DECIDING TO RELY UPON FAITH
So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken……Genesis 12:4
Abraham is not only one of the greatest names in history, he is one of the greatest of the great.
No man ever marked a greater turning point in history. No man ever became father to greater posterity.
No man ever received greater personal promises from God.
More than being a great historical figure, he can be measured as great because of his personal character.
Because of certain distinguishing qualities he can distinctively be called the “friend of God.” Isaiah 41:8
It is with the spiritual significance of Abraham that we are concerned at this moment.
He moves before us in a typical and representative way as the man of faith.
Whatever else he may or may not be, Abraham is outstandingly representative of the man “who believed God.” Romans 4:3.
Some of the most precious and vital lessons of the faith life can be learned by studying his personal history.
Let us examine the twelfth and thirteenth chapters of Genesis, where we have the call of Abraham and his first stepping forth into the walk of faith.
Three verses become key 12:5 “Abram went forth” 12:10 “Abram went down” ; 13:1 “Abram went up.”
In the first of these we see that Abram went forth into Canaan.
In the second we are told that Abram went down into Egypt.
And in the third Abram went “up back into Canaan.
Why was it that Abram went forth into Canaan?
He went in response to a divine call.
Why was it that Abram went down into Egypt?
He went as a result of a decision based upon his own mind.
Why was it then that “Abram went up out of Egypt?
He went back because he learned the lesson that faith in God is better than trusting in our own human reasoning.
In this we have a great example of three lessons in one.
In the first part we see that “Abram went forth into Canaan” which is faith responding.
In the second part we learn that “Abram went down into Egypt” (because of famine) we see faith receding.
In the third part of the lesson we learn that “Abram went up out of Egypt” back to “the place of the altar which he had made there (in Canaan) at the first”, we are seeing faith returning.
Let us think on the first of these FAITH RESPONDING
Chapter 12:4 reads, “So Abram departed, as Jehovah had spoken.”
Faith is always a response to the word of God.
Therefore faith is not a presumption, or a believing without a reason.
Nor, is it ever against reason, thought it is sometimes above reason.
Suppose for a moment, please, that someone reading these very lines has been aroused, by the Spirit of God to consider a sense of personal sin and the need of salvation.
The first thing for one to ask is, “Has God spoken any word for me?”
Then if convinced that the Bible is without doubt the Word of God, the next step is to accept passages such as Hebrews 1:1-3 “( God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high) or John 5:24 (Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life.)
Knowing that the words are spoken directly without waiver to the reader who says in his heart that I believe those are for me, and is then able declare that I am now saved, will see that it is not unreasonable to accept the assurances of Gods Word, and to say that I am now a Child of the Living God.
And it is no longer presumptuous for me to accept and to act upon the promises of Gods Word for that very Word itself tells me that they are all “yeah and amen” to me, in Christ Jesus.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
We live in a day and time when people in and out of the church cannot define what Sin is.
This is a horrible problem in any society.
God has said in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
Whenever a people or a nation can no longer distinguish between good and evil, those people are quickly on their way to destruction.
History is full of nation after nation that fell from global influence to that of no consequence, and even into the pages of non-existence, when their standards of good and evil were changed.
We must have a way to determine right from wrong, good from evil.
We must have a rule that we live by, a standard, else we become no more than “blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both, shall fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:14)
In the spiritual realm there must be a standard for good and evil, or else we have no standard at all.
If good is an arbitrary standard based only on how I feel or think, then what about the person who believes theft is acceptable?
What then about the murderer, or the adulterer, or the abortionist?
How can any of us judge what is right or wrong based only upon what satisfies humanity?
The Bible tells us “that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Our spiritual compass is broken.
We are all sold into sin.
We must have a standard outside ourselves for right and wrong if morality is to be anything more than just a word.
The only true standard exists in Jesus Christ and the written Word of God.
Many are the souls who have been led to believe that salvation by faith in Christ does not require a changed life.
There is no truth in that belief according to Holy Scripture.
There were two thieves hanging next to Jesus as He suffered for us on the cross.
One of the thieves railed against the Son of God and said “ if you are the Son of God, then get yourself and us down from these crosses.” While the other thief said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom…”(Luke 23:42).
The one thief who repented of his deed and had a change of heart was saved at that moment.
The other thief who had mockery in his heart, and who was unrepentant and loved his iniquitous lifestyle, was lost …….forever.
Scripture reveals abundant examples of lives who underwent a change of heart and were saved.
The woman caught in the act of adultery called Jesus, “Lord” and was saved.
The leper came to Jesus in Matthew ch 8 vs. 2 “Lord if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”
Upon the foundational statement of “Lord” he was healed by Jesus.
The centurion who called Jesus, “Lord“ in Matthew ch 8 saw his servant healed.
The blind men who said “yes Lord” to Jesus in Matthew ch 9 were healed.
Over and over again in Scripture we see that those who accepted Jesus as Savior and named Him as “Lord” and placed their very lives and souls to Him were saved.
It is absolutely false for someone to claim Jesus Christ as Savior, and yet reject Him as Lord.
It is absolutely false and completely unbiblical for a person to claim that he is a child of God, and yet wallow in the mud of sin, unwilling to take the steps to flee iniquity and to deny a life of self.
Those who are truly Christ’s become new creatures, children of God by faith in Christ and by the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit of God.
If you can claim the name of Jesus , then live like the one who bears the name that you claim.
This is a horrible problem in any society.
God has said in Isaiah 5:20 “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil: that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
Whenever a people or a nation can no longer distinguish between good and evil, those people are quickly on their way to destruction.
History is full of nation after nation that fell from global influence to that of no consequence, and even into the pages of non-existence, when their standards of good and evil were changed.
We must have a way to determine right from wrong, good from evil.
We must have a rule that we live by, a standard, else we become no more than “blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both, shall fall into a ditch.” (Matthew 15:14)
In the spiritual realm there must be a standard for good and evil, or else we have no standard at all.
If good is an arbitrary standard based only on how I feel or think, then what about the person who believes theft is acceptable?
What then about the murderer, or the adulterer, or the abortionist?
How can any of us judge what is right or wrong based only upon what satisfies humanity?
The Bible tells us “that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Our spiritual compass is broken.
We are all sold into sin.
We must have a standard outside ourselves for right and wrong if morality is to be anything more than just a word.
The only true standard exists in Jesus Christ and the written Word of God.
Many are the souls who have been led to believe that salvation by faith in Christ does not require a changed life.
There is no truth in that belief according to Holy Scripture.
There were two thieves hanging next to Jesus as He suffered for us on the cross.
One of the thieves railed against the Son of God and said “ if you are the Son of God, then get yourself and us down from these crosses.” While the other thief said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom…”(Luke 23:42).
The one thief who repented of his deed and had a change of heart was saved at that moment.
The other thief who had mockery in his heart, and who was unrepentant and loved his iniquitous lifestyle, was lost …….forever.
Scripture reveals abundant examples of lives who underwent a change of heart and were saved.
The woman caught in the act of adultery called Jesus, “Lord” and was saved.
The leper came to Jesus in Matthew ch 8 vs. 2 “Lord if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean.”
Upon the foundational statement of “Lord” he was healed by Jesus.
The centurion who called Jesus, “Lord“ in Matthew ch 8 saw his servant healed.
The blind men who said “yes Lord” to Jesus in Matthew ch 9 were healed.
Over and over again in Scripture we see that those who accepted Jesus as Savior and named Him as “Lord” and placed their very lives and souls to Him were saved.
It is absolutely false for someone to claim Jesus Christ as Savior, and yet reject Him as Lord.
It is absolutely false and completely unbiblical for a person to claim that he is a child of God, and yet wallow in the mud of sin, unwilling to take the steps to flee iniquity and to deny a life of self.
Those who are truly Christ’s become new creatures, children of God by faith in Christ and by the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit of God.
If you can claim the name of Jesus , then live like the one who bears the name that you claim.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Prepare in advance for the Trials to Come
Jeremiah 12:3-5
“But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”
I pray that the Lord will lead me not into temptation but will deliver me from all evil, almost daily.
But if and when I must walk thru violent raging waters, I must be prepared for the test ahead.
James 1:12 Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
I don’t normally do well with tests, but I know that Gods tests reveal the true state of my heart.
Jeremiah understood this, as is evident when he says, ”If thou hast ran with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, how canst thou contend with horses?” Jeremiah 12:5
One way of looking at that is if the people that we know and love are getting under our skin, how will we be able to handle the truly difficult tests, when they come?
If we are coasting comfortably during the smooth times of life, what will we do when the waters of life begin to swallow us?
The good news is, we can be prepared to face the days testing.
We can be prepared to compete.
Here is ample guidance,
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word.
How shall we compete?
By taking up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!
It is Gods Word that will keep us from sin, as we read: I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
During the days of Nehemiah, Gods people would read the Word of God for six hours, and then they would confess their sins for another six hours!
They were prepared to take the test; they were prepared to run the race; they were prepared to compete.
But in today’s fast paced culture, our lives are pulled in many directions that are contrary to a life that is steeped in the study and understanding of Gods Word.
We are continually digesting information, from newspapers, magazines, the TV the internet, a never ending stream of email, to fidgeting endlessly with electronic devices that lumped together so pre-occupy us to the point that we have failed to prepare for the test that is coming.
The accumulated distractions keep us from focusing on that which alone will make us ready for the overflowing of the Jordan----Gods Word.
Preparing to run with horses, to survive when the waters of life overflow, requires serious devotion to God and to His Word.
God will test us.
For whom He loves, He disciplines, David, who was prepared by God through the harshest of tests, says in Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.” He goes on in verse 91 to say “If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.”
When I consider that God has by interest in mind---that God really does forgive me when I repent of my all too frequent sins--that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ask or think--then these motivations renew my resolve to serve Christ and not myself.
Psalm 66:10-12 “For You, God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined. You lured us into a trap; You placed burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us out to abundance.”
Be prepared, study the Word, spend time in His presence, embrace the King.
He will bring you to a place of abundance, and ultimately to the reward of the crown of life.
“But thou, O LORD, knowest me: thou hast seen me, and tried mine heart toward thee: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.
If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”
I pray that the Lord will lead me not into temptation but will deliver me from all evil, almost daily.
But if and when I must walk thru violent raging waters, I must be prepared for the test ahead.
James 1:12 Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
I don’t normally do well with tests, but I know that Gods tests reveal the true state of my heart.
Jeremiah understood this, as is evident when he says, ”If thou hast ran with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, how canst thou contend with horses?” Jeremiah 12:5
One way of looking at that is if the people that we know and love are getting under our skin, how will we be able to handle the truly difficult tests, when they come?
If we are coasting comfortably during the smooth times of life, what will we do when the waters of life begin to swallow us?
The good news is, we can be prepared to face the days testing.
We can be prepared to compete.
Here is ample guidance,
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word.
How shall we compete?
By taking up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God!
It is Gods Word that will keep us from sin, as we read: I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
During the days of Nehemiah, Gods people would read the Word of God for six hours, and then they would confess their sins for another six hours!
They were prepared to take the test; they were prepared to run the race; they were prepared to compete.
But in today’s fast paced culture, our lives are pulled in many directions that are contrary to a life that is steeped in the study and understanding of Gods Word.
We are continually digesting information, from newspapers, magazines, the TV the internet, a never ending stream of email, to fidgeting endlessly with electronic devices that lumped together so pre-occupy us to the point that we have failed to prepare for the test that is coming.
The accumulated distractions keep us from focusing on that which alone will make us ready for the overflowing of the Jordan----Gods Word.
Preparing to run with horses, to survive when the waters of life overflow, requires serious devotion to God and to His Word.
God will test us.
For whom He loves, He disciplines, David, who was prepared by God through the harshest of tests, says in Psalm 119:71 “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.” He goes on in verse 91 to say “If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.”
When I consider that God has by interest in mind---that God really does forgive me when I repent of my all too frequent sins--that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that I could ask or think--then these motivations renew my resolve to serve Christ and not myself.
Psalm 66:10-12 “For You, God, tested us; You refined us as silver is refined. You lured us into a trap; You placed burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us out to abundance.”
Be prepared, study the Word, spend time in His presence, embrace the King.
He will bring you to a place of abundance, and ultimately to the reward of the crown of life.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Fathers Day 2009
A man came by to see me the other day and to pick up some materials to be distributed to those that he met along his journeys.
He mentioned a survey that was taken to prison inmates and the observation made by their actions.
When Mothers Day was approaching, the prison wardens, and guards and other staff bought from their own pockets , hundreds of cards to be sent to Mother, honoring her on that day.
The prisoners were told that whom ever desired a card, could have one or several, totally without obligation, if only they were mailed to the one that they called Mother.
The postage would be paid by those making the offer.
ALMOST EVERY prisoner came forward to take a card.
When Fathers Day was approaching the same prison staff made the decision to extend the same offer to a similar group of men, but the results were not what they had expected.
NONE of the prisoners came forward.
What does this say about the state of our Fathers?
A song by Harry Chapin may just give us something to think about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk_eCI19RIs
My child arrived just the other day
He came into the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew,
He said, “I’m gonna be like you, Dad,
You know I’m gonna be like you”
And in the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy ran off with the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad, I don’t know when
But well get together then, Son
You know well have a good time then.
My son turned ten just the other day
He said thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play
Can you teach me to throw?
I said not today, I got a lot to do
He said “That’s O.K.”
And then He walked away, but his smile never dimmed
And said “I’m gonna be like him,
Yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him.
Well he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and he said with a smile,
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
“See you later can I have them please?”
I’ve long since retired, my sons moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said I’d love to Dad, if I could find the time.
You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.
But its sure nice talking to you, Dad.
Its been sure nice talking to you…………
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He’d grown up just like me, My boy was just like me…….
At d2lifeministries our prayers go out to all the fathers as we continue to raise, guide and instruct our children.
I don’t know what phase of fatherhood that you may be in, but we always remember that we do have a Heavenly Father to help us along the way.
When we make mistakes, as we will, may we humbly go to our Father and confess our shortcomings, and look to Him for wisdom.
Luke 1:17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
Fathers, don’t fail your children.
Repent of self
Repent of pride
Be for you son or daughter as our Heavenly Father is for you.
AVAILABLE and READY
CLOSE AND NOT FAR AWAY
He mentioned a survey that was taken to prison inmates and the observation made by their actions.
When Mothers Day was approaching, the prison wardens, and guards and other staff bought from their own pockets , hundreds of cards to be sent to Mother, honoring her on that day.
The prisoners were told that whom ever desired a card, could have one or several, totally without obligation, if only they were mailed to the one that they called Mother.
The postage would be paid by those making the offer.
ALMOST EVERY prisoner came forward to take a card.
When Fathers Day was approaching the same prison staff made the decision to extend the same offer to a similar group of men, but the results were not what they had expected.
NONE of the prisoners came forward.
What does this say about the state of our Fathers?
A song by Harry Chapin may just give us something to think about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk_eCI19RIs
My child arrived just the other day
He came into the world in the usual way.
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away.
And he was talking before I knew it and as he grew,
He said, “I’m gonna be like you, Dad,
You know I’m gonna be like you”
And in the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy ran off with the man in the moon
When you coming home, dad, I don’t know when
But well get together then, Son
You know well have a good time then.
My son turned ten just the other day
He said thanks for the ball, Dad, come on lets play
Can you teach me to throw?
I said not today, I got a lot to do
He said “That’s O.K.”
And then He walked away, but his smile never dimmed
And said “I’m gonna be like him,
Yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him.
Well he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He shook his head and he said with a smile,
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
“See you later can I have them please?”
I’ve long since retired, my sons moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind”
He said I’d love to Dad, if I could find the time.
You see my new jobs a hassle, and the kids have the flu.
But its sure nice talking to you, Dad.
Its been sure nice talking to you…………
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He’d grown up just like me, My boy was just like me…….
At d2lifeministries our prayers go out to all the fathers as we continue to raise, guide and instruct our children.
I don’t know what phase of fatherhood that you may be in, but we always remember that we do have a Heavenly Father to help us along the way.
When we make mistakes, as we will, may we humbly go to our Father and confess our shortcomings, and look to Him for wisdom.
Luke 1:17 And he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.
Fathers, don’t fail your children.
Repent of self
Repent of pride
Be for you son or daughter as our Heavenly Father is for you.
AVAILABLE and READY
CLOSE AND NOT FAR AWAY
Monday, May 18, 2009
DISCLESHIP SERIES 1
LESSON 6
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
1. How Do You Know God Wants You To Share Your Faith?
A. We are called to be like Jesus.
He came to reconcile the world to Himself.
He has committed to us the Word and ministry of
reconciliation, making us His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
B. We are called to be “a light” to this world (Matthew 5:14).
We are to proclaim the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into
“His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
C. Jesus sent the disciples into the world to preach the gospel to every
creature. (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made it clear whatever He said to them,He said to all. (Mark 13:37).
D. Paul told the Roman believers that their preaching to others was a key
ingredient to others being saved. “How shall they call on Him if they
haven’t believed? How shall they believe on Him if they have never
heard? How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
All believers must confess Christ before others, this is a key ingredient in
your own salvation (Matthew 10:32-33).
E. Jesus said He would make His Disciples, “become fishers of men” (Mark
1:17).
2. Why Don’t Christians Share Their Faith More?
A. Fear of rejection (Luke 10:16) (Matthew10:26).
B. Fear of bodily harm (Matthew 10:28).
C. Being more concerned about the approval of men than the approval
of God ((John 12:42) (John 7:13).
D. Feeling inadequate (Exodus 3:11) (Exodus 4:10).
3. How Do You Become A Fisher Of Men?
If we take the analogy Jesus used we will be able to understand this better.
What does it take to become a good fisherman? A fishing pole, good
equipment, bait, and the experience to use the equipment at the right place and the right time. Immediately you realize you don’t become an expert fisherman over-night. The same is true with fishers of men.
A. First, you need a pole. Without a fishing pole you have no ability to
fish at all.
Your Spiritual ability comes from the power of the HolySpirit.
The Holy Spirit gives you power, boldness, and love (Acts 1:8)
(Acts 4:31) (Galatians 5:22).
B. Next, you need good equipment to use with your pole.
The Word of Godis the equipment you can have to answer peoples questions (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
You must study the Word diligently because people want to know Gods opinion on a subject, not yours or mine.
C. Next, you need bait.
What is someone interested in or what question dothey want an answer for?
The Holy Spirit takes His Word, gives you boldness, and then applies it to the specific need of an individual.
He does this by bringing a passage to your remembrance that fit’s the problem.
Now you know exactly what to say (John 4:1-14) (Acts 2:14-21) (Acts 7:1-54).
D. Last you need experience.
Those who catch a lot of fish know where to fish, and how to use their equipment to present the bait to the fish.
To become a good fisher of men takes time.
The more you share the Gospelthe better you will get at it.
4. How Do You Approach Someone?
A. First, sometimes people approach you.
This is usually because your life has been a witness to them and they want to know why you are different(John 3:2) (Acts 2:12-16).
Make sure that you take these opportunitiesbecause the person has an obvious immediate interest!
These are Divinely ordained situations!!!!
B. The passive approach.
1. From a normal conversation a person may share a problem they are
having in their marriage, job, or personal life; they may be talking
about a current event in the news, or their concern with world affairs.
Ask them if they are interested in Spiritual things.
Ask them if they have ever considered what the Bible says about that issue. Ask if you
could give them a book or a tape on the subject (John 4:14-24).
2. Share your testimony with them if the issues they are concerned about
were the same as your experiences.
Share how Christ has answered your questions and given you peace(Mark 5:19).
3. Invite someone to lunch or dinner to establish these opportunities for
conversation (Luke 19:5).
C. The direct approach.
1. This is where you simply ask the person if you could share the Gospel
with them. The Holy Spirit may open your eyes to someone who seems
interested in Spiritual thing as He did with Phillip(Acts 8:29).
Anotherexample is Paul and Lydia (Acts 16:13).
2. This can be done on the street, door to door, or on your break times in
your workplace(Acts 17:17).
5. What Do You Say Once You Start Talking ?
A. For a new Christian , just share your testimony.
Tell them what the Lord Jesus has done for you personally.
It is very hard for someone to disagreewith you because, it happened to you!
This is where Jesus told the demonpossessed man to start (Mark 5:19), and used the same method with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob (John 4:7-28)
B. Make sure you share the primary facts!
1. Who is Jesus (John 1:1,14)?
God come in human flesh(John 14:9).
2. What has He done for them?
He paid the penalty for Mans sin(Romans 5:6,9,10,19).
He was raised from the dead, that He mightlive as proof that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
He came to give each of us real life (John 10:10) and eternal life(John 17:3).
3. Why did He have to do this?
Because we are sinners and there is a penalty for our sins (Romans 3:23) (Romans 6:23).
4. How can they receive this?
By asking for His forgiveness(Matthew 7:7)(1 John 1:9); calling on His name (Romans 10:13) (Acts 4:12);and receiving Him personally into their hearts (John 1:12).
C. Also make sure there is point of decision.
Ask them, “What’s stopping you from receiving Christ right now into your heart?”.
You haven’t fully shared the Gospel if you don’t ask for a decision (Joshua 24:15)
(1 Kings 18:21) (Acts 26:27) (Acts 13:44-46) (Acts 17:30-34).
LESSON 6
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
1. How Do You Know God Wants You To Share Your Faith?
A. We are called to be like Jesus.
He came to reconcile the world to Himself.
He has committed to us the Word and ministry of
reconciliation, making us His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20).
B. We are called to be “a light” to this world (Matthew 5:14).
We are to proclaim the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into
“His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
C. Jesus sent the disciples into the world to preach the gospel to every
creature. (Mark 16:15).
Jesus made it clear whatever He said to them,He said to all. (Mark 13:37).
D. Paul told the Roman believers that their preaching to others was a key
ingredient to others being saved. “How shall they call on Him if they
haven’t believed? How shall they believe on Him if they have never
heard? How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)
All believers must confess Christ before others, this is a key ingredient in
your own salvation (Matthew 10:32-33).
E. Jesus said He would make His Disciples, “become fishers of men” (Mark
1:17).
2. Why Don’t Christians Share Their Faith More?
A. Fear of rejection (Luke 10:16) (Matthew10:26).
B. Fear of bodily harm (Matthew 10:28).
C. Being more concerned about the approval of men than the approval
of God ((John 12:42) (John 7:13).
D. Feeling inadequate (Exodus 3:11) (Exodus 4:10).
3. How Do You Become A Fisher Of Men?
If we take the analogy Jesus used we will be able to understand this better.
What does it take to become a good fisherman? A fishing pole, good
equipment, bait, and the experience to use the equipment at the right place and the right time. Immediately you realize you don’t become an expert fisherman over-night. The same is true with fishers of men.
A. First, you need a pole. Without a fishing pole you have no ability to
fish at all.
Your Spiritual ability comes from the power of the HolySpirit.
The Holy Spirit gives you power, boldness, and love (Acts 1:8)
(Acts 4:31) (Galatians 5:22).
B. Next, you need good equipment to use with your pole.
The Word of Godis the equipment you can have to answer peoples questions (2 Timothy
3:16-17).
You must study the Word diligently because people want to know Gods opinion on a subject, not yours or mine.
C. Next, you need bait.
What is someone interested in or what question dothey want an answer for?
The Holy Spirit takes His Word, gives you boldness, and then applies it to the specific need of an individual.
He does this by bringing a passage to your remembrance that fit’s the problem.
Now you know exactly what to say (John 4:1-14) (Acts 2:14-21) (Acts 7:1-54).
D. Last you need experience.
Those who catch a lot of fish know where to fish, and how to use their equipment to present the bait to the fish.
To become a good fisher of men takes time.
The more you share the Gospelthe better you will get at it.
4. How Do You Approach Someone?
A. First, sometimes people approach you.
This is usually because your life has been a witness to them and they want to know why you are different(John 3:2) (Acts 2:12-16).
Make sure that you take these opportunitiesbecause the person has an obvious immediate interest!
These are Divinely ordained situations!!!!
B. The passive approach.
1. From a normal conversation a person may share a problem they are
having in their marriage, job, or personal life; they may be talking
about a current event in the news, or their concern with world affairs.
Ask them if they are interested in Spiritual things.
Ask them if they have ever considered what the Bible says about that issue. Ask if you
could give them a book or a tape on the subject (John 4:14-24).
2. Share your testimony with them if the issues they are concerned about
were the same as your experiences.
Share how Christ has answered your questions and given you peace(Mark 5:19).
3. Invite someone to lunch or dinner to establish these opportunities for
conversation (Luke 19:5).
C. The direct approach.
1. This is where you simply ask the person if you could share the Gospel
with them. The Holy Spirit may open your eyes to someone who seems
interested in Spiritual thing as He did with Phillip(Acts 8:29).
Anotherexample is Paul and Lydia (Acts 16:13).
2. This can be done on the street, door to door, or on your break times in
your workplace(Acts 17:17).
5. What Do You Say Once You Start Talking ?
A. For a new Christian , just share your testimony.
Tell them what the Lord Jesus has done for you personally.
It is very hard for someone to disagreewith you because, it happened to you!
This is where Jesus told the demonpossessed man to start (Mark 5:19), and used the same method with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob (John 4:7-28)
B. Make sure you share the primary facts!
1. Who is Jesus (John 1:1,14)?
God come in human flesh(John 14:9).
2. What has He done for them?
He paid the penalty for Mans sin(Romans 5:6,9,10,19).
He was raised from the dead, that He mightlive as proof that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4).
He came to give each of us real life (John 10:10) and eternal life(John 17:3).
3. Why did He have to do this?
Because we are sinners and there is a penalty for our sins (Romans 3:23) (Romans 6:23).
4. How can they receive this?
By asking for His forgiveness(Matthew 7:7)(1 John 1:9); calling on His name (Romans 10:13) (Acts 4:12);and receiving Him personally into their hearts (John 1:12).
C. Also make sure there is point of decision.
Ask them, “What’s stopping you from receiving Christ right now into your heart?”.
You haven’t fully shared the Gospel if you don’t ask for a decision (Joshua 24:15)
(1 Kings 18:21) (Acts 26:27) (Acts 13:44-46) (Acts 17:30-34).
Sunday, April 26, 2009
“The Mystery Flu” The day is over and you are driving home.
You tune in your radio.
You hear a little news blurb about a remote village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a type of flu that has never been seen before.
It is not your typical influenza, but several are dead and many more are desperately ill.
The symptoms are severe, and they are sending a team from the Center for Disease Control to conduct an investigation.
In the whirl of moment you do not think much of it, as your only concern is to return home to those who await you.
On the ride home from church on Sunday, you hear another story on the radio news that rivets your attention, only this time the death toll is not a few, but there are multiple thousands in a remote spot in India that are dying.
On a cable news service that you are viewing the story goes major with wall to wall coverage.
Governments the world over are pouring aid and investigators into the area to ease the suffering, but more importantly to identify the illness and to develop a strategy to contain the growing circle of exposure.
On Monday morning, it is the Headline Story in your area newspaper.
It is no longer contained in India, but has spread regionally to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and is beginning to appear in even more distant areas, and is becoming so discussed that the name of “the mystery flu” is coined and used by everyone.
The President has mentioned that he and everyone within his sphere of influence are praying and hoping that all will turn out all right “over there”.
But everyone we speak to is concerned, what is it, will it be contained, will it just mutate and go away, or will it attack me, and those who are mine?
Then we hear that the President of France has just made an announcement that rattles the continent of Europe.
He will close the borders of France with no air travel allowed from, or into any area where “the mystery flu” is suspected of having a foothold.
Later that day when you again visit the cable news feed you are appalled when an interview is ran and is being translated from French with English captions of a weeping woman who states “There is a man being treated in a hospital in Paris that is dying from “the mystery flu.”
It has now officially spread to Europe and panic in a personal and global reality begins to set in.
The symptoms stated as simply as possibly are beginning to be made known, first there is an incubation period of about a week, and then the early onset begins to resemble flu, with a fever and aches and pains, and then four days later you are desperately ill with a majority of your internal organs going through varying degrees of failure, and no one who exhibits any of the later symptoms will survive.
Borders of many nations all over the world are closed in an attempt to slow down the infection rate.
Finally the President makes his proclamation “Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been cancelled. There will be no exceptions. No one moves into or out of the country until there is a resolution of this thing called “the mystery flu.”
Within a week the world has been thrust into an unbelievable fear.
In the market places, items are being sold that are promoted as a preventative or even a cure, and people are snapping them up at rates that will not allow the shelf inventory to be maintained.
“The mystery flu” is the only topic of discussion, at your workplace, at your health club, at your beauty shop, and in the media.
Television stations are interviewing ministers, both local and national, and there are lines being drawn between those who represent the church.
Some are stating that the problem is overblown, some that it will pass, some that it is just a testing, and some state that it is a judgment being poured out on humanity.
While others are stating that there are some who will escape the taint of death.
On Wednesday night across the nation, church doors are open, some that would normally be closed, as a matter of business decision.
It doesn’t matter now, times are desperate, and the houses are full.
Suddenly some one bursts in and shouts for someone to turn on a radio, as the news is out that now the horror, of “the mystery flu’ has arrived.
In a hospital on the east coast of the U.S.of A., several people have been hospitalized and are in the final life stages of “the mystery flu.”
Within hours the news media is reporting that nationwide people are exhibiting symptoms that can have only one cause, “the mystery flu.”
Doctors, Scientists, Immunologist, all are working around the clock to find an antidote, a vaccine, or a cure.
Just as suddenly as the appearance of the disease, the discovery is made, and yes, there is a cure for the dreaded disease.
It will take only one thing. The uninfected blood of the innocent and undefiled. Someone who even though exposed, has not become infected.
In every community, in every state in the nation, the call goes out , martial law is imposed, and it is required of all people no matter the age or life status, to report to centers that have been setup, for immediate blood testing.
It is urgent!
All of humanity will be doomed if the blood of the perfect one is not identified.
The order is given on Friday that all of the people on your side of town will report to the parking lot of the local hospital.
As you arrive you are met by a long line of folks and by many doctors, nurses and volunteers, dressed in hospital garb, and running to and fro.
There are stations set up where blood is being drawn from each individual, with no exceptions being made.
After you and your family have had your turn at the mandatory donation area, you are informed to go to a staging area to wait until your name is called, at which time you will in all probability be allowed to return to your home.
You wait idly, scared, uncertain of the future, and thinking that surely the world is coming to an end, and that there likely is no hope.
Suddenly a young man charges through the crowd yelling at the top of his lungs a name that sounds like it could be yours.
He approaches your staging area yelling louder and frantically waving a sheet of paper.
Your small son tugs at your pants, saying, “Daddy, that man is calling my name.”
Before you can gather your thoughts they have laid hold upon your son.
“Wait just a minute” you protest. “What is happening here?”
The medical representatives say “Its O.K., his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make certain that he does not have the disease. We think he has the right type.”
Five minutes later the doctors and nurses come out of the building, all of them laughing and crying and hugging one another.
It is the first time you have seen anyone laugh in over a week, and an old doctor approaches you and says, “Thank you sir, Your sons blood is perfect and pure, and it will allow us to make the necessary vaccine.”
The word ripples across the parking lot slowly at first and then like a wave that is crashing upon a beach. The celebration starts with people singing, praying and giving thanks that there will be a vaccination and any who will take it will be saved from the death brought on by “the mystery flu.”
Your celebration is short lived as the same old doctor pulls you aside and states to you that “We really did not expect the donor to be a minor……and that we need you to sign a consent form.”
“No problem” you agree, until you see the amount of blood that is required.
You soon realize that it is too much.
You see the doctors smile fade as he watches you grow pale with dread.
Through a numb mind, you hear him say, “We need it all, it will cost him his life, but we are talking about the entirety of humanity, after all.”
Please agree and sign quickly, there is not a moment to waste as many perish each moment that we delay.
“Can you not just give him a transfusion?” You ask.
You are given a choice. “Would you like to be present as we take the blood?”
Could you walk back to the room where he is and answer his questions?
“Daddy, Momma, what is going on, why cant we just go home, I’m scared!”
Would you be able to take his hand and explain to him that you would never let anything happen to him that was unnecessary?
How would you feel as he cried out for you to help him escape those he realized were his captors.
Would you cringe as he yelled out “DADDY!!!!”
“WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME”
The cure is given and offered freely to all who would accept it.
Many do.
Many more do not and will suffer the consequences of refusing the blood that heals.
It is a choice that they have been allowed to make for themselves.
The next Sunday, a community wide celebration honoring your son is planned, the emphasis will be on the extreme price that he paid to keep humanity from “the mystery flu.”
Sunday comes, and the building where the celebration is to take place is almost empty.
Would you be heart sick and angered that so many who have benefited from your sons ultimate sacrifice have so quickly forgotten what happened.
Would you be glad that in their new freedom that they prefer to sleep off a hangover, or to spend time at the lake, to go shopping, or to a movie , or just to sit at home with no care at all that a seat that only they can fill is empty and the celebration is less without them.
Would you yell out “My son died, why don’t you care?’
Can you hear God yell out, “My Son died for you. Don’t you know how much I care?”
Author is currently unknown
………………………………............................................................................................................................................
1 John 1:5-10 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and the word is not in us.”
All of us who are washed in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, should attempt to be in the house of celebration at every possible chance; what a great chance to honor our King and Savior with the saints of God.
Please read in the book for yourself; all of Revelation chapter 5, and we will see a worthy celebration that is being thrown for the One who gave Himself so that we could live, in eternity.
There is no GOD like JEHOVAH who alone would give himself as a ransom for those whom HE loves.
You tune in your radio.
You hear a little news blurb about a remote village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a type of flu that has never been seen before.
It is not your typical influenza, but several are dead and many more are desperately ill.
The symptoms are severe, and they are sending a team from the Center for Disease Control to conduct an investigation.
In the whirl of moment you do not think much of it, as your only concern is to return home to those who await you.
On the ride home from church on Sunday, you hear another story on the radio news that rivets your attention, only this time the death toll is not a few, but there are multiple thousands in a remote spot in India that are dying.
On a cable news service that you are viewing the story goes major with wall to wall coverage.
Governments the world over are pouring aid and investigators into the area to ease the suffering, but more importantly to identify the illness and to develop a strategy to contain the growing circle of exposure.
On Monday morning, it is the Headline Story in your area newspaper.
It is no longer contained in India, but has spread regionally to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and is beginning to appear in even more distant areas, and is becoming so discussed that the name of “the mystery flu” is coined and used by everyone.
The President has mentioned that he and everyone within his sphere of influence are praying and hoping that all will turn out all right “over there”.
But everyone we speak to is concerned, what is it, will it be contained, will it just mutate and go away, or will it attack me, and those who are mine?
Then we hear that the President of France has just made an announcement that rattles the continent of Europe.
He will close the borders of France with no air travel allowed from, or into any area where “the mystery flu” is suspected of having a foothold.
Later that day when you again visit the cable news feed you are appalled when an interview is ran and is being translated from French with English captions of a weeping woman who states “There is a man being treated in a hospital in Paris that is dying from “the mystery flu.”
It has now officially spread to Europe and panic in a personal and global reality begins to set in.
The symptoms stated as simply as possibly are beginning to be made known, first there is an incubation period of about a week, and then the early onset begins to resemble flu, with a fever and aches and pains, and then four days later you are desperately ill with a majority of your internal organs going through varying degrees of failure, and no one who exhibits any of the later symptoms will survive.
Borders of many nations all over the world are closed in an attempt to slow down the infection rate.
Finally the President makes his proclamation “Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been cancelled. There will be no exceptions. No one moves into or out of the country until there is a resolution of this thing called “the mystery flu.”
Within a week the world has been thrust into an unbelievable fear.
In the market places, items are being sold that are promoted as a preventative or even a cure, and people are snapping them up at rates that will not allow the shelf inventory to be maintained.
“The mystery flu” is the only topic of discussion, at your workplace, at your health club, at your beauty shop, and in the media.
Television stations are interviewing ministers, both local and national, and there are lines being drawn between those who represent the church.
Some are stating that the problem is overblown, some that it will pass, some that it is just a testing, and some state that it is a judgment being poured out on humanity.
While others are stating that there are some who will escape the taint of death.
On Wednesday night across the nation, church doors are open, some that would normally be closed, as a matter of business decision.
It doesn’t matter now, times are desperate, and the houses are full.
Suddenly some one bursts in and shouts for someone to turn on a radio, as the news is out that now the horror, of “the mystery flu’ has arrived.
In a hospital on the east coast of the U.S.of A., several people have been hospitalized and are in the final life stages of “the mystery flu.”
Within hours the news media is reporting that nationwide people are exhibiting symptoms that can have only one cause, “the mystery flu.”
Doctors, Scientists, Immunologist, all are working around the clock to find an antidote, a vaccine, or a cure.
Just as suddenly as the appearance of the disease, the discovery is made, and yes, there is a cure for the dreaded disease.
It will take only one thing. The uninfected blood of the innocent and undefiled. Someone who even though exposed, has not become infected.
In every community, in every state in the nation, the call goes out , martial law is imposed, and it is required of all people no matter the age or life status, to report to centers that have been setup, for immediate blood testing.
It is urgent!
All of humanity will be doomed if the blood of the perfect one is not identified.
The order is given on Friday that all of the people on your side of town will report to the parking lot of the local hospital.
As you arrive you are met by a long line of folks and by many doctors, nurses and volunteers, dressed in hospital garb, and running to and fro.
There are stations set up where blood is being drawn from each individual, with no exceptions being made.
After you and your family have had your turn at the mandatory donation area, you are informed to go to a staging area to wait until your name is called, at which time you will in all probability be allowed to return to your home.
You wait idly, scared, uncertain of the future, and thinking that surely the world is coming to an end, and that there likely is no hope.
Suddenly a young man charges through the crowd yelling at the top of his lungs a name that sounds like it could be yours.
He approaches your staging area yelling louder and frantically waving a sheet of paper.
Your small son tugs at your pants, saying, “Daddy, that man is calling my name.”
Before you can gather your thoughts they have laid hold upon your son.
“Wait just a minute” you protest. “What is happening here?”
The medical representatives say “Its O.K., his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make certain that he does not have the disease. We think he has the right type.”
Five minutes later the doctors and nurses come out of the building, all of them laughing and crying and hugging one another.
It is the first time you have seen anyone laugh in over a week, and an old doctor approaches you and says, “Thank you sir, Your sons blood is perfect and pure, and it will allow us to make the necessary vaccine.”
The word ripples across the parking lot slowly at first and then like a wave that is crashing upon a beach. The celebration starts with people singing, praying and giving thanks that there will be a vaccination and any who will take it will be saved from the death brought on by “the mystery flu.”
Your celebration is short lived as the same old doctor pulls you aside and states to you that “We really did not expect the donor to be a minor……and that we need you to sign a consent form.”
“No problem” you agree, until you see the amount of blood that is required.
You soon realize that it is too much.
You see the doctors smile fade as he watches you grow pale with dread.
Through a numb mind, you hear him say, “We need it all, it will cost him his life, but we are talking about the entirety of humanity, after all.”
Please agree and sign quickly, there is not a moment to waste as many perish each moment that we delay.
“Can you not just give him a transfusion?” You ask.
You are given a choice. “Would you like to be present as we take the blood?”
Could you walk back to the room where he is and answer his questions?
“Daddy, Momma, what is going on, why cant we just go home, I’m scared!”
Would you be able to take his hand and explain to him that you would never let anything happen to him that was unnecessary?
How would you feel as he cried out for you to help him escape those he realized were his captors.
Would you cringe as he yelled out “DADDY!!!!”
“WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME”
The cure is given and offered freely to all who would accept it.
Many do.
Many more do not and will suffer the consequences of refusing the blood that heals.
It is a choice that they have been allowed to make for themselves.
The next Sunday, a community wide celebration honoring your son is planned, the emphasis will be on the extreme price that he paid to keep humanity from “the mystery flu.”
Sunday comes, and the building where the celebration is to take place is almost empty.
Would you be heart sick and angered that so many who have benefited from your sons ultimate sacrifice have so quickly forgotten what happened.
Would you be glad that in their new freedom that they prefer to sleep off a hangover, or to spend time at the lake, to go shopping, or to a movie , or just to sit at home with no care at all that a seat that only they can fill is empty and the celebration is less without them.
Would you yell out “My son died, why don’t you care?’
Can you hear God yell out, “My Son died for you. Don’t you know how much I care?”
Author is currently unknown
………………………………............................................................................................................................................
1 John 1:5-10 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and the word is not in us.”
All of us who are washed in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, should attempt to be in the house of celebration at every possible chance; what a great chance to honor our King and Savior with the saints of God.
Please read in the book for yourself; all of Revelation chapter 5, and we will see a worthy celebration that is being thrown for the One who gave Himself so that we could live, in eternity.
There is no GOD like JEHOVAH who alone would give himself as a ransom for those whom HE loves.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
WHAT IS THE PASSION WEEK AND WHY ARE ITS EVENTS IMPORTANT TO ME TODAY ? Discipleship Series One
Added Lesson
1. What is Passion Week ?
Passion Week is the time described in, Matthew ch21-27 and Mark ch 11-15 and Luke ch 19-23 and John ch 12-19
Passion Week includes the triumphant entry, Jesus cleansing the temple for the 2nd time, Jesus giving the Olivet Discourse, Jesus and the disciples celebrating the Passover, Jesus arrest scourging , trial, mockery, beatings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
It is considered Passion Week because of what Jesus willingly went through on our behalf.
How should we celebrate Passion Week ?
We should be passionate in our worship our service and our proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
2. What is Palm Sunday ?
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, exactly one week before His resurrection. (Matthew 21:1-11)
450 years earlier the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied (Zechariah 9:9)
(Matthew 21:7-9 ) records the fullfillment of that prophecy.
It is known as Palm Sunday because of the Palm branches that were laid on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday was the fullfillment of Prophet Daniels “seventy weeks of seven” prophecy. (Daniel 9:25)
(John 1:11) tells us that His own knew Him not.
Five days later they chose Barrabas, (Matthew 27:22-23).
3. What Is Maundy Thursday ?
It is that day that Jesus celebrated the last Passover and instituted what we know as the Lords Supper.
Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday.
1. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lords Supper/Communion (Luke 22:19-20).
2. Jesus washed the disciples feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should serve one another in humility (John 13:3-17). Some churches still observe foot washing ceremonies.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word for command. Jesus commanded that His disciples should love one another.
Should Christians observe Maundy Thursday ?
It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and it is good to remember the humility that Christ exhibited toward his disciples, we should however be careful to avoid ritualistic observances unless they are truly focused on our relationship with Messiah.
4. WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY ?
It is the traditional day of Christs crucifixion .
Are Christians commanded to celebrate Good Friday ?
(Romans 14:5)
The Bible does instruct us to remember Christ death by observing the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Why is this day referred to as good when the deed that the Roman soldiers performed on the body of the Christ definitely was not good.
(Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18)
5. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE ?
God is all powerful and forgiving.
At the same time God is Holy just and righteous.
God in His Holiness demands that all sin be punished. (Romans 3:23and 6:23)
God is infinite and eternal.
Since all sin is against God (Psalm 51:4) the only just punishment for sin is eternal punishment.
The only way we can personally pay for our sin it to spend eternity in hell, in the lake of fire,(Revelation 20:14-15)
The good news is that God provided payment for our punishment.
Jesus was God in the flesh. (John 1:1,and 14).
When Jesus died on the cross it was payment enough for all the sin that had ever been or ever would be committed. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Our only obligation is to place all of our faith in that one act and our sins will be forgiven (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
His death was the only way our sins could be forgiven.
6.WHERE WAS JESUS IN THE DAYS BETWEEN HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION ?
(1Peter 3:18-19)
What did Jesus preach to the spirits in captivity ?
(1 Peter 3:22, Colossians 2:15)
After that (Ephesians 4:8-10) and also (Luke 16:20, and 23:43).
Jesus was not giving the lost a second chance, but declaring that He was who He said He was and proclaiming His victory over death all the while revealing Himself to those who through faith looked forward to Him.
7. WHY IS THE RESSURECTION OF THE CHRIST IMPORTANT ?
Read (1 Corinthians ch 15)
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer in Jesus Christ who, died, was buried and rose again of the third day according to scripture and is coming again, The dead in Christ will be raised up and those who remain and are alive at His coming will be changed and receive new glorified bodies.
THAT IS OUR BLESSED HOPE !
Added Lesson
1. What is Passion Week ?
Passion Week is the time described in, Matthew ch21-27 and Mark ch 11-15 and Luke ch 19-23 and John ch 12-19
Passion Week includes the triumphant entry, Jesus cleansing the temple for the 2nd time, Jesus giving the Olivet Discourse, Jesus and the disciples celebrating the Passover, Jesus arrest scourging , trial, mockery, beatings, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.
It is considered Passion Week because of what Jesus willingly went through on our behalf.
How should we celebrate Passion Week ?
We should be passionate in our worship our service and our proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
2. What is Palm Sunday ?
Palm Sunday is the day we remember Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem, exactly one week before His resurrection. (Matthew 21:1-11)
450 years earlier the Prophet Zechariah had prophesied (Zechariah 9:9)
(Matthew 21:7-9 ) records the fullfillment of that prophecy.
It is known as Palm Sunday because of the Palm branches that were laid on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
Palm Sunday was the fullfillment of Prophet Daniels “seventy weeks of seven” prophecy. (Daniel 9:25)
(John 1:11) tells us that His own knew Him not.
Five days later they chose Barrabas, (Matthew 27:22-23).
3. What Is Maundy Thursday ?
It is that day that Jesus celebrated the last Passover and instituted what we know as the Lords Supper.
Two important events are the focus of Maundy Thursday.
1. Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples and thereby instituted the Lords Supper/Communion (Luke 22:19-20).
2. Jesus washed the disciples feet as an act of humility and service, thereby setting an example that we should serve one another in humility (John 13:3-17). Some churches still observe foot washing ceremonies.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word for command. Jesus commanded that His disciples should love one another.
Should Christians observe Maundy Thursday ?
It is a good thing to remember the Last Supper and it is good to remember the humility that Christ exhibited toward his disciples, we should however be careful to avoid ritualistic observances unless they are truly focused on our relationship with Messiah.
4. WHAT IS GOOD FRIDAY ?
It is the traditional day of Christs crucifixion .
Are Christians commanded to celebrate Good Friday ?
(Romans 14:5)
The Bible does instruct us to remember Christ death by observing the Lords Supper (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Why is this day referred to as good when the deed that the Roman soldiers performed on the body of the Christ definitely was not good.
(Romans 5:8) (1 Peter 3:18)
5. WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE ?
God is all powerful and forgiving.
At the same time God is Holy just and righteous.
God in His Holiness demands that all sin be punished. (Romans 3:23and 6:23)
God is infinite and eternal.
Since all sin is against God (Psalm 51:4) the only just punishment for sin is eternal punishment.
The only way we can personally pay for our sin it to spend eternity in hell, in the lake of fire,(Revelation 20:14-15)
The good news is that God provided payment for our punishment.
Jesus was God in the flesh. (John 1:1,and 14).
When Jesus died on the cross it was payment enough for all the sin that had ever been or ever would be committed. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Our only obligation is to place all of our faith in that one act and our sins will be forgiven (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
His death was the only way our sins could be forgiven.
6.WHERE WAS JESUS IN THE DAYS BETWEEN HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION ?
(1Peter 3:18-19)
What did Jesus preach to the spirits in captivity ?
(1 Peter 3:22, Colossians 2:15)
After that (Ephesians 4:8-10) and also (Luke 16:20, and 23:43).
Jesus was not giving the lost a second chance, but declaring that He was who He said He was and proclaiming His victory over death all the while revealing Himself to those who through faith looked forward to Him.
7. WHY IS THE RESSURECTION OF THE CHRIST IMPORTANT ?
Read (1 Corinthians ch 15)
The resurrection is the triumphant and glorious victory for every believer in Jesus Christ who, died, was buried and rose again of the third day according to scripture and is coming again, The dead in Christ will be raised up and those who remain and are alive at His coming will be changed and receive new glorified bodies.
THAT IS OUR BLESSED HOPE !
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