Kingdom Bible Commentary

John Chapter 3 – “He Must Increase, I must Decrease” – John 3:30, ESV

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:01:00 +0000

Chapter two ends with an insight into what Jesus knows about us. We are imperfect and yet He chose us to make perfect witnesses. As hard as some human hearts can be and as proud as sin can make us, the flesh cannot stand before the evidence of God’s love in Jesus.

What is more amazing still is that the dysfunctional testimony of man is what God uses to spread the good news of Jesus. John presents the characters involved in spreading Jesus' good news. All the disciples were unlearned and very much prone to error, mediocrity and failure; yet all the characters we will see in each chapter who believe Jesus and aid in spreading the Good News, all suffering from sin and imperfection, God uses to deliver the perfect seed of God's Gospel – the seed that can transform us and save us through our fellowship with the Father and Jesus!

What is required? Obviously not perfection. We know love covers a multitude of sins (Prov. 17:9). We’ve all experienced hurt and fear in our relationships with one another. Satan knows the best way to defeat our ability to accept God’s gift of live is to inculcate in us fear. That way we won't reach out but cower in the dark and lonely places in our mind and heart. We fear rejection, condemnation and judgment to say the least. But God has come ever so gently to offer us freedom from all that sin – freedom to accept him in love and learn to live in love despite all the hurt we still must endure. Only in Christ are we made stronger and better in this regard – for the one who lives in fear cannot be perfected in love (1 John 4:18).

In this chapter of John we learn two important principles that we may be perfected in the love of Jesus:

For Him to increase in me, I must decrease – John 3:30
I must be born again (John 3:3, 5), which implies something needs to die (John 12:24-25)

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease – You Must Be Born Again

Introduction: John’s attitude was not the common “me first” attitude.

A. He wished for Christ to increase.

1. Subject Yourself to Jesus!

a. We all want to do well and excel. We also live in a “claw your way to the top” world. But while everyone else was trying to get the top spot in the Messianic kingdom, John was busy lifting up Christ.

b. Cease to compete! Are you trying to compete for “top spots” in the kingdom? What are the “top spots” anyway?

i. He who humbles himself will be exalted

ii. Don’t take the honor seat first – wait to be asked

iii. Just consider yourself a blessed servant who’s only done what’s been asked

2. Properly Glorify the Son!

a. Have you made Him Lord?

b. Have you made Him Savior?

c. He said Christ must increase. Why?

i. He is The Gift of God! The Bread of Life!

ii. Because He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (1:29).

iii. Because He is one of higher rank (1:30).

iv. Because He is the Son of God (1:34).

v. Because John knew that He provided eternal life and that rejection of Him brought God’s wrath (3:26).

B. He wished for himself to decrease.

1. Who are you promoting?

a. John saw no value in promoting himself. What good would there be in his rising to the top?

i. Do you promote yourself or the welfare of the church?

ii. Have you learned to concede or do you always want to be right?

iii. Have you learned to put aside your opinion even when you may not agree?

b. John said he must decrease. Why??

i. Because his increasing would cause people to focus on him, instead of the one who could really help them.

ii. Because his increasing would encourage others to follow him instead of God’s chosen One.

iii. Because his desire to increase would mean losing his special place as a servant of the Lord.

2. Is it your views and voice you wish to be heard?

a. We will see in chapter 10 how men who promote their views and self are the thieves and the robbers who point people away from the door to the sheep pen, who is Jesus. Jesus called them twice the sons of hell (Mat 23:15).

3. How did John intend to decrease and cause Jesus to increase?

a. This is the new birth Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus. Read John 3:1-21

i. You must be born again – John 3:3

1. For something to give birth the enclosure must die – metaphor of the seed – John 12:24-25

2. Jesus’ teachings often get misunderstood – John 3:4

3. Jesus’ aim is to enrich us spiritually – John 3:11-21

ii. Born of water and Spirit – John 3:5

1. What Men Say

2. What God says - Mark 16:16

3. Men more readily accept other men’s testimonies than God’s – John 5:44

4. Remember Mary’s admonishment in John 2:5 – “Do whatever He tells you”.

iii. Flesh gives birth to flesh but spirit gives birth to Spirit. The flesh cannot inherit the kingdom – 1 Co. 15:50

iv. The flesh needs to decrease and the Spirit needs to increase.

b. Life in the Spirit is evidenced by:

i. Having a servant’s attitude – Whoever would be great among you must be your servant (Mt 20:26-28).

1. Looking to serve as opposed to being served – Mat 20:28

2. Making God’s grace effective in you (1 Co 15:10) as opposed to being a black hole that sucks the life out of everything.

a. This is the evidence of those who have Living Waters (John 4:14)

3. When the church is you, not somewhere you go. (You can’t go to church)

ii. Being humble (1 Pet 5:6).

1. Open to correction

2. Open to learning

3. Being transparent (1 John 1:7-10)

4. Seeking direction as opposed to wanting to give it.

iii. Denying self (Mt 16:24).

1. This means doing all of the above especially when you don’t want to do it

2. Being willing to carry your cross and someone else’s.

3. Accepting blame even though you are not to blame

Conclusion: John had his chances to exalt himself, and inflate his own worth (John 1:19-27), but true greatness awaits those who are willing to take up their cross and follow Jesus (Mt 10:38).

Invitation: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:36

John Chapter 2 – Saving the Best for Last: “You have kept the good wine until now.” – John 2:10, ESV

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:32:00 +0000

Jesus' first miracle (John calls them signs – emphasizing the significance of the action rather than the marvel) reported by John would be considered somewhat of a mundane occurrence, but the goodness and kindness of the Lord is revealed in His approval of the celebration of marriage. What better way to support and bless the sacred union of a man and a woman that by having our Lord grace this wedding by His attendance! All miracles were to be a demonstration of His glory and God's approval to give a believer just cause to accept and believe that He is God’s gift to us.

While the remark “you have kept the good wine until now” demonstrates the quality of Jesus’ wine, this miracle serves to illustrate a deeper spiritual meaning, as all His sayings and doings affirmed. In this case:

The superiority of Christianity (new wine) over that of Judaism (Mat 9:17; Luke 5:37-39).
The superiority of the Christian salvation/redemption of man compared to that of paganism or of Judaism.
That God has kept the best plan for man until now – revealing and fulfilling His love through His only Son.

Manifesting His Glory: The Miracle at Cana: Water to Wine

A. The miracle demonstrates Jesus’ sensitivity.

Marriage feasts would begin on a Wednesday and often would last one week. This would obviously require a great amount of wine and food, especially for large wedding parties such as this one.
Scholars have pointed out that ancient customs were quite different from those we are used to. For example, legal action could be taken against the bridegroom and his family if sufficient supplies were not provided for wedding guests. Thus, the gift made by Jesus was especially important.
Although He and His disciples were invited, their number would have contributed to the shortage of the wine.
Mary wanted to involve Jesus and He delivered, even though it may not have been in His plan to do so.
Are you involving Jesus in every aspect of your life? Is there something going on in your life that you would not want to invite Jesus to? Perhaps you have not involved Him and he’s waiting for you to ask (Mat 7:7). Or perhaps you’ve asked Jesus to come be a part of your life and you don’t understand Who He really is or what He wants to do with you?
Jesus will get involved as good parents also oblige their children when they ask them to get involved.

B. The miracle demonstrated Jesus’ power over time.

The process of making wine required time (grapes needed to be sown, grow and mature; and then fermented, etc.). Jesus was able to do this instantly.
His ability to do this showed His divinity. John had already stated in the prologue that “All things were made through him” (1:3). This miracle offers support to the truthfulness of that statement.
How willing are you to entrust yourself to such a loving and powerful God who is above time and place and yet subjected Himself to a time and place to die for your sins?
My God, my Jesus, is so powerful that if I pray for an event that already happened He could change things that already happened and you and I wouldn’t even notice.

C. The miracle demonstrated Jesus’ power over the creation.

In order to make wine, one needs a number of materials, such as good soil, seeds, water and sunshine, as well as time. Or, at the minimum, one would need the grapes.
It is noteworthy that these materials (e.g. grapes) were not available to Jesus. Thus, He had to “create them” in the water. Note also the amount of wine Jesus created: between 120 and 180 gallons!
Only God can bara – create from nothing at all. Jesus did not merely perform a molecular transformation, which alone is beyond our science – He created from nothing at all, as He also did in the distribution of bread in chapter 6 which we will study later.
Jesus’ desire is to recreate you from within by giving you the Holy Spirit, the Living Waters we will be talking about in chapter 4. Regarding the Spirit Titus says: Titus 3:5a-7 NIV He (Jesus) saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, (6) whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, (7) so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

D. The miracle demonstrated the quality of Jesus’ work.

The Gospels continually emphasize the quality of Jesus work. He was able to successfully do what He intended. He never fails (Love never fails/ends – 1 Co 13:8).
For example, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus knew no failures as a healer. Jesus was able - again and again - to “heal all who were ill “(Mt 4:23ff; 8:16; 9:35; 12:15; 14:14, 35, 36; 15:30; 19:2).
The quality of Jesus’ work is noted in the fulfillment of Isa 28:16: “Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame” (Rom 9:33; 10:11; cf. 1 Pet 2:6).
When Jesus invites you to come to Him the invitation comes with a promise of quality apprenticeship “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me”; quality relationship “for I am gentle and humble in heart”; and quality results “and you will find rest for your souls”. Not to mention the quality work he engages us in being that: “His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30). Can you beat that?
Therefore, we are not surprised at the statement of the headwaiter concerning the wine Jesus made: “you have kept the good wine until now” (2:10). Jesus is the best!

E. The miracle demonstrated Jesus’ giving nature.

Certainly this was not a miracle Jesus had to perform.
Yet, from the moment He left His glorious position with the Father (cf. 17:1) Jesus came to give.
He did not come to be served but to serve (Mat 20:28)! The Master of all Creation, the King of Kings, left His celestial abode to be born, live and die in places and ways that would make us cringe – and all this to give His life up for us – to serve us and wash us from sin, if you so welcome Him into your life.
Surely One who supplies so abundantly in the physical realm will not be less generous in the spiritual – “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…” – Ephesians 1:3

Invitation: Do whatever He tells you – John 2:5

Portions taken from the World Video Bible School Commentary on the Whole Bible

Introduction to The Gospel According to John

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

The Gospel according to John is very unique. It is written in such a way to appease the knowledge the Greeks (non-Jews) sought so much. In this day and age there are those who seek signs, like the Jews in Jesus’ days and those who seek knowledge (1 Co 1:22). Our world culture puts much emphasis on academic preparedness and/or experience. That is the way the world judges whether or not you are adequate or worthy of their time or attention for a certain task or job or even relationship. This is often logical and safeguards us from snake-oil salesmen, conmen and frauds. However, when it comes to the important matters of life, the spiritual ones, man is left without any way to measure adequacy except by the scriptures. Signs had a place in God’s plan to confirm the words and actions recorded in scriptures. The words and actions point to God’s interest and love for mankind. This is the love we need to know for in this love we can be saved. We are not so much saved by signs or knowledge as it is by our love for God expressed in childlike obedient faith. There is no experience or academia that can bring you to this mature love, save for God ministering to you using His people in hopes that you receive Him.

As we go through the chapters of John he teaches us about the supremacy and love of our Lord and Master using scenarios, encounters, recitations and relations. Instead of using Jewish heritage (genealogies) and fulfilled prophecies as Matthew did (writing mainly to the Jews), or a detailed eyewitness historical account as Luke did, or a combination of both as Mark did; John tells his story through personal encounters and reactions of others with Jesus and our Master’s own narrations to the disciples. He seems to write using non-Jewish concepts, borrowing heavily from the Greek philosophical language of the time. Light, darkness, logos (reason thought and mind), zoe (life), phos (light), cosmos (world), new birth (enlightment), etc.

In John we find the seven great I Am’s of Jesus:

1- I am The Bread of Life – John 6:35

2- I am The Light of the World – 8:12

3- I am The Gate – 10:9

4- I am The Good Shepherd – 10:11

5- I am The Resurrection and The Life – 11:25

6- I am The Way and The Truth and The Life – 14:6

7- I am The Vine – 15:5

8- The list is missing the three "I Am’s", perhaps the most important ones, from 8:24, 28 and 58. Since He calls himself here ego eimi – “I am, I have been, I will always be”. Jesus declares himself to be The Lord Almighty, YHWH (see Exodus 3:14).

Do You Want To Get Well, Friend?

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:17:00 +0000

John 5:6 NIV When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

At first the question may imply an obvious answer: "Yes!" Who doesn't want to get well?? But when Jesus asks this question to us we need to think deeper.

All that Jesus says to those who were having trouble accepting Him as God's Son after the account of this man's healing is of the same thought and pertinence to the question Jesus asked the paralytic. It is as if He's asking the very Jews who were against Him: "Do you want to get well?" Jesus still asks the question to all those who are more willing to receive man's foolish religious paradigms than God's testimony of His Son in His word. Still the words of the Master resound in our ears today: DO YOU WANT TO GET WELL?

Some may not want to get well. Some use illness as an excuse to continue in mediocrity and sin. Some say there is no getting well - there is no hope for mankind. They have given up on the search for truth and sit a few feet from the healing waters for a very long time.

Receiving God's healing involves a deep desire to be healed and an acceptance of our pitiful condition that can only be redeemed by Jesus. It is also a realization that we cannot get to the healing on our own accord. We need help to even understand how to get well and that help comes from those whom God sends us. We need to trust His word and His testimony in others.

Some of us are ill and don't know it. We subscribe to a man-made religion we think makes us well and it never allows us to get to the living water we so desperately need. It is a weak and condemning placebo!

Others are more willing to accept man's testimony and glory and we think we are healed by their eloquence, wisdom and human prescriptions, yet we do not accept the Father's testimony about His only Son. Without Jesus nothing heals - nothing works. You cannot accept man's glory and Jesus' glory at the same time.

If we honor man we are not able to honor God. If we do not honor the Son we are not able to honor God. To honor the Son is to obey Him and love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength. There is no other room for anyone or anything else. Getting well is about discarding our old self and wholeheartedly embracing Jesus.

Getting well is about hearing the word and believing Jesus is Life. It is not about memorizing the word or knowing it only, but about living it - embracing Jesus as the Word Himself for He is Life! It is not about diligently following instructions as much as it is about honoring Jesus in everything! Obeying Him only!

Are You Powered Up?

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Many in our culture today speak about being "Powered Up". Unfortunately, there is no real power in the things people may use to try to "power up", whether it be video games, caffeinated drinks, drugs or other emotion inducing things. The problem is that we describe being powered up in terms of our emotional outlook or state of being.

Only three things give you real power:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1Co 13:13

The Spirit explains:

1 Thessalonians 1:3 GW In the presence of our God and Father, we never forget that your faith is active, your love is working hard, and your confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ is enduring.

Paul speaks of three key aspects of the Christian walk:

Faith - Faith that lacks works is a dead faith (James 4:14-22). Faith that is alive is active. An active faith is a shared faith, like Paul shared with Philemon; one that enables us to realize all good things we have in Christ (Philemon 1:6).
Love - True love, agape love, is one that is not defined or crippled by emotions. This love works hard because it is achieving for us the goal of eternal love (Phil 3:13-15); and not just for us only, but for those to whom we direct this kind of love. God's grace is not without effect in the life of a disciple (1 Co 15:10) and the effect is faith expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6).
Hope (Confidence) - What confidence we have in Christ because of the hope we have in His salvation! There is nothing in this universe that gives us the confidence we have in Jesus. This confidence is born out of the fact that we know what we are and Who He is. Therefore our confidence in this hope needs to be enduring to the end.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. - 1Co 13:13

And what's behind the power of these great three? The next verse in Thessalonians gives us insight:

1 Thessalonians 1:5 GW We know this because the Good News we brought came to you not only with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with complete certainty. In the same way you know what kind of people we were while we were with you and the good things we did for you.

Power, the Holy Spirit and Full Conviction (Complete Certainty)

Here is what's behind the three key aspects of the Christian walk:

Power- our faith is not in superstition or myths, for when Jesus was raised it was done with power from above (Rom 1:4, 16). Our faith is not in this world or in any kind of power that comes from it or by it.
The Holy Spirit is behind or regenerated love (Titus 3:4-6). He is the streams of living water that come out from us and give life to your mortal bodies (John 7:38-39; Rom 8:11).
And what gives us great confidence? The One Who convicts the world of sin, the Spirit of the living God (John 16:7-8)! The certainty of the Gospel and how it was enacted, by the unmistakable love of God, gives us full conviction. We do not follow cleverly invented tales (2 Peter 1:16) and our faith or trust is not in a man or institutions of men but in the everlasting Gospel of Jesus (1 Co 2:2-5). That is why we have confidence and full conviction!

Be powered up by the Spirit of God in you! In order to receive His Spirit you need to obey the Gospel: Believe in it (1 Co 15:1-4), that is, believe that Jesus came to die that your sins may be erased if you wholeheartedly accept Him and give your life to Him by changing the way you think and act (repenting) and dying with Him and being raised in Him through immersion in water (baptism) (Rom 6:3-4). This was Jesus last promise and testament to all who remain living until He comes back again (Acts 2:38-39; Mark 16:16)

Power Up!

Lessons from the Roman Centurion - Matthew 8:5-10

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Matthew 8:5-9 GW When Jesus went to Capernaum, a Roman army officer came to beg him for help. (6) The officer said, "Sir, my servant is lying at home paralyzed and in terrible pain." (7) Jesus said to him, "I'll come to heal him." (8) The officer responded, "Sir, I don't deserve to have you come into my house. But just give a command, and my servant will be healed. (9) As you know, I'm in a chain of command and have soldiers at my command. I tell one of them, 'Go!' and he goes, and another, 'Come!' and he comes. I tell my servant, 'Do this!' and he does it."

The centurion defers to Jesus' authority
He considered Jesus the Ruler of the Universe

1. He believed to be under Jesus' authority, which is why he humbly approached Him, as a servant approaches a Master; feeling a sense of being an unworthy servant which was the very attitude Jesus wanted his disciples to have (Luke 17:10).
2. He knew Jesus didn't even have to be physically present for the healing to take place. He understood Jesus' authority to be beyond the physical parameters of this world
3. He believed Jesus had power over time and space

He trusted (obeyed) Jesus' Word

1. The centurion says "Just say the word and it will be done"
2. He extolled God's virtues above his very own, which showed the man had some strong moral convictions
3. As he knew his servants did what he commanded, so this man was at Jesus' beckon and call
4. He knew however impossible the situation was, if Jesus spoke it would be done according to what He said.

Matthew 8:10 GW Jesus was amazed when he heard this. He said to those who were following him, "I can guarantee this truth: I haven't found faith as great as this in anyone in Israel.

1 - Jesus marvels at this man's insight, faith and humility.

His every request is full of meekness
He doesn’t want to presume upon Jesus’ time or attention
He understands how Jesus’ authority works in this realm

2 - This centurion didn’t trust in himself or in this world

He didn’t rely on his own traditional thinking
Didn’t trust his man-made religion
Was open-minded to be led by faith in Jesus

3- He was a humble man. He was willing to be led.

He considered Jesus to be the Supreme Chief above all earthly and heavenly authority
He willingly placed himself under Jesus’ authority

4 - Jesus says that even amongst those who are supposed to have this faith in God (Israel) he has not seen such faith.

Those who’ve been promised the Kingdom have seen evidence of God working amongst them yet continue with hardened hearts, refusing to accept Jesus as Lord.
The Jewish leaders, who were supposed to recognize Jesus’ authority as God’s only Son and Messiah, did not recognize Jesus (John 1:10-11)
Yet this Gentile Centurion so humbly and acquiescently bows down to Jesus – this was a picture of the open door the Gentiles would have into God’s Kingdom.

Lessons from the Book of Nehemiah

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Chapter 1
Rebuilding what has been broken

Mourn and sadden your heart for your shortcomings, mistakes, presumption and ignorance. (1:4)
Seek the God of Heaven and incline your heart towards Him, openly confessing your sin. (1:6)
Fast and pray until clarity comes to you about your plan of action. Let clarity come from your humility and openness of heart, not from within your own opinions and reasoning. (1:4)

Chapter 2
Executing the Plan

Pay close attention to the people God has put within your reach. They are your resources. Pray before you speak and be open and transparent, depending on the Lord your God and not on your own pride. (2:1-5)
God will provide you safe passage. (2:7)
There will be opposition! (2:19)
Ignore the opposition and believe God. (2:20)
Dont't try to get rid of the opposition; it is there to strengthen your resolve and your faith. Let it do its work.

Chapter 4
Let Opposition Work for You

Let it make you a true believer (4:4)
Let it make you determined to finish the work (4:6)
Let their fury make you a prayer warrior (4:7-9)
Be prepared for attacks and arm yourself with the Armor of God (4:13; Eph 6:11-18)
It's not about you only, but about God's kingdom (4:14)
Each member has a job to do - Work at it with all of your heart - you're working for the Lord! (4:15-23; Col 3:23)
The Lord fights for us! (4:20)

Chapter 5
Honor God with the Success He Gives You

Take complaints seriously, especially when they confirm each other and mediate justly (5:1-12)
Fear God in the success and influence He gives you for spreading righteousness amongst the people (5:15)
Let everyone see your best effort in supporting the people God has made you oversee (5:16)
Don't take advantage of what you may even have a right to do (5:18)

Chapter 6
How to Deal with Bullies (Difficult People)

Let them know you will not be distracted, you have important work to do. (6:2-3)
Don't enable them by giving audience to their accusations. (6:4-8)
Don't bow down to their wishes. Don't yield to arm-twisting tactics or blackmail. Let your assurance and strength be in the Lord and your work for the Lord. (6:9)
Don't let intimidation cause you to discredit yourself because of fear - don't validate their pretense. (6:10-12)
Don't allow those who are outside your circle of confidence detract you or misinform you. (6:10-12)
Let the bullies make you stronger in prayer and seeking out the Lord's will. Don't give in to fear or any other emotion. These are meant to discredit your work and reputation. (6:13)
Your finished work will be your testimony - don't be sidetracked! (6:15-16)
Some of your enemies may be your own people (Christians) and may use their high position to be double spies. Only your honesty and transparency will prove them wrong and glorify God. (6:17-19)

Chapter 8
Godly Practices Strengthen the Community

The Scriptures ought to be read and listened to by all who can understand; men women and children; daily. (8:3, 18)
Teachers and leaders ought to explain the teachings of scripture appropriately so the meaning can be understood. (8:7-8)
Proper understanding causes conviction. (8:9, 12)
Proper conviction causes joy and gives you strength. (8:10, 12)
Leaders and heads of families ought to study the Scriptures in depth. (8:13)
Whole families ought to practice what the leaders and heads of families learn from their Bible study. (8:14-17)

Chapter 9
Growing in Holiness - Honoring God and the Community

Studying the Word produces confession of sin. (9:2-3)
Refusing to obey God's commands is a sign of arrogance and stubbornness, a wicked heart. (9:16-17)
Recognize God's goodness and holiness contrasted to your own wickedness. (9:31-33)
We hold each other accountable to honor God and obey Him. (9:38)
We are taught to obey, not to just have knowledge. (Mat 28:20)

Chapter 12

The Community Who Honors God Always Has Reasons to Rejoice

Rejoicing is done with joyful hymns and songs of thanksgiving. (12:27)
Many sacrifices are offered with rejoicing and done in thanksgiving. (12:43)
God is our reason for rejoicing. All the family rejoices. (12:43)

Chapter 13

Maintaining Purity in the Community

The Scriptures need to be continually read, explained and taught (13:1)
Strong and pious (reverent) leaders are needed to help the people practice the Scriptures (13:8-12)
Leaders ought to teach exhort and rebuke with all authority, not shrink back and be indifferent. (13:11, 17, 25; Titus 2:15)
Leaders need to find trustworthy people who are also reverent and full of desire to honor God to help them train and prepare people for works of service and be living sacrifices tha God's community may be built up and not torn down by those who allow the devil to gain a foothold in their lives. (13:13; 7:2; Eph 4:12; Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 2:5)

The Narrow Road

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Sat, 07 May 2011 16:30:00 +0000

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

When the Lord added me to His church I didn’t know much about God or the Bible. I just knew that Jesus said I have to be baptized to receive forgiveness of my sins—that’s pretty much all I knew! Had no clue about how narrow the road to life is, or even that there is only one way—but He taught me about these things in time (Psalm 119:102). I am still learning so much about this narrow road and want to share some thoughts on that so you can be sure to stay on it too! Jesus died to put you on that narrow road. What a loving and merciful Lord to do that for us. He wants you to stay on that road, and in fact you are the only one who can take you off that narrow road! So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Imagine physically driving on a narrow road. It takes careful attention and effort to keep from driving off of it. In the same way, spiritually we are placed on a narrow road and it takes careful attention and effort to stay on it. No one has it easy on this narrow road, because it is not an easy road we have chosen. Jesus says “only a few” find it and stay on this road. In Luke 8:4-15 Jesus says that only one out of the four soils will remain. Again in Matthew 7:22 it says “Many will say to me on that day Lord, Lord…and He will say I never knew you.” These are sobering words, sobering statistics, teaching us to hold fast to the Word of God so we don’t fall.

When you read the Old Testament have you noticed how carefully detailed and specific the Lord is about worship and how Israel was to live? The Lord has not changed! The road that leads to life is still narrow, hedged in by God’s laws. We would do well to remember that to guard against “progressive thinking”, in other words—leaving the narrow road. As it is written, “You reject all who stray from your decrees” (Ps 119:118).

It may be the road that is not popular, and certainly less travelled, but it is the ONLY road of hope, the road of true joy, blessings, and a rich inheritance! Therefore, my dear sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you from the narrow road.

Carolyn Shlesinger

Wise Decisions

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:32:00 +0000

by Kevin Booker

There are decisions that we need to make everyday of our lives. Some of those decisions have minor consequences, like what you decide to wear or what you may decide to eat for lunch. There are some decisions however; that need a lot of wisdom and discernment to make because the consequences can be major and long lasting, such as where we decide to work or who we marry, or where we decide to live.

Let’s look at how one unwise decision cost one man so much:

Gen 13:10-12 “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.”

This one decision resulted in Lot losing his home, his wife, and his future sons-in-law. This decision also resulted in Lot’s daughter’s using deceit and trickery to have him impregnate them, which caused the birth of the Moab and Ammonite nations. These nations became the enemies of Israel.

Although Lot was a righteous man, and followed the way of the Lord, (2Pt 2:7-8) he made a decision based on what seemed good to his eyes, and that resulted in much suffering and misery for Lot, his family and the entire Israelite nation!

Brothers and sisters, when the way is before us we need make our decisions based on the Spirit and not our flesh. As the old saying goes, “looks are deceiving”. So let us pray for wisdom and seek godly advice when making important decisions. This will bring joy, peace, and contentment not only to our lives, but to our families and the kingdom of God as well!

Pro 3:7 “Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.”

Fleeing Idolatry and Embracing the Abundant Life in Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Deuteronomy 30:6 GW The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants. You will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and you will live.

Deuteronomy 30:11 GW This command I'm giving you today isn't too hard for you or beyond your reach.

Deuteronomy 30:14 GW No, these words are very near you. They're in your mouth and in your heart so that you will obey them.

Deuteronomy 30:17 GW But your hearts might turn away, and you might not listen. You might be tempted to bow down to other gods and worship them.

Deu 30:19b-20a Choose life so that you and your descendants will live. Love the LORD your God, obey him, and be loyal to him. This will be your way of life...

What are these other gods that will tempt you to forget the Lord's commands? Who are these gods that may cause you to turn away and not listen to the life giving commands? What are you tempted to worship and surrender to?

For me it has been anything that may give me a false hope or confidence in the flesh - in my skills or ability. Other gods that have tried to cause me not to listen to the Lord:

education - college degree
jobs - career advancement
relationships - dating
passions - music, entertainment

I have looked to increase my significance and confidence through these things instead of through God. I have looked to them to give me what I want in life instead of looking to God and I have looked to these to save me from fear and to give me hope instead of depending on God. These are false gods who no longer hold any power or appeal over me. I have destroyed their influence in my life and banished them from my thoughts only in Christ Jesus!

If these have caused you to worship them - bow down to them, surrender to them or serve them then they are your idols and your heart has turned away from the living God. If you serve your job as opposed to having it serve you then your job is your idol. If your job has become the excuse for why you don't have time to study your bible or why you don't attend services or bible class then you worship a false god. You have bowed down to your idol and are letting it turn your heart away from God.

If you serve your possessions or your education instead of it serving you then you have bowed down to the pressure of your idols and are letting them turn your heart from God's life giving commands. Give them up and put them in their place!

Does that mean I should't go to college or finish my degree or work in such and such a place? Not necessarily. Remember what Jesus said in our prime directive: "Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be given to you as well" - Mat 6:33. If and when these things become a burden to you, impeding you in any way from the path God has outlined for you in Christ, then they have become idols to you; false gods that must be destroyed for the sake of your soul. When these things begin to make you a slave to your passions instead of being tools to serve God then they have become idols; false gods to you that you must destroy for the sake of your soul.

Have the mature spiritual attitude the Spirit teaches us to have as expressed through Paul in Php 3:7-16 (ESV):

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (8) Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- (10) that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (11) that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Faith Begins @ Home

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:55:00 +0000

By Robert Young Sr.

As we embark on another year of our lives, many have created lists of “New Year’s Resolutions” that usually dissolve within a month or two. As disciples I hope that we have moved past the yearly resolution to set up some very powerful goals to ensure that you and the disciples around you (or future disciples around you i.e. children), begin building your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ at home. We should not depend on Sunday worship service, or Wednesday night Bible class, or Friday night devotional for our spiritual feeding. They are supplements (vitamins) that only take full effect if you are doing your part at home. Your foundation for strong faith begins at home first. The Bible makes it clear in Psalm 1:1-3 that if you want to be blessed you must delight in the word of God and meditate on it every day and night. Hence reading my bible during any of the above mentioned church meetings alone would be like eating 3 times a week. For many of us not eating 3 times a day is unthinkable, can you imagine only eating 3 times a week, yet many of us lay aside time for many other things but no time for good old-time gospel fashioned bible study. I give you this challenge! This year many members in our congregation have set a goal to read the entire bible in one year. Everyday my family and I sit together with our bibles in hand and read three or more chapters. I do not prepare a lesson or anything else. We just read. While we read that is when the scriptures come alive and the questions and the discussion come naturally. If I don’t have an answer to a question, I let my family know that I will get back to them after I have done some research. We love it! There are many different reading plans to choose from and one good place to find them is YouVersion.com. I look forward to hearing some of the blessings you experience with your family as you live out this challenge in the year of our Lord 2011.

Thinking Traps

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:42:00 +0000

The Apostle Paul encourages Timothy, the evangelist at Ephesus:

1Ti 6:20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge…

It is important not to get caught up with what everyone else (the crowd) is thinking. Truth and sound doctrine do not depend on what other people think to be true. It depends on the revealed word of God! Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for seeking the glory of man (John 5:44) which often is your own glory (John 7:18). We praise books written by people as opposed to seeking the glory of God, along with His honor and immortality (Rom 2:7)!

Guard your heart and your mind! - Proverbs 4:23

Your heart/mind sets up many traps for you. Unless you’re aware of them, these traps can seriously hinder your ability to think rationally and carefully when listening to what others say and studying the Scriptures.

Here are 5 of the most harmful of these traps, and how to avoid each one of them:

1. The Anchoring Trap: Over-Relying on First Thoughts

Your starting point can heavily bias your thinking: initial impressions, ideas, preconceived ideas and presumptions.

This trap is particularly dangerous as it’s deliberately used in many occasions, such as by experienced salesmen, who will show you a higher-priced item first, “anchoring” that price in your mind. Some false teachers will do the same by emphasizing certain points that have no contextual relevance to the idea discussed. Many false religious convictions have begun with pride and prejudice – and fuel these thoughts in others by trying to anchor certain ideas that may be irrelevant to the issues at hand.

You need to assume nothing and start with a clean slate when looking at the Bible. Let the Bible build your ideas, don’t come with presumption to your Bible Study.

Always view a problem from different perspectives. Think on your own before consulting others. Search the Scriptures and make sure you are following in the footsteps of Jesus and pray for enlightment with the right attitude.

2. The Status Quo Trap: Keeping on Keeping On

People tend to repeat established behaviors, unless they are given the right incentives to change them. The status quo automatically has an advantage over every other alternative.

This has to do with “the traditional view”. Well, how scriptural is your tradition? Does it negate or compete with what the Bible says? Just because other people are doing it or thinking it doesn’t mean it is true. We need to let the Scriptures dictate truth and not human behavior or culture dictate truth! Jesus pointed this out to the Pharisees in Matthew 15.

Mat 15:3 ESV He answered them, "And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?

Mat 15:7-9 ESV You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: (8) "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; (9) in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

3. The Sunk Cost Trap: Protecting Earlier Choices

You pre-ordered a non-refundable ticket to a basketball game. On the night of the game, you’re tired and there’s a blizzard raging outside. It may be hard to admit, but staying at home is the best choice here. The money for the ticket is already gone regardless of the alternative you choose: it’s a sunk cost, and it shouldn’t influence your decision.

Be OK with making mistakes. Listen to people who were not involved in the earlier decisions. Focus on your goals.

Philippians 3:13-16 NIV Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (15) All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (16) Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Don’t invest more time trying to pursue an idea that is false or that doesn’t have much support from Scripture. Just because you’ve gone to a lot of trouble to defend it or uphold it doesn’t mean you want to continue to support it in light of better evidence and new revelation from Scripture. Don’t protect earlier convictions you had that you’ve discovered are not true and scripturally unsupported. Live up to what you know is true and don’t lose sight of the basic truths of the Gospel: dying to self, living for Christ and loving one another. Anything that does not come from love is not from God, it is from selfishness and probably from your own mind and heart.

4. The Confirmation Trap: Seeing What You Want to See

You feel the stock market will be going down and that now may be a good time to sell your stock. Just to be reassured of your hunch, you call a friend that has just sold all her stock to find out her reasons. You have just fallen into the Confirmation Trap: looking for information that will most likely support your initial point of view.

This reminds me of the people Paul warned Timothy about:

2Ti 4:3-4 NIV For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (4) They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Expose yourself to conflicting information. Don’t ask leading questions. You need an attitude check – to make sure you are not following your heart but your faith.

Don’t build up a theory to try to support your own presumption but be led by facts (fruit) and not by suppositions or emotional investment. If you are heart led you will always be regretting your choices.

Pro 3:5-8 ESV Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (7) Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. (8) It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

5. The Incomplete Information Trap: Review Your Assumptions

Overlooking a simple data element can make our intuitions go completely astray. Everyone keeps mental images that make them jump to conclusions before questioning assumptions or checking whether they have enough information. You need to approach the subject with a clean slate. Let your data, views and convictions come from the Scriptures alone and not from any tradition or teaching you have received that is not from the Bible. Check everything out, like the Bereans did, which caused them to be viewed by the Holy Spirit as people with noble hearts:

Act 17:10-11 ESV The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. (11) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Make your assumptions explicit. Always favor hard data over mental simplifications.

Always favor the simplest scriptural interpretation over the most complex one. Always favor that Scriptures work together, not apart and avoid lengthy and twisted interpretations that tend to attempt to justify personal views or likes/dislikes. Always favor clear and objective explanations usually found in the New Testament than scriptures in the Old Testament that may be harder to discern.

Traps taken from “Top 10 Thinking Traps Exposed — How to Foolproof Your Mind, Part I” found on SumbleUpon.

Link

No Testimony Without A Test

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:11:00 +0000

Matthew 26 & Acts 2

Have you ever thought that you were in a position to testify about our Lord and Savior and to your surprise the opportunity or situation didn’t go as well as you would have liked? Have you ever thought you were growing in the Lord and to your surprise you found you hadn’t grown as much as you thought, based on your response to a particular situation? You are not alone! Peter had a similar experience in Matthew 26:

³¹ Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ ³² But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” ³³ Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” ³⁴ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” ³⁵ But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

First, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial and later in Matthew 26 we read of the events that follow:

Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. ⁷⁰ But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. ⁷¹ Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” ⁷² He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” ⁷³ After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” ⁷⁴ Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵ Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Clearly Peter wasn’t ready to share his testimony of Jesus. It was unfortunate that Peter disowned Jesus three times. The bible states in 1 Samuel 16:7, “Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.” By outward appearances, Peter failed the test! God could have decided to end his use of Peter to share the Lord’s testimony. However, Peter didn’t give up and neither should we! Praise be to the Lord that he uses Heavenly wisdom (and not worldly wisdom) spoken of in James 3:17 “ …but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” God saw fit to use Peter later on, on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:14 “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ³⁶ “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save you from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

God did not give up on Peter, even though he failed three tests. Because of God’s unfailing love, Peter didn’t give up on God even though he failed three tests. God used him to give a powerful testimony that led 3,000 people to repentance and baptism. Praise God!! Let us encourage (Hebrews 3:13) one another not to give up, not only when we face trials, but even when we fail tests! Instead, remember the lesson of Peter who learned from his tests that led him to his testimony.

Submitted By,

Jamal Colson

It’s All About God and You: YouVersion.com

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:21:00 +0000

With 2010 winding down and thoughts of resolutions or re-attempts coming to mind, I would like to propose a friendly challenge to all my family and friends. I have strived to read the Bible all the through every year. Sometimes I do it and sometimes I don’t get to finish it within the year. I strive to read a different version each year. I’ve read the NIV, the NAS and some Spanish versions as well. This year I read through the ESV. I’m almost done with the ESV that is. In 2011 I am committing to read through God’s Word for the Nations Translation (GW – God’s Word) and the year after that I want to read the Deaf Version (ERV – Easy To Read).

Needless to say it is a very enriching experience to be in the Word on a daily basis. No matter how many times you do it or how you do it, it is taking in Life itself from the Bread of Life and the Living Water Himself, Jesus and His Spirit.

Jesus Himself said: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. – Matthew 4:4

If you think eating is important, and I am sure you find time to eat at least once a day, then how much more is eating from the Bread of Life Himself?

This is why I am proposing that all of us, as a church family, read through the Bible together in 2011. We have a Bible Reading calendar on our website (http://www.licoc.org/TBS/readindexf.htm) you can print and follow along.

For those more technically inclined, I have discovered a website that will not only facilitate your reading when you’re on the move (they have many great reading plans to choose from), but also allow us to share with each other our thoughts on what we are reading in the spirit of Galatians 6:6:

“One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.”

This site is youversion.com. Creating an account is free and you can join the group LIChurch to see all the notes and comments we write pertaining to the verses we read.

Not only is youversion.com a website you can access from any computer, but you can also download apps to your Blackberry, iPhone or Android device and have access to your reading plan, comments and bookmarks there as well.

I hope to see you there as we encourage one another and build each other up in the love of Jesus and by having His Word be the center of our lives as we strive to obey Him.

Peace, mercy and grace be with you in Christ Jesus.

I Am Important

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:08:00 +0000

by Claribel Rodriguez de Gelabert

I was going to title this article: “I am not important”. The reason is because often that thought comes to mind. Let me explain.

Sometimes I think I am not important because I am very busy, cooking for my children and my husband, cleaning my home, etc. I look at my husband and children and they seem unaware of what I do. I would like some attention: “Hey, here I am doing all of this! Come and give me some encouragement!” Then I quickly think again about how selfish this may sound.

I know this is not true because my husband is about his work; and my children are doing their thing: homeschool, playing, and often helping me. In addition, every day my husband and my children hug me and tell me, “I love you”, “Thank you for the fabulous food you cook”, and many other forms of encouragement. I asked my husband, “Why do I often feel as if I am not important?” My husband encourages me by saying, “You are the thermostat of our house. You have a profound effect on our household by regulating your temperament first, then helping your children and husband regulate theirs with your incredible patience. Your grace can absorb frustrations, deflect anger and settle indifferences amongst the children with the right attitude and training strategy.”

My reply is usually, “WHAT??!” Then he hugs me and reminds me of Genesis 3:16 (ESV) “To the woman he said, ‘I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.’”

Part of the cross we bear as women is to have a desire for our husbands which they cannot replicate towards us. I think we wish they would have the same attention towards us that we have towards them but it is just wishful and dangerous thinking. It is selfish. Sometimes I resent that my husband has to be the one who rules but it is just an evil impulse from my heart – it is really rebelliousness! Instead of trying to get them to notice me as I serve them, I need to serve them because I notice them and love them. Instead of trying to rule over my husband, I just need to conform to him and be the suitable helper. My desire for my husband should be satiated by his desire for God first, and then his love for me.

I know this sounds hard – it does require a refocusing and a redefinition of what I am and who I am in God's sight. I cannot define my womanhood by the terms of the world or I will be in mental, emotional and spiritual stress! I need to love what God made me and who He made me to be for my husband and children. No longer can I afford to think I should be the center of attention, but the center of service.

Matthew 20:26-28 ESV But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, (27) and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, (28) even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

I am important; so important God did not see that it was good until woman was made for man. Just remember though, woman was made FOR man, not man for woman (1 Co 11:8-9)! Knowing your role defeats any attempt the enemy may make to hijack your heart, marriage and parenting.

Haste Makes Waste… Of Godly Sorrow

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Isaiah 30:1-3 ESV "Ah, stubborn children," declares the LORD, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; (2) who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! (3) Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation.

Are the plans you are so quick to carry out from your heart or from the Lord? How will you know? What alliances are you making in haste to fulfill your heart's desire? Haste is red flag - indicating you are going without seeking direction from God. Deals and contracts you seek for refuge and protection are red flags indicating you are moving away from God as your Rock. These very things you trust in will be your shame and your humiliation, proving your plan was from your wicked heart all along. Pain in your heart now - the godly sorrow that makes you do what is right - gives soberness to know you are on the Lord's path. Your journey will be in joy and your end vindication and righteousness. Let God take care of your pain - don't run away and seek refuge in the world: people, places and things.

Isaiah 33:5-6 ESV The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, (6) and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure.

“Queen of Heaven”?

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:34:00 +0000

Jeremiah 7:18-19 ESV The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire, and the women knead dough, to make cakes for the queen of heaven. And they pour out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger. (19) Is it I whom they provoke? declares the LORD. Is it not themselves, to their own shame?

Who is the "Queen of Heaven"? Obviously the Lord is referring to a false goddess that receives the adoration (worship) of her followers but turns out merely to be an illusion of man, a dumb idol - as the Lord points out through many instances in Isaiah and Jeremiah. I think this applies to anyone who bends their knee and turns their heart to anything or anyone other than God, Jesus and His words in the bible. He alone is worthy of worship! – Rev 15:4

In particular I think this hints at those who pray to or incline their hearts to any goddess of the female persuasion, or any such "person" they claim can hear their prayers or intercede for them other than Jesus, the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5).

Those who use "beads" to pray to a "Queen of Heaven" need to realize that such attempts to seek resolution of guilt that does not call upon the name of the only God in Heaven will provoke the Lord to anger at best - resulting in faithless shame.

Please leave Mary out of such shameful attempts. Mary is in Paradise enjoying rest until we all are called to judgment. She herself was in need of a Savior's sacrifice, like you and me, for forgiveness of her sins. Jesus was the only one without sin (Heb 4:15). She can neither hear you nor wishes for her memory to be shamed by people who profess she is a "Queen" or a mediator. She wishes for you to just worship and adore God and Jesus. They can save you, not her nor any other person.

Your God Loves You So

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:33:00 +0000

Isaiah 49:15 ESV “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”

It is hard to think of any mother forgetting her child. Perhaps if the child gives her troubles as he grows older - will she not be forced to remember him even more, though the thoughts are full of grief and pain? And if the child grows to be a righteous man, will not her memories be pleasant and full of thankfulness? Compassion is given by all mothers though their sons may be wicked and evil - remembrance occurs though the children may be out of sight. Absence makes the heart grow fonder - what does presence bring?

I am comforted the Lord utilizes this word picture to teach me that He does not forget me and that His ties to me are stronger than the bond between a mother and her child. Wow! This also teaches me God uses a mother's bond, not the father's, to describe His emotional ties to us. As humans we know women to be more tender and gentle than men - and God, our Father, even more so! Wow again!

Thank you God for carrying my burdens. Thank you for remembering me when I was defying you and trying to forget you. Thank you for reassuring me every single day - whether the days are filled with joy and pleasure or whether the days are filled with drear and pain. I am your child and your face is before me. I seek you and long for you with all my heart! Come soon to get me!

Speak the Gospel Boldly!

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:52:00 +0000

I am so encouraged by this passage:

Acts 18:9-10 ESV And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, (10) for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people."

Remember the Lord is telling you this every day when you go to work, school and when you walk the streets. There are many around you the Lord is trying to reach and you are the messenger. Don't be afraid and don't be silent! Speak boldly about Jesus and His love for us.

The attitude needed to do this is found here:

Acts 20:24 ESV But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

In the following verses, the scriptures teach us what does it mean to testify to God's grace:

Teaching all of the Bible, not some of it (Acts 20:27). That means warning people about Hell as well as preparing them for Heaven. That means teaching people to keep away from those who are false teachers or hypocrites as well as commending those who walk the narrow path.
Pay careful attention to yourself and to God's flock (Acts 20:28-31). (1 Timothy 4:16) - Watch your life and doctrine closely that you may save yourself and those who hear you.
Be alert about wolves coming into the flock and be built up in grace, not judgment (Acts 20:32-35).

This is the way we need to work hard, and it is hard work! Real forgiveness and mercy is not easy. It is hard because we need to confront sin with love. However, it is the only way to live productively in Christ Jesus:

Acts 20:35 ESV In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

As a disciple of Jesus, how are you spreading the grace of God today?

Let Hope Anchor Your Soul

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:36:00 +0000

by Don Strittmatter

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” Romans 15:4

Hope is a very important companion to have in our lives. Our hope is to be part of the glory of God in heaven, to be like our Lord Jesus. Because of this hope that God holds out to us we can rejoice, even in sufferings! Read Romans 5:1-5. Do we see suffering as an opportunity to grow in perseverance and character; that helps value our hope even more? The struggle to overcome suffering produces these valuable fruits in our lives; they build and strengthen our hope.

Hope carries us when our faith is weak and follows encouragingly when our faith marches boldly. As long as we keep hope in sight, we remember Jesus is Lord and sense God is near, no matter what circumstances swirl around us. In Hebrews 6:18-19, the knowledge that we are heirs to God’s promise gives us the encouragement of hope; this hope is an anchor for the soul, holding it firm and secure. The anchor’s purpose is not to stop the storms from happening; it is to hold the ship (soul) steady during the storms and keep it from being blown away from its moorings (The Gospel) and destroyed against the rocks (of sin and doubt). The anchor must have the weight (unwavering trust in God) and strong chain (our prayer, study and obedience) to firmly secure our ship (soul) to the solid bottom of the sea (God’s eternal plan).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:13

God's Desire: Promoting Edification by Instruction with the Word of God in Our Assemblies: That Everything be Done Decently and in Order

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:04:00 +0000

All verses from 1 Corinthians 14 unless otherwise noted.

In the 14th chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthian church the Apostle Paul outlines some basic principles for the assembly of the saints. When these basic principles are repudiated in favor of progressive thinking God's will has been ignored by immature thinking - those who seek the glory of man. The result? Indecency and disorder will spring up bringing shame unto the church.

As church leaders, willing to be used by God to bring about the maturity of the church so it doesn't fall prey to this kind of thinking (Eph 4:12-16), we need to remember that God holds his word higher than his name - Psalm 138:2. We need to have the word of Christ richly dwell in us (Col 3:16) that we may facilitate the proper encouragement and training for those who hear us and see us (1 Tim 4:15-16).

We don't want to support what brings shame to the church (v. 35), but what brings glory to God. We are even instructed in this chapter of 1st Corinthians that those who don't recognize these basic principles will not be recognized, period (v. 38). So we ought to take care not to become people who approve of or are silent about those who have decided to ignore these things.

Paul develops his point in verses 4-12, concluding that we should dedicate our time, talents and energy towards the things that will edify the church and not only ourselves. To be "entertained" or "pleased" is not necessarily to be "built up" or "edified". That is done, as you read through the chapter, by instruction using the word of God.

Paul's example in verses 14-17 illustrates how "understanding" is the key. Our enterprise should promote understanding and wisdom, not necessarily pleasure or entertaining. Our goal is not to please people or do what is popular or modern. Bowing to societal pleasure is the result of immature thinking amongst the leadership. This leads to doubt, moral grayness and the promoting of ideas and people above God's word.

What causes problems in our assembly is explained in verse 20. Immature thinking leads people to indulge in their own thoughts and pleasure/entertainment rather than looking to the building up of others. This is why leaders are not to be appointed in haste but need to be tested unto maturity. They ought to be full of God's Word and Spirit and good deeds as opposed to their own opinion, ideas and desire to implement them.

Paul concludes this chapter with a seal of authority in verse 38. Paul does not recognize those who diverge from this pattern. We cannot recognize as brethren anyone who refuses to recognize this basic principle of instruction and edification trumping self-interest and entertainment. It is not surprising that groups who promote entertainment in their services also permit women to speak in the assembly. The Scriptures not only say this brings shame upon the church (v. 35), but it is also a result of immature thinking, indecency and disorderliness.

Acts 6:3 teaches us what kind of men were picked by the apostles to serve food: only men full of the spirit were designated as public ministry helpers. Tested and tried MEN. So who should be serving the Lord's supper, leading in song and preaching? You get the idea.

Freedom In Christ

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:59:00 +0000

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Gal 5:1

When I was only a couple of years old in Christ I would measure my relationship with God based on the good things that I did. When
I preached the gospel to someone or served my brother or sister in some way I thought that I was doing pretty well and I thought that
God would bless me in some way. But when I fell short in some way, like failing to preach the gospel to someone or giving into
anger, I would get down and wait for God to discipline me. I had a lot of ups and downs because I was basing my relationship with
God on me and what I did. I thought that my actions were earning me either blessings or curses.

I mistakenly believed that my faith in Christ could be expressed by following rules and regulations. I had to learn what Paul told the
Galatian church:

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” Gal 5:6

Because Jesus went to the cross to abolish the law with all its regulations and commandments we are now able to live in the new way
of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. (Eph 2:14-15; Rom 7:6) Praise God that because of the Spirit we are now
free from the law and we can focus on love!

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one
another.” Gal 5:13

Trying to live by law will only cause you to be critical (of yourself and others), and struggle with envy and guilt. Focusing on the
Spirit and living a life of love is what will give us peace and confidence in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this
world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not
been perfected in love.” 1Jn 4:17-18

Kevin Booker

Keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins…

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:21:00 +0000

In Psalm 19:13 David prays “keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.” (ESV) David gave us a good prayer to imitate.

The word presumptuous means taking liberties, being forward. In the Hebrew dictionary the word can mean daring, arrogant, or proud. Presumptuous thinking is “how can I be served”, rather than looking to serve others. Presumptuousness is not looking to God, but looking to people, expecting to be served and have all your needs met by them, when only the Lord can meet all your needs. Obviously this type of thinking is dangerous and leads to sin.

An example of presumptuous sin is found in 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. We read about King Uzziah. The chapter tells of all the wonderful things Uzziah did, but in verse 16 it reads, “but when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction”. He went to burn incense in the temple of the Lord--something only the priests were authorized to do. Maybe he thought he could do a better job than the priests—whatever the reason he acted presumptuously. In v19 it says he was so angry, and was raging at the priests. At that point the Lord struck Uzziah with leprosy for his unfaithfulness. If he would have humbled himself after the priests told him not to do this thing, he would’ve spared himself great loss. This presumptuous act cost him his life—he had leprosy until his death.

2 Peter 2:10 speaks about those “who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries.” (NKJV) Being presumptuous is the opposite of having a quiet and gentle spirit. It is an attitude dominated by self-interest. I fall into presumptuous thinking at times. When I start looking at everyone in my life, and presuming how they ought to be acting, that’s my cue that I know I need to humble myself, and change my thinking. I confess my sin, and start meditating on verses like Philippians 2:4 “in humility consider others better than yourselves”, and the simple verse in Ephesians 4:2 “be completely humble and gentle.”

Deuteronomy 17:12, 13 Moses wrote that “the man who acts presumptuously by not obeying the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or the judge, that man shall die. So you shall purge the evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear and not act presumptuously again.” (ESV)

1 Peter 1:17 says “pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” That word “fear” is speaking of a loving reverence for God, fear of displeasing or causing pain to God. Presumptuousness is not acting out of reverence for God.

Exodus 20:20 says “that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Remembering the fear of the Lord always helps me to humble myself, keeps me from acting presumptuously, and keeps me faithful.

-- Carolyn Shlesinger

Seeking God or Man’s Glory?

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:56:00 +0000

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, (40) yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. … (44) How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? … (47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words? – John 5:39-47 ESV

The Scriptures, God's own words, contain the revelation of salvation for man's soul. The Scriptures bear witness of Jesus. If you do not have the Scriptures within you then you don't have God's love in you - you have man's glory in you. To receive Jesus is to believe and have the Scriptures in you. Otherwise you have man's glory in you and not God's love (1 John 3). If you don't believe in the writings you don't believe in Jesus' words either, for the writings testify about Jesus. How we practice what we study and why we do it reveals who we worship.

If your desire is to seek man's wisdom and fulfill your own idea of what you think life is teaching you, or perhaps be known as an important and influential teacher – you will not end up believing what the Scriptures teach. You may read it and read it and yet you will end up making your own doctrine as you go along, seeking the approval of others or your own approval instead of God's. Listen to what Jesus says here:

If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. (18) The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. – John 7:17-18 ESV

Some "authoritative" Christian writers are all about heightening doubt and expressing human opinion over godly instruction. When you read their books and musings most of what you get is grayness, not real clarity, unless they speak by spiritual wisdom from the Scriptures. Truth is simple and can be simply understood. But beware of long explanations and lengthy writings when someone attempts to “interpret” what the scriptures are saying! Where there are many words sin is not absent (Prov. 10:19). Complicated doctrines and teachings have little to no truth in them. They are full of presumption and man’s glory, which is why people who write them need so many letters in front or behind their name. Where is the authority coming from? Man. And what is in man? If not the love of God, then hatred, murder, lies and the like (Mat 15:18-20). In the name of academic pursuit or theological significance these so-called teachers have failed to simply let their heart pursue the pure word of God and have allowed man's glory to distract them.

Brothers and sisters, of the reading and writing of books there is no end (Ecc. 12:11-12). Fill yourself up with the word of God, as Peter encourages; search for truth in His word and fill yourself with the words of God and delight in God’s Word.

We have been reading and studying Peter and John’s writings. These brothers were elders by the time they wrote their letters. They had much wisdom and maturity, not to mention they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. See the clarity in their words? The simplicity in their instruction? Do you see any grey areas or does it look pretty much black and white? Judge for yourself the things you choose to read and see if they are full of black and white truth or the grayness of man’s glory and presumptions.

The Jews whom Jesus addressed were probably those who sought man’s interpretations of the Scriptures more than they sought and prayed for truth. This prevented them from spiritual discernment of scriptures since they were more impressed with man’s musings than God’s wisdom and truth. Are you easily impressed by people’s speeches or books or opinions? Do they sound intelligent? Do they sound confusing?

“…long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2 ESV

Seek First the Kingdom of God

noreply@blogger.com (kingdomsaint) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:11:00 +0000

When I became a Christian, one of the first passages of scripture shared with me was Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God…” And in the beginning for me that meant to be fully committed to the attendance of mentorship, Wednesday night bible class, Devotional, and Sunday services. As I continue to grow in Christ I have become aware of the fact that church attendance is only beginning to scratch the surface of what it means to “Seek first the kingdom of God.” What I have grown to understand is that seeking first the kingdom means that I am called to put the Church and her interests above my own interests. Although it seems we have a built in compass that only points to "me", our true purpose in Christ is to serve others. When I focus on my needs, it only causes me to worry which leads to stress, anxiety and a quick death (Matthew 6:27). My true blessing on this side of heaven is that I do not have to be stressed out about my life, about what I shall eat or what I shall drink; or about my body, what clothes I shall wear. We can continue this list of possible worries with where I will live, what school I will attend, who I will marry, etc. Life, or should I say, the purpose of life is much more important than these things. Instead of being focused on myself, God has taught me that He will take care of me and my needs as I seek first His kingdom. So as I decide where to live it should be a place in which the church will benefit. The school that I attend, and the schedule I choose should be a blessing to the church. The person I choose to marry should be my partner in building God's kingdom. I have decided that everything I do I want it to be done while seeking first the kingdom of God. Knowing that He is taking care of me frees my mind and gives me peace so that I can fulfill His purpose for me and take care of His Church. Amen?

Robert Young