This year we will focus specifically on prayer. Below is what we will be praying each and every day. Join us in praying for these things, and always reach out to us if you need prayer!
Days of Prayer (Continued all throughout the year) Please pray for each item on corresponding day of the month.
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Importance of the Psalms
They are relevant ( we find help in the Psalms They are theological ( we find attributes of God in the Psalms ) They express our thoughts and feelings. They are filled with Praise They are filled with Prayer Each and every Psalm is unique, and the uniqueness comes from the Forms. The Forms help us understand the passage. Psalms are Poetic… It communicates not just information but experiences. We see the depths of those who write these psalms… It uses things like figures of speech. We see Similes A is like B. Ex.. Ps 52:8 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. Metaphors A is B Ex. Ps 115:9 Psalm 115:9 ESV 9 O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. Personification non-human A is human b Psalm 98:8–9 ESV 8 Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together 9 before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. Word Pictures Psalm 97:2–6 ESV 2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. 4 His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory. Identical Parallelism Psalm 29:1–2 ESV 1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness. Synonymous parallelism Synonymous parallelism is a poetic literary device which involves the repetition of one idea in successive lines. Psalm 19:1–2 ESV 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. Antithetical parallelism Antithetical parallelism provides an antithesis, or contrast. A verse containing antithetical parallelism will bring together opposing ideas in marked contrast. Instead of saying the same thing twice, it says one thing and then a different thing. Psalm 20:7–8 ESV 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. 8 They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. Synthetic parallelism Synthetic parallelism involves the completion or expansion of the idea of the first part in the second part. Psalm 46:7 ESV 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah In the Psalms we see things like Acrostics An acrostic poem is a poem in which the first letter (or sometimes the first syllable) of each line spells out a word, name, or sentence. Longest is Psalms 119 where it has every single letter in the Hebrew alphabet is listed. The Psalms make up 5 books. 1-41 42-72 73-89 90-106 107-150 The Psalms have 116 Superscriptions. 110 have a proper name and 74 mention David. Some are anonymous. 12 for Asaph 12 under David. Korahites 12, Haggai 3, Zechariah 3, 2 Soloman. Moses had 1. Psalms developed overtime. Certain Individuals wrote the Psalms. Under David the Psalms went to Jerusalem, then his son Soloman developed them more. Exile led to more collection of the Psalms and more Psalms then finally they were brought together. There are many themes in the Psalms, Worship 85Faith 75Prayer: Petition 70Thankfulness 62God:Providence 60Righteousness 57God:Faithfulness 56God:Love 56Music 55Salvation 54God:Power 52Joy 49Eternity 47Evil 45Grief 43Persecution 43Blessing 41Holiness 41Reverence 41God:Mercy 36Tabernacle 36Glory 35Creation 33God:Sovereignty 33Justice 32Prayer 31Death 28God:Wrath 28Honor 26Honesty 25Suffering 25Happiness 24Judgment 23God:Grace 22God:Presence 21Guidance 21Poverty 21Pride 21Humility 20Revelation 20Sin 20Family:Children 19Hope 19Obedience 18Patience 18Power 18Promises 18Redemption 18Wisdom 17Speech 16Education 15Peace 15Sacrifice 15Stress 15Complaining 14Holidays:Thanksgiving 14Commitment 13God:Knowledge 13Heaven 13Law 13Slander 13Victory 13Covenant 12Discipline 12Forgiveness 12Prophecy:Jesus 12Fear 11Injustice 11Mission 11Repentance 11Confession 10Encouragement 10Violence 10Character 9Doubt 9Miracles 9Purity 9Stewardship 9Watchfulness 9Assurance 8Election 8Foolishness 8Idolatry 8Killing 8Prayer:Intercession 8War 8Wealth 8Angels 7Anger 7Beauty 7Depression 7Friendship 7Healing 7Loneliness 7Truth 7Weakness 7Comfort 6Courage 6Family: Fathers 6Mercy 6Revenge 6Apostasy 5Atheism 5Blasphemy 5Clothing 5Conflict 5Discouragement 5Giving 5Greed 5Kingdom of God 5Perseverance 5Revival 5Alcohol 4Atonement 4Eschatology:Resurrection 4God:Father 4Government 4Guilt 4Holidays:Fathers 4Restoration 4Sabbath 4Sanctity of Life 4Scripture 4Service 4Sickness 4Submission 4Work 4Adoption 3Calling 3Creativity 3Economics 3Envy 3Family 3Fasting 3Freedom 3Holidays: Memorial 3Holy Spirit 3Justification 3Money 3Profanity 3Temptation 3Borrowing 2Church and State 2Contentment 2Counseling 2Family: Mothers 2Gluttony 2GoodWorks 2Holidays:Mothers 2Jesus:Epiphany 2Jesus: Resurrection 2Legalism 2Love 2Marriage 2Neighbors 2BabyDedication 1Church: Fellowship 1Conversion 1Creation:Renewal 1Debt 1Discipleship 1Eschatology:Last Judgment 1Family: Parents 1Family: Wives 1Holidays: New Years 1Hypocrisy 1Jealousy 1Jesus:Humanity 1Leadership 1Parables 1Prophecy 1Shame 1Stealing 1Vision 1Women 1idolatry 1 Mainly the Psalms are known by their Genre. The main genres are Praise, Lament, Royal, Wisdom, Thanksgiving, Trust, and Hymn. This months focus of the month is the Holy Scriptures. This months teaching comes from the London Baptist Confession of Faith. This document explains well the importance of the Bible, and its role in the christian life. Read below the importance of the Holy Scriptures.
1. The Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient, certain, and infallible standard of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. The light of nature and the works of creation and providence so clearly demonstrate the goodness, wisdom, and power of God that people are left without excuse; however, these demonstrations are not sufficient to give the knowledge of God and his will that is necessary for salvation. Therefore, the Lord was pleased at different times and in various ways to reveal himself and to declare his will to his church. To preserve and propagate the truth better and to establish and comfort the church with greater certainty against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of Satan and the world, the Lord put this revelation completely in writing. Therefore, the Holy Scriptures are absolutely necessary, because God’s former ways of revealing his will to his people have now ceased. 2 Timothy 3:15–17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20. 2Romans 1:19–21; Romans 2:14,15; Psalm 19:1–3. 3Hebrews 1:1. Proverbs 22:19–21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19, 20. Key Texts from that Statement 2 Timothy 3:15-17 2 Timothy 3:15–17 ESV 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Peter 1:19–20 ESV 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 2. The Holy Scriptures, or the Word of God written, consist of all the books of the Old and New Testaments. These are: THE OLD TESTAMENT: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. THE NEW TESTAMENT: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation. All of these are given by the inspiration of God to be the standard of faith and life. 2 Timothy 3:16. 3. The books commonly called the Apocrypha were not given by divine inspiration and so are not part of the canon or standard of the Scriptures. Therefore, they have no authority for the church of God and are not to be recognized or used in any way different from other human writings. Luke 24:27, 44; Romans 3:2. Luke 24:27 ESV 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Romans 3:2 ESV 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 4. The authority of the Holy Scriptures obligates belief in them. This authority does not depend on the testimony of any person or church but on God the author alone, who is truth itself. Therefore, the Scriptures are to be received because they are the Word of God. 2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:9. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV 13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 5. The testimony of the church of God may stir and persuade us to adopt a high and reverent respect for the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, the heavenliness of the contents, the power of the system of truth, the majesty of the style, the harmony of all the parts, the central focus on giving all glory to God, the full revelation of the only way of salvation, and many other incomparable qualities and complete perfections, all provide abundant evidence that the Scriptures are the Word of God. Even so, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority of the Scriptures comes from the internal work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts. John 16:13,14; 1 Corinthians 2:10–12; 1 John 2:20, 27. John 16:13–14 ESV 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 1 Corinthians 2:10–12 ESV 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 6. The whole counsel of God concerning everything essential for his own glory and man’s salvation, faith, and life is either explicitly stated or by necessary inference contained in the Holy Scriptures. Nothing is ever to be added to the Scriptures, either by new revelation of the Spirit or by human traditions.Nevertheless, we acknowledge that the inward illumination of the Spirit of God is necessary for a saving understanding of what is revealed in the Word. We recognize that some circumstances concerning the worship of God and government of the church are common to human actions and organizations and are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian wisdom, following the general rules of the Word, which must always be observed Timothy 3:15–17; Galatians 1:8,9. 10John 6:45; 1 Corinthians 2:9–12. 1 Corinthians 11:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40. John 6:45 ESV 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me-- 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV 26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 1 Corinthians 14:40 ESV 40 But all things should be done decently and in order. 7. Some things in Scripture are clearer than others, and some people understand the teachings more clearly than others. However, the things that must be known, believed, and obeyed for salvation are so clearly set forth and explained in one part of Scripture or another that both the educated and uneducated may achieve a sufficient understanding of them by properly using ordinary measures. 2 Peter 3:16. 13Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:130. 2 Peter 3:16 ESV 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. Psalm 19:7 ESV 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; Psalm 119:130 ESV 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 8. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the native language of the ancient people of God. The New Testament was written in Greek, which at the time it was written was most widely known to the nations. These Testaments were inspired directly by God and by his unique care and providence were kept pure down through the ages. They are therefore true and authoritative, so that in all religious controversies the church must make their ultimate appeal to them. All God’s people have a right to and a claim on the Scriptures and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them. Not all of God’s people know these original languages, so the Scriptures are to be translated into the common language of every nation to which they come. In this way the Word of God may dwell richly in all, so that they may worship him in an acceptable manner and through patience and the comfort of the Scriptures may have hope. Romans 3:2. 15Isaiah 8:20. 16Acts 15:15. 17John 5:39. 181 Corinthians 14:6, 9, 11, 12, 24, 28. 19Colossians 3:16. Full Bible 704 languages. Parts of New Testament 1551 languages. Colossians 3:16 . 9. The infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full meaning of any part of Scripture (and each passage has only one meaning, not many), it must be understood in light of other passages that speak more clearly. 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Acts 15:15, 16. 2 Peter 1:20–21 ESV 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 10. The supreme judge for deciding all religious controversies and for evaluating all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, human teachings, and individual interpretations, and in whose judgment we are to rest, is nothing but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit. In this Scripture our faith finds its final word. Matthew 22:29, 31, 32; Ephesians 2:20; Acts 28:23. Matthew 22:29 ESV 29 But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. Matthew 22:31–32 ESV 31 And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” Acts 28:23 ESV 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. How do we define Conscience? Kevin Deyoung says, "Conscience is the moral faculty within human beings that assesses what is good and what is bad. He also says the conscience is what aids us in acquiring knowledge- and understanding in ethical and moral matters.
How the Spirit works with our consciences according to scripture. John 16:8–15 ESV 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Everyone has a Conscience. Romans 2:14–15 ESV 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them Kevin Deyoung notes the conscience does two things.. One it is to be a prosecuting attorney to convict us of sin when we violate God’s law. Two the conscience is also a defense attorney. It defends us as we seek to do what is right. What did the apostle Paul think about the conscience? 2 Corinthians 1:12–24 ESV 12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. 13 For we are not writing to you anything other than what you read and understand and I hope you will fully understand— 14 just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you. 15 Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace. 16 I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to come back to you from Macedonia and have you send me on my way to Judea. 17 Was I vacillating when I wanted to do this? Do I make my plans according to the flesh, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? 18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. 20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 23 But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. Notice in verse 12 he talked about his conscience, but says a few things before it. He says three things about the human conscience. 1. Simplicity, acted with pure motivations. 2. sincerity, forthright, honest, and candid. 3. Conscience testifies that he acted in a God-honoring away. Paul speaks about the conscience about a dozen times in scripture, some examples include. Acts 23:1 ESV 1 And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” Romans 9:1 ESV 1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit-- 2 Timothy 1:3 ESV 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. What are some dangers of a sinful conscience. Our conscience can be evil. Hebrews 10:22–25 ESV 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Our conscience can be seared. 1 Timothy 4:2 ESV 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, to be seared means you can’t feel anymore. Our conscience can be defiled. Titus 1:15 ESV 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. Celebrates what is impure, and denigrates what is good. Weak Conscience- accuses us of things that are not really wrong. One example is found in 1 Corinthians 8. 1 Corinthians 8 ESV 1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 7 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11 And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12 Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. and again in 1 Corinthians 10. 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 ESV 23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— 29 I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. How to live with a clear conscience? 1 Peter 3:16 ESV 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. we turn from our sin. We turn to Christ. 1 John 1:9 ESV 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Puritans said - the conscience is either the greatest friend or the greatest enemy in the world. How can we define the Trinity? Within the one Being of God there are three co-equal, co-eternal persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
Scripture teaches us that there is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 ESV 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. The Persons of the Trinity Have Different Primary Functions in Relating to the World: the economy of the Trinity. Different functions in creation. Different functions in redemption. The Persons of the Trinity Eternally Existed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit: The roles were not interchangeable in redemption. The roles are eternal, not just in time or temporary. There are no differences in deity, attributes, or essential nature of any of the Persons of the Godhead. What is the Relationship Between the Three Persons and the Being of God? Each Person is completely and fully God. This means that God’s being is not divided into three equal parts belonging to the three members of the Trinity. T he personal distinctions in the Trinity are not something added onto God’s real being. This means that each Person of the Trinity has all the attributes of God, and no one Person has any attributes that are not possessed by the Others. The Persons within the Trinity are real, and not just different ways of looking at the one being of God. This means that each Person relates to the Others as and “I” (1st person), and a “you” (2nd person) and a “he” (3rd person). “The only way it seems possible to do this is to say that the distinction between the Persons is not difference in “being” but a difference in “relationships.” There are three distinct Persons, and the being of each Person is equal to the whole being of God. It is a kind of existence far different from anything we have experienced, and far different from anything else in the universe. Scripture is full of text that include Plural forms with reference to God. Genesis 1:26 ESV 26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV 8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Scripture also includes Messianic Passages that speak of Jesus as God. Psalm 45:6–7 ESV 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; Hebrews 1:8 ESV 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. Psalm 110 ESV A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” 2 The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. 7 He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head. Matthew 22:43–45 ESV 43 He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, 44 “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet” ’? 45 If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” More complete revelation of the Trinity is found in the New Testament. God is one. Mark 12:29 ESV 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 1 Corinthians 8:4–6 ESV 4 Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. Each Person of the Trinity is God. God the Father. John 6:27 ESV 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 1 Peter 1:2 ESV 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. The Son is God. Philippians 2:1–11 ESV 1 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 selfish ambition 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 emptied himself, by 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. John 1:1–18 ESV 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. Hebrews 1 ESV 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? John 5:18 ESV 18 This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 10:30 ESV 30 I and the Father are one.” The Spirit is God Acts 5:3–4 ESV 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV 16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? Scripture shows us that each person is distinct from one another. The Son is distinct from the Father Matthew 11:27 ESV 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 27:46 ESV 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” John 5:20–22 ESV 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, The Spirit is different from the Father and the Son John 14:16 ESV 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, John 16:7 ESV 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. Trinitarian references in the Bible include.... Matthew 28:19 ESV 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:4–6 ESV 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. Galatians 3:11–14 ESV 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. Galatians 4:6 ESV 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Ephesians 2:11–22 ESV 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 3:14–21 ESV 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 ESV 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Titus 3:4–6 ESV 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 1 Peter 1:1–2 ESV 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Ephesians 1:3–14 ESV 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Chosen by the Father, Purchased by the Son, Called by the Holy Spirit. This month we focus on the Resurrection.
One man said, "The resurrection of Jesus Christ is that central moment in human history that serves as the foundational doctrine of Christianity. After having truly assumed human nature and submitted to an agonizing and shameful public death, the eternal Son of God was truly raised from the dead in his glorified physical body, no longer subject to decay and death. His resurrection validates his identity as the divine Son of God, demonstrates his irrevocable victory over death and the grave, and secures both the present salvation and future physical resurrection of believers." The Resurrection is documented in all four gospels. Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-52, John 20-21. What does the resurrection mean for believers in Christ? This best explained by the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians, and Romans 6. 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. 12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. Romans 6:1-11 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. What Message should we preach about the resurrection? 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. This month is the celebration of Easter, and seeing these scriptures helps us understand the resurrection a little better. Starting in March Agape is going to have a focus of the month. This month our focus is Stewardship.
Stewardship can be defined as our practical obedience in the administration of everything under our control, everything entrusted to us. Lets first talk about Stewardship and how it fits in with our mission as a church. We worship God with how we spend our time, and how we spend our money. God has given each and every one of us time of earth, use it for his kingdom. Everything we have on earth is because of him, and we should be good stewards of it. To be good stewards we must evangelize. Our time of earth is short therefore we should share the gospel with everyone. We learn about God so we can be good stewards in our everyday lives. Our knowledge of God helps to equip us to be good stewards of God. Finally, stewardship is focused in encouragement. We can use our time to encourage other believers. Good stewards faithfully encourage the church by giving to church and those in need. One of the best books I have ever in seminary. Is Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian life. One of the chapters focuses on stewardship. The author focuses on time and money and how we can be good stewards of those things. Below are helpful tips. Dr. Whitney gives us on how to become better stewards. Time 1. Use time Wisely because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15–16 ESV 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 2. Wise Use of Time is the preparation for Eternity. 3. Time is Short. James 4:14 ESV 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 4. Time is Passing 1 John 2:17 ESV 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 5. The Remaining Time is Uncertain Proverbs 27:1 ESV 1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 6. Time Lost Cannot be regained John 9:4 ESV 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. Philippians 3:13–14 ESV 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. 7. You are Accountable to God for your time. Romans 14:12 ESV 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Hebrews 5:12 ESV 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, Matthew 12:36 ESV 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 8. Time is so easily lost Proverbs 26:13–14 ESV 13 The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” 14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. Proverbs 24:33–34 ESV 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. 9. We value time at death. Proverbs 5:11–13 ESV 11 and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, 12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! 13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors. Jonathan Edwards- Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die. 10. Time’s value in Eternity Luke 16:22–25 ESV 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 1 Corinthians 9:19–20 ESV 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. The disciplined use of Money 1. God owns everything you own. 1 Corinthians 10:26 ESV 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” Job 41:11 ESV 11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine. Haggai 2:8 ESV 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. 2. Giving is an act of worship. Philippians 4:18 ESV 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 3. Giving reflects faith in God’s Provision. Mark 12:41–44 ESV 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” 4. Giving should be Sacrificial and Generous 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 ESV 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 5. Giving reflects spiritual trustworthiness Luke 16:10–13 ESV 10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” 6. Giving = Love not legalism 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 7. Give Willingly, Thankfully, and Cheerfully verse above. 8. Giving an Appropriate response to real needs. Acts 2:43–45 ESV 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 4:32–35 ESV 32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 11:27–30 ESV 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. 9. Giving Should be Planned and Systematic 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 ESV 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. Notice the time frame. each gets paid differently give accordingly. Notice each of you. We are all called to give. Notice it says he may prosper. God has always taking care of us as we give to his church. 10. Generous Giving Results in Bountiful Blessing. Luke 6:38 ESV 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” |