God is good
God is great
God is merciful
God is huge
God is all-powerful
God is amazing
God is sovereign
God is all we need
God deserves everything we have
God deserves our whole lives, not just a slice of the pie
God's will???
How can I know God's will for my life?
1. The Bible
Sounds cliche, but it's true. Now, you might say, "but it doesn't say anything specifically for my life personally, like if i should be a doctor." But the Bible gives us various commands and instruction. The question we need to ask is "what decision would allow me to obey these commands more or more effectively?"
For example: The Bible commands us to be committed to our local church. If we are trying to decide between two jobs, and one of them will prevent us from attending church, then it most likely wouldn't be God's will to take that particular job. You can always ask "which job would allow me to be more committed to my ministry?" - because that is essentially what a secular job would be for anyways - to be a support for our ultimate priority.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"
2. Check Yo-self
Is there any sin in your life that may be preventing you from seeing God's will. If we are living in sin, we most likely won't be desiring God's will in the first place. Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
3. The Holy Spirit
Are we being led/controlled by the Holy Spirit? This will be going hand in hand with checking sin in your life.
Ephesians 5:17-18 "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit"
4. Suffering
How committed are we to being obedient to God's word? The Bible promises that if we are being obedient to Christ, that we will be suffering.
Philippians 1:29 "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,"
2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted"
5. God's glory
What will bring God the most glory? This goes back to the first point.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: "To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Psalm 50:15: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (It seems we often use this verse to justify what we wantGod's will to be)
6. Our Desire
If we have done 1-5, then I believe that God will often give us the desire to do His will. So the last question would be "what do i want to do?" Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heart."
But be careful with that one. There are many cases in the Bible where God wanted people to do what they didn't want to. (Moses, Jonah, Peter) But that is most likely because they weren't doing steps 1-5!
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:2-12
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
We should all memorize this.
reaching the unreached.
If you have time, check out this interview with Access Partners. Their goal is reaching the unreached by helping missionaries not only get into restricted/dangerous countries, but also help them establish businesses to support themselves on the field.
for our Lord God almighty reigns
"Hallelujah
Hallelujah, for our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Hallelujah, for our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Holy, Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy" -michael w. smith
i love singing this song to God. not only is it a beautiful sounding song but also with it's words it explains the true feelings i have toward God. hallelujah indeed. holy, so very holy is our Lord God almighty. how worthy is the Lamb. how unworthy are we so hallelujah indeed!
Hallelujah, for our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Hallelujah, for our Lord God Almighty reigns
Hallelujah
Holy, Holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy" -michael w. smith
i love singing this song to God. not only is it a beautiful sounding song but also with it's words it explains the true feelings i have toward God. hallelujah indeed. holy, so very holy is our Lord God almighty. how worthy is the Lamb. how unworthy are we so hallelujah indeed!
Suffer for what is good
1 Peter 3:8-20
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For
"Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For
"Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
prayer focus.
Matthew 6:9-10
"Pray then like this:Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven."
this is a quote from my text book from EBC for missions class:
"could it be that some of [our] prayers express a bid for control, but lack a fundamental focus on the centrality and supremacy of God?"
Often times I find my prayers leaning to the side of "bidding for control" and away from an expression of my focus on almighty God.
Im also thankful for B.J.'s post about humility in prayer. It is something that God is changing in me.
This verse
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
I think sometimes we over look this verse because we all know it. Just read it. It is amazing how much Almighty God loves this broken world. He loves it so much that he sent his son to die so that we could be saved from eternity in hell. Lets not overlook this verse anymore.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
I think sometimes we over look this verse because we all know it. Just read it. It is amazing how much Almighty God loves this broken world. He loves it so much that he sent his son to die so that we could be saved from eternity in hell. Lets not overlook this verse anymore.
Weakness
Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Christ is most glorified in our weakness and hardships. When we are weak, insulted, when we endure hardships we should cling to Christ so that he can be glorified. We should be completely satisfied in Christ, so satisfed that if we lost everything we would still praise and glorify him. Christ is most glorified when we are persecuted and cling to him, most glorifed when we endure hardships for his sake, most glorified when we suffer for the gospel. Let this encourage you, as it did me to no matter what we face that we stay focused on glofirying Christ.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Christ is most glorified in our weakness and hardships. When we are weak, insulted, when we endure hardships we should cling to Christ so that he can be glorified. We should be completely satisfied in Christ, so satisfed that if we lost everything we would still praise and glorify him. Christ is most glorified when we are persecuted and cling to him, most glorifed when we endure hardships for his sake, most glorified when we suffer for the gospel. Let this encourage you, as it did me to no matter what we face that we stay focused on glofirying Christ.
in God's time
matthew 16:13-17
(13)now then Jesus came into the district of caesarea philippi, He was asking His disciples, "WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS?" (14) and they said, "some say john the baptisit, and others, elijah, but still others, jeremiah, or one of the prophtes." (15) He said to them, "BUT WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?" (16) simon peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (17) and Jesus said to him, "blessed are you, simon barjona, becuase flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
when i read this my heart feels so heavy with happiness. i am in compelte awe of my Father in heaven. that He would choose me. of all people, me. i had known God all my life. my parents taught me about Jesus through books and songs. i went to church my entire childhood. i had all the knowledge of God but i was completely without Him. it was not until God was ready that He deside to change my heart and take away my sin. and for this i am forever indebted to Him.
because of this i am compelled by the gift of the Holy Spirit to tell other people about the one and only true God. so that in time, in His time, He can open their eyes to His love, and cleans them of their sin. in turn gaining the Glory that is so due to His Name.
(13)now then Jesus came into the district of caesarea philippi, He was asking His disciples, "WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS?" (14) and they said, "some say john the baptisit, and others, elijah, but still others, jeremiah, or one of the prophtes." (15) He said to them, "BUT WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?" (16) simon peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (17) and Jesus said to him, "blessed are you, simon barjona, becuase flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
when i read this my heart feels so heavy with happiness. i am in compelte awe of my Father in heaven. that He would choose me. of all people, me. i had known God all my life. my parents taught me about Jesus through books and songs. i went to church my entire childhood. i had all the knowledge of God but i was completely without Him. it was not until God was ready that He deside to change my heart and take away my sin. and for this i am forever indebted to Him.
because of this i am compelled by the gift of the Holy Spirit to tell other people about the one and only true God. so that in time, in His time, He can open their eyes to His love, and cleans them of their sin. in turn gaining the Glory that is so due to His Name.
not to us
The cross before me the world behind
No turning back, raise the banner high
It's not for me, it's all for You
Let the heavens shake and split the sky
Let the people clap their hands and cry
It's not for us, it's all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Our hearts unfold before You throne
The only place for those who know
It's not for us, It's all for You
Send Your holy fire on this offering
Let our worship burn for the world to see
It's not for us, it's all for You
The earth is shaking, the mountains shouting
It's all for You
The waves are crashing, the sun is raging
It's all for You
The universe spinning and singing
It's all for You
The children dancing, dancing, dancing
It's all for You, it's all for You
Our all for You
-Chris Tomlin
No turning back, raise the banner high
It's not for me, it's all for You
Let the heavens shake and split the sky
Let the people clap their hands and cry
It's not for us, it's all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Our hearts unfold before You throne
The only place for those who know
It's not for us, It's all for You
Send Your holy fire on this offering
Let our worship burn for the world to see
It's not for us, it's all for You
The earth is shaking, the mountains shouting
It's all for You
The waves are crashing, the sun is raging
It's all for You
The universe spinning and singing
It's all for You
The children dancing, dancing, dancing
It's all for You, it's all for You
Our all for You
-Chris Tomlin
the cross before me, the world behind...
Matthew 14:28-33
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
In verse 30, when Peter begins to look around and see the wind and the storm, he becomes afraid and starts to sink. So many times in our lives, we look around and see the world, we see the wind or the storm in our lives, and that takes our focus off of Jesus. We must maintained focused on Jesus, and always keep in mind how he has chosen to use us. There is no storm, no wind, no problem that should or can derail us from our purpose of loving and serving God.
When we look at persecution, what others may think or us, our surroundings, the hurdles or hills we have to climb, or our world in general, we begin to look at our our power and ability. No wonder Peter begins to sink, he cant walk on the water alone! Its only with God's power, with God's will, with God's blessing, with God's authority and sovereignty that we are able to serve and honor him. When we forget that, only then do we begin to sink and doubt. When we maintained focused on that, there is nothing God can't do through us.
Check this out, this is my favorite part. Even after Peter looks around, doubts, looses his faith, forgets that Jesus has personally called him, and takes his eyes off of Jesus, what is our Lord's response? A hand. Jesus reaches out his hand to help Peter. He doesn't let him drown because Peter has doubted, but he aids, assists, helps, and ultimately, he shows love to him. No wonder the only way Peter and the men on the boat could respond was to worship Him!
28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
In verse 30, when Peter begins to look around and see the wind and the storm, he becomes afraid and starts to sink. So many times in our lives, we look around and see the world, we see the wind or the storm in our lives, and that takes our focus off of Jesus. We must maintained focused on Jesus, and always keep in mind how he has chosen to use us. There is no storm, no wind, no problem that should or can derail us from our purpose of loving and serving God.
When we look at persecution, what others may think or us, our surroundings, the hurdles or hills we have to climb, or our world in general, we begin to look at our our power and ability. No wonder Peter begins to sink, he cant walk on the water alone! Its only with God's power, with God's will, with God's blessing, with God's authority and sovereignty that we are able to serve and honor him. When we forget that, only then do we begin to sink and doubt. When we maintained focused on that, there is nothing God can't do through us.
Check this out, this is my favorite part. Even after Peter looks around, doubts, looses his faith, forgets that Jesus has personally called him, and takes his eyes off of Jesus, what is our Lord's response? A hand. Jesus reaches out his hand to help Peter. He doesn't let him drown because Peter has doubted, but he aids, assists, helps, and ultimately, he shows love to him. No wonder the only way Peter and the men on the boat could respond was to worship Him!
As many as possible
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Paul did this so he could win as many as possible to Christ.
Don't forget
Matthew 6:5-9
5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
So... let's not be like this.
5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
So... let's not be like this.
be there.
Hebrews 10:24-25
"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
Lately, I've been convicted about how important church activities have been in my life. Often times I don't try hard enough to attend various church activities and ministry opportunities. I never usually attended the Men's activities because of my commitment to work, and yet I never pushed hard enough to request it off.
When I read Hebrews 10, I was definately convicted and realized that I can't try and interpret that verse to mean something else... It means what it says. "not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some"
So let me encourage you all, that no matter what the meeting or activity is at church, then be there.
Plant the seed
This Friday God gave me the opportunity to share the gospel with my doctor. She rejected it, but its OK because the seed is planted and God willing someone will water it and God will grow it. Can you guys just pray for her. Her name is Jeane. Its amazing how God opens the door and gives us opportunities if we ask him and if we are willing to share the good news. Praise God that he has in the past few weeks, given me the courage to share the gospel with several different people. We have to continue to pray and ask God to give us the courage and oppurunites to share the gospel. Scripture says that if we ask anything according to his will He will give it to us. I am positive that if we ask him for opportunities he will give them to us.
My Glorious...Delirious?
The world's shaking with the love of God
Great and glorious, let the whole earth sing
And all you ever do is change the old for new
People we believe that
God is bigger than the air I breathe
The world we'll leave
God will save the day and all will say
My glorious!
Clouds are breaking, heaven's come to earth
Hearts awakening let the church bells ring
And all you ever do is change the old for new
People we believe that
It's a life and eternal salvation matter. Matthew 7:13-14
13"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
This is so important. It's very scary to think that, that many "christians" nowadays just, they just don't realize what this verse is saying. They go to church on the weekends and live THEIR OWN lives during the week. They do the exact opposite of what this verse says to do.
It's scary that many of these so called "christians" might not go to heaven. It's scary and very sad.
It's heartbreaking that many people know about this verse, and they just choose to ignore it. They would rather live a life of comfort, of ease. It's sad. How many people do you know that are like this? I bet you know alot! Pray for those that behave like this.
Living for God is not easy, especially on a young teen boy such as myself. I want to participate in all the sinful, "fun" things that many of the teens my age participate in. I'm not saying that I don't slip sometimes, because I do, lots of times.
The main point is: Don't go the easy way out. Please!
Pray that God grant you, me, everybody self-control and wisdom, and endurance, to resist the temptation to give up, to not give in to unimportant wordly objects. It's a life and eternal salvation matter
This is so important. It's very scary to think that, that many "christians" nowadays just, they just don't realize what this verse is saying. They go to church on the weekends and live THEIR OWN lives during the week. They do the exact opposite of what this verse says to do.
It's scary that many of these so called "christians" might not go to heaven. It's scary and very sad.
It's heartbreaking that many people know about this verse, and they just choose to ignore it. They would rather live a life of comfort, of ease. It's sad. How many people do you know that are like this? I bet you know alot! Pray for those that behave like this.
Living for God is not easy, especially on a young teen boy such as myself. I want to participate in all the sinful, "fun" things that many of the teens my age participate in. I'm not saying that I don't slip sometimes, because I do, lots of times.
The main point is: Don't go the easy way out. Please!
Pray that God grant you, me, everybody self-control and wisdom, and endurance, to resist the temptation to give up, to not give in to unimportant wordly objects. It's a life and eternal salvation matter
This week...
... has been amazing. I've had the courage to witness to more than one person which is an accomplishment for me.
Yesterday this girl was totally hitting on me. She told me that she wanted to get to know me, that I should tell her something about myself. So, I told her I was christian, and it just went on from there. It got more tough for me when I found out she was muslim. I didnt know what to say.....
Can you guys please pray that witnessing be a continuous thing for me, not only this week but for the rest of my life...
Yesterday this girl was totally hitting on me. She told me that she wanted to get to know me, that I should tell her something about myself. So, I told her I was christian, and it just went on from there. It got more tough for me when I found out she was muslim. I didnt know what to say.....
Can you guys please pray that witnessing be a continuous thing for me, not only this week but for the rest of my life...
A Loving Warning - The 5 Solas (2)
Two movements that I failed to mention that also are in opposition to the 5 solas would be the Emergent Movement and the Pentecostal Charasmatics. Now, my goal isn't to bad mouth or slam other denominations, but I believe that there are two important factors in signaling them out.
1. To warn our brothers and sisters in Christ of any dangerous teachings.
-protecting the flock (matthew 7:15, 1 Peter 5:1-9, 2 Peter 2:1-22)
-warning of false teachers was the reason why Paul wrote some of the epistles (Galatians, Colossians) and is urgently the first topic of discussion in the first letter to Timothy. He even names them by name. (2 Timothy 4:14-15)
2. To instruct on what these people believe in order to love them enough to give them an accurate picture of God and the gospel.
-winning people to Christ is the frontlines of the spiritual war. this war isn't against the people, but against the demonic forces holding them hostage in lies. training each other about these false teachings is preparing them for the weapons that the enemy is using in battle, when we lovingly evangelize.
Both the Emergent Movement and the Pentecostal Charasmatics reject the sufficiency of scripture.
This of course effects what they believe about salvation.
Most Emergents question truth in general, so it is no surprise that they question Sole Fide (Faith Alone Salvation). They have very close ties to the Catholic beliefs, and for some strange reason have very close ties to mystics and the new age movement.
Pentecostals believe that the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to work through signs supercedes the truth of God's word. They also often believe that speaking in tongues MUST accompany salvation.
Remember... use this information as a tool to understand how their view of the truth is obstructed, and lovingly give them the truth of God's word. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. (Romans 1:16)
Seek Righteousness and Humility
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the LORD.
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the LORD.
the 5 solas
brian and I were talking about the catholic church, and the reasons why they do the things the way they do. the catholic church didn't start by breaking away from the true church; the catholic church was a result of the true church gradually compromising key biblical beliefs. some of these beliefs were: the authority and infallibility of scripture, the atonement of Christ's death, justification by faith, idolatry, prayer, and grace.
as a result of the gradual corruption of truth, the reformation resulted.
John Wyclif and John Huss were the pre-reformers (or grandfathers of the reformation)
Martin Luther and John Calvin were the fathers of the reformation.
These guys rebelled against the norm of the church, and fought for the truth.
The result was "the five solas"
(which basically defined their disagreements against the church):
1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone)
2. Solus Christus (Christ alone)
3. Sola Gratia (Grace alone)
4. Sola Fide (Faith alone)
5. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone)
which mean:
-The Bible alone is the authoritive and infalible rule for the church.
-Our salvation has been earned soley and completely by Jesus Christ.
-Which is given to us soley by God's grace
-That is attained only by faith
-Because of who God is and what He has done, all glory is soley His.
This sets us apart not only from every religion, but also from catholics, eastern orthodox, mormons, jehova's witnesses, 7th day adventists, los angeles church of christ, and other heretical denominations.
The solas were never meant to be a badge of honor or knowledge... but were intended and are still intended to impact our lives in a deep, personal, and spiritual way on a daily basis.
Dead Faith
James 2:14-26
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"-- and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James is obviously not saying that we earn our salvation, because we know that we can not do enough to be right in God's eyes and its only by the blood of Christ that we are made right in God's eyes. However if we truely believe in what Christ has done for us we will do more than believe, we will live like Christ. James says show me true faith that doesnt have good deeds. We should be encouraged by this passage to show kindness, love, and patience towards others. We should not just tell people we have faith we should live like we have faith. I pray that God would makes us humble and enable us to live a life that glorifies him.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"-- and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James is obviously not saying that we earn our salvation, because we know that we can not do enough to be right in God's eyes and its only by the blood of Christ that we are made right in God's eyes. However if we truely believe in what Christ has done for us we will do more than believe, we will live like Christ. James says show me true faith that doesnt have good deeds. We should be encouraged by this passage to show kindness, love, and patience towards others. We should not just tell people we have faith we should live like we have faith. I pray that God would makes us humble and enable us to live a life that glorifies him.
Friday Prayer
I love Friday morning prayer! I have been looking forward to it all week. I hope you all can make it.
God will do amazing things through our church, if we just ask him to. The bible says that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful.
Today Today Today Today
Today was christian club.
Brian taught, in my opinion, he was so/so. Just Kidding. Anyway, he taught on the cross and what image comes to mind when you see the cross. His main point was that Jesus loved us so much that he died for us. I know, preaching to the choir. At the end he had questions, and me being the handsome man that I am, I led one of the groups in discussion. The first question was a reiteration of the lessons main point. Uh, uh, oh yeah. Second question was
"What is your status with God? Are you adding to his suffering by turning down his most generous offer to pay for your cimes? Or are you more like the guy in court that Jesus is talking to?"
This is where my story begins. Many of the self-proclaiming christians said (I don't know if they were being fake with their answers) they felt that they were right in the middle. Immediately the Spirit reminded me of Revelation 3:15-16 which says
(15) "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! (16) So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
I told them to think, are you for God or not? You can't give God "part of the pie" you have to give Him "the whole pie"
At the bottom of the page of questions there was a suggestion to the leaders of the groups to witness if they felt the Spirit leading them to do so.
So I did.
To make a long story short, There was one kid, Josh, who felt convicted. He had never heard the parts of Matthew 5 that talk about murder and adultery associated with hate and lust. With this new knowledge of his previous murders, and now knowing he was lukewarm before God, he became afraid.
In fact, after about an hour, school had ended and he called me up saying, "BJ! Just the guy I wanted to talk to!" (I had Brian's cell phone) He wanted me to clarify the crimes against him in the court of heaven... he he... So I told him that I'd have a discussion with him tomorrow, explaining the things he needed to know, although I may not know everything.
Please pray that God will give me wisdom in telling him exactly what he needs to hear.
Brian taught, in my opinion, he was so/so. Just Kidding. Anyway, he taught on the cross and what image comes to mind when you see the cross. His main point was that Jesus loved us so much that he died for us. I know, preaching to the choir. At the end he had questions, and me being the handsome man that I am, I led one of the groups in discussion. The first question was a reiteration of the lessons main point. Uh, uh, oh yeah. Second question was
"What is your status with God? Are you adding to his suffering by turning down his most generous offer to pay for your cimes? Or are you more like the guy in court that Jesus is talking to?"
This is where my story begins. Many of the self-proclaiming christians said (I don't know if they were being fake with their answers) they felt that they were right in the middle. Immediately the Spirit reminded me of Revelation 3:15-16 which says
(15) "'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! (16) So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
I told them to think, are you for God or not? You can't give God "part of the pie" you have to give Him "the whole pie"
At the bottom of the page of questions there was a suggestion to the leaders of the groups to witness if they felt the Spirit leading them to do so.
So I did.
To make a long story short, There was one kid, Josh, who felt convicted. He had never heard the parts of Matthew 5 that talk about murder and adultery associated with hate and lust. With this new knowledge of his previous murders, and now knowing he was lukewarm before God, he became afraid.
In fact, after about an hour, school had ended and he called me up saying, "BJ! Just the guy I wanted to talk to!" (I had Brian's cell phone) He wanted me to clarify the crimes against him in the court of heaven... he he... So I told him that I'd have a discussion with him tomorrow, explaining the things he needed to know, although I may not know everything.
Please pray that God will give me wisdom in telling him exactly what he needs to hear.
unity.
1 Corinthians 1:10
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
I just want to let you guys know that I can't wait to be praying with you tomorrow morning!
Righteousness, Faith, Love, and Peace
2 Timothy 2:22-26
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
This is my prayer for our church. That we would flee youthful passions and chase after and long for righteousness, faith, peace and love. That we would have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant issues, which start fights. That we would teach each other and endure persecution with patience knowing that God is most glorified when we suffer for him. I pray the devil would not have a grip on our church and that Christ would be glorified through us.
Notice that Paul doesn't say to walk away from sin, no he says flee, run away from it. We need to run from sin and run to righteousness, faith, peace and love. If we pursue these things we will acceptable in God's eyes. So lets not chase after what we want or what the world wants for us, lets chase after what is right in God's eyes.
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
This is my prayer for our church. That we would flee youthful passions and chase after and long for righteousness, faith, peace and love. That we would have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant issues, which start fights. That we would teach each other and endure persecution with patience knowing that God is most glorified when we suffer for him. I pray the devil would not have a grip on our church and that Christ would be glorified through us.
Notice that Paul doesn't say to walk away from sin, no he says flee, run away from it. We need to run from sin and run to righteousness, faith, peace and love. If we pursue these things we will acceptable in God's eyes. So lets not chase after what we want or what the world wants for us, lets chase after what is right in God's eyes.
humility
"Humility is to make a right estimate of one's self."
-Charles Spurgeon
i pray that this idea of viewing ourselves in a humble way would penitrate our daily desires. that we would seek God's will instead of our own. that we would be given the ability by God to show other people their sin in a way that is not only real but in a way that enables them to make a right estimate of their need for a savior.
Mercy
James 2:8-13
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said "Do not murder," If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For the judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
If we want God to show us mercy on the day he judges us, we better show mercy to everybody now. James clearly says that mercy will not be shown to those who do not show mercy. If we show certain people mercy but not everybody, James says that we are sinning.
If we truely understand God's mercy toward us we will in turn show mercy to everyone. If we truely understand what Christ did for us we will humble ourselves and show mercy toward everyone. We can't just show mercy to the people we like or the people who deserve it, we must show mercy to our enemies and to people who don't neccesarly deserve it. We must show mercy to the people who don't deserve it, because we don't derserve the mercy that God has shown us.
Let us not judge one another but show mercy. For if we judge one another and do not show mercy, we will be judged and shown no mercy.
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said "Do not murder," If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For the judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement.
If we want God to show us mercy on the day he judges us, we better show mercy to everybody now. James clearly says that mercy will not be shown to those who do not show mercy. If we show certain people mercy but not everybody, James says that we are sinning.
If we truely understand God's mercy toward us we will in turn show mercy to everyone. If we truely understand what Christ did for us we will humble ourselves and show mercy toward everyone. We can't just show mercy to the people we like or the people who deserve it, we must show mercy to our enemies and to people who don't neccesarly deserve it. We must show mercy to the people who don't deserve it, because we don't derserve the mercy that God has shown us.
Let us not judge one another but show mercy. For if we judge one another and do not show mercy, we will be judged and shown no mercy.
global.
you guys are all making superb posts. i'm blown away by your passion.
truth... and love... in action.
Below is a link to a page from the Global Ministry Conference at EBC. Check out "Session 3" with Brad Buser. Please. It's good.
Global Ministry Conference 2007
truth... and love... in action.
Below is a link to a page from the Global Ministry Conference at EBC. Check out "Session 3" with Brad Buser. Please. It's good.
Global Ministry Conference 2007
The Message of the Cross
This is the message of the cross, that we can be free,
To live in the victory, and turn from our sin,
My precious Lord Jesus, with sinners you died,
For there you revealed your love and you laid down your life.
This is the message of the cross, that we can be free,
To lay all our burdens here, at the foot of the tree,
The cross was the shame of the world,
but the glory of God,
For Jesus you conquered sin and you gave us new life!
You set me free when I came to the cross,
Poured out your blood for I was broken and lost,
There I was healed and you covered my sin,
It's there you saved me, this is the message of the cross.
This is the message of the cross, that we can be free,
To hunger for heaven, to hunger for Thee,
"The cross is such foolishness to the perishing,
But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God!"
You set us free when we come to the cross,
You pour out your blood for we are broken and lost.
Here we are healed and you cover our sin,
It's here you save us,
You set me free when I come to the cross,
Pour out your blood for I am broken and lost
Here I am healed and you cover my sin,
It's here you save me, this is the message of the cross.
Let us rejoice at the foot of the cross,
We can be free, glory to God.
Thank you Lord, thank you Lord,
You've set us free, glory to God.
in love?
Romans 14:19
19So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
As a christian, our main goal in life should be to honor and glorify Christ. One way to achieve this goal is to model our life after Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of love. He loved us so much that he died on the cross for us.
In everything we do and say, it should be out of love. Our actions and words should be dripping with the love and grace of Christ. If we don't do this, then we fail to represent him as the ambassadors of Christ that we are.
Let our conduct and words be edifying, let them teach, instruct, and cultivate the love of Christ, so that we may build each other up in a loving, humble, and non-holier-than-thou manner. If we feel like we are close to having it all together, we are no better than the worldly stereotype of a Christian.
19So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
As a christian, our main goal in life should be to honor and glorify Christ. One way to achieve this goal is to model our life after Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of love. He loved us so much that he died on the cross for us.
In everything we do and say, it should be out of love. Our actions and words should be dripping with the love and grace of Christ. If we don't do this, then we fail to represent him as the ambassadors of Christ that we are.
Let our conduct and words be edifying, let them teach, instruct, and cultivate the love of Christ, so that we may build each other up in a loving, humble, and non-holier-than-thou manner. If we feel like we are close to having it all together, we are no better than the worldly stereotype of a Christian.
giving.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."
Paul wrote this to the Corinthians, who were pretty wealthy, but not generous. He told them about the churches in Macedonia (Philippi and Thessalonica) who were poor yet gave greatly.
One Bible Scholar said this of this passage speaking of the churches of Macedonia:
"Their giving was beyond what could or would be expected of such poor Christians. In fact, their giving would be a contradiction to their condition. And i remind you of verse 2 that they gave out of deep poverty and in a great ordeal of affliction. Times were difficult, life was difficult. They had very little, were extremely poor, a contradiction in their condition when compared to the generosity and the overflowing abundance of their liberality. With no regard for themselves, with no regard for their future needs, compelled by concern and care and love and compassion and obedience, and all of those things, they were glad to place themselves in an impoverished position even further dependent on God and believe that God would supply all their needs."
When we give, we best think about a few things:
1. Everything we have was given to us by God.
2. We are bought with a price, so everything we are and have is God's.
3. Giving is a command. (not giving=disobedience)
4. We should AT LEAST be giving 10% (israel's tax in the old testament - which was actually more than 10% - when you add all the Jewish Laws together!) (tithing isn't in the New Testament, but wouldn't be a bad place to start.)
5. We should be giving sacrificially ("beyond their means" - verse 3)
6. We should be giving joyfully. (2 Corithians 9:7 - not reluctantly - a cheerful giver)
Can I get a witness...?
So, today I witnessed to a girl.
I didn't quite give her the good news, but I did help her see that if she continued going down the path she was going, that she wasn't going to go to heaven.
It started because she just told me that she was "religious" so I just asked her, " do you think you're going to heaven then?" and she said yes. So I asked her if I could ask her a couple of questions and so it started. It was cut short because her bus arrived but she had told me that based on her wrongdoing she would be going to hell. I told her we'd finish tomorrow.
It was so very weird for me to just ask her like that. Normally, I would be to afraid. I guess i was just so tired of passing up the chance to share the Gospel. Now I'm happy because I shared God's word! Yay! God is GOOD, ALL the time. ALL the time, God is GOOD!!
I didn't quite give her the good news, but I did help her see that if she continued going down the path she was going, that she wasn't going to go to heaven.
It started because she just told me that she was "religious" so I just asked her, " do you think you're going to heaven then?" and she said yes. So I asked her if I could ask her a couple of questions and so it started. It was cut short because her bus arrived but she had told me that based on her wrongdoing she would be going to hell. I told her we'd finish tomorrow.
It was so very weird for me to just ask her like that. Normally, I would be to afraid. I guess i was just so tired of passing up the chance to share the Gospel. Now I'm happy because I shared God's word! Yay! God is GOOD, ALL the time. ALL the time, God is GOOD!!
What are we waiting for?
The bible says that if we know what we are supposed to do and we dont do it, we are sinning. Why do we continue to make excuses for why we are not giving everything up for God. When we come to faith in Christ we no longer are in charge of our lives. Christ bought us, so we must give up our hopes and dreams for what God would have us do. Why do we continue to make excuses for why we havent begun the work Christ has commanded us. We always say "i'm praying about it" - this is good, and prayer everyday is a must; but at somepoint we are going to have to stop praying about it and do the work Christ has commanded us. We know what Christ commands us to do, so lets stop just learning more about it and praying about it, lets start doing it, learning about and praying about it.
Because of Christ sacrifice we have no chioce but to give up our goals and ambitions in life. We must sacrifice all this because Christ sacrificed everything for us so that we could be made right in God's eyes. We must live for the glorification of Christ and nothing less. We must not live for our own selfish desires but we must give them up because God is most glorified when we sacrifice everything for him and when we are content in him alone.
Because of Christ sacrifice we have no chioce but to give up our goals and ambitions in life. We must sacrifice all this because Christ sacrificed everything for us so that we could be made right in God's eyes. We must live for the glorification of Christ and nothing less. We must not live for our own selfish desires but we must give them up because God is most glorified when we sacrifice everything for him and when we are content in him alone.
Pray for...
We should be in constant prayer for eachother and continually thanking God for eachother. I thank God everyday for the people he has put in my life who encourage and pray for me. We can never stop praying and encouraging one another. Please pray that the gospel would spread, that when persecution comes that we would praise God, that we would live a life of love and truth that glorifies God, pray for our church that we would be achurch on fire, and please pray for eachother that we would grow to be like Christ.
test it all.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-24
"but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
I just want to remind you guys that no matter who is teaching you, you HAVE to be discerning and not just openly accept everything that you are taught. We need to be like the Bereans (not the senior citizen's group - but the Christians from Berea in Acts), who "received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). These guys tested what Paul taught!
So please, no matter who it is... test it.
seas valiente...
Joshua 1:8-9
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Lord, please be with me this week as I do your will. Help me be strong and to depend on you, and help me to never lose sight of honoring and glorifying you in my prayers, studies, and actions.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Lord, please be with me this week as I do your will. Help me be strong and to depend on you, and help me to never lose sight of honoring and glorifying you in my prayers, studies, and actions.
Fear of Man 2
Romans 8:31-35
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
We should not be afraid of what this world can do to us. Romans clearly says that because of Christ's death and resurrection, nothing can separate us from God's love. Not trials, not stress, not persecution, not hunger, not shame, not danger, and not even death. So why do continue to fear these things. Why do we fear what man can do to us when we know that because of Christ's blood we have God's love. Because of the amazing sacrifice Christ made, we owe him nothing less than everything. Because of Christ's sacrifice how can we let the fear of man stop us from doing what Christ has commanded us.
Matthew 28-18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We can not let the fear of what man can do to us stop us from doing what Christ has commanded us. Let this encourage you to hold fast to God's love and to no longer fear man.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
We should not be afraid of what this world can do to us. Romans clearly says that because of Christ's death and resurrection, nothing can separate us from God's love. Not trials, not stress, not persecution, not hunger, not shame, not danger, and not even death. So why do continue to fear these things. Why do we fear what man can do to us when we know that because of Christ's blood we have God's love. Because of the amazing sacrifice Christ made, we owe him nothing less than everything. Because of Christ's sacrifice how can we let the fear of man stop us from doing what Christ has commanded us.
Matthew 28-18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We can not let the fear of what man can do to us stop us from doing what Christ has commanded us. Let this encourage you to hold fast to God's love and to no longer fear man.
Thank You God for this day,
And thank you Lord for being who you are. May we live out today as well as the rest of our days and then die with the sole purpose of glorifying your name. Let it be our only desire. Please sanctify us Lord, so that in the end we may live with you in your kingdom on your throne. Amen.
now hiring: disciples of Christ (qualification #1)
the first Commandment says that we have to love God over all other gods. that we should have no other gods before Him. so many times we hear people say... " God is first in my life. He's number one!! then comes my kids, then my wife, then my church, then my......" and so on.
God doesn't want to be the first choice, He wants to be the ONLY choice. He wants to be the WHOLE list.
what if a husband were to gather a few women he found attractive and brought them to his wife, we'll call then susan and jane, and said to her, "wife, i love you with all my heart. you're my everything, my number one desire and love. but i just wanted to tell you that if something happens to you, susan here pulls a very close second to you and our love, and well, if something happens to her then jane here wouldn't be so bad either as a nice third. but please don't forget honey, how much i LOVE YOU."
what do you think that wife would have done or said? i know that if my soon to be husband were to tell me that i can assure you i would have killed him then moved on to those two women. i am a jealous wife because i love my husband and he is the ONLY person i want to love and be loved by. in this same respect God is a jealous God and He also demands the same devoted love from us. it is not unfair what God asks of us just as it is not unfair to expect the same love from a spouse. to love my husband i have to give up ALL other men. i have to completely love him all the time and be only devoted to him. it wouldn't be a healthy marriage if i didn't.
to love God we have to give up ALL other desires. we have to completely love Him all the time and be only devoted to Him. we wouldn't be healthy disciples if we didn't.
the call
Revelation 7:9
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,"
Matthew 24:14
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Revelation speaks about every tribe, tongue, and nation will be represented in heaven. To this day there are still many unreached people groups. In fact there are many people groups who have yet to have the gospel translated into their language. If this is the case, how can Christ return and there be a representative from every tribe, tongue and nation in heaven? I believe that Matthew 24:14 is the answer to that question. I believe that this gives the church a great responsibility accompanied with a great urgency.
Obviously the church hasn't really stepped up to the challenge/responsibility. Only .0001% of Evangelical Christians go into missions!!! And only 4% of them actually go to a people group that is unreached! I think too many Christians think that they are called by God into full-time secular careers. They feel that serving in church once a week (maybe), and sharing Christ with their co-workers once a quarter (maybe) is fulfilling God's great commission.
Luke 9:23-24
"And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."
"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,"
Matthew 24:14
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Revelation speaks about every tribe, tongue, and nation will be represented in heaven. To this day there are still many unreached people groups. In fact there are many people groups who have yet to have the gospel translated into their language. If this is the case, how can Christ return and there be a representative from every tribe, tongue and nation in heaven? I believe that Matthew 24:14 is the answer to that question. I believe that this gives the church a great responsibility accompanied with a great urgency.
Obviously the church hasn't really stepped up to the challenge/responsibility. Only .0001% of Evangelical Christians go into missions!!! And only 4% of them actually go to a people group that is unreached! I think too many Christians think that they are called by God into full-time secular careers. They feel that serving in church once a week (maybe), and sharing Christ with their co-workers once a quarter (maybe) is fulfilling God's great commission.
Luke 9:23-24
"And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it."
God doesn't leave us hanging...
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
I love our Lord. Our Lord loves me. He knows whats too much for us and will always provide a way out of doing wrong or sinning. What love that is, we can always depend on him for anything. You are AMAZING FATHER!!!
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
I love our Lord. Our Lord loves me. He knows whats too much for us and will always provide a way out of doing wrong or sinning. What love that is, we can always depend on him for anything. You are AMAZING FATHER!!!
the four
i've been in daily prayer for four teens that live in murrietta, ca. i accompanied my friend, shawn farrell (brad's son-in-law), to give the gospel to a large group of unchurched teenagers. it was unbelievable how thirsty these teenagers were for the gospel. four teens stayed after for about 2 hours to ask spiritual questions about salvation. i don't know what decisions were made (if at all), but I know that God was working on their hearts that night.
One of the guys said "I want to believe, I want to understand God."
His statement reminded me of the man who said to jesus " I want to believe. Help my unbelief."
The look on some of these kids' faces was so urgent and concerned.
Romans 10:1
“Brothers, my heart's desire and PRAYER to God for them is that they may be saved.” (a statement about unbelieving jews)
1 Timothy 2:1-4
“ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
please pray for them:
Tess
Michael
Jay
Will ("I want to believe")
One of the guys said "I want to believe, I want to understand God."
His statement reminded me of the man who said to jesus " I want to believe. Help my unbelief."
The look on some of these kids' faces was so urgent and concerned.
Romans 10:1
“Brothers, my heart's desire and PRAYER to God for them is that they may be saved.” (a statement about unbelieving jews)
1 Timothy 2:1-4
“ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
please pray for them:
Tess
Michael
Jay
Will ("I want to believe")
Jesus paid it all
Isaiah 1:18
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
This verse is amazing. We are so sinful, yet because of the blood of Christ we are made clean. We are stained with sin, yet Christ's blood washes us white as snow. I think as Christians we take the blood of Christ for granted. Without his blood we are stained and deserve hell. How can we go on sinning when Christ suffered and died that we might be made right in God's eyes. How can we possibly love anything more than our savior.
Jesus Paid It All:
"I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,
”Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."
Because of Christ's sacrifice we owe him everything.
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
This verse is amazing. We are so sinful, yet because of the blood of Christ we are made clean. We are stained with sin, yet Christ's blood washes us white as snow. I think as Christians we take the blood of Christ for granted. Without his blood we are stained and deserve hell. How can we go on sinning when Christ suffered and died that we might be made right in God's eyes. How can we possibly love anything more than our savior.
Jesus Paid It All:
"I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,
”Shall rend the vaulted skies.
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."
Because of Christ's sacrifice we owe him everything.
God does the growing
1 Corinthians 3:6-9
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
We must always remember that God is the one who changes people, not us. We simply plant the seed (the gospel) someone else waters it but God is the one who changes people. We must always give God the glory and take none for ourselves.
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.
We must always remember that God is the one who changes people, not us. We simply plant the seed (the gospel) someone else waters it but God is the one who changes people. We must always give God the glory and take none for ourselves.
blessed be the name of the LORD
"Every blessing You pour out I'll
turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name"
I take the words of worship songs for granted sometimes.
I have to ask myself sometimes, "Is God's name being blessed/glorified/hallowed in my actions/life/plans?"
And when the darkness closes in... will i STILL choose to say "blessed be the name of the LORD?"
The darkness is constantly closing in. Whether it be a direct attack or through subtle lukewarmness.
I pray daily that sanctification would be continual and that I would only increase in passion for the Lord's name to be blessed.
turn back to praise
And when the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name"
I take the words of worship songs for granted sometimes.
I have to ask myself sometimes, "Is God's name being blessed/glorified/hallowed in my actions/life/plans?"
And when the darkness closes in... will i STILL choose to say "blessed be the name of the LORD?"
The darkness is constantly closing in. Whether it be a direct attack or through subtle lukewarmness.
I pray daily that sanctification would be continual and that I would only increase in passion for the Lord's name to be blessed.
humble orthodoxy
joshua harris preached this sermon on humble orthodoxy that is awesome.
i really believe it captures the heart of what talia is about.
you can download it here:
i really believe it captures the heart of what talia is about.
you can download it here:
live like this
Romans 12:9-21
9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. 17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Nothing needs to be said about this...we just need to live it, thats it.
9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be conceited. 17Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Nothing needs to be said about this...we just need to live it, thats it.
wake and praise
We think that we are special because we get up and praise God at 5:30 am...
Look at David. He must have only gotten 2 hours of sleep.
Psalm 119:62
"At midnight I rise to praise you,because of your righteous rules."
Let's magnify God in prayers of praise as soon as we wake up each day.
Look at David. He must have only gotten 2 hours of sleep.
Psalm 119:62
"At midnight I rise to praise you,because of your righteous rules."
Let's magnify God in prayers of praise as soon as we wake up each day.
fear of man
Matthew 22:16
"Teacher," they said, "we know that you are a man of integrity
and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who
they are."
I am reading a book right now called "When People Are Big and God is Small." The author says this:
"The fear of man wields awesome power. The praise of others can seem more glorious to us than the praise of God."...Peer pressure is perhaps the most tragic form of the fear of man. We spend too much time wondering what others may have thought about our outfit or the comment we made. We see opportunities to testify about Christ, but we avoid them. We are more concerned about looking stupid (a fear of man) than we are about acting sinfully (fear of the Lord)"
Please let these words encourage you not to care what people think about you. Care only about God getting the most glory possible. Don't let the fear of man stop you from doing what Christ has commanded us. Share the gospel, stop sinning by fearing man more than God.
Psalm 27: 1-4
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me, to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
"Teacher," they said, "we know that you are a man of integrity
and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.
You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who
they are."
I am reading a book right now called "When People Are Big and God is Small." The author says this:
"The fear of man wields awesome power. The praise of others can seem more glorious to us than the praise of God."...Peer pressure is perhaps the most tragic form of the fear of man. We spend too much time wondering what others may have thought about our outfit or the comment we made. We see opportunities to testify about Christ, but we avoid them. We are more concerned about looking stupid (a fear of man) than we are about acting sinfully (fear of the Lord)"
Please let these words encourage you not to care what people think about you. Care only about God getting the most glory possible. Don't let the fear of man stop you from doing what Christ has commanded us. Share the gospel, stop sinning by fearing man more than God.
Psalm 27: 1-4
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me, to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
be a tree
Psalms 1:1-3
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
They shared this at the Global Ministry Conference today. Lets be planted by streams of water by constantly being in and delighting in God's word. When we do so, we will bear fruit and our leaves will not wither.
The Lost
Be in prayer for those who we recently gave the gospel to. The Scientologist man on Hollywood Blvd. The homeless man, Jerry, that Paul bought lunch for, and two of his co-workers, (one who rejected, and one who was interested).
Be in prayer that we would each be bold to give the gospel, which is the "power of God for salvation", at all times... Urgency.
Beseech (Beg) God to allow us to reap the harvest.
Luke 10:2
"And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
Beseech God to have mercy and change hearts and minds to believe in Him (Romans 9).
