Main Idea – Living in Biblical Community allows believers live missionally and is in agreement with the mission and vision of the Avenue, is glorifying to God, lines up with the Great Commandment/Commission and shows love without expectation.
Meditation Passage – John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Main Passage – Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
- Where do these verses fit in the scope of your salvation? Sanctification?
1. Do you believe biblical community is necessary for spiritual growth? Why?
2. How many purposes for biblical community do you see in this passage?
3. Why do you think Barnabas was named for his generosity?
Passage – Romans 12:3-163
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
1. What is Paul’s main idea in this Passage?
2. What are the benefits of biblical community Paul has presented ?
3. Where do you see yourself fitting in biblical community?
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Charity
Main Idea – Giving your gifts (time, talent and treasure) fits with the mission and vision of the Avenue, is glorifying to God, lines up with the Great Commandment/Commission and shows love without expectation.
Meditation Passage – Deut 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Main Passage – Matt 25: 36-46
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
- Where do these verses fit in the scope of your salvation? Sanctification?
1. Why should we give? What should we give? How should we give?
2. How many practical means of Charity do you see in the passage?
3. How do these practical means of charity link with the Great Commandment/Commission?
4. What should we expect from God in response to our charity?
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Other Passages – Proverbs 3:9-10
Proverbs 11:25
Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 22:9
James 2:15-16
Meditation Passage – Deut 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Main Passage – Matt 25: 36-46
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
- Where do these verses fit in the scope of your salvation? Sanctification?
1. Why should we give? What should we give? How should we give?
2. How many practical means of Charity do you see in the passage?
3. How do these practical means of charity link with the Great Commandment/Commission?
4. What should we expect from God in response to our charity?
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Other Passages – Proverbs 3:9-10
Proverbs 11:25
Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 22:9
James 2:15-16
Faith
Ephesians 2:1-8
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
I. What is faith?
A. Confidence or trust in a person or thing.
II. What is Christian faith?
John 6:29
A. How is it similar/different from secular faith?
B. Where does this faith initiate?
III. What does Christian faith lead to?
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 8:13
Mark 16:16
John 3:15
IV. How is faith played out in everyday life?
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
I. What is faith?
A. Confidence or trust in a person or thing.
II. What is Christian faith?
John 6:29
A. How is it similar/different from secular faith?
B. Where does this faith initiate?
III. What does Christian faith lead to?
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 8:13
Mark 16:16
John 3:15
IV. How is faith played out in everyday life?
A Tour of Scripture
Feeling Inadequate and prepackaged?
When sharing our faith with the world, many times we feel inadequate. Often times it seems like there are “perfect” words or phrases that we must know, but we don’t. In addition, we have been inundated with so many forms of sharing the gospel (like the “Roman Road”) that the way we tell others about Jesus feels very prepackaged. It feels like we’re trying to “sell” Jesus to people rather than help guide them through the faith.
The tour guide approach
As we strive to be tour guides of the faith rather than salesmen, one great approach is to guide others through the story of Jesus in an informative, yet simple, way. Here’s an example of how this can work:
God created the world, but soon the world turned its back on God by choosing sin (Adam & Eve.) This put a wedge in between God and humanity. But to show how passionate and loving he was to the fallen world, God raised a nation that is now known as the Jewish people. God’s relationship with the Jewish people served as an example of how much God loves us, and his desire to reconcile everyone in the Earth back to himself.
He started by using “prophets” to tell about his plan - a savior of the world was coming. Then a little over 2000 years ago, Jesus, God’s son, was born. Jesus lived a sinless life while all the time speaking of, or predicting, his death and resurrection. In the end, Jesus died voluntarily on the cross on our behalf just as he predicted. But, three days after he died, he rose again and revealed himself to many people. He died so that all of the sins that were committed, or will be committed, would be paid for and forgiven by God. This restored God and humanity, and removed the wedge that had separated the two.
Jesus rose again and showed himself to many before returning to Heaven. He did this so that we would know it is TRUE, and that He is the savior the Jewish prophets predicted.
Jesus is in Heaven with God his Father right now. But, the Bible shows that it’s not over, and that He will return to claim his kingdom and rule over the world as King in the end.
Back-pocket verses
If you’re reading this for the first time, or curious about where to find the parts of the story referenced in the short story about Jesus, here are where the verses from The Bible are located.
God created the world
• Genesis 1:1-25
The world turned its back on God
• Genesis 3
God raised a nation to reveal himself to a fallen world
God used Prophets to hail the coming of a savior
• Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah 53
The savior was born humbly in Bethlehem
• Matthew 2
Jesus speaks of his death and resurrection
• Matt 20:17-28
• Mark 10:32
• Luke 18:31-34
Jesus lived a sin free life
• 1 Peter 2:22
• 1 John 3:5
• Hebrews 1:9
• Hebrews 4:15
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus died on our behalf so that those who believe would be reconciled to God
• 1 Peter 2:21-25
• Mark 1:15
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• Romans 4:25-5:2
• Romans 10:9-11
• 1 John 1:3-4
Jesus defeated death and sin by rising from the grave as he predicted
• Matthew 28:2-7
• Romans 14:9
• Romans 1:4
Jesus showed himself before returning to Heaven
• John 21:1-14
• 1 Corinthians 15:6-8
Jesus will return to set up his reign as King
• Matt 25:31-46
• Mark 13:32-37
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
• Revelations 5
When sharing our faith with the world, many times we feel inadequate. Often times it seems like there are “perfect” words or phrases that we must know, but we don’t. In addition, we have been inundated with so many forms of sharing the gospel (like the “Roman Road”) that the way we tell others about Jesus feels very prepackaged. It feels like we’re trying to “sell” Jesus to people rather than help guide them through the faith.
The tour guide approach
As we strive to be tour guides of the faith rather than salesmen, one great approach is to guide others through the story of Jesus in an informative, yet simple, way. Here’s an example of how this can work:
God created the world, but soon the world turned its back on God by choosing sin (Adam & Eve.) This put a wedge in between God and humanity. But to show how passionate and loving he was to the fallen world, God raised a nation that is now known as the Jewish people. God’s relationship with the Jewish people served as an example of how much God loves us, and his desire to reconcile everyone in the Earth back to himself.
He started by using “prophets” to tell about his plan - a savior of the world was coming. Then a little over 2000 years ago, Jesus, God’s son, was born. Jesus lived a sinless life while all the time speaking of, or predicting, his death and resurrection. In the end, Jesus died voluntarily on the cross on our behalf just as he predicted. But, three days after he died, he rose again and revealed himself to many people. He died so that all of the sins that were committed, or will be committed, would be paid for and forgiven by God. This restored God and humanity, and removed the wedge that had separated the two.
Jesus rose again and showed himself to many before returning to Heaven. He did this so that we would know it is TRUE, and that He is the savior the Jewish prophets predicted.
Jesus is in Heaven with God his Father right now. But, the Bible shows that it’s not over, and that He will return to claim his kingdom and rule over the world as King in the end.
Back-pocket verses
If you’re reading this for the first time, or curious about where to find the parts of the story referenced in the short story about Jesus, here are where the verses from The Bible are located.
God created the world
• Genesis 1:1-25
The world turned its back on God
• Genesis 3
God raised a nation to reveal himself to a fallen world
God used Prophets to hail the coming of a savior
• Isaiah 7:14
• Isaiah 53
The savior was born humbly in Bethlehem
• Matthew 2
Jesus speaks of his death and resurrection
• Matt 20:17-28
• Mark 10:32
• Luke 18:31-34
Jesus lived a sin free life
• 1 Peter 2:22
• 1 John 3:5
• Hebrews 1:9
• Hebrews 4:15
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus died on our behalf so that those who believe would be reconciled to God
• 1 Peter 2:21-25
• Mark 1:15
• 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• Romans 4:25-5:2
• Romans 10:9-11
• 1 John 1:3-4
Jesus defeated death and sin by rising from the grave as he predicted
• Matthew 28:2-7
• Romans 14:9
• Romans 1:4
Jesus showed himself before returning to Heaven
• John 21:1-14
• 1 Corinthians 15:6-8
Jesus will return to set up his reign as King
• Matt 25:31-46
• Mark 13:32-37
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
• Revelations 5
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, January 03, 2009
John 1 Part 2
John 1:3
"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Jesus made:
1. The manger He laid.
2. The sea He walked.
3. The storm He calmed.
4. The whips that broke his body
5. The thorns in His head.
6. The tree that formed the cross.
7. The hill where He died.
8. The stone that was rolled away.
9. The tomb that was empty.
10. The throne He occupies.
Philppians 2: 5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [1] 6 p who, though he was in q the form of God, did not count equality with God r a thing to be grasped, 7 but s made himself nothing, taking the form of a t servant, [2] u being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by v becoming obedient to the point of death, w even death on a cross. 9 x Therefore y God has z highly exalted him and bestowed on him a the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus b every knee should bow, c in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and d every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is e Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
"All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Jesus made:
1. The manger He laid.
2. The sea He walked.
3. The storm He calmed.
4. The whips that broke his body
5. The thorns in His head.
6. The tree that formed the cross.
7. The hill where He died.
8. The stone that was rolled away.
9. The tomb that was empty.
10. The throne He occupies.
Philppians 2: 5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [1] 6 p who, though he was in q the form of God, did not count equality with God r a thing to be grasped, 7 but s made himself nothing, taking the form of a t servant, [2] u being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by v becoming obedient to the point of death, w even death on a cross. 9 x Therefore y God has z highly exalted him and bestowed on him a the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus b every knee should bow, c in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and d every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is e Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
John 1:1-18
Sometimes in our lives we need to get back to the fundamentals. We get so focused on the intricacies of our lives or professions that we become sloppy in the things that matter most. It's the same reason that NBA players still work on ball handling, free-throws and footwork in the post. If you look at all the great players of the past you will see that they never took these building blocks for granted. Take Michael Jordan for instance, he could jump high and dunk from the free throw line but every year he was selected to the All-Defensive team and never dribbled off his foot during "crunch time". This is the same guy who was cut from his high school team his freshman year. He understood the importance of the basics.
As Christians we need to have an undying affection for the fundamentals. In the book of John chapter one is the Gospel. Verses 1-18 give us these important building blocks:
1. Jesus was in the beginning. John draws from Genesis to say that God has always done his creative work through the Son (cf. 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2 ). Jesus is the purpose for this world. God worked through the Son to create, redeem a people and end this world for His glory.
2. Jesus is the light that darkness could not overcome. Just as when God created the heavens and earth he ended the dark void by speaking light. The world was never the same. Jesus is the light of grace and truth that the darkness of evil and sin cannot overcome.
3. The world was made through Jesus but it did not know him. John says he came even to his people (Jews) and they didn't even know him. The world did not recognize it's king.
4. All who believe he gives the right to become children of God who are not born of blood or the will of the flesh or the will of man but of the will of God. It was God's will that Jesus die on the cross, it is this same sovereign God who calls us to his family.
5. Because Jesus became flesh, we have witnessed His glory from the Father full of truth and grace, we have received that grace upon grace and He has made the Father known.
God is unveiling this big epic story. It's about Jesus who was there when it began. He became flesh to die for our sins so that He could redeem His people and show the glory of the Father. He currently resides at the right hand of the father as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God who will take the scroll and end this world for His namesake. So that those who believe will be children of God. It's the basics that make us who we are and it's the basics that should stir our spirit. C. J. Mahaney once said that if a message or book does not point you to the cross then it has missed it's mark. Please never lose your passion for reading, talking and hearing about what Christ has done for us. It's fundamental.
As Christians we need to have an undying affection for the fundamentals. In the book of John chapter one is the Gospel. Verses 1-18 give us these important building blocks:
1. Jesus was in the beginning. John draws from Genesis to say that God has always done his creative work through the Son (cf. 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2 ). Jesus is the purpose for this world. God worked through the Son to create, redeem a people and end this world for His glory.
2. Jesus is the light that darkness could not overcome. Just as when God created the heavens and earth he ended the dark void by speaking light. The world was never the same. Jesus is the light of grace and truth that the darkness of evil and sin cannot overcome.
3. The world was made through Jesus but it did not know him. John says he came even to his people (Jews) and they didn't even know him. The world did not recognize it's king.
4. All who believe he gives the right to become children of God who are not born of blood or the will of the flesh or the will of man but of the will of God. It was God's will that Jesus die on the cross, it is this same sovereign God who calls us to his family.
5. Because Jesus became flesh, we have witnessed His glory from the Father full of truth and grace, we have received that grace upon grace and He has made the Father known.
God is unveiling this big epic story. It's about Jesus who was there when it began. He became flesh to die for our sins so that He could redeem His people and show the glory of the Father. He currently resides at the right hand of the father as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God who will take the scroll and end this world for His namesake. So that those who believe will be children of God. It's the basics that make us who we are and it's the basics that should stir our spirit. C. J. Mahaney once said that if a message or book does not point you to the cross then it has missed it's mark. Please never lose your passion for reading, talking and hearing about what Christ has done for us. It's fundamental.
Monday, April 28, 2008
I'm Tired of Us
I'll be the first one to say that change in the church is needed. I am all for a revolution that puts away old irrelevant rituals and religion. It's way past time for an "Extreme Makeover". But while that is going on I think we are missing the real reason people don't go to church.
The reason that people don't go to or leave the church is Christians. Yep, you and I and everyone else who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We have become "world repellant". We are hypocritical, judgmental, hyper-conservative, non-inclusive, closed minded, incredibly insincere and every other Pharisee laden characteristic that Christ points out.
It amazes me that we are ready to give financial advice when our finances are in disarray. We want to tell people how to love their spouse and parent their children when our homes are in shambles. We want to paint broad strokes like working mom's don't love their kids as much as women who stay at home or if a woman gets an epidural during delivery she is less of a woman. Oh, you’re a Christian, you must be a republican. Here is common thought, "oh, you’re a Christian, so you'll be my friend until I tell you that I'm not going to your Bible study or your church. I know that's what you care about, another notch in your; "I got someone saved belt." This is what the world thinks of us. From where I stand, they're right.
Now am I not assuming that sin will not permeate the church. What I am saying is that it's not Jesus, church buildings or the Gospel that prevents the world from hearing the message. It's those of us who unwilling to live a transparent life. We need to seek to be open with our lives or our sin. Be willing to say "hey, I know what you’re going through, my husband and I went through the same thing and here is how we made it". Here is where the difference should take place. Instead of saying "Oh that's too bad, I'll pray you." You have nothing to lose by living a transparent life because you only have to be accountable to God.
We also need to be better in loving each other. Jesus says "They will know you are my disciples by your love for one another". Not our pride driven theological or doctrinal debates. Not our pride driven "our church is cool" mentality. Not our pride in the "our church is bigger than your church" mentality but our LOVE for one another.
Lastly we need to be real in our relationships with non-Christians. We need to show that we are representatives of Jesus who never compromised who he was but loved tax collectors, prostitutes, people who were so full of sin that the Pharisees wouldn't even touch them (literally). Non-Christians need to know that we genially care for them the way Christ cares for us not just waiting for the inevitable "invitation". Effective evangelism takes place when your life shows the benefits of a life in Christ; peace, patience, love, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Right now, we have image problems and I’m tired of us.
The reason that people don't go to or leave the church is Christians. Yep, you and I and everyone else who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We have become "world repellant". We are hypocritical, judgmental, hyper-conservative, non-inclusive, closed minded, incredibly insincere and every other Pharisee laden characteristic that Christ points out.
It amazes me that we are ready to give financial advice when our finances are in disarray. We want to tell people how to love their spouse and parent their children when our homes are in shambles. We want to paint broad strokes like working mom's don't love their kids as much as women who stay at home or if a woman gets an epidural during delivery she is less of a woman. Oh, you’re a Christian, you must be a republican. Here is common thought, "oh, you’re a Christian, so you'll be my friend until I tell you that I'm not going to your Bible study or your church. I know that's what you care about, another notch in your; "I got someone saved belt." This is what the world thinks of us. From where I stand, they're right.
Now am I not assuming that sin will not permeate the church. What I am saying is that it's not Jesus, church buildings or the Gospel that prevents the world from hearing the message. It's those of us who unwilling to live a transparent life. We need to seek to be open with our lives or our sin. Be willing to say "hey, I know what you’re going through, my husband and I went through the same thing and here is how we made it". Here is where the difference should take place. Instead of saying "Oh that's too bad, I'll pray you." You have nothing to lose by living a transparent life because you only have to be accountable to God.
We also need to be better in loving each other. Jesus says "They will know you are my disciples by your love for one another". Not our pride driven theological or doctrinal debates. Not our pride driven "our church is cool" mentality. Not our pride in the "our church is bigger than your church" mentality but our LOVE for one another.
Lastly we need to be real in our relationships with non-Christians. We need to show that we are representatives of Jesus who never compromised who he was but loved tax collectors, prostitutes, people who were so full of sin that the Pharisees wouldn't even touch them (literally). Non-Christians need to know that we genially care for them the way Christ cares for us not just waiting for the inevitable "invitation". Effective evangelism takes place when your life shows the benefits of a life in Christ; peace, patience, love, joy, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Right now, we have image problems and I’m tired of us.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Zephaniah 3:17 Part 2
2. Mighty - The God of creation, the Red Sea, the Great I Am, the God of Abraham, the God of Resurrection and the God of Revelation. This all powerful creator and sustainer of all thngs is the God that Zephaniah's prophesy speaks. This God is always present and uses his might for saving souls. Imagine, a God with everything at his disposal and he chooses to use his power for saving sinners from distruction and seperation. I am broken and taken aback by this very thought.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Zephaniah 3:17 part 1
Zephhaniah 3:17 speaks to the very heart of God. Specifically to 8 characteristics.
1. Present - "The Lord God is in your midst". God is ever present you can't hide from Him. We could view this in 2 different ways. Either this makes us nervous because when you sin he is there or when the world has let you down and you're desperate, he is there. How is it then that we have times when we feel distant from God? Why do I have "dry" times? If God is omnipresent the problem must lie within us. Maybe it's condemnation or persistant sin natures. Could be both as a result of unrepentance. Either way the distance is created by our own heart condition not because God has abandoned you or has taken vacation
1. Present - "The Lord God is in your midst". God is ever present you can't hide from Him. We could view this in 2 different ways. Either this makes us nervous because when you sin he is there or when the world has let you down and you're desperate, he is there. How is it then that we have times when we feel distant from God? Why do I have "dry" times? If God is omnipresent the problem must lie within us. Maybe it's condemnation or persistant sin natures. Could be both as a result of unrepentance. Either way the distance is created by our own heart condition not because God has abandoned you or has taken vacation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
