Judges 6:11-16, 22-26
January 20th, 2008
Before heeding the call of God, one may often be faced with fears of uncertainty. “What does God really wants me to do?” Feelings of inadequacy and inability to perform the task plague the mind with doubt. “Does God really expect me to do this?” It is not until we see God for who He is that we begin to realize that it is not through our capabilities, but through the mighty power of God’s presence and His promise to go with us, that we can accomplish the task. We can rest in knowing that God will be with us and help us through our battles.
Visitation of The Lord (vs11. There came an angel)
• The ordinary world- Gideon doing his job
• Silent invitation- “Lord deliver us”
• Mercy of God to visit mankind
Valor Man (vs12. Mighty man of valor)
• What does it mean to be a valor person?
• Backbone, fearless, firmness, gallantry, fortitude, true grit
• Character that matters.
Verification of His Presence (vs13. if the Lord be with us)
• It is important to know that God is leading
• Gideon’s doubts seem to be founded-
Vessel of God (vs14. Thou ‘Gideon’ shall save Israel)
• God uses men and women to fulfill His will.
• He promises to “clothe us with his presence”
Void of Pride (vs15. I am the least…)
• Humbleness of spirit- God desires to use the humble
• It is not in our abilities, but our availability
Victory through God (vs16. Thou shall smite…)
• There is no god compared to thee O God!
• It is through Christ that we can do all things
• It is God who receives Glory- It is He who give the victory
Vision of the LORD (vs22. I have seen… the LORD)
• When we see the LORD all else fades away into the background
• Seeing Him for who He is.
Voice of Assurance (vs23. The LORD said… fear not)
• When He speaks all is well
• The assurance of knowing he keeps His promises
Veracity of Gideon (vs24. Gideon built an altar, and threw down Baal)
• Gideon is a true man of God and does what is right
• Returns to worship and opposes false worship
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The God of Host
Deborah and Barak
Judges 4:4-9, 12-16
January 13th, 2008
The oppression of sin soon becomes hard to bear, for the way of the transgressor is hard. It is not long before there is a cry out for deliverance from bondage. God in His mercy, once again, raises a man or women to fill in the gap and to make up the hedge. Deborah and Barak were willing to heed the call of God, picking up the sword and to go forward in battle. Their confidence and trust were placed in the God of Host who promised them victory.
Prophetess of God (vs1. Deborah, a prophetess)
• A woman close to God
• Women in leadership positions.
Proclaimed God’s Commands (vs2. Hath not the Lord…Commanded)
• Deborah know the mind of God
• It was assumed that Barak should also know what God wants
Procuring God’s Leadership (vs8. Go with me.)
• Barak- a weak man? Or a wise man?
• May all glory be reflected away from self.
Pursuit of the Enemy (vs13. Sisera gathered together all…)
• The harassment of the enemy
• The intimation of Satan- It does not look good.
• The enemy wants us to stay afraid and discouraged
Promise of Deliverance (vs14. Hath not the Lord gone out…)
• The Lord said He will give the victory
• Our we willing to let go and let God be God
• God’s promises are ours for the asking
Power of the God of Host (vs.15. The Lord discomfited)
• The Lord brought confusion to the enemy
• The Lord still used his creation for His purposes
Profound Victory (vs16. There was not a man left)
• It was God who gave the victory
• He destroys those who fight against His purposes
• Celebration of Victory (Deborah’s Song)
Judges 4:4-9, 12-16
January 13th, 2008
The oppression of sin soon becomes hard to bear, for the way of the transgressor is hard. It is not long before there is a cry out for deliverance from bondage. God in His mercy, once again, raises a man or women to fill in the gap and to make up the hedge. Deborah and Barak were willing to heed the call of God, picking up the sword and to go forward in battle. Their confidence and trust were placed in the God of Host who promised them victory.
Prophetess of God (vs1. Deborah, a prophetess)
• A woman close to God
• Women in leadership positions.
Proclaimed God’s Commands (vs2. Hath not the Lord…Commanded)
• Deborah know the mind of God
• It was assumed that Barak should also know what God wants
Procuring God’s Leadership (vs8. Go with me.)
• Barak- a weak man? Or a wise man?
• May all glory be reflected away from self.
Pursuit of the Enemy (vs13. Sisera gathered together all…)
• The harassment of the enemy
• The intimation of Satan- It does not look good.
• The enemy wants us to stay afraid and discouraged
Promise of Deliverance (vs14. Hath not the Lord gone out…)
• The Lord said He will give the victory
• Our we willing to let go and let God be God
• God’s promises are ours for the asking
Power of the God of Host (vs.15. The Lord discomfited)
• The Lord brought confusion to the enemy
• The Lord still used his creation for His purposes
Profound Victory (vs16. There was not a man left)
• It was God who gave the victory
• He destroys those who fight against His purposes
• Celebration of Victory (Deborah’s Song)
Israel's Sin and Salvation
Judges 2:11-23
January 6th, 2008
The people of Israel stayed victorious as long as they stayed faithful to God’s commandments, but they failed to take heed to the voice of God, and allowed self to take control. There failure to trust God and believe, led them to depart from the living God. This serves as an example for us, to remain faithful to God, and to obey His Word, lest we find ourselves shipwrecked and forsaken.
Conquest of the Land (Josh.ch11:23- land rested from war)
• Johsua’s initial conquest- Not all
• Choose this day- We will serve God
• Cooperation among the tribe
Condition of Israel (vs11. Did evil)
• “They did not drive them out”
• Generation fallen to selfish living
• They played the “Harlot” with other nations
• They did evil in the SIGHT OF GOD
Condemnation of God (vs14. Anger of the Lord)
• God’s anger was “hot” against them
• He gave them up to the enemy (reprobate mind)
• They were always under distress- no peace of mind
Conquering the Enemy (vs16. The Lord…delivered them)
• The faithfulness of God to raise a deliverer
• God loves the backslider
Commandment Disobeyed (vs17 the commandments…they did not)
• Unfaithful to stay true to His commandments
• Forsaking His Word for selfish pleasures
Corruption of Morals (vs17 went a whoring)
• Went whoring after other gods
• Turned quickly out of the way
Compassion of the Lord (vs18. It repented the Lord)
• God hears the cry of those who earnestly seek Him
• God will not turn away a earnest heart
Covenant Transgressed (vs20. Transgress my Covenant)
• Keeping our promises- “Lord, If you will…)
• Honor and integrity is lost- no commitment
Consequences of Sin (vs23. The Lord left those nations…)
• Failure to deal with sin will come back to bite
• God’s help is withheld- Life is without hope without God
January 6th, 2008
The people of Israel stayed victorious as long as they stayed faithful to God’s commandments, but they failed to take heed to the voice of God, and allowed self to take control. There failure to trust God and believe, led them to depart from the living God. This serves as an example for us, to remain faithful to God, and to obey His Word, lest we find ourselves shipwrecked and forsaken.
Conquest of the Land (Josh.ch11:23- land rested from war)
• Johsua’s initial conquest- Not all
• Choose this day- We will serve God
• Cooperation among the tribe
Condition of Israel (vs11. Did evil)
• “They did not drive them out”
• Generation fallen to selfish living
• They played the “Harlot” with other nations
• They did evil in the SIGHT OF GOD
Condemnation of God (vs14. Anger of the Lord)
• God’s anger was “hot” against them
• He gave them up to the enemy (reprobate mind)
• They were always under distress- no peace of mind
Conquering the Enemy (vs16. The Lord…delivered them)
• The faithfulness of God to raise a deliverer
• God loves the backslider
Commandment Disobeyed (vs17 the commandments…they did not)
• Unfaithful to stay true to His commandments
• Forsaking His Word for selfish pleasures
Corruption of Morals (vs17 went a whoring)
• Went whoring after other gods
• Turned quickly out of the way
Compassion of the Lord (vs18. It repented the Lord)
• God hears the cry of those who earnestly seek Him
• God will not turn away a earnest heart
Covenant Transgressed (vs20. Transgress my Covenant)
• Keeping our promises- “Lord, If you will…)
• Honor and integrity is lost- no commitment
Consequences of Sin (vs23. The Lord left those nations…)
• Failure to deal with sin will come back to bite
• God’s help is withheld- Life is without hope without God
Contend for the Faith
December 1st, 2008
Jude 1-4, 17-25
The battle for our faith never ceases. The devil is out, here and there, seeking whom he may destroy. His objective is to turn us away from the grace of God and depend on the flesh. Jude is writing to all believers in Christ that they not be sidetrack from true doctrine of Christ, be on alerts, keep ourselves clean, live a life of prayer and love for all. Do what we can to warn other of false doctrine, showing them the true grace of God, hence saving them from hell fire. Above all, stay focus on God who is able to give us the victory for every battle.
Profile of Jude (vs.1. brother of James)
• May or may not be related to Jesus- Half brother?
• Servant of Christ
Preserved in Christ (vs.1. Preserved in Christ)
• To those that are set apart for a holy calling
• Kept holy through the blood of Christ
• Keep yourself in the love of God- vs.21
Pressing the Faith (vs. 3. Earnestly contend)
• Exhortation to continue on in the Faith- Don’t give up
• Fight for what is right- in the right spirit
• Hold on to the doctrine of Christ taught by the Apostles
Perversion of Gospel (vs. 4. Turning the grace…)
• Infiltration of ungodly men- they looked the part
• Turning God’s grace to be self serving
• Denying the Lord’s deity and lordship
Praying in Holy Ghost (vs. 20. Praying in the Holy Ghost)
• What does it mean to “pray in the Holy Ghost”
• Outcome: to make yourself stronger in the faith
Pulled out of the Fire (vs. 23. Pulling them out of the fire)
• Saving those from eternal damnation
• Love of God does persuade us to reach out to other
• Conscience of lost souls in need of Christ
Presented Faultless (vs. 24. Present you faultless)
• Sin will not be found in the believer
• Christians are KEPT – sustained by God’s grace
• Kept till the very end.
Praise and Exaltation (vs. 25. Be glory and majesty)
• He alone is worth of our praise- the only
• He has all dominion-control, and power over all-forever
Jude 1-4, 17-25
The battle for our faith never ceases. The devil is out, here and there, seeking whom he may destroy. His objective is to turn us away from the grace of God and depend on the flesh. Jude is writing to all believers in Christ that they not be sidetrack from true doctrine of Christ, be on alerts, keep ourselves clean, live a life of prayer and love for all. Do what we can to warn other of false doctrine, showing them the true grace of God, hence saving them from hell fire. Above all, stay focus on God who is able to give us the victory for every battle.
Profile of Jude (vs.1. brother of James)
• May or may not be related to Jesus- Half brother?
• Servant of Christ
Preserved in Christ (vs.1. Preserved in Christ)
• To those that are set apart for a holy calling
• Kept holy through the blood of Christ
• Keep yourself in the love of God- vs.21
Pressing the Faith (vs. 3. Earnestly contend)
• Exhortation to continue on in the Faith- Don’t give up
• Fight for what is right- in the right spirit
• Hold on to the doctrine of Christ taught by the Apostles
Perversion of Gospel (vs. 4. Turning the grace…)
• Infiltration of ungodly men- they looked the part
• Turning God’s grace to be self serving
• Denying the Lord’s deity and lordship
Praying in Holy Ghost (vs. 20. Praying in the Holy Ghost)
• What does it mean to “pray in the Holy Ghost”
• Outcome: to make yourself stronger in the faith
Pulled out of the Fire (vs. 23. Pulling them out of the fire)
• Saving those from eternal damnation
• Love of God does persuade us to reach out to other
• Conscience of lost souls in need of Christ
Presented Faultless (vs. 24. Present you faultless)
• Sin will not be found in the believer
• Christians are KEPT – sustained by God’s grace
• Kept till the very end.
Praise and Exaltation (vs. 25. Be glory and majesty)
• He alone is worth of our praise- the only
• He has all dominion-control, and power over all-forever
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The Lord is Gracious
Psalm 145: 1-10, 14-21
Nov. 18th, 2007
Where are the praises of men? Americans takes one day out the year to give thanks for their many blessings. But, for a true believer in Christ, praise and thanksgiving is a natural occurrence that is expressed everyday of the year. We serve a great and mighty God who through Christ has given us a great salvation. Praise should come natural for the Christian, it should always be on the “tip of our tongue” ready to speak and express our love and gratitude toward a loving and merciful God.
Exalt Highly His Name (vs1. I will extol thee)
• No other name under heaven
• Priorities shows what you extol
• If I be lifted up…
Everyday Praise (vs2. Everyday will I bless thee)
• This is the day that the Lord has made
• Consistent praise. Good days, bad days
Enormity of God (vs3. Great is the Lord)
• How great is our God!
• We serve a mighty God
Express his Majesty (vs.5, 21. I will speak; my mouth shall speak)
• Our lives speak volumes
• Speaking- communicating to others
• Let everything that has breath!
Empathy of a Loving God (vs8. Full of compassion)
• He is gracious and good- Every good thing is from Him
• He loves us and is patient with us
Eyes Focused on God (vs.15. The eyes of all who wait)
• Keeping our focus on Him and not our circumstances
Ear of God is Listening (vs19. He also will hear their cry)
• He listens to those who fear Him
• He will draw nigh to them, who draw nigh to Him
Elimination of the Wicked (vs.20 The wicked will He destroy)
• Judgment to those who seek self and love self
Everlasting Praise (vs.21 Bless His Holy name for ever and ever)
• The Rocks will cry out if the flesh does not
• Eternity in Heaven- Praise will not cease
Th
Nov. 18th, 2007
Where are the praises of men? Americans takes one day out the year to give thanks for their many blessings. But, for a true believer in Christ, praise and thanksgiving is a natural occurrence that is expressed everyday of the year. We serve a great and mighty God who through Christ has given us a great salvation. Praise should come natural for the Christian, it should always be on the “tip of our tongue” ready to speak and express our love and gratitude toward a loving and merciful God.
Exalt Highly His Name (vs1. I will extol thee)
• No other name under heaven
• Priorities shows what you extol
• If I be lifted up…
Everyday Praise (vs2. Everyday will I bless thee)
• This is the day that the Lord has made
• Consistent praise. Good days, bad days
Enormity of God (vs3. Great is the Lord)
• How great is our God!
• We serve a mighty God
Express his Majesty (vs.5, 21. I will speak; my mouth shall speak)
• Our lives speak volumes
• Speaking- communicating to others
• Let everything that has breath!
Empathy of a Loving God (vs8. Full of compassion)
• He is gracious and good- Every good thing is from Him
• He loves us and is patient with us
Eyes Focused on God (vs.15. The eyes of all who wait)
• Keeping our focus on Him and not our circumstances
Ear of God is Listening (vs19. He also will hear their cry)
• He listens to those who fear Him
• He will draw nigh to them, who draw nigh to Him
Elimination of the Wicked (vs.20 The wicked will He destroy)
• Judgment to those who seek self and love self
Everlasting Praise (vs.21 Bless His Holy name for ever and ever)
• The Rocks will cry out if the flesh does not
• Eternity in Heaven- Praise will not cease
Th
Walking in Truth
2 John 1-11
November 11th, 2007
Through out the writings of John, he is adamant about knowing Christ, believing in Christ, and loving as Christ loved. In this letter written to a family household that welcomed believer, he admonitions them to continue to show the spirit of Christ by loving one another, but he also warns them of the danger of those who are bend on twisting the truth and deceiving others about Christ and His reason for coming. We need to be always on guard that we do not find ourselves being deceived and associating, or (sanctioning) with those who spread false doctrine concerning Christ.
Salutations to the Lady (vs1 unto the elect lady)
• The Lady Kuria and her children
• Greetings, in the name of Christ (Truth)
• Grace- divine favor, Mercy-God’s pardon, Peace-tranquility
Sincerity of the Children (vs4 children walking in truth)
• Children following truth
• The battle for our children
• #1 priority- Saving of our children
Shouts of rejoicing (vs4 I rejoice greatly)
• Joy in the Camp- Angels rejoice
• Something to praise God for
Standard of True Christianity (vs5 that we love...)
• The mark of a true Christian
• The Commandment- To love
• Keep His commandment-Love God, love others
Spiritual Deception (vs7 for many deceivers...)
• Be aware of those in sheep clothing
• Deny the Deity of Christ (the God-Man)
• Hold on to essential truth. Which is?
Separation from Antichrist (vs10 receive him not)
• Opposed to Christ
• Those who do not abide in Christ
• Question? Is everything secular, antichrist?
Sending off False Teachings (vs11 neither bid him God speed)
• Manifest Christ- Be kind, but hold to truth
• Speak out- (rebuke) against false teaching
• Associate yourself with truth
• Accomplice to False Doctrine
November 11th, 2007
Through out the writings of John, he is adamant about knowing Christ, believing in Christ, and loving as Christ loved. In this letter written to a family household that welcomed believer, he admonitions them to continue to show the spirit of Christ by loving one another, but he also warns them of the danger of those who are bend on twisting the truth and deceiving others about Christ and His reason for coming. We need to be always on guard that we do not find ourselves being deceived and associating, or (sanctioning) with those who spread false doctrine concerning Christ.
Salutations to the Lady (vs1 unto the elect lady)
• The Lady Kuria and her children
• Greetings, in the name of Christ (Truth)
• Grace- divine favor, Mercy-God’s pardon, Peace-tranquility
Sincerity of the Children (vs4 children walking in truth)
• Children following truth
• The battle for our children
• #1 priority- Saving of our children
Shouts of rejoicing (vs4 I rejoice greatly)
• Joy in the Camp- Angels rejoice
• Something to praise God for
Standard of True Christianity (vs5 that we love...)
• The mark of a true Christian
• The Commandment- To love
• Keep His commandment-Love God, love others
Spiritual Deception (vs7 for many deceivers...)
• Be aware of those in sheep clothing
• Deny the Deity of Christ (the God-Man)
• Hold on to essential truth. Which is?
Separation from Antichrist (vs10 receive him not)
• Opposed to Christ
• Those who do not abide in Christ
• Question? Is everything secular, antichrist?
Sending off False Teachings (vs11 neither bid him God speed)
• Manifest Christ- Be kind, but hold to truth
• Speak out- (rebuke) against false teaching
• Associate yourself with truth
• Accomplice to False Doctrine
Life in the Son
1 John 5:10-21
Nov. 4th, 2007
We live in a day where the world does not accept anything as absolute truth, unless it is their truth. All things are relative to what is perceived in each individual. “What is truth to you is not truth to me” Where this may be the case in some arenas of living, it is not the case when it comes to Christ and the purpose of His coming. In this, Christians are intolerant. There is no other argument there is no other truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth, life and the way.” No man comes to God except through Him. The sin unto death is to reject this truth and worship other idols.
Believing in Christ (v10. He that believeth..)
• What is the witness?
• Who is the liar? God or Man?
• God’s record is true- He does not lie.
Because He Live (v11. God has given us..)
• The record came down to earth to give His life
• We now have a claim on eternal life because of Him
Bearer of Christ (v12. He that hath the Son..)
• If we have Christ, then we have this life
• If we do not bear Christ in our life, then we don’t have life
• The purpose of the record was to establish credence (knowing)
Beseeching Christ (v14. If we ask..)
• Therefore we have confidence in Him
• Ask anything according to His Will
• Jesus said, Ask, and ye shall receive.)
Brother found in sin (v16 If any man see his brother)
• The spirit of restoration
• What is the sin unto death? Rejection of Christ
Born of God (v18 Whosoever is born of God)
• Evidence of being born of God
• Abstaining from sin is not salvation
• Salvation is an experience, not an intellectual acceptance
Begotten of God (v18 begotten of God)
• Abiding in Christ will separate you from the world
• We know have spiritual understanding
Beloved only to Christ (v 21 keep yourself from idols)
• Who do we idolize- admire, esteem?
• Spiritual idolatry is putting Christ in 2nd place
• Christ must be 1st in everything we do.
Nov. 4th, 2007
We live in a day where the world does not accept anything as absolute truth, unless it is their truth. All things are relative to what is perceived in each individual. “What is truth to you is not truth to me” Where this may be the case in some arenas of living, it is not the case when it comes to Christ and the purpose of His coming. In this, Christians are intolerant. There is no other argument there is no other truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth, life and the way.” No man comes to God except through Him. The sin unto death is to reject this truth and worship other idols.
Believing in Christ (v10. He that believeth..)
• What is the witness?
• Who is the liar? God or Man?
• God’s record is true- He does not lie.
Because He Live (v11. God has given us..)
• The record came down to earth to give His life
• We now have a claim on eternal life because of Him
Bearer of Christ (v12. He that hath the Son..)
• If we have Christ, then we have this life
• If we do not bear Christ in our life, then we don’t have life
• The purpose of the record was to establish credence (knowing)
Beseeching Christ (v14. If we ask..)
• Therefore we have confidence in Him
• Ask anything according to His Will
• Jesus said, Ask, and ye shall receive.)
Brother found in sin (v16 If any man see his brother)
• The spirit of restoration
• What is the sin unto death? Rejection of Christ
Born of God (v18 Whosoever is born of God)
• Evidence of being born of God
• Abstaining from sin is not salvation
• Salvation is an experience, not an intellectual acceptance
Begotten of God (v18 begotten of God)
• Abiding in Christ will separate you from the world
• We know have spiritual understanding
Beloved only to Christ (v 21 keep yourself from idols)
• Who do we idolize- admire, esteem?
• Spiritual idolatry is putting Christ in 2nd place
• Christ must be 1st in everything we do.
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