The Olive Branch
THE OLIVE BRANCH A Ministry of Reconciliation for Home Bible Study Groups and a Discipleship Teaching Course to Make Disciples of All Peoples in All Nations.
Subject: LESSON 1: THE PRODIGAL
READ LUKE 15:11-32
Probably one of the best known parables of Jesus to mankind (both saved and lost), we can all find ourselves somewhere in this family story of the human condition. Question is, "Where do we find ourselves?" The first recorded question in all of Scripture is one that God the Father asked to His Son and Daughter (Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden), "Where are you?"
After the youngest son acquired his 1/3 portion of his father's wealth, the Word of God says that he wasted/squandered it on riotous living. The Greek wording means to scatter abroad with loose, debauched dissipated living. "When the Israelites are reduced to carob pods, then they repent," is a rabbinic statement that well describes the state in which this young person found himself.
Sin always leads to want, need, hunger and emptiness. How have you wasted the gifts and talents that God has given to you in this Life? Compromise, worthlessness, no self-respect and degradation is the downward spiral of Sin. Have you hit the bottom and come to your "SELF?" "There is no pit so deep that God can not go deeper still!"
After facing reality (The Truth) we can ask ourselves the same question the disciples asked Jesus, "Where else can we go?" To the Father! The one thing we find when we turn ourselves around and head home is that He is there waiting for us with His arms wide open and has been lovingly watching and waiting for us all along, but we have a hard time accepting His Grace, Mercy and Love.
God desires to cloth is in His "Robe of Righteousness," His Ring (which is a sign of Sonship) and to have our feet shod with the Gospel of Truth! We are under a New Covenant! This is not God commanding Moses, "Take off thy shoes for this is Holy Ground." Jesus has come, walked this Earth to pay the price for our sin and restore us to the Father. He has given us all the ministry of reconciliation! Don't be like the man waiting around to be healed, "Rise, take up thy bed and WALK!"
Don't be like the oldest son and be legalistic (quick to judge others). Listen to the angels of Heaven rejoicing every time when just one sinner repents! Open your Spiritual ears and hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church of Jesus Christ, the Messiah! "Come on home to the Father, come on home to the Son, come n home the battle's over, Christ has WON!"
Where are you in this story? Tell us how you got there and where you hope to go.
Pray for one another in your group and others around the World. Don't be afraid to reach out to others with the Love of the Father that has been shed abroad in your Hearts through Jesus and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit!
FOR NEXT WEEK READ: ACTS 26:1-23
LESSON 2: WHO WE WERE AND ARE
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
ps. This is the first in a series of messages to bring Unity to the Body, Equip the Saints and Prepare us to Fulfill the Great Commission, so pass it along to all you know, encourage them to join our group (here's the link for the group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship) and ask them to do the same. Together we will reach the World with the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus!
Subject: LESSON #2: WHO WE WERE & ARE AND OUR CALLING
READ: ACTS 26:1-23
Many a Saint's Life has been laid before us opened and bare throughout the Scriptures and by this lesson I hope to have you stand in the Presence of Our Father's Holy Spirit and have His "Refiners Fire" strip away our sinful, selfish nature and bring forth the Life of Christ Jesus in and through us to the Glory, Praise and Honor of His Holy Name! As we listen to Paul the Apostle's testimony before King Agrippa let us see ourselves in him and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church (and Every Member in it) Today!
Do you come from a special pedigree, class of people or prestigious religious background? Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews (One of God's Chosen People), a Pharisee (the very strictest sect of the Jewish Religion) and was persuaded that it was his duty to defy (just as Goliath defied the Army of the Nation of Israel) the Name of Jesus of Nazareth along with everything and everybody that was associated with it! Thank God that He Is No Respecter of Persons! Take away ALL that you are (or think you are) and step into HIs Glorious Light of Truth! It is dangerous and turns out badly for us to keep kicking against the goads - [that is,] to offer vain and perilous resistance.
Who are You, Lord? Have you asked Him that question? Is He Lord of Your Life and Everything in it? OUCH! Let's face it and humble ourselves before Him, so that He can lift us up. Jesus is Lord of ALL (whether we accept hat fact or not), but it is up to us to submit to HIs Perfect and Acceptable Will for Our Lives, so that we can be used in such a Way as He Used Paul.
God Calls us ALL to be Disciples of His, to arise and stand on our feet; for He Has a Purpose for YOU, He's appointed YOU to serve as [HIS] minister and to bear witness of His Grace, Mercy and Love! You have been Chosen (selected for Him) and are Sent to open the eyes of the blind, that they may turn from darknes to Light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and be purified by Faith in Jesus' Name. Turn to God and do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of your repentance. Our help is in the Lord Jesus Who comes from God (and His Holy Spirit is Called along side to help us in every and ALL circumstances), so that we can testify before small and great alike, asserting nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses declared would come to pass; that the Anointed One would declare and show Light to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles!
Where did you come from, who are you and where are you going in the Lord Jesus? What were you like as a child, teenager, adult? God has given us ALL Gifts and Talents to use for the furthering of the Gospel and building of the Kingdom of God. Everything that you've learned and been through (Good and BAD) He Will Work Together for Your Good and that of others. What's your Calling and Purpose in Life (to Glorify God)? What is preventing you from fulfilling this? We can help each other to press on to this Higher Calling in Christ Jesus! Pray for one another, contact individual members of your group to encourage one another and listen to the Voice of the Spirit. Stick the the Vision of His Glory in Your Lives and be Obedient to that Heavenly Calling!
OTHER SCRIPTURES TO FURTHER THIS STUDY: ACTS 13:32, 33; 22; GALATIONS 1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:5-15; EZEK. 2:1, 3; ISA. 42:7, 16
NEXT WEEK'S LESSON: KOINONIA
READ AND STUDY: ACTS 2:42-47
Subject: LESSON #3: KOINONIA
READ: ACTS 2:42-47
Vs. 42 - "DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLES" TEACHING" - Note they were a people grounded in the word - a people of follow-up, discipleship, and devotion.
"AND TO FELLOWSHIP" - Gr.
"KOINONIA" - meaning sharing, holding in common, wealth, joy, burdens, dangers, needs, - A people who were formerly not united but now joined together in the Lord.
Note - 'KOINONIA" in the Lord is the joining together of people who otherwise would not be together.
Everybody wants to be a part of the New Testament Church, but few (Many shall come to me on that Day and say, "Lord! Lord!") dedicate themselves to the Lord Jesus as those who first believed on Him as Savior of the World! When was the last time you "broke bread" on your own with the Lord (outside of the traditional Church setting)? Have you forsaken the assembling of the brethren? Do you realize that Jesus went to Synagogue on the Sabbath Day whether He got fed or not? Sometimes (I'll dare to say most times) we "Believers" complain about the worship, teaching/preaching, fellowship, prayer (or lack of it) and various other things in regards to our Church services when in fact (like Jesus) We are the Light of the World, the Righteousness of God and Called to be Witnesses in His Name.
The First Century Believers in the Book of Acts (the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the Lives of those who submitted to His Will) freely gave of their possessions. The Greek Tense is Imperfect and Continuous indicating that it wasn't one act but rather a continual giving to meet needs.
"THEIR PROPERTY AND GOODS" - "PROPERTY" - Gr. - "fixed property" (real estate, houses sold) '"GOODS" - Gr.
"personal" or "moveable" belongings.
The Word of God tells us to Give as we have been Given to and Every Good thing we have comes down from God out of Heaven.
Vs. 46 - Notice the New Testament model of public and small home meetings.
"AT HOME" - Gr. - "KAT OIKON" - in their homes or private houses "GLADNESS" - a sign of a believer and of a caring and sharing people. "SINCERITY OF HEART" - singleness, purity, oneness of heart, "simplicity of"
Vs. 47 - "DAY TO DAY" - daily people were being saved "TO THEIR NUMBER" - Gr. "ECCLESIA" ( often translated as "church" - though not the best word for it) - Lit. "THE CALLED OUT ONES" - Called out from the world and INTO the KOINONIA of Salvation in Messiah.
In our E-Fellowship Group, we have at The Simple Church Ministries
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
the purpose and desire to bring Unity to the Body, Equip the Saints and Fulfill the Great Commission! Following the example of the Second Chapter of Acts we can and will complete our mission and Calling that God has Given us! Will you do your part? Pray daily, read the Word and be obedient to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.
FURTHER READING: ROMANS 12:3-16
Vs. 10 - "DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN BROTHERLY LOVE"
- Gr. "PHILOSTORGOS" - Family affection/ love - as that of parents for children - of the same flesh - Paul adds to this familial love - "IN BROTHERLY LOVE"
- Thus a true New Testament community is a close family - loyal, close, warm, and devoted to each other in brotherly love.
Vs. 14 - "BLESS THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU; BLESS AND CURSE NOT."
How does this relate to unforgiveness within the body? How does unforgiveness and gossip relate to "KOINONIA" - what place does it have?
Let us strive together to reach and obtain the Goal that Our Father has set before us in Christ Jesus. Let us Love and Encourage each other in the Lord and walk in the Power of His Holy Spirit as One!
NEXT WEEKS LESSON: THE NAME
READ AND STUDY: ACTS 4:11-12 - GEN. 49:18 - PSALM 98:1-3 - ISAIAH 12:1-3
Subject: LESSON #7: SALVATION
For every one who calls on the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
- Romans 10:13
This is actually our first lesson in (notice I didn't say on) Discipleship. We are All Called of God to Be Disciples! God wishes that None would perish, but that All Would Come to Repentance! This Whole World Is Perishing and We Are Called As Disciples of Christ Jesus To Go Forth In His Name and Save It! But, what exactly are we saving it from? Our own sins, the Judgement of God, guilt, condemnation (there is NO condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus), eternal death (God warned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that if they disobeyed Him they would surely die), eternal separation from God (It is Your Sin that Keeps YOU From God and God From YOU, because He Is Holy!), hell (which was created for the devil and his fallen angels that rebelled against God in Heaven), the power of the enemy, bondage (He Is Or Deliverer), hopelessness (Jesus Is the Hope of the World), spiritual darkness (Messiah said, "I AM The Light Of The World!" and In Him there Is NO darkness), spiritual death (You may have been born of the flesh [the natural birth], but have YOU been Born Again Of The Spirit Of God?)
and emptiness (We All Need The Peace, Shalom Of God which passes All our natural understanding and to Be Filled [continually] with His Holy Spirit).
God so Loved this World (John 3) that He gave Us His Only Begotten Son, Jesus and through His death we have Eiernal Life, In His Judgement We Are Forgiven and By His Resurrection We Have the Blessed Assurance of a New Life and Communion and Fellowship with God and Each Other In The Spirit Of His Love!
All have sinned and fall short f the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus/Yeshua.
- Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates His own love toward us...
- Romans 5:8-10
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua...
- Romans 8:1,2
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8, 9
Come to Me all who are...
- Matthew 11:28-30
Have YOU Come to Jesus? Have YOU Come Home to the Father? Have YOU left the World behind YOU? Are YOU Washed by the Pure Water from Heaven? Are YOU Free to Be All that God Created YOU for?
If YOU answered, "YES!" to the questions then YOU Have SALVATION! Now, YOU Are Called Of God To Bring It To All Nations And Peoples! GO, DO and BE a Disciple!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed."
- John 8:31, NKJV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God....For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. AMEN.
- Ephesians 5:1, 2, 8-10
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT WEEK: RELATIONSHIP
READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7, 8; PSALM 100:3; MATTHEW 6:30-33; JOHN 15:13-15;
PSALM 23; JOHN 10:14, 15; EPHESIANS 5:25-32
The Simple Church Fellowship RECEIVES CHRISTIAN WEB EXCELLENCE AWARD All Glory, Praise and Honor Due to God for Blessing this Web Site. Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY All!
Subject: LESSON #8: GOD AND YOU/ RELATIONSHIP
But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as (one combimed) loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege - the overwhelming preciousnesss, the surpassing worth and supreme advantage - of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted qith Him, of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ, the Anointed One,
And that I may [actually] be found and known as in HIm, not having any (self-achieved) righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands - ritualistic uprightness and [supposed] right standing with God thus acquired - but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the Anointed One, the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by (saving) faith.
- Phillippians 3:7-9
How do you build a relationship with someone? By spending time with them, doing things together, talking and listening to one another, opening up and baring your heart, sharing your life, joys, sorrows, desires and needs, resolving differences, learning of and seeking to know them. Do You "Know" God? God Is Eternal and there is "No End" to Him and He Is All that is Good, Right, Beautiful, Holy, Just, Merciful, Our Hope, Refuge, Rock, Salvation, Help, Light, Joy, He's Full of Lovingkindness and in fact God Is Love!
Know - perceive, recognize and understand with approval - that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His People and the sheep of His pasture. [Eph.2:10.]
- Psalm 100:3
God is the Source and reason for your Life! We Are His Workmanship Created For Good Works In Christ Jesus, Messiah, the Anointed One.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you men with little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek after all these things; and you heavenly Father well knows that you need them all.
But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom, and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
- Matthew 6:30-33
The Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide You Into All Truth and Righteousness! My God Shall Provide All of Your Needs According to His Riches In Glory! Our Father In Who Art In Heaven Loves YOU and Will Protect, Carry, Nurture, Correct and Watch Over YOU. He caused you to be born and will grow you into the Image of His Son, Jesus! We Are His Children and should Look Up to Him with Respect and Trust, Cast Our Cares On Him, Be Intimate With Him, Listen To and Follow Him, Love and Honor Him, Bring Him Your Needs, Desires and Rest In Him.
Jesus Is Our Friend (John 15:13-15), Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10:14, 15), Beloved and Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32). We Are the Bride of Christ, His Lover, Sheep and Friend. He has paid HIs marraige price and purchased us as His Bride. He has gone to prepare a Place for Us to spend Eternity Together! Jesus has given Himself Completely to Us, Paid Our Debts, Given Us His Name, Is AlWays Faithful to Us and Will Never Leave or Forsake Us! As His Bride We Belong to Him, Share His Heart, Life, Stand With Him In All Things, Devote Ourselves to Him and Are One In His Covenant of Faith!
Have a Beautiful Relationship!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
READ: ISAIAH 40:8; PSALM 119:9-11, 105; COLOSSIANS 3:16; LUKE 8:5-10; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13; 1 PETER 2:1, 2
LESSON #9: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
The Grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [James 1:10, 11; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25.]
- Isaiah 40:8
FOOTNOTE: The apostle Peter quotes this verse and the adds, "and this
word is the good news [the Gospel] which was preached to you" - whih confirms as fact that Isaiah is here referring to the times of Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
When I first went full time into the Ministry (I spent many years "full time" in Ministry, but it wasn't until I was ordained that I actually got paid for it which could lead me to the topic, "The Workman Is Worth His Wages," but we'll save that for another time :-) I said to my dear brother in the Lord Jesus, Ed Mathews (who also has a Web Site you can find on The Simple Church Fellowship titled, "Ed Simcha's Parasha Corner") that I now had the greatest job in the World and the benefits were Eternal!
Although the Word of God was written by a variety of people in different circumstances and places in the World it is completely consistent from start to finish. Made up of 66 distinct books God's Word is Powerful, Authoritative, Unique and 100% accurate in fortelling future events. The Bible and the Word of God will stand Forever!
Filled with History, Poetry, Prophecy, the Torah, Prophets, Gospels, Acts of the Holy Spirit, Epistles of Paul and others the Word of God is God's account (Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz has a wonderful book, "God's Story" and I recommend all of her writings to you.) -
God's underlying theme - God's coming salvation or as another author writes, God's Unfolding Drama of Redemption.
Let the word [spoken by] the Christ, the Messiah, have it's home (in your hearts and minds) and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and sing] psalms and hyms and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
- Colossians 3:16
One could Never stress enough the Importance of the Word of God in the Believer's Life. When you read the Scriptures do you Receive the Word into your heart and mind? Study the Word, Meditate Upon the Scriptures, Let God's Wisdom Sink In, Memorize verses, Apply them to your Life and Put the Word of God Into Practice.
And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men but as what it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe - exercising its [superhuman] power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
I (along with countless others in the Simple Church Fellowship Group Members, too numerous to name) Sow the Seed of God's Word (Read Luke 8:5-15), Encourage All of You to Act Upon It and Discuss the Important Principles of It (Read Matthew 7:24-27)!
As much as this and other Ministries need prayer intercessors we also need each and every one of you interacting with each other, because as iron sharpens iron, so one man (woman or child) sharpens another. Strong Biblical Doctrine, Interpretation and Truth are going forth among us,being spread throughout the World and God is bringing the increase (not only in numbers, but in the Abundance of Spiritual Fruit being brought forth through our Hearts and Lives In Jesus!)
God's Word Is Spirit and Life!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT STUDY: TOUGH TIMES AND ADVERSITY
READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:28, 35-39, 5:3-5; 1 PETER 1:6, 7, 4:12-14;
HEBREWS 12:5-13; MATTHEW 5:1-12; EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Join our Simple Church Fellowship Ministry Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY!
Subject: LESSON #10: TOUGH TIMES & ADVERSITY
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribuation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer - take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted - for I have overcome the world. - I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you].
- John 16:33
Having a bad day? A bad life? I've alWays said, "Living is hard, but Life is Good!"
(Well, not alWays, but since I've become a Believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.) The fact of the matter is that nobody said it was going to be easy.
Jackson Browne sang, "Nobody owes you Nothing!" Remember, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."? Jesus Is the Way, Truth and Life! God Is Good (All the Time!) and Jesus Is God, so Life Is Good!
Trials, hard times and adversity don't necessarilly mean that the enemy is behind it, you're guilty, something is wrong, God is punishing you, you're not spiritual enough, you don't have enough faith, God isn't Faithful (Many of you have heard me say countless times [and you'll hear it said more and more] that "God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!")
or God isn't close to you. He Is as close to you as your next breath or heart beat!
Jesus was once asked by the Disciples, "Who sinned? This Man or his parents?"
He responed, "No one, but this happened, so that the Son of Man may be Glorified!"
The man had a disability and Jesus healed him.
All one needs to do is read Romans 8:35-39 to find out what can separate us as Believers from the Love of God.
NOTHING! It is sin that separates us from God, but if we repent and confess our sin He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive and Restore Us To A Right Relationship With Him In Christ Jesus Through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit Working In and Through Us! Adversity comes from being Righteous and fighting evil, but unfortunately many of us "Believers" experience adversity from fighting God and His Perfect Will for Our Lives. Trust me! FATHER KNOWS BEST!
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His} design and purpose.
- Romans 8:28
Whatever trials we go through are to make our Faith more precious than gold.
Some of you may have read "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People" and all one need do is read the Psalms to see how David got upset over the fact that good things happen to bad people too.
Every One goes through tribulation, but it's how we react to it that melts and molds us into who we really are. Hard times can bring change, purifying, prayer, perserverance, patience, character, humility and more. God promises to work All Things (bad and good) Together for Our Good :-)
To Overcome this World we live in isn't easy, but In Jesus We Have the Victory!
We Must Rest the devil for him to flee from us, Lean on God and His Word, not on your own understanding and Seek to Find what God may be saying to you in the midst of the storms. He has promised to bring you THROUGH! Be honest with God, persevere, stand on His Word, walk by Faith and Not by Sight. Love and Praise God In All Things (even as a sacrifice), but notice the Word doesn't say, For All Things.
Remain Positive: All God's Promises Are Yes and Amen In Jesus! Circumstances Change, but God Stays the Same! Dry times will come (those so called desert experiences), but The Good Shepherd will lead you beside still waters. Death and tragedy are a reality nobody escapes, but cast your burdens on the Lord for He Cares For YOU! He'll wipe aWay Every Tear from Your Eyes.
Persecution and Rejection are still a constant in this World we live in, but God is still on the Throne and Prayer changes things! He may answer yes, no or wait, but He AlWays answers.
"When you get out, tell the world what we learned here, that there is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus is not deeper still."
- Betsie Ten Boon
Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie Ten Boon brought the words of her sister (who died in the camp) to the world. Her family were Dutch Believers taken to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jewish refugees.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith and take a stand for Jesus! We have an enemy - don't dwell on it, but realize that there will be opposition from people, the flesh and spiritual forces. We Have An Eternal Life Time Guarantee: VICTORY!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
READ: COLOSSIANS 2:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1, 2; 3:11; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3,
4; GALATIANS 1:6-9; 2 PETER 1:19-21; 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; ACTS 17:10-12; EPHESIANS 4:14, 15
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All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #11: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Messiah. As you therefore have received Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, the Lord, so walk in HIm, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in HIm and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Messiah.
- Colossians 2:5-8
Facts change, but the Truth remains constant!
We will All be judged by every idle (or "idol") Word spoken or written and for teachers and preachers this is something to strongly consider before God when you are expounding your interpretations and/or doctrines to men. Most of you have heard the saying, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!" and I only wish that most Believers would take God at His Word, because it is obvious to me that now more than ever the wheat and the tares are growing together. False teaching along with the interpretations and doctrines of men are overtaking the Church, but the Light of God's Word will chase aWay the darkness!
AS for myself, brethren, when I came to you [I] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony or evidence or mystery or secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy or wisdom;
For I resolved to know nothing - to be acquainted with [nothing], to make a display of the knowledge of [nothing], and to be conscious of [nothing] - among you except Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2
Knowing Jesus, God as Our Father and His Holy Spirit in and through our lives is priority #1 and Everything Else is secondary! Paul not only expresses his heart's desire here (God's heart and desire as well), but also proclaimed, "That I may Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection!" Is that your heart's cry Today? It Should be Each and Every Day of Your Life In Christ Jesus. We Must focus our attentions on the Majors and Not the Minors of our faith. To Know (experientially) nothing... except Jesus/Yeshua.. & Him crucified In and Through Our Lives Daily as a Witness to the World should be Our Goal!
For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
1) The Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation are the divinely inspired Words of God and the final authority in faith and life.
2) There Is One God, Transcendent, Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Personal and Infinite.
3) Jesus/Yeshua Is The Messiah, the Son of God and Our Salvation.
4) The Holy Spirit dwells in and through the hearts of All True Believers.
5) Mankind is created by God in His Image, has a free will, is sinful and Must Be Saved, but cannot save himself.
6) There Is Just One Way to be reconciled to the Father and Jesus Is Our Only Hope, answer and peace.
7) Salvation Is A Free Gift extended to All who accept, believe and receive Jesus/Yeshua as Lord and Savior of their lives.
8) Salvation Brings A New Birth, heart, cleansing, renewing, freedom, dwelling of God's Spirit, power, new Life, Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness and Righteousness.
9) Those Who Receive Salvation are born again of the Spirit of God, children of God and bound In Unity and Fellowship In The Spirit.
10) The Messiah Will Return to rule and reign on the Earth and bring Peace, physically, literally and historically.
11) The Dead Will Be Resurrected and we must All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of God.
12) Those Not Saved by faith in Christ Jesus will be separated from God and sent to everlasting punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his fallen angels.
Love is the Ultimate Proof of Faith In Christ Jesus, should be what we are looking for in others and what we are looking to give to others. There is no such thing as a perfect Church, Congregation or Fellowship Group, but In God's Eyes We Are Perfect In Christ Jesus.
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Messiah.
- Ephesians 4:14, 15
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION AND SIN
READ: 1 JOHN 1; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11, 10:12-14; JOHN 4:4, 5:4, 5, 6:37;
HEBREWS 10:19-23, 12:1, 2; JAMES 4:7; 2 TIMOTHY 2:21, 22; GALATIANS 5:1, 16-25; PHIL. 4; EPHESIANS 6:10-17
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #12: TEMPTATION, SIN & OVERCOMING
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt - keeps us cleansed from sin and all its forms and manifestations.
If we say we have no sin - refusing to admit that we are sinners - we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us - does not dwell in our hearts. If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness - everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, though and action.
- 1 John 7-9
When I get to Heaven (and I Know I'm Going There!) I'm going to confront Paul on his statement that he was the chiefest of sinners.
Sin is missing the mark, anything that goes against God, His Word, Spirit, numbs our heart or takes us aWay from God and whatever we can't do with a pure conscience, we must bring before the Lord and deal with it.
Shall we All compare notes? Let's face it we All have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory, but as a New Creation In Christ Jesus we are Called to Victory In His Holy Name! He has given us All a New Heart and Nature, so through wisdom, common sense, Love, forgiveness, the Blessed Assurance That Jesus Is "MINE," perseverance, Faith and the Working of His Spirit In and Through Our Lives We Can Overcome and We Shall! Old sins, attitudes, actions and habits have to be done aWay with. Every One of Us is tempted, but God has given us All the Power and Ability to make the right Choices. Not praying, wanting to change for the better, Believing God and taking Him at His Word, accepting His Forgiveness or focusing only on outward actions, hopelessness and despair, self contempt and dwelling in guilt, compromise, looking to past failures rather than the Lord, dwelling on sin and confidence in your own strength only slow down and hinder our overcoming of sin.
Therefore let any one who thinks he (or she) stands - who feels sure that he (or she) has a steadfast mind and is standing firm - take heed lest he (or she) fall [into sin].
For no temptation - no trial regarded as enticing to sin [no matter how it comes or where it leads] - has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man - that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear.
But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out - the means of escape to a landing place - that you may be capable and strong and powerful patiently to bear up under it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13
Give it to God, Believe Him and His Word for the Victory In Jesus, make up your own mind to turn (repent) from that sin, STOP in your tracks when you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart, avoid the situations and circumstances that find you in the wrong places, resist the thought (Not by telling yourself that you're not going to think of it, but by renewing your mind with the washing of God's Holy Word!), think of the long term consequences (Hey, we All Know that sin is pleasurable for a season, so think of the long term pain, conflict and how you'll feel afterwards.), Rejoice In the Lord (think of the Joy, God Fruit, Abiding In Him, Victory, Peace and soundness of not giving in), Do the Do's of the Bible and you won't have to worry about the don't's, Look for the Way out (Jesus Is the Way, so What Would He Do?), and AlWays Remember that Sin is not Master over you, God Is, so don't buy the lie!
Say, "NO!" If God has set you free then You Are Truly Free Indeed!
The Word of God says, "Resist the devil and he MUST Flee From YOU!" God is the Master Surgeon and some times we need several operations to get some of those ingrained things completely removed from our Lives. Be not discouraged, Jesus Is Our Hope and God Forgives You, so You MUST Forgive Yourself.
Sometimes even after a long stretch of overcoming we get hit from behind, so don't panic! Let the Lord cleanse your conscience and heart, don't look at how long a Way you may still have to go, but at How Far You've Come In the Lord Jesus and His Promises to Bring You Through To Completion In Him!
Should you slip, stumble or fall along the Way get up immediately, dust yourself off and move forward by putting something of the Word of God into Action.
Remember You Are NOT Alone! We Are In This Together to Encourage and Uplift One Another NOT to criticize and tear down. God is Never Surprised (disappointed maybe, but Never Surprised) at our sin and there is NO SIN That the Precious Blood of Jesus can not cleanse us from if we bring it before His Throne of Grace and Mercy.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith (nobody said it was going to be easy, but it will Surely be Worth It ALL) and seek to be All that God has Called and Created You To Be In Jesus, because We Have The Guaranteed Victory In His Holy Name!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: GROWTH AND CHANGE AS A WAY OF LIFE
READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-7; COLOSSIANS 3:1-10; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17, 3:18;
ACTS 3:19; MARK 10:28-30, 1:40-42; MATTHEW 16:24-26; GALATIANS 2:20; ROMANS 12:1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-15
Copyright 2002-2012
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Subject: LESSON #13: GROWTH & CHANGE (AS A WAY OF LIFE)
AND you [He made alive], when you were dead [slain] by [your] trespasses and sins.
In which at one time you walked habitually. You were following the course and fashion of this world - were under the sway of the tendency of this present age - following the prince of the power of the air. (You were obedient to him and were under his control,) the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience - the careless, the rebellious and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God. Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of the flesh - our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature; obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind - our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
But God! So rich is He in His mercy!
Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead [slain] by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ. - He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him. [For] it is by grace - by His favor and mercy which you did not deserve - that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together - giving us joint seating with Him - in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2: 1-7
Even Taco Bell in their previous adds exclaimed, "Change Is Good!" Although I think we can All agree that change (especially for the better) is not alWays easy. The moment we accept Christ Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives we are changed into New Creations in Him, we are Born Again and become Children of God, but some changes are hard. We are Called of God to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! Some changes happen over night, some take years and others take a lifetime, but as Believers we are to press on and to constantly be moving onward and upwards In Him! In Him, you don't change from being the real you, but become the "real" you that God created you to "Be" in the first place.
In Colossians 3:1-10 Paul exhorts us to lay aside the old self and put on the New In the Lord Jesus Christ! Rather than boastfulness, insecurity, cheating, lying, dishonesty, manipulation and other old lifestyle traits God wants to build in us His characteristics of humility, integrity, hope, faithfulness, joy, compassion, so much more and above All Love. Your manhood / womanhood, culture, skills, talents, abilities, interests, temperament and personality God redeems and keeps for His Purposes. He changes our actions, habits, outlooks, attitudes (what attitudes you ask?), emotions by giving us His Holy Spirit In Our Lives and a New Heart :-)
What helps you grow? The Word of God is #1! His Word Is Spirit and Life! Believe God, the truths of His Good News, His Promises that are All Yes and Amen In Jesus, overcome fear with Faith (it Is the "Substance" of things hoped for and the "Evidence" of things unseen) and avoid becoming stagnant, discouraged, comfortable or complacent in your Christian walk. Prayer, communion and fellowship are paramount for a successful Christian Life!
Have you lost your old life? (see Matthew 16:24-26) Are you dead to the World and alive unto Him? (see Galatians 2:20) We All come to Jesus less than whole - with conflict, problems, incompleteness, baggage, hang ups and hurt, but like the leper in Mark 1:40-42 He Will Make You Whole. He Will Give You Shalom, His Peace, Fulness, Wholeness, Nothing Missing and Nothing Broken In Your Life as long as you bring it All to Him and let Him touch and heal You.
We are All on this Spiritual Journey Together In Him going from loneliness to fellowship, restlessness to peace, empty pleasures to joy, temporal things to eternal, emptiness to fulfillment, vanity to Truth and selfishness to Love, but none of us have totally arrived yet, so let's be patient with each other and encourage one another daily unto Good Works in Christ Jesus.
Offer yourselves up to God, renew your mind, lay hold Jesus, forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead! Look unto Jesus Who Is the Author and Finisher (He Who has begun a Good Work In You shall Complete It) of Our Faith! He Will Grow and Change You as You Walk In His Way and Life.
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
READ: 1 PETER 3:14, 15; DEUTERONOMY 4:32-35; JEREMIAH 29:11, 31:35, 36;
PHILIPPIANS 2:9, 10, 3:12-14; 1 JOHN 1:1-3; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-30, 13, 15:19; ISAIAH 53; MICAH 5:2; DANIEL 9:25; ROMANS 1:18, 12:4-8; ACTS 17:21-30; 2 PETER 1:15-21; JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28, 25:32-46
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #14: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed - happy, to be envied. Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to any one who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]
- 1 Peter 3:14, 15
Living in the United States of America where freedom reigns (or at least it's supposed to) we don't experience persecution for our Faith In Jesus as many of our other Brothers and Sisters around the World do. In India a Christian is considered the lowest of the low, but God sent His Son into the World to save sinners and the angels of Heaven visited the shepherds in the fields that night to proclaim the Good News that the Savior was born (even at the time of Joseph in Egypt shepherds were considered the scum of the Earth). A friend of mine was ministering in India with Dr. P.P. Job (known as the Billy Graham of India) whose son was murdered, because he was a Christian and they wanted to stop the Gospel from being preached to the people there. At worst we have to deal this time of year with the ACLU trying to remove "religious" symbols from government properties in the name of "separation of Church and State." God Is Still On the Throne and Prayer Changes Things! Not only are we as Christians called to Believe by Faith (without Faith it is impossible to please God), but we are to be ready in season and out to give a presentation and a reason of what and why we believe - thus "apologetics" - meaning APOLOGIA in Greek when translated "defense." The "Hope" that is within you is Christ Jesus the Hope of Glory!
No other person ever in human history has been credible and at the same time spoken in such a way as to say, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Each of us as Believers has a story to tell to the World around us in which we live, move and have our being. The Gospel gives us and the World the power to be born again, a clean slate, Peace with God, freedom from guilt, cleansing, healing, forgiveness, Love overcoming judgement and sin, Life from death, new Life and so much more!
Therefore [because He stooped so low], God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And ever tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11
God has revealed Himself to mortal man in the Person of Jesus Who Is the Christ, Messiah, Anointed One! He Is the "Most" Influential "Person" Who ever lived, the most life changing, resisted, powerful, central, crucial, beloved, perpetually relevant, universal, revolutionary, fulfilling, truthful, comforting, healing, gentle, holy, wise, loving and exalted One! Every single human being who ever lived on the face of this planet will some Day meet Him face to face and have to give an account and that is why we "Must" bring the Good News of Jesus and the Love of God to All Nations and Peoples!
Like Paul the Apostle on Mars Hill in Acts 17:21-30 we are faced with people in this World that sacrifice their lives daily to the "unknown god" and it is our duty to proclaim the Living God Who Created Them and the Universe They Live In, so that they can come to know Salvation In Jesus' Mighty name! Prophecy (fulfilled and yet to come), history, your own personal and unique Christian testimony (there will only ever be just one YOU and God has placed YOU here and now for such a time as this) can all help us as Believers to "reason together" with others who believe in evolution, paganism, Eastern Sects & Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Materialism, Communism, New Age, Occultism, Mysticism, "Self-Assertion," Freudian Psychiatry and the like (or in this case our dis-likes :-)
As we watch and wait in obedience to the Master's command let us be diligent and ready to give an account to All He would bring our Way. God says, "This Is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am Well Pleased, Listen To Him!" No Prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for No Prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit Spoken From God. My Prayer Is that Each and Every Member In the Body of Christ Jesus would allow God's Holy Spirit to move upon them Today and Every Day Until Jesus Returns!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: MINISTRY & CALLING
READ: JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; 1 CORINTHIANS
12:1-30, 13; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28; JEREMIAH 29:11; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
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Subject: LESSON #15: MINISTRY & CALLING
Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.
- John 20:21
God Is Calling the World Unto Himself!
Why?
Because He Loves His Creation. He wishes that "none" would perish, but that All would come to repentance and Eternal Life In Jesus' Name! Not Only does He Call Us to be Saved, but He has a "special" Calling for each of our lives.
God has given us All the Ministry of Reconciliation! Just as the Father sent His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Into the World, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Anointed One is sending you out to All Nations and Peoples with the Good News of Salvation In His Holy and Precious Name.
We are All Called to Love! Some of us are Called to teach, preach, heal, evangelize, encourage, help, administer, counsel, support, share His Wisdom and the list goes on and on.
Read, study and apply Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-30 to find out in your own personal life and understand that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Are For Today! God has Created us All with Natural Gifts (abilities, talents, gifts, dispositions, natures, resources, personalities, etc.) and as Believers He Bestows On Us Supernatural Gifts: The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps and Administrations. We as the Body of Christ Jesus and His Representatives Here On Earth "MUST" allow each and every individual part of said "Body" to fully function here and now in order for us to Be His Witnesses and Fulfill the Great Commission! Look Around You to see the needs, Inside You for what kind of vessel God made You to Be and what God placed inside You and Look for open doors! Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. God promises to take you through the flood. Try it you'll like it!
There is NOTHING more fulfilling than to
be ready, willing and able to serve God, each other and the World. This Is Your Calling and Ministry!
Washing one another's feet and being the greatest starts and finishes with service!
Ministry is a Sacrifice, but those who lose their lives will find the Abundant Life In Jesus. Do you have a "Servant's Heart?" Humble your "self" in the sight of the Lord and He Will Lift You Up! What we do should be done "For God" and "From God." Don't look for the approval of man, but Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of Our Faith and be obedient to His Call! We can only "Give" what we have "Received" From Him. Be filled with His Word and Spirit and you can go forth In the Power of His Holy Name! Love from the Love of God that Is Shed Abroad In Your Heart. Let those Streams of Living Water Flow!
Matthew 25:32-46 tells us about the sheep and the goats. Apparently both Groups were under the care of the Shepherd. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and by Faith In Him we become Born-Again and Have Eternal Life In His Name, but things don't end there. That's just the beginning! We Need to Grow In the Grace and Knowledge of Him and Daily Walk In His Will and Way! Jesus (The Way) was and "IS" A Doer! God Calls Us to Good Works In Jesus that were created for us to "DO" before the foundations of the World were laid.
Works of Compassion - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter, reaching out to those in need, those cast out, etc.
God has a "Plan" (and it's a perfect one) for YOU and we Are One In His Body. My father always says, "There are two kinds of people in the World, Leaders and followers. Be A Leader!" I'm "big" on honoring your father and mother In the Lord and you've All heard me say, "Father Knows Best," but a True Leader "IS" a Follower of Jesus, "IS" led By the Holy Spirit of God Working In and Through their Life and will lead and guide others in the Will and Way of Our Heavenly Father. My prayer is that All of your Spiritual Eyes will be open and enlightened to know the Hope of His Calling on your Life and that you would fulfill that Calling In and Through this Ministry. None of us have arrived and we need each other to help forget what lies behind, reach forward to what's ahead and press on together toward the goal for the prize of the upward Call of God In Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua!
Jesus commands us to spread the Word, make Disciples of All Nations and Peoples, to Be Lights to the World, sow seed, bear fruit and Lasting Fruit for His Kingdom In Season and Out and to reap the Harvest for it is Ripe and Ready! Our Salvation is NOT Ever to be kept to ourselves and no matter who you are or where you live God has Called YOU to a Life of Ministry In the Name of Jesus!
YOU Have a unique roll and Purpose In God to be a fisher of men, a special messenger of the Good News, an Ambassador for Christ Jesus, an example to others and a Witness of the Love of God to the World!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE GREAT COMMISSION
READ: MATTHEW 28:18-20, 4:18-22, 5:13-16, 10:32, 33, 9:36-38; ROMANS.
1:16; 2 KINGS 7:3-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-6:2; ACTS 17:19-31, 1:7, 8; JOHN 4:35, 36
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All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #16: THE GREAT COMMISSION!
And Jesus/Yeshua came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
- Matt. 28:18-20
Our Salvation is only as "good" as when we give it aWay! We cannot and surely "Must Not" keep the Gospel message to ourselves, but spread the Word, share Salvation In Jesus' Name and make disciples of All Nations and Peoples.
Discpleship is only complete when we disciple others. We're All Called of God to have Spiritual Children, we're born of God and then give "spiritual birth" to others, we receive then give and our New Life In Christ Jesus should become a Love Chain from person to person, spreading the Good News of God's Love for the World and Each Other. Jesus told us Not to hide our Light under a bushel, but to let It Shine Ever Brighter Until the Full Light of Day!
Confess Him before men and He Will Confess YOU before the Father and All of the Angels in Heaven! Paul the Apostle proclaimed in the Book of Romans 1:16, "I AM Not ashamed of the Gospel, for It Is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone who Believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile!" Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By The Word of God! It Is the Word of God that opens our ears to hear, eyes to see, minds to understand and comprehend, heart to receive, our nostrils to breathe in the Breath of Life, tongues to taste that the Lord Is Good and Praise Him for His Loving-Kindness and the very spirit of man to be touched and come to Eternal Life and Everlasting Love In Jesus. He came to His Own, but they "knew" Him Not and when Jesus ascended up to Heaven He poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh to give US the Power and Anointing to break the yolk of bondage and sin, so that All could come to repentance (key emphasis on ALL).
In the Book of 2 Kings 7:3-9 you'll read an account of the Lepers. We are all sinners saved by the Grace of God (this is what the Lepers represent) and we can "Not" keep the Good News, Hope, Answer and Way to Our "SELF!"
The question is, How can we reach out to a World of people (each and every individual one) that is hurting and perishing without Jesus? We Are God's Chosen People to take the Light to the Nations. Streams of "Living Water" are to be flowing out of us to be a witness to others of God's Love and His Word. As God's Hands and Voice we have to reach out and encourage others In the Lord Jesus to become All that He has Created Us For and Called US to Be! Every Believer (anyone who calls them self a "Christian") should be determined in their heart to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service In the Kingdom of God and Fulfill the Great Commssion! This Is what "Being" a Christian Is All About (REALITY CHECK)!
There are countless different Ways and methods of E-Vangelism. We are surely living in the Last Days (If Paul said, he was then we have to be) and the internet is by far the most powerful tool available to the "Church" (that's you and me) Today! You can't beat person to person, one on one Evangelism, but preaching, teaching, small Groups, tracts, support Groups, books, magazines, cd's, cassettes, concerts, tv, radio, newsprint, mail, door to door, street ministry and so many other Ways are available for YOU to get The Word out to All Nations and Peoples. Pray, Love, show true compassion and concern for others, share the Lord in Action more than word, but most of all listen to the Voice of God's Holy Spirit and be obedient to His leading. Don't be afraid, insensitive, frustrated and get side-tracked or talk "at" someone, but "to" them by relating to them, theirs needs and concerns.
Invite people to come to Jesus, He did and His Holy Spirit Lives and Moves and Has His Being In YOU too. Be who YOU Are In Christ Jesus and Never Ever try to be someone else. Jesus heals and comforts, brings greater Love than any human could, gives the abundant Life not emptiness or vanity.
Each and Every One of Us Has a Purpose from God for our lives. We live in a "fallen" World, All Need God and are separated from HIm without a personal relationship with Jesus and He Is Our Only Hope!
Salvation Is Completely and Totally FREE but Jesus Gave His Life for US to Have It.
He who has the Son Has Life and he who does Not have the Son does Not Have Life! Jesus gave His All and we should too. He has Called US All to start where we live and then Go to the Uttermost Parts of the World! Today Is the Day of Salvation! Let US Not say, "There are yet four months and then comes the harvest?" Let US Have Compassion on the multitudes in the Valley of Decision and do whatever it takes to help them make the Right One! He has Given US His Word, His Name and His Life, so that Each of US can go forth and accomplish His Will and Way. Let US Not let HIm down.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE ABUNDANT LIFE
READ: JOHN 10:10, 15, 7:37-39; GALATIANS 5; PHILIPPIANS 4, 3:7-14; 2
CORINTHIANS 9:6; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; 1 JOHN 4:7-11; MATTHEW 6:14, 15; EPHESIANS 1:18, 19, 3:14-21, 5:18-21
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #7: SALVATION
For every one who calls on the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
- Romans 10:13
This is actually our first lesson in (notice I didn't say on) Discipleship. We are All Called of God to Be Disciples! God wishes that None would perish, but that All Would Come to Repentance! This Whole World Is Perishing and We Are Called As Disciples of Christ Jesus To Go Forth In His Name and Save It! But, what exactly are we saving it from? Our own sins, the Judgement of God, guilt, condemnation (there is NO condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus), eternal death (God warned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that if they disobeyed Him they would surely die), eternal separation from God (It is Your Sin that Keeps YOU From God and God From YOU, because He Is Holy!), hell (which was created for the devil and his fallen angels that rebelled against God in Heaven), the power of the enemy, bondage (He Is Or Deliverer), hopelessness (Jesus Is the Hope of the World), spiritual darkness (Messiah said, "I AM The Light Of The World!" and In Him there Is NO darkness), spiritual death (You may have been born of the flesh [the natural birth], but have YOU been Born Again Of The Spirit Of God?)
and emptiness (We All Need The Peace, Shalom Of God which passes All our natural understanding and to Be Filled [continually] with His Holy Spirit).
God so Loved this World (John 3) that He gave Us His Only Begotten Son, Jesus and through His death we have Eiernal Life, In His Judgement We Are Forgiven and By His Resurrection We Have the Blessed Assurance of a New Life and Communion and Fellowship with God and Each Other In The Spirit Of His Love!
All have sinned and fall short f the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus/Yeshua.
- Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates His own love toward us...
- Romans 5:8-10
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua...
- Romans 8:1,2
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8, 9
Come to Me all who are...
- Matthew 11:28-30
Have YOU Come to Jesus? Have YOU Come Home to the Father? Have YOU left the World behind YOU? Are YOU Washed by the Pure Water from Heaven? Are YOU Free to Be All that God Created YOU for?
If YOU answered, "YES!" to the questions then YOU Have SALVATION! Now, YOU Are Called Of God To Bring It To All Nations And Peoples! GO, DO and BE a Disciple!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed."
- John 8:31, NKJV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God....For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. AMEN.
- Ephesians 5:1, 2, 8-10
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT WEEK: RELATIONSHIP
READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7, 8; PSALM 100:3; MATTHEW 6:30-33; JOHN 15:13-15;
PSALM 23; JOHN 10:14, 15; EPHESIANS 5:25-32
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GBY All!
Subject: LESSON #8: GOD AND YOU/ RELATIONSHIP
But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as (one combimed) loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege - the overwhelming preciousnesss, the surpassing worth and supreme advantage - of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted qith Him, of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ, the Anointed One,
And that I may [actually] be found and known as in HIm, not having any (self-achieved) righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands - ritualistic uprightness and [supposed] right standing with God thus acquired - but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the Anointed One, the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by (saving) faith.
- Phillippians 3:7-9
How do you build a relationship with someone? By spending time with them, doing things together, talking and listening to one another, opening up and baring your heart, sharing your life, joys, sorrows, desires and needs, resolving differences, learning of and seeking to know them. Do You "Know" God? God Is Eternal and there is "No End" to Him and He Is All that is Good, Right, Beautiful, Holy, Just, Merciful, Our Hope, Refuge, Rock, Salvation, Help, Light, Joy, He's Full of Lovingkindness and in fact God Is Love!
Know - perceive, recognize and understand with approval - that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His People and the sheep of His pasture. [Eph.2:10.]
- Psalm 100:3
God is the Source and reason for your Life! We Are His Workmanship Created For Good Works In Christ Jesus, Messiah, the Anointed One.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you men with little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek after all these things; and you heavenly Father well knows that you need them all.
But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom, and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
- Matthew 6:30-33
The Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide You Into All Truth and Righteousness! My God Shall Provide All of Your Needs According to His Riches In Glory! Our Father In Who Art In Heaven Loves YOU and Will Protect, Carry, Nurture, Correct and Watch Over YOU. He caused you to be born and will grow you into the Image of His Son, Jesus! We Are His Children and should Look Up to Him with Respect and Trust, Cast Our Cares On Him, Be Intimate With Him, Listen To and Follow Him, Love and Honor Him, Bring Him Your Needs, Desires and Rest In Him.
Jesus Is Our Friend (John 15:13-15), Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10:14, 15), Beloved and Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32). We Are the Bride of Christ, His Lover, Sheep and Friend. He has paid HIs marraige price and purchased us as His Bride. He has gone to prepare a Place for Us to spend Eternity Together! Jesus has given Himself Completely to Us, Paid Our Debts, Given Us His Name, Is AlWays Faithful to Us and Will Never Leave or Forsake Us! As His Bride We Belong to Him, Share His Heart, Life, Stand With Him In All Things, Devote Ourselves to Him and Are One In His Covenant of Faith!
Have a Beautiful Relationship!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
READ: ISAIAH 40:8; PSALM 119:9-11, 105; COLOSSIANS 3:16; LUKE 8:5-10; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13; 1 PETER 2:1, 2
LESSON #9: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
The Grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [James 1:10, 11; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25.]
- Isaiah 40:8
FOOTNOTE: The apostle Peter quotes this verse and the adds, "and this
word is the good news [the Gospel] which was preached to you" - whih confirms as fact that Isaiah is here referring to the times of Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
When I first went full time into the Ministry (I spent many years "full time" in Ministry, but it wasn't until I was ordained that I actually got paid for it which could lead me to the topic, "The Workman Is Worth His Wages," but we'll save that for another time :-) I said to my dear brother in the Lord Jesus, Ed Mathews (who also has a Web Site you can find on The Simple Church Fellowship titled, "Ed Simcha's Parasha Corner") that I now had the greatest job in the World and the benefits were Eternal!
Although the Word of God was written by a variety of people in different circumstances and places in the World it is completely consistent from start to finish. Made up of 66 distinct books God's Word is Powerful, Authoritative, Unique and 100% accurate in fortelling future events. The Bible and the Word of God will stand Forever!
Filled with History, Poetry, Prophecy, the Torah, Prophets, Gospels, Acts of the Holy Spirit, Epistles of Paul and others the Word of God is God's account (Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz has a wonderful book, "God's Story" and I recommend all of her writings to you.) -
God's underlying theme - God's coming salvation or as another author writes, God's Unfolding Drama of Redemption.
Let the word [spoken by] the Christ, the Messiah, have it's home (in your hearts and minds) and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and sing] psalms and hyms and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
- Colossians 3:16
One could Never stress enough the Importance of the Word of God in the Believer's Life. When you read the Scriptures do you Receive the Word into your heart and mind? Study the Word, Meditate Upon the Scriptures, Let God's Wisdom Sink In, Memorize verses, Apply them to your Life and Put the Word of God Into Practice.
And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men but as what it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe - exercising its [superhuman] power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
I (along with countless others in the Simple Church Fellowship Group Members, too numerous to name) Sow the Seed of God's Word (Read Luke 8:5-15), Encourage All of You to Act Upon It and Discuss the Important Principles of It (Read Matthew 7:24-27)!
As much as this and other Ministries need prayer intercessors we also need each and every one of you interacting with each other, because as iron sharpens iron, so one man (woman or child) sharpens another. Strong Biblical Doctrine, Interpretation and Truth are going forth among us,being spread throughout the World and God is bringing the increase (not only in numbers, but in the Abundance of Spiritual Fruit being brought forth through our Hearts and Lives In Jesus!)
God's Word Is Spirit and Life!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT STUDY: TOUGH TIMES AND ADVERSITY
READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:28, 35-39, 5:3-5; 1 PETER 1:6, 7, 4:12-14;
HEBREWS 12:5-13; MATTHEW 5:1-12; EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Join our Simple Church Fellowship Ministry Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY!
Subject: LESSON #10: TOUGH TIMES & ADVERSITY
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribuation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer - take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted - for I have overcome the world. - I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you].
- John 16:33
Having a bad day? A bad life? I've alWays said, "Living is hard, but Life is Good!"
(Well, not alWays, but since I've become a Believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.) The fact of the matter is that nobody said it was going to be easy.
Jackson Browne sang, "Nobody owes you Nothing!" Remember, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."? Jesus Is the Way, Truth and Life! God Is Good (All the Time!) and Jesus Is God, so Life Is Good!
Trials, hard times and adversity don't necessarilly mean that the enemy is behind it, you're guilty, something is wrong, God is punishing you, you're not spiritual enough, you don't have enough faith, God isn't Faithful (Many of you have heard me say countless times [and you'll hear it said more and more] that "God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!")
or God isn't close to you. He Is as close to you as your next breath or heart beat!
Jesus was once asked by the Disciples, "Who sinned? This Man or his parents?"
He responed, "No one, but this happened, so that the Son of Man may be Glorified!"
The man had a disability and Jesus healed him.
All one needs to do is read Romans 8:35-39 to find out what can separate us as Believers from the Love of God.
NOTHING! It is sin that separates us from God, but if we repent and confess our sin He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive and Restore Us To A Right Relationship With Him In Christ Jesus Through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit Working In and Through Us! Adversity comes from being Righteous and fighting evil, but unfortunately many of us "Believers" experience adversity from fighting God and His Perfect Will for Our Lives. Trust me! FATHER KNOWS BEST!
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His} design and purpose.
- Romans 8:28
Whatever trials we go through are to make our Faith more precious than gold.
Some of you may have read "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People" and all one need do is read the Psalms to see how David got upset over the fact that good things happen to bad people too.
Every One goes through tribulation, but it's how we react to it that melts and molds us into who we really are. Hard times can bring change, purifying, prayer, perserverance, patience, character, humility and more. God promises to work All Things (bad and good) Together for Our Good :-)
To Overcome this World we live in isn't easy, but In Jesus We Have the Victory!
We Must Rest the devil for him to flee from us, Lean on God and His Word, not on your own understanding and Seek to Find what God may be saying to you in the midst of the storms. He has promised to bring you THROUGH! Be honest with God, persevere, stand on His Word, walk by Faith and Not by Sight. Love and Praise God In All Things (even as a sacrifice), but notice the Word doesn't say, For All Things.
Remain Positive: All God's Promises Are Yes and Amen In Jesus! Circumstances Change, but God Stays the Same! Dry times will come (those so called desert experiences), but The Good Shepherd will lead you beside still waters. Death and tragedy are a reality nobody escapes, but cast your burdens on the Lord for He Cares For YOU! He'll wipe aWay Every Tear from Your Eyes.
Persecution and Rejection are still a constant in this World we live in, but God is still on the Throne and Prayer changes things! He may answer yes, no or wait, but He AlWays answers.
"When you get out, tell the world what we learned here, that there is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus is not deeper still."
- Betsie Ten Boon
Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie Ten Boon brought the words of her sister (who died in the camp) to the world. Her family were Dutch Believers taken to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jewish refugees.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith and take a stand for Jesus! We have an enemy - don't dwell on it, but realize that there will be opposition from people, the flesh and spiritual forces. We Have An Eternal Life Time Guarantee: VICTORY!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
READ: COLOSSIANS 2:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1, 2; 3:11; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3,
4; GALATIANS 1:6-9; 2 PETER 1:19-21; 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; ACTS 17:10-12; EPHESIANS 4:14, 15
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #11: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Messiah. As you therefore have received Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, the Lord, so walk in HIm, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in HIm and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Messiah.
- Colossians 2:5-8
Facts change, but the Truth remains constant!
We will All be judged by every idle (or "idol") Word spoken or written and for teachers and preachers this is something to strongly consider before God when you are expounding your interpretations and/or doctrines to men. Most of you have heard the saying, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!" and I only wish that most Believers would take God at His Word, because it is obvious to me that now more than ever the wheat and the tares are growing together. False teaching along with the interpretations and doctrines of men are overtaking the Church, but the Light of God's Word will chase aWay the darkness!
AS for myself, brethren, when I came to you [I] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony or evidence or mystery or secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy or wisdom;
For I resolved to know nothing - to be acquainted with [nothing], to make a display of the knowledge of [nothing], and to be conscious of [nothing] - among you except Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2
Knowing Jesus, God as Our Father and His Holy Spirit in and through our lives is priority #1 and Everything Else is secondary! Paul not only expresses his heart's desire here (God's heart and desire as well), but also proclaimed, "That I may Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection!" Is that your heart's cry Today? It Should be Each and Every Day of Your Life In Christ Jesus. We Must focus our attentions on the Majors and Not the Minors of our faith. To Know (experientially) nothing... except Jesus/Yeshua.. & Him crucified In and Through Our Lives Daily as a Witness to the World should be Our Goal!
For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
1) The Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation are the divinely inspired Words of God and the final authority in faith and life.
2) There Is One God, Transcendent, Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Personal and Infinite.
3) Jesus/Yeshua Is The Messiah, the Son of God and Our Salvation.
4) The Holy Spirit dwells in and through the hearts of All True Believers.
5) Mankind is created by God in His Image, has a free will, is sinful and Must Be Saved, but cannot save himself.
6) There Is Just One Way to be reconciled to the Father and Jesus Is Our Only Hope, answer and peace.
7) Salvation Is A Free Gift extended to All who accept, believe and receive Jesus/Yeshua as Lord and Savior of their lives.
8) Salvation Brings A New Birth, heart, cleansing, renewing, freedom, dwelling of God's Spirit, power, new Life, Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness and Righteousness.
9) Those Who Receive Salvation are born again of the Spirit of God, children of God and bound In Unity and Fellowship In The Spirit.
10) The Messiah Will Return to rule and reign on the Earth and bring Peace, physically, literally and historically.
11) The Dead Will Be Resurrected and we must All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of God.
12) Those Not Saved by faith in Christ Jesus will be separated from God and sent to everlasting punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his fallen angels.
Love is the Ultimate Proof of Faith In Christ Jesus, should be what we are looking for in others and what we are looking to give to others. There is no such thing as a perfect Church, Congregation or Fellowship Group, but In God's Eyes We Are Perfect In Christ Jesus.
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Messiah.
- Ephesians 4:14, 15
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION AND SIN
READ: 1 JOHN 1; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11, 10:12-14; JOHN 4:4, 5:4, 5, 6:37;
HEBREWS 10:19-23, 12:1, 2; JAMES 4:7; 2 TIMOTHY 2:21, 22; GALATIANS 5:1, 16-25; PHIL. 4; EPHESIANS 6:10-17
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #12: TEMPTATION, SIN & OVERCOMING
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt - keeps us cleansed from sin and all its forms and manifestations.
If we say we have no sin - refusing to admit that we are sinners - we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us - does not dwell in our hearts. If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness - everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, though and action.
- 1 John 7-9
When I get to Heaven (and I Know I'm Going There!) I'm going to confront Paul on his statement that he was the chiefest of sinners.
Sin is missing the mark, anything that goes against God, His Word, Spirit, numbs our heart or takes us aWay from God and whatever we can't do with a pure conscience, we must bring before the Lord and deal with it.
Shall we All compare notes? Let's face it we All have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory, but as a New Creation In Christ Jesus we are Called to Victory In His Holy Name! He has given us All a New Heart and Nature, so through wisdom, common sense, Love, forgiveness, the Blessed Assurance That Jesus Is "MINE," perseverance, Faith and the Working of His Spirit In and Through Our Lives We Can Overcome and We Shall! Old sins, attitudes, actions and habits have to be done aWay with. Every One of Us is tempted, but God has given us All the Power and Ability to make the right Choices. Not praying, wanting to change for the better, Believing God and taking Him at His Word, accepting His Forgiveness or focusing only on outward actions, hopelessness and despair, self contempt and dwelling in guilt, compromise, looking to past failures rather than the Lord, dwelling on sin and confidence in your own strength only slow down and hinder our overcoming of sin.
Therefore let any one who thinks he (or she) stands - who feels sure that he (or she) has a steadfast mind and is standing firm - take heed lest he (or she) fall [into sin].
For no temptation - no trial regarded as enticing to sin [no matter how it comes or where it leads] - has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man - that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear.
But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out - the means of escape to a landing place - that you may be capable and strong and powerful patiently to bear up under it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13
Give it to God, Believe Him and His Word for the Victory In Jesus, make up your own mind to turn (repent) from that sin, STOP in your tracks when you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart, avoid the situations and circumstances that find you in the wrong places, resist the thought (Not by telling yourself that you're not going to think of it, but by renewing your mind with the washing of God's Holy Word!), think of the long term consequences (Hey, we All Know that sin is pleasurable for a season, so think of the long term pain, conflict and how you'll feel afterwards.), Rejoice In the Lord (think of the Joy, God Fruit, Abiding In Him, Victory, Peace and soundness of not giving in), Do the Do's of the Bible and you won't have to worry about the don't's, Look for the Way out (Jesus Is the Way, so What Would He Do?), and AlWays Remember that Sin is not Master over you, God Is, so don't buy the lie!
Say, "NO!" If God has set you free then You Are Truly Free Indeed!
The Word of God says, "Resist the devil and he MUST Flee From YOU!" God is the Master Surgeon and some times we need several operations to get some of those ingrained things completely removed from our Lives. Be not discouraged, Jesus Is Our Hope and God Forgives You, so You MUST Forgive Yourself.
Sometimes even after a long stretch of overcoming we get hit from behind, so don't panic! Let the Lord cleanse your conscience and heart, don't look at how long a Way you may still have to go, but at How Far You've Come In the Lord Jesus and His Promises to Bring You Through To Completion In Him!
Should you slip, stumble or fall along the Way get up immediately, dust yourself off and move forward by putting something of the Word of God into Action.
Remember You Are NOT Alone! We Are In This Together to Encourage and Uplift One Another NOT to criticize and tear down. God is Never Surprised (disappointed maybe, but Never Surprised) at our sin and there is NO SIN That the Precious Blood of Jesus can not cleanse us from if we bring it before His Throne of Grace and Mercy.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith (nobody said it was going to be easy, but it will Surely be Worth It ALL) and seek to be All that God has Called and Created You To Be In Jesus, because We Have The Guaranteed Victory In His Holy Name!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: GROWTH AND CHANGE AS A WAY OF LIFE
READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-7; COLOSSIANS 3:1-10; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17, 3:18;
ACTS 3:19; MARK 10:28-30, 1:40-42; MATTHEW 16:24-26; GALATIANS 2:20; ROMANS 12:1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-15
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #13: GROWTH & CHANGE (AS A WAY OF LIFE)
AND you [He made alive], when you were dead [slain] by [your] trespasses and sins.
In which at one time you walked habitually. You were following the course and fashion of this world - were under the sway of the tendency of this present age - following the prince of the power of the air. (You were obedient to him and were under his control,) the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience - the careless, the rebellious and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God. Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of the flesh - our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature; obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind - our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
But God! So rich is He in His mercy!
Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead [slain] by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ. - He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him. [For] it is by grace - by His favor and mercy which you did not deserve - that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together - giving us joint seating with Him - in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2: 1-7
Even Taco Bell in their previous adds exclaimed, "Change Is Good!" Although I think we can All agree that change (especially for the better) is not alWays easy. The moment we accept Christ Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives we are changed into New Creations in Him, we are Born Again and become Children of God, but some changes are hard. We are Called of God to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! Some changes happen over night, some take years and others take a lifetime, but as Believers we are to press on and to constantly be moving onward and upwards In Him! In Him, you don't change from being the real you, but become the "real" you that God created you to "Be" in the first place.
In Colossians 3:1-10 Paul exhorts us to lay aside the old self and put on the New In the Lord Jesus Christ! Rather than boastfulness, insecurity, cheating, lying, dishonesty, manipulation and other old lifestyle traits God wants to build in us His characteristics of humility, integrity, hope, faithfulness, joy, compassion, so much more and above All Love. Your manhood / womanhood, culture, skills, talents, abilities, interests, temperament and personality God redeems and keeps for His Purposes. He changes our actions, habits, outlooks, attitudes (what attitudes you ask?), emotions by giving us His Holy Spirit In Our Lives and a New Heart :-)
What helps you grow? The Word of God is #1! His Word Is Spirit and Life! Believe God, the truths of His Good News, His Promises that are All Yes and Amen In Jesus, overcome fear with Faith (it Is the "Substance" of things hoped for and the "Evidence" of things unseen) and avoid becoming stagnant, discouraged, comfortable or complacent in your Christian walk. Prayer, communion and fellowship are paramount for a successful Christian Life!
Have you lost your old life? (see Matthew 16:24-26) Are you dead to the World and alive unto Him? (see Galatians 2:20) We All come to Jesus less than whole - with conflict, problems, incompleteness, baggage, hang ups and hurt, but like the leper in Mark 1:40-42 He Will Make You Whole. He Will Give You Shalom, His Peace, Fulness, Wholeness, Nothing Missing and Nothing Broken In Your Life as long as you bring it All to Him and let Him touch and heal You.
We are All on this Spiritual Journey Together In Him going from loneliness to fellowship, restlessness to peace, empty pleasures to joy, temporal things to eternal, emptiness to fulfillment, vanity to Truth and selfishness to Love, but none of us have totally arrived yet, so let's be patient with each other and encourage one another daily unto Good Works in Christ Jesus.
Offer yourselves up to God, renew your mind, lay hold Jesus, forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead! Look unto Jesus Who Is the Author and Finisher (He Who has begun a Good Work In You shall Complete It) of Our Faith! He Will Grow and Change You as You Walk In His Way and Life.
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
READ: 1 PETER 3:14, 15; DEUTERONOMY 4:32-35; JEREMIAH 29:11, 31:35, 36;
PHILIPPIANS 2:9, 10, 3:12-14; 1 JOHN 1:1-3; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-30, 13, 15:19; ISAIAH 53; MICAH 5:2; DANIEL 9:25; ROMANS 1:18, 12:4-8; ACTS 17:21-30; 2 PETER 1:15-21; JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28, 25:32-46
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #14: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed - happy, to be envied. Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to any one who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]
- 1 Peter 3:14, 15
Living in the United States of America where freedom reigns (or at least it's supposed to) we don't experience persecution for our Faith In Jesus as many of our other Brothers and Sisters around the World do. In India a Christian is considered the lowest of the low, but God sent His Son into the World to save sinners and the angels of Heaven visited the shepherds in the fields that night to proclaim the Good News that the Savior was born (even at the time of Joseph in Egypt shepherds were considered the scum of the Earth). A friend of mine was ministering in India with Dr. P.P. Job (known as the Billy Graham of India) whose son was murdered, because he was a Christian and they wanted to stop the Gospel from being preached to the people there. At worst we have to deal this time of year with the ACLU trying to remove "religious" symbols from government properties in the name of "separation of Church and State." God Is Still On the Throne and Prayer Changes Things! Not only are we as Christians called to Believe by Faith (without Faith it is impossible to please God), but we are to be ready in season and out to give a presentation and a reason of what and why we believe - thus "apologetics" - meaning APOLOGIA in Greek when translated "defense." The "Hope" that is within you is Christ Jesus the Hope of Glory!
No other person ever in human history has been credible and at the same time spoken in such a way as to say, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Each of us as Believers has a story to tell to the World around us in which we live, move and have our being. The Gospel gives us and the World the power to be born again, a clean slate, Peace with God, freedom from guilt, cleansing, healing, forgiveness, Love overcoming judgement and sin, Life from death, new Life and so much more!
Therefore [because He stooped so low], God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And ever tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11
God has revealed Himself to mortal man in the Person of Jesus Who Is the Christ, Messiah, Anointed One! He Is the "Most" Influential "Person" Who ever lived, the most life changing, resisted, powerful, central, crucial, beloved, perpetually relevant, universal, revolutionary, fulfilling, truthful, comforting, healing, gentle, holy, wise, loving and exalted One! Every single human being who ever lived on the face of this planet will some Day meet Him face to face and have to give an account and that is why we "Must" bring the Good News of Jesus and the Love of God to All Nations and Peoples!
Like Paul the Apostle on Mars Hill in Acts 17:21-30 we are faced with people in this World that sacrifice their lives daily to the "unknown god" and it is our duty to proclaim the Living God Who Created Them and the Universe They Live In, so that they can come to know Salvation In Jesus' Mighty name! Prophecy (fulfilled and yet to come), history, your own personal and unique Christian testimony (there will only ever be just one YOU and God has placed YOU here and now for such a time as this) can all help us as Believers to "reason together" with others who believe in evolution, paganism, Eastern Sects & Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Materialism, Communism, New Age, Occultism, Mysticism, "Self-Assertion," Freudian Psychiatry and the like (or in this case our dis-likes :-)
As we watch and wait in obedience to the Master's command let us be diligent and ready to give an account to All He would bring our Way. God says, "This Is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am Well Pleased, Listen To Him!" No Prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for No Prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit Spoken From God. My Prayer Is that Each and Every Member In the Body of Christ Jesus would allow God's Holy Spirit to move upon them Today and Every Day Until Jesus Returns!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: MINISTRY & CALLING
READ: JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; 1 CORINTHIANS
12:1-30, 13; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28; JEREMIAH 29:11; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #15: MINISTRY & CALLING
Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.
- John 20:21
God Is Calling the World Unto Himself!
Why?
Because He Loves His Creation. He wishes that "none" would perish, but that All would come to repentance and Eternal Life In Jesus' Name! Not Only does He Call Us to be Saved, but He has a "special" Calling for each of our lives.
God has given us All the Ministry of Reconciliation! Just as the Father sent His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Into the World, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Anointed One is sending you out to All Nations and Peoples with the Good News of Salvation In His Holy and Precious Name.
We are All Called to Love! Some of us are Called to teach, preach, heal, evangelize, encourage, help, administer, counsel, support, share His Wisdom and the list goes on and on.
Read, study and apply Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-30 to find out in your own personal life and understand that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Are For Today! God has Created us All with Natural Gifts (abilities, talents, gifts, dispositions, natures, resources, personalities, etc.) and as Believers He Bestows On Us Supernatural Gifts: The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps and Administrations. We as the Body of Christ Jesus and His Representatives Here On Earth "MUST" allow each and every individual part of said "Body" to fully function here and now in order for us to Be His Witnesses and Fulfill the Great Commission! Look Around You to see the needs, Inside You for what kind of vessel God made You to Be and what God placed inside You and Look for open doors! Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. God promises to take you through the flood. Try it you'll like it!
There is NOTHING more fulfilling than to
be ready, willing and able to serve God, each other and the World. This Is Your Calling and Ministry!
Washing one another's feet and being the greatest starts and finishes with service!
Ministry is a Sacrifice, but those who lose their lives will find the Abundant Life In Jesus. Do you have a "Servant's Heart?" Humble your "self" in the sight of the Lord and He Will Lift You Up! What we do should be done "For God" and "From God." Don't look for the approval of man, but Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of Our Faith and be obedient to His Call! We can only "Give" what we have "Received" From Him. Be filled with His Word and Spirit and you can go forth In the Power of His Holy Name! Love from the Love of God that Is Shed Abroad In Your Heart. Let those Streams of Living Water Flow!
Matthew 25:32-46 tells us about the sheep and the goats. Apparently both Groups were under the care of the Shepherd. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and by Faith In Him we become Born-Again and Have Eternal Life In His Name, but things don't end there. That's just the beginning! We Need to Grow In the Grace and Knowledge of Him and Daily Walk In His Will and Way! Jesus (The Way) was and "IS" A Doer! God Calls Us to Good Works In Jesus that were created for us to "DO" before the foundations of the World were laid.
Works of Compassion - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter, reaching out to those in need, those cast out, etc.
God has a "Plan" (and it's a perfect one) for YOU and we Are One In His Body. My father always says, "There are two kinds of people in the World, Leaders and followers. Be A Leader!" I'm "big" on honoring your father and mother In the Lord and you've All heard me say, "Father Knows Best," but a True Leader "IS" a Follower of Jesus, "IS" led By the Holy Spirit of God Working In and Through their Life and will lead and guide others in the Will and Way of Our Heavenly Father. My prayer is that All of your Spiritual Eyes will be open and enlightened to know the Hope of His Calling on your Life and that you would fulfill that Calling In and Through this Ministry. None of us have arrived and we need each other to help forget what lies behind, reach forward to what's ahead and press on together toward the goal for the prize of the upward Call of God In Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua!
Jesus commands us to spread the Word, make Disciples of All Nations and Peoples, to Be Lights to the World, sow seed, bear fruit and Lasting Fruit for His Kingdom In Season and Out and to reap the Harvest for it is Ripe and Ready! Our Salvation is NOT Ever to be kept to ourselves and no matter who you are or where you live God has Called YOU to a Life of Ministry In the Name of Jesus!
YOU Have a unique roll and Purpose In God to be a fisher of men, a special messenger of the Good News, an Ambassador for Christ Jesus, an example to others and a Witness of the Love of God to the World!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE GREAT COMMISSION
READ: MATTHEW 28:18-20, 4:18-22, 5:13-16, 10:32, 33, 9:36-38; ROMANS.
1:16; 2 KINGS 7:3-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-6:2; ACTS 17:19-31, 1:7, 8; JOHN 4:35, 36
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #16: THE GREAT COMMISSION!
And Jesus/Yeshua came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
- Matt. 28:18-20
Our Salvation is only as "good" as when we give it aWay! We cannot and surely "Must Not" keep the Gospel message to ourselves, but spread the Word, share Salvation In Jesus' Name and make disciples of All Nations and Peoples.
Discpleship is only complete when we disciple others. We're All Called of God to have Spiritual Children, we're born of God and then give "spiritual birth" to others, we receive then give and our New Life In Christ Jesus should become a Love Chain from person to person, spreading the Good News of God's Love for the World and Each Other. Jesus told us Not to hide our Light under a bushel, but to let It Shine Ever Brighter Until the Full Light of Day!
Confess Him before men and He Will Confess YOU before the Father and All of the Angels in Heaven! Paul the Apostle proclaimed in the Book of Romans 1:16, "I AM Not ashamed of the Gospel, for It Is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone who Believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile!" Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By The Word of God! It Is the Word of God that opens our ears to hear, eyes to see, minds to understand and comprehend, heart to receive, our nostrils to breathe in the Breath of Life, tongues to taste that the Lord Is Good and Praise Him for His Loving-Kindness and the very spirit of man to be touched and come to Eternal Life and Everlasting Love In Jesus. He came to His Own, but they "knew" Him Not and when Jesus ascended up to Heaven He poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh to give US the Power and Anointing to break the yolk of bondage and sin, so that All could come to repentance (key emphasis on ALL).
In the Book of 2 Kings 7:3-9 you'll read an account of the Lepers. We are all sinners saved by the Grace of God (this is what the Lepers represent) and we can "Not" keep the Good News, Hope, Answer and Way to Our "SELF!"
The question is, How can we reach out to a World of people (each and every individual one) that is hurting and perishing without Jesus? We Are God's Chosen People to take the Light to the Nations. Streams of "Living Water" are to be flowing out of us to be a witness to others of God's Love and His Word. As God's Hands and Voice we have to reach out and encourage others In the Lord Jesus to become All that He has Created Us For and Called US to Be! Every Believer (anyone who calls them self a "Christian") should be determined in their heart to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service In the Kingdom of God and Fulfill the Great Commssion! This Is what "Being" a Christian Is All About (REALITY CHECK)!
There are countless different Ways and methods of E-Vangelism. We are surely living in the Last Days (If Paul said, he was then we have to be) and the internet is by far the most powerful tool available to the "Church" (that's you and me) Today! You can't beat person to person, one on one Evangelism, but preaching, teaching, small Groups, tracts, support Groups, books, magazines, cd's, cassettes, concerts, tv, radio, newsprint, mail, door to door, street ministry and so many other Ways are available for YOU to get The Word out to All Nations and Peoples. Pray, Love, show true compassion and concern for others, share the Lord in Action more than word, but most of all listen to the Voice of God's Holy Spirit and be obedient to His leading. Don't be afraid, insensitive, frustrated and get side-tracked or talk "at" someone, but "to" them by relating to them, theirs needs and concerns.
Invite people to come to Jesus, He did and His Holy Spirit Lives and Moves and Has His Being In YOU too. Be who YOU Are In Christ Jesus and Never Ever try to be someone else. Jesus heals and comforts, brings greater Love than any human could, gives the abundant Life not emptiness or vanity.
Each and Every One of Us Has a Purpose from God for our lives. We live in a "fallen" World, All Need God and are separated from HIm without a personal relationship with Jesus and He Is Our Only Hope!
Salvation Is Completely and Totally FREE but Jesus Gave His Life for US to Have It.
He who has the Son Has Life and he who does Not have the Son does Not Have Life! Jesus gave His All and we should too. He has Called US All to start where we live and then Go to the Uttermost Parts of the World! Today Is the Day of Salvation! Let US Not say, "There are yet four months and then comes the harvest?" Let US Have Compassion on the multitudes in the Valley of Decision and do whatever it takes to help them make the Right One! He has Given US His Word, His Name and His Life, so that Each of US can go forth and accomplish His Will and Way. Let US Not let HIm down.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE ABUNDANT LIFE
READ: JOHN 10:10, 15, 7:37-39; GALATIANS 5; PHILIPPIANS 4, 3:7-14; 2
CORINTHIANS 9:6; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; 1 JOHN 4:7-11; MATTHEW 6:14, 15; EPHESIANS 1:18, 19, 3:14-21, 5:18-21
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON 1: THE PRODIGAL
READ LUKE 15:11-32
Probably one of the best known parables of Jesus to mankind (both saved and lost), we can all find ourselves somewhere in this family story of the human condition. Question is, "Where do we find ourselves?" The first recorded question in all of Scripture is one that God the Father asked to His Son and Daughter (Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden), "Where are you?"
After the youngest son acquired his 1/3 portion of his father's wealth, the Word of God says that he wasted/squandered it on riotous living. The Greek wording means to scatter abroad with loose, debauched dissipated living. "When the Israelites are reduced to carob pods, then they repent," is a rabbinic statement that well describes the state in which this young person found himself.
Sin always leads to want, need, hunger and emptiness. How have you wasted the gifts and talents that God has given to you in this Life? Compromise, worthlessness, no self-respect and degradation is the downward spiral of Sin. Have you hit the bottom and come to your "SELF?" "There is no pit so deep that God can not go deeper still!"
After facing reality (The Truth) we can ask ourselves the same question the disciples asked Jesus, "Where else can we go?" To the Father! The one thing we find when we turn ourselves around and head home is that He is there waiting for us with His arms wide open and has been lovingly watching and waiting for us all along, but we have a hard time accepting His Grace, Mercy and Love.
God desires to cloth is in His "Robe of Righteousness," His Ring (which is a sign of Sonship) and to have our feet shod with the Gospel of Truth! We are under a New Covenant! This is not God commanding Moses, "Take off thy shoes for this is Holy Ground." Jesus has come, walked this Earth to pay the price for our sin and restore us to the Father. He has given us all the ministry of reconciliation! Don't be like the man waiting around to be healed, "Rise, take up thy bed and WALK!"
Don't be like the oldest son and be legalistic (quick to judge others). Listen to the angels of Heaven rejoicing every time when just one sinner repents! Open your Spiritual ears and hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church of Jesus Christ, the Messiah! "Come on home to the Father, come on home to the Son, come n home the battle's over, Christ has WON!"
Where are you in this story? Tell us how you got there and where you hope to go.
Pray for one another in your group and others around the World. Don't be afraid to reach out to others with the Love of the Father that has been shed abroad in your Hearts through Jesus and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit!
FOR NEXT WEEK READ: ACTS 26:1-23
LESSON 2: WHO WE WERE AND ARE
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
ps. This is the first in a series of messages to bring Unity to the Body, Equip the Saints and Prepare us to Fulfill the Great Commission, so pass it along to all you know, encourage them to join our group (here's the link for the group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship) and ask them to do the same. Together we will reach the World with the Love of God and the Good News of Jesus!
Subject: LESSON #2: WHO WE WERE & ARE AND OUR CALLING
READ: ACTS 26:1-23
Many a Saint's Life has been laid before us opened and bare throughout the Scriptures and by this lesson I hope to have you stand in the Presence of Our Father's Holy Spirit and have His "Refiners Fire" strip away our sinful, selfish nature and bring forth the Life of Christ Jesus in and through us to the Glory, Praise and Honor of His Holy Name! As we listen to Paul the Apostle's testimony before King Agrippa let us see ourselves in him and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church (and Every Member in it) Today!
Do you come from a special pedigree, class of people or prestigious religious background? Paul was a Hebrew of Hebrews (One of God's Chosen People), a Pharisee (the very strictest sect of the Jewish Religion) and was persuaded that it was his duty to defy (just as Goliath defied the Army of the Nation of Israel) the Name of Jesus of Nazareth along with everything and everybody that was associated with it! Thank God that He Is No Respecter of Persons! Take away ALL that you are (or think you are) and step into HIs Glorious Light of Truth! It is dangerous and turns out badly for us to keep kicking against the goads - [that is,] to offer vain and perilous resistance.
Who are You, Lord? Have you asked Him that question? Is He Lord of Your Life and Everything in it? OUCH! Let's face it and humble ourselves before Him, so that He can lift us up. Jesus is Lord of ALL (whether we accept hat fact or not), but it is up to us to submit to HIs Perfect and Acceptable Will for Our Lives, so that we can be used in such a Way as He Used Paul.
God Calls us ALL to be Disciples of His, to arise and stand on our feet; for He Has a Purpose for YOU, He's appointed YOU to serve as [HIS] minister and to bear witness of His Grace, Mercy and Love! You have been Chosen (selected for Him) and are Sent to open the eyes of the blind, that they may turn from darknes to Light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and be purified by Faith in Jesus' Name. Turn to God and do works and live lives consistent with and worthy of your repentance. Our help is in the Lord Jesus Who comes from God (and His Holy Spirit is Called along side to help us in every and ALL circumstances), so that we can testify before small and great alike, asserting nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses declared would come to pass; that the Anointed One would declare and show Light to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles!
Where did you come from, who are you and where are you going in the Lord Jesus? What were you like as a child, teenager, adult? God has given us ALL Gifts and Talents to use for the furthering of the Gospel and building of the Kingdom of God. Everything that you've learned and been through (Good and BAD) He Will Work Together for Your Good and that of others. What's your Calling and Purpose in Life (to Glorify God)? What is preventing you from fulfilling this? We can help each other to press on to this Higher Calling in Christ Jesus! Pray for one another, contact individual members of your group to encourage one another and listen to the Voice of the Spirit. Stick the the Vision of His Glory in Your Lives and be Obedient to that Heavenly Calling!
OTHER SCRIPTURES TO FURTHER THIS STUDY: ACTS 13:32, 33; 22; GALATIONS 1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:5-15; EZEK. 2:1, 3; ISA. 42:7, 16
NEXT WEEK'S LESSON: KOINONIA
READ AND STUDY: ACTS 2:42-47
Subject: LESSON #3: KOINONIA
READ: ACTS 2:42-47
Vs. 42 - "DEVOTED TO THE APOSTLES" TEACHING" - Note they were a people grounded in the word - a people of follow-up, discipleship, and devotion.
"AND TO FELLOWSHIP" - Gr.
"KOINONIA" - meaning sharing, holding in common, wealth, joy, burdens, dangers, needs, - A people who were formerly not united but now joined together in the Lord.
Note - 'KOINONIA" in the Lord is the joining together of people who otherwise would not be together.
Everybody wants to be a part of the New Testament Church, but few (Many shall come to me on that Day and say, "Lord! Lord!") dedicate themselves to the Lord Jesus as those who first believed on Him as Savior of the World! When was the last time you "broke bread" on your own with the Lord (outside of the traditional Church setting)? Have you forsaken the assembling of the brethren? Do you realize that Jesus went to Synagogue on the Sabbath Day whether He got fed or not? Sometimes (I'll dare to say most times) we "Believers" complain about the worship, teaching/preaching, fellowship, prayer (or lack of it) and various other things in regards to our Church services when in fact (like Jesus) We are the Light of the World, the Righteousness of God and Called to be Witnesses in His Name.
The First Century Believers in the Book of Acts (the Acts of the Holy Spirit in the Lives of those who submitted to His Will) freely gave of their possessions. The Greek Tense is Imperfect and Continuous indicating that it wasn't one act but rather a continual giving to meet needs.
"THEIR PROPERTY AND GOODS" - "PROPERTY" - Gr. - "fixed property" (real estate, houses sold) '"GOODS" - Gr.
"personal" or "moveable" belongings.
The Word of God tells us to Give as we have been Given to and Every Good thing we have comes down from God out of Heaven.
Vs. 46 - Notice the New Testament model of public and small home meetings.
"AT HOME" - Gr. - "KAT OIKON" - in their homes or private houses "GLADNESS" - a sign of a believer and of a caring and sharing people. "SINCERITY OF HEART" - singleness, purity, oneness of heart, "simplicity of"
Vs. 47 - "DAY TO DAY" - daily people were being saved "TO THEIR NUMBER" - Gr. "ECCLESIA" ( often translated as "church" - though not the best word for it) - Lit. "THE CALLED OUT ONES" - Called out from the world and INTO the KOINONIA of Salvation in Messiah.
In our E-Fellowship Group, we have at The Simple Church Ministries
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship
the purpose and desire to bring Unity to the Body, Equip the Saints and Fulfill the Great Commission! Following the example of the Second Chapter of Acts we can and will complete our mission and Calling that God has Given us! Will you do your part? Pray daily, read the Word and be obedient to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.
FURTHER READING: ROMANS 12:3-16
Vs. 10 - "DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN BROTHERLY LOVE"
- Gr. "PHILOSTORGOS" - Family affection/ love - as that of parents for children - of the same flesh - Paul adds to this familial love - "IN BROTHERLY LOVE"
- Thus a true New Testament community is a close family - loyal, close, warm, and devoted to each other in brotherly love.
Vs. 14 - "BLESS THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU; BLESS AND CURSE NOT."
How does this relate to unforgiveness within the body? How does unforgiveness and gossip relate to "KOINONIA" - what place does it have?
Let us strive together to reach and obtain the Goal that Our Father has set before us in Christ Jesus. Let us Love and Encourage each other in the Lord and walk in the Power of His Holy Spirit as One!
NEXT WEEKS LESSON: THE NAME
READ AND STUDY: ACTS 4:11-12 - GEN. 49:18 - PSALM 98:1-3 - ISAIAH 12:1-3
Subject: LESSON #7: SALVATION
For every one who calls on the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
- Romans 10:13
This is actually our first lesson in (notice I didn't say on) Discipleship. We are All Called of God to Be Disciples! God wishes that None would perish, but that All Would Come to Repentance! This Whole World Is Perishing and We Are Called As Disciples of Christ Jesus To Go Forth In His Name and Save It! But, what exactly are we saving it from? Our own sins, the Judgement of God, guilt, condemnation (there is NO condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus), eternal death (God warned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that if they disobeyed Him they would surely die), eternal separation from God (It is Your Sin that Keeps YOU From God and God From YOU, because He Is Holy!), hell (which was created for the devil and his fallen angels that rebelled against God in Heaven), the power of the enemy, bondage (He Is Or Deliverer), hopelessness (Jesus Is the Hope of the World), spiritual darkness (Messiah said, "I AM The Light Of The World!" and In Him there Is NO darkness), spiritual death (You may have been born of the flesh [the natural birth], but have YOU been Born Again Of The Spirit Of God?)
and emptiness (We All Need The Peace, Shalom Of God which passes All our natural understanding and to Be Filled [continually] with His Holy Spirit).
God so Loved this World (John 3) that He gave Us His Only Begotten Son, Jesus and through His death we have Eiernal Life, In His Judgement We Are Forgiven and By His Resurrection We Have the Blessed Assurance of a New Life and Communion and Fellowship with God and Each Other In The Spirit Of His Love!
All have sinned and fall short f the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus/Yeshua.
- Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates His own love toward us...
- Romans 5:8-10
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua...
- Romans 8:1,2
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8, 9
Come to Me all who are...
- Matthew 11:28-30
Have YOU Come to Jesus? Have YOU Come Home to the Father? Have YOU left the World behind YOU? Are YOU Washed by the Pure Water from Heaven? Are YOU Free to Be All that God Created YOU for?
If YOU answered, "YES!" to the questions then YOU Have SALVATION! Now, YOU Are Called Of God To Bring It To All Nations And Peoples! GO, DO and BE a Disciple!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed."
- John 8:31, NKJV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God....For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. AMEN.
- Ephesians 5:1, 2, 8-10
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT WEEK: RELATIONSHIP
READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7, 8; PSALM 100:3; MATTHEW 6:30-33; JOHN 15:13-15;
PSALM 23; JOHN 10:14, 15; EPHESIANS 5:25-32
The Simple Church Fellowship RECEIVES CHRISTIAN WEB EXCELLENCE AWARD All Glory, Praise and Honor Due to God for Blessing this Web Site. Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY All!
Subject: LESSON #8: GOD AND YOU/ RELATIONSHIP
But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as (one combimed) loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege - the overwhelming preciousnesss, the surpassing worth and supreme advantage - of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted qith Him, of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ, the Anointed One,
And that I may [actually] be found and known as in HIm, not having any (self-achieved) righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands - ritualistic uprightness and [supposed] right standing with God thus acquired - but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the Anointed One, the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by (saving) faith.
- Phillippians 3:7-9
How do you build a relationship with someone? By spending time with them, doing things together, talking and listening to one another, opening up and baring your heart, sharing your life, joys, sorrows, desires and needs, resolving differences, learning of and seeking to know them. Do You "Know" God? God Is Eternal and there is "No End" to Him and He Is All that is Good, Right, Beautiful, Holy, Just, Merciful, Our Hope, Refuge, Rock, Salvation, Help, Light, Joy, He's Full of Lovingkindness and in fact God Is Love!
Know - perceive, recognize and understand with approval - that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His People and the sheep of His pasture. [Eph.2:10.]
- Psalm 100:3
God is the Source and reason for your Life! We Are His Workmanship Created For Good Works In Christ Jesus, Messiah, the Anointed One.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you men with little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek after all these things; and you heavenly Father well knows that you need them all.
But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom, and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
- Matthew 6:30-33
The Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide You Into All Truth and Righteousness! My God Shall Provide All of Your Needs According to His Riches In Glory! Our Father In Who Art In Heaven Loves YOU and Will Protect, Carry, Nurture, Correct and Watch Over YOU. He caused you to be born and will grow you into the Image of His Son, Jesus! We Are His Children and should Look Up to Him with Respect and Trust, Cast Our Cares On Him, Be Intimate With Him, Listen To and Follow Him, Love and Honor Him, Bring Him Your Needs, Desires and Rest In Him.
Jesus Is Our Friend (John 15:13-15), Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10:14, 15), Beloved and Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32). We Are the Bride of Christ, His Lover, Sheep and Friend. He has paid HIs marraige price and purchased us as His Bride. He has gone to prepare a Place for Us to spend Eternity Together! Jesus has given Himself Completely to Us, Paid Our Debts, Given Us His Name, Is AlWays Faithful to Us and Will Never Leave or Forsake Us! As His Bride We Belong to Him, Share His Heart, Life, Stand With Him In All Things, Devote Ourselves to Him and Are One In His Covenant of Faith!
Have a Beautiful Relationship!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
READ: ISAIAH 40:8; PSALM 119:9-11, 105; COLOSSIANS 3:16; LUKE 8:5-10; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13; 1 PETER 2:1, 2
LESSON #9: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
The Grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [James 1:10, 11; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25.]
- Isaiah 40:8
FOOTNOTE: The apostle Peter quotes this verse and the adds, "and this
word is the good news [the Gospel] which was preached to you" - whih confirms as fact that Isaiah is here referring to the times of Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
When I first went full time into the Ministry (I spent many years "full time" in Ministry, but it wasn't until I was ordained that I actually got paid for it which could lead me to the topic, "The Workman Is Worth His Wages," but we'll save that for another time :-) I said to my dear brother in the Lord Jesus, Ed Mathews (who also has a Web Site you can find on The Simple Church Fellowship titled, "Ed Simcha's Parasha Corner") that I now had the greatest job in the World and the benefits were Eternal!
Although the Word of God was written by a variety of people in different circumstances and places in the World it is completely consistent from start to finish. Made up of 66 distinct books God's Word is Powerful, Authoritative, Unique and 100% accurate in fortelling future events. The Bible and the Word of God will stand Forever!
Filled with History, Poetry, Prophecy, the Torah, Prophets, Gospels, Acts of the Holy Spirit, Epistles of Paul and others the Word of God is God's account (Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz has a wonderful book, "God's Story" and I recommend all of her writings to you.) -
God's underlying theme - God's coming salvation or as another author writes, God's Unfolding Drama of Redemption.
Let the word [spoken by] the Christ, the Messiah, have it's home (in your hearts and minds) and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and sing] psalms and hyms and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
- Colossians 3:16
One could Never stress enough the Importance of the Word of God in the Believer's Life. When you read the Scriptures do you Receive the Word into your heart and mind? Study the Word, Meditate Upon the Scriptures, Let God's Wisdom Sink In, Memorize verses, Apply them to your Life and Put the Word of God Into Practice.
And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men but as what it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe - exercising its [superhuman] power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
I (along with countless others in the Simple Church Fellowship Group Members, too numerous to name) Sow the Seed of God's Word (Read Luke 8:5-15), Encourage All of You to Act Upon It and Discuss the Important Principles of It (Read Matthew 7:24-27)!
As much as this and other Ministries need prayer intercessors we also need each and every one of you interacting with each other, because as iron sharpens iron, so one man (woman or child) sharpens another. Strong Biblical Doctrine, Interpretation and Truth are going forth among us,being spread throughout the World and God is bringing the increase (not only in numbers, but in the Abundance of Spiritual Fruit being brought forth through our Hearts and Lives In Jesus!)
God's Word Is Spirit and Life!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT STUDY: TOUGH TIMES AND ADVERSITY
READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:28, 35-39, 5:3-5; 1 PETER 1:6, 7, 4:12-14;
HEBREWS 12:5-13; MATTHEW 5:1-12; EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Join our Simple Church Fellowship Ministry Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY!
Subject: LESSON #10: TOUGH TIMES & ADVERSITY
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribuation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer - take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted - for I have overcome the world. - I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you].
- John 16:33
Having a bad day? A bad life? I've alWays said, "Living is hard, but Life is Good!"
(Well, not alWays, but since I've become a Believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.) The fact of the matter is that nobody said it was going to be easy.
Jackson Browne sang, "Nobody owes you Nothing!" Remember, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."? Jesus Is the Way, Truth and Life! God Is Good (All the Time!) and Jesus Is God, so Life Is Good!
Trials, hard times and adversity don't necessarilly mean that the enemy is behind it, you're guilty, something is wrong, God is punishing you, you're not spiritual enough, you don't have enough faith, God isn't Faithful (Many of you have heard me say countless times [and you'll hear it said more and more] that "God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!")
or God isn't close to you. He Is as close to you as your next breath or heart beat!
Jesus was once asked by the Disciples, "Who sinned? This Man or his parents?"
He responed, "No one, but this happened, so that the Son of Man may be Glorified!"
The man had a disability and Jesus healed him.
All one needs to do is read Romans 8:35-39 to find out what can separate us as Believers from the Love of God.
NOTHING! It is sin that separates us from God, but if we repent and confess our sin He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive and Restore Us To A Right Relationship With Him In Christ Jesus Through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit Working In and Through Us! Adversity comes from being Righteous and fighting evil, but unfortunately many of us "Believers" experience adversity from fighting God and His Perfect Will for Our Lives. Trust me! FATHER KNOWS BEST!
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His} design and purpose.
- Romans 8:28
Whatever trials we go through are to make our Faith more precious than gold.
Some of you may have read "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People" and all one need do is read the Psalms to see how David got upset over the fact that good things happen to bad people too.
Every One goes through tribulation, but it's how we react to it that melts and molds us into who we really are. Hard times can bring change, purifying, prayer, perserverance, patience, character, humility and more. God promises to work All Things (bad and good) Together for Our Good :-)
To Overcome this World we live in isn't easy, but In Jesus We Have the Victory!
We Must Rest the devil for him to flee from us, Lean on God and His Word, not on your own understanding and Seek to Find what God may be saying to you in the midst of the storms. He has promised to bring you THROUGH! Be honest with God, persevere, stand on His Word, walk by Faith and Not by Sight. Love and Praise God In All Things (even as a sacrifice), but notice the Word doesn't say, For All Things.
Remain Positive: All God's Promises Are Yes and Amen In Jesus! Circumstances Change, but God Stays the Same! Dry times will come (those so called desert experiences), but The Good Shepherd will lead you beside still waters. Death and tragedy are a reality nobody escapes, but cast your burdens on the Lord for He Cares For YOU! He'll wipe aWay Every Tear from Your Eyes.
Persecution and Rejection are still a constant in this World we live in, but God is still on the Throne and Prayer changes things! He may answer yes, no or wait, but He AlWays answers.
"When you get out, tell the world what we learned here, that there is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus is not deeper still."
- Betsie Ten Boon
Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie Ten Boon brought the words of her sister (who died in the camp) to the world. Her family were Dutch Believers taken to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jewish refugees.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith and take a stand for Jesus! We have an enemy - don't dwell on it, but realize that there will be opposition from people, the flesh and spiritual forces. We Have An Eternal Life Time Guarantee: VICTORY!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
READ: COLOSSIANS 2:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1, 2; 3:11; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3,
4; GALATIANS 1:6-9; 2 PETER 1:19-21; 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; ACTS 17:10-12; EPHESIANS 4:14, 15
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #11: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Messiah. As you therefore have received Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, the Lord, so walk in HIm, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in HIm and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Messiah.
- Colossians 2:5-8
Facts change, but the Truth remains constant!
We will All be judged by every idle (or "idol") Word spoken or written and for teachers and preachers this is something to strongly consider before God when you are expounding your interpretations and/or doctrines to men. Most of you have heard the saying, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!" and I only wish that most Believers would take God at His Word, because it is obvious to me that now more than ever the wheat and the tares are growing together. False teaching along with the interpretations and doctrines of men are overtaking the Church, but the Light of God's Word will chase aWay the darkness!
AS for myself, brethren, when I came to you [I] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony or evidence or mystery or secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy or wisdom;
For I resolved to know nothing - to be acquainted with [nothing], to make a display of the knowledge of [nothing], and to be conscious of [nothing] - among you except Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2
Knowing Jesus, God as Our Father and His Holy Spirit in and through our lives is priority #1 and Everything Else is secondary! Paul not only expresses his heart's desire here (God's heart and desire as well), but also proclaimed, "That I may Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection!" Is that your heart's cry Today? It Should be Each and Every Day of Your Life In Christ Jesus. We Must focus our attentions on the Majors and Not the Minors of our faith. To Know (experientially) nothing... except Jesus/Yeshua.. & Him crucified In and Through Our Lives Daily as a Witness to the World should be Our Goal!
For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
1) The Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation are the divinely inspired Words of God and the final authority in faith and life.
2) There Is One God, Transcendent, Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Personal and Infinite.
3) Jesus/Yeshua Is The Messiah, the Son of God and Our Salvation.
4) The Holy Spirit dwells in and through the hearts of All True Believers.
5) Mankind is created by God in His Image, has a free will, is sinful and Must Be Saved, but cannot save himself.
6) There Is Just One Way to be reconciled to the Father and Jesus Is Our Only Hope, answer and peace.
7) Salvation Is A Free Gift extended to All who accept, believe and receive Jesus/Yeshua as Lord and Savior of their lives.
8) Salvation Brings A New Birth, heart, cleansing, renewing, freedom, dwelling of God's Spirit, power, new Life, Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness and Righteousness.
9) Those Who Receive Salvation are born again of the Spirit of God, children of God and bound In Unity and Fellowship In The Spirit.
10) The Messiah Will Return to rule and reign on the Earth and bring Peace, physically, literally and historically.
11) The Dead Will Be Resurrected and we must All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of God.
12) Those Not Saved by faith in Christ Jesus will be separated from God and sent to everlasting punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his fallen angels.
Love is the Ultimate Proof of Faith In Christ Jesus, should be what we are looking for in others and what we are looking to give to others. There is no such thing as a perfect Church, Congregation or Fellowship Group, but In God's Eyes We Are Perfect In Christ Jesus.
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Messiah.
- Ephesians 4:14, 15
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION AND SIN
READ: 1 JOHN 1; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11, 10:12-14; JOHN 4:4, 5:4, 5, 6:37;
HEBREWS 10:19-23, 12:1, 2; JAMES 4:7; 2 TIMOTHY 2:21, 22; GALATIANS 5:1, 16-25; PHIL. 4; EPHESIANS 6:10-17
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #12: TEMPTATION, SIN & OVERCOMING
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt - keeps us cleansed from sin and all its forms and manifestations.
If we say we have no sin - refusing to admit that we are sinners - we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us - does not dwell in our hearts. If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness - everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, though and action.
- 1 John 7-9
When I get to Heaven (and I Know I'm Going There!) I'm going to confront Paul on his statement that he was the chiefest of sinners.
Sin is missing the mark, anything that goes against God, His Word, Spirit, numbs our heart or takes us aWay from God and whatever we can't do with a pure conscience, we must bring before the Lord and deal with it.
Shall we All compare notes? Let's face it we All have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory, but as a New Creation In Christ Jesus we are Called to Victory In His Holy Name! He has given us All a New Heart and Nature, so through wisdom, common sense, Love, forgiveness, the Blessed Assurance That Jesus Is "MINE," perseverance, Faith and the Working of His Spirit In and Through Our Lives We Can Overcome and We Shall! Old sins, attitudes, actions and habits have to be done aWay with. Every One of Us is tempted, but God has given us All the Power and Ability to make the right Choices. Not praying, wanting to change for the better, Believing God and taking Him at His Word, accepting His Forgiveness or focusing only on outward actions, hopelessness and despair, self contempt and dwelling in guilt, compromise, looking to past failures rather than the Lord, dwelling on sin and confidence in your own strength only slow down and hinder our overcoming of sin.
Therefore let any one who thinks he (or she) stands - who feels sure that he (or she) has a steadfast mind and is standing firm - take heed lest he (or she) fall [into sin].
For no temptation - no trial regarded as enticing to sin [no matter how it comes or where it leads] - has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man - that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear.
But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out - the means of escape to a landing place - that you may be capable and strong and powerful patiently to bear up under it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13
Give it to God, Believe Him and His Word for the Victory In Jesus, make up your own mind to turn (repent) from that sin, STOP in your tracks when you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart, avoid the situations and circumstances that find you in the wrong places, resist the thought (Not by telling yourself that you're not going to think of it, but by renewing your mind with the washing of God's Holy Word!), think of the long term consequences (Hey, we All Know that sin is pleasurable for a season, so think of the long term pain, conflict and how you'll feel afterwards.), Rejoice In the Lord (think of the Joy, God Fruit, Abiding In Him, Victory, Peace and soundness of not giving in), Do the Do's of the Bible and you won't have to worry about the don't's, Look for the Way out (Jesus Is the Way, so What Would He Do?), and AlWays Remember that Sin is not Master over you, God Is, so don't buy the lie!
Say, "NO!" If God has set you free then You Are Truly Free Indeed!
The Word of God says, "Resist the devil and he MUST Flee From YOU!" God is the Master Surgeon and some times we need several operations to get some of those ingrained things completely removed from our Lives. Be not discouraged, Jesus Is Our Hope and God Forgives You, so You MUST Forgive Yourself.
Sometimes even after a long stretch of overcoming we get hit from behind, so don't panic! Let the Lord cleanse your conscience and heart, don't look at how long a Way you may still have to go, but at How Far You've Come In the Lord Jesus and His Promises to Bring You Through To Completion In Him!
Should you slip, stumble or fall along the Way get up immediately, dust yourself off and move forward by putting something of the Word of God into Action.
Remember You Are NOT Alone! We Are In This Together to Encourage and Uplift One Another NOT to criticize and tear down. God is Never Surprised (disappointed maybe, but Never Surprised) at our sin and there is NO SIN That the Precious Blood of Jesus can not cleanse us from if we bring it before His Throne of Grace and Mercy.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith (nobody said it was going to be easy, but it will Surely be Worth It ALL) and seek to be All that God has Called and Created You To Be In Jesus, because We Have The Guaranteed Victory In His Holy Name!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: GROWTH AND CHANGE AS A WAY OF LIFE
READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-7; COLOSSIANS 3:1-10; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17, 3:18;
ACTS 3:19; MARK 10:28-30, 1:40-42; MATTHEW 16:24-26; GALATIANS 2:20; ROMANS 12:1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-15
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #13: GROWTH & CHANGE (AS A WAY OF LIFE)
AND you [He made alive], when you were dead [slain] by [your] trespasses and sins.
In which at one time you walked habitually. You were following the course and fashion of this world - were under the sway of the tendency of this present age - following the prince of the power of the air. (You were obedient to him and were under his control,) the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience - the careless, the rebellious and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God. Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of the flesh - our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature; obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind - our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
But God! So rich is He in His mercy!
Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead [slain] by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ. - He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him. [For] it is by grace - by His favor and mercy which you did not deserve - that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together - giving us joint seating with Him - in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2: 1-7
Even Taco Bell in their previous adds exclaimed, "Change Is Good!" Although I think we can All agree that change (especially for the better) is not alWays easy. The moment we accept Christ Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives we are changed into New Creations in Him, we are Born Again and become Children of God, but some changes are hard. We are Called of God to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! Some changes happen over night, some take years and others take a lifetime, but as Believers we are to press on and to constantly be moving onward and upwards In Him! In Him, you don't change from being the real you, but become the "real" you that God created you to "Be" in the first place.
In Colossians 3:1-10 Paul exhorts us to lay aside the old self and put on the New In the Lord Jesus Christ! Rather than boastfulness, insecurity, cheating, lying, dishonesty, manipulation and other old lifestyle traits God wants to build in us His characteristics of humility, integrity, hope, faithfulness, joy, compassion, so much more and above All Love. Your manhood / womanhood, culture, skills, talents, abilities, interests, temperament and personality God redeems and keeps for His Purposes. He changes our actions, habits, outlooks, attitudes (what attitudes you ask?), emotions by giving us His Holy Spirit In Our Lives and a New Heart :-)
What helps you grow? The Word of God is #1! His Word Is Spirit and Life! Believe God, the truths of His Good News, His Promises that are All Yes and Amen In Jesus, overcome fear with Faith (it Is the "Substance" of things hoped for and the "Evidence" of things unseen) and avoid becoming stagnant, discouraged, comfortable or complacent in your Christian walk. Prayer, communion and fellowship are paramount for a successful Christian Life!
Have you lost your old life? (see Matthew 16:24-26) Are you dead to the World and alive unto Him? (see Galatians 2:20) We All come to Jesus less than whole - with conflict, problems, incompleteness, baggage, hang ups and hurt, but like the leper in Mark 1:40-42 He Will Make You Whole. He Will Give You Shalom, His Peace, Fulness, Wholeness, Nothing Missing and Nothing Broken In Your Life as long as you bring it All to Him and let Him touch and heal You.
We are All on this Spiritual Journey Together In Him going from loneliness to fellowship, restlessness to peace, empty pleasures to joy, temporal things to eternal, emptiness to fulfillment, vanity to Truth and selfishness to Love, but none of us have totally arrived yet, so let's be patient with each other and encourage one another daily unto Good Works in Christ Jesus.
Offer yourselves up to God, renew your mind, lay hold Jesus, forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead! Look unto Jesus Who Is the Author and Finisher (He Who has begun a Good Work In You shall Complete It) of Our Faith! He Will Grow and Change You as You Walk In His Way and Life.
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
READ: 1 PETER 3:14, 15; DEUTERONOMY 4:32-35; JEREMIAH 29:11, 31:35, 36;
PHILIPPIANS 2:9, 10, 3:12-14; 1 JOHN 1:1-3; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-30, 13, 15:19; ISAIAH 53; MICAH 5:2; DANIEL 9:25; ROMANS 1:18, 12:4-8; ACTS 17:21-30; 2 PETER 1:15-21; JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28, 25:32-46
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #14: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed - happy, to be envied. Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to any one who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]
- 1 Peter 3:14, 15
Living in the United States of America where freedom reigns (or at least it's supposed to) we don't experience persecution for our Faith In Jesus as many of our other Brothers and Sisters around the World do. In India a Christian is considered the lowest of the low, but God sent His Son into the World to save sinners and the angels of Heaven visited the shepherds in the fields that night to proclaim the Good News that the Savior was born (even at the time of Joseph in Egypt shepherds were considered the scum of the Earth). A friend of mine was ministering in India with Dr. P.P. Job (known as the Billy Graham of India) whose son was murdered, because he was a Christian and they wanted to stop the Gospel from being preached to the people there. At worst we have to deal this time of year with the ACLU trying to remove "religious" symbols from government properties in the name of "separation of Church and State." God Is Still On the Throne and Prayer Changes Things! Not only are we as Christians called to Believe by Faith (without Faith it is impossible to please God), but we are to be ready in season and out to give a presentation and a reason of what and why we believe - thus "apologetics" - meaning APOLOGIA in Greek when translated "defense." The "Hope" that is within you is Christ Jesus the Hope of Glory!
No other person ever in human history has been credible and at the same time spoken in such a way as to say, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Each of us as Believers has a story to tell to the World around us in which we live, move and have our being. The Gospel gives us and the World the power to be born again, a clean slate, Peace with God, freedom from guilt, cleansing, healing, forgiveness, Love overcoming judgement and sin, Life from death, new Life and so much more!
Therefore [because He stooped so low], God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And ever tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11
God has revealed Himself to mortal man in the Person of Jesus Who Is the Christ, Messiah, Anointed One! He Is the "Most" Influential "Person" Who ever lived, the most life changing, resisted, powerful, central, crucial, beloved, perpetually relevant, universal, revolutionary, fulfilling, truthful, comforting, healing, gentle, holy, wise, loving and exalted One! Every single human being who ever lived on the face of this planet will some Day meet Him face to face and have to give an account and that is why we "Must" bring the Good News of Jesus and the Love of God to All Nations and Peoples!
Like Paul the Apostle on Mars Hill in Acts 17:21-30 we are faced with people in this World that sacrifice their lives daily to the "unknown god" and it is our duty to proclaim the Living God Who Created Them and the Universe They Live In, so that they can come to know Salvation In Jesus' Mighty name! Prophecy (fulfilled and yet to come), history, your own personal and unique Christian testimony (there will only ever be just one YOU and God has placed YOU here and now for such a time as this) can all help us as Believers to "reason together" with others who believe in evolution, paganism, Eastern Sects & Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Materialism, Communism, New Age, Occultism, Mysticism, "Self-Assertion," Freudian Psychiatry and the like (or in this case our dis-likes :-)
As we watch and wait in obedience to the Master's command let us be diligent and ready to give an account to All He would bring our Way. God says, "This Is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am Well Pleased, Listen To Him!" No Prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for No Prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit Spoken From God. My Prayer Is that Each and Every Member In the Body of Christ Jesus would allow God's Holy Spirit to move upon them Today and Every Day Until Jesus Returns!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: MINISTRY & CALLING
READ: JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; 1 CORINTHIANS
12:1-30, 13; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28; JEREMIAH 29:11; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #15: MINISTRY & CALLING
Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.
- John 20:21
God Is Calling the World Unto Himself!
Why?
Because He Loves His Creation. He wishes that "none" would perish, but that All would come to repentance and Eternal Life In Jesus' Name! Not Only does He Call Us to be Saved, but He has a "special" Calling for each of our lives.
God has given us All the Ministry of Reconciliation! Just as the Father sent His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Into the World, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Anointed One is sending you out to All Nations and Peoples with the Good News of Salvation In His Holy and Precious Name.
We are All Called to Love! Some of us are Called to teach, preach, heal, evangelize, encourage, help, administer, counsel, support, share His Wisdom and the list goes on and on.
Read, study and apply Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-30 to find out in your own personal life and understand that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Are For Today! God has Created us All with Natural Gifts (abilities, talents, gifts, dispositions, natures, resources, personalities, etc.) and as Believers He Bestows On Us Supernatural Gifts: The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps and Administrations. We as the Body of Christ Jesus and His Representatives Here On Earth "MUST" allow each and every individual part of said "Body" to fully function here and now in order for us to Be His Witnesses and Fulfill the Great Commission! Look Around You to see the needs, Inside You for what kind of vessel God made You to Be and what God placed inside You and Look for open doors! Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. God promises to take you through the flood. Try it you'll like it!
There is NOTHING more fulfilling than to
be ready, willing and able to serve God, each other and the World. This Is Your Calling and Ministry!
Washing one another's feet and being the greatest starts and finishes with service!
Ministry is a Sacrifice, but those who lose their lives will find the Abundant Life In Jesus. Do you have a "Servant's Heart?" Humble your "self" in the sight of the Lord and He Will Lift You Up! What we do should be done "For God" and "From God." Don't look for the approval of man, but Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of Our Faith and be obedient to His Call! We can only "Give" what we have "Received" From Him. Be filled with His Word and Spirit and you can go forth In the Power of His Holy Name! Love from the Love of God that Is Shed Abroad In Your Heart. Let those Streams of Living Water Flow!
Matthew 25:32-46 tells us about the sheep and the goats. Apparently both Groups were under the care of the Shepherd. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and by Faith In Him we become Born-Again and Have Eternal Life In His Name, but things don't end there. That's just the beginning! We Need to Grow In the Grace and Knowledge of Him and Daily Walk In His Will and Way! Jesus (The Way) was and "IS" A Doer! God Calls Us to Good Works In Jesus that were created for us to "DO" before the foundations of the World were laid.
Works of Compassion - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter, reaching out to those in need, those cast out, etc.
God has a "Plan" (and it's a perfect one) for YOU and we Are One In His Body. My father always says, "There are two kinds of people in the World, Leaders and followers. Be A Leader!" I'm "big" on honoring your father and mother In the Lord and you've All heard me say, "Father Knows Best," but a True Leader "IS" a Follower of Jesus, "IS" led By the Holy Spirit of God Working In and Through their Life and will lead and guide others in the Will and Way of Our Heavenly Father. My prayer is that All of your Spiritual Eyes will be open and enlightened to know the Hope of His Calling on your Life and that you would fulfill that Calling In and Through this Ministry. None of us have arrived and we need each other to help forget what lies behind, reach forward to what's ahead and press on together toward the goal for the prize of the upward Call of God In Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua!
Jesus commands us to spread the Word, make Disciples of All Nations and Peoples, to Be Lights to the World, sow seed, bear fruit and Lasting Fruit for His Kingdom In Season and Out and to reap the Harvest for it is Ripe and Ready! Our Salvation is NOT Ever to be kept to ourselves and no matter who you are or where you live God has Called YOU to a Life of Ministry In the Name of Jesus!
YOU Have a unique roll and Purpose In God to be a fisher of men, a special messenger of the Good News, an Ambassador for Christ Jesus, an example to others and a Witness of the Love of God to the World!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE GREAT COMMISSION
READ: MATTHEW 28:18-20, 4:18-22, 5:13-16, 10:32, 33, 9:36-38; ROMANS.
1:16; 2 KINGS 7:3-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-6:2; ACTS 17:19-31, 1:7, 8; JOHN 4:35, 36
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
LESSON #16: THE GREAT COMMISSION!
And Jesus/Yeshua came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
- Matt. 28:18-20
Our Salvation is only as "good" as when we give it aWay! We cannot and surely "Must Not" keep the Gospel message to ourselves, but spread the Word, share Salvation In Jesus' Name and make disciples of All Nations and Peoples.
Discpleship is only complete when we disciple others. We're All Called of God to have Spiritual Children, we're born of God and then give "spiritual birth" to others, we receive then give and our New Life In Christ Jesus should become a Love Chain from person to person, spreading the Good News of God's Love for the World and Each Other. Jesus told us Not to hide our Light under a bushel, but to let It Shine Ever Brighter Until the Full Light of Day!
Confess Him before men and He Will Confess YOU before the Father and All of the Angels in Heaven! Paul the Apostle proclaimed in the Book of Romans 1:16, "I AM Not ashamed of the Gospel, for It Is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone who Believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile!" Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By The Word of God! It Is the Word of God that opens our ears to hear, eyes to see, minds to understand and comprehend, heart to receive, our nostrils to breathe in the Breath of Life, tongues to taste that the Lord Is Good and Praise Him for His Loving-Kindness and the very spirit of man to be touched and come to Eternal Life and Everlasting Love In Jesus. He came to His Own, but they "knew" Him Not and when Jesus ascended up to Heaven He poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh to give US the Power and Anointing to break the yolk of bondage and sin, so that All could come to repentance (key emphasis on ALL).
In the Book of 2 Kings 7:3-9 you'll read an account of the Lepers. We are all sinners saved by the Grace of God (this is what the Lepers represent) and we can "Not" keep the Good News, Hope, Answer and Way to Our "SELF!"
The question is, How can we reach out to a World of people (each and every individual one) that is hurting and perishing without Jesus? We Are God's Chosen People to take the Light to the Nations. Streams of "Living Water" are to be flowing out of us to be a witness to others of God's Love and His Word. As God's Hands and Voice we have to reach out and encourage others In the Lord Jesus to become All that He has Created Us For and Called US to Be! Every Believer (anyone who calls them self a "Christian") should be determined in their heart to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service In the Kingdom of God and Fulfill the Great Commssion! This Is what "Being" a Christian Is All About (REALITY CHECK)!
There are countless different Ways and methods of E-Vangelism. We are surely living in the Last Days (If Paul said, he was then we have to be) and the internet is by far the most powerful tool available to the "Church" (that's you and me) Today! You can't beat person to person, one on one Evangelism, but preaching, teaching, small Groups, tracts, support Groups, books, magazines, cd's, cassettes, concerts, tv, radio, newsprint, mail, door to door, street ministry and so many other Ways are available for YOU to get The Word out to All Nations and Peoples. Pray, Love, show true compassion and concern for others, share the Lord in Action more than word, but most of all listen to the Voice of God's Holy Spirit and be obedient to His leading. Don't be afraid, insensitive, frustrated and get side-tracked or talk "at" someone, but "to" them by relating to them, theirs needs and concerns.
Invite people to come to Jesus, He did and His Holy Spirit Lives and Moves and Has His Being In YOU too. Be who YOU Are In Christ Jesus and Never Ever try to be someone else. Jesus heals and comforts, brings greater Love than any human could, gives the abundant Life not emptiness or vanity.
Each and Every One of Us Has a Purpose from God for our lives. We live in a "fallen" World, All Need God and are separated from HIm without a personal relationship with Jesus and He Is Our Only Hope!
Salvation Is Completely and Totally FREE but Jesus Gave His Life for US to Have It.
He who has the Son Has Life and he who does Not have the Son does Not Have Life! Jesus gave His All and we should too. He has Called US All to start where we live and then Go to the Uttermost Parts of the World! Today Is the Day of Salvation! Let US Not say, "There are yet four months and then comes the harvest?" Let US Have Compassion on the multitudes in the Valley of Decision and do whatever it takes to help them make the Right One! He has Given US His Word, His Name and His Life, so that Each of US can go forth and accomplish His Will and Way. Let US Not let HIm down.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE ABUNDANT LIFE
READ: JOHN 10:10, 15, 7:37-39; GALATIANS 5; PHILIPPIANS 4, 3:7-14; 2
CORINTHIANS 9:6; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; 1 JOHN 4:7-11; MATTHEW 6:14, 15; EPHESIANS 1:18, 19, 3:14-21, 5:18-21
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #7: SALVATION
For every one who calls on the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved. [Joel 2:32.]
- Romans 10:13
This is actually our first lesson in (notice I didn't say on) Discipleship. We are All Called of God to Be Disciples! God wishes that None would perish, but that All Would Come to Repentance! This Whole World Is Perishing and We Are Called As Disciples of Christ Jesus To Go Forth In His Name and Save It! But, what exactly are we saving it from? Our own sins, the Judgement of God, guilt, condemnation (there is NO condemnation for those who are In Christ Jesus), eternal death (God warned Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that if they disobeyed Him they would surely die), eternal separation from God (It is Your Sin that Keeps YOU From God and God From YOU, because He Is Holy!), hell (which was created for the devil and his fallen angels that rebelled against God in Heaven), the power of the enemy, bondage (He Is Or Deliverer), hopelessness (Jesus Is the Hope of the World), spiritual darkness (Messiah said, "I AM The Light Of The World!" and In Him there Is NO darkness), spiritual death (You may have been born of the flesh [the natural birth], but have YOU been Born Again Of The Spirit Of God?)
and emptiness (We All Need The Peace, Shalom Of God which passes All our natural understanding and to Be Filled [continually] with His Holy Spirit).
God so Loved this World (John 3) that He gave Us His Only Begotten Son, Jesus and through His death we have Eiernal Life, In His Judgement We Are Forgiven and By His Resurrection We Have the Blessed Assurance of a New Life and Communion and Fellowship with God and Each Other In The Spirit Of His Love!
All have sinned and fall short f the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus/Yeshua.
- Romans 6:23
But God demonstrates His own love toward us...
- Romans 5:8-10
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua...
- Romans 8:1,2
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Jesus/Yeshua for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8, 9
Come to Me all who are...
- Matthew 11:28-30
Have YOU Come to Jesus? Have YOU Come Home to the Father? Have YOU left the World behind YOU? Are YOU Washed by the Pure Water from Heaven? Are YOU Free to Be All that God Created YOU for?
If YOU answered, "YES!" to the questions then YOU Have SALVATION! Now, YOU Are Called Of God To Bring It To All Nations And Peoples! GO, DO and BE a Disciple!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed."
- John 8:31, NKJV
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Messiah also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God....For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth, trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. AMEN.
- Ephesians 5:1, 2, 8-10
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT WEEK: RELATIONSHIP
READ: PHILIPPIANS 3:7, 8; PSALM 100:3; MATTHEW 6:30-33; JOHN 15:13-15;
PSALM 23; JOHN 10:14, 15; EPHESIANS 5:25-32
The Simple Church Fellowship RECEIVES CHRISTIAN WEB EXCELLENCE AWARD All Glory, Praise and Honor Due to God for Blessing this Web Site. Be a Part of Something Bigger Than Yourself at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY All!
Subject: LESSON #8: GOD AND YOU/ RELATIONSHIP
But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as (one combimed) loss for Christ's sake. Yes, furthermore I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege - the overwhelming preciousnesss, the surpassing worth and supreme advantage - of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted qith Him, of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ, the Anointed One,
And that I may [actually] be found and known as in HIm, not having any (self-achieved) righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands - ritualistic uprightness and [supposed] right standing with God thus acquired - but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the Anointed One, the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by (saving) faith.
- Phillippians 3:7-9
How do you build a relationship with someone? By spending time with them, doing things together, talking and listening to one another, opening up and baring your heart, sharing your life, joys, sorrows, desires and needs, resolving differences, learning of and seeking to know them. Do You "Know" God? God Is Eternal and there is "No End" to Him and He Is All that is Good, Right, Beautiful, Holy, Just, Merciful, Our Hope, Refuge, Rock, Salvation, Help, Light, Joy, He's Full of Lovingkindness and in fact God Is Love!
Know - perceive, recognize and understand with approval - that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His People and the sheep of His pasture. [Eph.2:10.]
- Psalm 100:3
God is the Source and reason for your Life! We Are His Workmanship Created For Good Works In Christ Jesus, Messiah, the Anointed One.
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you men with little faith? Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek after all these things; and you heavenly Father well knows that you need them all.
But seek for (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom, and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right], and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
- Matthew 6:30-33
The Holy Spirit Will Lead and Guide You Into All Truth and Righteousness! My God Shall Provide All of Your Needs According to His Riches In Glory! Our Father In Who Art In Heaven Loves YOU and Will Protect, Carry, Nurture, Correct and Watch Over YOU. He caused you to be born and will grow you into the Image of His Son, Jesus! We Are His Children and should Look Up to Him with Respect and Trust, Cast Our Cares On Him, Be Intimate With Him, Listen To and Follow Him, Love and Honor Him, Bring Him Your Needs, Desires and Rest In Him.
Jesus Is Our Friend (John 15:13-15), Shepherd (Psalm 23, John 10:14, 15), Beloved and Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:25-32). We Are the Bride of Christ, His Lover, Sheep and Friend. He has paid HIs marraige price and purchased us as His Bride. He has gone to prepare a Place for Us to spend Eternity Together! Jesus has given Himself Completely to Us, Paid Our Debts, Given Us His Name, Is AlWays Faithful to Us and Will Never Leave or Forsake Us! As His Bride We Belong to Him, Share His Heart, Life, Stand With Him In All Things, Devote Ourselves to Him and Are One In His Covenant of Faith!
Have a Beautiful Relationship!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
READ: ISAIAH 40:8; PSALM 119:9-11, 105; COLOSSIANS 3:16; LUKE 8:5-10; MATTHEW 7:24-27; 2 TIMOTHY 3:15-17; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13; 1 PETER 2:1, 2
LESSON #9: THE BIBLE AND THE WORD OF GOD
The Grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [James 1:10, 11; 1 Pet. 1:24, 25.]
- Isaiah 40:8
FOOTNOTE: The apostle Peter quotes this verse and the adds, "and this
word is the good news [the Gospel] which was preached to you" - whih confirms as fact that Isaiah is here referring to the times of Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
When I first went full time into the Ministry (I spent many years "full time" in Ministry, but it wasn't until I was ordained that I actually got paid for it which could lead me to the topic, "The Workman Is Worth His Wages," but we'll save that for another time :-) I said to my dear brother in the Lord Jesus, Ed Mathews (who also has a Web Site you can find on The Simple Church Fellowship titled, "Ed Simcha's Parasha Corner") that I now had the greatest job in the World and the benefits were Eternal!
Although the Word of God was written by a variety of people in different circumstances and places in the World it is completely consistent from start to finish. Made up of 66 distinct books God's Word is Powerful, Authoritative, Unique and 100% accurate in fortelling future events. The Bible and the Word of God will stand Forever!
Filled with History, Poetry, Prophecy, the Torah, Prophets, Gospels, Acts of the Holy Spirit, Epistles of Paul and others the Word of God is God's account (Billy Graham's daughter, Anne Graham Lotz has a wonderful book, "God's Story" and I recommend all of her writings to you.) -
God's underlying theme - God's coming salvation or as another author writes, God's Unfolding Drama of Redemption.
Let the word [spoken by] the Christ, the Messiah, have it's home (in your hearts and minds) and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and sing] psalms and hyms and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
- Colossians 3:16
One could Never stress enough the Importance of the Word of God in the Believer's Life. When you read the Scriptures do you Receive the Word into your heart and mind? Study the Word, Meditate Upon the Scriptures, Let God's Wisdom Sink In, Memorize verses, Apply them to your Life and Put the Word of God Into Practice.
And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men but as what it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe - exercising its [superhuman] power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
I (along with countless others in the Simple Church Fellowship Group Members, too numerous to name) Sow the Seed of God's Word (Read Luke 8:5-15), Encourage All of You to Act Upon It and Discuss the Important Principles of It (Read Matthew 7:24-27)!
As much as this and other Ministries need prayer intercessors we also need each and every one of you interacting with each other, because as iron sharpens iron, so one man (woman or child) sharpens another. Strong Biblical Doctrine, Interpretation and Truth are going forth among us,being spread throughout the World and God is bringing the increase (not only in numbers, but in the Abundance of Spiritual Fruit being brought forth through our Hearts and Lives In Jesus!)
God's Word Is Spirit and Life!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT STUDY: TOUGH TIMES AND ADVERSITY
READ: JOHN 16:33; ROMANS 8:28, 35-39, 5:3-5; 1 PETER 1:6, 7, 4:12-14;
HEBREWS 12:5-13; MATTHEW 5:1-12; EPHESIANS 6:10-18
Join our Simple Church Fellowship Ministry Group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/simplechurchfellowship .
GBY!
Subject: LESSON #10: TOUGH TIMES & ADVERSITY
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribuation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer - take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted - for I have overcome the world. - I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you].
- John 16:33
Having a bad day? A bad life? I've alWays said, "Living is hard, but Life is Good!"
(Well, not alWays, but since I've become a Believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.) The fact of the matter is that nobody said it was going to be easy.
Jackson Browne sang, "Nobody owes you Nothing!" Remember, "I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden."? Jesus Is the Way, Truth and Life! God Is Good (All the Time!) and Jesus Is God, so Life Is Good!
Trials, hard times and adversity don't necessarilly mean that the enemy is behind it, you're guilty, something is wrong, God is punishing you, you're not spiritual enough, you don't have enough faith, God isn't Faithful (Many of you have heard me say countless times [and you'll hear it said more and more] that "God Is Faithful and Jesus Never Fails!")
or God isn't close to you. He Is as close to you as your next breath or heart beat!
Jesus was once asked by the Disciples, "Who sinned? This Man or his parents?"
He responed, "No one, but this happened, so that the Son of Man may be Glorified!"
The man had a disability and Jesus healed him.
All one needs to do is read Romans 8:35-39 to find out what can separate us as Believers from the Love of God.
NOTHING! It is sin that separates us from God, but if we repent and confess our sin He Is Faithful and Just to Forgive and Restore Us To A Right Relationship With Him In Christ Jesus Through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit Working In and Through Us! Adversity comes from being Righteous and fighting evil, but unfortunately many of us "Believers" experience adversity from fighting God and His Perfect Will for Our Lives. Trust me! FATHER KNOWS BEST!
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His} design and purpose.
- Romans 8:28
Whatever trials we go through are to make our Faith more precious than gold.
Some of you may have read "Why Bad Things Happen to Good People" and all one need do is read the Psalms to see how David got upset over the fact that good things happen to bad people too.
Every One goes through tribulation, but it's how we react to it that melts and molds us into who we really are. Hard times can bring change, purifying, prayer, perserverance, patience, character, humility and more. God promises to work All Things (bad and good) Together for Our Good :-)
To Overcome this World we live in isn't easy, but In Jesus We Have the Victory!
We Must Rest the devil for him to flee from us, Lean on God and His Word, not on your own understanding and Seek to Find what God may be saying to you in the midst of the storms. He has promised to bring you THROUGH! Be honest with God, persevere, stand on His Word, walk by Faith and Not by Sight. Love and Praise God In All Things (even as a sacrifice), but notice the Word doesn't say, For All Things.
Remain Positive: All God's Promises Are Yes and Amen In Jesus! Circumstances Change, but God Stays the Same! Dry times will come (those so called desert experiences), but The Good Shepherd will lead you beside still waters. Death and tragedy are a reality nobody escapes, but cast your burdens on the Lord for He Cares For YOU! He'll wipe aWay Every Tear from Your Eyes.
Persecution and Rejection are still a constant in this World we live in, but God is still on the Throne and Prayer changes things! He may answer yes, no or wait, but He AlWays answers.
"When you get out, tell the world what we learned here, that there is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus is not deeper still."
- Betsie Ten Boon
Nazi concentration camp survivor, Corrie Ten Boon brought the words of her sister (who died in the camp) to the world. Her family were Dutch Believers taken to a Nazi concentration camp for hiding Jewish refugees.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith and take a stand for Jesus! We have an enemy - don't dwell on it, but realize that there will be opposition from people, the flesh and spiritual forces. We Have An Eternal Life Time Guarantee: VICTORY!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
READ: COLOSSIANS 2:5-8; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1, 2; 3:11; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3,
4; GALATIANS 1:6-9; 2 PETER 1:19-21; 2 TIMOTHY 2:15; ACTS 17:10-12; EPHESIANS 4:14, 15
Copyright 2002-2012
All Rights Reserved.
Subject: LESSON #11: TRUTH, INTERPRETATION & DOCTRINE
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Messiah. As you therefore have received Messiah Jesus/Yeshua, the Lord, so walk in HIm, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in HIm and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Messiah.
- Colossians 2:5-8
Facts change, but the Truth remains constant!
We will All be judged by every idle (or "idol") Word spoken or written and for teachers and preachers this is something to strongly consider before God when you are expounding your interpretations and/or doctrines to men. Most of you have heard the saying, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!" and I only wish that most Believers would take God at His Word, because it is obvious to me that now more than ever the wheat and the tares are growing together. False teaching along with the interpretations and doctrines of men are overtaking the Church, but the Light of God's Word will chase aWay the darkness!
AS for myself, brethren, when I came to you [I] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony or evidence or mystery or secret of God [concerning what He has done through Christ for the salvation of men] in lofty words of eloquence or human philosophy or wisdom;
For I resolved to know nothing - to be acquainted with [nothing], to make a display of the knowledge of [nothing], and to be conscious of [nothing] - among you except Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Him crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2
Knowing Jesus, God as Our Father and His Holy Spirit in and through our lives is priority #1 and Everything Else is secondary! Paul not only expresses his heart's desire here (God's heart and desire as well), but also proclaimed, "That I may Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection!" Is that your heart's cry Today? It Should be Each and Every Day of Your Life In Christ Jesus. We Must focus our attentions on the Majors and Not the Minors of our faith. To Know (experientially) nothing... except Jesus/Yeshua.. & Him crucified In and Through Our Lives Daily as a Witness to the World should be Our Goal!
For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
1) The Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation are the divinely inspired Words of God and the final authority in faith and life.
2) There Is One God, Transcendent, Holy, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Personal and Infinite.
3) Jesus/Yeshua Is The Messiah, the Son of God and Our Salvation.
4) The Holy Spirit dwells in and through the hearts of All True Believers.
5) Mankind is created by God in His Image, has a free will, is sinful and Must Be Saved, but cannot save himself.
6) There Is Just One Way to be reconciled to the Father and Jesus Is Our Only Hope, answer and peace.
7) Salvation Is A Free Gift extended to All who accept, believe and receive Jesus/Yeshua as Lord and Savior of their lives.
8) Salvation Brings A New Birth, heart, cleansing, renewing, freedom, dwelling of God's Spirit, power, new Life, Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness and Righteousness.
9) Those Who Receive Salvation are born again of the Spirit of God, children of God and bound In Unity and Fellowship In The Spirit.
10) The Messiah Will Return to rule and reign on the Earth and bring Peace, physically, literally and historically.
11) The Dead Will Be Resurrected and we must All Stand Before the Judgement Seat of God.
12) Those Not Saved by faith in Christ Jesus will be separated from God and sent to everlasting punishment in Hell which was created for Satan and his fallen angels.
Love is the Ultimate Proof of Faith In Christ Jesus, should be what we are looking for in others and what we are looking to give to others. There is no such thing as a perfect Church, Congregation or Fellowship Group, but In God's Eyes We Are Perfect In Christ Jesus.
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Messiah.
- Ephesians 4:14, 15
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: OVERCOMING TEMPTATION AND SIN
READ: 1 JOHN 1; 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11, 10:12-14; JOHN 4:4, 5:4, 5, 6:37;
HEBREWS 10:19-23, 12:1, 2; JAMES 4:7; 2 TIMOTHY 2:21, 22; GALATIANS 5:1, 16-25; PHIL. 4; EPHESIANS 6:10-17
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LESSON #12: TEMPTATION, SIN & OVERCOMING
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt - keeps us cleansed from sin and all its forms and manifestations.
If we say we have no sin - refusing to admit that we are sinners - we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us - does not dwell in our hearts. If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness - everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, though and action.
- 1 John 7-9
When I get to Heaven (and I Know I'm Going There!) I'm going to confront Paul on his statement that he was the chiefest of sinners.
Sin is missing the mark, anything that goes against God, His Word, Spirit, numbs our heart or takes us aWay from God and whatever we can't do with a pure conscience, we must bring before the Lord and deal with it.
Shall we All compare notes? Let's face it we All have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory, but as a New Creation In Christ Jesus we are Called to Victory In His Holy Name! He has given us All a New Heart and Nature, so through wisdom, common sense, Love, forgiveness, the Blessed Assurance That Jesus Is "MINE," perseverance, Faith and the Working of His Spirit In and Through Our Lives We Can Overcome and We Shall! Old sins, attitudes, actions and habits have to be done aWay with. Every One of Us is tempted, but God has given us All the Power and Ability to make the right Choices. Not praying, wanting to change for the better, Believing God and taking Him at His Word, accepting His Forgiveness or focusing only on outward actions, hopelessness and despair, self contempt and dwelling in guilt, compromise, looking to past failures rather than the Lord, dwelling on sin and confidence in your own strength only slow down and hinder our overcoming of sin.
Therefore let any one who thinks he (or she) stands - who feels sure that he (or she) has a steadfast mind and is standing firm - take heed lest he (or she) fall [into sin].
For no temptation - no trial regarded as enticing to sin [no matter how it comes or where it leads] - has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man - that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear.
But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out - the means of escape to a landing place - that you may be capable and strong and powerful patiently to bear up under it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12, 13
Give it to God, Believe Him and His Word for the Victory In Jesus, make up your own mind to turn (repent) from that sin, STOP in your tracks when you feel the tug of the Holy Spirit on your heart, avoid the situations and circumstances that find you in the wrong places, resist the thought (Not by telling yourself that you're not going to think of it, but by renewing your mind with the washing of God's Holy Word!), think of the long term consequences (Hey, we All Know that sin is pleasurable for a season, so think of the long term pain, conflict and how you'll feel afterwards.), Rejoice In the Lord (think of the Joy, God Fruit, Abiding In Him, Victory, Peace and soundness of not giving in), Do the Do's of the Bible and you won't have to worry about the don't's, Look for the Way out (Jesus Is the Way, so What Would He Do?), and AlWays Remember that Sin is not Master over you, God Is, so don't buy the lie!
Say, "NO!" If God has set you free then You Are Truly Free Indeed!
The Word of God says, "Resist the devil and he MUST Flee From YOU!" God is the Master Surgeon and some times we need several operations to get some of those ingrained things completely removed from our Lives. Be not discouraged, Jesus Is Our Hope and God Forgives You, so You MUST Forgive Yourself.
Sometimes even after a long stretch of overcoming we get hit from behind, so don't panic! Let the Lord cleanse your conscience and heart, don't look at how long a Way you may still have to go, but at How Far You've Come In the Lord Jesus and His Promises to Bring You Through To Completion In Him!
Should you slip, stumble or fall along the Way get up immediately, dust yourself off and move forward by putting something of the Word of God into Action.
Remember You Are NOT Alone! We Are In This Together to Encourage and Uplift One Another NOT to criticize and tear down. God is Never Surprised (disappointed maybe, but Never Surprised) at our sin and there is NO SIN That the Precious Blood of Jesus can not cleanse us from if we bring it before His Throne of Grace and Mercy.
Fight the Good Fight of Faith (nobody said it was going to be easy, but it will Surely be Worth It ALL) and seek to be All that God has Called and Created You To Be In Jesus, because We Have The Guaranteed Victory In His Holy Name!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: GROWTH AND CHANGE AS A WAY OF LIFE
READ: EPHESIANS 2:1-7; COLOSSIANS 3:1-10; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17, 3:18;
ACTS 3:19; MARK 10:28-30, 1:40-42; MATTHEW 16:24-26; GALATIANS 2:20; ROMANS 12:1, 2; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-15
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Subject: LESSON #13: GROWTH & CHANGE (AS A WAY OF LIFE)
AND you [He made alive], when you were dead [slain] by [your] trespasses and sins.
In which at one time you walked habitually. You were following the course and fashion of this world - were under the sway of the tendency of this present age - following the prince of the power of the air. (You were obedient to him and were under his control,) the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience - the careless, the rebellious and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God. Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of the flesh - our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature; obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind - our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
But God! So rich is He in His mercy!
Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, Even when we were dead [slain] by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ. - He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him. [For] it is by grace - by His favor and mercy which you did not deserve - that you are saved (delivered from judgement and made partakers of Christ's salvation).
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together - giving us joint seating with Him - in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2: 1-7
Even Taco Bell in their previous adds exclaimed, "Change Is Good!" Although I think we can All agree that change (especially for the better) is not alWays easy. The moment we accept Christ Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives we are changed into New Creations in Him, we are Born Again and become Children of God, but some changes are hard. We are Called of God to move from Grace to Grace and Glory to Glory! Some changes happen over night, some take years and others take a lifetime, but as Believers we are to press on and to constantly be moving onward and upwards In Him! In Him, you don't change from being the real you, but become the "real" you that God created you to "Be" in the first place.
In Colossians 3:1-10 Paul exhorts us to lay aside the old self and put on the New In the Lord Jesus Christ! Rather than boastfulness, insecurity, cheating, lying, dishonesty, manipulation and other old lifestyle traits God wants to build in us His characteristics of humility, integrity, hope, faithfulness, joy, compassion, so much more and above All Love. Your manhood / womanhood, culture, skills, talents, abilities, interests, temperament and personality God redeems and keeps for His Purposes. He changes our actions, habits, outlooks, attitudes (what attitudes you ask?), emotions by giving us His Holy Spirit In Our Lives and a New Heart :-)
What helps you grow? The Word of God is #1! His Word Is Spirit and Life! Believe God, the truths of His Good News, His Promises that are All Yes and Amen In Jesus, overcome fear with Faith (it Is the "Substance" of things hoped for and the "Evidence" of things unseen) and avoid becoming stagnant, discouraged, comfortable or complacent in your Christian walk. Prayer, communion and fellowship are paramount for a successful Christian Life!
Have you lost your old life? (see Matthew 16:24-26) Are you dead to the World and alive unto Him? (see Galatians 2:20) We All come to Jesus less than whole - with conflict, problems, incompleteness, baggage, hang ups and hurt, but like the leper in Mark 1:40-42 He Will Make You Whole. He Will Give You Shalom, His Peace, Fulness, Wholeness, Nothing Missing and Nothing Broken In Your Life as long as you bring it All to Him and let Him touch and heal You.
We are All on this Spiritual Journey Together In Him going from loneliness to fellowship, restlessness to peace, empty pleasures to joy, temporal things to eternal, emptiness to fulfillment, vanity to Truth and selfishness to Love, but none of us have totally arrived yet, so let's be patient with each other and encourage one another daily unto Good Works in Christ Jesus.
Offer yourselves up to God, renew your mind, lay hold Jesus, forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead! Look unto Jesus Who Is the Author and Finisher (He Who has begun a Good Work In You shall Complete It) of Our Faith! He Will Grow and Change You as You Walk In His Way and Life.
God bless and Love to All, <')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
READ: 1 PETER 3:14, 15; DEUTERONOMY 4:32-35; JEREMIAH 29:11, 31:35, 36;
PHILIPPIANS 2:9, 10, 3:12-14; 1 JOHN 1:1-3; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-30, 13, 15:19; ISAIAH 53; MICAH 5:2; DANIEL 9:25; ROMANS 1:18, 12:4-8; ACTS 17:21-30; 2 PETER 1:15-21; JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28, 25:32-46
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LESSON #14: REASON FOR BELIEF - APOLOGETICS
But even in case you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, [you are] blessed - happy, to be envied. Do not dread or be afraid of their threats, nor be disturbed [by their opposition]. But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to any one who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully. [Isa. 8:12, 13.]
- 1 Peter 3:14, 15
Living in the United States of America where freedom reigns (or at least it's supposed to) we don't experience persecution for our Faith In Jesus as many of our other Brothers and Sisters around the World do. In India a Christian is considered the lowest of the low, but God sent His Son into the World to save sinners and the angels of Heaven visited the shepherds in the fields that night to proclaim the Good News that the Savior was born (even at the time of Joseph in Egypt shepherds were considered the scum of the Earth). A friend of mine was ministering in India with Dr. P.P. Job (known as the Billy Graham of India) whose son was murdered, because he was a Christian and they wanted to stop the Gospel from being preached to the people there. At worst we have to deal this time of year with the ACLU trying to remove "religious" symbols from government properties in the name of "separation of Church and State." God Is Still On the Throne and Prayer Changes Things! Not only are we as Christians called to Believe by Faith (without Faith it is impossible to please God), but we are to be ready in season and out to give a presentation and a reason of what and why we believe - thus "apologetics" - meaning APOLOGIA in Greek when translated "defense." The "Hope" that is within you is Christ Jesus the Hope of Glory!
No other person ever in human history has been credible and at the same time spoken in such a way as to say, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" Each of us as Believers has a story to tell to the World around us in which we live, move and have our being. The Gospel gives us and the World the power to be born again, a clean slate, Peace with God, freedom from guilt, cleansing, healing, forgiveness, Love overcoming judgement and sin, Life from death, new Life and so much more!
Therefore [because He stooped so low], God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And ever tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11
God has revealed Himself to mortal man in the Person of Jesus Who Is the Christ, Messiah, Anointed One! He Is the "Most" Influential "Person" Who ever lived, the most life changing, resisted, powerful, central, crucial, beloved, perpetually relevant, universal, revolutionary, fulfilling, truthful, comforting, healing, gentle, holy, wise, loving and exalted One! Every single human being who ever lived on the face of this planet will some Day meet Him face to face and have to give an account and that is why we "Must" bring the Good News of Jesus and the Love of God to All Nations and Peoples!
Like Paul the Apostle on Mars Hill in Acts 17:21-30 we are faced with people in this World that sacrifice their lives daily to the "unknown god" and it is our duty to proclaim the Living God Who Created Them and the Universe They Live In, so that they can come to know Salvation In Jesus' Mighty name! Prophecy (fulfilled and yet to come), history, your own personal and unique Christian testimony (there will only ever be just one YOU and God has placed YOU here and now for such a time as this) can all help us as Believers to "reason together" with others who believe in evolution, paganism, Eastern Sects & Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Materialism, Communism, New Age, Occultism, Mysticism, "Self-Assertion," Freudian Psychiatry and the like (or in this case our dis-likes :-)
As we watch and wait in obedience to the Master's command let us be diligent and ready to give an account to All He would bring our Way. God says, "This Is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am Well Pleased, Listen To Him!" No Prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for No Prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit Spoken From God. My Prayer Is that Each and Every Member In the Body of Christ Jesus would allow God's Holy Spirit to move upon them Today and Every Day Until Jesus Returns!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: MINISTRY & CALLING
READ: JOHN 13:13-17, 20:21; EPHESIANS 1:18, 4:11-16; 1 CORINTHIANS
12:1-30, 13; GALATIANS 5; MATTHEW 10:25-28; JEREMIAH 29:11; PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14
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Subject: LESSON #15: MINISTRY & CALLING
Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.
- John 20:21
God Is Calling the World Unto Himself!
Why?
Because He Loves His Creation. He wishes that "none" would perish, but that All would come to repentance and Eternal Life In Jesus' Name! Not Only does He Call Us to be Saved, but He has a "special" Calling for each of our lives.
God has given us All the Ministry of Reconciliation! Just as the Father sent His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Into the World, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Anointed One is sending you out to All Nations and Peoples with the Good News of Salvation In His Holy and Precious Name.
We are All Called to Love! Some of us are Called to teach, preach, heal, evangelize, encourage, help, administer, counsel, support, share His Wisdom and the list goes on and on.
Read, study and apply Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-30 to find out in your own personal life and understand that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Are For Today! God has Created us All with Natural Gifts (abilities, talents, gifts, dispositions, natures, resources, personalities, etc.) and as Believers He Bestows On Us Supernatural Gifts: The Word of Wisdom, the Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Helps and Administrations. We as the Body of Christ Jesus and His Representatives Here On Earth "MUST" allow each and every individual part of said "Body" to fully function here and now in order for us to Be His Witnesses and Fulfill the Great Commission! Look Around You to see the needs, Inside You for what kind of vessel God made You to Be and what God placed inside You and Look for open doors! Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. God promises to take you through the flood. Try it you'll like it!
There is NOTHING more fulfilling than to
be ready, willing and able to serve God, each other and the World. This Is Your Calling and Ministry!
Washing one another's feet and being the greatest starts and finishes with service!
Ministry is a Sacrifice, but those who lose their lives will find the Abundant Life In Jesus. Do you have a "Servant's Heart?" Humble your "self" in the sight of the Lord and He Will Lift You Up! What we do should be done "For God" and "From God." Don't look for the approval of man, but Look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of Our Faith and be obedient to His Call! We can only "Give" what we have "Received" From Him. Be filled with His Word and Spirit and you can go forth In the Power of His Holy Name! Love from the Love of God that Is Shed Abroad In Your Heart. Let those Streams of Living Water Flow!
Matthew 25:32-46 tells us about the sheep and the goats. Apparently both Groups were under the care of the Shepherd. Jesus Is the Good Shepherd and by Faith In Him we become Born-Again and Have Eternal Life In His Name, but things don't end there. That's just the beginning! We Need to Grow In the Grace and Knowledge of Him and Daily Walk In His Will and Way! Jesus (The Way) was and "IS" A Doer! God Calls Us to Good Works In Jesus that were created for us to "DO" before the foundations of the World were laid.
Works of Compassion - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter, reaching out to those in need, those cast out, etc.
God has a "Plan" (and it's a perfect one) for YOU and we Are One In His Body. My father always says, "There are two kinds of people in the World, Leaders and followers. Be A Leader!" I'm "big" on honoring your father and mother In the Lord and you've All heard me say, "Father Knows Best," but a True Leader "IS" a Follower of Jesus, "IS" led By the Holy Spirit of God Working In and Through their Life and will lead and guide others in the Will and Way of Our Heavenly Father. My prayer is that All of your Spiritual Eyes will be open and enlightened to know the Hope of His Calling on your Life and that you would fulfill that Calling In and Through this Ministry. None of us have arrived and we need each other to help forget what lies behind, reach forward to what's ahead and press on together toward the goal for the prize of the upward Call of God In Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua!
Jesus commands us to spread the Word, make Disciples of All Nations and Peoples, to Be Lights to the World, sow seed, bear fruit and Lasting Fruit for His Kingdom In Season and Out and to reap the Harvest for it is Ripe and Ready! Our Salvation is NOT Ever to be kept to ourselves and no matter who you are or where you live God has Called YOU to a Life of Ministry In the Name of Jesus!
YOU Have a unique roll and Purpose In God to be a fisher of men, a special messenger of the Good News, an Ambassador for Christ Jesus, an example to others and a Witness of the Love of God to the World!
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE GREAT COMMISSION
READ: MATTHEW 28:18-20, 4:18-22, 5:13-16, 10:32, 33, 9:36-38; ROMANS.
1:16; 2 KINGS 7:3-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-6:2; ACTS 17:19-31, 1:7, 8; JOHN 4:35, 36
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LESSON #16: THE GREAT COMMISSION!
And Jesus/Yeshua came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
- Matt. 28:18-20
Our Salvation is only as "good" as when we give it aWay! We cannot and surely "Must Not" keep the Gospel message to ourselves, but spread the Word, share Salvation In Jesus' Name and make disciples of All Nations and Peoples.
Discpleship is only complete when we disciple others. We're All Called of God to have Spiritual Children, we're born of God and then give "spiritual birth" to others, we receive then give and our New Life In Christ Jesus should become a Love Chain from person to person, spreading the Good News of God's Love for the World and Each Other. Jesus told us Not to hide our Light under a bushel, but to let It Shine Ever Brighter Until the Full Light of Day!
Confess Him before men and He Will Confess YOU before the Father and All of the Angels in Heaven! Paul the Apostle proclaimed in the Book of Romans 1:16, "I AM Not ashamed of the Gospel, for It Is the Power of God for Salvation to Everyone who Believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile!" Faith Comes By Hearing and Hearing By The Word of God! It Is the Word of God that opens our ears to hear, eyes to see, minds to understand and comprehend, heart to receive, our nostrils to breathe in the Breath of Life, tongues to taste that the Lord Is Good and Praise Him for His Loving-Kindness and the very spirit of man to be touched and come to Eternal Life and Everlasting Love In Jesus. He came to His Own, but they "knew" Him Not and when Jesus ascended up to Heaven He poured out His Holy Spirit upon All flesh to give US the Power and Anointing to break the yolk of bondage and sin, so that All could come to repentance (key emphasis on ALL).
In the Book of 2 Kings 7:3-9 you'll read an account of the Lepers. We are all sinners saved by the Grace of God (this is what the Lepers represent) and we can "Not" keep the Good News, Hope, Answer and Way to Our "SELF!"
The question is, How can we reach out to a World of people (each and every individual one) that is hurting and perishing without Jesus? We Are God's Chosen People to take the Light to the Nations. Streams of "Living Water" are to be flowing out of us to be a witness to others of God's Love and His Word. As God's Hands and Voice we have to reach out and encourage others In the Lord Jesus to become All that He has Created Us For and Called US to Be! Every Believer (anyone who calls them self a "Christian") should be determined in their heart to bring Unity to the Body of Christ Jesus, Equip the Saints for Service In the Kingdom of God and Fulfill the Great Commssion! This Is what "Being" a Christian Is All About (REALITY CHECK)!
There are countless different Ways and methods of E-Vangelism. We are surely living in the Last Days (If Paul said, he was then we have to be) and the internet is by far the most powerful tool available to the "Church" (that's you and me) Today! You can't beat person to person, one on one Evangelism, but preaching, teaching, small Groups, tracts, support Groups, books, magazines, cd's, cassettes, concerts, tv, radio, newsprint, mail, door to door, street ministry and so many other Ways are available for YOU to get The Word out to All Nations and Peoples. Pray, Love, show true compassion and concern for others, share the Lord in Action more than word, but most of all listen to the Voice of God's Holy Spirit and be obedient to His leading. Don't be afraid, insensitive, frustrated and get side-tracked or talk "at" someone, but "to" them by relating to them, theirs needs and concerns.
Invite people to come to Jesus, He did and His Holy Spirit Lives and Moves and Has His Being In YOU too. Be who YOU Are In Christ Jesus and Never Ever try to be someone else. Jesus heals and comforts, brings greater Love than any human could, gives the abundant Life not emptiness or vanity.
Each and Every One of Us Has a Purpose from God for our lives. We live in a "fallen" World, All Need God and are separated from HIm without a personal relationship with Jesus and He Is Our Only Hope!
Salvation Is Completely and Totally FREE but Jesus Gave His Life for US to Have It.
He who has the Son Has Life and he who does Not have the Son does Not Have Life! Jesus gave His All and we should too. He has Called US All to start where we live and then Go to the Uttermost Parts of the World! Today Is the Day of Salvation! Let US Not say, "There are yet four months and then comes the harvest?" Let US Have Compassion on the multitudes in the Valley of Decision and do whatever it takes to help them make the Right One! He has Given US His Word, His Name and His Life, so that Each of US can go forth and accomplish His Will and Way. Let US Not let HIm down.
God bless and Love to All,
<')))>< Pastor Mark
NEXT LESSON: THE ABUNDANT LIFE
READ: JOHN 10:10, 15, 7:37-39; GALATIANS 5; PHILIPPIANS 4, 3:7-14; 2
CORINTHIANS 9:6; 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8; 1 JOHN 4:7-11; MATTHEW 6:14, 15; EPHESIANS 1:18, 19, 3:14-21, 5:18-21
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