Introduction
Do you consider your child as a gift? A gift is something that brings joy, pleasure, and happiness. Usually a gift is appreciated by the recipient. The gift is protected and given special attention.
Explanation
Read Psalm 127:3 – “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him” (NIV) Children are a blessing and not a curse. They are to be seen and heard. Though sometimes they may bring disappointment and sorrow, it is not to compare with the laughter and joy they bring to the home. Unfortunately, many of our children feel they are in the way of the parents and see themselves as an inconvenience. They never do anything right. They are always talking back. Sometimes parents say harsh things to the child like “I wish you were never born.”
Application
A child is a gift from God. It is expected of God that we nurture our children, protect them, give them special attention, and make them feel appreciated. Not only are we to give, but if we do as God expects, our children will bring us special joy, pleasure, and happiness that no material thing can do.
Conclusion
Let us take the pleasure with the disappointments. Count your blessings and see how the joy children bring far outweighs the disappointments.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Singled Out
Introduction
Have you ever been singled out among a group? You tried to dodge eye contact. You lowered your head as a hint that you didn’t want to be chosen. You knew it was coming. Your name was called. You asked yourself, “Why am I always chosen to participate in the “challenging” projects? There are thousands of others who can do just as good a job as me.” Though you think many others can do what you do, you have been singled out. You have been called.
Explanation
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 15 – “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (NIV) We have all been called to be children of God not just so we can go to heaven. God wants us to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ right now.
What does it mean to share in the glory of Christ?
1. Jesus was glorified in death for though He did not sin, He died for our sins. We must share in the death of Jesus. It is God’s desire that we surrender our all to His Holy Spirit by putting to death our selfish ways.
a. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24,25, NIV)
2. Jesus was glorified in His resurrection. Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to death on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead and “exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9, NIV) When we humble ourselves putting to death our selfish ways, God will exalt us just as He did Jesus.
a. The Word says, ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6, NIV)
Application
Yes. We are singled out for a reason. We are called to share in the glory of Christ.
Yes. We get tired of being singled out all the time.
We have been called. “…stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you…”
Conclusion
Though we are singled out, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV) Accept your call. Do your best for to the glory of God.
Have you ever been singled out among a group? You tried to dodge eye contact. You lowered your head as a hint that you didn’t want to be chosen. You knew it was coming. Your name was called. You asked yourself, “Why am I always chosen to participate in the “challenging” projects? There are thousands of others who can do just as good a job as me.” Though you think many others can do what you do, you have been singled out. You have been called.
Explanation
Read 2 Thessalonians 2:14, 15 – “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (NIV) We have all been called to be children of God not just so we can go to heaven. God wants us to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ right now.
What does it mean to share in the glory of Christ?
1. Jesus was glorified in death for though He did not sin, He died for our sins. We must share in the death of Jesus. It is God’s desire that we surrender our all to His Holy Spirit by putting to death our selfish ways.
a. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24,25, NIV)
2. Jesus was glorified in His resurrection. Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to death on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead and “exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9, NIV) When we humble ourselves putting to death our selfish ways, God will exalt us just as He did Jesus.
a. The Word says, ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6, NIV)
Application
Yes. We are singled out for a reason. We are called to share in the glory of Christ.
Yes. We get tired of being singled out all the time.
We have been called. “…stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you…”
Conclusion
Though we are singled out, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV) Accept your call. Do your best for to the glory of God.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
How Did He Know?
Introduction
If someone gave you one wish with a guarantee to fulfill it, what would you ask for? Would you ask for power, popularity, and prestige? Would you ask for riches beyond imagination? Would you ask from long life? How would you know what to ask for?
Explanation
Read 1 King 3:5,9 – “…God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you. …So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.’ (NIV) Solomon had an opportunity to ask God for anything in the world, but all Solomon wanted was wisdom so he could please God who called him to be king.
Solomon, the author of many proverbs, wrote “When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, ‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.’” (Proverbs 4:3-7, NIV)
How did Solomon know to ask God for wisdom? He was taught such from his father while he was young. Solomon wrote the words of his father upon his heart. As a result, he received wisdom from God and much, much more. He received riches, honor, and long life.
Application
What is wisdom? Wisdom is the ability to know what is best and the willingness to do it.
Unfortunately, we impart little knowledge to our children. Therefore, when faced with tough decisions, they make the wrong ones. It only takes a few minutes to discuss the destructiveness of drugs, alcohol, and pre-marital sex and the significance of purity and a good education.
Sometimes we don’t feel fit to impart knowledge because of our past. That is not good enough. We should do our part and pray unto God that our children will put it into practice.
Conclusion
Solomon took the knowledge he received from his father and put it into practice. As a result, there existed no king like Solomon. Parents, let us give our children the knowledge they need to survive this corrupt society. Then trust in God that they will act upon it when faced with tough decisions.
If someone gave you one wish with a guarantee to fulfill it, what would you ask for? Would you ask for power, popularity, and prestige? Would you ask for riches beyond imagination? Would you ask from long life? How would you know what to ask for?
Explanation
Read 1 King 3:5,9 – “…God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want Me to give you. …So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.’ (NIV) Solomon had an opportunity to ask God for anything in the world, but all Solomon wanted was wisdom so he could please God who called him to be king.
Solomon, the author of many proverbs, wrote “When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, ‘Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.’” (Proverbs 4:3-7, NIV)
How did Solomon know to ask God for wisdom? He was taught such from his father while he was young. Solomon wrote the words of his father upon his heart. As a result, he received wisdom from God and much, much more. He received riches, honor, and long life.
Application
What is wisdom? Wisdom is the ability to know what is best and the willingness to do it.
Unfortunately, we impart little knowledge to our children. Therefore, when faced with tough decisions, they make the wrong ones. It only takes a few minutes to discuss the destructiveness of drugs, alcohol, and pre-marital sex and the significance of purity and a good education.
Sometimes we don’t feel fit to impart knowledge because of our past. That is not good enough. We should do our part and pray unto God that our children will put it into practice.
Conclusion
Solomon took the knowledge he received from his father and put it into practice. As a result, there existed no king like Solomon. Parents, let us give our children the knowledge they need to survive this corrupt society. Then trust in God that they will act upon it when faced with tough decisions.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Series of Unfortunate Events
Introduction - Have you ever studied hard for a test but still failed or almost failed? Have you ever tried to save up some money for something special but when the time came to buy the something special, you had no money? Have you ever tried hard to win favor with someone and found yourself with no friends at all? Have you ever been hungry, ate some food, but was still hungry? Have you ever wore a big coat in the wintertime but were still cold? There may be something going on in your life that you are not aware of that may be causing these and other unfortunate events.
Explanation - Read Haggai 1:4, 5 - "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? Give careful thought to your ways.” (NIV) When the children of Israel returned home from Babylon, the building of God’s temple was put on hold for a very long time. It wasn’t time yet. This did not please God at all. After all God had done for the children of Israel, the nerve of them to go about and build their own homes but neglect the temple of God. As a result, everything the children of Israel tried to do was cursed. Nothing went right in the land until they changed their priorities.
Application - God no longer dwells in temples built by hands. He dwells in our hearts. We are the temple of God the Holy Spirit. Is your temple in ruin? Have you predetermined that it’s not time yet? Do you have better things to do? Are you spending more time watching TV than studying and meditating upon the Word of God? Are you spending more time grumbling and complaining than obeying the will of God? Is your temple, your heart, in ruins? The reason you may be experiencing a series of unfortunate events is that you have neglected the temple of the Holy Spirit. God is not going to bless you when your heart is all in ruin.
Conclusion – Change your priorities. "Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV) Turn a series of unfortunate events into bountiful blessings.
Explanation - Read Haggai 1:4, 5 - "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? Give careful thought to your ways.” (NIV) When the children of Israel returned home from Babylon, the building of God’s temple was put on hold for a very long time. It wasn’t time yet. This did not please God at all. After all God had done for the children of Israel, the nerve of them to go about and build their own homes but neglect the temple of God. As a result, everything the children of Israel tried to do was cursed. Nothing went right in the land until they changed their priorities.
Application - God no longer dwells in temples built by hands. He dwells in our hearts. We are the temple of God the Holy Spirit. Is your temple in ruin? Have you predetermined that it’s not time yet? Do you have better things to do? Are you spending more time watching TV than studying and meditating upon the Word of God? Are you spending more time grumbling and complaining than obeying the will of God? Is your temple, your heart, in ruins? The reason you may be experiencing a series of unfortunate events is that you have neglected the temple of the Holy Spirit. God is not going to bless you when your heart is all in ruin.
Conclusion – Change your priorities. "Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV) Turn a series of unfortunate events into bountiful blessings.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Christian attributes manifested as signs of faith...Obedience
Introduction - We are all under some authority in this life. Now, whether we are submissive to that authority is another story. But isn’t it interesting that our natural tendency is to rebel though the rules and laws of the authority are for our own good?
Explanation - Read Phil 2:12 - "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (NKJV) It is the will of God that we obey Him at all times and in all places. We sometimes want to be selective in our obedience, normally when it is convenient. But God says for us to obey and to do so with fear and trembling.
Application - We may ask, “Isn’t my attending Sunday worship enough? I don’t cuss, drink, or smoke. What more can I do?” The Lord says He'd rather have our obedience over any sacrifice we can give. "Then Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’" (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)
Conclusion - Fear God and keep His commandments. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)
Explanation - Read Phil 2:12 - "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (NKJV) It is the will of God that we obey Him at all times and in all places. We sometimes want to be selective in our obedience, normally when it is convenient. But God says for us to obey and to do so with fear and trembling.
Application - We may ask, “Isn’t my attending Sunday worship enough? I don’t cuss, drink, or smoke. What more can I do?” The Lord says He'd rather have our obedience over any sacrifice we can give. "Then Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’" (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)
Conclusion - Fear God and keep His commandments. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Christian attributes manifested as signs of faith...Persecuted
Introduction - We don’t like pain. We’d rather go an extra 100 miles to avoid pain than to go 2 miles and endure. We are pain averse. And we definitely don’t want to be picked on, talked about, or ridiculed. We want to be liked by everyone.
Explanation - Read II Timothy 3:10-12 - "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (NKJV) If we are genuine Christians trying to live right, we are going to be disliked. People are going to hate us for no reason. It all comes with living a godly life.
Application - “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:35,37)
Conclusion - God has a reward for those who endure persecution in the present. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, NKJV)
Explanation - Read II Timothy 3:10-12 - "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (NKJV) If we are genuine Christians trying to live right, we are going to be disliked. People are going to hate us for no reason. It all comes with living a godly life.
Application - “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword? Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:35,37)
Conclusion - God has a reward for those who endure persecution in the present. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18, NKJV)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Christian attributes manifested as signs of faith...Perseverance
Introduction - Have you ever worked with something or on something and simply got tired of it? We contemplate changing or quitting, especially if that which we are working on is not working out. And most of the time, we find out later that if we had stuck with it for a little while longer, we would have seen fruit from our labor.
Explanation - Read I Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (NKJV) The word of God encourages us to persevere in this Christian journey. We are to give our all unto service to the Lord even when it seems we are not making any progress.
Application - “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV )
Conclusion - Rewards are awaiting us who labor and don’t give up. 1 Corinthians 3:8 says, "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor." (NKJV)
Explanation - Read I Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (NKJV) The word of God encourages us to persevere in this Christian journey. We are to give our all unto service to the Lord even when it seems we are not making any progress.
Application - “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9, NKJV )
Conclusion - Rewards are awaiting us who labor and don’t give up. 1 Corinthians 3:8 says, "Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor." (NKJV)
Monday, April 19, 2010
Christian attributes manifested as signs of faith...Spiritual Growth
Introduction - Has anyone ever told you to grow up or stop acting childish? What were they saying? Basically they were implying that your maturity level is such that being around you has become frustrating and a bit irritating. Patience sometimes runs thin when a person is not progressing in maturity as we know they should.
Explanation - Read 2 Peter 1:8 - "For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (NKJV) It is the Lord’s desire that we grow up, especially in a spiritual nature. As we mature through the study of God’s word and the discovery of what He has given us, we become a more vital part of the Body of Christ.
Application - When we grow up, we see events in our lives from God’s viewpoint. We see troubles and trials as opportunities to increase our faith.
Conclusion - Maturity leads to stability in our lives. Ephesians 4:14 reads, "That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." (NKJV)
Explanation - Read 2 Peter 1:8 - "For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (NKJV) It is the Lord’s desire that we grow up, especially in a spiritual nature. As we mature through the study of God’s word and the discovery of what He has given us, we become a more vital part of the Body of Christ.
Application - When we grow up, we see events in our lives from God’s viewpoint. We see troubles and trials as opportunities to increase our faith.
Conclusion - Maturity leads to stability in our lives. Ephesians 4:14 reads, "That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting." (NKJV)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Christian attributes manifested as signs of faith...Fruitfulness
Introduction - If we plant apple trees, we expect apples. The more apples that are produced, the happier we are. So when the Lord plants a seed of faith in our hearts, He expects our faith to produce something.
Explanation - Read John 15:1-6 - "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 'I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.'' (NKJV) Our lifestyle should be one of fruitfulness. The more fruit we produce, the happier the Lord becomes.
Application - What type of fruit does the Lord expect? He expects fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Any other fruit is of the flesh and rotten to the core.
Conclusion - The production of good fruit only happens when we walk in the Spirit being controlled by God. Galatians 5:16 says, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Explanation - Read John 15:1-6 - "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 'I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.'' (NKJV) Our lifestyle should be one of fruitfulness. The more fruit we produce, the happier the Lord becomes.
Application - What type of fruit does the Lord expect? He expects fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Any other fruit is of the flesh and rotten to the core.
Conclusion - The production of good fruit only happens when we walk in the Spirit being controlled by God. Galatians 5:16 says, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Monday, April 5, 2010
Christian Attributes Manifested Towards Other Christians...Fellowship
Introduction - No matter how hard we try, it is extremely difficult to live alone. It is practically impossible to lead a Christian life without communing and sharing with other Christians.
Explanation - Read Acts 2:42 - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (NKJV) Because we become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers, it is our spiritual duty to stimulate one another to righteousness and obedience.
Application - Watching a T.V. evangelist is not the same as fellowship. There are spiritual needs that all Christians require that can only be obtained through true Christian fellowship.
Conclusion - Fellowship is a commandment of God. Hebrews 10:24,25 says, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Explanation - Read Acts 2:42 - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (NKJV) Because we become partners with Jesus Christ and all other believers, it is our spiritual duty to stimulate one another to righteousness and obedience.
Application - Watching a T.V. evangelist is not the same as fellowship. There are spiritual needs that all Christians require that can only be obtained through true Christian fellowship.
Conclusion - Fellowship is a commandment of God. Hebrews 10:24,25 says, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (NKJV)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Christian Attributes Manifested Towards Other Christians...Bearing Burdens
Introduction - Have you ever said or heard someone say, “It’s not my problem.” Such a statement is usually accompanied by the turning of the head in the other direction or the closing of eyes or the stopping of ears. We don’t want to share in our neighbor's problems.
Explanation - Read Galatians 6:1,2 - "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." As children of God, our brothers’ and sisters’ problems become our problems. And because of our love for our brothers and sisters, we put forth our best effort to bear their burdens.
Application - Let us who are spiritual not turn our backs on those who have fallen or in trouble. If we don’t help, who will? The devil rejoices when he sees our poor attitude saying, “It’s not my problem.”
Conclusion - There are benefits to carrying our brother's burdens. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Explanation - Read Galatians 6:1,2 - "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." As children of God, our brothers’ and sisters’ problems become our problems. And because of our love for our brothers and sisters, we put forth our best effort to bear their burdens.
Application - Let us who are spiritual not turn our backs on those who have fallen or in trouble. If we don’t help, who will? The devil rejoices when he sees our poor attitude saying, “It’s not my problem.”
Conclusion - There are benefits to carrying our brother's burdens. James 5:20 says, "Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins." (NIV)
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Christian attributes manifested towards the world...Love towards enemy
Introduction - Naturally, if someone does us wrong, we seek revenge. It is extremely difficult to let something slide. We make our list and check it twice.
Explanation - Read Matthew 5:44 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." When was the last time you blessed someone who cursed you or did good to someone who spread a lot of lies about you? Have you ever gotten down on your knees and prayed for the person who used and abused you?
Application - Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to love our enemies. Romans 5:5 says that the love of God has been poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Conclusion - God would not ask us to do something we are not equipped to do. Gal 5:22 says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" (NIV) If we walk in the Holy Spirit, who indwells each Christian, we will be able to love as God loved us.
Explanation - Read Matthew 5:44 - "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." When was the last time you blessed someone who cursed you or did good to someone who spread a lot of lies about you? Have you ever gotten down on your knees and prayed for the person who used and abused you?
Application - Through the Holy Spirit, we are able to love our enemies. Romans 5:5 says that the love of God has been poured in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Conclusion - God would not ask us to do something we are not equipped to do. Gal 5:22 says, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" (NIV) If we walk in the Holy Spirit, who indwells each Christian, we will be able to love as God loved us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Christian attributes manifested towards the world...Work
Introduction - The word “work” is like a curse word to some people. They desire to improve their lifestyles and obtain material goods, but they do not want to lift a finger and work. Working is the best thing that can happen to all of us because idle minds and idle hands conceive evil.
Explanation - Read I Thessalonians 4:11,12 - "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (NIV) Believe it or not, it takes work to even live a quiet life and mind our own business. We can easily get caught up in popularity contests and even become busybodies.
Application - The key to not getting into or causing trouble is to work.
Conclusion - Stop being a busy body. Work! "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat." (II Thessalonians 3:11,12, NIV)
Explanation - Read I Thessalonians 4:11,12 - "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (NIV) Believe it or not, it takes work to even live a quiet life and mind our own business. We can easily get caught up in popularity contests and even become busybodies.
Application - The key to not getting into or causing trouble is to work.
Conclusion - Stop being a busy body. Work! "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat." (II Thessalonians 3:11,12, NIV)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christian attributes manifested towards the world...Honesty
Introduction - Have you ever heard the phrase, “The devil made me do it?” You usually hear such from those who don't want to own up to their deeds. There is another popular phrase Christians are encouraged to live by. It says, “Tell the truth and shame the devil.”
Explanation Read Romans 12:17 - "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." (NIV) We are to put forth extra effort to do the right thing, not just in front of church folks but in front of everybody, at all times. Honesty does not come easy. We must work at it.
Application - The devil has deceived many people to think they can lie their way through life.
Conclusion - It is important to God that we are honest. Why? No liars will go to Heaven. "…and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Revelation 21:8, NIV)
Explanation Read Romans 12:17 - "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." (NIV) We are to put forth extra effort to do the right thing, not just in front of church folks but in front of everybody, at all times. Honesty does not come easy. We must work at it.
Application - The devil has deceived many people to think they can lie their way through life.
Conclusion - It is important to God that we are honest. Why? No liars will go to Heaven. "…and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Revelation 21:8, NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
