Mark 2: 13-22
What is a friend?
It has been said that a friend is someone who accepts you for who you are unconditionally. They see and know your faults, failures, and shortcomings and still will keep their heart open and listen to your heart as you cry out. Jesus loves unconditionally. Sin has taken man to the depth of depravity yet Christ still reaches down to lift them out. His love crosses social barriers and will be a friend to anyone who will come unto Him. His friendship exceeds that of any human. He is a friend that will not leave you or forsake you. Christ died for our sins and is forever reaching out with His forgiveness. He loves and cares too much for our souls to leave us without hope. His friendship entreats us to follow Him and accept Him as our friend and Savior.
A Friend to the Multitude (multitude resorted unto him)
• Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem!
• Whosoever will
• Compassion for a lost world
A Friend to the Despised (the Levi)
• Those hated by others
• Unpopular
• He passed by their way
A Friend to the Sinner (sat with sinners)
• The undeserved
• The blood has gone deeper than the stain of sin
• The confessor- Have mercy on me
A Friend to the Sick (but they that are sick)
• Sick in soul- those who’s hearts are diseased
• In affliction, He is near
A Friend to the Unrighteous (came not to call the righteous)
• Through Christ we are made right
• We are has filthy rage in His sight
• Our heart is made right by the light
A Friend to His Disciples ((they cannot fast)
• He knows what we can bear- They are not ready to fast
• Intimate communion with God- We can enter sacred dwelling place of God- Drawing close to the Jesus and He will bring you into His arms.
• What a friend we have in Jesus- He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Christ is Risen
Mark 16:1-14
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the matrix of Christianity. It is the pivotal truth and anchor of our faith that makes Christianity more than just another religion conjured by man. It is not a religion of man, but a relationship initiated by God who rules and reigns in the pass, present, and future. The certainty of this truth is express by the Apostle Paul when he says, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain”
The gospel accounts of the resurrection of Christ vary slightly in detail and sequence, but such difference does not dimension the validity of the truth. The account given to us by Mark is focused around the women that went to the sepulcher to anoint the body of Jesus, and a summary of other disciples that saw Him. The scripture lesson ends with a rebuke by Jesus for their unbelief in not believe those that saw Him first.
First Day of the Week (early in the morning…)
• The Christian Sabbath
• The sorrow and grief of death
Fortify with a Stone (…the stone from the door)
• The hindrances we face
• Continue to do what is right
Frighten by Angels (they were affrighted)
• One angel or two angels?
• Startled by the unexpected
• Fear is dispelled with astonishment
Foretelling of Christ (there shall ye see Him)
• He is not here- this was foretold
• You shall see Him face to face
• We must go where He leads to be able to see Him
Fled to Tell (fled from the sepulcher)
• They were admonish to go
• Spread the good news (gospel truth)
First seen by Mary (He appeared first…)
• Mary, delivered of 7 devils- From the depth of sin
• Personal acknowledgement- He calls our name. Is He Master?
Fellowship with Christ (they walked and went)
• Broke bread with them- social relationship
• Open the scripture with them- spiritual enlightenment
• Did not our heart burn within? – Sensing His presence
Faithlessness rebuked (upbraided them…)
• The frailty of humanity- the struggle with believing miracles.
• Rebukes are meant to strengthen. How do we accept rebukes?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the matrix of Christianity. It is the pivotal truth and anchor of our faith that makes Christianity more than just another religion conjured by man. It is not a religion of man, but a relationship initiated by God who rules and reigns in the pass, present, and future. The certainty of this truth is express by the Apostle Paul when he says, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain”
The gospel accounts of the resurrection of Christ vary slightly in detail and sequence, but such difference does not dimension the validity of the truth. The account given to us by Mark is focused around the women that went to the sepulcher to anoint the body of Jesus, and a summary of other disciples that saw Him. The scripture lesson ends with a rebuke by Jesus for their unbelief in not believe those that saw Him first.
First Day of the Week (early in the morning…)
• The Christian Sabbath
• The sorrow and grief of death
Fortify with a Stone (…the stone from the door)
• The hindrances we face
• Continue to do what is right
Frighten by Angels (they were affrighted)
• One angel or two angels?
• Startled by the unexpected
• Fear is dispelled with astonishment
Foretelling of Christ (there shall ye see Him)
• He is not here- this was foretold
• You shall see Him face to face
• We must go where He leads to be able to see Him
Fled to Tell (fled from the sepulcher)
• They were admonish to go
• Spread the good news (gospel truth)
First seen by Mary (He appeared first…)
• Mary, delivered of 7 devils- From the depth of sin
• Personal acknowledgement- He calls our name. Is He Master?
Fellowship with Christ (they walked and went)
• Broke bread with them- social relationship
• Open the scripture with them- spiritual enlightenment
• Did not our heart burn within? – Sensing His presence
Faithlessness rebuked (upbraided them…)
• The frailty of humanity- the struggle with believing miracles.
• Rebukes are meant to strengthen. How do we accept rebukes?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Jesus The Healer
Mark 1:21-34
The ministry of Jesus is summarized in what He did for humanity. He served, sacrificed, and suffered for others that they all may have the opportunity to be saved from sorrow, sadness, and sin.
Sickness is brought upon man by diseases that attack the body. The effects of sin in the world, is to bring death to that which lives. When sickness came upon people it was assumed that the person had committed sin, therefore sickness was the punishment. Christ cleared up this misconception when he said, “Neither did this man sin or his parents…” We often don’t understand why sickness falls to a person, but we can trust God that such events are fulfilling a divine purpose.
Jesus came to heal the broken in body and spirit. He came to make life whole. His healing power goes beyond making the body well, but reaches to the depth of the soul where sickness is rebuked and the healing power of God’s forgiveness is administered. Have you experience the healing power of Christ in your life?
Capernaum is open (went into Capernaum)
• Nazareth rejects Christ
• The harvest was ready for reaping in Capernaum
• Do we have an open heart to the works of Christ?
Church gathering (into the synagogue)
• The Christian Sabbath- Day of worship
• A place to be feed by His Word
• Open to all classes of people
Christ Authority (as one that has authority)
• He was the Word- The author of truth
• He did not explain the law- he proclaimed it
Casting out of sin (come out of him)
• Sinners in the Church- Are they welcomed?
• The rebuking of Satan- evil spirits cast doubt and fear
• Showing forth the power of Christ- The power of the Church
Caring for believers (he took her hand)
• Especially to the household of faith
• Peter witness- Casting, all your cares upon Him, for…
• Is Christ the master of your home?
Compassion for all (he healed many)
• Sharing the Grace of God
• Love them into the Kingdom- I have no other choice.
• His healing power is for whosoever will
• All need healing, for all come short of the Glory of God.
The ministry of Jesus is summarized in what He did for humanity. He served, sacrificed, and suffered for others that they all may have the opportunity to be saved from sorrow, sadness, and sin.
Sickness is brought upon man by diseases that attack the body. The effects of sin in the world, is to bring death to that which lives. When sickness came upon people it was assumed that the person had committed sin, therefore sickness was the punishment. Christ cleared up this misconception when he said, “Neither did this man sin or his parents…” We often don’t understand why sickness falls to a person, but we can trust God that such events are fulfilling a divine purpose.
Jesus came to heal the broken in body and spirit. He came to make life whole. His healing power goes beyond making the body well, but reaches to the depth of the soul where sickness is rebuked and the healing power of God’s forgiveness is administered. Have you experience the healing power of Christ in your life?
Capernaum is open (went into Capernaum)
• Nazareth rejects Christ
• The harvest was ready for reaping in Capernaum
• Do we have an open heart to the works of Christ?
Church gathering (into the synagogue)
• The Christian Sabbath- Day of worship
• A place to be feed by His Word
• Open to all classes of people
Christ Authority (as one that has authority)
• He was the Word- The author of truth
• He did not explain the law- he proclaimed it
Casting out of sin (come out of him)
• Sinners in the Church- Are they welcomed?
• The rebuking of Satan- evil spirits cast doubt and fear
• Showing forth the power of Christ- The power of the Church
Caring for believers (he took her hand)
• Especially to the household of faith
• Peter witness- Casting, all your cares upon Him, for…
• Is Christ the master of your home?
Compassion for all (he healed many)
• Sharing the Grace of God
• Love them into the Kingdom- I have no other choice.
• His healing power is for whosoever will
• All need healing, for all come short of the Glory of God.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Jacob's Name Change
Genesis: 32:9-12, 24-30
When full salvation is obtained, God does a work in the human heart that changes the old nature of sin and self to a new nature of love and forgiveness. Jacob’s name change is symbolic to what Christ desires to do in the heart of all who come to Him. As Jacob wrestler with the Angel of the Lord to obtain his new name, he struggled with his old nature of deception. For Jacob to be all that God wanted him to be, he needed to realize and then confess this sinful nature to God. It was not until he was broken that God blessed him with a new name. May God help us to seek Him with perseverance until we are broken of pride and self-will. It is only then can we realize the fullness of God’s power and grace.
Following God- (return to thy kindred)
• In prayer we find God’s direction
• We often must face the past
• Unworthy of God’s faithfulness
Future unknown- (pass over this Jordan)
• We must depend on God for the outcome
• Leave all we have to God
• The unknown bundle
Fear of Esau (for I fear him)
• Human anxieties are to be expected
• We must overcome our fears of rejection and failures
Forgetting not His promises (and thou said…)
• God’s promises are always in the present
• We can stand on His Word
Forsaking of self (what is thy name)
• The struggle with the carnal nature
• The “death route”
Fortitude of spirit (I will not let thee go)
• Persevere in prayer
• “I will not be denied”
Fitness to receive (thy name shall be…Israel)
• Yielding will bring the victory
• Having power with God only comes by surrendering
Face to face with God (the place Peniel)
• It is real- I have seen God
• Experience of heart holiness is a definite work of Grace
• Have we experience God face to face?
When full salvation is obtained, God does a work in the human heart that changes the old nature of sin and self to a new nature of love and forgiveness. Jacob’s name change is symbolic to what Christ desires to do in the heart of all who come to Him. As Jacob wrestler with the Angel of the Lord to obtain his new name, he struggled with his old nature of deception. For Jacob to be all that God wanted him to be, he needed to realize and then confess this sinful nature to God. It was not until he was broken that God blessed him with a new name. May God help us to seek Him with perseverance until we are broken of pride and self-will. It is only then can we realize the fullness of God’s power and grace.
Following God- (return to thy kindred)
• In prayer we find God’s direction
• We often must face the past
• Unworthy of God’s faithfulness
Future unknown- (pass over this Jordan)
• We must depend on God for the outcome
• Leave all we have to God
• The unknown bundle
Fear of Esau (for I fear him)
• Human anxieties are to be expected
• We must overcome our fears of rejection and failures
Forgetting not His promises (and thou said…)
• God’s promises are always in the present
• We can stand on His Word
Forsaking of self (what is thy name)
• The struggle with the carnal nature
• The “death route”
Fortitude of spirit (I will not let thee go)
• Persevere in prayer
• “I will not be denied”
Fitness to receive (thy name shall be…Israel)
• Yielding will bring the victory
• Having power with God only comes by surrendering
Face to face with God (the place Peniel)
• It is real- I have seen God
• Experience of heart holiness is a definite work of Grace
• Have we experience God face to face?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Esau Sells His Birthright
Genesis 25:27-34
The birthright that was handed down was to be given to the firstborn male in the family. Esau, by right of birth was to be given this privilege. He regarded his birthright with contempt. Such are those who are willing to sell their soul to fulfill the appetites of the flesh. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The words of Jesus, teach us that we should value our soul as our greatest treasure.
The cunningness of Jacob teaches us that it is never right to accomplish God’s purposes in a wrong way. Instead of being still and waiting on God, Jacob acted with deceitful human intervention. God’s will, should never be enacted in a way that is contrary to His Word.
Personalities of Esau and Jacob (cunning hunter…plain man)
• Contrast between the two boys
• We are made in His image with unique personal traits
• The person of Christ is united with our personality
• We our made to glorify God
Preferring behavior (loved Esau…loved Jacob)
• All are made equal in the eyes of God
• Love should be measured out in equal portions
• Showing equal respect to all person –James 2:9
Preparation in the Human (Jacob sod pottage)
• Circumvent and manipulation
• Getting ahead of God
• Forcing the will of God, instead of waiting
Pottage exchanged (he sold his birthright)
• The traps of the enemy- Beware, Satan is cunning
• Keeping our bodies under subjection
• What shall a man give in exchange for his soul
Profaning of the Birthright (Esau despised...)
• Walked away from his birthright (rejection of Christ)
• Regard his soul with little worth
• Ignored his most valuable treasure
• Neglecting the condition of the soul
• May we guard our hearts with all diligence
The birthright that was handed down was to be given to the firstborn male in the family. Esau, by right of birth was to be given this privilege. He regarded his birthright with contempt. Such are those who are willing to sell their soul to fulfill the appetites of the flesh. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The words of Jesus, teach us that we should value our soul as our greatest treasure.
The cunningness of Jacob teaches us that it is never right to accomplish God’s purposes in a wrong way. Instead of being still and waiting on God, Jacob acted with deceitful human intervention. God’s will, should never be enacted in a way that is contrary to His Word.
Personalities of Esau and Jacob (cunning hunter…plain man)
• Contrast between the two boys
• We are made in His image with unique personal traits
• The person of Christ is united with our personality
• We our made to glorify God
Preferring behavior (loved Esau…loved Jacob)
• All are made equal in the eyes of God
• Love should be measured out in equal portions
• Showing equal respect to all person –James 2:9
Preparation in the Human (Jacob sod pottage)
• Circumvent and manipulation
• Getting ahead of God
• Forcing the will of God, instead of waiting
Pottage exchanged (he sold his birthright)
• The traps of the enemy- Beware, Satan is cunning
• Keeping our bodies under subjection
• What shall a man give in exchange for his soul
Profaning of the Birthright (Esau despised...)
• Walked away from his birthright (rejection of Christ)
• Regard his soul with little worth
• Ignored his most valuable treasure
• Neglecting the condition of the soul
• May we guard our hearts with all diligence
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The Test of Abraham's Faith
Gen.22: 1-14
The account given to us here in Genesis 22 has been a matter of great controversy. The offering Abraham was required to make is not consistent with the teaching of the Bible. The sacrificing of humans is a known practice among the heathen religions throughout history. There seems to be various explanations to this event, but it is not the nature of this study to explore for possible answers. It is sufficient to say that the final decree of God to Abraham was, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad” The more important aspect of this Biblical account is the spiritual application that is implied. Test and trails will come to every believer in Christ. God does require of us our most precious treasure. All those who walk with God will come to a crossroads in their lives. Are we willing to give it all to Him? A complete and full consecration, letting go, and let God have His way.
Talking with God- “God said unto him”
• Abraham knew the voice of God
• Do we pray enough to comprehend His voice?
Testing of Abraham- “God did “tempt” Abraham”
• God does not tempt with the intent to see us fall
• To show forth God’s glory
• Will our character remain steadfast? Proving the heart.
Total Obedience- “Take now thy son”
• Taking what we love and giving it all to God
• Trust and obey there is no other way
Traveling the Road -“rose up and went”
• Our spiritual journey often takes us to a “place”
• Getting there is half the battle- We must not be detoured
Top of the Mount -”I and the lad will go yonder”
• Isaac’s wiliness to be sacrificed
• Pointing to “The Lamb of God” - God Provided
Temptation and Deliverance “The angel of the Lord called”
• No temptation given to man- He will provide a way of escape
• Obedience is better than sacrifice
• His purpose is accomplished
Trial of our Faith-“I know that thou fearest God”
• Those who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution
• Faith is shown by works- Not enough to say “I believe”
Testimony of the Lord – “It shall be seen”
• He is our provider-Jehovah-jireh
• He is all we need
The account given to us here in Genesis 22 has been a matter of great controversy. The offering Abraham was required to make is not consistent with the teaching of the Bible. The sacrificing of humans is a known practice among the heathen religions throughout history. There seems to be various explanations to this event, but it is not the nature of this study to explore for possible answers. It is sufficient to say that the final decree of God to Abraham was, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad” The more important aspect of this Biblical account is the spiritual application that is implied. Test and trails will come to every believer in Christ. God does require of us our most precious treasure. All those who walk with God will come to a crossroads in their lives. Are we willing to give it all to Him? A complete and full consecration, letting go, and let God have His way.
Talking with God- “God said unto him”
• Abraham knew the voice of God
• Do we pray enough to comprehend His voice?
Testing of Abraham- “God did “tempt” Abraham”
• God does not tempt with the intent to see us fall
• To show forth God’s glory
• Will our character remain steadfast? Proving the heart.
Total Obedience- “Take now thy son”
• Taking what we love and giving it all to God
• Trust and obey there is no other way
Traveling the Road -“rose up and went”
• Our spiritual journey often takes us to a “place”
• Getting there is half the battle- We must not be detoured
Top of the Mount -”I and the lad will go yonder”
• Isaac’s wiliness to be sacrificed
• Pointing to “The Lamb of God” - God Provided
Temptation and Deliverance “The angel of the Lord called”
• No temptation given to man- He will provide a way of escape
• Obedience is better than sacrifice
• His purpose is accomplished
Trial of our Faith-“I know that thou fearest God”
• Those who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution
• Faith is shown by works- Not enough to say “I believe”
Testimony of the Lord – “It shall be seen”
• He is our provider-Jehovah-jireh
• He is all we need
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Destruction of Sodom
Genesis 19: 15-26
The account of historic events has shown that God will not tolerate sin. For every cause, there is an effect. For the wages of sin is death, and whosoever willfully disregards God’s call to righteousness will suffer the consequences. The destruction of Sodom was not done without the warnings of God for them to repent and forsake their wicked ways. Likewise, God calls out His warning to all men and women today to repent and give their hearts to Christ. Those who reject the call will suffer the fate of Sodom. Their souls will be cast into the lake of fire where they will suffer for eternity. God is merciful, but He also is a God of judgment. He has sent His messengers to us, interceding and pleading, to accept His divine forgiveness and mercy. The choice is ours to stay, or to flee and escape. What will your choice be?
Hastening of God- (the angels hastened Lot)
• Abram interceded for Lot
• The urgency of the hour- His return is imminent
Hesitation of Lot (he Lingered)
• Procrastination
• Indifference to truth
• Let me sleep- leave me alone
Hauled off by angels ((they brought him forth…)
• The Lord often uses drastic means
• Leaving loved ones behind
Higher ground (escape the mountains)
• Symbolic- out of sin
• Symbolic- go on to holiness
Harboring near- (this city is near to flee)
• The fear of the unknown
• Not willing to go all the way- staying close to the world
Horrifying consequences (rained…brimstone and fire)
• Judgment is sure
• God’s promises are not always pleasant
• The consequences of sin is death
Hindrances from escaping (but his wife looked back)
• Always looking back with longing
• Burning the bridges
• Complete obedience is imperative for full salvation
The account of historic events has shown that God will not tolerate sin. For every cause, there is an effect. For the wages of sin is death, and whosoever willfully disregards God’s call to righteousness will suffer the consequences. The destruction of Sodom was not done without the warnings of God for them to repent and forsake their wicked ways. Likewise, God calls out His warning to all men and women today to repent and give their hearts to Christ. Those who reject the call will suffer the fate of Sodom. Their souls will be cast into the lake of fire where they will suffer for eternity. God is merciful, but He also is a God of judgment. He has sent His messengers to us, interceding and pleading, to accept His divine forgiveness and mercy. The choice is ours to stay, or to flee and escape. What will your choice be?
Hastening of God- (the angels hastened Lot)
• Abram interceded for Lot
• The urgency of the hour- His return is imminent
Hesitation of Lot (he Lingered)
• Procrastination
• Indifference to truth
• Let me sleep- leave me alone
Hauled off by angels ((they brought him forth…)
• The Lord often uses drastic means
• Leaving loved ones behind
Higher ground (escape the mountains)
• Symbolic- out of sin
• Symbolic- go on to holiness
Harboring near- (this city is near to flee)
• The fear of the unknown
• Not willing to go all the way- staying close to the world
Horrifying consequences (rained…brimstone and fire)
• Judgment is sure
• God’s promises are not always pleasant
• The consequences of sin is death
Hindrances from escaping (but his wife looked back)
• Always looking back with longing
• Burning the bridges
• Complete obedience is imperative for full salvation
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