I'm so excited about the work God is doing in and thru our M.S. ministry.
Here's a quick clip Sheila Andrews sent me from this past Wed. nights service Project.
Pastor Jason,
We had a total of 7 students and 3 leaders go tonight to the Parkside Assistant living facility in Starke. I think the students enjoyed it as much as the residents did they said they had fun and want to go back. Their was one 91 year old lady named Laura that had us all laughing like crazy. The girls got to polish one ladies toe nails, another ladies finger nails (in her favorite color hot pink) and fixed one ladies hair. We also met a gentleman named Mr. Wainright who grew up in Starke and at one time was the Sheriff and the park across the road from the facility was named after his mom. Our goal in tonights outreach (visit) was to share the LOVE OF CHRIST!
Next weeks outreach:
Pam knows a woman in Lake Butler that has always been there to help others but now has cancer, she is checking with her this week to see if we can visit her next week maybe taking her a meal or to just visit and let the students take her some baked goods that they make. We talked as a group when we got back tonight and we told the students that we will let them know the final details Sunday before sunday school.
This outreach is in putting to practice the truths they learned thru their recent small group Bible Study "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.
I am so thankful for Pam, Cindy, and Sheila, who are doing such a good job in leading our Middle School students.
I also want to thank our H.S. students who are also investing in the lives of our Middle School students on Wed. and Thurs. afternoon.
Praise God for what He's doing in this area of ministry.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Power of God
I am writing down some of the thoughts from my devotions this morning out of the Book "Primal" by Mark Batterson.
I'm writing these in order to reflect, meditate, process, and digest them, and pray that these truths will ultimately bear fruit in my life.
Perhaps, they will serve as some benefit to you as well.
"A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils. A high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems" A.W. Tozer
When the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, Japan on, Aug. 6 1945, the bomb produced so much energy that the glare from the blast would have been visible from Jupiper, roughly 390 million miles away.
the energy produced by that bomb was the by-produce of a subatomic reaction that used only 1% of 2 lbs. of uranium. 1/3 of 1 oz. of uranium was translated into an explosion 2,000 times more powerful than that of any bomb in the history of warfare up to that time.
That's an awful lot of energy in a very, very, small amount of matter.
Question: If that small amount of energy is virtually inconceivable or what if it were 2/3 of 10 oz. of uranium can we even imagine what that blast, that power, that energy would be, and yet God is the master Creator of all energy in the Universe.
Our God...My GOD...My Savior, My Father, My Friend, then One I come to worship this morning, the One I will proclaim this morning, the One whom the choir will be singing about, the One whom my family and I will be worshipping this morning, is the sum of all energy, the creator of all energy, THE ALMIGHTY!
Do not stand in awe of the Atomic Bomb. Do not stand in awe of Nuclear power. Stand in all of the one who Created it!
To take it a step forward and personalize it, listen to Paul's prayer in Eph. 1
Eph 1:19-21
"The same Spirit that raised Him from the dead is at work within us."
"Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible."
"The quest for the lost soul of Christianity is about rediscovering the primal energy that sustained the first century Church"
"The word for "strength" that Paul used in his prayer is the same word that Jesus used in the Great Commandment. (Love the LORD thy God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) It refers to supernatural strength beyond your natural ability. The moment you put your faith in Christ the best you can do is no longer the best you can do. The best you can do is the best God can do."
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, NKJV
"Billions of Galaxies trace their origin to 4 words"
"If God can create billions of galaxies with 4 words, what can't he do?"
Depending on His infinite power:
"I can't do what God has called me to do today. Not in my own strength. But God never calls us to do something we're capable of."
"Most of what God accomplishes through our lives isn't because of us. It's in spite of us"
Identify several, if not many things that you cannot do today. Identify those things that you do not have the strength, wisdom, ability, power, or control to do, and turn it over to God and pray that He will accomplish by His mighty power to the praise of the Glory of His name. In your weakness let His strength be made perfect.
"All of us love miracles. We just don't like being in situations where we need one. But that is a prerequisite. You will never experieince the power of God until you put yourself into a situation that necessitates it."
Let us be conduits of God's power by dependence and faith instead of obstacles to God's power through unbelief and self-dependence.
Question: How do you know if you're doing this or not? Your prayer life is the expression of your dependence on God.
G.K. Chesterton, "How much happier you would be, how much more of you there would be, if the hammer of a higher God could smash your small cosmos"
*Unless otherwise noted all quotes are by Mark Batterson from "Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity"
I'm writing these in order to reflect, meditate, process, and digest them, and pray that these truths will ultimately bear fruit in my life.
Perhaps, they will serve as some benefit to you as well.
"A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils. A high view of God is the solution to ten thousand temporal problems" A.W. Tozer
When the atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima, Japan on, Aug. 6 1945, the bomb produced so much energy that the glare from the blast would have been visible from Jupiper, roughly 390 million miles away.
the energy produced by that bomb was the by-produce of a subatomic reaction that used only 1% of 2 lbs. of uranium. 1/3 of 1 oz. of uranium was translated into an explosion 2,000 times more powerful than that of any bomb in the history of warfare up to that time.
That's an awful lot of energy in a very, very, small amount of matter.
Question: If that small amount of energy is virtually inconceivable or what if it were 2/3 of 10 oz. of uranium can we even imagine what that blast, that power, that energy would be, and yet God is the master Creator of all energy in the Universe.
Our God...My GOD...My Savior, My Father, My Friend, then One I come to worship this morning, the One I will proclaim this morning, the One whom the choir will be singing about, the One whom my family and I will be worshipping this morning, is the sum of all energy, the creator of all energy, THE ALMIGHTY!
Do not stand in awe of the Atomic Bomb. Do not stand in awe of Nuclear power. Stand in all of the one who Created it!
To take it a step forward and personalize it, listen to Paul's prayer in Eph. 1
Eph 1:19-21
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
NKJV
"The same Spirit that raised Him from the dead is at work within us."
"Without Him, we can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible."
- Is this the truth we are living by today?
- Is this the God we are coming to worship today or is this who we are coming in expectation of today?
"The quest for the lost soul of Christianity is about rediscovering the primal energy that sustained the first century Church"
"The word for "strength" that Paul used in his prayer is the same word that Jesus used in the Great Commandment. (Love the LORD thy God, with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength) It refers to supernatural strength beyond your natural ability. The moment you put your faith in Christ the best you can do is no longer the best you can do. The best you can do is the best God can do."
John 14:12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, NKJV
"Billions of Galaxies trace their origin to 4 words"
"If God can create billions of galaxies with 4 words, what can't he do?"
- What are you expecting from God today?
- What are you expecting God could do in your situation today?
Depending on His infinite power:
"I can't do what God has called me to do today. Not in my own strength. But God never calls us to do something we're capable of."
"Most of what God accomplishes through our lives isn't because of us. It's in spite of us"
Identify several, if not many things that you cannot do today. Identify those things that you do not have the strength, wisdom, ability, power, or control to do, and turn it over to God and pray that He will accomplish by His mighty power to the praise of the Glory of His name. In your weakness let His strength be made perfect.
"All of us love miracles. We just don't like being in situations where we need one. But that is a prerequisite. You will never experieince the power of God until you put yourself into a situation that necessitates it."
Let us be conduits of God's power by dependence and faith instead of obstacles to God's power through unbelief and self-dependence.
Question: How do you know if you're doing this or not? Your prayer life is the expression of your dependence on God.
G.K. Chesterton, "How much happier you would be, how much more of you there would be, if the hammer of a higher God could smash your small cosmos"
*Unless otherwise noted all quotes are by Mark Batterson from "Primal: The quest for the lost soul of Christianity"
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Excerpts from a "Christian Atheist" part 1
A collection of underlined thoughts from Chapter 2 of "The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel
Title: When you believe in God but not in prayer
"The truth is some Christian Atheists believe in God, but they don't believe n prayer. They might claim to believe prayer works, but their actsion say otherwise. Some rarely pray, and when they do, they don't expect anything to change"
"Admittedly, when prayer becomes an empty, meaningless ritual, it is boring. But when you remember who you're talking to---when you acknowledge that the God of the universe is honestly, truly excited to hear from you---that truth alone will change your attitude toward prayer. Move the focus from yourself onto God..."
"One more excuse for avoiding prayer---and this is the deal breaker for most of us Christian Atheists---is that we just aren't sure our prayers will make a difference. We've tried praying before and nothing seemed to happen. After several failed attempts, praying seems at best ineffective and at worse a waste of time."
Question: Does anyone ever feel this way at a typical church prayer meeting? Just a personal question. Is anyone really expecting something to happen in most church prayer meetings.
Story: "A pastor once asked his church to pray that God would shut down a neighborhood bar. The whole church gathered for an evening prayer meeting, pleading with God to rid the neighborhood of the evils of this bar. A few weeks later, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. having heard about the church's prayer crusade, the bar owner promptly sued the church. When the court date finally arrived, the bar owner passionately argued that God struck his bar with lightning because of the church members' prayers. The pastor backtracked, brushing off the accusations. He admitted the church prayed, but he also affirmed that no one in his congregation really expected anything to happen. (Ouch)
The judge leaned back in his chair, a mix of amusement and perplexity on his face. Finally he spoke: "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Right in front of me is a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn't"
Mark 11:24 Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Of course there are certain biblical conditions to this, but do not miss the point)Heb. 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible to please God for He who comes to God MUST believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him"
Expect the presence of God, Expect the power of God...
Question: What is the difference between an atheist who doesn't pray and a Christian who doesn't pray?... Nothing.
May we all repent of our prayerless tendencies and glorify God thru strong faith demonstrated in confident, fervent, consistent, prayer.
Title: When you believe in God but not in prayer
"The truth is some Christian Atheists believe in God, but they don't believe n prayer. They might claim to believe prayer works, but their actsion say otherwise. Some rarely pray, and when they do, they don't expect anything to change"
"Admittedly, when prayer becomes an empty, meaningless ritual, it is boring. But when you remember who you're talking to---when you acknowledge that the God of the universe is honestly, truly excited to hear from you---that truth alone will change your attitude toward prayer. Move the focus from yourself onto God..."
"One more excuse for avoiding prayer---and this is the deal breaker for most of us Christian Atheists---is that we just aren't sure our prayers will make a difference. We've tried praying before and nothing seemed to happen. After several failed attempts, praying seems at best ineffective and at worse a waste of time."
Question: Does anyone ever feel this way at a typical church prayer meeting? Just a personal question. Is anyone really expecting something to happen in most church prayer meetings.
Story: "A pastor once asked his church to pray that God would shut down a neighborhood bar. The whole church gathered for an evening prayer meeting, pleading with God to rid the neighborhood of the evils of this bar. A few weeks later, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. having heard about the church's prayer crusade, the bar owner promptly sued the church. When the court date finally arrived, the bar owner passionately argued that God struck his bar with lightning because of the church members' prayers. The pastor backtracked, brushing off the accusations. He admitted the church prayed, but he also affirmed that no one in his congregation really expected anything to happen. (Ouch)
The judge leaned back in his chair, a mix of amusement and perplexity on his face. Finally he spoke: "I can't believe what I'm hearing. Right in front of me is a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn't"
Mark 11:24 Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Of course there are certain biblical conditions to this, but do not miss the point)Heb. 11:6 "For without faith it is impossible to please God for He who comes to God MUST believe that He is; and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him"
Expect the presence of God, Expect the power of God...
- Consistent prayer: I Thes. 5:17 "Pray without Ceasing"
- Persistent prayer: Luke 18 "Men ought always to pray and not faint"
- Fervent prayer: James 5:16 "The effectual, fervent prayer, of a righteous man avails much"
- Confident prayer: I John 5:14-15 "This is the confidence that we have in Him; if we ask anything according to His will we know that He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, then we know that we have the petitions that we ask of Him
Question: What is the difference between an atheist who doesn't pray and a Christian who doesn't pray?... Nothing.
May we all repent of our prayerless tendencies and glorify God thru strong faith demonstrated in confident, fervent, consistent, prayer.
Do you ever wonder?
Reflections from "Primal" by Mark Batterson
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. Albert Einstein
"The very first revelation of God in Genesis is that of an Artist. And the very first reaction recorded is HIS reaction to HIS creation. Like an artist at the unveiling of his own masterpiece, God steps back at the end of each creation day to look at what He has made. His reaction? God saw that it was GOOD.
That simple refrain is repead each day until the sixth day. Then God steps way back to survey the full scope of creation. God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. His primal reaction is wonderment at His own work."
Do you still wonder? ...
"The sunrise is so consistent that we take it for granted, but few things are as miraculous as the celestial dance that takes place on a daily basis. Our planet spins around its axis at a speed of 1,000 mph. And while our planet does a 360 every 24 hrs., it is alos hurling through space at an unimaginable speed of 67,000 mph. You may not have any big plans for today, but you will travel 1.6 million miles in your annual lap around the sun. And to top it off, the Milky Way galaxy is spinning at approx. 490,000 mph. It takes the Milky Way 200 million yrs. to make one full revolution."
We do not have to go to Wild Adventures, Universal, or Six Flags to get a thrill. We simply need to behold the glory of God in every sunrise and sunset, every rotation of the earth, every starlit night, and every look into the Heavens and allow it to create in us the Primal state of Wonder and Worship.
The great commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...Agreed?
Part of loving God with all of our soul (the seat of our emotions), is found in seeing the wonder of God; and stepping back and saying O God You are Good! You did a really, really, good job today. Bravo!
Do you ever Wonder?
Check out this passage of wonder in Psalm 29
Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty
A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The LORD is over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the LORD sits as King forever.
11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.
NKJV
You may not understand some of the verbage, but it's not about understanding the pictures, it's about understanding the passion for God and His Glory and to stand in Awe of His greatness and respond with an overwhelming emotion of wonder and praise and love that joins in with all who are in His temple and Proclaim "Glory!" "Bravo!", The LORD is Good, the LORD is powerful, The LORD is my Lord!
"Nikola Tesla was one of history's most prodigious inventors. Tesla was granted more than 100 U.S. patents. His most famous---for alternating current---is the power system that supplies our homes with easy access to electrival power via aoutlets. Every time you flip a switch, you owe Tesla a thank you. Tesla had an idiosyncratic personality, but one ritual in particular is both revealing and inspiring. During thunderstorms, he would sit on a couch near a window in his home. Every time lightning struck and thunder claapped, Tesla would rise to his feet and applaud God.
Do you ever wonder?...
"For the record, there are approx. 2,000 thunderstoms somewhere on planet Earth at any given time. And there are appors. 100 lightning strikes per second, or 8.64 million lightning strikes per day! That is a lot of standing ovations. But according to the psalmist, the angels shout, "Encore!" after each one...
When was the last time you gave Him a standing ovation? "
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. Albert Einstein
"The very first revelation of God in Genesis is that of an Artist. And the very first reaction recorded is HIS reaction to HIS creation. Like an artist at the unveiling of his own masterpiece, God steps back at the end of each creation day to look at what He has made. His reaction? God saw that it was GOOD.
That simple refrain is repead each day until the sixth day. Then God steps way back to survey the full scope of creation. God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. His primal reaction is wonderment at His own work."
Do you still wonder? ...
"The sunrise is so consistent that we take it for granted, but few things are as miraculous as the celestial dance that takes place on a daily basis. Our planet spins around its axis at a speed of 1,000 mph. And while our planet does a 360 every 24 hrs., it is alos hurling through space at an unimaginable speed of 67,000 mph. You may not have any big plans for today, but you will travel 1.6 million miles in your annual lap around the sun. And to top it off, the Milky Way galaxy is spinning at approx. 490,000 mph. It takes the Milky Way 200 million yrs. to make one full revolution."
We do not have to go to Wild Adventures, Universal, or Six Flags to get a thrill. We simply need to behold the glory of God in every sunrise and sunset, every rotation of the earth, every starlit night, and every look into the Heavens and allow it to create in us the Primal state of Wonder and Worship.
The great commandment is to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind...Agreed?
Part of loving God with all of our soul (the seat of our emotions), is found in seeing the wonder of God; and stepping back and saying O God You are Good! You did a really, really, good job today. Bravo!
Do you ever Wonder?
Check out this passage of wonder in Psalm 29
Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty
A Psalm of David.
1 Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones,
Give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name;
Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
The God of glory thunders;
The LORD is over many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars,
Yes, the LORD splinters the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes them also skip like a calf,
Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth,
And strips the forests bare;
And in His temple everyone says, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the LORD sits as King forever.
11 The LORD will give strength to His people;
The LORD will bless His people with peace.
NKJV
You may not understand some of the verbage, but it's not about understanding the pictures, it's about understanding the passion for God and His Glory and to stand in Awe of His greatness and respond with an overwhelming emotion of wonder and praise and love that joins in with all who are in His temple and Proclaim "Glory!" "Bravo!", The LORD is Good, the LORD is powerful, The LORD is my Lord!
"Nikola Tesla was one of history's most prodigious inventors. Tesla was granted more than 100 U.S. patents. His most famous---for alternating current---is the power system that supplies our homes with easy access to electrival power via aoutlets. Every time you flip a switch, you owe Tesla a thank you. Tesla had an idiosyncratic personality, but one ritual in particular is both revealing and inspiring. During thunderstorms, he would sit on a couch near a window in his home. Every time lightning struck and thunder claapped, Tesla would rise to his feet and applaud God.
Do you ever wonder?...
"For the record, there are approx. 2,000 thunderstoms somewhere on planet Earth at any given time. And there are appors. 100 lightning strikes per second, or 8.64 million lightning strikes per day! That is a lot of standing ovations. But according to the psalmist, the angels shout, "Encore!" after each one...
When was the last time you gave Him a standing ovation? "
Monday, April 12, 2010
Prayer and the Gospel, Part 1
On Sunday nights we have been studying thru the Book of I Timothy and last night we came to Ch. 2:1-8.
I want to write about this message because I know the emphasis that Paul placed on the truth in this passage has not yet taken root in my spirit and will not bear fruit in my life unless I continue to cultivate it in my life. I do not want to move forward this morning in another book or with another truth, but I want to grasp the heart of the Apostle as he communicates the priority of "Prayer and The Gospel"
1 Tim 2:1-7
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NKJV
Background and Context: The Foundation for Paul's 1st letter to Timothy is found in chapter 3:15
1 Tim 3:14-16
These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
NKJV
Paul has left Timothy to serve as an apostolic authority in the organization and oversight of the Church in Ephesus. Timothy had serve with Paul for approx. 15 yrs. at this point and Paul felt there was no other disciple who shared his mind as did his true son in the faith, Timothy.
So, Paul is writing to instruct Timothy on the necessary conduct of the church of the living God who IS the pillar and ground of Truth.
The Brief Synopsis of Chapter 1 is Paul's comforting and charging Timothy as he stands for the Truth of the Gospel. The heart of chapter 1 is connected to the theme that the church of the living God IS the pillar and ground of truth. Paul's exhortation to Timothy is Stand for the truth, Stand against false teachers, stand always for The Gospel. In v. 12-17 Paul pauses to praise God for the power of the Gospel in His own life. (Why not do that sometime today yourself?) In v.18-20 Paul commissions Timothy again with a charge to wage a good warfare for the truth. Holding on to "The Faith" and having a good conscience as it pertains to the truth.
Note: Before we transition into chapter 2 make sure you feel the heartbeat of Chapter 1. The church is the Pillar and Ground of truth and our message is the GOSPEL. Our Hope, our rejoicing, our glory, is in the Gospel! Paul's passion is rooted in the fact that the hope of the nations is found in the Gospel of the Glory of God in Jesus Christ.
Now read Chapter 2 in this context:
1 Tim 2:1-5
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
NKJV
Therefore: refers back to what was said in v.18-20. Paul is connecting the necessity of prayer as it relates to waging a war for the truth and the proclamation and progression of the Gospel.
I exhort: this is not a command that comes from from a king or a position of authority, rather Paul uses a word which means to plead. Paul is coming along side of Timothy and pleading with him to pray, pray, pray, for all men, kings, all who are in authority...for the sake of the Gospel.
first of all: The Priority of prayer and the Gospel. *This is where I have to stop and examine my heart and demonstrate repentance in my life.
Paul pleads with Timothy that above all things you pray, pray, pray, for all men that they would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Illustration: Notice how this truth is illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul in Romans 9-10
Rom 9:1-4
I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,4 who are Israelites, NKJV
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved NKJV
This is the account of Paul's passion in prayer for the Gospel and the Jews. However, he not only had this passion for the Jews, but he also labored in prayer for the salvation of the Gentiles to whom he was called to be a minister of the Gospel.
Application:
Do we have this kind of passion for the salvation of all men?
Does this passion express itself thru supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for ALL men (seeing that God desires [Greek: thelo "a wish or desire that arises from one's emotions] all men to be saved and come to the knowlege of the truth)?
Is prayer and the Gospel to all men "first of all" in my life?
The answer I regret to say is an overwhelming no. However, I do not plan to stay this way. I have seen the error of my way and repentance is in my heart that I might be found a faithful minister of the Gospel beginning "first of all" with prayer for all men.
Who will you be praying for today? (I would love to hear your responses to this question)
Today, my heart is for the black and hispanic community in Lake Butler. My hearts desire and prayer for them is that God would allow us to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that they would become disciples of Christ thru FBC Lake Butler.
I know this is but a small portion of Paul's exhortation, but this is my first step of repentance.
Please pray for me and with me as I seek to be obedient in this area.
I want to leave you with a quote from The Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter as we focus on developing a desire to see all men saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
O, if you have the hearts of Christians, let them yearn toward your poor ignorant ungodly neighbors. Alas, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell. Many hundred diseases are waiting ready to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the Word of God and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned as long as you are saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace. Dost thou live close by them...or meet them in the streets...or labor with them...or travel with them...or sit and talk with them and say nothing to them of their souls or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?
I want to write about this message because I know the emphasis that Paul placed on the truth in this passage has not yet taken root in my spirit and will not bear fruit in my life unless I continue to cultivate it in my life. I do not want to move forward this morning in another book or with another truth, but I want to grasp the heart of the Apostle as he communicates the priority of "Prayer and The Gospel"
1 Tim 2:1-7
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle -- I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying -- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NKJV
Background and Context: The Foundation for Paul's 1st letter to Timothy is found in chapter 3:15
1 Tim 3:14-16
These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
NKJV
Paul has left Timothy to serve as an apostolic authority in the organization and oversight of the Church in Ephesus. Timothy had serve with Paul for approx. 15 yrs. at this point and Paul felt there was no other disciple who shared his mind as did his true son in the faith, Timothy.
So, Paul is writing to instruct Timothy on the necessary conduct of the church of the living God who IS the pillar and ground of Truth.
The Brief Synopsis of Chapter 1 is Paul's comforting and charging Timothy as he stands for the Truth of the Gospel. The heart of chapter 1 is connected to the theme that the church of the living God IS the pillar and ground of truth. Paul's exhortation to Timothy is Stand for the truth, Stand against false teachers, stand always for The Gospel. In v. 12-17 Paul pauses to praise God for the power of the Gospel in His own life. (Why not do that sometime today yourself?) In v.18-20 Paul commissions Timothy again with a charge to wage a good warfare for the truth. Holding on to "The Faith" and having a good conscience as it pertains to the truth.
Note: Before we transition into chapter 2 make sure you feel the heartbeat of Chapter 1. The church is the Pillar and Ground of truth and our message is the GOSPEL. Our Hope, our rejoicing, our glory, is in the Gospel! Paul's passion is rooted in the fact that the hope of the nations is found in the Gospel of the Glory of God in Jesus Christ.
Now read Chapter 2 in this context:
1 Tim 2:1-5
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
NKJV
Therefore: refers back to what was said in v.18-20. Paul is connecting the necessity of prayer as it relates to waging a war for the truth and the proclamation and progression of the Gospel.
I exhort: this is not a command that comes from from a king or a position of authority, rather Paul uses a word which means to plead. Paul is coming along side of Timothy and pleading with him to pray, pray, pray, for all men, kings, all who are in authority...for the sake of the Gospel.
first of all: The Priority of prayer and the Gospel. *This is where I have to stop and examine my heart and demonstrate repentance in my life.
Paul pleads with Timothy that above all things you pray, pray, pray, for all men that they would be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Illustration: Notice how this truth is illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul in Romans 9-10
Rom 9:1-4
I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,4 who are Israelites, NKJV
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved NKJV
This is the account of Paul's passion in prayer for the Gospel and the Jews. However, he not only had this passion for the Jews, but he also labored in prayer for the salvation of the Gentiles to whom he was called to be a minister of the Gospel.
Application:
Do we have this kind of passion for the salvation of all men?
Does this passion express itself thru supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for ALL men (seeing that God desires [Greek: thelo "a wish or desire that arises from one's emotions] all men to be saved and come to the knowlege of the truth)?
Is prayer and the Gospel to all men "first of all" in my life?
The answer I regret to say is an overwhelming no. However, I do not plan to stay this way. I have seen the error of my way and repentance is in my heart that I might be found a faithful minister of the Gospel beginning "first of all" with prayer for all men.
Who will you be praying for today? (I would love to hear your responses to this question)
Today, my heart is for the black and hispanic community in Lake Butler. My hearts desire and prayer for them is that God would allow us to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that they would become disciples of Christ thru FBC Lake Butler.
I know this is but a small portion of Paul's exhortation, but this is my first step of repentance.
Please pray for me and with me as I seek to be obedient in this area.
I want to leave you with a quote from The Puritan Pastor Richard Baxter as we focus on developing a desire to see all men saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
O, if you have the hearts of Christians, let them yearn toward your poor ignorant ungodly neighbors. Alas, there is but a step betwixt them and death and hell. Many hundred diseases are waiting ready to seize on them, and if they die unregenerate, they are lost forever. Have you hearts of rock that cannot pity men in such a case as this? If you believe not the Word of God and the danger of sinners, why are you Christians yourselves? If you do believe it, why do you not bestir yourself to the helping of others? Do you not care who is damned as long as you are saved? If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourselves, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace. Dost thou live close by them...or meet them in the streets...or labor with them...or travel with them...or sit and talk with them and say nothing to them of their souls or the life to come? If their houses were on fire, thou wouldst run and help them and wilt thou not help them when their souls are almost at the fire of hell?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
Just keeping it short and simple I wanted to make a few comments about this weekend.
First of all I want to praise God who according to His infinite wisdom has created a master plan which included the creation of man for the purpose of knowing Him and glorifying Him forever. I thank God for ordaining that I be born into His world and for every good and perfect gift He has graciously allowed me to enjoy over these 36 yrs. (which are also a gift from Him). Though created in the image of God and for His glory because of "The Fall" every man is born an enemy of God, a sinner, a rebel, children of darkness, disobedience, and the devil, and abides under the Righteous, Just, wrath of God against criminals (lawbreakers, sinner, you and I!) However, God, according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of the glory of His grace, set forth His Son as a propitiation for my sins. He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for me, he placed my sins on Him and the sins of all His people and God poured out His wrath on His Son, that my sins would be forgiven and I could be declared "Not Guilty"/Justified in His sight and that I would be reconciled to Him. On the 3rd day he rose again for my Justification. He placed the blood on the mercy seat and Heaven and placated the wrath of God. The veil was torn, the access was given, and I have been raised w/ Him to sit in Heavenly places. O I could say so much more about the Glorious Gospel and the Glory of My precious God Jesus Christ. But this is the foundation of what this weekend means to me. So first and foremost I worship my Lord for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who died for my sins, according to the scripture, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Secondly, I want to praise God for His grace in our church in that we have a Worship Pastor, a Worship leading choir, Sound men, band, and an abundance of gifted singers for the purpose of making His Praise Glorious. I sincerely give thanks to God for this and do not take it for Granted. Thanks be to God for the garment of praise He has clothed us in and for the worshippers He has developed for His glory. I love worshipping with the family at FBC.
Thirdly, I thank God for all the people I didn't know today. I want all of my friends to know the joy I have as I think of all the people, especially in the second service that I didn't know, but I got to preach the GOSPEL, w/ all my heart, and plead with them this one time. Who knows what God might do. Please pray w/ me for the all the faces you have not seen or do not know that were here and heard the word of God. Pray that God would give the increase, that the word would bring forth fruit in their life, that they would be protected from the tempter, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on them, and they would be born again to the Glory of God. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, in Your name we pray. (Please pray God's will to pass, be a partaker in the work of God, and share in the Thanksgiving that will be offered by many)
I usually know most people, but I was know where close today.
I am very thankful that God graced us with around 460 in attendance.
Yes I am grateful for a great crowd. I love the privilege to minister to masses. It is a wonderful blessing that God allows us this kind of opportunity to share His Gospel and Glory. Lord, give us more.
It was a great day and I thank the Lord for such a blessed day.
Live in the reality of the resurrection!
Heb. 13:20-21
P.S.
I am not proof reading this so it may be rough. Out of time.
First of all I want to praise God who according to His infinite wisdom has created a master plan which included the creation of man for the purpose of knowing Him and glorifying Him forever. I thank God for ordaining that I be born into His world and for every good and perfect gift He has graciously allowed me to enjoy over these 36 yrs. (which are also a gift from Him). Though created in the image of God and for His glory because of "The Fall" every man is born an enemy of God, a sinner, a rebel, children of darkness, disobedience, and the devil, and abides under the Righteous, Just, wrath of God against criminals (lawbreakers, sinner, you and I!) However, God, according to the good pleasure of His will and to the praise of the glory of His grace, set forth His Son as a propitiation for my sins. He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for me, he placed my sins on Him and the sins of all His people and God poured out His wrath on His Son, that my sins would be forgiven and I could be declared "Not Guilty"/Justified in His sight and that I would be reconciled to Him. On the 3rd day he rose again for my Justification. He placed the blood on the mercy seat and Heaven and placated the wrath of God. The veil was torn, the access was given, and I have been raised w/ Him to sit in Heavenly places. O I could say so much more about the Glorious Gospel and the Glory of My precious God Jesus Christ. But this is the foundation of what this weekend means to me. So first and foremost I worship my Lord for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who died for my sins, according to the scripture, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Secondly, I want to praise God for His grace in our church in that we have a Worship Pastor, a Worship leading choir, Sound men, band, and an abundance of gifted singers for the purpose of making His Praise Glorious. I sincerely give thanks to God for this and do not take it for Granted. Thanks be to God for the garment of praise He has clothed us in and for the worshippers He has developed for His glory. I love worshipping with the family at FBC.
Thirdly, I thank God for all the people I didn't know today. I want all of my friends to know the joy I have as I think of all the people, especially in the second service that I didn't know, but I got to preach the GOSPEL, w/ all my heart, and plead with them this one time. Who knows what God might do. Please pray w/ me for the all the faces you have not seen or do not know that were here and heard the word of God. Pray that God would give the increase, that the word would bring forth fruit in their life, that they would be protected from the tempter, the Holy Spirit would be poured out on them, and they would be born again to the Glory of God. Let it be so, Lord Jesus, in Your name we pray. (Please pray God's will to pass, be a partaker in the work of God, and share in the Thanksgiving that will be offered by many)
I usually know most people, but I was know where close today.
I am very thankful that God graced us with around 460 in attendance.
Yes I am grateful for a great crowd. I love the privilege to minister to masses. It is a wonderful blessing that God allows us this kind of opportunity to share His Gospel and Glory. Lord, give us more.
It was a great day and I thank the Lord for such a blessed day.
Live in the reality of the resurrection!
Heb. 13:20-21
P.S.
I am not proof reading this so it may be rough. Out of time.
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