5. God’s faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be moved, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

6. God promises to guide us when we ask.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

7. God promises us peace

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8. God answers prayer

Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
1 John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

9. God promises to protect us

Isaiah 43:1-2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR THINKING - ROMANS 12:1-2

1. We begin by offering our bodies as living sacrifices to His purposes. Live for Him in spite of shortcomings! This changes the direction of our life (Acts 2:37-41).

2. We are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world. This literally means to not be connected to the fashion, behavior and priorities of this world. We must determine not to be shaped by the world and its system of thought and behavior. (1 John 2:15-17)

3. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our thinking. This is the same word used of Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount in Matthew 17:1-3; Mark 9:2-3 and means to change from an earthly to a supernatural (spiritual) way of thinking.

For change to occur we must train our thought life to think the way God thinks - to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Our perception of reality must be based upon the Word of God.

We believe His Promises without reservation. This may require us to silence doubt, etc. by tearing down those thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5).

QUESTIONS...

1. What has God promised to you?
2. Where are you in the process?
3. How will your life change when He fulfills that?
4. How will God be glorified?

Questions, comments? Contact us

THE TITHE: RECEIVING GOD'S ABUNDANCE

2010-12-04T23:12:00.000-08:00

THE FIRST OF THE LAND OF PROMISE

Joshua 6 & 7 - The story of the fulfillment of the land God promised to Israel begins in Joshua 6 when God detailed how they were to begin the conquest. The first-fruit of the land was to be the fortified city of Jericho, the first city conquered in Canaan.

1. The command - When God finally brought Israel to the boundary of Canaan, He commanded them to take the fortified city of Jericho and utterly destroy it. The words God used were. “...the city and all that is in it are to be devoted (“accursed” in the KJV) to the LORD.” (Joshua 6:17). This act dedicated the first victory entirely to God.

2. The consequences for disobedience - God was establishing the principle of “the first” with the new generation of warriors and clearly stated the consequences for disobeying His command in Joshua 6...

Joshua 6:18-19 “But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury.” This was actually carried out when Achan kept back a portion of the spoils (Joshua 7).

3. The blessing for obedience - This is seen in the promise to Joshua & Israel in Joshua 1:1-5 where God literally would give them the Land of Promise, a very large area! But it had to be carried out His way.

THE TITHE

God has given us a powerful principle by which to govern our finances and experience His Divine abundance! This is found in the last Old Testament book of Malachi.

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:10-12

1. The Tithe begins with a clear understanding of the following basic principles:

God is the Owner of all things, I am the manager over what He has given me. (Luke 6:46-49; Psalm 24:1)
God is Number One and He deserves the very best. When I give the “firstfruit,” or first ten percent of my income, I am declaring that He deserves the very best and that He is the Source of everything. (Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 1:6)
I cannot outgive God (2 Corinthians 9:6)

2. The word “tithe” means a tenth. Less than ten percent is not a tithe and anything over and above ten percent is an offering. The tithe is a fixed percentage that does not change.

3. The tithe is that portion which already belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:7-8). When we tithe we are giving back to Him that which is already His.

4. The tithe was in existence before the Law. Abraham and Jacob tithed (Genesis 14:18-20; 2:20-22) and Jesus endorsed it as a standing, Biblical principle which was in effect before the Mosaic Law (Matthew 23:23).

5. Holding back the Tithe is actually robbing God (Malachi 3:8). The Lord makes a strong statement in Malachi 3:8, saying that to hold back the tithe is actually “robbing” Him. (John 10:1, 10; 12:6) The consequences of this behavior was illustrated in the account of Achan as he kept back a portion of the spoils from Jericho in Joshua 7.

6. God uses the Tithe as an instrument to pour out His abundance to us (Malachi 3:10). He actually invites us to prove His Word and then experience blessing to such a degree that “there will not be room enough to receive it.”

7. The Lord promises to protect our assets and belongingness (Malachi 3:11). God promises divine protection as part of His covenant regarding your tithe. If we are faithful to give God the tithe, God will be be faithful to protect all your other assets!

…The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:1-14
Matthew 6:31-33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

APPLICATION

1. Am I willing to enter into a partnership with God and to dedicate to Him a tithe of my income so that I can experience His bountiful supply?

2. What is required for me to be able to do this?

Questions? | Contact us

BIBLE Part 2 - CONTEXT

2010-11-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTEXT　

An illustration from Hudson Taylor's life - Hudson Taylor (1832-1905) was a pioneer English missionary to China. Hudson founded the China Inland Mission which at his death included 205 mission stations with over 800 missionaries, and 125,000 Chinese Christians!
　
Hudson recognized the need to immerse himself in the Chinese culture in order to relate the gospel to the people in ways that made sense to his audience. He learned their language, wore his hair in a pigtail, wore their clothes and lived as close to their lifestyle as possible. According to some of his European colleagues, this was inappropriate. Because the Bible had been in their culture for centuries, they believed that their cultural values and norms were the true expressions of Christian life and universal for all cultures. Hudson Taylor disagreed and brought Christ to the Chinese in their "context." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

CORRECT INTERPRETION

1. The Bible was written to the first hearers or readers with a specific intent on God’s heart. God wanted them to understand what He was saying and therefore needed to put it into the language and life situations they would be able to understand. Now we must understand and apply that same message (if we can and should) to our lives today in our culture.

2. There are two basic questions we should ask of every Biblical passage: those that relate to context, the part of a text that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning, and content, the meanings of words and phrases. An example is the word "flesh" in 2 Corinthians 5:16 "...Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer." This meant they did not know Him in His earthly life.

3. To interpret correctly, we must understand that many of the teachings in the Bible fall into two categories:

A. Highest ideals, norms and standards. These are uncompromising Biblical principles that have top priority in all we do.
Example: the 10 commandments in Exodus 20.

B. Regulations for people of that first culture, not necessarily meant to apply to all people under all circumstances. Example: Leviticus 19:19 tells them not to sow two kinds of seed nor wear a garment made of two kinds of cloth.

Exercise: Find the standards (A) and the regulations (B) in Leviticus 19. How did you arrive at those conclusions?TWO FOUNDATIONAL ASPECTS OF INTERPRETATION　

1. EXEGESIS - The careful, systematic study of God’s Word to discover the writer’s original and intended meaning, taking into consideration the historical and literary contents, and the society of the time of writing.

A. Historical context - Determine what was going on in the history of the readers whose thinking (as is ours) was deeply influenced by the circumstances of their day. Is there war going on? Against whom? Is there economic depression or drought? Was Israel about to go into captivity? Etc.

B. Cultural context - The culture of Biblical times was very different from ours, and its writings must always be considered in light of its culture. Cultural behavior is usually never explained because the readers were knowledgeable of social customs.

C. Literary context - This asks questions such as: What was the basic purpose of this writing? What is the flow of thought? What comes before it and what follows it? What type of writing is it?

D. Ultimately, the basic context is the entire book. Why was it written? What is its basic message? When Paul wrote 1 Corinthians he did so to answer a call for help because of serious problems in the church. When he wrote 1 Timothy he was dealing with false teaching in the church at Ephesus.2. HERMENEUTICS - The entire field of Biblical interpretation. In a narrower sense, it is bringing contemporary relevance to ancient texts, the Bible’s meaning for today. A Bible text can never mean to us what it did not mean to the original hearers and readers.

A. The only proper expression for hermeneutics is found in understanding the original intent of a Bible text first (exegesis). Otherwise the text can be made to mean whatever it means to any given reader.

B. The problem of cultural relativity arises when God’s Eternal Word has been given in a particular historical setting and now we have to interpret that in situations that are similar to ours. Whenever we share comparable particulars (similar life situations) with the readers of the original text, God’s Word to us is the same as His Word to them.

Example: Colossians 3:12-17 (clothe yourselves with compassion) and 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 (lawsuits brought by believers against other believers before a judge in a worldly court).

C. The problem of extended application involves the "right" to extend the application of one text to other contexts.

Example: 2 Corinthians 6:14 is not written to mean marriage between a believer and a non-believer but most likely in context with idolatry.Question: Have you ever interpreted Scripture only to find out later that you needed to "adjust" your interpretation? Give an example.

Contact us | Questions?

CALLED TO LEAD

2010-10-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

Exodus 33:12-17 Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

Following are a few leadership principles taken from the Scripture above.

1. The call to lead.

Fear and timidity in giving leadership (Joshua 1:6-9)
Positional leadership vs. servant leadership (John 13:1-17)
Standing in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30)

Question: Do you think we are leaders by virtue of being an adult? What is hindering us from taking the leadership “plunge?”

2. We are to lead through teams.

The “Jethro Principle” (Exodus 18:17-26; Numbers 11:16-17)
“I wish to have on my epitaph: ‘Here lies a man who was wise enough to bring into his service men who knew more than he.’” Andrew Carnegie
Develop your strengths and manage weaknesses. (Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath & Barry Conche)

Question: Are you a team person or do you do like to do everything yourself? Do you want to be the leader or are you comfortable being a productive member of a team?

3. As a leader, the pursuit of favor with God is key above anything else.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52
Obedience to His Word (Genesis 4:2-5; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 8:29)

Question: What defines “favor” with God? What can you do that pleases God?

4. Desire to know God and His ways.

God’s ways are not like our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11)
Knowing His acts vs. knowing His ways (Psalm 103:7-14)
Paul’s cry to know Him (Philippians 3:10-11)

Question: How important is the pursuit of knowing Him? What are you willing to do to know Him better?

5. Shepherding God’s people is a high calling for leaders.

The Chief Shepherd lays down His life for us (John 10:11-16) and we are to shepherd God’s people (1 Peter 5:1-4)
This includes the task of equipping His people for works of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Question: How accurately do you reflect God’s Nature to those you are serving? Are you willing to lay down your life for God’s people?

LEADERSHIP STYLES

Leading others requires a learned ability to work with people from all backgrounds and maturity. As well, each one of us may have a different style and approach to leading. Here is a list of examples of leadership styles that may prove helpful in the challenge of leading others.

1. Visionary

Visionaries have a clear picture of what should happen. They are future-oriented, idealistic, and full of faith.

2. Strategic

These leaders break vision into achievable steps, forming a game plan that everyone can participate in.

3. Motivational

These leaders see who needs a challenge, more training, some recognition, an encouraging word, a break.

4. Team-building

Team builders find people and places them in the right positions to produce the right results.

5. Entrepreneurial

The entrepreneurial leader has vision, energy, and a risk-taking spirit, functions best in a start-up operation.

6. Bridge-building

Bridge-builders bring a variety of people together to help a complex organization achieve its mission.

7. Directional

These leaders assess mission, strengths, weaknesses, resources, and then points organization in the right direction.

8. Managing

Managers establish markers on the way to a destination, then organizes people, process, and resources to achieve mission.

9. Shepherding

These leaders love, support and pray for team members so diligently that mission is achieved. They are care-givers along the way.

10. Re-engineering

These leaders thrive in a situation that has lost focus, sees what the mission was and what it must be now. On their way back they may need to make important adjustments that involve people and tasks.

Question - What leadership style do I seem to be most like and how does that fit the roles in which I now serve a team?

THREE KEY POSITIONS ON A SUCCESSFULTEAM

Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27

Although everyone is key to the success of a team, these three help move the team to its established goal.

1. Influencers

Get others excited about an idea.
Convince doubters they can do a mission bigger than themselves.

2. Contributors

Get the work done.
Deliver ministry so lives are touched.

3. Managers

Provide what contributors need for success
Keeps it going by coordinating, troubleshooting and planning

Reflecting...

Am I leading somewhere in my life? Where?
What must I do to improve my own leadership style?
Am I leading others and growing myself? If not, what steps must I take to adjust myself so that I am leading others and growing in my life?

WHAT OTHER RELIGIONS SAY ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

2010-10-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

What cults and other religions say about Jesus Christ and who He is, is very different than what the Bible states about Him. While cults and other religions have differing views about His Divinity, the Bible states He is God.

Matthew 16:13-16 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Colossians 1:15-20 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together… For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Also John 5:18, 10:30-33, 20:28)

Here is a very brief list and very brief statements about their view of Jesus Christ…

Jehovah’s Witness

Not Jehovah God. He was the first son that Jehovah God brought forth. He is the first creation by God. Michael the archangel is no other than the only-begotten Son of God, now Jesus Christ.

Mormonism

“Among the spirit children of Elohim, the first born was and is Jehovah or Jesus Christ, to whom all others are juniors.” (Joseph Smith) Jesus Christ was the executive in the work of creation, aided by Michael (or Adam), Enock, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Peter, James, John, Joseph Smith and others.

Christian Science

Life, Truth and Love constitute the triune Person called God — God the Father/Mother; Christ, the spiritual idea of sonship; Divine Science or the Holy Comforter. Jesus is the human man and Christ is the divine idea. Jesus was the offspring of Mary’s self-conscious communion with God.

Unity

The Krishna of the Hindu is the same as the Christos of the Greeks and the Messiah of the Hebrews. This same Christ lives within all of us that lived in Jesus. There is no need for a Savior.

Spiritualism (The science, philosophy and religion based upon communication by means of a medium to those who live in the spirit world)

Christ himself was nothing more than a medium of high order. He is now an advanced spirit in the sixth sphere.

New Age

The New Age Movement does not acknowledge sin or sin nature and eliminates the need for a Savior. All one needs to do is realize their own divine nature. Jesus is a man upon whom the Christ Spirit came at baptism and departed at the cross.

Eastern Mysticism

God is omnipresent and almighty, and is in the hearts of everyone (Transcendental meditation). Christ is considered one of a long line of divinely realized masters. All religions are just different branches of the main trunk of the eternal religions represented by the Vedas (oldest scriptural texts of Hinduism)

Islam

Jesus is neither God nor the Son of God, but merely a prophet to Israel and a lesser prophet than Muhammad.

Hinduism

Jesus attained God-realization and was thus an enlightened guru (teacher). He was not a Savior, nor the Son of God, nor did He rise from the dead.

Buddhism

Jesus was an enlightened master.

Taoism

There is no personal Creator-God in philosophical Taoism. The Tao (the way) is viewed as an impersonal absolute.

Wicca

Jesus is not discussed as deity. Rather, “The Goddess and God are seen as the manifestation of the feminine and masculine forces of nature.

However, the Bible states that...

Jesus Christ is God. Colossians 1:15-20

Jesus Christ is the Christ. Mark 14:61-62

Jesus Christ is the Messiah. John 4:25-26

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus Christ came from the Father. John 16:28

Jesus Christ is One with the Father. John 10:30

Jesus Christ forgives sin. Mark 2:10

Jesus Christ performed miracles. John 10:32, 20:30-31

Jesus Christ came to bring life. John 10:10

Jesus Christ gives Eternal Life. John 3:16-17, 10:28a

Jesus Christ paid for our sin through His death on the cross. Matthew 20:28

Jesus Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Jesus Christ gives us the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Jesus Christ has the power to keep us. John 10:28b

Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Matthew 28:6; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; Acts 2:24

Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven with Power. Ephesians 1:20-23

Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter and Power to be His witnesses. Acts 2

______________________________

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time,…

______________________________

A more detailed set of notes is available upon request.

1 - JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR

2010-10-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a 4-part series on the Ministry of Christ as our Savior, Holy Spirit Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming King.

We believe Jesus our Savior is co-existent and co-eternal with God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He took upon Himself the form of man and bore our sins on the cross. There He provided forgiveness for sin, He rose from the grave the third day and ascended back to Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God. Today Christ serves as Mediator between God and man and makes intercession for us.
- The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel.

MAN’S NEED FOR A SAVIOR

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned... Romans 5:12

THE RESULT OF MAN’S FALL

1. Man’s sinful condition is directly attributed to the sin of Adam in Genesis 3 (Romans 5:12).

2. Everyone is born into and guilty of sin (Romans 3:19, 23).

3. Everyone is a captive, a prisoner of sin (Romans 7:23).

4. Everyone is condemned because of sin (John 3:18).

THE RESULTS OF SIN

1. We are separated from God and dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13).

2. All of our actions are basically sinful and self-centered (Romans 8:3-8).

3. Because the righteous judgment of God upon sin is death, man, in his sinful condition, has but one inevitable end, eternal separation. But God’s revelation does not stop at the realization of guilt. He tells us that there is a way out from under this condemnation! (Romans 6:23)

GOD’S PROVISION FOR SIN THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5: 21

1. Jesus Christ, THE PERSON

· He is the Son of God (Matthew 17:5; Luke 1:32; Romans 1:3-4).

· He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35).

· He was born of a virgin whose name was Mary (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 1:27).

· He lived a sinless life as a man (Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:5-8).

"The Scripture declares that Christ came to die for the sins of man. But before He could die the sacrificial death which would atone for the sins of the world, He had to establish in human circumstances a righteousness that would fulfill the Law, and thereby make the giving of His life a substitutionary atonement. The object of His life, therefore, was to meet sin face to face and conquer it by His sinlessness. When pressed by the leading teachers of His day and endeavoring to reveal to them His Deity, He said, ‘Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?’ (John 8:46) He declared Himself to be the sinless Son of God and through the thirty years of His life demonstrated His claim by living without sin (Matthew 26:59-60; 1 Peter 1:18-19).” - Aimee Semple McPherson

2. Jesus Christ, THE SAVIOR

He gave His life (Titus 2:14; John 3:16-17; Ephesians 2:13)

In giving His life as the universal payment for sin, He completed the work of salvation. Redemption’s plan was finished and the way back to God, for sinful man, was now completely open! In giving His life, Jesus became our “mediator,” one who comes in to help settle a dispute, to act in order to bring about an agreement between persons or sides. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Below is a more expanded understanding of how Jesus gave His life for us and for our sins...

· Substitution - The impossible chasm which separated man from God was bridged through the vicarious or substitutionary death of Christ on the cross. Jesus died FOR the sins of others (Isaiah 53:6).

· Atonement - Used as “reconciled” in many instances, it literally means to cover and to take out of the way. Our sins have been taken out of the way to be remembered no more (Psalm 103:12).

· Propitiation - This means to “turn away the wrath of God through sacrifice.” God, Himself, provided the sacrifice to turn away His own wrath against sin.

· Reconciliation - This is the great blessing of salvation: that we are brought back into a relationship with God.

· Redemption - This is the releasing from captivity, slavery or death by payment of a price, called a ransom. (Titus 2:11-14)

He rose from the grave (Acts 1:3)

As a glorified, resurrected man, He arose the third day from the dead as He said He would, was seen of men, and by many infallible proofs showed Himself not only to be the Son of Man, but also the Son of God.

He ascended into Heaven (Acts 1:11)

As a glorified man, He ascended into Heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-11). Today Christ rules and sits at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), and intercedes for those who believe (Hebrews 7:25-27; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:5)

BECAUSE OF SALVATION...

· The believer is a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

· The believer is a heavenly being! (1 Corinthians 15:45-48)

· The believer has everything he or she needs! (2 Peter 1:3-4)

· The believer has passed from death into life! (John 5:24)

· The believer experiences constant renewal! (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

· The believer has the certainty of eternal life! (John 14:2-3; 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:18; 1 John 5:13)

· The believer can be baptized with the Holy Spirit who gives power to overcome all the power of sin and the devil! (Luke 9:1-2; Acts 1:8)

· The believer can worship God in Spirit and in Truth! (John 4:23-24)

· The believer has victory over the sinful nature! (Romans 6:8,12,14)

· The believer has been given Kingdom Authority! (Mark 16:15-20)

HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN (John 3:3)

...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-14

Use the following prayer to make a life changing decision to follow Christ. It is not the prayer that saves but the sincerity of your decision. It helps if you pray it out loud. Then, after you've asked the Lord to come into your life, rejoice and thank Him for answering your prayer!

____________________________

Heavenly Father, I am a sinner and I’ve broken God’s Law. I confess and turn from my sins and I ask Your forgiveness. Jesus, I believe you died on the cross and took my place in judgment. I believe that You rose from the grave and that You sit at God’s right hand in Heaven. Come into my heart, fill me with Your Holy Spirit’s power and change me into the person that You want me to be. I accept You as my Lord and my Savior. And thank You for giving me eternal life! Amen

____________________________

Notice what 1 John 5:13 says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."

Welcome to the family of God! Please contact us if you prayed this prayer and we’ll send you information to help you in your new found relationship with Jesus Christ!

4 - JESUS CHRIST, OUR SOON COMING KING

2010-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth in a 4-part series on the Ministry of Christ as our Savior, Holy Spirit Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming King.

We believe Jesus, our King, will come again. This Second Coming of Christ vis a promise given by Jesus Himself vfor believers who are prepared for His coming vit includes the rapture, the revelation vand ascension into Heaven vHis coming will bring together both the “dead in Christ” and those who are alive vand will be followed by the Great Tribulation and Millennium. The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

THE PROMISE OF HIS COMING

The Second Coming of Christ is the Blessed Hope of the Church. The early believers were looking for that blessed hope, “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) We are to encourage ourselves with the hope that Jesus is coming back and that we will be with Him forever! (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

1. His coming was predicted by the PROPHETS.

Jesus is the promised Redeemer as told by the prophets (Isaiah 9:6; 53:1-12). When He came to earth as a baby, He literally fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Now, if the prophecies concerning His first coming had literal fulfillment, why should not the prophecies concerning His Second Coming in the Old and New Testaments have an equally literal fulfillment?

2. His coming was promised by JESUS HIMSELF.

Jesus promised He would come again. During His Passover dinner with the disciples before He was crucified, He said, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:3)

3. Proclaimed by the ANGELS.

As Jesus ascended into Heaven, the angel told the men standing there, “...why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

4. Promised by the APOSTLES.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

HIS COMING WILL BE...

1. PERSONAL.

Jesus will personally come back. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,... 1 Thessalonians 4:16

2. Physical.

It will be very real return as indicated by Acts 1:11, “This same Jesus…”

3. Visible.

The coming of the Lord will not be secret! Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him;... Revelation 1:7

4. Sudden.

No man knows the day or time Christ will return (See Matthew 24:36-39; 25:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 and Revelation 3:3).

5. Triumphant.

The Lord came the first time in humiliation, but He will return again in glory and exaltation! (See Matthew 24:30-31). 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says that He will come with a loud command or shout, the voice of the Archangel, and the trumpet of God. The entrance of a King!

IMPORTANT ESCHATALOGICAL ISSUES

Eschatology is the study of “Last Things” and deals with the unfolding of God’s plan from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Here are a few of the important terms to understand.

1. Rapture…

This is the Greek word “Harpazo,” a catching up as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It is the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13), when the church will be caught up in the clouds and to meet the Lord in the air!

2. Daniel’s 70th Week…

Daniel’s vision of 70 periods of 70 years, in Daniel 9:20-27, has to do with God’s dealing with Israel. Daniel’s 70th week is divided into two parts of three and one half years each. At the beginning of the first half, the Man of Sin, or the Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:2-10), Antichrist, and the Beast will make a covenant with Israel. In the middle of the week, he will terminate Temple worship in Jerusalem, and desecrate the Holy Place, which Daniel and Jesus call “The Abomination of Desolation” (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Only the last half of the 70th week will be called the Great Tribulation.

3. The Great Tribulation and Jacob’s Trouble.

This is not a Church period, but the final week of Daniel’s vision. This is a time of God’s dealing with Israel and of His wrath upon the godless nations (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 6:15-17). This Tribulation period is called by Jeremiah “Jacob’s Trouble” (Jeremiah 30:4-7). In the Bible, the word, “Tribulation” is used in at least three different ways:

A. The trial and persecution that Christian believers will suffer as result of their identification with Christ.

B. To apply to a special period of tribulation for Israel prophesied by Daniel and Jeremiah.

C. To apply to God’s final wrath upon the Antichrist and the Gentile nations that follow him, called the “Great Day of His Wrath” (Revelation 6:12-17).

4. Premillennial Pretribulational View.

All believers are raptured before the Great tribulation. The Rapture and the Second Coming are separate events. Tribulation and Millennium are literal 7-year and 1,000-year periods.

5. Premillennial Midtribulational View.

All believers are raptured half-way through the 7-year Great tribulation, or after 42 months (1,260 days). The Rapture and the Second Coming are the separate events. Tribulation and Millennium are literal 7-year and 1,000-year periods.

6. Premillennial Posttribulational View.

All believers are raptured after the Great tribulation. The Rapture and the Second Coming are the same event. Tribulation and Millennium are literal 7-year and 1,000-year periods.

7. Millennium.

This is the 1,000 year period of time when Satan will be bound in the abyss (Revelation 20:2-3). This prepares the earth for the Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6), who comes to earth as King of Kings (Revelation 19:15-16).

A SEQUENCE OF END TIME EVENTS FROM THE “PRE-TRIBULATIONAL” VIEW

1. At the Rapture (The snatching away of God’s people)…

· The Resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52)

· The Rapture of the saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

· The Reward of the saints (2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4)

· The Tribulation (Matthew 24)

2. At the Revelation. Christ will return to earth with His saints to reign during the end of the Tribulation and the beginning of the Millennium…

· The Revelation of Christ’s glory (Revelation 19:16).

· The punishment of the wicked (Psalm 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).

· The destruction of Antichrist (the Beast) and the false prophet (Revelation 19:19-20).

· The destruction of the Beast’s followers (Revelation 19:19).

· The judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-32; see also Isaiah 2:2-3; Zechariah 14:16).

· Satan bound for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3).

· The conversion of Israel (Romans 11:25-17).

· The removal of the curse during the millennial reign (Romans 8:19-21; Isaiah 32:15; 35:1; 65:25).

3. After the Millennium.

· Satan’s release from the abyss to deceive the nations (Revelation 20:7-8).

· The final war against God’s people (Revelation 20:9).

· The devil and his armies defeated and Satan cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

· The final judgment and the Book of Life (Revelation 20:11-14).

· The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1).

EXERCISE - On a separate sheet of paper, list the signs from Matthew 24-25 that Jesus gives which indicate the end of the age.

THE VALUE OF ESCHATOLOGY IS HOPE!

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

Important note: What we expect to happen to us in the future greatly affects the way we feel about the present. It affects our attitudes and influences our choices. Unfortunately many people build their view of the future on nothing more than their own guess about what is likely to take place. However, those who believe the Bible are able to view the future quite differently! Because of this, believers are able to base their joy and confidence upon God’s Promises concerning the future even when circumstances dictate the contrary. This sense of joy is called HOPE and is the main spiritual gift we receive when we study eschatology.

1. Hope is the confident expectation of good things to come, that God will keep His promises.

2. Hope assists us in moral transformation (1 John 3:2-3).

3. Hope strengthens our resolve in the face of difficulties (1 Peter 3:1-9).

4. Hope calms our fear of death (John 5:24-29; 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-26, 35-38; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

5. Hope transforms the very meaning of life (1 Peter 2:5-9).

6. Hope affects how we live in the world.

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 2 Peter 3:10-14

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“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” Revelation 22:12-21

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THE CROSS & RESURRECTION

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The Cross is meaningless without a Resurrection and Resurrection is the result of Christ’s victory over death!

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS

Isaiah 53:1-12; John 1:29; Galatians 3:13

1. Jesus was put to death on the Cross for our sins.

Isaiah 53:4-6 “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

2. The Cross was an active demonstration of God’s Love for us even while we were dead!

Romans 5:6-9 “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 8:31-33; Hebrews 12:2-3)

3. There was an exchange at the Cross. He became our sin and all who receive (believe & obey) Him are given a right standing before God!

2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (Numbers 21:8-9; John 3:14-15)

4. Christ’s death on the Cross was a permanent sacrifice. He did not have to offer His life year after year, as the Law required.

Hebrews 10:11-14 “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

5. The Cross restored man’s relationship with God!

Colossians 1:21-22 “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

6. The Cross destroyed the power of the devil for all who believe!

Colossian 2:14-15 “...having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Revelation 12:10-12)

7. The Blood of Christ freed us to serve God with a clear conscience!

Hebrews 9:14 “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (1 John 1:7)

THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION

John 11:25-27; Romans 1:3-4; Philippians 3:10-11

1. The Resurrection is a solid foundation for our Faith!

1 Peter 1:21 “Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Corinthians 15:13-17)

2. Resurrection proves that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!

Romans 1:3-4 “...regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Timothy 3:16)

3. Through the Resurrection we know we have forgiveness of sins!

Romans 4:23 “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 10:9-10)

4. Resurrection is the certainty of Eternal Life!

1 Peter 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)

5. Because of Resurrection I have a Faithful High Priest who intercedes on my behalf!

Hebrews 7:23-25 “Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Romans 8:33-35 )

6. The Resurrection gives us confidence and the ability to serve Him in victory!

1 Corinthians 15:54-58 “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (Romans 8:37-39)

7. Because Christ’s Resurrection, I can believe Him to raise me from deadness!

Romans 8:10-11 “But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Philippians 3:10)

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Romans 8:31-39
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?   Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.   Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,   nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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3 - JESUS CHRIST, OUR HEALER

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This is the third in a 4-part series on the Ministry of Jesus Christ as our Savior, Holy Spirit Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming King.

We believe that Divine Healing is the power of Jesus Christ to heal the sick and the afflicted in answer to believing prayer; that He who is the same yesterday, and today and forever has never changed but is still an all-sufficient help in the time of trouble, able to meet the needs of, and quicken into newness of life, the body, as well as the soul and spirit, in answer to the faith of them who ever pray with submission to His divine and sovereign will. - The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

DIVINE HEALING

We believe Jesus, the Divine Healer heals the sick today, heals in answer to believing prayer and in accordance to His will. He is the same today as He was in Bible days and meets the needs of the body, soul and spirit.

Divine healing is the third of the great aspects of Christ’s ministry. It is the duty of the church to be active and to take the initiative in prayer for the sick (James 5:14-16).

1. It is not unreasonable that the Lord should heal our bodies

A. Man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

B. The human body is included in Christ’s redemption (Romans 8:23).

C. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

D. We are to present our physical bodies as living sacrifices to do God’s will (Romans 12:1).

2. The origin of sickness

A. There is really no disagreement that sickness is the result of sin coming into the world. Even death is the result of this sin (Romans 5:12). If there had been no sin in the world there would have been no sickness and death. Sickness and death may also be traced to the influence and power of Satan. The sickness and devastation that came upon Job was the result of Satan’s touch (Job 2:7, 42:10)

B. Those whom Jesus healed were oppressed of the devil. ...how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts 10:38 “Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Luke 13:16

C. Jesus stated that His prophetic mission was to free mankind from the “prison keeper,” Satan. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,...” Luke 4:18

D. Sickness is among the curses of the broken Law (Deuteronomy 28:15, 22, 27-28, 35).

3. Some sickness and afflictions are the result of specific sins

A. Our disobedience or sin. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you. John 5:14 ...my strength fails because of my affliction,... Psalms 31:10

B. Failure to discern the Lord’s Body (1 Corinthians 11:27-30). To discriminate, to separate others from one’s group, a party spirit, etc.

C. Murmuring against God's leaders (Numbers 12; Numbers 16:46-50).

4. Divine healing as a doctrine

A. God heals our bodies. If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you. Exodus 15:26

B. God heals our bodies in response to the prayer of faith. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:15

C. Jesus made provision for our healing by shedding His blood and taking the stripes upon His back. Therefore, we believe that it is His desire that we live in wholeness, body, soul and spirit (Isaiah 53:3-5)

D. God’s Word states that the faithful believer may have divine health within the normal life span. Such a life is described in Job 5:26. The Bible also teaches that God sets a limit on the length of our life. The length of our days is seventy years — or eighty, if we have the strength... Psalm 90:10 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,... Hebrews 9:27

5. The New Testament Greek words used for healing

A. “Therapeuo” To care for the sick, treat, cure, heal (Used in Matthew, Luke, John 5:10; Revelation 13:3) Noun: Medical service, care and attention.

B. “Iaomai” Physical treatment, made whole, spiritual healing (Matthew 13:15, 15:28; John 12:40; Acts 28:27; Hebrews 12:13) Noun: A means of Divine healing, Divinely imparted gifts in the church.

C. “Sozo” To make whole, save from disease and its effects (Mark 5:23; Luke 8:36).

D. “Diasozo” To save thoroughly, to escape (Luke 7:3) Noun: Stresses the process as reaching completion.

NOTE: Jesus died not only to forgive us of our sins and to heal our bodies, but to make us whole -- to heal us from the inside out! Divine healing encompasses any healing touch from Jesus where healing and restoration is brought to our body, soul or spirit, instantaneously or progressively.

6. A few instances of Divine healing in the Old Testament

Elisha and the dead child raised to life (2 Kings 4:35).
Naaman, the leper, healed (2 Kings 5:1-14).
Hezekiah’s life extended (Isaiah 38:1-5, 21).
David thanked God for healing (Psalm 103:3).

7. A few of the many instances of Divine healing in the New Testament

Large crowds healed (Just in Matthew alone 4:24, 8:16; 12:15-22; 14:14, 36; 15:30; 19:2).
The Roman Centurion’s servant healed (Matthew 8:5-13).
A leper healed by Jesus (Mark 1:40-41).
The man with palsy healed by Jesus (Luke 5:24).
A nobleman’s child healed (John 4:49-50).
Annanias healed when Peter prayed (Acts 9:33-35).
A crippled man healed when Paul prayed (Acts 14:8-10).

8. Conditions for Divine healing

There are apparently two conditions necessary for the reception of healing: asking (petition) and faith. Two things can hinder our receiving: failure to ask and failure to believe what we ask.

A. We must ask. It does not appear that Jesus ever healed anyone without being asked to do so. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 (John 14:13-14; Luke 11:9-10; James 4:2)

B. When we ask we must ask in faith, believing that He will answer our prayer! But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:6-8

9. How to pray for Divine healing - James 5:13-18

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:13-16

A. We are instructed in Mark 16:18 that we are to lay our hands on the sick. Today, when the believing person lays hands on the sick in the Name of Jesus, it is as though Jesus is laying His hands on them.

B. Call for the elders of the church, who augment and inspire faith for the seeker, whose prayer life is marked with answers from God, and anoint with oil in the Name of the Lord.

C. Pray for one another, confessing sins to each other so that we may be healed.

D. Personally call upon the Lord. The Lord has promised that if we ask anything according to His Name, He will do it! Is any sick? Let him pray.

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

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