Bible Study
30 Nov 2011
MAKING GOOD AND GODLY DECISIONS
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
I. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
a. We are forced to make decision everyday and throughout the day.
b. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. 1 Kings 18:21
c. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15
d. Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:21-22
e. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
II. How do you make major decisions.
a. Do not make life changing decisions in the “heat of the Moment.” Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. Judges 11:31
b. Seek Counsel before making life changing decisions. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Proverbs 15:22
c. Whenever possible get some rest before making a life changing decisions.
III. DOES THE DECISION VIOLATE CLEAR TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE?
a. If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers… Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: Deuteronomy 13:6-8
b. The Bible is the WORD of God. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
c. The Bible is a sure Guide: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
d. The Bible is Corrective: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
IV. DOES THE DECISION CAUSE MY BROTHER TO STUMBLE IN HIS FAITH?
a. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 1 Corinthians 10:31
b. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Romans 14:21
c. Will my decisions cause my brother to be Hindered or hesitate in his walk.
V. DOES THE DECISION VIOLATE MY BODY AS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
a. Your body is a gift from God. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
b. Your body is the temple of God. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19
c. Your body has been bought by God. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20
VI. DOES THE DECISION TRULY GLORIFY GOD AND CAN YOU TRULY ASK GOD TO BLESS IT?
a. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 1 Samuel 17:46
b. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17
c. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
d. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Philippians 2: 9-10
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus;
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus;
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus;
No Turning Back, No Turning Back.
Though None Go With Me, Still I Will Follow;
Though None Go With Me, Still I Will Follow;
Though None Go With Me, Still I Will Follow;
No Turning Back, No Turning Back
The World Behind Me, The Cross Before Me;
The World Behind Me, The Cross Before Me;
The World Behind Me, The Cross Before Me;
No Turning Back, No Turning Back.
Bible Study
19 October 2011
Honoring God in Marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1-9
I. On one billboard sign from God were these words: “Loved the Wedding, Invite Me to the Marriage. – God” It is important that you purposely invite God to come into your marriage relationship. It makes a difference. You are either cooperating with God’s plan for marriage or fighting it, and it is important for you to find God’s plan. Finding God’s plan allows you to enjoy your marriage, and fighting it leads to an unfulfilling relationship.
II. For those who are single due to divorce, separation, or other reasons, I know it may be hard to hear anything about marriage when that is perhaps the farthest thing from your mind. For single persons this lesson may seem like attending an investment seminar when you’re broke. But even a broke man at an investment seminar can learn something.
III. Honoring God in Marriage requires Commitment.
a. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24
b. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. Number 30:2
c. Commitment requires
1. Freedom from Distractions: For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. Proverbs 6:23-25
2. Fierce Dedication: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
3. Firm sense of Destiny. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. Ephesians 5:31
IV. Honoring God in Marriage requires Forgiveness.
a. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
b. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15
c. Forgiveness requires:
1. Love: And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
2. Kindness: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
3. Longsuffering: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:12-13
V. Honoring God in Marriage requires Honor and respect.
a. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4
b. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 1 Corinthians 7:4
c. Honor and respect requires:
1. Knowledge: And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Genesis 2:23 Make an effort to KNOW your spouse.
2. Desire: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17 Create a desire to honor and respect your spouse.
3. Involvement of Both spouses. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:22-25 Marriage is not a 50-50 but rather 100-100 proposition
VI. Honoring God in Marriage yields Joy and Passion
a. …And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man… And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Genesis 2:22-25
b. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 1 Corinthians 7:5 Make time for intimacy!
c. What is the purpose of human sexuality.
1. Procreate: And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 1:28
2. Purity: But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. 1 Corinthians 7:9
3. Pleasure: Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well… Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. Proverbs 5:15-19
4. Pleasure: Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit. He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me. Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. Song of Solomon 2:3-6 NLT
5 October 2011
HONORING GOD
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
I. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12
a. We are Free.
1. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36
2. … God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:3-5
3. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18
b. We have voluntarily submitted to Christ.
1. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
2. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
3. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18
c. We Honor God with our Freedom:
1. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Corinthians 6:12
2. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Romans 14:21
II. My Body is not My Own: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:20
a. We are made in the Image of God.
• And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion... Genesis 1:26
b. My body is special.
• I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14
c. Do not use your body to dishonor yourself nor God.
• And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. Luke 15:13
III. I am connected to Christ: But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17
a. Christ lives inside of the Saved Person.
• But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. Romans 8:9
b. I do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit.
• And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
c. I want my mind renewed
• And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
• That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Ephesians 4:22-23
IV. I should live a morally pure life. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 1 Corinthians 6: 15
a. Sin is sin.
• Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
b. Why single out fornication?
• Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18
c. Can one live a life of Victory?
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
d. How can we walk in Victory?
1. SURRENDER YOUR MIND TO THE LORD AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH DAY. This is a part of dedication: “I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice… and be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may proved what is that good and acceptable , and perfect will of god” (Romans 12:1-2) Give God your body, mind, and will as you start each day.
2. LET THE HOLY SPIRIT RENEW YOUR MIND THROUGH THE WORD. Daily systematic reading of the Bible is a must if you are going to have victory and morality.
3. AS YOU PRAY, ASK GOD TO GIVE YOU THAT DAY A SINGLE MIND, A SUBMISSIVE MIND, A SPIRITUAL MIND, AND A SECURE MIND. As you contemplate the day’s schedule be sure that nothing you have planned robs you of the victory and morality God wants you to have.
4. DURING THE DAY, “MIND YOUR MIND!” If you find yourself loosing your inner peace and joy, stop and take inventory. If you discover that you have sinned, then immediately confess it to the Lord (1 John 1:9.) If possible go back and remedy your mistake. If this cannot be done, ask God to give you another opportunity for witness.
5. GUARD THE GATES OF YOUR MIND. Remember Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:8 “whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report…think on theses things.” When an unkind or impure thought enters your mind deal with it instantly. If you cultivate it, it will take root and grow—and rob you of your joy. Sometimes Satan will throw his fiery darts at you and sometimes he will use other people to do it for him. One of the best ways to defeat wrong kinds of thought is to fill your mind with scripture; so take time to memorize the Word of God. (Adapted from BE JOYFUL, Warren W. Wiersbe, Chariot Victor Publishing, 1974)
14 September 2011
Stewardship
Faithful with our Finances
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
I. What is required of a Steward
a. Notice that it is not required of a steward to be eloquent or to have many gifts, only that he be found faithful.
b. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2
c. … be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10
d. There are so many who will be rewarded someday, not because they did some great thing or had some great gift, but because they were faithful in what they did and how they did it.
II. Why do we give an offering at church.
a. Put Meat in the House of God
1. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
2. The priests the Levites … shall eat the offerings—As the tribe of Levi had no inheritance allotted them like the other tribes but were wholly consecrated to the priestly office, their maintenance was to arise from tithes, first-fruits, and certain portions of the oblations presented on the altar, which God having by express appointment reserved to Himself made over, after being offered, to His ministers. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., Fausset, A. R., Brown, D., & Brown, D. (1997). A commentary, critical and explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (Dt 18:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc)
b. To bless the Giver.
1. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
2. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again Proverbs 19:17 (with interest).
c. To rebuke the Devourer
1. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:11
2. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8
III. What is your attitude toward Borrowing and Lending.
1. For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee. Deuteronomy 15:6
2. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
3. Strive to live within your means (your income.)
4. Lending money to friends can be destructive. I read somewhere that “if you loan a friend 20.00 and you never heard from him again it was worth the 20.00.
5. Do not co-sign a loan unless you are willing to pay the loan.
• My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debtor agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—2 if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said—3 follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Proverbs 6:1-3 NLT
IV. What is your attitude toward Getting and Saving.
a. I believe we ought to work to get the necessities and “niceties” of life. Again we should live within our means.
1. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19
2. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8
3. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
b. Someone has said “after you get yours Pay your Tithes, Pay Yourself and Pay your bills.” We ought to save SOMETHING.
1. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Proverbs 13:22
2. …And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. Genesis 41:25-36
3. Do not misunderstand the parable of the “Rich Fool” in Luke Chapter 12.
• So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. Luke 12:21
• But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
V. What is your attitude toward Sowing and Reaping.
a. Sowing and reaping is a Firm Biblical principle:
• While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22
• Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7
b. Sow in Good soil
• And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4:8
• …The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him…Deuteronomy 18:1-5
c. Sow Bountifully
• But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
• Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Haggai 1:6
d. Sow faithfully
• I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
• Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
7 September 2011
Stewardship
Recognizing your Talents/Gifts
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
I. Is there a different between a Gift and a Talent?
a. Talent: (something of Value) 1 Kin. 9:14, 28; 10:10, 14. A weight equal to three thousand shekels—about 75 to 125 pounds. Ex. 38:25, 26. In the New Testament, a talent weight is calculated at 58 to 80 lbs. The value would differ according to the metal, but the buying power was enormous. Five talents would make one a multi-millionaire. Matt. 18:24; 25:15, 28. (Swanson, J., & Nave, O. (1994). New Nave's. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.)
b. Spiritual gift: (Something Given), a concept present only in the NT, primarily in the Pauline Letters, although the idea of being empowered by the Holy Spirit for particular tasks is by no means alien to the OT (e.g., Judg. 3:10; Num. 11:29). Various Greek terms are employed when these are in mind, but most notably ta pneumatika, which emphasizes the spiritual origin of the gifts (pneuma means ‘spirit’; see 1 Cor. 14:1), and, more often, ta charismata, which emphasizes that they are bestowed as an act of divine grace (charis means ‘grace’; see Rom. 12:6). In distinction from ‘the fruit of the Spirit,’ which all Christians are to manifest without variation (Gal. 5:22-23), the gifts of the Spirit are understood to vary from one believer to another (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:4-11; cf. 1 Pet. 4:10). (Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper's Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (989–990). San Francisco: Harper & Row. Logos Research Systems)
II. The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30
a. The Talents were given according to Ability: And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Matthew 25:15
b. Each steward had to give an Account of his/her stewardship: “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. Matthew 25:19 (NIV)
c. The Stewards will be rewarded for their Faithful Service: His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matthew 25:21
d. Both what we do and what we fail to do will be punished:
• Those who do evil will experience "wailing and gnashing of teeth" - The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42
• But also those who do nothing! - And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 25:30
e. Be productive where the Lord has given you ability and opportunity!
III. What are your Talents(Things of value that God has given you)
a. Remember that not all have the same "talents."
• The NUMBER of the talents may be different
• The NATURE of the talents may be different Romans 12:3-8
b. Some "talents" are easier to determine than others.
1. In some cases our abilities are evident
• Natural musical ability
• Natural athletic ability
2. But some abilities might at first be "hidden."
• Encourager
• Preacher, Teacher,
3. Some would have never thought that they had the ability to teach or preach, (Moses’ ability to lead) Some talents may therefore lie dormant, awaiting awakening
c. Discover your Talent
1. Through trial and error
a. Try different areas of service, to see which ones might come naturally
b. Try them again and again, for some talents may only develop through hard work
2. Through seeking counsel from others
a. Others can often see our strengths and weaknesses better than we ourselves
b. Solomon praised the value of receiving counsel - Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20
THE NAIL
(Anonymous)
As the story goes, they built a new church building and people came from far and wide to see it. They admired its beauty! Up on the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely structure--except the nail! No one even knew he was there, and he became angry and jealous. "If I am that insignificant, nobody will miss me if I quit!" So the nail then released its hold, slid down the roof, and fell in the mud.
That night it rained and rained. Soon, the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls and the beautiful murals. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was stained, and the pulpit Bible was ruined by water. All this because a little nail decided to quit!
But what of the nail? While holding the shingle, it was obscure but it was also useful. Buried in the mud it was just as obscure, but now it was useless and would soon be eaten up by rust!
I want you to be encouraged and know that however large or small your service unto the Lord is, that is does make a difference in someone else's life. Just because you don't see a difference does not mean that it was not made. God's Word does not return void but will accomplish that which He pleases. (Isaiah 55:11)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Corinthians 12:12 "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ."
Isaiah 55:11 "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
31 August 2011
Stewardship A Faithful Servant
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
I. What is a Steward?
a. Defining What a Steward is.
1. Steward-- somebody who manages somebody else's property, finances, or household. Encarda Dictionary
2. Stewardship - the management of another person’s property, finances, or household affairs. As far as Christians are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the church.
3. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey… Matthew 25:15-28
b. Determining What is required of a Steward.
1. Notice that it is not required of a steward to be eloquent or to have many gifts, only that he be found faithful.
2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2
3. … be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10
4. There are so many who will be rewarded someday, not because they did some great thing or had some great gift, but because they were faithful in what they did and how they did it.
c. Deciding to become a Steward.
1. What kind of steward will you be for the Kingdom of God?
2. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10
3. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23
4. Are you one of those that Believe “As long as I keep a low profile, no one will ask me to do much, I don’t have to get too involved, and things will just take care of themselves..”
5. God has called us to be Servants of Christ, STEWARDS (house-manager) for God.
II. The first mark of a Steward is steward is ACCOUNTABILITY.
a. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1
b. We are Accountable
1. To God—
• For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12
• And He said also unto His disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Luke 16:1-2
2. To Our church—
• … And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:1-27
• Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
3. To our Fellow Christians
• We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1
• With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
• If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12: 18
c. All of us as Christians are going to be held accountable. So let’s use that accountability factor to GLORIFY GOD.
III. The second mark a Steward is PREPAREDNESS.
a. Jesus tells His followers that they should always be prepared – for no one knows the time when He will return. We are always to be prepared.
b. If we are faithful we are to always to be prepared.
c. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Matthew 25:10
d. In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. II Kings 20:1
e. The Boy Scouts Motto: Be Prepared! The Response was “WE ARE PREPARED!
IV. The third mark of a Steward is COMMITMENT.
a. Paul did not have an easy life as a Christian – but one thing he did have was commitment. The Bible tells us how Paul suffered as a Christian: “Five times he was whipped. Three times he was beaten with rods. Once he was stoned. Three times he was shipwrecked. He spent a night and a day in the sea.( 1 Corinthians 11) He faced dangers many times – more than many of us will ever face. But he always stayed committed to Jesus – he remained faithful.
b. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:62
c. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38
d. If you make a commitment to Christ and remain faithful to Him, He promises that you will not be disappointed. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28-30
CONVENIENT CHRISTIAN
by Dickie Crow
Oh yes, I am a Christian, have been all along
Just ask me and you will see my faith is very strong
But I must tell you, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
I go to church when it is convenient for me
But there is usually some place else I had rather be
Because you see, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
You say there are things in church that I need to be doing
Well, there are more important things that I am pursuing
After all, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
You ask me to go the Sunday School and that’s fine
But I can’t you see, I really don’t have time
I am too busy being
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
Do I read the Bible? Well, yes, every once in a while
But it is really not for me, it doesn’t fit my style
I had rather be
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
Do I support the church financially? Of course I do.
Every time I go to church I give a dollar, sometimes two!
But don’t forget, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
Talk to God? Well, that is very easy for you to say
I’m too busy you know and I really don’t have time to pray
Remember, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
Tell my neighbor about Jesus? Oh no, not me!
That is what we pay the preacher for, you see!
As always, I am
A convenient Christian sitting on a shelf
A convenient Christian living for myself
(The poem ends here but the story ends with a sad, tearful, desperate plea – "Lord, please search the Book again!!")
August 24, 2011
27 What kind of people does God Use?
1 Corinthians 1:26-27
I. I Corinthians: Introduction
a. Introduction: Corinth was a strategically located Roman city on the main land route between East and West and was the crossroads for several sea routes. Corinth was famous for its intellectual and material prosperity and was honored with being the capitol of Achaia. It also became famous for its corruption. As Guthrie says, “Its name became a byword for profligacy(extremely extravagant or wasteful.) Paul began his ministry in Corinth on his second missionary journey under much opposition (Acts 18:6-17), but he was able to convert several influential people and consequently remained for about one and a half years in Corinth. He left Corinth and traveled to Ephesus. The city’s corruption had its influence on the church and Paul heard of the problems and divisions in the church. It is from Ephesus that he wrote and sent this letter to Corinth in about 53 A.D.
b. Purpose: Paul’s purposes for writing the Corinthians were several. His first purpose was to deal with several moral problems and the divisions that had formed as people had divided into fan-clubs and were proclaiming themselves followers of Paul, Apollos, Peter or Christ (1:10). His second reason was to deal with several questions that had been asked in a letter the Corinthians had sent to him (7:1). A third purpose that appears throughout the book is Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority. All of these issues can be related to a problem with pride, and thus in 1:27-29 we have what may be the thesis statement of the book: . . . but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God (1 Cor. 1:27-29). Paul will develop this idea in several different ways to deal with their root problem of pride. They had their eyes on external things like eloquence, social status, ascetic practices, etc. and Paul explains that those things mean nothing in God’s kingdom. (Hampton Keathley IV http://bible.org/article/i-corinthians-introduction-and-outline)
II. Who God Does not use.
a. Not Many Wise
1. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1 Corinthians 1:26
2. This is not an admonishment against being wise, but rather an admonishment against being conceited self declared “know it alls.”
3. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
4. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:7
5. So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Proverbs 2:2
b. Not Many Mighty
1. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1 Corinthians 1:26
2. This is not an admonishment against mighty men/women, but rather a reminder that God alone is great and mighty.
3. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25
4. …And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. Judges 7:1-7
5. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. I John 4:4
c. Not Many Noble
1. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 1 Corinthians 1:26
2. This is not an admonishment against nobility but rather a reminder God is not a respecter of persons.
3. Christianity does teach us to give respect and honor when it is due. We can/and should honor those without dishonoring “regular” people.
4. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Romans 13:7
5. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1 Timothy 5:17
III. Who does God Chose
a. Those with Something in their Hand
1. God can take your ordinary “instrument” and do extraordinary things.
2. Have you made mistakes in the past? Yes! BUT today is a new day. What do you have in your hand TODAY?
3. And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: Exodus 4:2-4
4. …And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 2 Kings 6:4-6
5. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 1 Samuel 17:40
b. Those with something in their House.
1. We all have something in our “house” our possessions that God can use.
2. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
3. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.2 Kings 4:2-7
4. Our Little becomes much when we place it in the Master’s hand.
• There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? John 6:9
c. Those with something in their Heart:
1. What we believe about God allows us to be used by God.
2. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not… Daniel 3:17-18
3. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
IV. Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from GOD, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossiper, Martha was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sarah was impatiene, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old, and Lazarus was dead. Now whats your excuse?
August 24, 2011
26 Have You Greeted Anyone Lately
Romans 16:1-27
I. Romans Chapter 16
a. Give People a warm Greeting. Romans 16:1-16
1. There is a basic need in people to be accepted by others.
2. Paul spends almost a whole chapter on greeting people.
3. How much time do we spend in greetings?
b. Watch out for Divisive People Romans 16:17-20
1. There will always be Divisive people.
2. Be careful of Flattery words that divide instead unite people.
c. Benediction Romans 16:25-27
II. Worship is Vertical. That means worship is about my feeble attempt to show God how much I love Him. When one truly worships it moves one to look horizontally. That means my worship will move to LOVE my fellowman.
a. I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. … But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:21-24
b. He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8
c. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24
d. For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:35-36
III. Fellowship builds relationships.
a. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
b. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Romans 16:16
• Greet each other in Christian love. Romans 16:16 NLT
• Holy embraces all around! All the churches of Christ send their warmest greetings! Romans 16:16 Message Bible
c. Do you go through life saying “Well, here I am. Everybody notice me!” or do you say “There you are. I’ve noticed you?”
d. Be careful of showing partiality in Fellowship.
• For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? James 2:2-4
IV. We are to be Generous in our Greeting, and when we:
a. Acknowledge people
1. Acknowledge not just people who are important but make all people feel special. Someone has pointed out that about half of the people in this list are either slaves or women, people who had very little influence or power in the community. So Paul is not name-dropping here.
• Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Romans 16:3
2. Deep friendships aren’t formed in just a few moments.
• A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother Proverbs 18:24
3. “Greeting one another” is more than just a handshake. It’s looking at someone and saying, “In my book you count. You’re worth something. I’d like to spend more time with you. I’d like to find out how you think and what you feel and how you believe.” That’s acknowledging people. That’s greeting people in the Lord.
b. Commend Accomplishments
1. I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:1-2
2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. Proverbs 27:2
3. To “commend someone’s accomplishments” is to show respect. It means that we build someone up. We have the power with our tongue to either enhance, or to destroy.
c. Express Affection
1. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Romans 16:16
2. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Romans 12:9-10
3. We must be careful of moderation in expressing affection. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: Romans 14:16
d. Confer A Blessing
1. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Romans 16:24
2. Benediction: a prayer asking for God's blessing, usually at the end of a Christian service Encarda Dictionary
3. Pray God Blessing upon those we fellowship with!
August 3, 2011
WHAT IS THE UNCLEAN THING?
Romans 14:14-23
I. Many churches are held hostage by SPIRITUAL terrorists who hold the church back in the name of being OFFENDED or claiming to be WEAKER BROTHERS. If a vegetarian joins our church, should we forbid all meat at a church dinner? If one person finds our pew pad offensive because we are too worldly minded and tied to comfort, should we rip them all out? If a new member feels it is wrong to sing with instrumental accompaniment, should we go to acappella? Should we allow others to tyrannize us in the name of their being offended?
II. What is UnClean?
a. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. Isaiah 52:11
b. Each one of us will have our own list of unclean things and we can use Scripture to “back us up.” Then problems is that we our “LIST” often obscures the “MAIN THING.”
c. Do your list include: ________________________________________________________________________________________
d. There were over 600 additional rules that the Sadducees and Pharisees were required keep.
• Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? Acts 15:10
e. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. Acts 10:14-15
f. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Romans 14:14
III. What does the Law say.
a. We cannot ignore the Rule of Law.
1. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Le Let not then your good be evil spoken of:t not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:15-17
2. And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me… Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Exodus 20:1-17
3. And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13
b. We must follow the Rule of LOVE.
1. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Romans 14:19
2. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40
3. Sometimes Love agitates in order to edify:
• And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ Ephesians 4:11-12
• Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2
IV. How do we handle “The Unclean Thing.”
a. Know you are saved!
• Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2 Peter 1:10
• But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9
b. Understand what Sin is.
• What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Romans 7:7
• Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
•
c. Respect the difference in others.
• It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Romans 14:21
• For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Romans 12:4-5
d. Know that God can clean even the most vile sinner.
• But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6
• For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
• But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
22 June 2011
How beautiful are the feet of them…
Romans 10:14-15
I. The world may not recognize the value of the preacher and his preaching, yet God’s Word says in Romans 10:15, "How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" What a privilege and honor it is to preach the glad tidings of good things, regardless of the notion of some.
a. For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:13-14
b. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15
c. For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21
d. Preaching is the way God chose to save man.
II. The Role of the Pastor in the local church.
a. List below some things you expect of your pastor. What is the primary role of the Pastor?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
b. The Role of the Pastor includes these but is distinctly different from any of the other preaching ministries as recorded in Ephesians 4:11-12.
c. What kind of value do you place on the listed things.
d. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 1 Timothy 5:17-18
III. God Ordained the Office of Pastor:
a. God according to His wisdom and purpose has given the church its pastors to lead and help the church through sound Bible preaching. When this is properly done, God will honor it and strengthen the church.
b. To Feed the Sheep: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
c. To Edify the Church: And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12
d. To set in order: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: Titus 1:5
IV. The Pastor must preach the Word.
a. … But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; Titus 1:1-3
b. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16
c. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2
d. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14
V. The Pastor must set the Example;
a. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers, Titus 1:7-9
b. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
c. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15
VI. The Pastor must be Faithful to the Word of God.
a. Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9
b. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:3-5
IV, How do you value/honor your pastor?
Pastors are servants who have been called by God to shepherd His flock. It is not an easy job to undertake. Pastors need encouragement and support from their church members.
One of the most important things you can do for your pastor is to pray for him. The pastor, his family, the elders and deacons are often targeted by satanic schemes and strife. The devil’s objective is to strike the pastor (shepherd) and scatter the flock. This is often accomplished through members of the pastor’s own church. It is, therefore, important that the church leadership and members of the congregation stand in the gap with consistent prayers for the pastor’s protection.
Speak words of encouragement to and about your pastor. Talk well of him. Embrace his ministry to you as a gift from God. Do not allow your words to reveal an immature relationship with Christ in your life. Do not allow your tongue to speak evil when the Word of God is preached to you.
God honors his shepherds and commands us to do the same. “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17) It is worth noting that the Bible mentions other groups to honor but only one group worthy of double honor. You may not agree with every opinion your pastor holds or like every sermon he preaches, but you must take into account the spiritual importance of his work in your life. Maybe you have unrealistic expectations for him to be something other than human. Remember, his position is worthy of “double honor.” It must be esteemed because to do so is to honor God. http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/honoring-god-by-honoring-your-pastor/
1 June 2011
The Good News After The Bad News
I. The world seems to be facing A lot of Bad news and we have certainly talked a lot about the evil of SIN.
a. Wars and uprisings around the world.
• And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Matthew 24:6
• He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:9-10
b. Gas/Cost of living going up daily:
• For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills… If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Psalm 50:10-12
• But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus Philippians 4:19
c. Tax cuts for the Rich and Budgets cuts for the Least, the Last and the Lost.
• …And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 1 Samuel 8:1-3
• … I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. Jeremiah 5:1-5
• Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Psalm 37:1-2
d. I do wrong when I try to right
• I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Romans 7:21
II. There is a need to hear something Good Sometime.
a. Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
b. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
c. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. II Corinthians 5:2
III. The Good News is Our past Can be forgiven Romans 8:1-4
a. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
b. Convict-- to declare somebody guilty of a crime in a court of law Condemn-- to make a judicial pronouncement stating what punishment has been imposed on a person found guilty of a crime, especially in the case of a heavy penalty or a death sentence. (Encarta Dictionary)
c. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:34
d. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
e. GOOD NEWS IF WE HAVE TRUSTED JESUS AS SAVIOR WE ARE NOT UNDER A DEATH SENTENCE.
IV. The Good News is our Present can be changed Romans 8:14-17
a. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:14-15
b. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
c. God not cosmic policeman waiting for you to mess up. He is your father. He’s a great father, he loves you with an incredible love. When I became a Christian two things happened. My guilt was forgiven… and I got loved. I got loved so deeply that it still amazes me when I think about it. My value as a person is not determined by the world but by my heavenly Father. The Creator of the universe loves me with an infinite love. (Scott Taylor, Sermoncentral.com)
d. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
e. GOOD NEWS “AMAZING GRACE…THAT SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME”
V. The Good news is our future is secure Romans 8:18-39
a. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
b. Paul does not try to hide the fact that believers suffer. Indeed, he highlights it. These weak, frail, breaking bodies will be restored.
c. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
d. We Won!
• Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
• Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37
• For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
e. GOOD NEWS HE IS ABLE… Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25
25 May 2011
Struggling But SAVED
Romans 7:1-25
I. I’m a minister of God’s word and I’m paid to be good. Yet I have found that its not that easy. And I have found that I’m not the only one. That’s why I find encouragement in what was read to you this morning. The Apostle Paul, the man who worked miracles, the man who had amazing faith, the man who wrote 1/3 of the New Testament struggled with sin. Now some have tried to make this be what Paul was like before he came to know Christ, but because of the context and the present tense of the verbiage, this is was an ongoing struggle in the life of one who had seen Christ, knew Christ intimately, yet still struggled to live a holy, life. (Bradford Robinson, Sermoncentral .com)
II. We know sin is bad.
a. Sin Separates us from God. … But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2
b. Sin dishonors God. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 4:30
c. Sin destroys our life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
d. What are some other consequences of Sin?
III. Repentance brings on a “New Struggle”
a. Repentance is a changing of one’s mind toward sin, it’s a changing in your attitude toward sin.
b. Prior to repentance you saw no wrong in your sinful actions, but now your mind has been changed toward that sin.
c. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 3:1-2
d. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. Romans 7:15-18 NIV
IV. After I give my life to Christ my spirit (mind) is telling me what God wants me to do or not to do and how I should behave or not behave, but then there is another part of me that is at work warring against that command from God.
a. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.” Romans 7:22-23
b. Now that we know better we are worse… Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17
c. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me Psalm 51:5
d. Have you ever found yourself asking this paradoxical question ”If I’m saved, then why do I still want to do this thing that I know is wrong? If I am not saved, why do I think it’s wrong in the first place.”
e. Pray that you never become comfortable with sin. Remember Romans 1:28 (And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;)
V. The Law has a very distinct purpose. The Law tells me what is right and wht is wrong but the Law is powerless to help me keep it.
a. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Romans 7:24
b. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24
c. Sin is transgression of the law and the soul that sin shall die. 1 John 3:4(Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.) and Ezekiel 18:20(The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.)
VI. Thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7:25
a. Jesus alone offers us the victory over that sinful nature.
• He offers Victory by forgiving our sins. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9-
• He offers strength to resist temptation: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
• He offers His Holy Spirit as our Comforter. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1
4 May 2011
Benefits of Justification(Salvation)
Romans 5:1-6
I. When one is saved by the Grace of God, God gives the saved person more than you could have ever imagined, certainly more than he deserve.
• What, exactly is the value of salvation?
First of all: It is just the beginning of A great adventure. Next, it’s a new relationship with the creator of the entire universe. Finally, it’s a life with sites … scenes … and scents that we have never experienced before – a life on a brand new level of existence … another dimension: the Spiritual dimension. Ed McKneely
II. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Romans 5:1
a. Romans 5:8 and 10 reminds us we were sinners and enemies (not at peace) of God. But Jesus died on the cross to take away our sin.
b. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3
c. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
d. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
e. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
III. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
a. Access: the opportunity or right to experience or make use of something. the opportunity to meet somebody(Encarta Dictionary)
b. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Psalm 24:3-4
c. Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-2
d. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Ephesians 3:12
e. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
IV. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
a. Grace: God’s undeserved favor to us.
b. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:7-8
c. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
d. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6
V. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2
a. Joy is the fruit of a right relation with God. It is not something people can create by their own efforts. The Bible distinguishes joy from pleasure. The Greek word for pleasure is the word from which we get our word “hedonism,” the philosophy of self-centered pleasure seeking. Paul referred to false teachers as “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4 HCSB). Brand, C., Draper, C., England, A., Bond, S., Clendenen, E. R., Butler, T. C., & Latta, B. (2003). Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (956–957). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
b. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
c. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
d.
VI. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
a. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
b. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11-12
c. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy… Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Peter 4:12-16
VII. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5
a. Love is the telling benefit.
b. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 1 John 3:14
c. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20
d. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal…And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Wednesday
November 2, 2011
Divorce or Not
Mark 10:1-11 1
Corinthians 7:1-40
Intro: I approach this topic with the some reluctance. Primarily because divorce is a controversial and complex matter and people have honest differences in their interpretation of Jesus' words. But my greatest hesitation comes from knowing that divorce touches people's emotions at a very deep level. No unhappiness is so intense as that felt in an unhappy marriage. Few things compare to the tragedy of a relationship which God designed for love and fulfillment descending into one of bitterness, discord and despair. I want to approach this study with sensitivity. Many couples are suffering greatly, and I have no wish to add to their distress. Yet it is because I am convinced that the teaching of Jesus on this and every subject is good for individuals and good for society. Subsequently I am encouraged to teach and preach on.
I. What is marriage? And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:23-24
a. The Selection Process:
1. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverb 18:22
2. An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12
3. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
b. The Union That God designed was to:
1. Procreate-- And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28
2. Recreate— I came to my garden, my sister, my bride, I gathered my myrrh with my spice, I ate my honeycomb with my honey,
I drank my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love! Song of Solomon 5:1 (ESV)
3. Refresh-- Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well…Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love. Proverbs 5:15-19
4. …However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:22-33 Marriage is a Divinely appointed union, a physical union, a permanent union, and a union between one man and one woman.
c. The Vows:
1. ________ Do you promise to live with_______ according to God's purpose as your lawful and wedded wife/husband? Do you promise to commit yourself to meeting her/his needs both physical, emotional, and spiritual? Do you promise that, whatever the circumstances, you will love, honor, and sustain her/him and that as long as you both shall live, you will be faithful to her/him?
2. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2
II. What did Jesus Say about divorce Mark 10:1-11
a. This was a trick question. And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away [his] wife? tempting him. Mark 10:2 Like many who argue religion they are only interested in defending themselves and what they believe
b. The text was correct. When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. Deuteronomy 24:1 From this text two Jewish school of thought developed:
1. Rabbi Hillel—Some uncleanness meant anything. Divorce for irreconcilable differences. What does that mean? Some went so far as to say if man found a woman that “looked better...”
2. Rabbi Shammi—Some uncleanness meant Sex Sin only. Divorce for Adultery: What is adultery and why is this a way out of marriage? Matthew 5:27-28. Fornication covers many sins. Related to the Greek Word Porneia-Pornography Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18 Adultery involves only married people. What constitutes adultery—does the answer differ between men and women--? Sex is sacred. Hebrews 13:4. What is sinful sex in marriage? Adultery can be in the heart. Matthew 5:28 However this does not preclude one from admiring beauty.
c. The Pharisees were absorbed with the grounds for divorce; Jesus was absorbed with the institution of marriage. The Pharisees want to know when one could get a divorce, Jesus want us to understand why a husband and wife should stay together. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; Mark 10:7
d. The Pharisees called Moses' provision for divorce a command; Jesus called it a concession to the hardness of human hearts. It is actually a rabbinical misinterpretation of an OT passage. It would be helpful to look at the passage itself, from Deuteronomy 24:1-4. A careful reading of these verses shows there is no command to a husband to divorce his wife, nor is there any encouragement to do so. The purpose of this law was to protect women from exploitation, because in those days, men treated women like junk. If a wife burned the bagels, she was out. Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about the regulation of Moses, saying that Moses permitted them to divorce their wives because their hearts were hard. Moses permitted divorce, but he did not command it.
e. The Pharisees regarded divorce lightly; Jesus took it so seriously that, with only one exception, he called all remarriage after divorce adultery. And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery. Mark 10:11-12
III. Making your Marriage Divorce Resistant
a. Here how is the world operates in this area, taken from the book, Divorce: How And When To Let Go:Your marriage can wear out. People change their values and lifestyles. People want to experience new things. Change is a part of life. Change and personal growth are traits for you to be proud of, indicative of a vital, searching mind. You must accept the reality that in today's multifaceted world it is especially easy for two persons to grow apart. Letting go of your marriage--if it is no longer fulfilling--can be the most successful thing you have ever done. Getting a divorce can be a positive, problem-solving, growth- oriented step. It can be a personal triumph. Sermoncentral.com
b. Here is what the Bible says: 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:18-21
IV. Some helpful hints for husbands and wives to hold their marriages together:
a. Accept that Christians are Peculiar.
b. Husbands Love your wives
c. Wives submit to your Husbands
d. Parents set proper boundaries for your children
e. Remember these simple sentences: "I was wrong." "I am sorry." "Please forgive me." "Thank you." Say them whenever needed and say "I love you" often--whether needed or not.
f. Don't sweat the small stuff.
g. Remember to take time to recreate. -: ) stress is a killer
h. Don't nurse grudges: "Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."
i. Control your thinking or your thinking will control you. "What the mind dwells on the body acts on."
j. Remember that "Smooth seas never make skillful sailors."
k. Laugh a lot. It is still the best medicine.
l. Have faith and put God first with your time, talents and tithe.
m. PRAY OFTEN TOGETHER!
Three “must haves” for a Christian marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Many sources state that 50 percent of marriages end in Divorce. This number may be a little high but it is a fact that not all marriages are going to stay together. List below are a few things to make your marriage Divorce Resistant.
I. MUST BE CHRIST CENTERED.
• No marriage can be what it ought to be without Christ being the center of both lives. Paul gives a simple three point outline in the book of Ephesians that will work. He said, "Wives submit... Husbands love..... children obey." But, he's speaking of all that taking place as Christians, under the leadership of God.
• Both must be Christians. You can't read the Bible and claim Christian principles and then apply them to unbelievers.
(1) You should only date a Christian.
(2) You should only marry a Christian.
(3) People tell the preacher anything just to get married.
a. Both must be Committed. That is, Both husband and wife must be committed to Christ, for the marriage to be what it should be.
(1) The closer both get to Christ, the closer to each other.
(2) The further you get from Christ, the further from each other.
(3) Sad note: When one strays from Christ, the other has to stray also, or they will grow further apart. This often happens.
II. MUST HAVE THE PROPER FOUNDATION Often, marriage is based on all the wrong reasons.
a. Some marry because of physical attraction. Remember, what brings you together is what is going to keep you together, most of the time. What if that changes?
(1) What about weight gain? (People do gain you know)
(2) What about loss of hair? (Might be gone in 20 years)
(3) What about sickness or loss of health? (May not always be healthy)
b. Some marry because of pressure applied.
(1) It might be a pregnancy. Not the best reason to marry.
(2) It might be because of parents. (Try to pick for you)
III. MUST HAVE THE PROPER MAINTENANCE. Why is it that so many get married, seem to have everything going their way at marriage, then a few years down the road, it falls apart? They failed to maintain.(Maintain your bodies, physical appearance, language, manners, etc) Marriage is like a checking account. You have to make more deposits than you do withdrawals to keep up to date. Let me explain that.
a. What is a Deposit? A deposit is anything positive and security-producing for your mate.
(1) It's a gentle touch.
(2) It's a listening ear.
(3) A verbal "I love you."
(4) A special time together, just the two of you.
(5) A special card...... some flowers, or a balloon.
(6) The list is endless.
b. What is a Withdrawal? A withdrawal is anything sad or negative that hurts or frustrates your mate. (Two way street, again)
(1) A harsh word. (Boy that's easy! For husband or wife)
(2) An unkept promise. (Yeah, I'll vacuum.. Take out trash... clean out the carport.)
(3) Ignoring your mate. (Busy with paper, or t.v.)
(4) Public criticism. (Big withdrawal)
(5) Too much control. (Where you been? Who did you talk to? What did you talk about?) Demanding every little detail of information about everything can say, "I don't trust you!"
• If you maintain your marriage properly, you must make at least as many deposits as withdrawals. Else, you're bankrupt!