What does the Bible say about forgiveness.....and how can we appply those principles to our life? When do you get annoyed with someone? When do you walk away angry? How often do we hear sermons about the issue of forgiveness? We are to forgive because God has forgiven us.
One of my previous pastors used to preach on a particular topic at least once a year, "We are most like Jesus when we forgive. " That always stuck with me. I asked myself this week...forgive whom...for what? I would bet we all go right to the 'biggies' of divorce, childhood abuse, bullying, family disharmony, etc... when we think of areas where we need to show forgivness....but is that all there is?
What about forgiveness day-to-day? I thought back to several times this week when I became irritated with someone....forgiveness is part of these 'little' irritations of life.
Forgiveness is due to the saleslady when she is slow in ringing up my items on a busy day. I don't want to leave the line in an angry demeanor....I want to forgive her, without even telling her...forgive her and just understand the situation. Forgiveness is due my physician who let me sit in the waiting room for forty minutes past my appointment time. My demeanor should be one of calmness and acceptance. That is forgiveness. Forgivness due the salesman at the computer store when the brand new computer I purchased does not work. My attitude in dealing with him should be calm and kind. I think, in my life, that forgivness is all around me. I need to be forgiving about the little things, and not just think of the 'biggies' in my life.
I think in these previous situations mentioned that it is not that we are push-overs, not that we let people take advantage of us...I think it is a sense of understanding the human condition and forgiving the mishap. Forgiveness does not mean that we put ourselves back in the same situation...we look for another store to do business with, we are just patient with the physician.
We always ask..."What would Jesus do?" What would Jesus do in the Walmart line if the cashier was slow? What would Jesus do with the computer salesman when the new computer is not working? Remember from Scripture that in many cases Jesus traveled and avoided towns that were hostile to Him. He loved them. He must have forgave them, for He forgave everyone, but He did avoid the situation. We have no record of Him in any of the large Roman-controlled cities like Tiberias or Beth Shan.
In my own life, when I think of the issue of forgivness it is easy to think about the obvious, nasty situations when we have been hurt...we are taught to forgive...our lives should reflect some amount of forgivness. It is easy to forget those little irritations in life an not see them as situation where forgivness is called for. How much better I would be as an ambasador of Jesus in the world, if I would, daily, just 'get over it' and forgive the irritations of life, or avoid those situation that might cause upset.
Thats what Jesus would do. Forgive. Perhaps avoid. Be kind and gentle. If it is good enought for Jesus, it is good enought for me.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Ephesians 1 and 2
We have been studying the book of Ephesians in Sunday School for the past few weeks.
My goal as a group leader is not to spoon-feed you all the information, but to teach you to dig deep and improve you Bible Study techniques. "Bible Study" is just that...STUDY. These additional notes on my blog for each lesson are for those who want to dig-deeper in study. Ephesians is a book full of much doctrine, much 'meat.'
It is a blessing to lead this group. I ahve often said, "How do you learn Scripture? - Teach Scripture." I am learning so much by preparing these lessons. Hope they will be of help to some of you.
LESSON 1
Our first lesson this week will cover Eph. 1:1-14.
For this lesson read your student guide, read the verses, then answer these questions:
1. These verses are deep in theology. What do you need to reasearch for a greater understanding? Do you know what 'grace' means? What is the "mystery" that Paul writes about? Etc...
2. What is God trying to say to us in these verses?
3. What if these verses had been left out of recorded Scripture?
4. Read the verses as though Paul was speaking directly to you. What can you take from these verses to apply to your life today?
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SPEND TIME IN AN IN-DEPTH STUDY:
The Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study Technique (This is the outline I use when i am studying) “Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture. One simple method of personal Bible Study is the “Stop – Look – Listen” technique. Many of us grew up with our parents teaching us to “Stop-Look- Listen” as we cross a busy street. This little childhood phrase can guide our steps not only across the street, but in our personal Bible Study. It is easy to remember, and we can “take it” with us anywhere!
STOP! Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS) Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word. a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). Research these words using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete. b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?) As you study the women of the Old Testament be sure to search a concordance to see if the woman is mentioned in the New Testament, and read those verses also.
LOOK! This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again. If your study is one of the women of Scripture: list the men associated with her life, and note how they interact with her. Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important. Note to whom God speaks. If this is a study about a person(s), what is recorded that they said? Last year I heard a very meaningful sermon on the very familiar verses of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…” Over the years you have heard these verses repeated. If these verses in Timothy are true, and they are, we should apply them to whatever we are reading in Scripture. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…. a. doctrine(teaching), b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction), c. for correction(correction of error), d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings), e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete (having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) , f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ ” What about the verses that you are studying now? What are they profitable for?
LISTEN! Read the verses one last time. What is God trying to teach us in these verses? What would we have missed if this story/ these verses had not been written? What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study! Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
LESSON 2 Ephesians Lesson 2 Eph. 1:15-23 The STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Study Technique The purpose of this blog is to add additional information to the study given us in our student book.(LifeWay....Explore the Bible for Sept 12, 2010 -God's Plan Involves Power) (For those who might wish to dig-deeper.)
The outline as given by Explore the Bible series for this lesson is:
I. Pray for Spiritual Insight vs 15-17
II. Expand your knowledge vs 18-19
III. Acknowledge Gods plan vs 20-23
Stop: Pray that God will open your eyes and heart to the truths He has for you. Read the verses very slowly noting any words/concepts that you do not understand, or those that might be of special interest to you (you will research these in the next section.) Review the lesson in your student book.
LOOK! Read the verses again. Research the list of words/concepts that you noted in the STOP! section. Review the previous verses in the chapter(1-14) to see how they connect with this passage. Look ahead to the next verses to see if the theme is continued. In verses 17-20 Paul is speaking of how he prays.. List the aspects(4) of the prayer…can we pray this for others today? Can we pray this for ourselves? Do we pray for spiritual insight? Do we expect spiritual insight? Do we acknowledge Gods power in our lives? Do we “know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us…”? Summarize the idea/theme of verses 15-23. Notice the words associated with power and strength. What about this power- how does it affect you, personally, today? (As a side study read Psalm 8.) Note that verses 20-23 begin to speak of spiritual warfare which will be further discussed in Chapter 6.
LISTEN! Read the verses again. The focus on this Lesson #2 is "The Reality of God's Power."
End this study with these questions:
1. What is God trying to say to us about His power?
2. What if these verses about the power of God had been left out of recorded Scripture?
3. How can you apply the knowledge of God's power to your daily life? 4.If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior...is this the day I will come to Jesus?.
My goal as a group leader is not to spoon-feed you all the information, but to teach you to dig deep and improve you Bible Study techniques. "Bible Study" is just that...STUDY. These additional notes on my blog for each lesson are for those who want to dig-deeper in study. Ephesians is a book full of much doctrine, much 'meat.'
It is a blessing to lead this group. I ahve often said, "How do you learn Scripture? - Teach Scripture." I am learning so much by preparing these lessons. Hope they will be of help to some of you.
LESSON 1
Our first lesson this week will cover Eph. 1:1-14.
For this lesson read your student guide, read the verses, then answer these questions:
1. These verses are deep in theology. What do you need to reasearch for a greater understanding? Do you know what 'grace' means? What is the "mystery" that Paul writes about? Etc...
2. What is God trying to say to us in these verses?
3. What if these verses had been left out of recorded Scripture?
4. Read the verses as though Paul was speaking directly to you. What can you take from these verses to apply to your life today?
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SPEND TIME IN AN IN-DEPTH STUDY:
The Stop! Look! Listen! Bible Study Technique (This is the outline I use when i am studying) “Bible Study” is just that – study! It is not casual, recreational reading. Bible Study is hard work. We do not have to be Biblical scholars to find out the meaning of what God has to say to us. With help of the Holy Spirit, some time, a few study techniques, and diligence, even a layperson can understand Scripture. One simple method of personal Bible Study is the “Stop – Look – Listen” technique. Many of us grew up with our parents teaching us to “Stop-Look- Listen” as we cross a busy street. This little childhood phrase can guide our steps not only across the street, but in our personal Bible Study. It is easy to remember, and we can “take it” with us anywhere!
STOP! Pray. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the truths in His Word. Pray for no distractions or interruptions. Get your Bible. Make note of what Bible translation are you using? Why have you chosen this translation? ( I strongly recommend that you use KJ,NKJ, or NAS) Read the verses at one sitting (if possible). Slow down and look at each word. a. Mark or list any words you do not fully understand. (If you are using a KJV you might have a longer list because of the use of the old English language). Research these words using a Bible Dictionary, Strong’s Concordance, or other resource. Do not study a commentary until your personal study is complete. b. Mark any words that are of interest to you. (I always mark “because” or “for” when it means because. I mark a “P” in the margin for anything that I think is Prophecy. I mark an “I” in the margin if I see any promises to Israel. What is of interest to you?) As you study the women of the Old Testament be sure to search a concordance to see if the woman is mentioned in the New Testament, and read those verses also.
LOOK! This section is where you will spend most of your study time. Read the verses again. If your study is one of the women of Scripture: list the men associated with her life, and note how they interact with her. Getting back to our basic technique….part of crossing the street is to “Look right! Look left!” Study the verses/chapters around this story. How to the preceding events affect this story? How does this story affect the events that follow? Also….”scan the horizon.” Identify where this story took place. Find it on a map. Geography is important. Note to whom God speaks. If this is a study about a person(s), what is recorded that they said? Last year I heard a very meaningful sermon on the very familiar verses of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…” Over the years you have heard these verses repeated. If these verses in Timothy are true, and they are, we should apply them to whatever we are reading in Scripture. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for…. a. doctrine(teaching), b. for reproof(rebuke, censure, conviction), c. for correction(correction of error), d. for instruction in righteousness(acting in accordance with Gods teachings), e. (so) that the man (or woman) of God, may be complete (having reached full maturation, competent, capable to meet all demands) , f. thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ ” What about the verses that you are studying now? What are they profitable for?
LISTEN! Read the verses one last time. What is God trying to teach us in these verses? What would we have missed if this story/ these verses had not been written? What can I apply to my life today? This is the MOST IMPORTANT question of all! This is why we study! Pick out one verse and hand write it out. You might even memorize it.
LESSON 2 Ephesians Lesson 2 Eph. 1:15-23 The STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! Study Technique The purpose of this blog is to add additional information to the study given us in our student book.(LifeWay....Explore the Bible for Sept 12, 2010 -God's Plan Involves Power) (For those who might wish to dig-deeper.)
The outline as given by Explore the Bible series for this lesson is:
I. Pray for Spiritual Insight vs 15-17
II. Expand your knowledge vs 18-19
III. Acknowledge Gods plan vs 20-23
Stop: Pray that God will open your eyes and heart to the truths He has for you. Read the verses very slowly noting any words/concepts that you do not understand, or those that might be of special interest to you (you will research these in the next section.) Review the lesson in your student book.
LOOK! Read the verses again. Research the list of words/concepts that you noted in the STOP! section. Review the previous verses in the chapter(1-14) to see how they connect with this passage. Look ahead to the next verses to see if the theme is continued. In verses 17-20 Paul is speaking of how he prays.. List the aspects(4) of the prayer…can we pray this for others today? Can we pray this for ourselves? Do we pray for spiritual insight? Do we expect spiritual insight? Do we acknowledge Gods power in our lives? Do we “know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us…”? Summarize the idea/theme of verses 15-23. Notice the words associated with power and strength. What about this power- how does it affect you, personally, today? (As a side study read Psalm 8.) Note that verses 20-23 begin to speak of spiritual warfare which will be further discussed in Chapter 6.
LISTEN! Read the verses again. The focus on this Lesson #2 is "The Reality of God's Power."
End this study with these questions:
1. What is God trying to say to us about His power?
2. What if these verses about the power of God had been left out of recorded Scripture?
3. How can you apply the knowledge of God's power to your daily life? 4.If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior...is this the day I will come to Jesus?.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thoughts from a Friend
What can we learn from the story of the wedding in Cana to apply to our lives today?
From my friend Betty Newman in Knoxville TN (used with her permission)
Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water" And they filled them up to the brim (emphasis added). John 2:7
You know the story - Jesus is at a wedding in Cana and they've run out of wine. His mother (who apparently was helping with the guests) told Jesus about it. After some discussion between mother and Son (which we won't take time to get into right now) she said to the servants "Do whatever He tells you to do."
This scripture (verse 7) indicates that not only did they do what He told them, but they did the job completely - filling them "to the brim." They didn't know why He was asking them to do this. They simply responded. Then, when the steward tasted the wine, he saw that it was the best wine of all.
So we ask, "What's in your Waterbucket?" When Jesus sets you off on your (mundane, so it seems) task, do you do it to the best of your ability? Do you "fill it 'to the brim'," or do you just sorta fill it, because, "hey, this bucket's heavy!" and "What's being out of wine have to do with these 'waterbuckets' anyway?"
How we do the job to which we've been called (mundane, though it seems at times) is how we respond to the Master's calling. When others dip from our waterbucket, is it "the best wine, ever!" or is it just insipid water? But note… the servants didn't get the credit for the wine. They did the work, but the glory (verse 11) went to Jesus.
Are you willing to "do all the work" and let Jesus get the glory?
Prayer:Father, I lift up each of us as we "do our work" (mundane, though it seems at times) and pray that You will give us grace and strength to fill our waterbuckets "to the brim." I pray that in all that we do, the Name of Jesus will be glorified, and that the needs of others (that we are called to meet) will be met. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
(Thanks Betty for the thoughts- they spoke to my heart)
From my friend Betty Newman in Knoxville TN (used with her permission)
Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water" And they filled them up to the brim (emphasis added). John 2:7
You know the story - Jesus is at a wedding in Cana and they've run out of wine. His mother (who apparently was helping with the guests) told Jesus about it. After some discussion between mother and Son (which we won't take time to get into right now) she said to the servants "Do whatever He tells you to do."
This scripture (verse 7) indicates that not only did they do what He told them, but they did the job completely - filling them "to the brim." They didn't know why He was asking them to do this. They simply responded. Then, when the steward tasted the wine, he saw that it was the best wine of all.
So we ask, "What's in your Waterbucket?" When Jesus sets you off on your (mundane, so it seems) task, do you do it to the best of your ability? Do you "fill it 'to the brim'," or do you just sorta fill it, because, "hey, this bucket's heavy!" and "What's being out of wine have to do with these 'waterbuckets' anyway?"
How we do the job to which we've been called (mundane, though it seems at times) is how we respond to the Master's calling. When others dip from our waterbucket, is it "the best wine, ever!" or is it just insipid water? But note… the servants didn't get the credit for the wine. They did the work, but the glory (verse 11) went to Jesus.
Are you willing to "do all the work" and let Jesus get the glory?
Prayer:Father, I lift up each of us as we "do our work" (mundane, though it seems at times) and pray that You will give us grace and strength to fill our waterbuckets "to the brim." I pray that in all that we do, the Name of Jesus will be glorified, and that the needs of others (that we are called to meet) will be met. In Jesus' Name - Amen.
(Thanks Betty for the thoughts- they spoke to my heart)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Random Thoughts - How We Spend Our Time
I have to ask myself: What is the focus of my life? What are my habits? What are my hobbies?
You too….What do you read? What do you spend time doing? What is/are your hobbies? What conferences or workshops might you attend?
How do we spend our time that indicates our interests?
If think about my friends and my own habits, I might list; The local football team, quilting, walking every day, watching tv, writing, reading fiction, conferences to advance a career. Yes, much ministry to others. Shopping is a recurring theme. Caring for grandchildren.
Someone once said that to see the focus of your life…look in your checkbook (pretty old fashioned now), or you bank statement and see where you have written checks.
I believe my fiends and I are pretty run-of-the-mill women. I am not super-spiritual but it is my habit to get into the Word at least an hour most days. It is my habit. It is my “hobby’; sorry if that sounds disrespectful to God’s Word.
I believe that I have NO EXCUSE not to be in the Word every day. I am retired with no family. I have much time on my hands. I have NO EXCUSE not to be in God’s Word every day.
I look around me at some of my friends, and the ladies in church. Many are retired and fill their time with luncheons, social networking on the computer, tv, and reading the latest romance novel. Several complain that they have ‘nothing to do’ and that the world is passing them by – they are bored, etc… I am amazed. Precious time wasted when they could being doing something constructive.
One of my friends, with a husband and grown son living with her….is bored with life. The only time she seems happy is when she is “hanging out with a friend’ as she calls it. Good grief…she is 69 years old, has a home, husband and children…and is bored with life, and only happy when she is ‘tied to the hip’ with one of her friends.
Obviously she has some major issues at home…but….she still could find something constructive to do. Maybe spending time in the Word, and time with her husband would help.
The point of all this rambling is… as Christians we need to be in God’s Word. We need to learn about God, and learn how He wants us to live….even as senior adults.(I am really bothered by senior adults who say…I have studied it al before, I know it all already.”
With all the free time in the life of most seniors who are complaining….. what about spending time in Gods Word? There is great comfort in Gods’ Word. There is great insight in Gods’ Word. There is drawing closer to our Father in God’s Word.
Why is spending time in Gods’ Word, the last thing most people think about as a way to spend time. Hobbies. Shopping. Out with the girls….there is nothing wrong with all this but then…in Sunday School class, when the teacher asks, “ok who studied the lesson for the week?” very few hands go up.
It is a shame. I am sure it is a sin. God says that we are to be good stewards of our time. What about the minutes…hours…that we can never take back; that are lost. What about spending time in God’s Word?
Ok, someone will say…not everyone can read. “Can” read is the key. Most of us can read and understand. We just chose not to.
Someone will say…”I don’t like to read.” Too bad…get over it… You don’t want to see what God has to say to you? Gods Word is written for us. Too bad if you don’t like to read…do you want to hear from God?
Prayer can be a great part of wanting to be in the Word. Just pray and ask God to make you want to read His Word…but mean it.
I remember many years ago…I remember the exact place, the exact moment that I prayed, “Oh God please help me. I know you want me to read your Word. I just cannot understand, much-less, like, the Old Testament. Please God give me a heart to read the Old Testament.”
Little did I did I know what I was praying. Since that time I have been in the Word every day, much of it in the Old Testament.
Also since that day I have been back to school. At the age of 55 I studied and received my “MRS”.. Masters in Religious Science…and, at the age of 60, my “D.MIN”, Doctorate in Ministry (with emphasis in the Bible). I did not take these courses with the idea of a career…I took these courses for my own understanding…and God has greatly blessed me.
When we are children we are forced to go to school. We are forced to study to pass exams and to get our diploma. As adults we are on our own. No one can force us to sit down and open the Word of God. What a shame!
You too….What do you read? What do you spend time doing? What is/are your hobbies? What conferences or workshops might you attend?
How do we spend our time that indicates our interests?
If think about my friends and my own habits, I might list; The local football team, quilting, walking every day, watching tv, writing, reading fiction, conferences to advance a career. Yes, much ministry to others. Shopping is a recurring theme. Caring for grandchildren.
Someone once said that to see the focus of your life…look in your checkbook (pretty old fashioned now), or you bank statement and see where you have written checks.
I believe my fiends and I are pretty run-of-the-mill women. I am not super-spiritual but it is my habit to get into the Word at least an hour most days. It is my habit. It is my “hobby’; sorry if that sounds disrespectful to God’s Word.
I believe that I have NO EXCUSE not to be in the Word every day. I am retired with no family. I have much time on my hands. I have NO EXCUSE not to be in God’s Word every day.
I look around me at some of my friends, and the ladies in church. Many are retired and fill their time with luncheons, social networking on the computer, tv, and reading the latest romance novel. Several complain that they have ‘nothing to do’ and that the world is passing them by – they are bored, etc… I am amazed. Precious time wasted when they could being doing something constructive.
One of my friends, with a husband and grown son living with her….is bored with life. The only time she seems happy is when she is “hanging out with a friend’ as she calls it. Good grief…she is 69 years old, has a home, husband and children…and is bored with life, and only happy when she is ‘tied to the hip’ with one of her friends.
Obviously she has some major issues at home…but….she still could find something constructive to do. Maybe spending time in the Word, and time with her husband would help.
The point of all this rambling is… as Christians we need to be in God’s Word. We need to learn about God, and learn how He wants us to live….even as senior adults.(I am really bothered by senior adults who say…I have studied it al before, I know it all already.”
With all the free time in the life of most seniors who are complaining….. what about spending time in Gods Word? There is great comfort in Gods’ Word. There is great insight in Gods’ Word. There is drawing closer to our Father in God’s Word.
Why is spending time in Gods’ Word, the last thing most people think about as a way to spend time. Hobbies. Shopping. Out with the girls….there is nothing wrong with all this but then…in Sunday School class, when the teacher asks, “ok who studied the lesson for the week?” very few hands go up.
It is a shame. I am sure it is a sin. God says that we are to be good stewards of our time. What about the minutes…hours…that we can never take back; that are lost. What about spending time in God’s Word?
Ok, someone will say…not everyone can read. “Can” read is the key. Most of us can read and understand. We just chose not to.
Someone will say…”I don’t like to read.” Too bad…get over it… You don’t want to see what God has to say to you? Gods Word is written for us. Too bad if you don’t like to read…do you want to hear from God?
Prayer can be a great part of wanting to be in the Word. Just pray and ask God to make you want to read His Word…but mean it.
I remember many years ago…I remember the exact place, the exact moment that I prayed, “Oh God please help me. I know you want me to read your Word. I just cannot understand, much-less, like, the Old Testament. Please God give me a heart to read the Old Testament.”
Little did I did I know what I was praying. Since that time I have been in the Word every day, much of it in the Old Testament.
Also since that day I have been back to school. At the age of 55 I studied and received my “MRS”.. Masters in Religious Science…and, at the age of 60, my “D.MIN”, Doctorate in Ministry (with emphasis in the Bible). I did not take these courses with the idea of a career…I took these courses for my own understanding…and God has greatly blessed me.
When we are children we are forced to go to school. We are forced to study to pass exams and to get our diploma. As adults we are on our own. No one can force us to sit down and open the Word of God. What a shame!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Random Thoughts...Why Go to Church?
I heard an interesting sermon on the radio this week. The preacher was saying that if we were listening on the radio for spiritual uplifting and guidance, to be sure that we are also going to church. He commented that Scripture speaks of "hearing the word of God, and that that probably means 'first hand hearing.'
I agree with his comments that just listening to the radio, tv, dvd or audio tapes to get the Word of God is not sufficient. Yes we have the technology...but God seems to have meant for us to group together and hear the Word directly from the man of God.
Yes when Scripture was written there was no technology...and some will say, 'Well now we have the technology to hear the greatest preachers in the world on our own radio." True...I love Dr. Jeremiah and Dr. Stanley, but I think God means for me to actually go into a House of Worship and join with others to sing praises, give, and hear the message. (I am pretty sure that Dr. J and Dr. S. would say the same thing.)
For me ...I cannot "worship and praise" very effectively away from the House of God. Oh yes, occasionally I can...but I think when I am surrounded by other beievers, and when 'God shows up"....this is the way it is meant to be.
One reason for not attending worship... "I can't find a church", a common theme Believe me in the past six years I have moved around quite a bit and know the difficulty in some towns of finding a church 'I liked.' Yet deep in my spirit I knew that God did want me to join together with other Christians...to learn from them, to be blessed by them, and to be a blessing to them in return.
In one city in Nevada, after several month of searching and not finding 'what I liked,' I was drawn to a church where the pastor did preach a truthful sermon...but he was sure boring!!! I struggled NOT to go back, but finally gave in and joined...feeling that God wanted me there.
I decided to listen to the words of this man of God, and not to his delivery. He was a good, kind, sweet shephard to the people...but really not what I was used to hearing..the firebrands of the south...this man was soft in vocal tone and a bit disorganized...but his message did come through.
I was there for a year till I moved out of town. I know God wanted me there. I did hear messages from God. I was blessed by knowing the people, and I am sure I was a blessing to a few people.
Why actually walk into a church when you can listen on the radio or watch TV? I think God wants us to come together.
I agree with his comments that just listening to the radio, tv, dvd or audio tapes to get the Word of God is not sufficient. Yes we have the technology...but God seems to have meant for us to group together and hear the Word directly from the man of God.
Yes when Scripture was written there was no technology...and some will say, 'Well now we have the technology to hear the greatest preachers in the world on our own radio." True...I love Dr. Jeremiah and Dr. Stanley, but I think God means for me to actually go into a House of Worship and join with others to sing praises, give, and hear the message. (I am pretty sure that Dr. J and Dr. S. would say the same thing.)
For me ...I cannot "worship and praise" very effectively away from the House of God. Oh yes, occasionally I can...but I think when I am surrounded by other beievers, and when 'God shows up"....this is the way it is meant to be.
One reason for not attending worship... "I can't find a church", a common theme Believe me in the past six years I have moved around quite a bit and know the difficulty in some towns of finding a church 'I liked.' Yet deep in my spirit I knew that God did want me to join together with other Christians...to learn from them, to be blessed by them, and to be a blessing to them in return.
In one city in Nevada, after several month of searching and not finding 'what I liked,' I was drawn to a church where the pastor did preach a truthful sermon...but he was sure boring!!! I struggled NOT to go back, but finally gave in and joined...feeling that God wanted me there.
I decided to listen to the words of this man of God, and not to his delivery. He was a good, kind, sweet shephard to the people...but really not what I was used to hearing..the firebrands of the south...this man was soft in vocal tone and a bit disorganized...but his message did come through.
I was there for a year till I moved out of town. I know God wanted me there. I did hear messages from God. I was blessed by knowing the people, and I am sure I was a blessing to a few people.
Why actually walk into a church when you can listen on the radio or watch TV? I think God wants us to come together.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Random Thoughts....
I awakened this morning thinking about Scripture.
With the environment of the world today so anti-God we must know not only what we believe, but why we believe it. I asked myself, "Why do you believe what you read in Scripture?" There are many reasons that I believe my Bible, but this morning I focused on one.
I remember before I became a believer that I questioned the Bible and felt that it was just another book...like the Koran....like the Book of Mormon - written by one man with one agenda. Boy was I wrong!
I now know that the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by a variety of men, over a time span of thousands of years....yet with one common thread and theme. From Genesis to Revelation the theme is the Holiness of God, the sinfulness of mankind, the salvation offered by Jesus and that in the end...it would all end....and we would go on to eternity with God...or without God. A common thread that agrees over the thousands of years...that is amazing!
How could so many men, over so many years, write the same thing? That alone is worth believing that the book is true.
My dear father was not a believer (as far as I know). I remember a conversation I had with him several years before he died. I was a new Christian, and trying to share the gospel with him. He started his argument with the unreliability of the Bible. When I said, "It says in Scripture.." or "Because the Bible says..." he would laugh. He finally said..."that book was written by a bunch of Jews who just wanted the Jews to look good....Jesus was a Jew...they just wanted to make him look good."
The most wrong thing about what dad said was that the book made the Jews "look good." The only Jewish person that looks good in Scripture is Jesus! The rest of the Jews in the book are flawed and full of sin, like the rest of us...they hardly 'look good."
Unchurched people have no idea what the Bible is all about, or how we got the Bible. Most Christians do not know either.
Going back to my original thought this morning...how amazing our book is!!! Sixty six different books written over a time span of thousands of years, written by such a variety of men...with the very same theme...that is amazing. That to me is one of the most important proofs that the book we read, and the book on which I base my life, here and for eternity is the Holy Word of God, and true.
I doubt that you could find 66 books on any other one topic that would line up and agree like Scripture does. Law? Medicine? Cooking? Sewing? New Age Philosophy? Diet Books? What about even 66 books on the life of one person? ...see what I mean...
We are not reading books that have had a manufactured date on them to make history come out a certain way. We do have proof of the age of many of the books. No we do not have the original writings by the original authors, but we have scrolls (copies) that date back thousands of years that match up almost word for word with the Bible we carry to church each Sunday. AMAZING!!!
These "Bible" scrolls are much earlier than the Koran or the Book of Morman - which goes back to my original thought...our Bible is not the idea of one man, not the commands of one man....many men over many years, directed by God said the same thing over and over and over. We do not have just one mans thoughts, but many men over many years... again to me this is great proof that our Bible is authentic.
I just mentioned another reason I believe our Scripture is true. Over and over in Scripture is says..."this is the Word of God," or "God said." This is the Word of God....I better quit now and close down the computer ....and get into my copy of the Word of God.
If I believe it is the Word of God....I need to turn off this computer and get into the Word of God...
ANOTHER RANDOM THOUGHT
Just heard another great sermon on the car radio....by a preacher here in Knoxville. His theme was..."What is the story of your life?"
If you were to write a story of your life...not with labels such as "I was a Christian..etc.." but with a summary of the actions in your life....what would it say?
The preacher started with that thought..then quickly went into....what would your story say about how you served God with your life? How did your life fit into the plan of God, and the advancement of His Kingdom?
He ended with...it is not too late to change the them of your summary. Today we can make our actions count toward "God's Plan"...today we can make adjustments to 'our story' from here on in....to serve our LORD and be part of the completion of His plan.
Wow!!! What a thought.
With the environment of the world today so anti-God we must know not only what we believe, but why we believe it. I asked myself, "Why do you believe what you read in Scripture?" There are many reasons that I believe my Bible, but this morning I focused on one.
I remember before I became a believer that I questioned the Bible and felt that it was just another book...like the Koran....like the Book of Mormon - written by one man with one agenda. Boy was I wrong!
I now know that the Bible is a collection of 66 books written by a variety of men, over a time span of thousands of years....yet with one common thread and theme. From Genesis to Revelation the theme is the Holiness of God, the sinfulness of mankind, the salvation offered by Jesus and that in the end...it would all end....and we would go on to eternity with God...or without God. A common thread that agrees over the thousands of years...that is amazing!
How could so many men, over so many years, write the same thing? That alone is worth believing that the book is true.
My dear father was not a believer (as far as I know). I remember a conversation I had with him several years before he died. I was a new Christian, and trying to share the gospel with him. He started his argument with the unreliability of the Bible. When I said, "It says in Scripture.." or "Because the Bible says..." he would laugh. He finally said..."that book was written by a bunch of Jews who just wanted the Jews to look good....Jesus was a Jew...they just wanted to make him look good."
The most wrong thing about what dad said was that the book made the Jews "look good." The only Jewish person that looks good in Scripture is Jesus! The rest of the Jews in the book are flawed and full of sin, like the rest of us...they hardly 'look good."
Unchurched people have no idea what the Bible is all about, or how we got the Bible. Most Christians do not know either.
Going back to my original thought this morning...how amazing our book is!!! Sixty six different books written over a time span of thousands of years, written by such a variety of men...with the very same theme...that is amazing. That to me is one of the most important proofs that the book we read, and the book on which I base my life, here and for eternity is the Holy Word of God, and true.
I doubt that you could find 66 books on any other one topic that would line up and agree like Scripture does. Law? Medicine? Cooking? Sewing? New Age Philosophy? Diet Books? What about even 66 books on the life of one person? ...see what I mean...
We are not reading books that have had a manufactured date on them to make history come out a certain way. We do have proof of the age of many of the books. No we do not have the original writings by the original authors, but we have scrolls (copies) that date back thousands of years that match up almost word for word with the Bible we carry to church each Sunday. AMAZING!!!
These "Bible" scrolls are much earlier than the Koran or the Book of Morman - which goes back to my original thought...our Bible is not the idea of one man, not the commands of one man....many men over many years, directed by God said the same thing over and over and over. We do not have just one mans thoughts, but many men over many years... again to me this is great proof that our Bible is authentic.
I just mentioned another reason I believe our Scripture is true. Over and over in Scripture is says..."this is the Word of God," or "God said." This is the Word of God....I better quit now and close down the computer ....and get into my copy of the Word of God.
If I believe it is the Word of God....I need to turn off this computer and get into the Word of God...
ANOTHER RANDOM THOUGHT
Just heard another great sermon on the car radio....by a preacher here in Knoxville. His theme was..."What is the story of your life?"
If you were to write a story of your life...not with labels such as "I was a Christian..etc.." but with a summary of the actions in your life....what would it say?
The preacher started with that thought..then quickly went into....what would your story say about how you served God with your life? How did your life fit into the plan of God, and the advancement of His Kingdom?
He ended with...it is not too late to change the them of your summary. Today we can make our actions count toward "God's Plan"...today we can make adjustments to 'our story' from here on in....to serve our LORD and be part of the completion of His plan.
Wow!!! What a thought.
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