You Will Never Regret Doing the Right Thing
Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think (take into account) about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
We must first ask ourselves this question. What is Right? The only conclusion I can come to is the Bible. All of us need to read more, study more, and meditate more on the Scriptures. This is what the New Bible Commentary had to say about these two verses:
It is sometimes said that the qualities of character mentioned here are not distinctively Christian but such as have been honored in many cultures and societies. That may be so, but the Christian has a special obligation to demonstrate them and has the enabling of the (Holy) Spirit to do so.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Your Most Prized Possession - Interactive Article
Philippians 3:7-15
Take out a sheet a paper and answer these 5 questions. Come on....go and get something to write on and write with. I will wait.
1. What is your favorite thing to do during the year?
2. If you could do anything and money was no option what would you do?
3. What is your greatest accomplishment, award?
4. What is your biggest goal in life?
5. What is your most prized/treasured possession?
Now read the following passage
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Now look back at your answers to the five questions, and ask yourself this question. Would you be willing to give up all this for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. A definite legitimate question all of us need to ask ourselves.
Press On!
Take out a sheet a paper and answer these 5 questions. Come on....go and get something to write on and write with. I will wait.
1. What is your favorite thing to do during the year?
2. If you could do anything and money was no option what would you do?
3. What is your greatest accomplishment, award?
4. What is your biggest goal in life?
5. What is your most prized/treasured possession?
Now read the following passage
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
Now look back at your answers to the five questions, and ask yourself this question. Would you be willing to give up all this for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. A definite legitimate question all of us need to ask ourselves.
Press On!
Monday, October 20, 2008
God Initiates
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Many Christians recognize Jeremiah 29:11 because it SCREAMS hope to us. When everything seems to be crumbling around us or even within us, this verse gives us a sustaining hope of God's ability to preserve our purpose and destiny. What I have missed in reading this short passsage above is the first word of verse 12, "Then". This word could be read, "As a result of what verse 11 says, listen to the following." The word "Then" points to the time after you discover that God does have a plan for you, and as a result of this understanding you will call upon God.
This reminded me of the great grace God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. God opens our heart to believe the great things He has for us and in response we seek Him and find Him. How can a dead man seek God?
Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Many Christians recognize Jeremiah 29:11 because it SCREAMS hope to us. When everything seems to be crumbling around us or even within us, this verse gives us a sustaining hope of God's ability to preserve our purpose and destiny. What I have missed in reading this short passsage above is the first word of verse 12, "Then". This word could be read, "As a result of what verse 11 says, listen to the following." The word "Then" points to the time after you discover that God does have a plan for you, and as a result of this understanding you will call upon God.
This reminded me of the great grace God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. God opens our heart to believe the great things He has for us and in response we seek Him and find Him. How can a dead man seek God?
Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Secret Church
The Secret Church
Church of Brookhills
November 7, 2008
***Please disregard the "This Friday Night" at the end***
For more information click here: Secret Church
Church of Brookhills
November 7, 2008
***Please disregard the "This Friday Night" at the end***
For more information click here: Secret Church
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Be Encouraged
I read this quote this morning and thought it would be a great encouragement to us all during this time in our country.
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles H. Spurgeon
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Outward Appearance of an Inward Work
The Outward Appearance of an Inward Work
Philippians 2:12-16
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
* Fear and Trembling in verse twelve are more like "awe" and "respect". Otherwise this would contradict what Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter to him (2 Timothy 1:7).
* “Work out you own salvation,” in verse thirteen has the sense of bringing to completion. It is NOT a matter of working for salvation. We could never do that. The word salvation (which means rescue) signifies that we cannot save ourselves.
* God enables and empowers us to work for his glory. The Greek word for works here is energy. (v.13)
* It is not just what is done that matters, but the spirit in which we do it, “free of murmuring and complaining.” (v.14)
* Blameless means above criticism; Pure means thoroughly wholesome in character and single-minded. Christians have great responsibilities to be light in a dark and perverted world. (v.15)
* Our relationship with God should be a maturing process (sanctification) in order that we finish strong and with more purpose. This is a resounding theme in Paul's writings.
Resource: ESV Bible and New Bible Commentary
Philippians 2:12-16
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
* Fear and Trembling in verse twelve are more like "awe" and "respect". Otherwise this would contradict what Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter to him (2 Timothy 1:7).
* “Work out you own salvation,” in verse thirteen has the sense of bringing to completion. It is NOT a matter of working for salvation. We could never do that. The word salvation (which means rescue) signifies that we cannot save ourselves.
* God enables and empowers us to work for his glory. The Greek word for works here is energy. (v.13)
* It is not just what is done that matters, but the spirit in which we do it, “free of murmuring and complaining.” (v.14)
* Blameless means above criticism; Pure means thoroughly wholesome in character and single-minded. Christians have great responsibilities to be light in a dark and perverted world. (v.15)
* Our relationship with God should be a maturing process (sanctification) in order that we finish strong and with more purpose. This is a resounding theme in Paul's writings.
Resource: ESV Bible and New Bible Commentary
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
"Humility" - Jesus Our Example
Humility
Jesus, Our Example
Philippians 2:1-11
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
1. In Humility Count Others More Significant Than Yourselves - (V. 3)
2. There Is No Wrong In Having Your Own Interests, BUT - (V. 4)
3. The Mind of Christ is Yours - (V. 5)
4. Jesus, Our Example - (V. 6-11)
We need to look no further than Jesus for our example of what humility is and acts like. We cannot do this on our own, but with Jesus in us it can be done. A life full of humility brings honor and glory to Jesus and allows us to show the world the dynamics of salvation. A note of caution in our quest to live a more humble lifestyle can be found in the book written by C.J. Mahaney called "Humility". He points out that in our pursuit of humility pride can rear its ugly head.
It is God who deserves all the credit for any good we do, so on your path to live a humble life be reminded that, "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
Jesus, Our Example
Philippians 2:1-11
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
1. In Humility Count Others More Significant Than Yourselves - (V. 3)
2. There Is No Wrong In Having Your Own Interests, BUT - (V. 4)
3. The Mind of Christ is Yours - (V. 5)
4. Jesus, Our Example - (V. 6-11)
We need to look no further than Jesus for our example of what humility is and acts like. We cannot do this on our own, but with Jesus in us it can be done. A life full of humility brings honor and glory to Jesus and allows us to show the world the dynamics of salvation. A note of caution in our quest to live a more humble lifestyle can be found in the book written by C.J. Mahaney called "Humility". He points out that in our pursuit of humility pride can rear its ugly head.
It is God who deserves all the credit for any good we do, so on your path to live a humble life be reminded that, "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
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