Monday, July 31, 2017
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Mountains have several applications. To be
viewed with beauty. To hide what is on the other side. Something to
be climbed and conquered. An obstacle in the way or something to go
around. It just depends on what you want to do with it.
Verse Today
Romans 8:32New International Version (NIV)
32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
The promise
The Promise – Romans 16:20-21
Vs 20 – This next verse is
such a powerful verse and promise. The
God of Peace will soon crush satan under our feet. The one who brings peace fulfills through us
the promise of Gen 3:15. Satan is
defeated by peace, unity and love. James
says that we submit to God the devil will have to flee from us. John says that Jesus Christ came to destroy
the works of the devil. Satan is crushed
under foot when we exercise peaceful ways to those in opposition to us. Paul closes this small section off by wishes
the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with them and us. It is grace and peace that give us the
victory over satan.
Vs 21 – Timothy Paul’s fellow
worker send his greeting as does, Lucius, Jason and Sosipater who Paul
describes as his relatives. Again this
term is used to describe his brothers in the Lord.
Mountains
It is Tuesday and here is a great thought. Mountains have several applications. To be viewed with beauty. To hide what is on the other side. Something to be climbed and conquered. An obstacle in the way or something to go around. It just depends on what you want to do with it. As a Christian you can say by faith that it must be move and it will. Mountain moving faith is built on your trust in God's word. No mountain can stand in your way when you trust the Lord and walk by faith. So today do both and see your miracle.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Lesson from Nehemiah
Nehemiah 9:17 – The
Lesson of Nehemiah.
Intro: What a
privilege it is again to share the Word of God with you today. This morning we are looking at 7 lessons or
truths found in the Book of Nehemiah. I
love this book. It is a lesson in prayer,
sacrifice and tenacity. It is an
overcomer’s book. It tells of a man that
gave up wealth, position, power and comfort to follow the will of God. Nehemiah is a book that shows how through
prayer and wise actions we can overcome any opposition or attack. Nehemiah is a foundation book. One friend of mine when he was starting a new
pastorate spent several months in this book helping that church rediscover its
purpose and direction. I will never do
this book justice this morning but we will look briefly at the lessons we can
learn from it.
1. Even in the face
of arrogance, stubbornness, rebellion, disobedience and forgetfulness
On the part of
His people. God is still forgiving, gracious,
compassionate, slow to
Anger, abounding in love and
refuses to abandon His people. I
love this about God.
No matter how far
I may stray or others. God still
possesses these qualities and
View of us. These qualities are who He is. Church write these down. The writer of
This book wanted
his audience to know. This is who God
is. This is His nature and
Essence.
The wrath and judgment of God are but for a moment but His forgiveness
Lasts for such a long time. The apostle Paul was a great example of this.
2. The second lesson we learn is that
we need prayer and firmness in the work of the
Lord.
In the work of the Lord it is not how you start that matters but
how you finish.
It is not just how you arrive that is
important but how you leave. Nehemiah
started off
In
prayer. He heard about the walls of Jerusalem and for five
months he prayed and it
Was only because the King noticed his
disposition that his request to go back to
A moment to pray. Strong works for God on built on the
foundation of prayer.
a. Nehemiah also learned that he had to firm,
focused and forthright to overcome all
obstacles. He refused to let the trivial or even urgent,
to keep him from what he knew
God wanted him to do. A good lesson for us. For many of us, it is the urgent, the
Unimportant or crisis that seems to drive
our time and energy. It takes real
wisdom,
Discipline and knowledge to know the
different. We can see that Nehemiah had
this
Figured out.
b. Nehemiah also knew that when you decide to
take a stand or fight a battle. You have
to be willing to stay in there until the
battle was won. A good lesson for
parents,
employers, authority figures and
leaders. Leaders lead, not get led. If you do not as a
believer exercise the authority God has
given you, in your family, work or
community others will intimidate you and
hinder your effectiveness.
3. Thirdly, we need a fresh touch from the Lord from
time to time. That is so
true. I
Even pray now, Lord gives us here a fresh
touch of your spirit. Man has some basic
Needs.
There is our physical, those elements that are needed to maintain
physical
life.
Security, will my needs be met tomorrow?
Love, will I be loved by God or
others?
Purpose, will I value myself and will others value me? Lastly, am I full
creative and expressing myself. These basic needs drive us so much we can get
weary tired and dry. That is when we need to reach out to God and
say. Lord I need
that fresh touch. Lord touch me now. Close you eyes for a moment and reach up to
heaven and just
receive his touch that is coming right now.
Nehemiah knew
this and he encouraged it. After years
of
moral decline, Nehemiah
and Ezra brought reform. That is why we have special
Meetings and times with the Lord. That is what Northern Harvest is for.
4. Fourthly when people come into the family of God,
they must be shown how to
Worship and encouraged to be dedicated to
the Lord. When I came to the
Lord. I
Didn’t know how to act, talk, or
think. I am so glad there wee people who
took
Time to do that. We must help those new here to become part of
us by becoming
Their friends and family. It takes work which witness, opportunity, knowledge
and
Risk.
I also encourage new people here to make yourself available for
this
kind of
Help and support.
5. We must never be afraid to confess our sins.
Nehemiah had Ezra read the law so
the
People would know who set them
free. He an the nation then confessed
their sins and
Sought the Lord forgiveness. Nehemiah remember 2 Chron 7:14, a formula for
Individual and personal revival. John encourages us 1 John 1:9 to confess our
sins.
Our opening scripture told us about God’s
nature. So never be afraid to confess
your
Sins, faults and failures to God. He is willing to forgive. That is what I love about
Redemption. A brand new start and beginning every
time. We can stop the madness
And start again. This is my sanity foundation.
6. When
faced with stiff opposition, it is good to have a wise defence. Sanballat and
Tobiah and the
people of the land. Made threats,
deception, accusation and other
Tricks to try and
make Nehemiah stumble, fall or get off track.
Nehemiah saw
Through them and
had a wise defence. For example the work
was done in shifts.
The workers also
wore weapons of defence. Watchmen and
soldiers were on guard.
Every attempt
failed because Nehemiah prayed, heard from God and implemented
His plan. I believe when Jesus faced all the questions
he did, knew how to answer
Because He heard
from God before in His prayer time. We
can too. That is why I
Try to do when
face with difficult choices, decisions and situations. Also I believe
That if we take a
moment and pray before we open our mouth it would save us from
A lot of trouble. Nehemiah faced every problem and was an
example for all.
7. This last point is
get to the essence of God’s will.
Nehemiah had a food position in
Life, He was the cupbearer of the King of Persia
but he went to Jerusalem
to follow
God’s will for
his life, We must be willing to forsake all
so that the work of God can
Be completed in our lives. I believe there is a perfect and permissive
will of God for
Each of us. The permissive is where we decide what we
are going to do for God with
Our lives. We will be blessed but this directed by
comfort, safety, prosperity, family
Friends etc. The perfect will is willing to go, say, do
and be what God wants you to
Be. It is where you say, anytime, anywhere,
anything, God I will do. Whatever,
Wherever and
however. My answer in advance is
Yes. Jesus did and won salvation.
Paul did and the
gentile world was won. Ken Gaetz did and
this church, the hospital
Next door is a
testimony to his willingness to come.
The thousands coming daily to
The Lord is a
testimony to the millions who say God I want your will to be done in my
Life. This is what this book is all about. prayer, sacrifice and tenacity.
Serving Christ
Serving Christ – Romans 16:18-19
Vs 18 – These people are not
serving Christ but their own appetites.
It is all about them and not Christ.
They use smooth talk and flattery to deceive the minds of naïve
people. Sincere people will put the work
to see if something is truthful or not.
Naïve people accept anything they hear without doing the work to find
out if it is truthful. Naïve people are
spiritually lazy.
Vs 19 – The Roman Christian
have a reputation of being people of obedience.
Being Christ’s School
of Obedience
Proverb of Steel
Vision is being able to see the impossible before you
realize it is possible with God.
Verse Today
Matthew 21:22New International Version (NIV)
22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Vision
It is Tuesday and here is a great thought. Vision is being able to see the impossible before you realize it is possible with God. God can do the impossible and so put your trust and vision in Him. People will perish without vision. Let God be your vision and let Him show the impossible and help you do the impossible in His name.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Verse Today
2 Corinthians 12:9New International Version (NIV)
9 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Proverb of Steel
Praise is thanking God for what He has
done. So thank and praise Him with all your heart.
People of Rome
People of Rome – Romans 16:14-17
Vs 15 – Philologus, Julia,
Nereus and his sister, Olympas and all the saints with them. It sounds like Paul was trying to remember
all the people he could in Rome
Vs 16 – Greet each other with
a holy kiss. This was a Middle Eastern custom.
Usually a kiss to cheek custom.
All the churches in Christ send greetings. Paul would be carrying all the greetings from
each church. It was also a general greeting.
Vs 17 – Paul warns his
readers to watch out for three type of people.
Those who cause division. Those
who put obstacles in the way of the faith.
Lastly, those who bring teaching contrary to what they heard from Paul
and other true apostles in the faith.
Paul tells his audience to avoid and keep away from such people. What fellowship does light have with
darkness? This just shows that false
teaching has been around since the beginning of the church.
Thank you Lord
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Praise is thanking God for what He has done. So thank and praise Him with all your heart. Thank Him for His goodness, love and mercy. You have been given all you need. Salvation is complete and you will need nothing else. Thank the Lord for His constant care and love.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Lessons from John
1 John 5:18-19 – The
Lessons of John
Intro: We are almost
near the end of this book. Today we are
looking at verses 18-19 and will learn five lessons this morning. John as we know was called the apostle of
love. He had the clearest vision of all
the original apostles of the divinity, humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. John had the clearest vision of the work of
the Holy Spirit.
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one born
of God keeps him safe, and the evil one does not touch him.
1. There are three
things we learn from this verse. First, anyone
born of God does not
Not continue in sin. A true believer does not knowingly sin. They don’t make sin a
Habit. David wrote in Ps 66:18, that if we regard or
cherish sin or iniquity the Lord
Will not hear
us.
a. John is revealing
here that this is spiritual knowledge.
When one is regenerated, born
Again. He is trying to stay connected with God. His relationship with God is so
Important that he
does not want to do anything that will hinder or harm this
relationship. Cherishing sin, habitually or knowingly
sinning hinders, harms and can
Even destroy our
relationship with God.
b. Christian conduct
is a direct result of Christian character.
Action follows priorities,
Plans and
purposes. You are what you think, say
and do. John says, those who are
Born of God
knowingly do not cherish, regard or habitually sin. John understands
that people sin
from time to time but he here is talking about actually loving sin.
There are a lot
of people in the world that love sin.
But the believer should not be one
Of them.
2. The
one who is born of God is keep safe. The
phrase has a two fold meaning. First,
It
talks about the divine protection of God.
God does promise to be with His people.
Matt 28:20,
tells us this. Ps 91, reminds us of
angelic protection. There are many
Examples of this
in scripture. Daniel in the lion’s den,
the three Hebrew boys,
Peter in prison
to name a few. We have the shield of
faith found in Eph 6. All this
To assure of
God’s continuous protection.
a.. The second aspect is choosing not put ourselves in a place where we walk out
From under God’s protection.
We will knowingly like Joseph flee temptation and sin.
This protects
us. When you know something is bad or
dangerous you need not go
There.
b. This helps keep
us. God promises to protect us but let
us not put him to a foolish test.
Satan tried this
with Jesus in the temptation in the wilderness.
We
Have our
responsibility, some think that they can live as close to the world as possible
And not be
affected, you will and this will hinder your effectiveness. Live as far as
You can from the
world and its standards. Live as close
to God as you can and God
Will be able to
keep you better.
3. John then tells
his readers and audience that the evil one cannot touch the child of
God. When John wrote this book it was just after
him being boiled in oil and being
Extensively
persecuted. John knew personally this
truth. No matter what the evil one
Tried John saw
first hand God’s power and satan’s ineffectiveness. I wish this was
The testimony of
more of us. Remember 1 John 4:4, James
4:7, 1 John 3:8. John had
A clear
understanding of how satan is defeated.
He has no power or ability over the
Child of God. We are not subject to his world, power,
devices or authority. We are
Under God’s
power, authority and will.
a. I believe it is
time we starting living this way. Satan is
defeated.
b. Watchman Nee said,
“As believers we are seated in heavenly places.
Satan has to
Come up to us
not we having to go down to him.” John
when he wrote this book was
Writing to
believers who had forgotten their first love.
John wanted them to come
Back and return
to that place of victory. This is a
message to the church in Hay River
And Canada .
We know that we are children of God, and the whole world is under the
control of the evil one.
4. John reaffirms and
reminds his audience that they know they are the children of
God. He wants them as they finish the letter to
know they are children, joint heirs of
A great
inheritance in God. Spiritual knowledge
is a powerful tool. You know that
You have been
bought with a price and you are to glorify God with your body and
Life. 1 Cor 6:19-20
a. You know your sins are forgiven, You have eternal and
abundant life. You have
Access to the
throne of God in prayer. (Heb 4:15) You have dreams and a destiny.
b. Your know you are
protected. In Christ we will reach self actualization and
become
Well
adjusted. You know that your physical,
spiritual, emotional and intellectual
Needs will be
met by a personal God.
1 You
know God will meet your physical needs.
(Matt 6:33)
2. God has met your needs today
and He will meet them tomorrow. Matt
6:34,
Phil 4:6, 19.
3. God will meet our need for
security and love. Rom 8:35, 39
& 5:8
4. God has and will meet our
need for significance. Phil
1:21, Eph 2:10, Ps 103:4
c. John wants his
audience and the readers to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they
Are children of
God. Being a child of God has
privileges, rights, authority, power and
Victory all in
Christ.
5. John understood
the world he live in. He
states that the whole world is under the
Control of the evil one John
understood, the lust of the flesh, (pleasure), lust of the
Eyes,
(materialism), the pride of life, (man’s arrogance, self fulfillment.) were
Under the control of the evil one.
a. This world system,
religions and philosophies are all under the control of the evil one.
John knew that
satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world.
Paul called satan the
God of this
world. He rules this world and the
people who and not Christians are
Under his
control. John is simple, direct and black
and white on this matter. The
Early church did
not allow grey areas to appear. You were
saved or not. You were
God’s or
not. They made no allowance for status,
position, upbringing, genealogy,
Or sexual
orientation. You were a child of God or
not.
b. The church today
has muddy the waters, we have made allowances for things and this
Has made us
ineffective.
c. The early church
leaders fought long and hard to keep the world, satan and the flesh
From coming in
and diluting the church.
d. Remember satan is
a fallen angel, his principle sin was pride.
He wanted to become
God. He was cast out of heaven, became totally
corrupt, is the father of all lies an
Accuser who robs,
kills and destroys. Pretty clear. The world is under his control.
e. But we are
not. We are children of God. Like the writer of Hebrews 11 states. We
Are pilgrims
passing through. The world is not worthy
of us. We are in this world
But not of
it. That is our message today as we get
ready for communion. Remember
This.
Friday, July 21, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Praise is thanking God for what He has
done. So thank and praise Him with all your heart. Remember if you
do not the rocks will cry out and who wants to be out praised by a stone.
le='mso-spacerun:yes'>
Rufus’ mother is also given a greeting.
Paul considers her like his own mother.
The ladies
The Ladies – Romans 16:12-13
Vs 12 – Paul greets Tryphena
and Tryphosa and Persis. These where
woman who worked hard for the Lord. Some
have said that Paul was prejudice against women. This letter proves this theory wrong. Women were as essential to the early church
as the men were.
Vs 13 – Paul sends his
greetings to Rufus who Paul describes as chosen of God. What a great testimony. Chosen by
God set apart for His work and service.
Rufus’ mother is also given a greeting.
Paul considers her like his own mother.
Verse Today
Psalm 34:10King James Version (KJV)
10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek theLord shall not want any good thing.
Praise
It is the weekend and here is your thought. Praise is thanking God for what He has done. So thank and praise Him with all your heart. Remember if you do not the rocks will cry out and who wants to be out praised by a stone. We are called to love God and others. So today show this by what you do. Touch others and be an example for God.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Verse Today
Psalm 107:20King James Version (KJV)
20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Worker for God
Worker for God – Romans 16: 9-11
Vs 9 – Urbanus was a fellow
worker in the Lord and Stachys was a friend of Paul.
Vs 10 – Apellus was someone
who was tested and approved by God. What
a wonderful testimony to be an over comer, to be tested in all things and stand
approved by God. The household of
Aristobulus receive a greeting from Paul.
Vs 11 – Herodion Paul calls
his relative. He then greets the
household Narcissus who are fellow believers in the Lord. It is obvious in Paul’s day that entire
household came to the Lord fulfilling the promise of Acts 16:31. A promise we should claim for ourselves and
our household’s
Proverb of Steel
Worship is an attitude of the heart
express. As you express your heart, your worship and love God will use to
bring health, wholeness and strength.
Worship Expressed
It is Thursday and here is a simple but powerful thought. Worship is an attitude of the heart express. As you express your heart, your worship and love God will use to bring health, wholeness and strength. He promises whole life. S enjoy his life and prosper.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Proverb of Steel
Seeking God is not just to get all the things to
be added to you but to get the kingdom and the righteousness it offers.
Hard work
Hard work – Romans 16:6-8
Vs 6 – There is Mary who is
known for her hard work for Paul and the Lord.
Vs 7 – Andronicus and Junias
who Paul considered as his relatives.
They were in prison with Paul. No
doubt for their faith. They were
outstanding among the apostles. There
was obviously more than just the twelve apostles. Apostles in Paul’s day would have considered
as missionaries today. They came to know
Jesus Christ before Paul did.
Vs 8 – Ampliatus, is
described by Paul as a person that He loved in the Lord. This was a brotherly love that can only be
experienced between Christians. The
Christian faith has a unity and faith that is greater than any brotherhood
found in man.
Verse Today
Psalm 89:34King James Version (KJV)
34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
Seek God
It is the middle of the week and here is a great thought. Seeking God is not just to get all the things to be added to you but to get the kingdom and the righteousness it offers. These qualities please God and touch others. So seek them with all your heart and be a blessing.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Proverb of Steel
It has been said there is a time for everything
under heaven. So the problem is not time but its use. So use your
time well.
Verse Today
Numbers 23:19New International Version (NIV)
19 God is not human, that he should lie,
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
not a human being, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
Friends
Friends – Romans 16:3-5
Vs 3- Aguila and Priscilla
who are Paul’s fellow workers in Christ Jesus.
Vs 4 - They risked their
lives for Paul and for all the churches among the Gentiles. Aquila and
Prisicilla were the ones that gave Apollo’s his instruction on the things of
God.
Vs 5 – We learn that their
was a church that met in Aquila and
Priscilla’s house. Then Paul greets
Epenetus who was his very first convert in the province of Asia . What a great testimony. To be the first convert in a particular area.
Time
It is Tuesday and here is a thought for your today. It has been said there is a time for everything under heaven. So the problem is not time but its use. So use your time well. It has been said that the steps of a good person is order by the Lord. Let Him guide your time management. You have 24 hours a day so ask the Lord what you should do and then do it. Redeem each moment and use them for the Lord's glory.
Monday, July 17, 2017
Verse Today
1 John 3:8New International Version (NIV)
8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
Greeting
Greetings – Romans 16:1-2
Vs 1 – Paul now closes this
letter with greetings and mentioned different people and commends them. There is Phoebe whose is described as a
servant. She has a church meeting in her
home. In Roman days most churches met in
private homes. She was a leader in a
women’s ministry. She was Cenchrea.
Vs 2 – Paul was asking the
Romans to receive her in a manner worthy of the Lord. He also instructed them to give her help
because she has been a great help to many people including Paul himself. What a wonderful testimony Phoebe has.
Monday Thought
It is the beginning of the week and here is your thought. Do the things that matter most to God and others, not yourself and the devil. When we do things for God and others we are fulfilling the will and plans of God. We are also touching people in ways we could not dream of. Be a blessing today.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Friday, July 14, 2017
Verse Today
Isaiah 43:2New International Version (NIV)
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Proverb of Steel
The fruitfulness of your love will not be
measure by what you did for yourself but what you have done for others.
God’s will
God’s will – Romans 15:33-33
Vs 32 – Paul also wishes that
by God’s will that when he comes to them he will come in joy and together they
can refresh each other in the Lord. Paul
is anticipating that his time in Rome
Vs 33 – May the God of Peace
be with you all, Amen. This is the end
of the instructional part of the letter.
Chapter sixteen will be his final thoughts and greetings from the
various Christians where Paul is staying.
Paul wishes that the Roman Christians have the peace of God in their
lives and midst.
Others
It is the weekend and here is a wonderful thought. The fruitfulness of your love will not be measure by what you did for yourself but what you have done for others. We are called to show God's love to others. We are to love others as we love ourselves. God is love. He loves through us. So today show love by what you do and be God's hand of love.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
1 John 5:16-21 –
John’s Final Words – June 8, 2008
This is my second last message from the book of 1 John,
thank you for your patience and attention during this series. What to we do when a person is known to be
sinning and how we must be in the restoration process.
If anyone sees his brother commit
a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those who sin does not lead to
death. There is a sin that does not lead
to death, I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin and here is a sin that
does not lead to death.
1. John is now closing his letter. He has addressed wrong teaching, how to love,
what
Overcomes fear, how to defeat the devil,
the divinity and humanity of Christ and so
Many other subjects. He has kept it simple, succinct and short.
a. The first thing he deals with
is what to do with a fellow believer who is has sinned.
John here talks about sins that lead to
death and do not lead to death in these two
Verses.
Scholars have wrestled with this question for centuries. They have listed
Discussed and categorized them. I am not going to do that today. I want to focus
On John’s exhortation of what you should
do when you come across someone caught
In a sin.
b. John says, we should pray for them. The promise John gives her is that God
Himself
Will speak to them and give them life. The Holy Spirit is a much better convincer of
Sin than we are. What we are doing is praying for divine
intervention in their life
c. James says in James 5:19-20, “if a brother wanders from the truth, we are
to try and
Bring them back. This will save them from death and a
multitude of sins.”
d. Paul writes in Gal 6:1, that if anyone is caught
in a sin or fault, they should be restored
Gently by spiritual people. The only warning Paul gives is to be wise and
careful so
You will be not tempted. Either by their sin or sympathize to excuse
what they have
Done by your compassion for them. In Gal 6:2, Paul says when we carry the
burdens
Of others we are fulfilling the law of
Christ, which is to love our neighbour as
Ourselves.
e. John speaks of sin that leads to death and
those that do not . James in James 4:17,
says
That when we know what to do is
right and we do no do it, it is sin.
That is pretty clear.
The underlying principle is that when
someone sins our main responsibility as
Believers is not exposing and humiliating
them but restoration, love, forgiveness and
Help.
I have discovered in my ministry that people caught in sin are already
beating
Them selves up enough without me making it
worse.
f. Remember each person needs security. We must help them know God is their
Security.
God provides forgiveness and love.
Each person needs personal worth, we
Must let them know we have no rejected them
but love them in Christ and still believe
In God’s ability to restore and rebuild
their lives. Lastly each person needs
Significance. Remember sin has hurt them, blinded them and
the devil has exploited
Them.
So you need to be there to help them see this is not the end but a
chance for a
New beginning and stronger relationship in
the Lord.
2. I want to remind you on how Jesus saw
people. He did not see Mary Magalene as
Fallen but as a trophy of grace. She became part of the early church. She was at the
Garden tomb the morning Jesus rose. She was one of the first that saw Jesus in
his
Resurrected form.
a. Jesus went and singled out Zaccheus the tax
collector in Jericho . He went to his house
Had a meal and Zaccheus made a promise to
pay back anyone he cheated 4 fold. Don’t
You wish Revenue Canada would do that.
b. The woman caught in the act of adultery. Jesus did not condemn when others wanted
To stone her. He didn’t condone what she did either. He said,” Neither do I condemn
You sin no more.
c. Jesus revealed true worship and the nature
and essence of God to a Samaritan woman
Who had five husbands and the man she was
living with was not her husband. His
Acceptance allowed her to tell others and
he ministered in Samaria
and she was
Restored.
This visit would be a foundation for the Samaritan revival that would
Happen under Phillip 8 years later. I believe that woman was there at the
beginning.
d. Jesus’ reaction when the fallen woman came to
anoint him with expensive oil and
Wipe his fight with her hair and
tears. When she was criticized he rebuke
those who
Did and said what she did would be written
about and known for all time and it has.
e. Jesus prayed for Peter and when he denied the
Lord, Jesus restored him and he was
Was a pillar of the early church. Talk about Mike Warnke and the guy in his
boot
Camp room.
3. John I have learned from my study of him was
all about restoration, love acceptance
And forgiveness. Some people have accused me of being to
liberal, to open, to loving
On this issue. I would rather error on the side of grace
then be found on the side of
Law and condemnation. I know I have needed it from time to
time.
a. This was a decision that Lois and I took when
we started in the ministry 30 years ago.
There was a book called, Love acceptance
and forgiveness by Jerry Cook. It became
Our life course. It has not been easy but it has had many
rewards.
b. We have seen many lives restored in the
process. There have of course but
failures
But the successes have outweighed the
failures many times over.
c. We must help others to see, that life is more
than just being happy but to please God.
That freedom comes in offering ones life
as a sacrifice to God and being of service to
Others.
John here was trying to get his audience to understand that we must help
Others to be free to better worship and
serve God.
d. One of the prevalent themes of this book was
love for one another. In 1 Jn 1:9, John
Wanted us to know we can be forgiven of
any sin and that God has already accepted
Us and approves of us.
e. John as well through this book wanted his
readers to know that they were perfect in
the sight of God through Jesus. So in return we would want to live a life
that pleases
Him.
f. The theme here in these two verses is how to
deal with a sinful brother. Number 7 of
the 8 themes of the last chapter.
g. When I was studying these verses I saw where
sin had been defined. But I felt that
God wanted us to go this direction. He wants us to know that our basic needs of
Security, significance and personal worth
can be met through Him. Without Him the
Highest need will never be meet, this will
lead to seeking power and pleasure.
Lastly
He wants us to know that all long term
goals and plans will fail without Him.
Without
Him man will be violent, arrogant and
immoral. We as the church have the
greatest
Message of love and restoration. John was its greatest promoter. Let us in turn follow
His example and restore.
John’s Portraits of Christ
John’s
Portraits of Christ
Each
chapter contains a special aspect of the very powerful character of Christ.
Ch 1 The Son
of God Ch 2 The Son of Man. The Social Christ
Ch 3 The
Divine Teacher Ch 4 The Soul Winner
Ch 5 The Great
Physician Ch 6 The Bread of Life
Ch 7 The Water
of Life Ch 8 The Defender of the Weak
Ch 9 The Light
of the World Ch 10 The Good Shepherd
Ch 11 The Prince
of Peace Ch 12 The King
Ch 13 The
Servant Ch 14 The Consoler
Ch 15 The True
Vine Ch 16 The Giver of the Holy Spirit
Ch 17 The Great
Intercessor Ch 18 The Model Sufferer
Ch 19 The
Uplifted Savior Ch 20 The Conqueror of Death
Ch 21 The
Restorer of the Penitent.
The
Gospel of John is a Pictorial Gallery.
It is a series of pictures with Christ as the centre. It is written by the beloved disciple and the
key verse is 20:21
Ch 1 Son of
God, His deity is shown in verse 1.
Ch 2 The Son
of Man, guest at the wedding, He mingles with men of society and position.
Ch 3 He is the
Divine Teacher, He instructs the master teacher of Israel to the light and
truth.
Ch 4 He is the
Soul Winner, who brings a darkened woman to great truth.
Ch 5 He is the
Great Physician, who shows His divine power to a helpless sufferer.
Ch 6 He is the
Bread of Life, without Him men’s souls would die of hunger.
Ch 7 He is the
Water of Life who satisfies the thirsty soul.
Ch 8 He is the
Defender of the Weak, He defends the fallen soul.
Ch 9 He is the
Light of the World, He gives light to the one born blind.
Ch 10 He is the
Good Shepherd, He watches over the flock and gives them protection and life.
Ch 11 He is the
Resurrection and the Life, He raised Lazarus from the dead.
Ch 12 he is the
King who rides into Jerusalem as a King.
Ch 13 He is the
Servant who washes the feet of His disciples.
Ch 14 He is the
Consoler who consoles His grieving disciples.
Ch 15 He is the
True Vine. We see Him as the source of
all spiritual fruit.
Ch 16 He is the
Giver of the Holy Spirit, who is given when He leaves the world.
Ch 17 He is the
Great Intercessor, He prays for the church.
Ch 18 He is the
Model Sufferer, He willingly drinks the cup of death.
Ch 19 He is the
Uplifted Savior, He is obedient even unto death.
Ch 20 He is the
Victor of Death, He rises from the dead.
Ch 21 He is the
Restorer of the Penitent, He welcome Peter back and commissions him to feed and
care for the flock.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)