Saturday, December 18, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween – Harmful or Harmless?
The original celebration was among the ancient Celtic people. They observed the end of the summer with sacrifices to SAMAN (Shamhain) He was “the lord of death and evil spirits.” This marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year.His holiday was called “The Vigil of Saman” (pronounced so-wein). The pagan god was shown as a ghostly, skeleton holding a sickle in his hand. The grim reaper.
The Celts considered November 1st as being the day of death because the leaves were falling, it was getting darker sooner and temperatures were dropping. Their sun god Muck Olla was losing strength because Samhain, lord of death, was overpowering him. They also believed that on the 31st October that Samhain assembled the spirits of all who had died during the previous year. They had been confined to inhabit animals bodies for the past year as punishment for their evil deeds. They were allowed to return home on the 31st October. Druid priests would sacrifice in order to appease Samhain and keep the spirits from harming them.
Druids – Occult practitioners, witches of sort. They would meet in a grove of trees or in stone circle to worship (Stonehenge). Around Stonehenge there is over 350 funeral mounds that contain the remnants of countless human sacrifice. Read Jeremiah 32:35
One-time witch of our day, Tom Sanguinet, former high priest in the
Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said, "Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."
The Origin of the Name, "Halloween"
Where did the name Halloween come from? Originally this Druid Holiday was called "The Vigil Of Saman." In early Britain it was called Samhain, which is pronounced Sowein. But, here is how we got the name Halloween. It came from an attempt to "Christianize" this pagan worship day. In A.D. 800 the Roman Catholic Church moved "ALL SAINTS DAY" from May to November 1st. The new day was called All HALLOW'S DAY and it soon became the custom to call the evening before ALL HALLOWE'EN. It was shortened and called HALLOWEEN.
Dr. John MacArthur said "First of all, dressing up like witches, ghosts, or
goblins is incompatible with a Christian's testimony. Furthermore, many of the customs of Halloween are associated with the worst kinds of pagan beliefs and ceremonies; they are usually sinister things such as demons, witchcraft and superstition."
He further stated, "If we as Christian parents simply disregard the unchristian aspects of such practices as mere fantasy or superstition and then encourage our children to participate in them, we run the risk of communicating the message that the spiritual battle waged by the rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:10) is not to be taken seriously."
Origin of Costumes
How did the practice of wearing costumes at Halloween develop? The early origin of costumes is repulsive. On the evening of October 31st, the Druids, who were the occultic priests and teachers of the Celts, ordered the people to put out their hearth fires. The Druids built a huge new year's bonfire of oak branches, which they considered sacred. They burned animals, crops and human beings as sacrifices to their sun god Muck Olla and Samhain, their god of death. During this diabolical ceremony the PEOPLE WORE COSTUMES made of animal heads and skins. They then practised divination, looked for omens in the struggle of the victims sacrificed in the fires, jumped over the flames or dashed through them, danced and sang. All of this was done to frighten the evil spirits away.
TRICK OR TREAT
Now, just by chance if you had forgotten to dress up or could not fool the demons by dressing in animal skins or other disguises, there was a way to exorcise them. You were to set out a TREAT of food and fruit, and provide the wandering spirit with shelter for the night. If the demon was satisfied with your TREAT, it was believed that they would not TRICK you by casting an evil spell on you causing havoc.
JACK-O-LANTERNS
Jack-O-Lanterns, what is their significance? The World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 edition, volume 9, page 24-26 says, "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of `Jack-O-Lantern' is an ancient symbol of a damned soul."
According to an article I read by Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. according to folklore "Jack-O-Lanterns were named for a man called Jack, who could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until judgement day." With this in mind, people began to hollow out pumpkins and turnips, placing candles inside to scare evil spirits from their houses.
There was another purpose for Jack-O-Lanterns according to author Owen Rachleff. "The candlelit pumpkin or skull... served as a beacon for the sabbat and as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror of the night (Halloween) began." (The Occult Conceit; page 190).
Heroes of Halloween
Witch
1 Samuel 28 - The witch of Endor
Exodus 22:18
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Galatians 5:20
Revelation 21:8
How should we respond – Read Acts 19:18-19
DIVINATION -- Seeking to know the past, present or future by astrology; horoscopes; channeling; tarot; etc. This can include animal or human sacrifice.
SORCERY or MAGIC(K) -- Seeking to control or manipulate reality for ones own purposes. This can include animal or human sacrifice to accomplish that end.
SPIRITISM -- Seeking to communicate with the dead or other entities through a medium.
What they believe
ANIMISM -- The belief that all objects (rocks, trees, wind, plants, mountains etc.) are alive and have a soul.
PANTHEISM -- The belief that everything is divine (god). Divinity is inseparable from and immanent in everything such as nature and humanity. In fact we are divine or gods.
POLYTHEISM -- Belief in many deities (gods). They also believe in multi-levels of reality.
DRACULA
Another classic Halloween character is COUNT DRACULA. If you watch you will see a number of these black caped, fanged toothed monsters running around this Halloween. But if you want to have your socks knocked off read DRACULA, A Biography of Vlad the Impaler, 1431-1476, by Radu Florescu and Raymond T. McNally. Dracula was a real person. He was maniac monster, the Hitler of his day. During his six year rule it was estimated by a reliable source that Dracula massacred 100,000 men, women and children.
Information taken from http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm
The Celts considered November 1st as being the day of death because the leaves were falling, it was getting darker sooner and temperatures were dropping. Their sun god Muck Olla was losing strength because Samhain, lord of death, was overpowering him. They also believed that on the 31st October that Samhain assembled the spirits of all who had died during the previous year. They had been confined to inhabit animals bodies for the past year as punishment for their evil deeds. They were allowed to return home on the 31st October. Druid priests would sacrifice in order to appease Samhain and keep the spirits from harming them.
Druids – Occult practitioners, witches of sort. They would meet in a grove of trees or in stone circle to worship (Stonehenge). Around Stonehenge there is over 350 funeral mounds that contain the remnants of countless human sacrifice. Read Jeremiah 32:35
One-time witch of our day, Tom Sanguinet, former high priest in the
Celtic tradition of Wicca (witchcraft) said, "Halloween is purely and absolutely evil, and there is nothing we ever have or will do that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus."
The Origin of the Name, "Halloween"
Where did the name Halloween come from? Originally this Druid Holiday was called "The Vigil Of Saman." In early Britain it was called Samhain, which is pronounced Sowein. But, here is how we got the name Halloween. It came from an attempt to "Christianize" this pagan worship day. In A.D. 800 the Roman Catholic Church moved "ALL SAINTS DAY" from May to November 1st. The new day was called All HALLOW'S DAY and it soon became the custom to call the evening before ALL HALLOWE'EN. It was shortened and called HALLOWEEN.
Dr. John MacArthur said "First of all, dressing up like witches, ghosts, or
goblins is incompatible with a Christian's testimony. Furthermore, many of the customs of Halloween are associated with the worst kinds of pagan beliefs and ceremonies; they are usually sinister things such as demons, witchcraft and superstition."
He further stated, "If we as Christian parents simply disregard the unchristian aspects of such practices as mere fantasy or superstition and then encourage our children to participate in them, we run the risk of communicating the message that the spiritual battle waged by the rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:10) is not to be taken seriously."
Origin of Costumes
How did the practice of wearing costumes at Halloween develop? The early origin of costumes is repulsive. On the evening of October 31st, the Druids, who were the occultic priests and teachers of the Celts, ordered the people to put out their hearth fires. The Druids built a huge new year's bonfire of oak branches, which they considered sacred. They burned animals, crops and human beings as sacrifices to their sun god Muck Olla and Samhain, their god of death. During this diabolical ceremony the PEOPLE WORE COSTUMES made of animal heads and skins. They then practised divination, looked for omens in the struggle of the victims sacrificed in the fires, jumped over the flames or dashed through them, danced and sang. All of this was done to frighten the evil spirits away.
TRICK OR TREAT
Now, just by chance if you had forgotten to dress up or could not fool the demons by dressing in animal skins or other disguises, there was a way to exorcise them. You were to set out a TREAT of food and fruit, and provide the wandering spirit with shelter for the night. If the demon was satisfied with your TREAT, it was believed that they would not TRICK you by casting an evil spell on you causing havoc.
JACK-O-LANTERNS
Jack-O-Lanterns, what is their significance? The World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 edition, volume 9, page 24-26 says, "The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of `Jack-O-Lantern' is an ancient symbol of a damned soul."
According to an article I read by Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. according to folklore "Jack-O-Lanterns were named for a man called Jack, who could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until judgement day." With this in mind, people began to hollow out pumpkins and turnips, placing candles inside to scare evil spirits from their houses.
There was another purpose for Jack-O-Lanterns according to author Owen Rachleff. "The candlelit pumpkin or skull... served as a beacon for the sabbat and as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror of the night (Halloween) began." (The Occult Conceit; page 190).
Heroes of Halloween
Witch
1 Samuel 28 - The witch of Endor
Exodus 22:18
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Galatians 5:20
Revelation 21:8
How should we respond – Read Acts 19:18-19
DIVINATION -- Seeking to know the past, present or future by astrology; horoscopes; channeling; tarot; etc. This can include animal or human sacrifice.
SORCERY or MAGIC(K) -- Seeking to control or manipulate reality for ones own purposes. This can include animal or human sacrifice to accomplish that end.
SPIRITISM -- Seeking to communicate with the dead or other entities through a medium.
What they believe
ANIMISM -- The belief that all objects (rocks, trees, wind, plants, mountains etc.) are alive and have a soul.
PANTHEISM -- The belief that everything is divine (god). Divinity is inseparable from and immanent in everything such as nature and humanity. In fact we are divine or gods.
POLYTHEISM -- Belief in many deities (gods). They also believe in multi-levels of reality.
DRACULA
Another classic Halloween character is COUNT DRACULA. If you watch you will see a number of these black caped, fanged toothed monsters running around this Halloween. But if you want to have your socks knocked off read DRACULA, A Biography of Vlad the Impaler, 1431-1476, by Radu Florescu and Raymond T. McNally. Dracula was a real person. He was maniac monster, the Hitler of his day. During his six year rule it was estimated by a reliable source that Dracula massacred 100,000 men, women and children.
Information taken from http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Mayonnaise Jar
When things in your life seem, almost too much to handle,
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
When 24 Hours in a day is not enough,
Remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly,
He picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
And proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open Areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.
Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - family,
children, health, Friends, and Favorite passions –
Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' He continued,
there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are important to you.
So...
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play With your children.
Take time to get medical checkups.
Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first --
The things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled.
'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
Monday, October 18, 2010
Husbands
A husband had just finished reading a new book entitled, "You Can Be THE Man of Your House."
He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, "From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law.
You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert.
Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe.
Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"
The wife replied, the funeral director would be my first guess
He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, "From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law.
You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert.
Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe.
Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"
The wife replied, the funeral director would be my first guess
Sunday, October 17, 2010
My Wife
Before I married my wife I thought she was an Angel.
After I married her I found out that she was......
She harps on everyday (Only Joking)
After I married her I found out that she was......
She harps on everyday (Only Joking)
Personal Bible Study
What is the subject of this passage (one sentence)?
What lesson(s) is (are) here for me to learn?
What is the best or key verse?
Who are the principle persons?
What can I learn about Christ (or God, or the Holy Spirit) here?
What example is there for me to follow?
What error(s) is (are) there for me to avoid?
What command(s) is (are) there for me to obey?
What promise(s) is (are) there for me to claim?
What prayer is there for me to pray?
What lesson(s) is (are) here for me to learn?
What is the best or key verse?
Who are the principle persons?
What can I learn about Christ (or God, or the Holy Spirit) here?
What example is there for me to follow?
What error(s) is (are) there for me to avoid?
What command(s) is (are) there for me to obey?
What promise(s) is (are) there for me to claim?
What prayer is there for me to pray?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What is the Gospel according to You?
You are writing a Gospel,
A chapter each day,
By deeds that you do,
By words that you say.
Men read what you write,
whether faithless or true,
Say! what is the Gospel
According to you?
A chapter each day,
By deeds that you do,
By words that you say.
Men read what you write,
whether faithless or true,
Say! what is the Gospel
According to you?
The Life of the Believer
Reading Matthew 10:16-31
1.Propelled V16
The word propelled can mean to launch, to send, set in motion or to start.
This is the first time that the Lord sends His disciples into the work. Read v5-6
He will later on give them the great commission. Reading Mark 16:15 – Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
They had come through a short time of training and now they were being propelled into the work. They had been called to follow Christ and to be His disciples.
Where are you at today?
Are you member of the local church?
Are you active in the church? You cannot continue to take but you must begin to give.
You should be attending church on a regular basis. You be attending times of prayer where possible. You should be involved in the activities of the church.
This church needs people in music, Sunday schools, out-reach (Open airs/Old folks), Children's meetings.
We are called to something. Maybe God is calling you into full time service.
We are all called to serve. Maybe you new sphere of service is university. You have been propelled into it.
2.Persecution V17
He reminds them that they are sheep being sent into the midst of wolves
Sheep are defenceless against wolves.
The wolves will maim, destroy and kill a sheep if it is given a chance. The wolves are enemies of the gospel and of Christians. This is a worry in itself except we can take comfort that it is the Lord who sends us forth.
Expect it, Prepare for it from men v17, professing men v18, great men (authority) v18, all men v22 and even from your own kindred v21
People are being continually persecuted in foreign lands for their faith. Even Christians in the UK are being imprisoned for preaching the gospel in the open air.
We are not as yet living in fear of our lives for being a Christian in NI.
We are living in times where the wolf causes fear and seeks to maim our testimony
It wants us to conform to the world. It wants us to fit in. It wants us to talk like, dress like and go to the places they go.
We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves
The serpent will avoid danger - wise
The Dove loves cleanliness. They keep their body and nest clean. They love pure grain and pure water. Harmless – living peaceably with all, sociable creature – special affection for each other.
3.Position V24
We are to be the follower of Christ. We are to take that second place. In different times in the scriptures the disciples argued over who would be the greatest.
Turn to Luke 22:24-27
Homes, Churches and businesses are destroyed due to lack of strong leadership
It is terrible to see homes that are controlled and run by the children. They are allowed to watch and do what ever they want.
There should always be a structure. They should always be strong leadership.
If we have weak:
Fathers we will have weak homes
Bosses we will have a weak businesses
Elders we will have a weak church
It is hard to play second fiddle.
We need to encourage those in leadership especially when they need to make tough decisions.
Your job is not to usurp or rebel against authority
4.Peace V26
Fear Not – look at verse 28 & 31
There is enough FEAR NOTS in the Bible to cover every day of the week.
Christ is propelling you into the work but He cries out FEAR NOT!
In all our difficulties in life we must always remember that Christ is watching over us and we don't even realise.
Read Mark 6:45-51
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
5.Preach V27
We are to preach the Gospel – The Good News
We preach it through our -
Testimony
Words
Actions
The only Bible that the world may read will be YOUR life. Is it worth reading (example)
How can we get this Good News out there?
Speak it – Personal work, open airs, church
Live It
Wear it
Put up a sign
Pass out a tract
E-mail it
Facebook it – Share it button
Start a blog or promote someone else's
Organise something - Home/School/Restaurant
1.Propelled V16
The word propelled can mean to launch, to send, set in motion or to start.
This is the first time that the Lord sends His disciples into the work. Read v5-6
He will later on give them the great commission. Reading Mark 16:15 – Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
They had come through a short time of training and now they were being propelled into the work. They had been called to follow Christ and to be His disciples.
Where are you at today?
Are you member of the local church?
Are you active in the church? You cannot continue to take but you must begin to give.
You should be attending church on a regular basis. You be attending times of prayer where possible. You should be involved in the activities of the church.
This church needs people in music, Sunday schools, out-reach (Open airs/Old folks), Children's meetings.
We are called to something. Maybe God is calling you into full time service.
We are all called to serve. Maybe you new sphere of service is university. You have been propelled into it.
2.Persecution V17
He reminds them that they are sheep being sent into the midst of wolves
Sheep are defenceless against wolves.
The wolves will maim, destroy and kill a sheep if it is given a chance. The wolves are enemies of the gospel and of Christians. This is a worry in itself except we can take comfort that it is the Lord who sends us forth.
Expect it, Prepare for it from men v17, professing men v18, great men (authority) v18, all men v22 and even from your own kindred v21
People are being continually persecuted in foreign lands for their faith. Even Christians in the UK are being imprisoned for preaching the gospel in the open air.
We are not as yet living in fear of our lives for being a Christian in NI.
We are living in times where the wolf causes fear and seeks to maim our testimony
It wants us to conform to the world. It wants us to fit in. It wants us to talk like, dress like and go to the places they go.
We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves
The serpent will avoid danger - wise
The Dove loves cleanliness. They keep their body and nest clean. They love pure grain and pure water. Harmless – living peaceably with all, sociable creature – special affection for each other.
3.Position V24
We are to be the follower of Christ. We are to take that second place. In different times in the scriptures the disciples argued over who would be the greatest.
Turn to Luke 22:24-27
Homes, Churches and businesses are destroyed due to lack of strong leadership
It is terrible to see homes that are controlled and run by the children. They are allowed to watch and do what ever they want.
There should always be a structure. They should always be strong leadership.
If we have weak:
Fathers we will have weak homes
Bosses we will have a weak businesses
Elders we will have a weak church
It is hard to play second fiddle.
We need to encourage those in leadership especially when they need to make tough decisions.
Your job is not to usurp or rebel against authority
4.Peace V26
Fear Not – look at verse 28 & 31
There is enough FEAR NOTS in the Bible to cover every day of the week.
Christ is propelling you into the work but He cries out FEAR NOT!
In all our difficulties in life we must always remember that Christ is watching over us and we don't even realise.
Read Mark 6:45-51
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
5.Preach V27
We are to preach the Gospel – The Good News
We preach it through our -
Testimony
Words
Actions
The only Bible that the world may read will be YOUR life. Is it worth reading (example)
How can we get this Good News out there?
Speak it – Personal work, open airs, church
Live It
Wear it
Put up a sign
Pass out a tract
E-mail it
Facebook it – Share it button
Start a blog or promote someone else's
Organise something - Home/School/Restaurant
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Disciple's Crown
1.All faithful disciples will receive rewards
Peter was concerned about his rewards – Mat 19:27
Christ promised them thrones in His Kingdom – Mat 19:28, Luke 22:29-30
Selfless disciples will receive multiplied rewards – Mark 10:29
2.God is right and good in His rewards
He hires laborers for His work on earth - Mat 20:1
He promises some a specific reward – Mat 20:2
He promises others whatever is right – Mat 20:3-7
His rewards will exceed the expectations of many – Mat 20:8-9
Those who focus selfishly on rewards receive nothing extra - Mat 20:10-12
All God gives is right and good – Mat 20:13-16
3.Distinctive service will receive special rewards
Rewards for leading souls to Christ – John 4:36
Rewards for suffering for Christ's sake – Mat 5:11-12
Rewards for supporting God's servants – Mat 10:41
Rewards for helping fellow believers – Mat 10:42, Mark 9:41
Rewards for all faithful service for Christ – John 12:26, Mat 16:27
He will judge everyone's works – all deeds, words, motives, and thoughts
Peter was concerned about his rewards – Mat 19:27
Christ promised them thrones in His Kingdom – Mat 19:28, Luke 22:29-30
Selfless disciples will receive multiplied rewards – Mark 10:29
2.God is right and good in His rewards
He hires laborers for His work on earth - Mat 20:1
He promises some a specific reward – Mat 20:2
He promises others whatever is right – Mat 20:3-7
His rewards will exceed the expectations of many – Mat 20:8-9
Those who focus selfishly on rewards receive nothing extra - Mat 20:10-12
All God gives is right and good – Mat 20:13-16
3.Distinctive service will receive special rewards
Rewards for leading souls to Christ – John 4:36
Rewards for suffering for Christ's sake – Mat 5:11-12
Rewards for supporting God's servants – Mat 10:41
Rewards for helping fellow believers – Mat 10:42, Mark 9:41
Rewards for all faithful service for Christ – John 12:26, Mat 16:27
He will judge everyone's works – all deeds, words, motives, and thoughts
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Disciples Cross
The cross was a instrument of Roman rule. It was the ultimate humiliation and shame.
1.The cost of discipleship
Forsake treasure on earth for treasure in heaven – Mark 10:17-22
Bear your cross daily and follow Christ – Mark 8:34-35 (Mat 10:38)
Die to yourself, as a seed in the ground – John 12:24-25
2.The conditions of discipleship
Allegiance to Christ means leaving your nest – Luke 9:57
Obedience to Christ leaves the dead to the dead – Luke 9:59-60
Dedication to Christ keeps plowing ahead – Luke 9:61-62
3.The conflict in discipleship
Expect opposition from carnal relatives – Luke 12:51-53
Expect the world to hate you – John 15:18-21
Expect persecution in the name of religion – John 16:1-3
Expect attacks from worldly wolves – Mat 10:16-18
4.The commitment in discipleship
The choices involved may hurt – Luke 14:25-26 (Mat 10:37)
The cross to bear may be heavy – Luke 14:27
The cost to build may be high – Luke 14:28-30
The conditions of battle may be harsh – Luke 14:31-33
The constancy required maybe hard – Luke 14:34-35
1.The cost of discipleship
Forsake treasure on earth for treasure in heaven – Mark 10:17-22
Bear your cross daily and follow Christ – Mark 8:34-35 (Mat 10:38)
Die to yourself, as a seed in the ground – John 12:24-25
2.The conditions of discipleship
Allegiance to Christ means leaving your nest – Luke 9:57
Obedience to Christ leaves the dead to the dead – Luke 9:59-60
Dedication to Christ keeps plowing ahead – Luke 9:61-62
3.The conflict in discipleship
Expect opposition from carnal relatives – Luke 12:51-53
Expect the world to hate you – John 15:18-21
Expect persecution in the name of religion – John 16:1-3
Expect attacks from worldly wolves – Mat 10:16-18
4.The commitment in discipleship
The choices involved may hurt – Luke 14:25-26 (Mat 10:37)
The cross to bear may be heavy – Luke 14:27
The cost to build may be high – Luke 14:28-30
The conditions of battle may be harsh – Luke 14:31-33
The constancy required maybe hard – Luke 14:34-35
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Disciple's Commission
At first there was to be little instruction but they were to follow Christ
Twice Christ commissioned the disciples to proclaim the gospel. First was to the Jewish people and then to the whole world.
1.Reproduce Christ in your life and service
Submit as a slave to your master – Mat 10:24
Bond slaves were a piece of property. They were solely for the masters use and for his benefit. He was expected to do as he was told. We are to serve in love, adoration and thanksgiving.
Strive to be like your teacher and Lord – Mat 10:25a
2.Proclaim Christ's message clearly and boldly
Expect and endure spiritual opposition – Mat 10:25b-26
Stay true to His Word and true to your calling – Mat 10:27-28
Trust God to uphold you at all times. - Mat 10:29-31
Identify openly with Christ and His cause – Mat 10:32-33
3.Serve Christ above all, regardless of the cost
Expect the sword of conflict and division. - Mat 10:34-36
Put allegiance to Christ above family ties – Mat 10:37
“Lose your life” for Christ's sake – Mat 10:38-39
4.Support those who trust and serve God
Receive other believers as you would Christ. - Mat 10:40
Encourage and support Gods servants – Mat 10:41
Attend the needs of Christ's little ones – Mat 10:42
5.Heed Christ's commands and follow His example – Mat 11:1
6.Fulfil Christ's Great Commission
Go with Christ's authority, His message, and His presence – Mat 28:18-20
Go to everyone everywhere, giving them the Gospel – Mark 16:15
Go proclaiming salvation through the crucified and risen Christ. - Luke 24:46-48
Go with the same dedication and commitment Christ exhibited – John 20:21
Go as Christ's witnesses, in the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:6-9
Twice Christ commissioned the disciples to proclaim the gospel. First was to the Jewish people and then to the whole world.
1.Reproduce Christ in your life and service
Submit as a slave to your master – Mat 10:24
Bond slaves were a piece of property. They were solely for the masters use and for his benefit. He was expected to do as he was told. We are to serve in love, adoration and thanksgiving.
Strive to be like your teacher and Lord – Mat 10:25a
2.Proclaim Christ's message clearly and boldly
Expect and endure spiritual opposition – Mat 10:25b-26
Stay true to His Word and true to your calling – Mat 10:27-28
Trust God to uphold you at all times. - Mat 10:29-31
Identify openly with Christ and His cause – Mat 10:32-33
3.Serve Christ above all, regardless of the cost
Expect the sword of conflict and division. - Mat 10:34-36
Put allegiance to Christ above family ties – Mat 10:37
“Lose your life” for Christ's sake – Mat 10:38-39
4.Support those who trust and serve God
Receive other believers as you would Christ. - Mat 10:40
Encourage and support Gods servants – Mat 10:41
Attend the needs of Christ's little ones – Mat 10:42
5.Heed Christ's commands and follow His example – Mat 11:1
6.Fulfil Christ's Great Commission
Go with Christ's authority, His message, and His presence – Mat 28:18-20
Go to everyone everywhere, giving them the Gospel – Mark 16:15
Go proclaiming salvation through the crucified and risen Christ. - Luke 24:46-48
Go with the same dedication and commitment Christ exhibited – John 20:21
Go as Christ's witnesses, in the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:6-9
The Disciple's Calling
Disciple – follower, pupil or learner (tradesman apprentice)
Earnest desire to follow, to learn and do His will
Reproducing Christ's life:
character
purposes
principles
way
Mat 28:20
1.The crux of discipleship
A. Be light in a dark world – Mat 5:14-16
notice the word – city
individually in verse 15
B. Be salt in a decaying world -Mat 5:13/Mark 9:50
Preserving and flavouring foods
As the salt of the earth a believers Christ like life and testimony should serve to hinder moral corruption and decay in his surrounding community. (good judges)
It should also enhance the flavour of his own life and of other believers lives as he encourages them in their walk with the Lord.
We must must maintain our distinctive savour or saltiness to be of any value. Note the warning in verse 13/50
Read Col 4:6
2.The challenge of discipleship
A. Be fishers of men for the Saviour – Matt 4:18
Andrew and Peter were followers in John 1:35-42 but now being called to active service
B. Be reapers in God's harvest – John 4:35-38, Mat 9:37-38 & John 15:16
It is the Lords harvest
We are commissioned to bring it in
Now is the time to work
Team work
We are to pray for more labourers
3.The criteria of discipleship
A. Deny yourself and put Christ first in everything – Luke 14:27, 33
B. Live continually in obedience to God's word – John 8:31-32
C. Demonstrate love for all believers – John 13:34-35
D. Bear fruit for God's glory – John 15:5, 8
All of the above are characteristics that are positive actions that must continue. If we do these we shall be His disciples – John 15:8
Warning Luke 14:33
Earnest desire to follow, to learn and do His will
Reproducing Christ's life:
character
purposes
principles
way
Mat 28:20
1.The crux of discipleship
A. Be light in a dark world – Mat 5:14-16
notice the word – city
individually in verse 15
B. Be salt in a decaying world -Mat 5:13/Mark 9:50
Preserving and flavouring foods
As the salt of the earth a believers Christ like life and testimony should serve to hinder moral corruption and decay in his surrounding community. (good judges)
It should also enhance the flavour of his own life and of other believers lives as he encourages them in their walk with the Lord.
We must must maintain our distinctive savour or saltiness to be of any value. Note the warning in verse 13/50
Read Col 4:6
2.The challenge of discipleship
A. Be fishers of men for the Saviour – Matt 4:18
Andrew and Peter were followers in John 1:35-42 but now being called to active service
B. Be reapers in God's harvest – John 4:35-38, Mat 9:37-38 & John 15:16
It is the Lords harvest
We are commissioned to bring it in
Now is the time to work
Team work
We are to pray for more labourers
3.The criteria of discipleship
A. Deny yourself and put Christ first in everything – Luke 14:27, 33
B. Live continually in obedience to God's word – John 8:31-32
C. Demonstrate love for all believers – John 13:34-35
D. Bear fruit for God's glory – John 15:5, 8
All of the above are characteristics that are positive actions that must continue. If we do these we shall be His disciples – John 15:8
Warning Luke 14:33
Monday, August 2, 2010
Good Parenting Lives
A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he'd make a deal: 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car.'
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, you've brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut.
The boy said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair...and there's even strong
evidence that Jesus had long hair.'
Your going to love the Dad's reply:
---- his father replied, 'Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?
His father said he'd make a deal: 'You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car.'
The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, you've brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut.
The boy said, 'You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair...and there's even strong
evidence that Jesus had long hair.'
Your going to love the Dad's reply:
---- his father replied, 'Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Potter - The end product
It was interesting yesterday when I sat and watched a man produce pottery. The first thing he said was when you first put your clay on the table you need to have in your mind what you want to make.
Soo much truth from a few words. We all need a picture of the finished product.
What type of picture do you have for you new project, your job or even for your own life?
So often we just go with the flow and then one day we ask ourselves, how did we get here?
If we know what the ending should look like then we can put a plan in place to get there. At the end of your life what will it look like? Are you heading in the right direction or do you need to reset the sails?
There is soo much in these few words that make me think not only of material things but also of spiritual.
As we go into this week ask "What is the picture?"
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Church and its Witness
1.The present state of the Church
Jer 10:19-21
Acts 7:44
The tabernacle was a witness in the wilderness
Haggai 1:4-11
2. The possible state of the Church
Isa 54:1-6
Enlarge
Lengthen our cords
Strengthen our stakes
we will be a church that will not fear, be ashamedor be confounded
V5 our comfort will be in our Maker, Lord, Redeemer and God
3. The person in the Church
2 Peter 1:1-10
Faith is the stake that holds our testimony to.
We are to do with diligence (With Haste)
The cords that hold our witness
- Virtue - Manliness/Valour, Moral excellence
- Knowledge - To know God, His words, works and will
- Temperence - Self Control - Pro 16:32, James 3:2, Romans 6:12-13
- Patience - Hand in hand with tribulations/afflictions/distress/longsuffering
- Godliness - Like God, Be ye Holy Rom 12:1
- Brotherly Kindness
- Charity 1 Cor 13
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Are you hungry for business?
Let’s go back in time. Is this what we would have been like?
We have all met the hunter in BNI – Sells to the room
How is BNI working for you? Great-Good-OK-Fair-could be better-Terrible
Whatever you think it is. The reason will always be the same. It is as good as you want it to be.
If BNI is not working for you - the reason is YOU
BNI is all about farming. Farming relationships – letting people get to know you. Having a One2One
They say that you will always get your best referral after you have been in BNI for 12 months
You need to build your own credibility – Be at the meetings, engage, participate, attend training, play BNI (wear the badge, carry the wallet, use the signs) and have fun with it.
You need to sow a few seeds – Pass referrals, give testimonials and bring visitors
REMEMBER – You reap what you sow
If there is no fruit on your tree do something about it!
Parable of Fig tree
A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Dig it about – Get a bit of air in/action
Dung it – Training/read a book/ask for help etc
Ditch it – Give up - BNI is not for you
Sunday, March 7, 2010
I want - I want!!
Read Luke 12
What do you want in life?
• Job
• Money
• Car
• Holiday
• Wife or Husband
• Children
Ex 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
What does covet mean? Desire/Hanker after
This is the only commandment that deals only with the inner self.
Look up Romans 7:7, Phil 3:6
Good sense – 1 Cor 12:31
Bad sense – 1 Tim 6:10
What is the opposite of covetousness? Heb 13:5
If you plant a seed called covet, what does it grow like? What is the fruit that is produced? James 1:14-15
How do you know that someone has coveted?
Luke 12:13, 15, 21 (adverts for cheap credit)
Instructions to live by – Luke 12:22-23, 31
We will be rewarded – Luke 12:32-34, Mat 25:14-30 Well Done
We are to be ready – Luke 12:35, 40
We are to be faithful – Luke 12:42-44
Warning to us – Luke 12:47
If we are not looking to self, what should we be doing? 1 Cor 13:4-6 or The Good Samaritan Luke 10:30
What is required in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition,(1) with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor, and all that is his.(2)
1.Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.
(Hebrews 13:5a, KJV).
2.Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:15, KJV).
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. (1Corinthians 13:4-6, KJV).
What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A:The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate,(1) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor,(2) and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.(3)
(1) Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.1Corinthians 10:10
(2)Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26
(3) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5
What do you want in life?
• Job
• Money
• Car
• Holiday
• Wife or Husband
• Children
Ex 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
What does covet mean? Desire/Hanker after
This is the only commandment that deals only with the inner self.
Look up Romans 7:7, Phil 3:6
Good sense – 1 Cor 12:31
Bad sense – 1 Tim 6:10
What is the opposite of covetousness? Heb 13:5
If you plant a seed called covet, what does it grow like? What is the fruit that is produced? James 1:14-15
How do you know that someone has coveted?
Luke 12:13, 15, 21 (adverts for cheap credit)
Instructions to live by – Luke 12:22-23, 31
We will be rewarded – Luke 12:32-34, Mat 25:14-30 Well Done
We are to be ready – Luke 12:35, 40
We are to be faithful – Luke 12:42-44
Warning to us – Luke 12:47
If we are not looking to self, what should we be doing? 1 Cor 13:4-6 or The Good Samaritan Luke 10:30
What is required in the tenth commandment?
The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition,(1) with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbor, and all that is his.(2)
1.Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have.
(Hebrews 13:5a, KJV).
2.Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Romans 12:15, KJV).
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. (1Corinthians 13:4-6, KJV).
What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A:The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate,(1) envying or grieving at the good of our neighbor,(2) and all inordinate motions and affections to any thing that is his.(3)
(1) Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.1Corinthians 10:10
(2)Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26
(3) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Bearing False Witness
Reading Romans 12:9-13:10
Which is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." (Exodus 20:16, KJV).
What is required in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,1 and of our own2 and our neighbor's good name,3 especially in witness-bearing.4
1. (Zechariah 8:16b, KJV).
2. (1Peter 3:16, KJV) (Acts 25:10a, KJV).
3. (3John 1:12a, KJV).
4. (Proverbs 14:5a, KJV).(Proverbs 14:25a, KJV).
What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth,1 or injurious to our own 2 or our neighbour's good name.3
1. (Romans 3:13a, KJV).
2. (Job 27:5, KJV).
3. (Psalms 15:3, KJV).
Review the following passages
Jos 2:1-13
2 Kings 8:7-15
2 Kings 10:18-19, 28, 30
Did the characters in these passages act righteously? Was their deceit acceptable to God? (Question from Jessica)
What about God? What is His character?
Psalms 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
We are to be different! Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
What is a lie? Examples
• Flattery Ps 12:3 (You are so beautiful)
• Exaggerate
• White Lies (They are Harmless? Santa Claus/Tooth Fairy)
• Lies of Convenience (I am not at work/home)
Gossip – How often do we repeat things
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:
We should think before we speak
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
It can also be wrong to be silent
Leviticus 5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
We should remember that we are to please God. It is His approval that we should be seeking.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Which is the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment is, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour." (Exodus 20:16, KJV).
What is required in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,1 and of our own2 and our neighbor's good name,3 especially in witness-bearing.4
1. (Zechariah 8:16b, KJV).
2. (1Peter 3:16, KJV) (Acts 25:10a, KJV).
3. (3John 1:12a, KJV).
4. (Proverbs 14:5a, KJV).(Proverbs 14:25a, KJV).
What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to truth,1 or injurious to our own 2 or our neighbour's good name.3
1. (Romans 3:13a, KJV).
2. (Job 27:5, KJV).
3. (Psalms 15:3, KJV).
Review the following passages
Jos 2:1-13
2 Kings 8:7-15
2 Kings 10:18-19, 28, 30
Did the characters in these passages act righteously? Was their deceit acceptable to God? (Question from Jessica)
What about God? What is His character?
Psalms 31:5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
1 John 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
We are to be different! Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
What is a lie? Examples
• Flattery Ps 12:3 (You are so beautiful)
• Exaggerate
• White Lies (They are Harmless? Santa Claus/Tooth Fairy)
• Lies of Convenience (I am not at work/home)
Gossip – How often do we repeat things
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:
We should think before we speak
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
It can also be wrong to be silent
Leviticus 5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.
We should remember that we are to please God. It is His approval that we should be seeking.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thou shalt not steal – Exodus 20:15
What is the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15).
What is stealing? Stealing is getting a reward without paying the price
What is required in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves(1) and others.(2)
1.Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17)
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (Proverbs 27:23).
2.If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him. (Leviticus 25:35a).
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4).
What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own(1) or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.(2)
1.If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1Timothy 5:8).
2.He that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (Proverbs 28:19b).
Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly. (Job 20:19-20a).
Why do people steal?
What do people steal? Money, things, software, time etc
How do people justify it?
Eph 4:28 – Not to steal – Labour – Give
Titus 2:10 Purloining – Steal/keep back/embezzle, fidelity - faithful
Luke 19:8 (Example of film Flywheel)
What should do if we have stolen something? How should society deal with thieves?
Proverbs 6:30-31
Do we steal from God? Mal 3:6-11 Note tithes and offerings
1 Cor 6:19-20 Are you stealing from God by living an un-surrendered life to Him?
The eighth commandment is, "Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15).
What is stealing? Stealing is getting a reward without paying the price
What is required in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves(1) and others.(2)
1.Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:17)
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. (Proverbs 27:23).
2.If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him. (Leviticus 25:35a).
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4).
What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own(1) or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.(2)
1.If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. (1Timothy 5:8).
2.He that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. (Proverbs 28:19b).
Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly. (Job 20:19-20a).
Why do people steal?
What do people steal? Money, things, software, time etc
How do people justify it?
Eph 4:28 – Not to steal – Labour – Give
Titus 2:10 Purloining – Steal/keep back/embezzle, fidelity - faithful
Luke 19:8 (Example of film Flywheel)
What should do if we have stolen something? How should society deal with thieves?
Proverbs 6:30-31
Do we steal from God? Mal 3:6-11 Note tithes and offerings
1 Cor 6:19-20 Are you stealing from God by living an un-surrendered life to Him?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The New Year
Reading 1 Cor 10:23-33
What are your targets or goals for this year?
• Lose weight
• Exercise more
• Go on an exotic holiday
• Get married
• Get a new house/car etc
• Pass your exams/driving test
We need to be specific
Only about 5% of the population actually takes the time to write down their Goals and Dreams. Maybe that is why so few people actually are living the life that they would like to be living.
How? We need to take small steps.
Q1: What is the chief end of man?
A: Mans chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Psalms 73:25-26 - Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
According to this catechism there is a purpose and reason to the existence of human beings
Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Originally man was a true image of God. He was God centred rather than self centred.
To glorify God is not to make Him glorious. He already is glorious. We are to reflect God’s Glory.
Psalms 19:1 -The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
We are to be like a mirror. We are invited to do this because we want to.
John 17:4 - I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
We are all subject to God.
Romans 9:21-23 - Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Man chief end is to be the whole person. It is just not to glorify Him in worship, witnessing or in general Christian service. It is to be in our whole daily walk.
It is living our life in the honour of God and in His service.
What are your goals for -
• Reading God’s word – Have you a plan?
• Prayer – Have you a place?
• Witnessing
• Attendance at Bible Class/Church/Prayer Meetings
What are your targets or goals for this year?
• Lose weight
• Exercise more
• Go on an exotic holiday
• Get married
• Get a new house/car etc
• Pass your exams/driving test
We need to be specific
Only about 5% of the population actually takes the time to write down their Goals and Dreams. Maybe that is why so few people actually are living the life that they would like to be living.
How? We need to take small steps.
Q1: What is the chief end of man?
A: Mans chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever
Revelation 4:11 - Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Psalms 73:25-26 - Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
According to this catechism there is a purpose and reason to the existence of human beings
Genesis 1:26 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Originally man was a true image of God. He was God centred rather than self centred.
To glorify God is not to make Him glorious. He already is glorious. We are to reflect God’s Glory.
Psalms 19:1 -The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
We are to be like a mirror. We are invited to do this because we want to.
John 17:4 - I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
We are all subject to God.
Romans 9:21-23 - Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Man chief end is to be the whole person. It is just not to glorify Him in worship, witnessing or in general Christian service. It is to be in our whole daily walk.
It is living our life in the honour of God and in His service.
What are your goals for -
• Reading God’s word – Have you a plan?
• Prayer – Have you a place?
• Witnessing
• Attendance at Bible Class/Church/Prayer Meetings
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