Tuesday, December 23, 2014

He's Alive by Don Francisco

Holy Spirit Baptism

Acts 1:5 – Holy Spirit Baptism

    This is where the phrase, “Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” comes from.  Jesus said that John had baptised with water.  The concept here is to be fully immersed.  To be willing to die to self and live for God.  To identify with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In the same way the disciples would be immersed in the Holy Spirit.  All that was of the flesh would die.  They would submit to leadership of the Holy Spirit and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  They would be fully immersed in the things of God.  The things of this world would be washed away and the new life of Christ would be their goal.  When one is Baptised in the Holy Spirit new life and purpose arise.  You have gifts that are designed for service.  You have the oral gifts, the power gifts and the revelational gifts.  Each designed to be under t he complete control of the Holy Spirit.  The hymn writer puts it beautifully, “the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”  These are graces or virtues that come when you have been baptised in the Holy Spirit.  Seek the Baptism today we all its benefits for His praise and glory.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Command to Wait

Command to Wait – Acts 1:4
    Jesus had some final instructions for His disciples in their final assembly together.  He told them to not leave Jerusalem.  They were to wait for the promise of the Father.  Jesus had told them in John 14 and 16 that the Holy Spirit would come and lead them into all truth.  His role would be one of comforter.  He would take what He heard the Father say and bring it to us.  It was essential for them to wait.  Waiting is an act of obedience and discipline.  It is a time of reflection, expectation and faith.  Cam Floria said, “Waiting is often providential discipline for those who have been given a big task or work.”  They needed the power of the Holy Spirit with its gifts to change their world.  You will never truly change the world around you without the indwelling and out flowing of the Holy Spirit.  You will never truly have power until you have been endued with power from on high.  When you wait on the Lord wait in faith, expectation, obedience and a readiness to go.  Remember when the Spirit moves you want to move with Him and not find yourself trying to catch up.  Tarry until you have everything that you need from the Lord through the Holy Spirit.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord - Psalm 150

    One of the most resounding themes as has been mentioned before in the psalms is praise.  This is what David says in this psalm for us today.

1.  Praise God in His sanctuary and in His heavens.  Let all creation praise the Lord.
2.  We are to praise God for the mighty things He has done.  Things such as opening the
    Red Sea, stopping the sun for a day and bringing rain to the earth after three years of
    Drought.
3.  Praise Him for His surpassing greatness, there is no one like the Lord.
4.  We are to praise Him on the trumpet, harp and lyre.
5.  To express our worship we should praise Him with the tambourine and dancing.
6.  Praise Him with strings, flute and the clash of the cymbals.

7.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

God is love

God is love - Psalm 136

    It is very clear that the main message of this Psalm is that the Lord’s love endures forever.  Jess Himself said that, “God is love.”  The Lord is the one that does great wonders and that His understanding made the heavens.  
    One time a little boy came to his father and asked him how much God loved man.  The father held out his hand and stretched them as far as he could to the sides.  With his hands stretched out like Jesus hanging on the cross, the father said, “This much.”

    The greatest expression of God’s love is when Jesus Christ went to the cross to die for the sins of mankind.  Jesus came to give mankind life and more abundantly.  Jesus showed His love for us by dying for us even though we did not know Him or love Him.

Unhappy people try to control their lives

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Working Together

Working Together - Psalm 133

    David had just brought the Ark of the Covenant back to the city of Jerusalem.  There had been a great celebration and David danced before the Lord.  At the end of the day. David sat down and penned these words, “It is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity.”   David had seen a co-operated effort on the part of the people to get along.   David to the best of his ability tried to describe how he felt.  It is like the precious anointing and presence of the Lord as we worship Him.  It is like the dew on the mountains when the sunlight hits it.  
    When people work together the Lord is pleased.  When churches and preachers work together for the cause of Christ many things are accomplished.  One of the pleasant times that I have worked together with my brothers in Christ was when Billy Graham came to our city.  It was great to see church leaders working together to see souls saved.  I know what David was talking about.  Let us as Christians work together for the cause of Christ.  Jesus Himself said that people will know that we are His disciples by the way we love another.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Working Together

Working Together - Psalm 133

    David had just brought the Ark of the Covenant back to the city of Jerusalem.  There had been a great celebration and David danced before the Lord.  At the end of the day. David sat down and penned these words, “It is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity.”   David had seen a co-operated effort on the part of the people to get along.   David to the best of his ability tried to describe how he felt.  It is like the precious anointing and presence of the Lord as we worship Him.  It is like the dew on the mountains when the sunlight hits it.  
    When people work together the Lord is pleased.  When churches and preachers work together for the cause of Christ many things are accomplished.  One of the pleasant times that I have worked together with my brothers in Christ was when Billy Graham came to our city.  It was great to see church leaders working together to see souls saved.  I know what David was talking about.  Let us as Christians work together for the cause of Christ.  Jesus Himself said that people will know that we are His disciples by the way we love another.  

Monday, December 15, 2014

A Mature Man

A Mature Man Psalm 112

    This psalm describes a mature man.  This teaching that we will look at today was given by Dave Lagore of Calgary Christian Centre.
1.  A mature man’s children are mighty in the Lord and are blessed.  Vs 2
2.  Wealth, riches and righteousness are part of his house.  Vs 3
3.  The light of righteousness shines, for the gracious, compassionate and righteous man.
    Vs 4
4.  Good will come when he lends freely and is honest and just in his affairs.  He won’t
    be shaken.  He will be remembered forever.  Vs 5
5.  No bad news will cause him to fear, he will trust in the Lord.   He is secure and will
    Triumph over his foes.  Vs 7-8
6.  He gives to the poor, his righteousness endures forever and he will be honoured.  Vs 9

Friday, December 12, 2014

There are consequences to what we do.

here are consequences to what we do – 1 Cor 11:32

Vs 32 – Paul makes it clear that our view of communion has three consequences.  First, when we have proper view, we will not be judged by the Lord.  Next, We will not be disciplined by the Lord for this matter and lastly we will not be condemned with the world.  Anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ is going to a lost eternity.  We however because of our acceptance of Jesus Christ and the celebration of His broken body and shed blood will not be condemned with the world.

     This week has been a week of serious contemplation.  You have realize how precious is God`s sacrifice through Jesus Christ.  Jesus went all the way to the cross for our salvation.  He allow His body to be broken and His blood to be shed for our salvation.  He died a horrible death so by His stripes we might be healed.  He was buried in a borrow grave so we might be rescued from death.  He rose from the dead to destroy the works of sin, hell and the grave.  Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil.  Never take these things for granted.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Unworthy Manner

Unworthy manner – 1 Cor 11:29

Vs 29 – If a person goes into the communion in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment and damnation upon themselves.  The broken body and the shed blood are the two elements that Jesus offered for the redemption of the whole planet.  They are the most precious thing Christ gave and must never be taken lightly.  These two elements are the most powerful in the universe.  They have the ability to deal with all your sin, past, present and future.  You never have to live under the guilt or stain of sin.  The devil will never again have any place in your life when you discern the Lord`s body and blood.  The broken body brings healing and the shed blood brings salvation.  Today enjoy these benefits but first make sure you heart and life are right with God.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Time of Self Examination

Time for self examination – 1 Cor 11:28

Vs 28 – Communion is a time of self examination.  It is a time to look deep into our hearts and see where we are in our relationship with God.  If there are areas that need to be taken care of pockets of rebellion or resistance to the Lord.  This is the time to get everything right.  This does not take very long in most cases but it enables us to receive communion with a clear heart and conscious.  You are discerning the Lord`s body and blood until He comes.  In this time of examination you can be as real and honest as you need to be.  The Holy Spirit will help and enable you to face whatever comes your way.  Just be honest with God and yourself.  

Monday, December 8, 2014

Un-forgiveness

Unforgiveness – 1 Cor 1:27

Vs 27 – Paul then gets very serious about the manner in which we look at the Communion.  If a person takes communion in an unworthy manner they are guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  For example having un-forgiveness in your heart or unconfessed sin.  

Unforgiveness I is one thing that will stop the blessing of God in your life.  It keeps you from having your prayers answered.  It colors everything you think, speak and do.  It keeps the devil working in your life.  It makes you distrust and question the motives of others.  You cannot see life clearly because you are always looking at life through the glasses of unforgiveness.  So today release this to the Lord and enjoy the abundant life God wants to give you.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Background for Communion

Background for Communion – 1 Cor 21-22

Vs 21 – The Corinthians when they got together some of them have been having private dinners in the format of the church.  The result was that people go hungry and others get drunk.  The early church in Jerusalem had all things common and all were taken care of.  Paul in Corinth could see the followers of Peter in one Corner, his followers in another and those that followed Apollos in another.  A great advertisement for church unity.  In the middle some poor chap who had no idea what is going on or refusing to play the game and ending up offending everybody.  

Vs 22 – He states that they have houses to eat and drink in.  By their present conduct they are humiliating the church and the poor.  Paul was not going to praise them in this matter.   This was the background for what Paul was going to talk about next, the importance and proper view of communion.  

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Be in one accord

Be in one accord – 1 Cor 11:19-20   

Vs 19 – These divisions Paul sarcasticly says show God’s approval.  In reality they do not.  God is no respecter of person.  He is glorified when people dwell together in unity.  The first real out pouring on the church after the believers were one accord and ready to receive.
Vs 20 – Paul makes it very clear that when they come together they are not celebrating the Lord’s Supper.  Division does not bring people together but breaks them apart.  Paul tells them not to call their love feasts the Lord’s Supper because it is a false hood.  The Lord’s Supper is a celebration designed to bring people together and to remind all who participate of the Lord’s broken body and shed blood.  To help them understand the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Are you ready for the Lord`s Coming

Are you ready for the Lord`s Coming

The shed blood

The Shed Blood – 1 Cor 11:25-26

Vs 25 – In the same manner or way after the supper He took the cup and when He had given thanks he told them that the cup represented His shed blood.  This ordinance was implemented to give us a clear reference point to what had been secure for us through the broken body and the shed blood.  Communion is a time of reflection and thanksgiving.  Jesus instituted this practice to remind us of His sacrifice and why we are Christians.
Vs 26 – Paul states that whenever we eat the bread or drink the cup we are proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes.  The evangelical wing of the church there are two ordinances that they celebrate.  Two focal points for us, the Lord’s Supper and Water Baptism.  They were instituted by the Lord Himself and help us to keep focus on why we have our faith.  They remind us of the price Jesus paid for our victory and redemption.  Let us never forget this.

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct – 1 Cor 11:17-18

Vs 17 -  Paul now rebukes the Corinthians for what their meetings have become.  The following directives were designed to bring order back into the services.  

Vs 18 – Paul states that when they come together in a public manner that there are divisions among them.  He is shock by not surprised.  Division is a tool in which satan can divide and disrupt the church.  Paul points out in Titus 3:11 that people who sow division are selfish, sinful and self condemned.  Division is a product of a heart that is full of rebellion.  1 Samuel says that rebellion is like witchcraft.  Witchcraft tries to control without confrontation.  Division is manipulation without direct attack.  Rebellion uses gossip, slander and contention to do its dirty work.  As an agent of division a person will always attack the character of another by accuses, slandering or gossiping about them.  The way to shut division down is confront the person who is doing it and tell them to stop.  If they do not expose them for what they are doing.  Paul told Titus to do this twice to a divisive person and then have nothing to do with them.    

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Disorderly Conduct

Disorderly conduct – 1 Cor 11:17-18

Vs 17 -  Paul now rebukes the Corinthians for what their meetings have become.  The following directives were designed to bring order back into the services.  
Vs 18 – Paul states that when they come together in a public manner that there are divisions among them.  He is shock by not surprised.  Division is a tool in which satan can divide and disrupt the church.  Paul points out in Titus 3:11 that people who sow division are selfish, sinful and self condemned.  Division is a product of a heart that is full of rebellion.  1 Samuel says that rebellion is like witchcraft.  Witchcraft tries to control without confrontation.  Division is manipulation without direct attack.  Rebellion uses gossip, slander and contention to do its dirty work.  As an agent of division a person will always attack the character of another by accuses, slandering or gossiping about them.  The way to shut division down is confront the person who is doing it and tell them to stop.  If they do not expose them for what they are doing.  Paul told Titus to do this twice to a divisive person and then have nothing to do with them.  

Monday, December 1, 2014

Hair today or not

Hair today or not – 1 Cor 11:13-15

Vs 13 – Paul tells the Corinthians to make their own decision about this issue.  Is it wrong for a woman to pray with her hair uncovered?    Paul is leaving this issue as an issue of conscience.  We are to be firmly anchored in what we believe.  
Vs 14 – Nature itself teaches that it is disgrace for a man to have long hair.  Men will never attain the beauty of a woman.  We look so much better with shorter hair.  

Vs 15 – When a woman has long hair it is beautiful to behold.  Paul says it is her glory.  It is her physical glory.  Her hair was given to her as her covering.  It gives as well a sense of modesty and beauty.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Difference Between men and women

Difference between men and women

Vs 6 -  Paul simply says that a woman should have her head covered for in his opinion it is a disgrace to have her hair cut off.  This is both cultural and practical.  A women`s real beauty is partly because of her hair.
Vs 7 – Paul relates a very important truth.  A man should not have his head covered because he is the image and glory of God.  Man was created in the moral, moral and spiritual image of God.  Woman is the glory of man.  She was taken out man and created.  She is our greatest expression of beauty.  
Vs 8 – Woman were created out of man and not man out of woman.  There is an order and spiritual truth here.  Man communicates best for God in turn woman communicate best on behalf of men.  Each has their place and role.   Paul is expressing his view of the role of man and women.  Difficult views today because of the shift in the way 21st century gender roles are now defined.   

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Amazing Grace

Man and woman are different

Difference between men and women

Vs 6 -  Paul simply says that a woman should have her head covered for in his opinion it is a disgrace to have her hair cut off.  This is both cultural and practical.  A women`s real beauty is partly because of her hair.
Vs 7 – Paul relates a very important truth.  A man should not have his head covered because he is the image and glory of God.  Man was created in the moral, moral and spiritual image of God.  Woman is the glory of man.  She was taken out man and created.  She is our greatest expression of beauty.  
Vs 8 – Woman were created out of man and not man out of woman.  There is an order and spiritual truth here.  Man communicates best for God in turn woman communicate best on behalf of men.  Each has their place and role.   Paul is expressing his view of the role of man and women.  Difficult views today because of the shift in the way 21st century gender roles are now defined.   

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Final Authority

Final Authority – 1 Cor 11”2-3

Vs 2 – Paul the talks about remembering the traditions he passed on to them.  There were certain things he wanted  to see in the church.  Most of these came from his Jewish traditions but there is reasons why he asked them of the Corinthians.

Vs 3 – Paul wants the Corinthians to recognize authority.  The free spirit Gnostics refused to recognize authority and were introducing rebellion into the church.  First, the Head of all is God, then Christ, then the man and finally the woman.   Authority keeps decision making clear.  There is no confusion when someone has the final authority.  The business world shows this reality very well.  The CEO of any company has the final authority to the direction and decisions a company makes.  If the CEO does not make decisions then the company finally breaks up or loses its profitability.  The home will suffer the same fate if someone does not have the final authority.  Rebellion leads to sin and separation from God.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Imitate Christ

Imitate Christ – 1 Cor 11:1

Vs 1 – Paul encourages the Corinthians to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ.  Let his example of faith and devotion be an example for them.  Paul had patterned his life after Christ.  Christ is our role model and mentor.  It is his lifestyle we should pattern our life after.  In the book “In His Steps,” Charles Sheldon challenges all Christian to ask the following question before we do anything, “What would Jesus do?”  When you are faced with temptation, “What would Jesus do?”  When someone offended you, “What would Jesus do?”  When someone asks you to do something contrary to your conscience, “What would Jesus do?”  Today make your decision but imitate Christ in all those decisions and you will never go wrong.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Do all things for the glory of God

Do all things for the glory of God – 1 Cor 10:31-33

Vs 31 – A very import ant point to our discussion is that whatever we do whether eating or drinking all should be done for the glory of God.  Our lifestyle should be one that exhibits the character, nature and essence of God.
Vs 32 – Do not knowingly cause anyone to stumble whether, Jew, Greek or the church of God.  Live your life so well that the town gossip will speak on your behalf.  Daniel lived so well that his enemies could not bring any charge against him.

Vs 33 – Paul said that he live in such a way that he tried to please everyone.  His motivation was he was not seeking his own but the good of many so they might be saved.  Paul was not a man pleaser but a God pleaser.  He knew by living a life worthy of God that he would be able to win many.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Stand behind you man

Stand behind you man

Everything is the Lord's

Everything is the Lord`s – 1 Cor 10:25-26

Vs 25 – So when a person goes to the market and buys meat do not ask questions.  Just take it home, cook it and eat it.  You do not have to walk around questioning everything for conscience sake.  This is useful exercise because you will always find something wrong.  We can major on the minors and forget what is really important like loving God and others.

Vs 26 – Remember everything on earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.  He is the creator and sustainer of all things.  Through Him and in Him everything has life and breath.  Getting caught up on diet or some external exercise to prove your spirituality may impress your friends or little group but it does not impress God.  He looks for a broken and contrite heart.  These He will never reject.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Not everything we do has benefit

Not everything we do has benefit – 1 Cor 10:23-24

Vs 23 – The believer has the right to do anything but not everything we do is right.  Not everything we do is beneficial.  We may have the right to do anything but not everything we do is constructive, encouraging or helpful to others.   
Vs 24 – The rule of thumb should be that we should not seek own ways and will but the good of others.  In this way we are showing the law of Christ.  The law of Christ is doing for others as we would have them do for us.  It is love acceptance and forgiveness in action.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Idol Worship is Wrong

Idol worship in any form is wrong – 1 Cor 10:

Vs 20 – The reality is however is that you are worshipping demons.  An pagan sacrifice is worship to demons.  These are not sacrifices to God but demons and we should never have anything to do with demons.  Paul makes it very clear what is wrong with idol worship in any form.
Vs 21 – You cannot drink the cup or have part of the Lord’s table and also participate in idol worship.  This is sheer insanity and hypocrisy.  This paragraph will be leading later to proper teaching about the Lord’s supper.  
Vs 22 – Paul says that being idol worshipper we are arousing the Lord’s jealousy and wrath.  Who do we think we are?  We will endure the Lord’s wrath.  Do we think we are stronger than Him.  God is not mocked.  What we sow we will reap.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Compliment your man

Unity

Unity – 1 Cor 10:17-18

Vs 17 – Paul then brings out the fact of unity.  Through one loaf though we are many are still one body for we all share the same loaf.  
Vs 18 – Paul continues with the thought of the last chapter when he encourages his reader to remember Israel.  When you eat the sacrifices from the altar you have also participated in what went on the altar.  You are willing participant.

Vs 19 – Paul asked the question, does the altar or sacrifice to an idol mean anything?  They do not.  Because idols in themselves are just stone and wood.  Meaning in the communion has to do with the fact that you are celebrating the Risen and living Lord.  

Monday, November 17, 2014

Life Lessons

Common Sense

Common Sense – 1 Cor 10:15-16

Vs 15 – Paul addressed them as people with common sense.  They were will capable of judging for themselves if what Paul was saying was true.  Common sense tells you that a course of action will have certain results.  If you play with fire you will get burned.  
Vs 16 – Paul then uses the example of the communion.  We celebrate the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ.  Through the load and cup we are celebrating what Jesus Christ has done for us.  Through His broken body we are healed.  Through the shed blood of Christ we are forgiven and have been given new life and a new covenant.   This is a celebration of thanksgiving.  Always approach the Lord`s Table with reverence and simplicity.

Friday, November 14, 2014

An Abuser has 2 sides to them Pt 5

Do not put the Lord to a foolish test

Do not put the Lord to a foolish test – 1 Cor 10:9-10

Vs 9 – Israel put the Lord to the test in the desert by complaining and so they were killed by snakes.  Paul encourages his readers to not put the Lord to the test by complaining and rebellion.  God is not mock what a person sows they will reap.  Satan tried to test Jesus in the wilderness but he refused and we must as well.

Vs 10 – Paul throughout this paragraph has been addressing some of the problems the Corinthians church was having through the example of Israel.  Do not grumble as Israel did because those who did were killed by the destroying angel.  Your rebellion can bring consequences you may not be able to bare.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Idolatry comes in many forms

Idolatry comes in many forms – 1 Cor 10:7-8

Vs 7 – Do not be idolaters as some of the people were.  They made a golden calf and then got involved in a drunken orgy.  Idolatry can come in many forms.  Money, possessions, fame, popularity and pride.  It leads always to the same place destruction and spiritual death.
Vs 8 –  Paul then draws an up to date truth for his readers.  Do not be like them and commit sexual immorality.  The Corinthians lived in a very immoral city and could very easily fall into sexual sin.  The result of the Israel’s sin was that 23,000 of them died that day in the desert.  Sexual sin always leads to spiritual and moral death.  Be like Joseph and run away when tempted.  No matter what you face put your trust in the Lord and see His victory when you put your trust in Him.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Learn from the mistakes of others

Learn from the mistakes of others

Vs 5 – The Lord was not pleased with the Israelites because of their constant rebellion, murmuring and complaining.  They died in the desert and a new generation came from them to take the land.  Imagine you have the opportunity of taking your land and missing it because of foolish pride, complaining and rebellion.  

Vs 6 – The purpose of these examples is to keep the reader and us today from setting hearts and minds on the same things they did.  We do not have to make the same mistakes.  By their example we can learn valuable lessons.  The question is, will we learn from their example and be proned to repeat the same mistakes?  The clearest definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and thinking that you will have a different outcome.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Spiritual Food

Spiritual Food – 1 Cor 10:3-4

Today is Remembrance Day where we remember all those who fell in war to give us freedom.  In the same manner reads and study God’s word and bring it into your remembrance.

Vs 3 – The Jews all ate the same spiritual food.  They had manna in the desert which has been called angels food.  This provision was for 40 years and only disappeared when they got into the promised land.  We all eat the same spiritual food.  Our food is the word of God.  Jesus said, man does live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Vs 4 – They all drink from the spiritual drink.  They drank from the same water supply which was a rock.  Moses was called to smite a rock and speak to a rock.  Paul reveals that the rock was Christ Himself.  Jesus was there with the children of Israel in the wilderness and He will be with us.  Jesus even told his disciples before they left in Matt 28:20, that He would never leave them or forsake them.  

Friday, November 7, 2014

To be a winner

To win you must have discipline – 1 Cor 9:25-26

Vs 25 – The secret of being a winner is that you exercise self -control and self- discipline.  An athlete exercises self control in all things and they do this for a perishable wreath or crown.  They do for recognition and fame.  We do for an imperishable crown.  We do it for those wonderful words, “Well done though good and faithful servant, enter into my rest.”  
Vs 26 – Paul does not run aimlessly.  He has a goal, plan and aim.  He does not box as a person beating the air.  He will waste his effort and we should either.  There must be a focus, goal and plan.  We must remember why we are doing this and for who.  There are rewards for the overcomer, conqueror and victor.  Jesus has done everything for us and now we must do our part.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Vintage Cars

Proverbs of Steel

The inside that counts

Run to win

Run to Win – 1 Cor 9:24

Vs 24 – Paul uses a familiar analogy to bring home his point on running the race of life.  All runners race but only one receives the prize.  So each must run so they obtain it.  You have to have winner’s mentality as a Christian.  You may be running your own race but you must run it with a goal and aim in mind and that to win.  Winners do all that they can to prepare for every race.  Mental preparation is key.  You must see yourself as a winner or you have already lost the race before you have started.  God has given you all the tools you need to win but you need to trust Him and yourself to win.  So win your race and receive your prize.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

For the sake of the gospel

For the Sake of the Gospel – 1 Cor 9:22-23

Vs 22 – To the weak Paul would become weak.  He became all things to all people that he might win a few.  Paul ‘s role model was Jesus Himself.  Jesus was at home with the prince and the pauper.  He could walk among prophets, priest and king with ease and friendship.  Jesus ministered in love to all who came to Him.   Paul tried to do the same thing.  
Vs 23 – Paul had two things in mind with this approach.  First, all he does is the sake of the gospel.  The gospel had given him a new lease on life.  When Jesus met him Paul saw the full grace and love of God.  He wanted to return the favor.  Secondly, He wanted all who he came across to share in the benefits that he had received.  Paul would state later in this book that what he had received he would pass unto them.  Paul wanted his readers to share in all the blessings he had received.  Walk today in the blessings of Christ and when ever you can be willing to share them with others.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Spent quality time with your children

Be all things

Be all things – 1 Cor 9:20-21

Vs 20 – When Paul worked among the Jews he would live a Jewish lifestyle.  He did this because that was the means to win them even though he was not obligated to love that way.

Vs 21 – Paul did the same when he worked among the gentiles.  He lived like them.  He did not violate his own personal convictions but in order to win them he would live a Christian life before them in righteousness and purity.  Paul would live according to the law of Christ.  To love God with all his being and then love his neighbor as Christ would love them.  Where ever we find ourselves we are to be the best example of love, grace and purity that we can.  This is the most effective way of winning people.  One of my favorite sayings is, “Live your life so well that the neighborhood gossip will vouch for you.”

Monday, November 3, 2014

Wild Times

Paul's Paradoxes

Paul`s Paradoxes – 1 Cor 9:19

Vs 19 – Paul then presents another of his paradoxes.  Though he is free in all things he has chosen to be a servant of all.  Jesus is following Jesus’ requirements for the kingdom.  If you want to be great in God’s kingdom you have to be the servant of all.  This was a concept that many of the Corinthians were struggling with.  In fact this a concept that many today in our self centered society cannot grasp.  The false teachers did not follow this concept at all.  They believed that the church served them and not them the church.  Paul’s motivation for this service was that he could win all.  Paul understood that if you were going to win people you had to give them love and service.  

Friday, October 31, 2014

Preaching is a Privilege

Preaching a privilege – 1 Cor 9L15-16

Vs 15 – Paul tells his readers that even though he has this right that he has not used it and neither will he use it.  He will not let anything or anyone deprive him of his boasting.  Paul had a conviction of never becoming a burden to the church.  In fact he would rather die than do this.  Paul promoted this reality for others but not himself.  
Vs 16 – Paul looked at preaching the gospel as a privilege.  He boasted about the fact that he was a preacher.  It burned within him.  He knew the only thing he could do was preach the gospel and woe if he did not preach the gospel.  Paul’s call and commission came from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  Paul’s call was clear and strong.  He had the right to exercise a living from the gospel but he chose not to for the sake of the gospel.  If God has placed a call on your life to minister the word do it will passion, power and purpose.  Also be generous to help all those in the ministry in whatever form it takes because how you treat those in the ministry is how you view God.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Responsibilities of Pastor and Church

Pastor and Church Responsibilities – 1 Cor 9:13-14

Vs 13 – Paul the points out a reality both in Corinth and Jerusalem.  Those who are employed by a temple get their living through the offerings given to the temple.   The last couple days we been talking about a churches responsibility to their pastor.  Churches need to look at their pastor as a gift and compensate him accordingly.  How we treat a pastor is really how we treat God.  If we are generous with a pastor love and respect them that is also our view of God.  How you treat your pastor is shows what is in your heart.  

Vs 14 – In the same way the Lord has commanded those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.  Paul is setting here at the beginning of the church a principle that will be employed for generations.  It is reminder to both the pastor and the church at large about their responsibilities.  When we are generous in the work of God, God in turn will be generous with us.  It is law of sowing and reaping.  

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Pay your pastor what he is worth

Pay the Pastor what he is worth – 1 Cor 9:11-2

Vs 11 – Paul and his fellow workers had sown spiritual things among them and so they should have the right to expect material reward for their labours.  A pastor should expect that his flock would take care of his material needs or he will not be their pastor very long.  If you rob your pastor of his living you are wronging God.  Always pay the pastor what he is worth and also what the average person who works in the church.  When I move to Yellowknife the church board paid me what a teacher made in that city.  They view their pastor on the education level of a teacher.  This was a good living wage and enabled me to care for my family.

Vs 12 – It was evident that others were exploiting this right among the Corinthians and so Paul sets the record straight that he and his party would not only expect this same right but even more so because of the fact that they started the work.  Paul makes it clear that even though they have this right they have not used it.  They have chosen to endure all things so that there would be no obstacle in the way of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  So do not rob the pastor of his living and be generous and God will be generous with you.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Benefits of working for the Lord

enefits of Working for the Lord – 1 Cor 9:8-10

Vs 8 – Paul again uses the same method of questioning.  Does he say these things from human authority?  Does not the law of Moses say the same?  It is obvious that Paul is addressing his critics from the Jewish wing of the church.  Paul in their eyes had abandoned his Jewish roots and now was living like a gentile.
Vs 9 – Paul then quotes the law of Moses and reminds his critics that even the oxen should not be muzzle as it treads out the grain.  The he asks another question, “Is God concerned over the oxen or is there something greater at stake here? “  Obviously Paul is making a point.
Vs 10 – Paul’s point is that God does not care about the oxen as much as he cares about us.  What is written and spoken is for our sake Paul’s says.  The person who plows should plow in hope and does the thresher.  They both hope and right so to reap in the benefits of the crop.  When you do not grow weary in doing well in due time your will reap a reward to today do not give up doing good but in time God will balance the books in your favour.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Dad love your children

Proper View of Ministries

Proper View of Ministry – 1 Cor 9:5-7

Vs 5 – Paul then asks if he and his fellow apostles do not have the right to bring along their believing wife.  In this verse we see that Peter brought his wife along with him.  We knew Peter had a wife because Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law.  This verse all gives us a glimpse into the personal lives of the earth apostles.  
Vs 6 – Paul and Barnabus supported themselves by working.  They had chosen not to be a burden on the churches they served.  This however brought criticism.  Support for clergy and money manners from Paul’s day to today are issues of contention.    The world will always attack the church on the issue of money because most people today are greedy and covetous.

Vs 7 – Paul uses three illustrations to make his point.  First, does a solider serve at his own expense? Next, does a man who plants a vineyard not eat from its fruit or lastly does a person who tends a flock not drink or eat from this flock?

Friday, October 24, 2014

Be a doer of the word

Be careful how you walk

Be careful how you walk – 1 Cor 8:11-13

Vs 11 – Paul says that when we use our freedom in Christ in the wrong manner we can cause others to be destroyed and their spiritual life dies.  Our knowledge allows us to something but it could lead to the spiritual death of another.  Paul is literally saying that we are our brother`s keeper.  What we do does matter.  
Vs 12 – Paul even goes further in this discussion by saying that when we know that a person is weak and in our selfishness we do in their presence what they are weak in then we are sinning against them and Christ.  Paul is talking about knowing weaknesses in others and yet excusing ourselves by saying that is their problem and not ours.  The stumbling block principle says, “I will never do another to hurt another knowingly.”

Vs 13 – Paul says if food causes his brother to stumble, sin and fall, he will become a vegetarian to keep his fellow brother from falling.  The issue here is watching your life for the sake of others.