Mark 12:28-34, 38-40
Truth is defined as a verified or undisputable fact. Jesus proclaimed to be the truth. He not only spoke words of truth, but He himself was the essence of truth. True Christianity is to know Him. This goes beyond following a creed of rules or rituals. True Christianity is a relationship that is then manifest by the religion we live. Following the Christian faith or religion in truth requires a prerequisite. One must first be born of God through the Spirit, made a new creature through the sacrificial death of Christ. Accepted and adopted into the family of God. It is only through confession and believing that the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin that one becomes a true believer in Christianity. The commandments of Jesus to those who follow Him are given to us here in the scripture, to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors. It is not possible to do this without first coming to Christ, and accepting His forgiveness for the sins of our past. It is only then, can we truly start to serve God and live the religion that Christ taught.
Seeker of Truth vs.28
• Desire to know the truth
• Concluded that Jesus spoke with authority
Serving One True God vs. 29
• There is only one way to God
• He alone is truth
Selfless Love vs.30
• All your heart, soul, mind, strength
• Our affections, being, thinking- intellect, physical body
Second Command vs.31
• Love your everyone as you would want to be loved
Sincere Answer vs. 32-34
• Discreetly- caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead. Carefully thought out.
Shunning False Religion vs.38,39
• Look out for those who claim to know everything
• Lift themselves up
• Appear to be dressed Holy
• Strive for power and position
Semblance of Righteousness vs. 40
• Take advantage of those who are helpless or easily manipulated
• The focus of their religion is keeping rules
• They have the talk, but not the walk
• They will be judge by God, who knows the heart.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
A Father’s Instructions
Proverbs 3:1-12
Our Father in heaven is the perfect example of what God’s wants fathers to be. He Through Christ is the head of the Church. His Word is the final authority. His love and mercy are everlasting. The father is the head of the home with the courage to follow God and raise his family in the fear of the Lord. May he do it with compassion and desire to see his family make it to the city of God.
Rule Book from God- the Law
• Principles for Living
• The final authority
• Love your wife, provoke not your children
Reality of the Word- thine heart
• We must live it
• More than just a good man
• Life centered around Christ
Remember His Word- forsake not
• Teach our children the Word
• They will not depart from it- Conscience will follow them
Reward for Obedience- shall find favor
• Honor is given to those who depend on God
• The fruits of your labor will not go in vain.
Rely on God for Understanding- Lean not
• Trust God for leadership
• Don’t allow “ego” to guide your decisions
• He has promise to show the path
Responsible Steward- with thy substance
• Provide for your household
• Provide for the work of the Kingdom
• Give to God your first fruits-tithe
• God honors a cheerful giver and will reward them
Rod of Correction despise not chastening
• Discipline- teach by corrections
• Not punishment or impunity, but for the purpose of learning a lesson.
• Mode of Correction- Individual temperament
• True love will not let them do whatever they want
• Always confirms with Love and Prayers
Our Father in heaven is the perfect example of what God’s wants fathers to be. He Through Christ is the head of the Church. His Word is the final authority. His love and mercy are everlasting. The father is the head of the home with the courage to follow God and raise his family in the fear of the Lord. May he do it with compassion and desire to see his family make it to the city of God.
Rule Book from God- the Law
• Principles for Living
• The final authority
• Love your wife, provoke not your children
Reality of the Word- thine heart
• We must live it
• More than just a good man
• Life centered around Christ
Remember His Word- forsake not
• Teach our children the Word
• They will not depart from it- Conscience will follow them
Reward for Obedience- shall find favor
• Honor is given to those who depend on God
• The fruits of your labor will not go in vain.
Rely on God for Understanding- Lean not
• Trust God for leadership
• Don’t allow “ego” to guide your decisions
• He has promise to show the path
Responsible Steward- with thy substance
• Provide for your household
• Provide for the work of the Kingdom
• Give to God your first fruits-tithe
• God honors a cheerful giver and will reward them
Rod of Correction despise not chastening
• Discipline- teach by corrections
• Not punishment or impunity, but for the purpose of learning a lesson.
• Mode of Correction- Individual temperament
• True love will not let them do whatever they want
• Always confirms with Love and Prayers
True Greatness
Mark 10:35-45
The attributes of being “great” in our society is often marked by some outstanding accomplishment achieve by a man or women. We study about “Great Men” in history and “Great Women” who helped shape this country. As we reflect on Biblical history, from Genesis to Revelation, we see “Greatness” scattered throughout the pages of scripture. We marvel at Noah’s great ability to build the Ark, Abraham’s faith to step out under the stars to begin a new nation, and Solomon’s great wisdom to discern right and wrong. Many people today aspire to be great and to make a difference in today’s world. There are those who seek greatness because they crave popularity, power, or position. Jesus teaches us that those types of people will have their reward on earth, but will count for nothing in eternity. Contrary to the world’s viewpoint, Jesus, defines true greatness, “whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister, and whosoever of you will be the chief, shall be servant of all” Greatness is not for a selected few, greatness can be achieved for whosoever will.
Asking amiss- vs.35
• What we desire- did not Christ admonish to do so?
• Discerning the will of God in are asking
Aspiration to greatness- vs.37
• Grant that we may sit- motivation to be exalted
• Climbing the latter of “success”
Ambition is checked vs. 38
• Ye know not what you ask- Blind to their condition
• Jesus knows our needs better than we know them
Ability declared vs. 39
• We can! Self reliance
Acknowledgment of the Savior vs. 39
• Ye shall indeed. Looking beyond the present
Assent given to the Father vs.40
• Is not mine to give- Not my will, but thy will be done
Ascendancy of rules vs. 42
• Gentiles exercise lordship- authority over other
• The world’s view of greatness
Acquiring greatness vs. 43, 44
• Shall be servant of all- living to serve
• Humility- No job is too little for those who serve
• The path to true greatness is following His example
Atonement for all vs.45
• Ultimate act of servant hood
• We who were with hope/helpless died to give us hope
The attributes of being “great” in our society is often marked by some outstanding accomplishment achieve by a man or women. We study about “Great Men” in history and “Great Women” who helped shape this country. As we reflect on Biblical history, from Genesis to Revelation, we see “Greatness” scattered throughout the pages of scripture. We marvel at Noah’s great ability to build the Ark, Abraham’s faith to step out under the stars to begin a new nation, and Solomon’s great wisdom to discern right and wrong. Many people today aspire to be great and to make a difference in today’s world. There are those who seek greatness because they crave popularity, power, or position. Jesus teaches us that those types of people will have their reward on earth, but will count for nothing in eternity. Contrary to the world’s viewpoint, Jesus, defines true greatness, “whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister, and whosoever of you will be the chief, shall be servant of all” Greatness is not for a selected few, greatness can be achieved for whosoever will.
Asking amiss- vs.35
• What we desire- did not Christ admonish to do so?
• Discerning the will of God in are asking
Aspiration to greatness- vs.37
• Grant that we may sit- motivation to be exalted
• Climbing the latter of “success”
Ambition is checked vs. 38
• Ye know not what you ask- Blind to their condition
• Jesus knows our needs better than we know them
Ability declared vs. 39
• We can! Self reliance
Acknowledgment of the Savior vs. 39
• Ye shall indeed. Looking beyond the present
Assent given to the Father vs.40
• Is not mine to give- Not my will, but thy will be done
Ascendancy of rules vs. 42
• Gentiles exercise lordship- authority over other
• The world’s view of greatness
Acquiring greatness vs. 43, 44
• Shall be servant of all- living to serve
• Humility- No job is too little for those who serve
• The path to true greatness is following His example
Atonement for all vs.45
• Ultimate act of servant hood
• We who were with hope/helpless died to give us hope
Monday, May 28, 2007
Divine Nourishment
Mark 8:1-9, 14-21
To sustain the body to be healthy and strong, it is imperative that one takes time to nourish themselves with food and water. These basic necessities of life are essential for survival and must not be neglected if we are to grow and live healthy lives. God made humanity with a body and a soul. The till of the ground has provided man with food to sustain the body. But man cannot survive with bread alone. He must also nourish the soul. Jesus, who is the bread of life and true source of divine nourishment, had sent out the invitation to come and dine. This divine food from heaven is the source of our spiritual substance and is essential to our spiritual growth and eternal survival. Jesus said, “He that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled” We often crave and long for certain foods, but how often do we crave for the bread of Life and divine nourishment for heaven?
Calling of the disciples vs.1
• Minister to those in need
• Obligation to feed those who are in need
Compassionate Christ vs. 2-3
• The Love of Jesus how measureless
• Looking through the eyes of Christ
Complications arise vs. 4
• Obstacles that we will face
• Humanly this is not possible, but with God
Charge of the Savior vs. 6, 15
• He is the answer to all are needs
• Trust and obey- “Whatsoever He saith, do it”
Control of the circumstance vs. 5-7
• We must let go and let Him be in control
• He still desires to use us as vessels for His glory
Contamination of truth vs.15
• Beware of those who are able to twist the truth
• Just because it looks delicious, does not mean it will satisfy
Consider and Call to mind the miracles vs. 17-21
• How quickly we forget what God has done
• Understanding the spiritual world
• He desires that we have a present and active faith
• The Holy Spirit will lead us to remember
To sustain the body to be healthy and strong, it is imperative that one takes time to nourish themselves with food and water. These basic necessities of life are essential for survival and must not be neglected if we are to grow and live healthy lives. God made humanity with a body and a soul. The till of the ground has provided man with food to sustain the body. But man cannot survive with bread alone. He must also nourish the soul. Jesus, who is the bread of life and true source of divine nourishment, had sent out the invitation to come and dine. This divine food from heaven is the source of our spiritual substance and is essential to our spiritual growth and eternal survival. Jesus said, “He that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled” We often crave and long for certain foods, but how often do we crave for the bread of Life and divine nourishment for heaven?
Calling of the disciples vs.1
• Minister to those in need
• Obligation to feed those who are in need
Compassionate Christ vs. 2-3
• The Love of Jesus how measureless
• Looking through the eyes of Christ
Complications arise vs. 4
• Obstacles that we will face
• Humanly this is not possible, but with God
Charge of the Savior vs. 6, 15
• He is the answer to all are needs
• Trust and obey- “Whatsoever He saith, do it”
Control of the circumstance vs. 5-7
• We must let go and let Him be in control
• He still desires to use us as vessels for His glory
Contamination of truth vs.15
• Beware of those who are able to twist the truth
• Just because it looks delicious, does not mean it will satisfy
Consider and Call to mind the miracles vs. 17-21
• How quickly we forget what God has done
• Understanding the spiritual world
• He desires that we have a present and active faith
• The Holy Spirit will lead us to remember
Crying Out To Jesus
Mark 7:24-37
In desperation, it is not uncommon for people to cry out for help. The cry it not always a literal shout or calling out. It often is the silent aching of the soul that looks for fulfillment or searches for answers to life’s many questions. Crying implies that there is a demonstration of strong emotions and a tense focus on a particular need. There is a singleness of mind and determination to get the attention of someone to give aid or warn of pending danger. Everything else in life fades when compared the immediate need. Through out the Word of God we find examples of men and women crying out to God for help. In almost all situations, the person finds themselves unable to help themselves. David, the great Psalmist gives us many examples of such desperate calling out to God for help. “My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God”. Psalm 84:2b. In our lesson today, we find a women crying out to Jesus to free her daughter from unclean spirits. In the other example, a group of concern individuals beseech Jesus to bring healing to the deaf and dumb man. In both cases, Jesus saw their need and faith in Him to answer.
Proclaiming of Christ –vs.25 (she heard of Him)
• How can they hear unless someone tells
Pursuing a remedy- vs.25 (she came)
• She went out looking
• Searching in the right place- Must be more than sincerity
Prostrated before Christ- vs.25 (fell at His feet)
• Realize her inadequacy
• Be merciful to me a sinner- Only Christ is able
Pleading for a need- vs.26, 32
• She besought Him
• They beseeched Jesus
Putting her in her place- vs.27 (it is no meet)
• All have sinned- Unrighteous before God.
• We must humble ourselves- He shall lift us up
Persistent in prayer- vs.28 (yes Lord, yet)
• Holding on and willing to take whatever God has for us
• Importunity- We must not let up- “ I will not be denied”
Procuring through divine intervention- vs. 29, 33, 34
• Let God decide how to solve the problem- “He said”
• His way is best- Let go and let God be God- “He spit”
Promise from the Savior- vs.30 (devil gone out) vs.35 (he spake)
• From the lip of Christ- He said it.
Publishing the works of Christ- vs. 36 (they published it)
• It is only natural to let others know.
In desperation, it is not uncommon for people to cry out for help. The cry it not always a literal shout or calling out. It often is the silent aching of the soul that looks for fulfillment or searches for answers to life’s many questions. Crying implies that there is a demonstration of strong emotions and a tense focus on a particular need. There is a singleness of mind and determination to get the attention of someone to give aid or warn of pending danger. Everything else in life fades when compared the immediate need. Through out the Word of God we find examples of men and women crying out to God for help. In almost all situations, the person finds themselves unable to help themselves. David, the great Psalmist gives us many examples of such desperate calling out to God for help. “My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God”. Psalm 84:2b. In our lesson today, we find a women crying out to Jesus to free her daughter from unclean spirits. In the other example, a group of concern individuals beseech Jesus to bring healing to the deaf and dumb man. In both cases, Jesus saw their need and faith in Him to answer.
Proclaiming of Christ –vs.25 (she heard of Him)
• How can they hear unless someone tells
Pursuing a remedy- vs.25 (she came)
• She went out looking
• Searching in the right place- Must be more than sincerity
Prostrated before Christ- vs.25 (fell at His feet)
• Realize her inadequacy
• Be merciful to me a sinner- Only Christ is able
Pleading for a need- vs.26, 32
• She besought Him
• They beseeched Jesus
Putting her in her place- vs.27 (it is no meet)
• All have sinned- Unrighteous before God.
• We must humble ourselves- He shall lift us up
Persistent in prayer- vs.28 (yes Lord, yet)
• Holding on and willing to take whatever God has for us
• Importunity- We must not let up- “ I will not be denied”
Procuring through divine intervention- vs. 29, 33, 34
• Let God decide how to solve the problem- “He said”
• His way is best- Let go and let God be God- “He spit”
Promise from the Savior- vs.30 (devil gone out) vs.35 (he spake)
• From the lip of Christ- He said it.
Publishing the works of Christ- vs. 36 (they published it)
• It is only natural to let others know.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Honoring Mothers
Proverbs 31: 1—15, 20-31
The recognition of honoring mothers goes back to ancient Greece history. Much celebration at this time was given over to idol worshipping of the goddess. During the 1600’s, England set aside a special day called “Mothering Sunday” this special celebration was recognize in very much the same way it is done today. President Wilson in 1914 officially proclaimed a national holiday to honor all mothers.
What does it mean to give honor? We live in a day where honor of any kind is a scares attribute. When a nation ceases to honor God and country, it has lost the respect to properly give honor where honor is due. As Christians, we are commanded to honor our mothers. Not because they are the “perfect mother” but, because they are God’s chosen to bare the seed of His creation. A Christian mother is a special gift that we especially need to take time to give our love and appreciation. A mother that fears God is always striving to be the best she can to see that her children live for God. In my mind, that is a “virtuous women” As mothers, fathers, and children, we strive not for perfection in behavior, but for obedience to the perfect will of God.
Christian Mothers:
M- maternal nurturing love to her children
• Protection of her offspring
• It is not normal to disregard and abuse
O- others come first
• Sacrifices her own needs- rising early to prepare for the day
• Making sure her own children have their needs met
T- thoughtful and considerate to others
• Bearing the fruits of the Spirit
• Always thinking how this will effect others
• Find ways to ease the burden for others
H- home is empty when mom is gone
• Her home is filled with joy and warmth
• A house without a mother’s touch remains just a house
E- everyone is a priority
• She loves her child equally- no favorites
R- Remember all those special occasions
• Hallmark could not stay in business
S- Serves God, family, and the church
• Idleness is far from her
• She fears the Lord and her life is centered around God.
• Her desire to see her children serve God
• Always praying for God’s will to be done
• Her children rise up to honor her
The recognition of honoring mothers goes back to ancient Greece history. Much celebration at this time was given over to idol worshipping of the goddess. During the 1600’s, England set aside a special day called “Mothering Sunday” this special celebration was recognize in very much the same way it is done today. President Wilson in 1914 officially proclaimed a national holiday to honor all mothers.
What does it mean to give honor? We live in a day where honor of any kind is a scares attribute. When a nation ceases to honor God and country, it has lost the respect to properly give honor where honor is due. As Christians, we are commanded to honor our mothers. Not because they are the “perfect mother” but, because they are God’s chosen to bare the seed of His creation. A Christian mother is a special gift that we especially need to take time to give our love and appreciation. A mother that fears God is always striving to be the best she can to see that her children live for God. In my mind, that is a “virtuous women” As mothers, fathers, and children, we strive not for perfection in behavior, but for obedience to the perfect will of God.
Christian Mothers:
M- maternal nurturing love to her children
• Protection of her offspring
• It is not normal to disregard and abuse
O- others come first
• Sacrifices her own needs- rising early to prepare for the day
• Making sure her own children have their needs met
T- thoughtful and considerate to others
• Bearing the fruits of the Spirit
• Always thinking how this will effect others
• Find ways to ease the burden for others
H- home is empty when mom is gone
• Her home is filled with joy and warmth
• A house without a mother’s touch remains just a house
E- everyone is a priority
• She loves her child equally- no favorites
R- Remember all those special occasions
• Hallmark could not stay in business
S- Serves God, family, and the church
• Idleness is far from her
• She fears the Lord and her life is centered around God.
• Her desire to see her children serve God
• Always praying for God’s will to be done
• Her children rise up to honor her
Saturday, May 5, 2007
The Religion of The Pharisees
Mark 7:1-13
Religion can be define as, “something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience”. In respect to a religious organization, religion is seen as, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects”. The beliefs and practices are generally derived from a source that is believed to be from some higher power. Often this source in spoken through some human who proclaims to be God’s messenger to mankind. The essence of a true religion is based on the validity and authenticity of the messenger. Is he truly God’s mouthpiece, or is he a false prophet that is diluted and full of self grander?
The Pharisee’s proclaim a religion that originated with Abraham and Moses. Based on the veracity of God’s Word, the messengers were true men of God. But, the Pharisee’s twisted their words to serve their own purposes. Jesus, undaunted by the Pharisee’s accusations faced them with their hypocrisy and called it for what was, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own traditions… Making the Word of God of none effect”.
Fault Finding (vs.2)
• Remove the beam from your own eye first
• Often practice to excuse one’s own failure to live right
Faithful to Traditions (vs.3)
• Understanding the rightful place of traditions
• The hands are clean, but the heart is dirty
Far from God (6)
• Giving only lip service
• Motives are self-centered- not done to the glory of God
False Worship (vs.7)
• Vain worship- pretense of worship
• That they may be seen of men
Failure to Keep God’s Commandments (vs. 8)
• Laying God’s Word aside for a rule book
• The power of God’s word is non existent
Forgetting the essentials (vs. 10, 11)
• Substituting “Corban” as an excuse not to follow the essentials
• What does God require? “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly
Freedom from the Yoke of Bondage (Galatians 6:1-14)
• No longer in bondage to regulations- Not saved by works
• Freedom to follow the check of the Holy Spirit
• Love and liberty to serve God unhindered by the root of Sin
Religion can be define as, “something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience”. In respect to a religious organization, religion is seen as, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects”. The beliefs and practices are generally derived from a source that is believed to be from some higher power. Often this source in spoken through some human who proclaims to be God’s messenger to mankind. The essence of a true religion is based on the validity and authenticity of the messenger. Is he truly God’s mouthpiece, or is he a false prophet that is diluted and full of self grander?
The Pharisee’s proclaim a religion that originated with Abraham and Moses. Based on the veracity of God’s Word, the messengers were true men of God. But, the Pharisee’s twisted their words to serve their own purposes. Jesus, undaunted by the Pharisee’s accusations faced them with their hypocrisy and called it for what was, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own traditions… Making the Word of God of none effect”.
Fault Finding (vs.2)
• Remove the beam from your own eye first
• Often practice to excuse one’s own failure to live right
Faithful to Traditions (vs.3)
• Understanding the rightful place of traditions
• The hands are clean, but the heart is dirty
Far from God (6)
• Giving only lip service
• Motives are self-centered- not done to the glory of God
False Worship (vs.7)
• Vain worship- pretense of worship
• That they may be seen of men
Failure to Keep God’s Commandments (vs. 8)
• Laying God’s Word aside for a rule book
• The power of God’s word is non existent
Forgetting the essentials (vs. 10, 11)
• Substituting “Corban” as an excuse not to follow the essentials
• What does God require? “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly
Freedom from the Yoke of Bondage (Galatians 6:1-14)
• No longer in bondage to regulations- Not saved by works
• Freedom to follow the check of the Holy Spirit
• Love and liberty to serve God unhindered by the root of Sin
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