Migrated Media Library

Five Steps to Eternal Hope

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Part of faith requires taking a stand.

Five Steps to Eternal Hope

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Pros and Cons of Stress: Rewards

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 03 May 2020 12:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: Rejection of Purity

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Are You Useful or Useless for God

The Furnace of Affliction: Heat of Impurity

William Fortier — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: Persistent Impurity

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD’S PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING WITH SIN

INTRODUCTION: HIDDEN SIN (PART I)

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 6:4-11
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: PERSISTENT IMPURITY
CTS:   3 STEPS TO A LIFE OF REPENTANCE
REPENTANCE REQUIRES THAT YOU:
I.       ABANDON SLACK FAITH                                                        (VV. 4-6)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA RETURNS TO REBELLION
- GOD IS FRUSTRATED WITH THE FAITH OF HIS PEOPLE (AB)
- THEIR LOYALTY IS LIKE A MORNING CLOUD / DEW (4CD)
  - CLOUDS AND DEW DISAPPEAR QUICKLY
  - CONTRASTS WITH GOD’S DEW (MANNA)
- GOD’S WORD IS RECEIVED AS DISCIPLINE UPON HIS PEOPLE (5)
  - EFFECTS OF GOD’S WORD:
    - HEWN IN PIECES (5A)
    - SLAIN BY THE WORDS OF GOD’S MOUTH (5B)
    - JUDGMENTS – PIERCING LIGHT INTO ACTIVE SIN (5C)
    - HEBREWS 4:12 – GOD’S WORD SERVES AS SURGERY
ILLUSTRATION: THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD (PSALMS 119:105)
- GOD’S DESIRE: MERCY VICE WORKS / HEART VICE BEHAVIOR
APPLICATION: IGNORING GOD’S WORD = PAIN AND GUILT

II. ACKNOWLEDGE THE POWER OF SLACK FAITH (VV. 7-9)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA GIVES EXAMPLES OF PAST REBELLION
- TOWN OF ADAM – THEY HAVE BROKEN GOD’S COVENANT (7)
- GILEAD – CITY OF WICKED MEN (8)
- WICKED DESIRE ON THE ROAD TO SHECHEM (9)
- NOTES FROM N.A.C. (DUANE GARRETT)
ILLUSTRATION: THE GOOD SAMARITAN

APPLICATION: IGNORING GOD’S WORD = LACK OF GOD’S LOVE

III. ADMIT THAT GOD IS AWARE (VV. 10-11A)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA REVEALS GOD’S AWARENESS
- GOD SAW A HORRIBLE THING: ISRAEL’S & EPHRAIM’S EVIL (10)
- GOD WOULD ALSO DISCIPLINE JUDAH (“ALSO”)(11A)
- GOD’S AWARENESS OF SIN (JEREMIAH 17:9-10)
- GOD’S AWARENESS OF YOUR LIFE (PSALMS 139:
ILLUSTRATION: CAMERA AWARENESS

APPLICATION: IGNORING GOD’S WORD = GOD IS AWARE; REPENT

CONCLUSION:

HIDDEN SIN (PART II)

REMEMBER THIS: SIN IS APPALLING TO GOD. REPENTANCE BRINGS HEALING
REFERENCES (page 1)
INTRODUCTION:
Hidden Sin (Part I)   (by Cindy Hess Kasper, ODB, 1 Jun 2011)
        Chuck had slowed to a stop when his car was hit from behind and was pushed into the vehicle ahead of him. A sickening, crunching sound indicated that additional vehicles had collided behind them.
        As Chuck sat quietly for a moment, he observed that the vehicle directly behind him was pulling out into traffic. Obviously hoping to avoid an encounter with police, the escaping driver neglected to notice he had left something behind. When the police arrived, an officer picked up the hit-and-run driver’s license plate from the ground and said to Chuck, “Someone will be waiting for him when he arrives home. He won’t get away with this.”
Hebrews 4:12-13                      New King James Version (NKJV)
¹²For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Psalm 119:105                          New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Notes from The New American Commentary (Duane Garrett)
Adam (The town) - The prophet has made a pun on the name of the town and the name of the original transgressor. His meaning is, “Like Adam (the man) they break covenants; they are faithless to me there (in the town of Adam).”
Gilead was in the Transjordan region and was famous for a number of incidents in the Bible. Laban caught up with Jacob there and accused him of treachery (Gen 31:25–26). Then, at Mahanaim in the region of Gilead, Jacob prepared to face Esau and had his wrestling encounter with the angel of the Lord (Gen 32). Jephthah was from Gilead, and he fought to save the city from the Ammonites (Judg 11).
Shechem - The most notorious incident involving Shechem was the slaughter of its inhabitants by Simeon and Levi in retaliation for the rape of Dinah (Gen 34).
Hosea has therefore once again used a threefold pattern involving places in Israel, but this time with a peculiar twist. Each place recalls the worst characteristics of one of the patriarchs. (1) At Adam they broke faith with God as did Adam; (2) at Gilead the people, unlike Jacob, are entirely without grace; and (3) at Shechem the sons of Levi renew the history of treacherous slaughter.
Jeremiah 17:9-10                      New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
¹⁰I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

Psalm 139:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man

139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
²You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
⁷Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹²Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Hidden Sin (Part II)          (by Cindy Hess Kasper, ODB, 1 Jun 2011)
        Scripture tells us: “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23), as this man who fled the accident discovered. We may sometimes be able to hide our sin from the people around us, but nothing is ever “hidden from [God’s] sight” (Heb. 4:13). He sees each of our failures, thoughts, and motivations (1 Sam. 16:7; Luke 12:2-3).
        Believers are given a wonderful promise: “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So don’t let unconfessed, so-called “hidden” sins come between you and God (vv.6-7).

Hosea 6:4-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Impenitence of Israel and Judah
4 “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you?
O Judah, what shall I do to you?
For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud,
And like the early dew it goes away.
5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets,
I have slain them by (A)the words of My mouth;
And [a]your judgments are like light that goes forth.
6 For I desire (B)mercy[b] and (C)not sacrifice,
And the (D)knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

7 “But like [c]men they transgressed the covenant;
There they dealt treacherously with Me.
8 (E)Gilead is a city of evildoers
And [d]defiled with blood.
9 As bands of robbers lie in wait for a man,
So the company of (F)priests (G)murder on the way to Shechem;
Surely they commit (H)lewdness.

10 I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel:
There is the [e]harlotry of Ephraim;
Israel is defiled.
11a Also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed for you,

Footnotes:

Hosea 6:5 Or the judgments on you
Hosea 6:6 Or faithfulness or loyalty
Hosea 6:7 Or Adam
Hosea 6:8 Lit. foot-tracked
Hosea 6:10 Spiritual adultery

Cross references:

Hosea 6:5 : [Jer. 23:29]
Hosea 6:6 : Matt. 9:13; 12:7
Hosea 6:6 : Is. 1:12, 13; [Mic. 6:6–8]
Hosea 6:6 : [John 17:3]
Hosea 6:8 : Hos. 12:11
Hosea 6:9 : Hos. 5:1
Hosea 6:9 : Jer. 7:9, 10; Hos. 4:2
Hosea 6:9 : Ezek. 22:9; 23:27; Hos. 2:10

Hidden Sin

June 1, 2011 — by Cindy Hess Kasper
Read: 1 John 1:5-10
O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You. —Psalm 69:5
            Chuck had slowed to a stop when his car was hit from behind and was pushed into the vehicle ahead of him. A sickening, crunching sound indicated that additional vehicles had collided behind them.
            As Chuck sat quietly for a moment, he observed that the vehicle directly behind him was pulling out into traffic. Obviously hoping to avoid an encounter with police, the escaping driver neglected to notice he had left something behind. When the police arrived, an officer picked up the hit-and-run driver’s license plate from the ground and said to Chuck, “Someone will be waiting for him when he arrives home. He won’t get away with this.”
            Scripture tells us: “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23), as this man who fled the accident discovered. We may sometimes be able to hide our sin from the people around us, but nothing is ever “hidden from [God’s] sight” (Heb. 4:13). He sees each of our failures, thoughts, and motivations (1 Sam. 16:7; Luke 12:2-3).
            Believers are given a wonderful promise: “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). So don’t let unconfessed, so-called “hidden” sins come between you and God (vv.6-7).

We cannot hide from God
No matter how we try;
For He knows all we think and do—
We can’t escape His eye. —Hess

Sin may be hidden from others, but never from God.[1]

[1] http://odb.org/2011/06/01/hidden-sin/

The Furnace of Affliction: Potential Purity

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: CONVICTION THAT LEADS TO REPENTANCE

INTRODUCTION: HITTING THE BOTTOM

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 6:1-3
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: POTENTIAL PURITY
CTS:   3 THINGS GOD WILL DO, WHEN YOU TURN AND FOLLOW HIM
IF YOU ARE WILLING, GOD WILL:
I.       RESPOND TO US                                                                          (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA CALLS FOR ACTION IN REPENTANCE
- “COME” – FOR GOD TO ACT, GOD’S PEOPLE NEED TO REPENT (1A)
  - ISAIAH 55:1-3: “COME AND EXPERIENCE GOD’S GRACE”
- A CONTRAST OF GOD’S BEHAVIOR:
  - HE HAS TORN BUT HE WILL HEAL US (1B)
  - HE HAS INJURED BUT HE WILL BIND UP OUR WOUNDS (1C)
  - APPLICATION: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7-10
ILLUSTRATION: DAD’S WARNING WITH A BLESSING
APPLICATION: GOD WILL ACT FOR US, BUT WE MUST REPENT

II. REDEEM US (VS. 2)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA GIVES GOD’S RESPONSE TO REPENTANCE
- “AFTER TWO DAYS: REVIVAL (2A)
- “ON THE THIRD DAY”: RESTORATION (2B)
  - CONSIDER THE SYMBOLIC PICTURE OF OUR SAVIOR
    - 1 CORINTHIANS 15:4 – CHRIST AROSE ON THE THIRD DAY
    - SEE NAC NOTES (DUANE GARRETT)
- RESULT: HIS PEOPLE WILL LIVE IN HIS PRESENCE (2D)
ILLUSTRATION: HONORING DAD’S WARNING = MORE BLESSING

APPLICATION: WE ARE REDEEMED IN CHRIST; LIVE LIKE IT

III. REAFFIRM HIS LOVE FOR US (VS. 3)

EXPLANATION: ACKNOWLEDGING GOD = HIS ACTION
- “ACKNOWLEDGE” – TO KNOW (3AB)
- “AS SURE AS THE SUN RISES” (3C) (ISAIAH 55:10-11)
  - HE WILL COME TO US LIKE THE RAINS (3DE)
ILLUSTRATION: HONORING DAD’S LEADERSHIP = HIS FAITHFULNESS

APPLICATION: STEADFAST REPENTANCE = GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

CONCLUSION:

ARE YOU READY TO BE REDEEMED?

REMEMBER THIS: GOD OFFERS REDEMPTION TO THOSE WHO WILL

REFERENCES (page 1)

Isaiah 55:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

An Invitation to Abundant Life

55 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
²Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
³Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Cast Down but Unconquered

⁷But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. ⁸We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— ¹⁰always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

1 Corinthians 15:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
New American Commentary (Duane Garrett)
It is impossible for the Christian to read this text and not wonder if it foreshadows Christ’s resurrection on the third day. Wolff attempts to eliminate the idea of resurrection here, which he casts in a pagan light, and asserts that this text only describes recovery from illness.¹⁷⁸ The language Hosea employs, however, renders this view impossible.¹⁷⁹ Besides that, recovery after a two-day illness, as opposed to two days in the grave, is hardly significant. The New Testament does not explicitly cite this verse, but 1 Cor 15:4 asserts that Christ arose on the third day “in accordance with the Scriptures,” and no other text speaks of the third day in the fashion that Hos 6:2 does. ^{^[1]}

Isaiah 55:10-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
¹¹So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Hosea 1:10-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰Yet the number of the sons of Israel
Will be like the ⁽^A⁾sand of the sea,
Which cannot be measured or numbered;

And ⁽^B⁾in the place
Where it is said to them,
“You are ⁽^C⁾not My people,”
It will be said to them,
“You are the ⁽^D⁾sons of the living God.”

¹¹And the ⁽^E⁾sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be ⁽^F⁾gathered together,
And they will appoint for themselves ⁽^G⁾one leader,
And they will go up from the land,
For great will be the day of Jezreel.

Cross references:

¹⁷⁸ Wolff, Hosea, 117–19.

¹⁷⁹ As Stuart points out, the use of the verbs ×—×™×” and ×§×•Ö¼×? here has a strong parallel in Ezek 37 (Hosea-Jonah, 108). See also J. Wijngaards, “Death and Resurrection in Covenantal Context (Hos. VI 2),” VT 17 (1967): 226–39.

^{^[1]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–160.

Missionaries to Papua, New Guinea

David and Deb Barton — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

David and Deb Barton are affiliated with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua, New Guinea (Just North of Australia). Members of our church family support them through prayer and financial donations.

The Furnace of Affliction: Refining Process

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: HELP!! I HAVE FALLEN AND I CAN’T GET UP!!
TITLE OF SERMON: FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: REFINING PROCESS
SCRIPTURE: HOSEA 5:8-15
BACKGROUND: REVISIT 4:16-19 (ISRAEL’S HABITUAL REBELLION)
CTS: 3 TRUTHS THAT IMPACT YOUR FUTURE
GOD’S FUTURE FOR YOU DEPENDS UPON YOUR:

DEPENDENCE ON OWN ABILITIES (VV. 8-10)
- EXPLANATION: HOSEA GIVES A SARCASTIC CHALLENGE
  - SOUND:
    - THE TRUMPET IN GIBEAH (8A)
    - THE HORN IN RAMAH (8B)
    - THE BATTLE CRY IN BETH AVEN (8C)
  - THE CHALLENGE FOR BENJAMIN: LEAD ON (8D) (GENESIS 49:26)
  - GOD GUARANTEES A DIFFICULT FUTURE FOR HIS PEOPLE (9-10)
- SCRIPTURAL COUNSEL: JEREMIAH 17:9-10, ISAIAH 64:6-7
- APPLICATION: MAN’S FUTURE IS HOPELESS WITHOUT GOD
DURABILITY OF SELF DEPENDENCE (VV. 11-13)
- EXPLANATION: HOSEA SHARES THE FRUITS OF SELF DEPENDENCE
  - EPHRAIM IS ALREADY IN BONDAGE (11AB)
  - EPHRAIM’S SOURCE OF SORROW – SELF-INFLICTED (IDOLS) (11C)
  - THE SLOW PROGRESS OF SINFUL PLEASURES: MOTH, ROT (12)
  - EPHRAIM’S AND JUDAH’S RESPONSE: NO PURSUIT OF GOD (13)
- SCRIPTURAL COUNSEL: JOHN 15:4-5, PHILIPPIANS 4:13, ISAIAH 55:8-9
- ILLUSTRATION: THE PAIN OF SELF-DEPENDENCE: ISOLATION
- APPLICATION: GOD’S DESIGN FOR US: RELATIONSHIPS (GEN 3:8)
DETERMINED FUTURE (VV. 14-15)
- EXPLANATION: HOSEA RELATES GOD’S JUSTICE IN REBELLION
  - GOD TRANSITIONED THE MOTH/ROT INTO A LION (14A)
  - HIS PEOPLE WOULD BE TORN TO PIECES (14B)
  - GOD WAS GOING TO WITHDRAW FROM THEM (15A)
  - YET, GOD OFFERED THE OPPORTUNITY OF HOPE (15B)
  - GOD’S HOPE FOR YOU: SEEK HIM (15C)
- SCRIPTURAL COUNSEL: JAMES 4:7-10, 1 JOHN 1:9
- APPLICATION: KNOW YOUR FUTURE: CONTINUALLY SEEK GOD

CONCLUSION:

WHAT DOES YOUR FUTURE LOOK LIKE?

REMEMBER THIS: GOD IS JEALOUS FOR YOUR LOYALTY

REFERENCES (PAGE 1)
Hosea 4:16-19 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶“For Israel is stubborn
Like a stubborn calf;
Now the Lord will let them forage
Like a lamb in open country.
¹⁷“Ephraim is joined to idols,
Let him alone.
¹⁸Their drink is rebellion,
They commit harlotry continually.
Her rulers dearly love dishonor.
¹⁹The wind has wrapped her up in its wings,
And they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Genesis 49:27 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf;
In the morning he shall devour the prey,
And at night he shall divide the spoil.”

Jeremiah 17:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
¹⁰I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.

Isaiah 64:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶But we are all like an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind,
Have taken us away.
⁷And there is no one who calls on Your name,
Who stirs himself up to take hold of You;
For You have hidden Your face from us,
And have consumed us because of our iniquities.

John 15:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

James 4:7-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Humility Cures Worldliness

⁷Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1 John 1:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hosea 5:8-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸“Blow^A)">(A) the ram’s horn in Gibeah,
The trumpet in Ramah!
^B)">(B)Cry aloud at ^C)">(C)Beth Aven,
‘Look behind you, O Benjamin!’
⁹Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke;
Among the tribes of Israel I make known what is sure.
¹⁰“The princes of Judah are like those who ^D)">(D)remove a landmark;
I will pour out My wrath on them like water.
¹¹Ephraim is ^E)">(E)oppressed and broken in judgment,
Because he willingly walked by ^F)">(F)human precept.
¹²Therefore I will be to Ephraim like a moth,
And to the house of Judah ^G)">(G)like rottenness.
¹³“When Ephraim saw his sickness,
And Judah saw his ^H)">(H)wound,
Then Ephraim went ^I)">(I)to Assyria
And sent to King Jareb;
Yet he cannot cure you,
Nor heal you of your wound.
¹⁴For ^J)">(J)I will be like a lion to Ephraim,
And like a young lion to the house of Judah.
^K)">(K)I, even I, will tear them and go away;
I will take them away, and no one shall rescue.
¹⁵I will return again to My place
Till they acknowledge their offense.
Then they will seek My face;
In their affliction they will earnestly seek Me.”

Cross references:

Hosea 5:8 : Hos. 8:1; Joel 2:1
Hosea 5:8 : Is. 10:30
Hosea 5:8 : Josh. 7:2
Hosea 5:10 : Deut. 19:14; 27:17
Hosea 5:11 : Deut. 28:33
Hosea 5:11 : Mic. 6:16
Hosea 5:12 : Prov. 12:4
Hosea 5:13 : Jer. 30:12–15
Hosea 5:13 : 2 Kin. 15:19; Hos. 7:11; 10:6
Hosea 5:14 : Ps. 7:2; Lam. 3:10; Hos. 13:7, 8
Hosea 5:14 : Ps. 50:22

The Hope to Carry Us Home

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This Sunday's message is a preliminary report of a trip God gave to Pastor Bob and Teresa to the Holy Land (Israel). They shared in a 10 day tour and have returned to share the joys and hope of their experience.

Membership, Our Vision

Will Fortier — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Church Membership: Our Mission

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: S.M.E.A.C.

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: JESUS WAS LEAVING; WHAT TO DO? (JN 14:26-27)
SCRIPTURE:           ACTS 1:4-11
TITLE OF MESSAGE: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: OUR MISSION
CTS:   2 FACTORS IMPERATIVE TO A CHURCH’S HEALTH AND FUTURE
A CHURCH’S HEALTH AND FUTURE DEPEND UPON:
I.       GOD’S POWER TO EXECUTE HIS MISSION                       (VV. 4-5)

EXPLANATION: JESUS GATHERED AND CHALLENGED HIS DISCIPLES
- EATING WITH HIS DISCIPLES (4A)
- COMMAND - DON’T LEAVE, BUT WAIT - FATHER’S PROMISE (4B)
- THEY HEARD ABOUT IT FROM JESUS (JOHN 14:15-17, 16:6-8) (4C)
- JOHN’S BAPTISM - WATER / BAPTISM OF JESUS – HOLY SPIRIT (5)
APPLICATION: WE CAN DO NOTHING WITHOUT GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT

II. GOD’S GUIDANCE TO EXECUTE HIS MISSION (VV. 6-7)

EXPLANATION: HIS DISCIPLES NEEDED CLARITY FOR THEIR MISSION
- THE NEED FOR FILLING – DISCIPLES ASK A QUESTION (6)
- ONLY GOD KNOWS OF CHRIST’S RETURN (7)
APPLICATION: GOD’S POWER AND GUIDANCE: MISSION COMPLETE

III. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS MISSION (VS. 8)

EXPLANATION:
- POWER TO OBEY IN CHRIST’S ABSENCE – HOLY SPIRIT (8)
  - “YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER” (8A) (REVIEW 2:1-4)
  - “YOU WILL BE MY WITNESSES” (8B)
    - SERVING FOR GOD’S GLORY (1 PETER 4:7-11)
    - BARING GOD’S FRUITS (JOHN 15:1-5)
    - GOD’S FRUITS (GALATIANS 5:22-23)
    - GOD’S GREATEST COMMANDMENTS (LUKE 10:26-28)
ILLUSTRATION: COMMANDER’S INTENT

APPLICATION: GOD’S PURPOSE: GLORIFY HIM & LOVE OTHERS

CONCLUSION:

JESUS WAS LEAVING; HE WOULD EMPOWER FOLLOWERS; HE WILL RETURN
WE BECOME HIS THROUGH FAITH; WE’RE EMPOWERED; HE WILL RETURN

REMEMBER THIS: MAN IS POWERLESS WITHOUT THE WISDOM AND SPIRIT OF GOD

REFERENCES (page 1)

S.M.E.A.C.

S – SITUATION; M – MISSION; E – EXECUTION; A – ADMIN & LOGISTICS
C – COMMAND & SIGNAL

John 14:26-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Promises Another Helper

¹⁵“If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

John 16:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. ⁷Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. ⁸And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

1 Peter 4:7-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Serving for God’s Glory

⁷But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” ⁹Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

John 15:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

The True Vine

Galatians 5:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Luke 10:26-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”
²⁷So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
²⁸And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

Acts 1:4-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁴Gathering them together, He commanded them ⁽^A⁾not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for ⁽^B⁾what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; ⁵for ⁽^C⁾John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit ⁽^D⁾not many days from now.”

⁶So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, ⁽^E⁾is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which ⁽^F⁾the Father has fixed by His own authority;

⁸but you will receive power ⁽^G⁾when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be ⁽^H⁾My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and ⁽^I⁾Samaria, and even to ⁽^J⁾the remotest part of the earth.”

Cross references:

A.Acts 1:4 : Luke 24:49

B.Acts 1:4 : John 14:16, 26; 15:26; Acts 2:33

C.Acts 1:5 : Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16

D.Acts 1:5 : Acts 2:1-4

E.Acts 1:6 : Matt 17:11; Mark 9:12; Luke 17:20; 19:11

F.Acts 1:7 : Matt 24:36; Mark 13:32

G.Acts 1:8 : Acts 2:1-4

H.Acts 1:8 : Luke 24:48; John 15:27

I.Acts 1:8 : Acts 8:1, 5, 14

J.Acts 1:8 : Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15; Rom 10:18; Col 1:23

Church Membership: Who We Are

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT – JOE STOWELL

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: POWER CAME DOWN / PREACHING / DRUNKS
SCRIPTURE: ACTS 2:37-47
TITLE OF MESSAGE: MEMBERSHIP: WHO WE ARE
CTS: 2 CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
COMMITMENT TO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP INVOLVES:
I. RESPONDING TO GOD’S CALL (VS. 37-40)

EXPLANATION:
- PETER’S AUDIENCE WAS CONVICTED OF THEIR SINS (37A)
  - ROMANS 3:10, 23
- THEY ASKED PETER WHAT COULD BE DONE (37B)
  - PSALM 37:4-6, ACTS 16:25-30
- REPENT – TURN TO GOD FROM SIN – MINDSET (38a)
  - ACTS 16:31-34, ROM 12:1-2
- BE BAPTIZED – IDENTIFYING WITH CHRIST (38b)
- RECEIVE PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP – HOLY SPIRIT (GIFT) (38c)
- GOD CALLS ALL TO RESPOND (39-40)
ILLUSTRATION: 1 JOHN 2:15-17
APPLICATION: RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL, GIVE HIM CONTROL

II. RESOLVING TO LIVE IN OBEDIENCE TO HIM (VV. 41-47)

EXPLANATION:
- BECOME A MEMBER – BELIEVE & BE BAPTIZED (41)
- DEVOTED TO LEARNING GOD’S WORD, FELLOWSHIP, & PRAYER (42)
  - JOHN 13:34-35, GAL 5:13
- EXPERIENCE THE LIFE OF THE MEMBERSHIP: UNITY & CARE (43-46)
  - GOD’ PRESENCE WAS AROUND (43)
  - UNITY AND INTIMACY WERE PRESENT IN THE CHURCH (44)
  - HUMBLE SERVICE TO OTHERS BECAME PRIORITY (45) (PHIL 2:3)
  - COMMITTED TO EACH OTHER DAILY (46)
  - THE COMMUNITY TOOK NOTICE OF THE CHURCH (47A)
- GOD ADDED TO THEM (47B)

APPLICATION: BE A COMMITTED MEMBER OF GOD’S KINGDOM
- 1 PETER 2:1-10

CONCLUSION:

GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT ENABLED HIS CHURCH TO BE BORN AND GROW
OUR CHALLENGE:
- ACCEPT HIS INVITATION
- LIVE OUT YOUR COMMITMENT TO GOD ENTHUSIASTICALLY
- INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN

REMEMBER THIS: KINGDOM FAITH IS KNOWN THROUGH KINGDOM SERVICE

REFERENCES (page 1)

Joseph Stowell - In a devotion named “Under New Management,” he helps to sort out who really is a believer in Christ, which helps us to see who is not a true believer.
        When we came to Jesus knowing that we desperately needed a Savior for the forgiveness of our sins, something dramatic happened: He moved in. We were not just given a redemptive passport that guaranteed us freedom from hassle at the border of heaven. We received the gift of the indwelling Spirit, who intends to put our entire life under “new management” so that He can activate significant changes. He is looking for cooperative partners who fully believe that life under His control is far better than life under the old management.
        The new management seeks to transition us from the destructive patterns of old desires to the new program of the power and peace that comes from doing the right things and living to reflect the qualities and character of God. This transition explains why people under new management are faithful to their spouse, remain committed to integrity even when it puts something of value at risk, why they actively care for needs of the poor and oppressed, live in the face of hostile environments with courage and confidence, see their income and careers as not an end in itself but as a means to advance the kingdom of Christ.
Romans 3:10              New King James Version
¹⁰ As it is written:       “ There is none righteous, no, not one;
Romans 3:23              New King James Version
²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Psalm 37:4-6              New King James Version
⁴Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
⁵Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Acts 16:25-30                    New American Standard Bible
²⁵But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; ²⁶and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. ²⁷When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. ²⁸But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” ²⁹And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, ³⁰and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:31-34                   New King James Version
³¹ So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. ³³ And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. ³⁴ Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
Romans 12:1-2                  New King James Version
¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 John 2:15-17                  New King James Version
¹⁵Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
John 13:34-35                   New King James Version
³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Galatians 5:13                   New King James Version
¹³For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Philippians 2:3                   New King James Version
³Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
1 Peter 2:1-10                   New King James Version
Our Inheritance Through Christ’s Blood
2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, ²as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, ³if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
The Chosen Stone and His Chosen People
⁴Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture,
“Behold, I lay in Zion
A chief cornerstone, elect, precious,
And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
⁷Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient,
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone,”
⁸and
“A stone of stumbling
And a rock of offense.”
They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.
⁹But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; ¹⁰who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Under New Management
AApril 15 2011
“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
It’s always an unsettling moment when you pull up to one of your favorite haunts only to see a sign posted in the window that reads “Under New Management.” A change in management probably means that what you loved about the place before, is not going to be the way it used to be. Different servers, different menus, and a different décor all threaten our sense of familiarity and comfort. And while it may ultimately be a change for the better, the idea of change is not always welcome.
When we came to Jesus knowing that we desperately needed a Savior for the forgiveness of our sins, something dramatic happened: He moved in. We were not just given a redemptive passport that guaranteed us freedom from hassle at the border of heaven. We received the gift of the indwelling Spirit, who intends to put our entire life under “new management” so that He can activate significant changes. He is looking for cooperative partners who fully believe that life under His control is far better than life under the old management.
The new management seeks to transition us from the destructive patterns of old desires to the new program of the power and peace that comes from doing the right things and living to reflect the qualities and character of God. This transition explains why people under new management are faithful to their spouse, remain committed to integrity even when it puts something of value at risk, why they actively care for needs of the poor and oppressed, live in the face of hostile environments with courage and confidence, see their income and careers as not an end in itself but as a means to advance the kingdom of Christ.
But beware. Living under the management of Jesus can often require radical choices. A man in one of the churches I pastored worked as a regional manager of a large cable network. He was good at his job, and a promotion to headquarters was on the horizon for him. Which is why I was surprised when he came up to me one Sunday and said, “Pastor, I have a tremendous conflict in my heart. Every day I get up and go to work realizing that, as a follower of Jesus, I am selling pornography on our channels. What do you think I should I do?”
You’d think as a pastor that I would have immediately suggested that he quit his job. But that would be a really scary step to take. How would he make payments on his house? Support his family? What about healthcare and retirement? So I said, “Let’s pray this week that God will give you wisdom and a clear sense of direction.”
The next Sunday he said, “I decided what to do. I quit my job.” Wow! I couldn’t believe it! My first thought was that maybe God had done a phenomenal miracle and provided another job for him. But he said, “I have no idea what I’m going to do, I just know that God will provide!”
When we embrace life under new management, the change may be dramatic—but count on it, it will be a change for the better. Just ask my friend and he’ll tell you, it’s not worth living under the old management if it means you have to cast your lot with Satan. When you turn your life over to the new manager—Jesus—be assured that regardless of what it takes, He will reprogram your life for His glory and your good!
“Management by Jesus” should be the sign that hangs on all of our lives!
YOUR JOURNEY…

Who is in charge of your life? Ask the Lord to help you identify ways in which you still reflect the “old” management of sin, and then yield to His management.
What fears might surface as you think about surrendering your life completely to the control of Jesus Christ?

Think of a practical way that you can “put off the old self” and “put on the new self” today.[1]

Acts 2:37-47 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Ingathering
³⁷Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, ⁽A⁾what shall we do?” ³⁸Peter said to them, “⁽B⁾Repent, and each of you be ⁽C⁾baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹For ⁽D⁾the promise is for you and your children and for all who are ⁽E⁾far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” ⁴⁰And with many other words he solemnly ⁽F⁾testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this ⁽G⁾perverse generation!”

⁴¹So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand ⁽H⁾souls. ⁴²They were ⁽I⁾continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to ⁽J⁾the breaking of bread and ⁽K⁾to prayer.
⁴³Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many ⁽L⁾wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

⁴⁴And all those who had believed were together and ⁽M⁾had all things in common; ⁴⁵and they ⁽N⁾began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. ^46 (O⁾Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and ⁽P⁾breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, ⁴⁷praising God and ⁽Q⁾having favor with all the people. And the Lord ⁽R⁾was adding to their number day by day ⁽S⁾those who were being saved.
Cross references:

[1] http://getmorestrength.org/daily/under-new-management/

Church Membership: What We Believe

Will Fortier — Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: REVIEW 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5

INTRODUCTION: A DEADLY VIRUS IN THE CHURCH (2 TIM 4:1-4)

SCRIPTURE:           2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17
TITLE OF MESSAGE: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: WHAT WE BELIEVE
CTS:   3 BELIEFS HELD BY THE MEMBERSHIP OF NHCF
THE BIBLE IS FOUNDATIONAL TO OUR MEMBERSHIP, BECAUSE IT:
I.       FUELS UNSHAKEABLE LOYALTY TO GOD                   (VV. 10-13)

EXPLANATION: PAUL DEMONSTRATES THE EFFECTS OF BELIEF
- GOD’S WORD ENABLED PAUL TO MODEL:
  1. TEACHING OF GOD’S WORD
  2. CONDUCT – LIVE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT HE BELIEVED
  3. PURPOSE – TO GLORIFY GOD; GOD EXHALTED PAUL
  4. FAITH – PAUL’S FAITH WAS EVIDENT IN WORD AND ACTION
  5. PATIENCE – GOD ENABLED PAUL’S PATIENCE WITH GOD’S CALLING
  6. LOVE – GOD ENABLED PAUL TO LOVE, IN SPITE OF CIRCUMSTANCES
  7. PERSEVERANCE – GOD ENABLED PAUL’S FAITH AT ALL TIMES
  8. PERSECUTIONS AND SUFFERING – DELIVERED FROM ALL!
- WHY SUCH TESTIMONY? TIMOTHY WITNESSED PAUL’S FAITH
- PAUL’S CANDOR: ALL WHO BELIEVE WILL BE PERSECUTED (12)
- UNBELIEVERS WILL RECYCLE EVIL (13)
APPLICATION: FUEL YOUR LOYALTY TO GOD: LEARN GOD’S WORD

II. FORGES UNSHAKEABLE FAITH (VV. 14-15)

EXPLANATION: PAUL CHALLENGES TIMOTHY
- CONTINUE IN THE THINGS:
  - YOU HAVE LEARNED (14A)
  - YOU HAVE BECOME CONVINCED OF (14B)
- REMEMBERING WHO TAUGHT THEM TO YOU (14C) (JOHN 14:26)
- THE SOURCE OF LEARNING: THE “SACRED WRITINGS” (15A)
- SACRED WRITINGS WISDOM=FAITH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (15B)
  - JOHN 3:16, ROMANS 6:23, 15:14, HEBREWS 4:12

APPLICATION: FORGE YOUR FAITH: MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD

III. FRAMES THE OBEDIENT LIFE OF BELIEVERS (VV. 16-17)

EXPLANATION: PAUL REVEALS THE VALUE OF THE BIBLE
- ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD (16) (2 PET 1:19-21)
- IT IS TO BE USED IN DAILY LIFE: IT EQUIPS FOR LIFE (17)

APPLICATION: ALLOW GOD TO FRAME YOUR FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE

CONCLUSION:

WHAT IS YOUR HOUSE BUILT UPON? (MATT 7:24-27)

REMEMBER THIS: THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY SOURCE FOR SALVATION & LIFE

REFERENCES (page 1)

2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: ²For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 4:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Preach the Word

4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ²Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ³For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 15:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹²For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2 Peter 1:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; ²⁰knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ²¹for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:24-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

Build on the Rock

²⁴“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
²⁶“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

2 Timothy 3:10-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰Now you ⁽^A⁾followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, ⁽^B⁾love, perseverance, ^11 (^C⁾persecutions, and ⁽^D⁾sufferings, such as happened to me at ⁽^E⁾Antioch, At ⁽^F⁾Iconium and at ⁽^G⁾Lystra; what ⁽^H⁾persecutions I endured, and out of them all ⁽^I⁾the Lord rescued me! ¹²Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus ⁽^J⁾will be persecuted. ¹³But evil men and impostors ⁽^K⁾will proceed from bad to worse, ⁽^L⁾deceiving and being deceived.

¹⁴You, however, ⁽^M⁾continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵and that ⁽^N⁾from childhood you have known ⁽^O⁾the sacred writings which are able to ⁽^P⁾give you the wisdom that leads to ⁽^Q⁾salvation through faith which is in ⁽^R⁾Christ Jesus.

^16 (^S⁾All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷so that ⁽^T⁾the man of God may be adequate, ⁽^U⁾equipped for every good work.

Cross references:

A.2 Timothy 3:10 : Phil 2:20, 22; 1 Tim 4:6

B.2 Timothy 3:10 : 1 Tim 6:11

C.2 Timothy 3:11 : 2 Cor 12:10

D.2 Timothy 3:11 : 2 Cor 1:5, 7

E.2 Timothy 3:11 : Acts 13:14, 45, 50

F.2 Timothy 3:11 : Acts 14:1-7, 19

G.2 Timothy 3:11 : Acts 14:8-20

H.2 Timothy 3:11 : 2 Cor 11:23-27

I.2 Timothy 3:11 : Rom 15:31

J.2 Timothy 3:12 : John 15:20; Acts 14:22; 2 Cor 4:9f

K.2 Timothy 3:13 : 2 Tim 2:16

L.2 Timothy 3:13 : Titus 3:3

M.2 Timothy 3:14 : 2 Tim 1:13; Titus 1:9

N.2 Timothy 3:15 : 2 Tim 1:5

O.2 Timothy 3:15 : John 5:47; Rom 2:27

P.2 Timothy 3:15 : Ps 119:98f

Q.2 Timothy 3:15 : 1 Cor 1:21

R.2 Timothy 3:15 : 2 Tim 1:1

S.2 Timothy 3:16 : Rom 4:23f; 15:4; 2 Pet 1:20f

T.2 Timothy 3:17 : 1 Tim 6:11

U.2 Timothy 3:17 : 2 Tim 2:21; Heb 13:21

The Value of Christmas: Fame from Futility

Will Fortier — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Value of Christmas: Faithfulness from Faith

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE OBJECT OF OUR FAITH

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: FAMILY LINEAGE MATTERS
SCRIPTURE:           MATTHEW 1:18-25
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE VALUE OF CHRISTMAS: FAITHFULNESS FROM FAITH
CTS:   3 WAYS TO BUILD THE VALUE OF YOUR FAITH
YOU CAN DEMONSTRATE THE TRUE VALUE OF CHRISTMAS BY:
I.       DESIRING TO PLEASE GOD                                             (VV. 18-19)

EXPLANATION: JOSEPH WAS A RIGHTEOUS MAN
- HE WAS BETROTHED TO MARY (LEGALLY MARRIED) (18A)
- MARY APPEARED TO VIOLATE THE BETROTHAL; PREGNANCY (18B)
  - CONCEIVED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (SEE LUKE 1:30-32)
- JOSEPH SOUGHT TO PRIVATELY DISMISS MARY
  - JOSEPH SOUGHT TO HONOR GOD (19A)
  - JOSEPH DID NOT WANT TO DISGRACE MARY (19B)
  - JOSEPH PLANNED TO SEND HER AWAY SECRETLY (19C)

II. DEMONSTRATING LOYALTY TO GOD’S GLORY (VV. 20-23)

EXPLANATION: JOSEPH WAS TOLD TO TAKE MARY AS HIS WIFE
- AN ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED TO JOSEPH IN A DREAM (20A)
- JOSEPH WOULD GLORIFY GOD BY CARING FOR MARY (20BC)
  - JOSEPH WAS TO TAKE MARY AS HIS WIFE (20B)
  - MARY’S CHILD WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT (20C)
  - MARY WOULD BARE A SON (21A):
    - HER SON WOULD BE NAMED JESUS (21B)
      - JESUS WILL SAVE HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS (21C)
    - THE BIRTH OF JESUS WOULD FULFILL SCRIPTURE (22-23)
      - A VIRGIN WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO A SON (23A)
      - HE SHALL BE CALLED IMMANUEL: GOD WITH US (23B)

III. DEDICATING YOURSELF TO GOD’S WILL (VV. 24-25)

EXPLANATION: JOSEPH IMMEDIATELY OBEYED THE ANGEL’S COUNSEL
- JOSEPH:
  - DID AS THE ANGEL COMMANDED (24A)
  - TOOK MARY AS HIS WIFE (24B)
  - PRESERVED MARY’S VIRGIN PURITY UNTIL JESUS’ BIRTH (25A)
  - CALLED HIS NAME JESUS (25B)

CONCLUSION:

THE GREATEST VALUED GIFT YOU CAN GIVE

REMEMBER THIS: YOUR FAITH BECOMES FAITHFULNESS, AS YOU PURSUE GOD.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Luke 1:30-32 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁰Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³²He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

Conclusion:

1 John 3:16-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Outworking of Love

¹⁶By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ¹⁷But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
¹⁸My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. ¹⁹And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. ²⁰For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. ²¹Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. ²²And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. ²³And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Matthew 1:18-25 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus ^[^a^]Christ was as follows: when His ⁽^A⁾mother Mary had been ^[^b^]betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was ⁽^B⁾found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned ^[^c^](^C⁾to send her away secretly.
²⁰But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “⁽^D⁾Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for ^[^d^]the Child who has been ^[^e^]conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹She will bear a Son; and ⁽^E⁾you shall call His name Jesus, for ^[^f^]He ⁽^F⁾will save His people from their sins.” ²²Now all this ^[^g^]took place to fulfill what was ⁽^G⁾spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ²³“⁽^H⁾Behold, the virgin shall be with ⁽^I⁾child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name ^[^h^]Immanuel,” which translated means, “⁽^J⁾God with us.”
²⁴And Joseph ^[ⁱ^]awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, ^25 [^j^]but kept her a virgin until she ⁽^K⁾gave birth to a Son; and ⁽^L⁾he called His name Jesus.

Cross references:

The Object Of Our Faith
Today's Scripture: Matthew 17:14-21
Suppose someone asks you to take a ride in his single-engine plane. You politely decline. Why? Well, you’ve heard that the plane has a history of mechanical problems and you don’t have confidence in its safety. The pilot assures you that he fearlessly entrusts his life to it whenever he flies. You still decline. A few weeks later the plane crashes, and he is killed. An investigation shows that the engine was faulty. The pilot had strong faith—but it was faith in a faulty object.
Many of us who are sincere Christians worry that our faith seems too small. But we need to distinguish between the size of our faith and the object of our faith.
Jesus taught that if we have faith no bigger than a tiny seed (Matthew 17:20), God will respond to our prayers according to His will, wisdom, and grace (1 John 5:14-15). He hears the faintest cry of our hearts, the feeblest whisper of our lips, and in love He listens and responds to our faith (Matthew 14:26-31).
No matter how small and insufficient we think our faith is, let’s keep on praying. Remember, it is the object of our faith—our Almighty God—not the size of our faith that is all-important. —VCG
By: Vernon Grounds
Reflect & Pray
It matters not how large or small
Your faith may seem to be;
What really counts is whom you trust
In life's uncertainty. —Fitzhugh
Faith must focus on God, not on itself.[1]

[1] https://odb.org/2002/03/10/the-object-of-our-faith/

The Value of Christmas: Favor from on High

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE VALUE OF CHRISTMAS: MAKING GIFTS FOR OTHERS

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: IT HAS BEGUN (1:18-20) ISAIAH 7:14, 9:6, & GAL 4:4
SCRIPTURE:           LUKE 1:26-38
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE VALUE OF CHRISTMAS: FAVOR FROM ON HIGH
CTS:   3 THOUGHTS THAT EMPHASIZE THE VALUE OF CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IS OF THE GREATEST VALUE, DUE TO GOD’S:
I.       FAVOR TOWARD MANKIND                                             (VV. 26-29)

EXPLANATION: AN ANGEL APPEARED TO A YOUNG TEENAGE GIRL
- AN ANGEL WAS SENT BY GOD TO AN UNIMPORTANT TOWN (26)
  - GABRIEL WAS SENT TO A TEENAGE VIRGIN IN NAZARETH?
  - MARY WAS A DESCENDANT OF KING DAVID (27)
- GABRIEL GREETED MARY:
  - “FAVORED ONE”; “THE LORD IS WITH YOU” (28)
- MARY WAS VERY PERPLEXED AND CONFUSED
APPLICATION: CHRISTMAS BRINGS FAVOR TO YOU: REJOICE

II. FOUNDING OF SALVATION (VV. 30-35)

EXPLANATION: GABRIEL MADE GOD’S PLAN KNOWN TO MARY
- DO NOT BE AFRAID; YOU HAVE FOUND FAVOR WITH GOD (30)
- GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: BEAR A SON & NAME HIM JESUS (31)
  1. SEE LUKE 2:8-11
- GOD’S PLAN FOR HER SON:
  1. HE WILL BE GREAT (32A)
  2. HE WILL BE CALLED THE SON OF THE MOST HIGH (32B)
  3. GOD WILL GIVE HIM THE THRONE OF DAVID (32C)
  4. HE WILL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOREVER (33A)
  5. HIS KINGDOM WILL HAVE NO END (33B)
  6. THE HOLY CHILD SHALL BE CALLED THE SON OF GOD(35B)
- MARY ASKED, “HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE, SINCE I AM A VIRGIN?” (34)
- GOD WOULD DO SO THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT (35A) (TRINITY)

APPLICATION: CHRISTMAS GIVES VALUE TO YOU: BELIEVE (ROM 12:1-2)

III. FAME FOR DOING THE IMPOSSIBLE (VV. 36-38)

EXPLANATION: GABRIEL PROVIDED PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF MIRACLES
- ELIZABETH WAS EXPECTING A CHILD (IMPOSSIBLE) (36)
- NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD (37)
- MARY DECLARED HER WILLINGNESS TO BE USED BY GOD (38)

APPLICATION: CHRISTMAS BRINGS ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOUR FAITH

CONCLUSION:
SEE NOTES
REMEMBER THIS: GOD EXTENDS HIS FAVOR/GRACE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE

REFERENCES (page 1)
Isaiah 7:14                               New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.^[^a^]
Isaiah 9:6                                 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Galatians 4:3-5                         New King James Version (NKJV)
³Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. ⁴But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born^[^a^] of a woman, born under the law, ⁵to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Luke 2:8-11                              New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹And behold,^[^a^] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Romans 12:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
APPLICATION:

GOD HAS SHOWN YOU FAVOR. ALLOW HIS FAVOR TO SHINE THROUGH YOU TO OTHERS.
GOD HAS GIVEN YOU SALVATION IN CHRIST. SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE TO OTHERS.
GOD HAS ENABLED THE IMPOSSIBLE: YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES TO BE SAVED
GOD’S DESIRE IS FOR YOU AND ME TO SHARE HIS PLAN OF SALVATION WITH THE IMPOSSIBLE

Luke 1:26-38 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

²⁶Now in the sixth month the angel ⁽^A⁾Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called ⁽^B⁾Nazareth, ²⁷to ⁽^C⁾a virgin ^[^a^]engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, ⁽^D⁾of the ^[^b^]descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was ^[^c^]Mary. ²⁸And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, ^[^d^]favored one! The Lord ^[^e^]is with you.” ²⁹But she⁽^E⁾was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.
³⁰The angel said to her, “⁽^F⁾Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. ³¹And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you ⁽^G⁾shall name Him Jesus. ³²He will be great and will be called the Son of⁽^H⁾the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him ⁽^I⁾the throne of His father David; ^33 (^J⁾and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, ⁽^K⁾and His kingdom will have no end.” ³⁴Mary said to the angel, “How ^[^f^]can this be, since I ^[^g^]am a virgin?” ³⁵The angel answered and said to her, “⁽^L⁾The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of ⁽^M⁾the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason ⁽^N⁾the ^[^h^]holy Child shall be called ⁽^O⁾the Son of God.
³⁶And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and ^[ⁱ^]she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. ³⁷For ^[^j^](^P⁾nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸And Mary said, “Behold, the ^[^k^]bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Footnotes:

Luke 1:27 Or betrothed; i.e. the first stage of marriage in Jewish culture, usually lasting for a year before the wedding night. More legal than engagement
Luke 1:27 Lit house
Luke 1:27 Gr Mariam; i.e. Heb Miriam; so throughout Luke
Luke 1:28 Or woman richly blessed
Luke 1:28 Or be
Luke 1:34 Lit will
Luke 1:34 Lit know no man
Luke 1:35 Lit the holy thing begotten
Luke 1:36 Lit this is the sixth month to her who
Luke 1:37 Lit not any word
Luke 1:38 I.e. female slave

Cross references:

The Value of Christmas:Freedom from Fear

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Love and Giving = Thanksgiving

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE

INTRODUCTION: HOW HAS KNOWING CHRIST EFFECTED YOUR GIVING?

SCRIPTURE:           2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-15
TITLE OF MESSAGE: LOVE AND GIVING BREEDS THANKSGIVING
CTS:   3 INDICATORS OF A THANKSGIVING HEART
GOD WILL ENABLE YOU TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE, WHEN YOU:
I.       GIVE WITHOUT RESTRAINT (VV. 6-7)

EXPLANATION: THE EXAMPLE OF THE CORINTHIAN FAITH COULD:
- ENABLE THE GLORY AND WITNESS OF GOD TO BE MAGNIFIED
  - IF THEY SOWED SPARINGLY, THEY WOULD REAP THE SAME (6A)
  - IF THEY SOWED W/O RESTRAINT, GOD WOULD BE GLORIFIED(6B)
    - GALATIANS 6:7-9
  - THE RIGHT HEART MATTERS: GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER (7)
ILLUSTRATION: BUILDING YOUR ESTATE (LUKE 12:16-21)
APPLICATION: GIVING GOD CONTROL OF YOUR / HIS WEALTH IS BEST
- WHAT SHOULD WE DO WITH OUR FINANCIAL BURDENS? (1 PET 5:6-7)

II. GIVE TO GLORIFY GOD (VV. 8-11)

EXPLANATION: GOD WOULD WORK THROUGH CORINTH TO BLESS
1. OUR SUFFICIENCY IS IN GOD / CHRIST:
  - GOD PROVIDES:
    1. ALL GRACE (8A)
    2. ALWAYS HAVING ALL SUFFICIENCY (8B)
    3. EVERYTHING (8C)
    4. ABUNDANCE FOR EVERY GOOD THING (8D)
  - GOD GAVE TO THE POOR (9A)
  - GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER (9B)

THE RESOURCES FOR PLANTING AND HARVESTING (10A)
WILL MULTIPLY THE SEED FOR SOWING (10B)
WILL MULTIPLY THE HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (10C)
ENRICHES ALL THE BELIEVER HAS FOR LIBERALITY (11A)
RESULTS: PRODUCING THANKSGIVING TO GOD (11B)

APPLICATION: LET GOD DO THE IMPOSSIBLE WITH YOUR RESOURCES

III. GRATEFULLY SERVE OTHERS (VV. 12-15)

EXPLANATION: MEETING NEEDS: NOT THE ONLY RESULT OF GIVING

THEIR GIVING WOULD:
1. INSPIRE THANKSGIVING TO GOD (12)
2. PROVE THE AUTHENTICITY OF THEIR FAITH (13)
3. INSPIRE RECIPIENTS TO PRAY FOR THE GIVERS (14)
4. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF AL GIVING AND BLESSING (15)

APPLICATION: SERVE WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS; GOD IS GLORIFIED

CONCLUSION:

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD (PHIL 4:10-14)

REMEMBER THIS: GIVE AS GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU
REFERENCES (page 1)

Galatians 6:7-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ⁸For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Luke 12:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
²¹“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Philippians 4:10-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹²I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ¹⁴Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
⁶Now this I say, ⁽^A⁾he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ⁷Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not ⁽^B⁾grudgingly or under compulsion, for ⁽^C⁾God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And ⁽^D⁾God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; ⁹as it is written,
“⁽^E⁾He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor,
His righteousness endures forever.”
¹⁰Now He who supplies ⁽^F⁾seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and ⁽^G⁾increase the harvest of your righteousness; ¹¹you will be ⁽^H⁾enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing ⁽^I⁾thanksgiving to God. ¹²For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying ⁽^J⁾the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing ⁽^K⁾through many thanksgivings to God. ¹³Because of the proof given by this ⁽^L⁾ministry, they will ⁽^M⁾glorify God for your obedience to your ⁽^N⁾confession of the ⁽^O⁾gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, ¹⁴while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ^15 (^P⁾Thanks be to God for His indescribable ⁽^Q⁾gift!
Cross references:

The Furnace of Affliction; Desertion

Will Fortier — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: Harlotry

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PEOPLE WITHOUT GOD = BENT ON EVIL

INTRODUCTION: NEW YORK’S DARKEST HOURS

https://time.com/3949986/1977-blackout-new-york-history/
SCRIPTURE: HOSEA 4:11-19
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: HARLOTRY

DEFINITION OF HARLOTRY (NOTES)

CTS: 2 EFFECTS OF A SINFUL WILL
EFFECTS OF A REBELLIOUS WILL TOWARD GOD INCLUDE:
I. WILLFULLY CHOOSING YOUR OWN WAY (VV. 11-14)

EXPLANATION: WORDLY CHOICES = REBELLION
- HARLOTRY, WINE AND NEW WINE LEAD TO FUTILITY
- CHOICES:
  1. CONSULTING WOODEN IDOLS (12A)
  2. SEEKING DIVINATION FOR FUTURE (12B)
  3. HARLOTRY/PROSTITUTION/FORNICATION LED AWAY FROM GOD (13A)
  4. OFFERING SACRIFICES IN COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENTS (13B)
  5. WIVES AND DAUGHTERS INTO HARLOTRY (13C)
  6. MEN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR FAMILY WAYWARDNESS (14AB)
  7. GOD’S PEOPLE W/O UNDERSTANDING ARE RUINED (14C)
ILLUSTRATION: USMC POLICY TOWARD ALCOHOL
APPLICATION: AS GOD’S CHILD, GUARD AGAINST WORLDLY PLEASURE

II. WILLFULLY CHOOSING YOUR CONSEQUENCES (VV. 15-19)

EXPLANATION: THE CONSEQUENCES OF WILLFUL SIN: NO WORSHIP
- HOSEA IDENTIFIES THE EVIL EXAMPLES ISRAEL OFFERS JUDAH
  - CONSIDER JUDAH’S ULTIMATE EVIL BENT: JEREMIAH 42:1-16
- THE NATION’S ULTIMATE DEMISE:

THREE-FOLD WARNING (SEE NOTES): DON’T:

GO TO GILGAL (15A)
GO TO BETH-AVEN (15B)
TAKE AN OATH (15C) – USELESS IN THE MIDST OF REBELLION
- OBSERVATION: WHAT ABOUT CHURCHES TODAY?

THREE-FOLD REASON (SEE NOTES):

ISRAEL IS STUBBORN LIKE A HEIFER (16)
ISRAEL HAS AN UNBREAKABLE DESIRE FOR IDOLS (17)
HABITUAL DRUNKENNESS AND PROMISCUITY (18)

THE ULTIMATE RESULT OF SUCH SIN: SHAME (19)
ILLUSTRATION:

APPLICATION: AS GOD’S CHILD, CLING TO BLESSED CONSEQUENCES
- YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

CONCLUSION:

DRAGON SKIN

REMEMBER THIS: GOD DOES NOT BLESS A REBELLIOUS WILL
REFERENCES (page 1)

Definition of “Harlotry”

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) Ribaldry; buffoonery; a ribald story.
2. (n.) The trade or practice of prostitution; habitual or customary lewdness.
3. (n.) Anything meretricious; as, harlotry in art.
4. (n.) A harlot; a strumpet; a baggage.[1]
Greek
4202. porneia -- fornication
... fornication. From porneuo; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry -- fornication. see GREEK porneuo. (porneia) -- 8 Occurrences.[2]
Jeremiah 42:1-16 New King James Version (NKJV)
42 Now all the captains of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, came near ²and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please, let our petition be acceptable to you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, for all this remnant (since we are left but a few of many, as you can see), ³that the Lord your God may show us the way in which we should walk and the thing we should do.”
⁴Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard. Indeed, I will pray to the Lord your God according to your words, and it shall be, that whatever the Lord answers you, I will declare it to you. I will keep nothing back from you.”
⁵So they said to Jeremiah, “Let the Lord be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not do according to everything which the Lord your God sends us by you. ⁶Whether it is pleasing or displeasing, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the Lord our God.”
⁷And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. ⁸Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, ⁹and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition before Him: ¹⁰‘If you will still remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up. For I relent concerning the disaster that I have brought upon you. ¹¹Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,’ says the Lord, ‘for I am with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand. ¹²And I will show you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and cause you to return to your own land.’
¹³“But if you say, ‘We will not dwell in this land,’ disobeying the voice of the Lord your God, ¹⁴saying, ‘No, but we will go to the land of Egypt where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor be hungry for bread, and there we will dwell’— ¹⁵Then hear now the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah! Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you wholly set your faces to enter Egypt, and go to dwell there, ¹⁶then it shall be that the sword which you feared shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; the famine of which you were afraid shall follow close after you there in Egypt; and there you shall die.
The New American Commentary on Gilgal and Beth-Aven
Although the Bible mentions a number of sites called Gilgal, it appears that the Gilgal of this verse is the location near the Jordan that Joshua made his first base of operations after crossing into Canaan (Josh 4:19). There the men of the nation were circumcised in preparation for Israel’s first Passover in the land (Josh 5:7–12), and from there Jericho was taken. Gilgal was on Samuel’s annual circuit (1 Sam 7:16), and it is the setting for much of the story of Samuel and Saul (e.g., 1 Sam 11:14–15). The people of Judah welcomed David back at Gilgal after the war with Absalom (2 Sam 19:15). A group of Elisha’s disciples resided there (2 Kgs 4:38). Thus one can say that Gilgal was a place of great significance in the spiritual history of Israel, and the people had every reason to consider it sacred. Unfortunately, it went from being a shrine for pilgrims to a center of apostasy, and by the eighth century not only Hosea but Amos as well was counseling people to stay away from there (Amos 4:4; 5:5).
Bethel was, if anything, even more sacred than Gilgal. Abraham camped there (Gen 12:8), and while sleeping there Jacob saw his vision of the stairway into heaven and gave the place its name, “house of God” (bêt-Ê¾Ä“l; Gen 28:11–18; 31:1–15). Later God revealed himself to Jacob as the “God of Bethel” (Gen 31:13). Jacob confirmed the status of the site by building a memorial pillar and an altar there. Jeroboam I took advantage of the sacred traditions associated with Bethel to turn it into a shrine to rival Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem. He thereby put an end to his people’s religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem (1 Kgs 12:29), an act immediately condemned by the prophets as apostasy (1 Kgs 13). The term Ê¾Ä?wen basically means “disaster,” “nothingness,” or “deception,” and it is a polemical term used by the prophets to describe idolatry (e.g., Isa 66:3). Psalms often speaks of the “doers of Ê¾Ä?wen,” and this term may refer to idol makers or sorcerers. Hosea’s wordplay implies that the house of God had become the house of deception—the deception being the religious fraud that is idolatry.^{^[3]}
The New American Commentary on three-fold reason
4:16–18 The fundamental charge in these verses is that Israel is incorrigible in its evil ways. This is shown (1) in the simile of the stubborn heifer, (2) in their unbreakable attachment to idols, and (3) in their habitual debauchery of drunkenness and promiscuity. A stubborn heifer was a cow that refused to go where her owner led (cf. Jer 31:18). The stubbornness of the people made it impossible for God to give them peace and prosperity.
The line “Ephraim is joined to idols” (which implies that Israel has formed a political alliance with idols) could instead be rendered, “Ephraim is spellbound of idols.” The latter interpretation implies that Israel is bewitched by idols, and it is preferable. Following such an interpretation, “Leave him alone!” implies that the nation is in a trance from which no one may arouse them.
. . . “When their liquor runs out, they engage prostitutes,” meaning that they drink all they can and then turn to sex.^{^[4]}

Hosea 4:11-19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹¹Harlotry, ⁽^A⁾wine and new wine take away the understanding.
¹²My people ⁽^B⁾consult their wooden idol, and their diviner’s wand informs them;
For a spirit of harlotry has led them astray,
And they have played the harlot, departing from their God.
¹³They offer sacrifices on the ⁽^C⁾tops of the mountains
And ⁽^D⁾burn incense on the hills,
⁽^E⁾Under oak, poplar and terebinth,
Because their shade is pleasant.
Therefore your daughters play the harlot
And your brides commit adultery.
¹⁴I will not punish your daughters when they play the harlot
Or your brides when they commit adultery,
For the men themselves go apart with harlots
And offer sacrifices with ⁽^F⁾temple prostitutes;
So the people without understanding are ruined.

¹⁵Though you, Israel, play the harlot,
Do not let Judah become guilty;
Also do not go to ⁽^G⁾Gilgal,
Or go up to Beth-aven
⁽^H⁾And take the oath:
“As the Lord lives!”
¹⁶Since Israel is ⁽^I⁾stubborn
Like a stubborn heifer,
Can the Lord now ⁽^J⁾pasture them
Like a lamb in a large field?
¹⁷Ephraim is joined to ⁽^K⁾idols;
⁽^L⁾Let him alone.
¹⁸Their liquor gone,
They play the harlot continually;
⁽^M⁾Their rulers dearly love shame.
^19 (^N⁾The wind wraps them in its wings,
And they will be ashamed because of their sacrifices.

Cross references:

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/05/16/devotion.aspx
May 16, 2008
Dragon Skin (Dealing with Change)

Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. —Ephesians 4:24
In the fifth Chronicle of Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Edmund, Lucy, and their spoiled cousin Eustace are summoned to help on a quest in the Eastern Sea. Along the way, Eustace is tempted by enchanted treasure and turned into a dragon. The desperate dragon accepts the help of the great lion Aslan, king of Narnia. But Eustace can only be freed by allowing Aslan’s claws to painfully tear off the dragon’s flesh. Grateful for his deliverance, Eustace chooses to become a better boy.
Receiving God’s gift of salvation through Christ is a one-time event, but to become like Him often requires suffering and struggle. It involves putting off old sinful habits and replacing them with new godly ones. Paul wrote, “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt . . . [and] put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24).
What is troubling you today? God may be using the kind rebuke of a friend or a painful trial to prompt you to get rid of a sinful habit and to replace it with godly character (Rom. 8:29; 1 Peter 4:1-2).
The process of becoming like Christ is sometimes painful, but it’s always worth it.
— Dennis Fisher
To be like Jesus is our goal,
Though it doesn’t happen fast;
We trust the Spirit as our Guide
Till we’re glorified at last. —Branon
The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment; the growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.

[1] https://biblehub.com/topical/h/harlotry.htm

[2] /strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4202.htm

^{^[3]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 121–140.

^{^[4]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 121–140.

The Furnace of Affliction: Sinfulness

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: WHAT LIFE IS LIKE WITHOUT GOD’S WORD

INTRODUCTION: PETER’S PIT

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 4:7-10
TITLE OF MESSAGE: FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: SINFULNESS
CTS:   3 RESULTS OF HABITUAL SIN
HABITUAL SIN LEADS TO:
I.       SHAME (VS. 7)

EXPLANATION: REULTS OF INCREASED SINFUL LEADERSHIP
- MULTIPLIED SINFUL LEADERSHIP = INCREASED SIN (7A)
- HONORABLE SERVICE AS PRIEST WOULD BECOME SHAMEFUL (7B)
ILLUSTRATION: PAIN OF SHAME
APPLICATION: AS GOD’S PRIESTS, AVOID SHAME: HONOR GOD

II. SELFISHNESS (VS. 8)

EXPLANATION: SINFUL LEADERSHIP LEADS TO SELFISHNESS
- THEY WRONGFULLY FEED ON THE SACRIFICES TO GOD (8A)
- PRIESTS LED THE PEOPLE TO SUPPORT SINFUL DESIRES (8B)
ILLUSTRATION: WHERE DOES SELFISHNESS BEGIN? NURSERY?

APPLICATION: AS GOD’S PRIESTS, ALWAYS KEEP OTHERS FIRST

III. SUFFERING (VV. 9-10)

EXPLANATION: ALL WOULD SUFFER FOR SINFUL BEHAVIOR
- SINFUL LEADERSHIP LEADS TO A SINFUL COMMUNITY (9A)
- SINFULNESS COMES WITH A PRICE (9B)
- THERE IS NO SATISFACTION IN SINFUL BEHAVIOR (10)
  - PROVERBS 3:32-34

APPLICATION: AS GOD’S PRIESTS, CHOOSE LIFE OVER CURSE
- DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20; PROVERBS 3:5-6

CONCLUSION:

THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, BUT . . . (ROM 6:23)

REMEMBER THIS: SINFUL PASSION LEADS TO PAIN. CHOOSE LIFE

REFERENCES (page 1)

Proverbs 3:32-34 New King James Version (NKJV)

³²For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
³³The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
³⁴Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, ¹⁶in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. ¹⁷But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, ¹⁸I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. ¹⁹I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; ²⁰that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hosea 4:7-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
⁷The more they ⁽^A⁾multiplied, the more they sinned against Me;
I will ⁽^B⁾change their glory into shame.

⁸They ⁽^C⁾feed on the sin of My people
And ⁽^D⁾direct their desire toward their iniquity.
⁹And it will be, like people, ⁽^E⁾like priest;

So I will ⁽^F⁾punish them for their ways
And repay them for their deeds.
^10 (^G⁾They will eat, but not have enough;
They will ⁽^H⁾play the harlot, but not increase,
Because they have ⁽^I⁾stopped giving heed to the Lord.

Cross references:

Hosea 4:7 : Hos 10:1; 13:6
Hosea 4:7 : Hab 2:16
Hosea 4:8 : Hos 10:13
Hosea 4:8 : Is 56:11; Mic 3:11
Hosea 4:9 : Is 24:2; Jer 5:31
Hosea 4:9 : Hos 8:13; 9:9
Hosea 4:10 : Lev 26:26; Is 65:13; Mic 6:14
Hosea 4:10 : Hos 7:4
Hosea 4:10 : Hos 9:17

The Furnace of Affliction, No Knowledge

Will Fortier — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: Unfaithfulness

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD’S JUSTICE + REDEMPTION = HIS LOVE

INTRODUCTION: ARRESTED

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 4:1-3
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: UNFAITHFULNESS
CTS:   3 PAINFUL REALITIES OF UNFAITHFULNESS TOWARD GOD
UNFAITHFULNESS TO GOD INCLUDES BEING:
I.       CAUGHT WITHOUT EXCUSE                                     (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: ALLEDGED UNFAITHFULNESS (SEE NOTES):
- SONS OF ISRAEL VS INHABITANTS OF THE LAND (UNFAITHFUL)
- 3 “NO”S OF UNFAITHFULNESS (COMMANDMENTS 1-5 OF 10):
  - NO FAITHFULNESS – NO INTEGRITY (ISAIAH 59:4, JEREMIAH 7:28)
  - NO LOVE – COMPASSION
  - NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOD IN THE LAND – GOD IS ABSENT
ILLUSTRATION: CHRISTIANITY TODAY (REALLY?)
APPLICATION: ASSESS SELF THROUGH SCRIPTURE. ARE YOU GUILTY?
- TOOLS: JOHN 13:34-35, GALATIANS 5:22-25

II. CHARGED WITH TREASON (VS. 2)

EXPLANATION: EVIDENCE OF UNFAITHFULNESS
- COROLATION WITH 10 COMMANDMENTS:
  1. SWEARING – COMMANDMENT 3 (CURSING OTHERS)
  2. DECEPTION - COMMANDMENT 9 & 10 (DECEPTION)
  3. MURDER - COMMANDMENT 6
  4. STEALING - COMMANDMENT 8 – DEUT 5:19, HOSEA 7:1
  5. ADULTERY - COMMANDMENT 7
  6. VIOLENCE – JEREMIAH 17:9-10, ISAIAH 64:6

APPLICATION: WITHOUT CHRIST: GUILTY; IN CHRIST – FREEDOM

III. COMMITTED TO DISCIPLINE (VS. 3)

EXPLANATION: THE ENVIRONMENT REFLECTS UNFAITHFULNESS
- UNFAITHFULNESS PRODUCES:

LAND THAT MOURNS
EVERYONE IS MISERABLE
ALL CREATION GROANS OVER SIN – ROMANS 8:21-23

ILLUSTRATION: ILLNESS OF THE HUMAN BODY (MISERY / MOURNING)
APPLICATION: UNFAITHFULNESS IS A SUBTLE ILLNESS (PROV 24:32-34)

CONCLUSION:

UNFAITHFULNESS TO GOD = PAIN & SORROW; FAITHFULNESS = JOY

REMEMBER THIS: GOD DETESTS THE WILLFUL REBELLION OF HIS PEOPLE!

REFERENCES (page 1)
I. CAUGHT WITHOUT EXCUSE (NAC) (VS. 1)

. . . the people lacked “faithfulness” (Ê¾Ä•met). This word, which also means “truth,” is perhaps best translated here as “integrity.” It is not merely loyalty, although it often includes that, but it is instead the wholesomeness of soul that comes from a life that follows principle rather than expediency. It is a determination to know the truth and live by it.⁹ The person of Ä•met is to the person without Ä•met as sound wood is to rotten wood or as a genuine diamond is to paste.¹⁰ To say that the people are without Ä•met is to say that they are all living a lie and thus are without moral integrity. The word Ä•met “denotes the nature of the man who is said to be faithful to his neighbor, true in his speech, and reliable and constant in his actions.”

Isaiah 59:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴No one calls for justice,
Nor does any plead for truth.
They trust in empty words and speak lies;
They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity.
Jeremiah 7:28 New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁸“So you shall say to them, ‘This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.

John 13:34-35 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Galatians 5:22-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Deuteronomy 5:19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹‘You shall not steal.

Hosea 7:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

Israel Has Rebelled Against God

7 “When I would have healed Israel,
Then the iniquity of Ephraim was uncovered,
And the wickedness of Samaria.
For they have committed fraud;
A thief comes in;
A band of robbers takes spoil outside.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah 64:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶But we are all like an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
We all fade as a leaf,
And our iniquities, like the wind,
Have taken us away.

Romans 8:21-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²²For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Proverbs 24:32-34 New King James Version (NKJV)

³²When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:
³³A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest;
³⁴So shall your poverty come like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

Hosea 4:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
God’s Controversy with Israel
4 ⁽^A⁾Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel,
For the Lord has a ⁽^B⁾case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is ⁽^C⁾no faithfulness or kindness
Or ⁽^D⁾knowledge of God in the land.

²There is ⁽^E⁾swearing, ⁽^F⁾deception, ⁽^G⁾murder, ⁽^H⁾stealing and ⁽^I⁾adultery.
They employ violence, so that ⁽^J⁾bloodshed follows bloodshed.

³Therefore the land ⁽^K⁾mourns,
And everyone who lives in it languishes
Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky,
And also the fish of the sea disappear.
Cross references:

Hosea 4:1 : Hos 5:1
Hosea 4:1 : Hos 12:2; Mic 6:2
Hosea 4:1 : Is 59:4; Jer 7:28
Hosea 4:1 : Jer 4:22
Hosea 4:2 : Deut 5:11; Hos 10:4
Hosea 4:2 : Hos 7:3; 10:13; 11:12
Hosea 4:2 : Gen 4:8; Hos 6:9
Hosea 4:2 : Deut 5:19; Hos 7:1
Hosea 4:2 : Deut 5:18; Hos 7:4
Hosea 4:2 : Hos 6:8; 12:14
Hosea 4:3 : Is 24:4; 33:9; Amos 5:16; Zeph 1:3

⁹ Prov 29:14, e.g., promises that a king will have a secure throne if he judges, ×‘Ö¶Ö¼×?Ö±×žÖ¶×ª, “in truth,” i.e., without partiality and without distorting the facts for his own or his favorite’s benefit. Similarly, in Exod 18:21 Jethro counsels Moses to choose ×?Ö·× Ö°×©Öµ×?Ö¥×™ ×?Ö±×žÖ¶Ö–×ª ×©Ö¹×‚Ö£× Ö°×?Öµ×™ ×‘Ö¸Ö‘×¦Ö·×¢ (“men of integrity who hate bribes”).

¹⁰ Jer 2:21 speaks of ×–Ö¶×¨Ö·×¢ ×?Ö±×žÖ¶×ª, i.e., good seed that does not come from inferior stock or have other kinds of seed mixed in with it. In context it is used metaphorically for Israel.

The Furnace of Affliction: Saving a Marriage

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: THE VALIDITY OF GOD’S LOVE

INTRODUCTION: D -I - V – O – R – C - E

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 3:1-5
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: THE SAVING OF A MARRIAGE
CTS:   4 TRUTHS ABOUT GOD’S EVERLASTING LOVE
YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE PASSION OF GOD’S LOVE, WHEN YOU:
I.       MEDITATE UPON HIS PASSIONATE LOVE (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: GOD DISPLAYS HIS LOVE IN THE MIDST OF SIN
- “THEN” – CONTINUATION OF THOUGHT (1A)
- “GO AGAIN” – GOD HAS NOT GIVEN UP ON HIS BRIDE (1B)
- “LOVE. . .AN ADULTRESS” (IMAGERY) ; GOD CALLED HOSEA TO:
  - LOVE A WOMAN (GOMER), IN SPITE OF HER ADULTERY (1C)
- GOD LOVES ISRAEL, THOUGH AN ADULTRESS (1D)
ILLUSTRATION: IS ADULTERY A FORGIVEABLE SIN?
APPLICATION: GOD LOVES YOU, IN SPITE OF YOUR SIN

II. MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO HIM (VV. 2-3)

EXPLANATION: HOSEA OBEYED GOD
- HOSEA “PURCHASED” GOMER (EST. 30 PIECES OF SILVER) (2)
- HOSEA GIVES INSTRUCTIONS: STAY, NO HARLOTRY, & CELIBACY (3)
ILLUSTRATION: MATURITY IN CHRIST: LOVING THE UNLOVEABLE

APPLICATION: WHEN GOD’S IN CONTROL, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING

III. MEANINGFULLY DEVOTE YOURSELF TO GOD (VS. 4)

EXPLANATION: GOD WILL TAKE AWAY ALL DISTRACTIONS
- GOD WILL DO AS HOSEA WAS GUIDED:
  - SECLUSION TO OBTAIN RELIGIOUS PURITY (4)
- SECLUSION / HARDSHIP – DRAWS US TO GOD

APPLICATION: ALLOW GOD TO REMOVE DISTRACTIONS FROM YOU

IV. MANIFEST YOUR HOPE IN GOD (VS. 5)

EXPLANATION: THE RESULTS OF GOD’S INTERVENTION:
- AFTERWARD, THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL RETURN
- THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL SEEK THEIR LORD
- THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL SEEK KING DAVID (JUDAH & ISRAEL)
- THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL COME TREMBLING
- THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL COME TO GOD’S GOODNESS
- WHEN? – “…IN THE LAST DAYS.”

APPLICATION: HOPE & TRUST IN, AND SEEK GOD ALWAYS (PROV 3:5-6)

CONCLUSION:

TRUE LOVE IN A COURTROOM

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S LOVE WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU!
Hosea 3:1-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Hosea’s Second Symbolic Marriage
3 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even ⁽^A⁾as the Lord loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin ⁽^B⁾cakes.”
²So I ⁽^C⁾bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver and a homer and a half of barley. ³Then I said to her, “You shall ⁽^D⁾stay with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man; so I will also be toward you.”
⁴For the sons of Israel will remain for many days ⁽^E⁾without king or prince, ⁽^F⁾without sacrifice or sacred ⁽^G⁾pillar and without ⁽^H⁾ephod or ⁽^I⁾household idols.
⁵Afterward the sons of Israel will ⁽^J⁾return and seek the Lord their God and ⁽^K⁾David their king; and ⁽^L⁾they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days.
Cross references:

The Furnace of Affliction: Future Purity Part II

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: HOPE EXISTS IN THE FACE OF DISCIPLINE

INTRODUCTION: HOPE FOR THE FUTURE?

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 2:21-23
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: FUTURE PURITY II
CTS:   2 FACTORS THAT WILL ENHANCE YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
GOD’S PLAN FOR FUTURE PURITY INCLUDES:
I.       RESPONDING TO HIS PEOPLE                                  (VV. 21-22)

EXPLANATION: GOD WILL CAUSE CREATION TO BLESS HIS PEOPLE
- GOD WILL RESPOND TO THE HEAVENS (HIS RESOURCE FOR RAIN)
  - GOD IS THE MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH (PSALM 121:1-3)
- THE HEAVENS WILL, IN TURN, WATER THE PARCHED EARTH
- THE EARTH WILL, IN TURN, PRODUCE:
  - PRECIOUS GRAIN, NEW WINE, OIL (EXAMPLE: RUTH 1:1-7)
- THESE PRECIOUS RESOURCES WOULD MEET JEZREEL’S NEEDS
ILLUSTRATION: “I CAN’T HELP, UNLESS YOU ASK.”
APPLICATION: GOD WILL RESPOND TO YOUR CRY FOR SALVATION

II. SOWING HIS PEOPLE (VS. 23)

EXPLANATION: GOD WILL ALSO MULTIPLY HIS PEOPLE
- “I WILL SOW HER FOR MYSELF IN THE LAND (23A) (IS 55:1-7)
- “COMPASSION ON HER WHO HAD NOT OBTAINED COMPASSION (23B)
- “…THOSE WHO ARE NOT MY PEOPLE, ‘YOU ARE MY PEOPLE!’” (23C)
- “AND THEY WILL SAY, ‘YOU ARE MY GOD!’” (23D)
- NOTE: THE SAME IS SAID OF THE GENTILES (ROM 9:25-27; 1 PET 2:10)

APPLICATION: GOD ESTABLISHES AND GROWS HIS KINGDOM, NOT US
- MATTHEW 16:13-18, EPH 2:8-10

CONCLUSION:

A SNAPSHOT OF GOD’S FUTURE FOR HIS PEOPLE (ISAIAH 25:6-8)

REMEMBER THIS: NOTHING CAN STOP GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE!

REFERENCES (page 1)

Psalm 121:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
²My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.

³He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

Ruth 1:1-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. ²The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion—Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. ³Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. ⁴Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. ⁵Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband.

⁶Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. ⁷Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.

Isaiah 55:1-7              New King James Version (NKJV)
55 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.
²Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.
³Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.
⁴Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
⁵Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.”
⁶Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
⁷Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
Romans 9:25-27          New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁵As He says also in Hosea:
“I will call them My people, who were not My people,
And her beloved, who was not beloved.”
²⁶“And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,
‘You are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”
²⁷Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:
“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,
The remnant will be saved.
1 Peter 2:10                New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Matthew 16:13-18       New King James Version (NKJV)
¹³When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
¹⁴So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
¹⁵He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
¹⁶Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
¹⁷Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. ¹⁸And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Ephesians 2:8-10        New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Isaiah 25:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶And in this mountain
The Lord of hosts will make for all people
A feast of choice pieces,
A feast of wines on the lees,
Of fat things full of marrow,
Of well-refined wines on the lees.
⁷And He will destroy on this mountain
The surface of the covering cast over all people,
And the veil that is spread over all nations.
⁸He will swallow up death forever,
And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces;
The rebuke of His people
He will take away from all the earth;
For the Lord has spoken.

Hosea 2:21-23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²¹“It will come about in that day that ⁽^A⁾I will respond,” declares the Lord.
“I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth,
²²And the ⁽^B⁾earth will respond to the grain, to the new wine and to the oil,
And they will respond to Jezreel.
²³“I will ⁽^C⁾sow her for Myself in the land.
⁽^D⁾I will also have compassion on her who had not obtained compassion,
And ⁽^E⁾I will say to those who were ⁽^F⁾not My people,
‘You are My people!’
And they will say, ‘You are my God!’”

Cross references:

Hosea 2:21 : Is 55:10; Zech 8:12; Mal 3:10, 11
Hosea 2:22 : Jer 31:12; Joel 2:19
Hosea 2:23 : Jer 31:27
Hosea 2:23 : Hos 1:6
Hosea 2:23 : Rom 9:25; 1 Pet 2:10
Hosea 2:23 : Hos 1:9

The Furnace of Affliction, Future Purity Part 1

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction Ignorance

Will Fortier — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: The Poison of Idolatry

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PROPHECY OF GOD’S JUDGMENT/ETERNAL HOPE

INTRODUCTION: THE DANGERS OF POISON

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 2:1-7
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: POISON OF IDOLATRY
CTS:   3 TRUTHS THAT AFFECT GOD’S WORK THROUGH YOU
GOD WILL USE YOU IN HIS KINGDOM WORK, AS YOU:
I.       REJECT SOCIETAL INFLUENCE (VV. 1-4)

EXPLANATION: CALL BROTHERS & SISTERS TO REPENTANCE
- “AMMI” – “MY PEOPLE” / “RUHAMMAH” – “MY LOVED ONE” (1)
- “CONTEND WITH YOUR MOTHER” – CALL TO REPENT (2A)
- EVIDENCE OF DIVORCE: NOT MY WIFE; NOT YOUR HUSBAND (2B)
  - CHIASMUS:
    1. CHILDREN MUST DENOUNCE MOTHER (2A)
    2. BECAUSE SHE IS NO LONGER GOD’S WIFE (2B)

WIFE MUST ABANDON ADULTERY (2B)
- PUT AWAY HARLOTRY FROM FACE (2C)
- PUT AWAY ADULTERY FROM BETWEEN BREASTS (2D)
SHE WILL BE ABANDONED (NAKED & THIRSTY (3)

CHILDREN WILL BE REJECTED (4)

APPLICATION: LOVINGLY CALL BELIEVERS: DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
- CHURCH – PARALLEL TO OT PEOPLE OF GOD; ABANDONMENT?
- PERSONAL – BE AMMI / RUHAMMAH TO GOD AND OTHERS (JN 13:34-35)

II. RESIST SELF-RELIANCE (VS. 5)

EXPLANATION: GOD HAS JUDGED HER REBELLION:
- THEIR MOTHER HAS PLAYED THE HARLOT (5A)
- THEIR MOTHER HAS ACTED SHAMEFULLY (5B)
- THE REASONS FOR SUCH BEHAVIOR:
  - BREAD, WATER, WOOL AND FLAX, OIL AND DRINK (“MY”x7)(5C)
ILLUSTRATION: MOVIE “FINDING NEMO” – “MINE”

APPLICATION: REALIZE THAT ALL YOU HAVE IS PROVIDED BY GOD

III. REMEMBER HIS JUSTICE (VV. 6-7)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S RESPONSE TO HIS WIFE’S REBELLION
- GOD’S JUSTICE: HEDGE OF THORNS; WALL – LOSS OF PATHS (6)
- THE FALLOUT: SHE WILL LIVE IN FAILURE (7A)
- GOD’S PURPOSE: SHE WILL RETURN TO HER FIRST LOVE (7B)

APPLICATION: GOD USES HARDSHIP TO BRING YOU CLOSE TO HIM
- JAMES 1:2-3, 4:7-10, JOHN 15:5, 1 JOHN 1:8-9

CONCLUSION:

A WORD OF PROTECTION FROM IDOLATRY (PSALM 23:1-6)

REMEMBER THIS: GOD DEALS JUSTLY WITH WILLFUL REBELLION. REPENT.

REFERENCES (page 1)

John 13:34-35 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³⁴A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

James 1:2-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James 4:7-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁷Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

John 15:5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁵I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

1 John 1:8-9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁸If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 23:1-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
²He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
³He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Hosea 2:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Israel’s Unfaithfulness Condemned

2 Say to your brothers, “Ammi,” and to your sisters, “Ruhamah.”

²“Contend with your mother, ⁽^A⁾contend,
For she is ⁽^B⁾not my wife, and I am not her husband;
And let her put away her ⁽^C⁾harlotry from her face
And her adultery from between her breasts,
³Or I will strip her ⁽^D⁾naked
And expose her as on the ⁽^E⁾day when she was born.
I will also ⁽^F⁾make her like a wilderness,
Make her like desert land
And slay her with ⁽^G⁾thirst.

⁴“Also, I will have no compassion on her children,
Because they are ⁽^H⁾children of harlotry.
⁵“For their mother has ⁽^I⁾played the harlot;
She who conceived them has acted shamefully.
For she said, ‘⁽^J⁾I will go after my lovers,
Who ⁽^K⁾give me my bread and my water,
My wool and my flax, my ⁽^L⁾oil and my drink.’

⁶“Therefore, behold, I will ⁽^M⁾hedge up her way with ⁽^N⁾thorns,
And I will build a wall against her so that she cannot find her ⁽^O⁾paths.
⁷“She will ⁽^P⁾pursue her lovers, but she will not overtake them;
And she will seek them, but will not find them.
Then she will say, ‘⁽^Q⁾I will go back to my ⁽^R⁾first husband,
For it was ⁽^S⁾better for me then than now!’

Cross references:

A.Hosea 2:2 : Ezek 23:45; Hos 2:5; 4:5

B.Hosea 2:2 : Is 50:1

C.Hosea 2:2 : Jer 3:1, 9, 13

D.Hosea 2:3 : Jer 13:22; Ezek 16:7, 22, 39

E.Hosea 2:3 : Ezek 16:4

F.Hosea 2:3 : Is 32:13, 14; Hos 13:15

G.Hosea 2:3 : Jer 14:3; Amos 8:11-13

H.Hosea 2:4 : Jer 13:14

I.Hosea 2:5 : Is 1:21; Jer 2:25; 3:1, 2; Hos 3:1

J.Hosea 2:5 : Is 1:21; Jer 2:25; 3:1, 2; Hos 3:1

K.Hosea 2:5 : Jer 44:17, 18; Hos 2:12

L.Hosea 2:5 : Hos 2:8

M.Hosea 2:6 : Job 19:8; Lam 3:7, 9

N.Hosea 2:6 : Hos 9:6; 10:8

O.Hosea 2:6 : Jer 18:15

P.Hosea 2:7 : Hos 5:13

Q.Hosea 2:7 : Luke 15:17, 18

R.Hosea 2:7 : Jer 2:2; 3:1; Ezek 16:8; 23:4

S.Hosea 2:7 : Jer 14:22; Hos 13:6

The Furnace of Affliction: Lasting Hope

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD IS GIVING HIS PEOPLE “TIME-OUT”

INTRODUCTION: THE PROCESS OF “RESTORATION”

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 1:10-11
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: LASTING HOPE
CTS:   TWO FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO LASTING HOPE
GOD’S LASTING HOPE INCLUDES:
I.       HONORING HIS COVENANTS (VS. 10)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM HONORED
- “YET” – GAME CHANGER (“BUT GOD” EPH 2)
- THE SONS OF ISRAEL WILL BE WITHOUT MEASURE (10A)
ILLUSTRATION: SAND SCULPTURES (SHAPING OF A MESSAGE)
- “JEZREEL” WOULD SERVE A DIFFERENT PURPOSE (10B)
- “SONS OF THE LIVING GOD” (SEE NOTES)
  - PSALM 103:1-5, 42:2, 84:2
APPLICATION: IF YOU FOLLOW CHRIST, YOU ARE IN THE COUNT
- ROM 9:25-26, 1 PET 2:10, HEB 9:14-15, PHIL 1:6

II. HONORING HIS PEOPLE (VS. 11)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S PEOPLE TOGETHER IN FINALITY
- GOD WILL BRING HIS PEOPLE TOGETHER (11A)
  - ISAIAH 11:11-13
ILLUSTRATION: FINAL DAYS IN THE NFL (FINAL ROSTER)
- THEY WILL APPOINT ONE LEADER FOR THEMSELVES (11B)
- GOD’S KINGDOM WILL NOT HAVE RESTRICTED BORDERS (11C)
- THE LAND OF JEZREEL WILL TAKE ON NEW MEANING (11D)
  - CONSIDER MICAH’S PERSPECTIVE (MICAH 4:1-5)

APPLICATION: IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING CHRIST, GOD IS SAVING YOU
- 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11 – LIVE WITH PEACE & CONFIDENCE
- REVELATION 1:4-6 – JESUS WILL REIGN OVER ALL; HONOR HIM

CONCLUSION:

THE ULTIMATE GATHERING (REV 7:9-10)

REMEMBER THIS: GOD IS THE REDEEMER OF THOSE WHO ARE HIS

REFERENCES (page 1)
The New American Commentary (Sons of the Living God)
The phrase “sons of the living God” is important for three reasons.¹⁰⁰ First, it obviously asserts that they have regained their status and are now acknowledged by God as his own. Second, the title “living God” often appears in a context of military conflict between Israel and the nations. In this “living God” virtually means the “true God” who is able to give victory, in contrast to dead idols (see Deut 5:26; Josh 3:10; 1 Sam 17:26; 2 Kgs 19:4; Jer 10:10–11; Dan 6:26).¹⁰¹ Third, “living God” also means that he is Lord of life and able to give life, as in Pss 42:2; 84:2).¹⁰² As giver of victory and life, Yahweh will cast out the usurper, Baal, and regain his family (see 2:5–8).^{103^[1]}

Psalm 103:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

103 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
²Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
³Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
⁴Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
⁵Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 42:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

²My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 84:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

²My soul longs, yes, even faints
For the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Romans 9:25-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁵As He says also in Hosea:
“I will call them My people, who were not My people,
And her beloved, who was not beloved.”
²⁶“And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,
‘You are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

1 Peter 2:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Hebrews 9:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? ¹⁵And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

Philippians 1:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Isaiah 11:11-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹It shall come to pass in that day
That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time
To recover the remnant of His people who are left,
From Assyria and Egypt,
From Pathros and Cush,
From Elam and Shinar,
From Hamath and the islands of the sea.
¹²He will set up a banner for the nations,
And will assemble the outcasts of Israel,
And gather together the dispersed of Judah
From the four corners of the earth.
¹³Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart,
And the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off;
Ephraim shall not envy Judah,
And Judah shall not harass Ephraim.

Micah 4:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And peoples shall flow to it.
²Many nations shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
For out of Zion the law shall go forth,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
³He shall judge between many peoples,
And rebuke strong nations afar off;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.
⁴But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
⁵For all people walk each in the name of his god,
But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
Forever and ever.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. ²For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. ³For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. ⁴But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. ⁵You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. ⁶Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ⁷For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. ⁸But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
¹¹Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Revelation 1:4-6 New King James Version (NKJV)

Greeting the Seven Churches

⁴John, to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, ⁵and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 7:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Hosea 1:10-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Cross references:

¹⁰⁰ Mays observes that the title “living God” is unique to the OT (Hosea, 32).

¹⁰¹ The term ×?Ö¶×œ ×—Ö·×™ is found only here and in Josh 3:10; Pss 42:3 (Eng. 2); 84:3 (Eng. 2). Other forms include ×?Ö±×œÖ¹×”Ö´×™×? ×—Ö·×™Ö´Ö¼×? (e.g., Deut 5:23; 1 Sam 17:36; Jer 10:10) and ×?Ö±×œÖ¹×”Ö´×™×? ×—Ö·×™ (Isa 37:4, 17). The names are interchangeable and should not be regarded as conveying different meanings. The choice of the specific title ×?Ö¶×œ ×—Ö·×™ may reflect a desire to contrast Yahweh with the gods of Canaan. Cf. Andersen and Freedman, Hosea, 205–6.

¹⁰² Wolff explains that they are not simply renamed “My people” here because that would only imply restoration of the covenant, but not necessarily the future, abundant population (Hosea, 27).

¹⁰³ The term has nothing to do, however, with the concept of a dying and rising god. But it is used against idolatry to assert that Yahweh is really present and active. See H. Ringgren, “×—Ö¸×™Ö¸×”, chÄ?yÄ?h,” TDOT 4:324–44, esp. pp. 338–39.

^{^[1]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 70–73.

Song and Testimony Service

Membership Testimonies — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0000

We hope that you will enjoy the music and testimonies of our church family. The service and testimonies speak to the willingness we must have to cleave to God in the midst of the toughest times in our lives. Just as in the days of Hosea, not many have a concern for God today. Just as in Hosea's day, God sends a message to us: "Are you ready for His return for His people?" Are you His child awaiting his return to set you free from the evil in this world? Check out the tab on our web page concerning how you can have new hope for your future. If God is calling you, don't delay. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!!

Love you in the Lord,

Pastor Bob

The Furnace of Affliction: Disownment

Will Fortier — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Furnace of Affliction: End of Compassion

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: HOSEA IS OBEYING GOD, DESPITE JUDGMENT

INTRODUCTION: “TIME-OUT”

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 1:6-7
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: END OF COMPASSION
CTS:   2 TRUTHS CONCERNING GOD’S MERCY
GOD’S LOVING MERCY INCLUDES:
I.       LIMITATIONS (VS. 6)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S MERCY WITH ISRAEL HAD REDUCED
- “LO-RUHAMMAH" – NOT LOVE (MOTHER’S LOVE)
ILLUSTRATION: ABSENCE OF A MOTHER’S LOVE
BIBLICAL CONTEXT: JUSTICE WITHOUT MERCY (JAS 2:13, HEB 10:28-29)
APPLICATION: CHOOSE NOT TO LIMIT GOD’S MERCY UPON YOU
- SEEK GOD CONTINUALLY – HE CAN BE FOUND

II. LONGEVITY (VS. 7)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S MERCY WILL ENDURE FOR HIS PEOPLE
- “BUT” – GOD’S ULTIMATE DESTINY WITH MERCY
  - GOD WILL ULTIMATELY SHOW MERCY ON HIS PEOPLE (7A)
  - GOD’S SOLE POWER TO DELIVER (7B) (2 KINGS 19:32-36)
  - NOTE: GOD WAS/IS HONORING HIS COVENANT WITH DAVID
ILLUSTRATION: ENHANCING GOD’S MERCY (MATT 23:23-24, JAS 3:16-18)

APPLICATION: ALLOW GOD’S MERCY TO REIGN IN YOU

CONCLUSION:

EXPECT AND EXTEND MERCY

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S MERCY IS MAGNIFIED IN THOSE WHO ARE MERCIFUL. BE GRATEFUL AND SHOW MERCY TO ALL.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Introduction:

        It’s interesting to consider the different meanings of the phrase “time-out.” In some respects, it is a very favorable term, providing the opponents in various sports to regain their breath or maybe even to consider how they might change their strategy in order to have victory over their opponent.
        However, “time-out,” as I discovered during my parenting years, was and still is related to temporarily having a child who has lost his or her self control (done wrong) to sit down or maybe spend some time in an isolated area. This process afforded the child the opportunity to regain their emotional self control, consider the wrong they had done, and to think of the best way to repent or turn away from such wrongful behavior. Such discipline appeared to be God’s way of dealing with Israel for their willful rebellion against His leadership in their lives.
        God was about to place Israel in the hands of Assyria for an extended time to reconsider their self-control and allegiance to Him. Their freedom to live as they please would be taken away from them for a time. Such discipline would include a number of Israelites losing their lives in the process. God was about to minimize His mercy, so that His people could learn a much needed lesson. God must be the focus of their lives, having first priority over all else, that He would be glorified and they would be blessed.
        What about you? Is God’s mercy maximized in your life? Are you striving to keep God first in your life, that you might maximize His grace and mercy toward you and your family? Or, are you in need of a time-out?
Illustration: Absence of a Mother’s Love:
Consequences of an absent mother
From the very start of a child’s life, their mother is their most important figure of attachment. The lack of a mother figure can have major consequences.
Here are some of the main ones:

Negative feelings. The child may experience feelings of loneliness or worthlessness, given that they don’t receive the care and affection they need. This, in turn, can lead to anger or frustration.
Poor behavior. This includes not responding to instructions, making unreasonable demands or hurting themselves or others. In more general terms, the child may seem to be constantly in a bad mood. These are common responses to the absence or loss of a parent or similar figure. Patience and affection are vital when it comes to helping children go through this phase.
Problems with social relationships. Along the same lines, the child’s other social relationships may also suffer. Whether due to lack of trust or because they have not learnt the necessary social skills, children with an absent mother figure tend to have trouble connecting with others. They may also develop a dependency on the people who are there for them.
Emotional imbalances. This means irritability, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation and more.
Health issues. Faced with the loss or absence of their mother, some children may lose their appetite. Coupled with the emotional issues described above, this can lead to problems with the child’s physical health.[1]

James 2:13                 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹³For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Hebrews 10:28-29      New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁸Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
2 Kings 19:32-36         New King James Version (NKJV)
³²“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria:
‘He shall not come into this city,
Nor shoot an arrow there,
Nor come before it with shield,
Nor build a siege mound against it.
³³By the way that he came,
By the same shall he return;
And he shall not come into this city,’
Says the Lord.
³⁴‘For I will defend this city, to save it
For My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’ ”
Sennacherib’s Defeat and Death
³⁵And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. ³⁶So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh.
Matthew 23:23-24       New King James Version (NKJV)
²³“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. ²⁴Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
James 3:16-18            New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Hosea 1:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁶And she conceived again and bore a daughter. Then God said to him:
“Call her name Lo-Ruhamah,
⁽^A⁾For I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel,
But I will utterly take them away.

^7 (^B⁾Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah,
Will save them by the Lord their God,
And ⁽^C⁾will not save them by bow,
Nor by sword or battle,
By horses or horsemen.”
Cross references:

Expect and Extend Mercy
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Luke 18:9–14
When I complained that a friend’s choices were leading her deeper into sin and how her actions affected me, the woman I prayed with weekly placed her hand over mine. “Let’s pray for all of us.”
I frowned. “All of us?”
“Yes,” she said. “Aren’t you the one who always says Jesus sets our standard of holiness, so we shouldn’t compare our sins to the sins of others?”
“That truth hurts a little,” I said, “but you’re right. My judgmental attitude and spiritual pride are no better or worse than her sins.”
“And by talking about your friend, we’re gossiping. So—”
“We’re sinning.” I lowered my head. “Please, pray for us.”
In Luke 18, Jesus shared a parable about two men approaching the temple to pray in very different ways (vv. 9–14). Like the Pharisee, we can become trapped in a circle of comparing ourselves to other people. We can boast about ourselves (vv. 11–12) and live as though we have the right to judge and the responsibility or the power to change others.
But when we look to Jesus as our example of holy living and encounter His goodness firsthand, like the tax collector, our desperate need for God’s grace is magnified (v. 13). As we experience the Lord’s loving compassion and forgiveness personally, we’ll be forever changed and empowered to expect and extend mercy, not condemnation, to others.
By: Xochitl Dixon
Reflect & Pray
Lord, please keep us from falling into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Mold us and make us more like You.
When we realize the depth of our need for mercy, we can more readily offer mercy to others.

[1] https://youaremom.com/children/absent-mother-affects-children/

The Furnace of Affliction: The End of a Kingdom

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 11 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: HOSEA: GOD’S MESSENGER TO HIS WIFE?

INTRODUCTION: THE END OF A RELATIONSHIP

SCRIPTURE:           HOSEA 1:2-5
TITLE OF MESSAGE: FURNACE OF AFFLICTION: END OF A KINGDOM
CTS:   2 TRUTHS REVEALING GOD’S INTENT AGAINST REBELLION
GOD’S LOVE INCLUDES:
I.       DISCIPLINING HIS PEOPLE    (VV. 2)

EXPLANATION: GOD IS ABOUT TO DISCIPLINE HIS PEOPLE
- HOSEA WAS TO MARRY A WOMAN W/ IMMORAL CHARACTER (2A)
- GOMER WOULD BEAR CHILDREN WITH IMMORAL CHARACTER (2B)
- SYMBOLISM: GOD’S PEOPLE WERE FORSAKING HIM: HARLOTRY(2C)
  - ISRAEL (NORTHERN KINGDOM) HABITUAL SIN
  - WE ARE HABITUAL SINNERS (ROM 3:11-12, 23, HEB 10:26-31)
ILLUSTRATION: THE NECESSITY OF DISCIPLINE (PROV 29:15)
APPLICATION:
- ALLOW GOD TO DISCIPLINE YOU TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
  - (JN 3:16-18, ROM 6:23, 1 COR 9:26-27)

II. HONORING HIS COVENANTS (VV. 3-5)

EXPLANATION: AS GOD’S CHILDREN, WE NEED HIS DISCIPLINE
- HOSEA OBEYED GOD, TAKING GOMER AS HIS WIFE (3A)
- GOMER GAVE BIRTH TO A SON (JEZREEL)(3B)
- SYMBOLIC MEANING:
  - JUDGMENT OF JEHU (4A)
  - GOD WOULD END THE KINGDOM OF ISREAL (4B)
  - GOD WOULD BREAK ITS SOURCE OF STRENGTH: MILITARY (5)
  - SEE NOTES ON THE VALLEY OF JEZREEL

APPLICATION:
- GOD’S COVENANT WITH YOU DOES NOT EXCLUDE HIS DISCIPLINE

CONCLUSION:

OUR NEED FOR DISCIPLINE

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS REAL AND IS COMING. ARE YOU READY?

REFERENCES (page 1)

Romans 3:11-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
¹²They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”

Romans 3:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Hebrews 10:26-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ²⁸Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ³⁰For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” ³¹It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Proverbs 29:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵The rod and rebuke give wisdom,
But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

John 3:16-18 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
¹⁸“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

The New American commentary

But for Hosea’s audience Jezreel signified the town and valley of the same name located between Galilee and Samaria (the town of Jezreel was in the valley and just northwest of Mount Gilboa). This area was the scene of many significant—and violent—events in Israel’s history. There Israelite forces mustered in preparation for a disastrous battle with the Philistines (1 Sam 29:1). It was part of the abortive kingdom of Ishbaal (or Ishbosheth) according to 2 Sam 2:8. Jezreel was where Naboth had his vineyard until he was framed and murdered by the agents of Jezebel (1 Kgs 21:1). It was here also that Jehu killed Joram, Jezebel, and the rest of Ahab’s household and supporters (2 Kgs 9:24–10:11). The valley of Jezreel, moreover, was the scene of battles fought by Deborah (Judg 4–5) and Gideon (Judg 6–7). In the mind of an Israelite, Jezreel may have signified bloodshed in the same way that Chernobyl signifies nuclear disaster to a modern person.^{^[1]}

Hosea 1:2-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Family of Hosea
²When the Lord began to speak by Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea:
⁽^A⁾“Go, take yourself a wife of harlotry
And children of harlotry,
For ⁽^B⁾the land has committed great harlotry
By departing from the Lord.”
³So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. ⁴Then the Lord said to him:
“Call his name Jezreel,
For in a little while
⁽^C⁾I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu,
⁽^D⁾And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.
^5 (^E⁾It shall come to pass in that day
That I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.”

Cross references:

Failure To Discipline
August 28, 2011 — by Julie Ackerman Link
Read: 1 Samuel 2:27-36
No chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. —Hebrews 12:11
        We live in the woods, so we get very little prolonged sunlight in the summer. But we love fresh tomatoes, so I decided to try growing them in pots set in a few sunny spots.
        The plants started to grow right away and really fast. I was thrilled—until I realized that their fast growth was due to their efforts to reach out to the limited sunlight. By the time I figured out what was happening, the vines were too heavy to support themselves. I found some stakes, lifted the vines carefully, and fastened them in an upright position. Even though I tried to be gentle, one of the twisted vines broke when I tried to straighten it.
        This rem inded me that discipline must begin before character is permanently bent and twisted.
Eli the priest had two sons whom he failed to discipline. When their wickedness got so bad that he could no longer ignore it, he tried gentle rebuke (1 Sam. 2:24-25). But it was too late, and God announced the dire consequences: “I will judge [Eli’s] house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them” (3:13).
        Being straightened out is painful, but being left crooked will ultimately hurt even more.

Lord, even though it’s painful, we’re thankful that
You, in love, discipline us as Your children.
Help us to respond with repentance and obedience
to Your ways. Amen.

God’s love confronts and corrects.[2]

^{^[1]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 43–59.

[2] http://odb.org/2011/08/28/failure-to-discipline/

Introduction to Hosea

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: A REBELLIOUS PEOPLE. WHO?! ME?!!

BACKGROUND THOUGHT:

HOSEA - “SALVATION” / 755-710 B.C.
HISTORICAL STANDPOINT (SEE NOTES)

SCRIPTURE:                       HOSEA 1:1
TITLE OF MESSAGE:       INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA
CTS:   GOD’S DISCIPLINE IS ENCOMPASSED IN HIS LOVE FOR HIS PEOPLE
I.       GOD’S CALL FOR HOSEA TO PROPHECY                             (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: GOD CALLED HOSEA TO PROPHESY TO ISRAEL
- “THE WORD OF THE LORD WHICH CAME TO HOSEA. . .” (1A)
  - WORD OF THE LORD = GOD’S CALLING (CF. JER 1-2, EZE 1:3)
APPLICATION: IF GOD HAS CALLED HOSEA, WE MUST HEED HIS WORD

II. THE CONTEXT OF HOSEA’S MINISTRY (VS. 1B)

EXPLANATION: GOD HIGHLIGHTS THE LEADERSHIP OF HIS PEOPLE
- DURING THE DAYS OF:
  1. UZZIAH (JUDAH) (790-739 B.C.)– 2 CHRONICLES 26:3-5
  2. JOTHAM (JUDAH) (750-731 B.C.) – 2 CHRONICLES 27:1-2
  3. AHAZ (JUDAH) (735-715 B.C.) - 2 CHRONICLES 28:1-3
  4. HEZEKIAH (JUDAH) (715-686 B.C.) - 2 CHRONICLES 29:1-3
  5. JEREBOAM II (ISREAL) (793-753 B.C.) – 2 KINGS 14:23-24 (NOTES)

APPLICATION: OUR CONTEXT IS SIMILAR; OUR KING IS DIFFERENT

CONCLUSION:

“TAKE YOUR MEDS”

REMEMBER THIS: DISCIPLINE IS PART OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US

REFERENCES (page 1)

BACKGROUND THOUGHT:
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The events in the reigns of the kings mentioned in 1:1 are recorded in 2 Chronicles 26–32. Hosea began his ministry near the end of a period of military success and prosperity for both Israel and Judah (cf. 2 Kings 14:25–28; 2 Chron. 26:2, 6–15). During the first half of the eighth century Assyrian influence in the West had declined, allowing the kingdoms of Jeroboam II and Uzziah to flourish.^{^[1]}

Jeremiah 1:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jeremiah Called to Be a Priest

1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, ²to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

2 Chronicles 26:3-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

³Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. ⁴And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. ⁵He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.

2 Chronicles 27:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jotham Reigns in Judah

27 Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. ²And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.

2 Chronicles 28:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Ahaz Reigns in Judah

28 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem; and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord, as his father David had done. ²For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made molded images for the Baals. ³He burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and burned his children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.

2 Chronicles 29:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Hezekiah Reigns in Judah

29 Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. ²And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done.

Hezekiah Cleanses the Temple

³In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them.

2 Kings 14:23-24 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel

²³In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years. ²⁴And he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin.
New American Commentary
At the very outset of this disorienting book, therefore, we find ourselves confronting a riddle. Why did Hosea neglect to mention the rest of the kings of Israel? The reason appears to be twofold. First, he regarded Jeroboam II as the last king of Israel with any shred of legitimacy. Those after him were a pack of assassins and ambitious climbers who had no right to the title “king.” Hosea’s assessment of the kings of Israel appears in texts like 7:1–7. Second, he hoped for better things from Judah. At times he criticized the south as heavily as the north (5:5, 12), but he also prayed that they not follow Israel’s lead (4:15). Most importantly, he looked for salvation and reunification in the line of David (3:5).^{^[2]}
Conclusion: Take Your Meds
Much of the healing from our difficult situations is received through our willingness to accept the counsel of another and to act according to the provided guidance. I regularly hear my wife asking, “Did you take your meds?.” At times, I have forgotten to take them. I respond with the appropriate answer, thanking her for her reminder. Mind you, her questions are not asked out of a nagging nature, but because she loves me and longs to be with me. If I don’t follow her (the doctor’s direction) counsel, I am putting my physical life in danger. The same is true for God’s people. If He provides us council, we had better listen and take heed. The book of proverbs speak of long life for those who listen and honor God’s w through obedience. If we don’t listen, we will experience undue hardship, like God’s people in Hosea’s day. Take heed to God’s counsel and obey (James 1:21-22). A long life awaits those who do.

Hosea 1:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
Hosea’s Unfaithful Wife
1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea the son of Beeri,
in the days of ⁽^A⁾Uzziah, ⁽^B⁾Jotham, ⁽^C⁾Ahaz, and ⁽^D⁾Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of ⁽^E⁾Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.
Cross references:

^{^[1]} Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., “Hosea,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1376–1379.

^{^[2]} Duane A. Garrett, Hosea, Joel, vol. 19A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 41–42.

Gifted by God to Serve: Trusting God

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT:SOLOMON’S GUIDANCE FOR RELATING TO OTHERS

INTRODUCTION: A LESSON IN FAITH

SCRIPTURE:           PROVERBS 3:5-12
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: TRUSTING GOD
CTS:   FOUR FRUITS THAT FLOW FROM TRUSTING IN GOD
SPIRITUAL GIFTING IS BEST USED BY GOD, WHEN YOU:
I.       TRUST HIS LEADERSHIP                           (VV. 5-6)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S LEADERSHIP STANDS ABOVE ALL MEN
- “TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART” (5A)
  - “TRUST” (WIERSBE NOTES) – “TO LIE HELPLESS, FACE DOWN”
  - “TOTAL PERSONALITY IS COMMITTED TO GOD’S CARE” NAC
  - GOD’S WAYS ARE INCOMPREHENSIBLE (ISA 55:8-9)
ILLUSTRATION: THE SQUAD NAVIGATOR
- “LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING” (5B)
  - OUR THOUGHTS ARE NOT COMPARABLE (ISA 55:6-7)
  - WITHOUT GOD’S LEADERSHIP, MAN IS FOOLISH (ROM 1)
APPLICATION: TRUST GOD’S LEADERSHIP IN USING YOUR GIFTS

II. TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY (VV. 7-8)

EXPLANATION: HUMILITY IS REQUIRED = FEAR OF GOD
- WISE IN YOUR EYES = DESTRUCTION (PROV 16:18) (7A)
- FEAR THE LORD – (PROV 9:10) (7B) (SEE 2:1-5)
- REWARD = HEALING TO BODY & REFRESHMENT TO BONES (8)

APPLICATION: TAKE YOUR GIFTING FROM GOD SERIOUSLY

III. TREAT HIS BLESSINGS WITH THANKSGIVING VV. 9-10)

EXPLANATION: HONORING GOD = GIVING TO HIM AND OTHERS
- HONOR GOD THROUGH SACRIFICIAL GIVING OF YOUR WEALTH (9A)
- GIVE GOD THE FIRST FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR (9B)
- “SO” – THE RESULT WILL BE GOD’S BLESSINGS(10X) ON YOU (10)

APPLICATION: BE LIBERAL IN USING YOUR GIFTS FOR GOD’S GLORY

IV. TREASURE HIS WISDOM (VV. 11-12)

EXPLANATION: WILLINGLY RECEIVE GOD’S INSTRUCTION
- DON’T REJECT GOD’S COUNSEL, WHEN IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE (11)
- GOD’S WISDOM IS ALWAYS GIVEN OUT OF LOVE

APPLICATION: GAINING GOD’S WISDOM = PASSION TO USE YOUR GIFTS

CONCLUSION:

WHY SHOULD I TRUST GOD AT ALL TIMES?

REMEMBER THIS: AS WE STRIVE TO COMPLETELY TRUST GOD, HE WILL USE OUR GIFTS TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR HIS GLORY.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Introduction

This chapter engages in a kind of evangelism, but it is an evangelism of a most profound nature. It is neither formulaic nor facile. Instead, it calls the reader to the full richness of the life of faith. This includes the submission of the intellectual life and of material things to God, respect for other persons, and above all an eagerness to embrace the right way of living (i.e., wisdom) in this, God’s world. It offers the promise of personal wholesomeness and of confidence in the face of an uncertain future.
“Be” Commentary Series Warren Wiersbe
“He shall direct your paths” (v. 6, NKJV) is the promise, but the fulfillment of that promise is predicated on our obedience to the Lord. We must trust Him with all our heart and obey Him in all our ways. That means total commitment to Him (Rom. 12:1–2). ****The word translated “trust” in verse 5 means “to lie helpless, facedown.” It pictures a servant waiting for the master’s command in readiness to obey, or a defeated soldier yielding himself to the conquering general.***

Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah 55:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
⁷Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.

Proverbs 16:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 9:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Conclusion:
Psalm 23:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV)
23 The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
²He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Proverbs 3:5-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

^5 (^A⁾Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
⁽^B⁾And lean not on your own understanding;
^6 (^C⁾In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

⁷Do not be wise in your own ⁽^D⁾eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
⁸It will be health to your flesh,
And ⁽^E⁾strength to your bones.

^9 (^F⁾Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
^10 (^G⁾So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

^11 (^H⁾My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
¹²For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
⁽^I⁾Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Cross references:

A LESSON IN FAITH - THE CHARLES BLONDIN STORY

The amazing story of Charles Blondin, a famous French tightrope walker, is a wonderful illustration of what true faith is.
Blondin's greatest fame came on September 14, 1860, when he became the first person to cross a tightrope stretched 11,000 feet (over a quarter of a mile) across the mighty Niagara Falls. People from both Canada and America came from miles away to see this great feat.
He walked across, 160 feet above the falls, several times... each time with a different daring feat - once in a sack, on stilts, on a bicycle, in the dark, and blindfolded. One time he even carried a stove and cooked an omelet in the middle of the rope!
A large crowd gathered and the buzz of excitement ran along both sides of the river bank. The crowd “Oohed and Aahed!” as Blondin carefully walked across - one dangerous step after another - pushing a wheelbarrow holding a sack of potatoes.
Then at one point, he asked for the participation of a volunteer. Upon reaching the other side, the crowd's applause was louder than the roar of the falls!
Blondin suddenly stopped and addressed his audience: "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?"
The crowd enthusiastically yelled, "Yes! You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. We believe!"
"Okay," said Blondin, "Who wants to get into the wheelbarrow."
As far as the Blondin story goes, no one did at the time!
This unique story illustrates a real life picture of what faith actually is. The crowd watched these daring feats. They said they believed. But... their actions proved they truly did not believe.
Similarly, it is one thing for us to say we believe in God. However, it's true faith when we believe God and put our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
-----
Note: In August of 1859, Blondin's manager, Harry Colcord, did ride on Blondin's back across the Falls.[1]

[1] http://www.inspire21.com/stories/faithstories/CharlesBlondin

Service in Missions

Tom Dennison — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Gifted By God to Serve Conviction

William Fortier — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Gifted By God to Serve Intimacy

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: THEREFORE SUBMIT (1), BE TRANSFORMED (2), AND LOVE OTHERS IN CHRIST (9)

INTRODUCTION: A LIFE THAT COUNTS

SCRIPTURE:           ROMANS 12:14-21
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: RESOLVE
CTS:   2 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE GOD’S GLORY IN YOUR GIFTS
GOD IS GLORIFIED THROUGH OUR GIFTS, WHEN WE CHOOSE TO:
I.       BE A BLESSING TO ALL MEN                                           (VV. 14-16)

EXPLANATION: PAUL CONTINUES THE CONTEXT OF USING GIFTS
- FOCUS ON BLESSING ALL MEN (14A) (MATT 5:43-48)
- REFUSE TO CURSE ANY MAN (14B)
ILLUSTRATION: ELISHA LOVING HIS ENEMIES (2 KINGS 6:21-23)
- REJOICE / WEEP WITH ALL MEN (15) (GAL 6:1-2)
- STRIVE FOR THE TRANSFORMED MIND IN HUMILITY(16)
APPLICATION: ALL MEN ARE CREATED BY GOD; TREAT ACCORDINGLY

II. BE A LIVING SACRIFICE TO ALL MEN (VV. 17-21)

EXPLANATION: PAUL ASSERTS LOVING WITHOUT CONDITIONS
- REST UPON BEING RIGHTEOUS TO ALL (NO VENGEANCE) (17A)
- RESPECT WHAT IS RIGHT BEFORE ALL MEN (17B)
- RESOLVE TO BE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN (18)
- REFUSE TO TAKE GOD’S PLACE IN JUDGING OTHERS (19-20)
ILLUSTRATION: THE KNOWLEDGE OF A JUDGE IN COURT? (MATT 7:1-5)
- THE MAXIM OF ROMANS 12: OVERCOME EVIL W/ GOOD (21)

APPLICATION: GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOUR GIFTS: LOVE OTHERS

CONCLUSION:

“A GLORIOUS OPPORTUNITY”

REMEMBER THIS: VENGEANCE AND JUDGMENT ARE GOD’S RESPONSIBILITIES, NOT OURS. OUR’S IS TO LOVE AND SERVE ALL MEN.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Matthew 5:43-48 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? ⁴⁸Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

2 Kings 6:21-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²¹Now when the king of Israel saw them, he said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?”

²²But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” ²³Then he prepared a great feast for them; and after they ate and drank, he sent them away and they went to their master. So the bands of Syrian raiders came no more into the land of Israel.

Galatians 6:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. ²Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Matthew 7:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. ²For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ³And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Conclusion:
“To give my life for Christ appears glorious. To pour myself out for others … to pay the ultimate price of martyrdom—I will do it. I’m ready, Lord, to go out in a blaze of glory. We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $1,000 bill and laying it on the table—“Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $1,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there. Listen to the neighbor kid’s troubles instead of saying, ‘Get lost.’ Go to a committee meeting. Give a cup of water to a shaky old man in a nursing home. Usually giving our life to Christ is not glorious. It is done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time. It would be easy to go out in a flash of glory; it is harder to live the Christian life little by little over the long haul.” (Larson, p. 200)

Romans 12:14-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
^14 (^A⁾Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ^15 (^B⁾Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ^16 (^C⁾Be of the same mind toward one another. ⁽^D⁾Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
^17 (^E⁾Repay no one evil for evil. ⁽^F⁾Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸If it is possible, as much as depends on you, ⁽^G⁾live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹Beloved, ⁽^H⁾do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ⁽^I⁾“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰Therefore
⁽^J⁾“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but ⁽^K⁾overcome evil with good.
Cross references:

Romans 12:21 : [Rom. 12:1, 2]

Gifted by God to Serve: Passion

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 30 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: THE ABILITY TO GLORIFY GOD BEST (12:1-2)

INTRODUCTION: THE RESULTS OF WITHOLDING LOVE?

SCRIPTURE:           ROMANS 12:9-13
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: PASSION
CTS:   5 FACTORS THAT FUEL THE USE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT(S)
GOD’S SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE BEST EXERCISED THROUGH:
I.       SPONTANEOUS LOVE FOR OTHERS (VS. 9)

EXPLANATION: PAUL GIVES THE CONTEXT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS: LOVE
- LOVE IS TO BE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY (9A)
  - HYPOCRISY DEFINED (NOTES)
  - SUCH LOVE IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT GOD (1 JOHN 4:7-11)
- EXAMPLES:
  - ABHOR (WITHDRAW FROM, HATE) THAT WHICH IS EVIL (9B)
  - CLING TO WHAT IS GOOD (9C)
    - CLING / CLEAVE – “TO GLUE TO, CEMENT, TO JOIN” (WUEST)
APPLICATION: OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS MUST BE USED THROUGH LOVE

II. SPECIFIC DEVOTION TO THE BODY OF CHRIST (VS. 10)

EXPLANATION: PAUL SPEAKS TO THE ATTITUDE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
- “BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN BROTHERLY LOVE;” (10A)
BROTHERLY LOVE (SEE WUEST NOTES) (PHIL 2:3)

APPLICATION: DISPLAY A ZEALOUS DEVOTION TO GOD’S PEOPLE

III. SERVING THE LORD WITH ZEAL (VS. 11)

EXPLANATION: PAUL ASSERTS SERVING GOD WITH DILIGENCE
- PAUL WARNS AGAINST NOT ACTIVELY USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS (11A)
  - A LAZY PERSON ENDS UP IN POVERTY (PROV. 6:6-11)
  - HIS PEOPLE ARE TO BE ZEALOUS IN GOOD WORKS (TITUS 2:11-14)

APPLICATION: BE ZEALOUS TO EXERCISE YOUR GIFT(S) IN HUMILITY

IV. STEADFAST JOYFUL HOPE IN GOD (VS. 12)

EXPLANATION: PAUL POINTS TO THE JOYFUL HOPE IN THE BODY
- 3 ATTRIBUTES THAT ENABLE CONSISTENT USE OF GIFTS:
  - REJOICING IN HOPE (12A) (ROMANS 5:1-4, JAMES 1:2)
  - PERSEVERING IN TRIBULATION (12B)
  - DEVOTED TO PRAYER (12C) (PHIL 4:4-7)

APPLICATION: RESOLVE TO BE STEADFAST IN USING YOUR GIFTS

V. SACRIFICIAL LIVING (VS. 13)

EXPLANATION: PAUL EMPHASIZES LOVING CARE IN THE BODY
- “CONTRIBUTING TO THE SAINTS” – OPPORTUNITIES (13A)
  - HEBREWS 6:10 – IT DEMONSTRATES YOUR LOVE FOR GOD
- “PRACTICING HSPITALITY” – THE WORDS OF JESUS (MATT 25:35)

APPLICATION: USE YOUR GIFTS IN A SACRIFICIAL LIFESTYLE

CONCLUSION:

SPIRITUAL GIFTS: THEY DO THE BODY OF CHRIST GOOD

REMEMBER THIS:
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GOD’S MEANS FOR CARING FOR OUR CHURCH AND COMMUNITY.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Introduction

US Experiment on infants withholding affection

        In the United States, 1944, an experiment was conducted on 40 newborn infants to determine whether individuals could thrive alone on basic physiological needs without affection. Twenty newborn infants were housed in a special facility where they had caregivers who would go in to feed them, bathe them and change their diapers, but they would do nothing else. The caregivers had been instructed not to look at or touch the babies more than what was necessary, never communicating with them. All their physical needs were attended to scrupulously and the environment was kept sterile, none of the babies becoming ill.
        The experiment was halted after four months, by which time, at least half of the babies had died at that point. At least two more died even after being rescued and brought into a more natural familial environment. There was no physiological cause for the babies' deaths; they were all physically very healthy. Before each baby died, there was a period where they would stop verbalizing and trying to engage with their caregivers, generally stop moving, nor cry or even change expression; death would follow shortly. The babies who had "given up" before being rescued, died in the same manner, even though they had been removed from the experimental conditions.
        The conclusion was that nurturing is actually a very vital need in humans. Whilst this was taking place, in a separate facility, the second group of twenty newborn infants were raised with all their basic physiological needs provided and the addition of affection from the caregivers. This time however, the outcome was as expected, no deaths encountered.[1]
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Definition of hypocrisy
1: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not: behavior that contradicts what one claims to believe or feel[2]
Wuest’s Word Studies from the Geek NT on “brotherly love”
The word here represents Christians as bound by a family tie. It is intended to define more specifically the character of philadelphia (φιλαδελφια) (brotherly love) which follows, so that the exhortation is, ‘love the brethren in the faith as though they were brethren in blood’ (Farrar).[3]

Philippians 2:3 New King James Version (NKJV)

³Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Proverbs 6:6-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
⁷Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
⁸Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
⁹How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
¹⁰A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep—
¹¹So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.

Titus 2:11-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹²teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

1 Corinthians 15:58 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵⁸Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Romans 5:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

²My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

Philippians 4:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
⁵Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 6:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Matthew 25:35 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

Romans 12:9-13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁹Let ⁽^A⁾love be without hypocrisy. ⁽^B⁾Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
¹⁰Be⁽^C⁾devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another ⁽^D⁾in honor;
¹¹not lagging behind in diligence, ⁽^E⁾fervent in spirit, ⁽^F⁾serving the Lord;
^12 (^G⁾rejoicing in hope, ⁽^H⁾persevering in tribulation, ⁽^I⁾devoted to prayer,
^13 (^J⁾contributing to the needs of the saints, ⁽^K⁾practicing hospitality.

Cross references:

[1] https://stpauls.vxcommunity.com/Issue/Us-Experiment-On-Infants-Withholding-Affection/13213

[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypocrisy

[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 213–216.

Gifted By God To Serve Endurance

Will Fortier — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Gifted by God to Serve: Who's Gift

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: BELIEF LEADS TO UNIFIED ACTION

INTRODUCTION: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

SCRIPTURE:                       ROMANS 12:4-5
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: WHO’S GIFT?
CTS:   2 TRUTHS CONCERNING THE SHARING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
GOD’S DESIGN FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS IS TO:
I.       DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER IN DIVERSITY           (VS. 4)

EXPLANATION: METAPHOR TO DISPLAY THE USE OF GOD’S GIFTS
- THE HUMAN BODY IS MADE UP OF MULTIPLE PARTS (4A)
  - 78 ORGANS; 206 BONES (ESTIMATED)
- THE HUMAN BODY, AS A WHOLE, HAS MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS (4B)
  - WHAT ARE THE SIX HUMAN SENSES? BY ALEX SILBAJORIS
ILLUSTRATION: FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY
APPLICATION: IMAGINE WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH A UNIFIED BODY

II. DEVELOP UNITY OUT OF DIVERSITY (VS. 5)

EXPLANATION: PAUL POINTS TO THE UNITY OF THE BODY OF CHRIST
- IN HIS BODY, GOD’S POWER IS DISPLAYED THROUGH CHRIST (5A)
  - 1 COR 12:12-14 – GOD’S ABILITY FOR UNITY IN DIVERSITY
    - WE ARE LIVING STONES (1 PETER 2:4-5)
- IN HIS BODY, GOD DISPLAYS INFINITE GIFTS (5B)
  - 1 COR 12:20-26 – FUNCTIONING WITH EQUALITY

ILLUSTRATION: AILMENTS OF THE HUMAN BODY / PF: AWESOME BODY

APPLICATION: NEW HOPE’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON BEING GOD’S BODY

CONCLUSION:

“PUT YOUR DREAMS ON ICE” BY TERI SAYLOR

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S EXPECTATION IS THAT WE ACTIVELY ENGAGE IN HIS KINGDOM THROUGH HIS SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN US.

REFERENCES (page 1)
THE HUMAN BODY, AS A WHOLE, HAS MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS (4B)
What Are the Six Human Senses? By Alex Silbajoris; Updated April 26, 2018
The five senses traditionally ascribed to humans are vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch. A sixth "sense" could be proprioception, the perception of body position, which is important for balance and agility in movement. It could also include perception of stimuli from within the body, such as pain, hunger, or thirst.
The number of described senses beyond the traditional five varies by source. Harvard Medical School says the number varies even among researchers within their institution. The list can include temporal perception, the sense of the passage of time, and interoception, sensations coming from within organs. Equilibrioception is the sense of balance, and thermoception is the ability to feel hot and cold.[1]
Fascinating Facts about our bodies…
1. Your mouth produces about one litre of saliva each day!
2. Your brain is sometimes more active when you’re asleep than when you’re awake.
3. Laid end to end, an adult’s blood vessels could circle Earth’s equator four times!
4. Bodies give off a tiny amount of light that’s too weak for the eye to see.
5. The average person has 67 different species of bacteria in their belly button.
6. You lose about 4kg of skin cells every year!
7. Information zooms along nerves at about 400kmph!
8. The human heart beats more than three billion times in an average lifespan.
9. Scientists estimate that the nose can recognize a trillion different scents!
10. Your blood makes up about eight percent of your body weight.[2]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹²For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴For in fact the body is not one member but many.

1 Peter 2:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:20-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. ²¹And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²²No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. ²³And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, ²⁴but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, ²⁵that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. ²⁶And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

Romans 12:4-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
4 For (A)just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, (B)who are many, are (C)one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Cross references:
Romans 12:4 : 1 Cor 12:12-14; Eph 4:4, 16
Romans 12:5 : 1 Cor 10:17, 33
Romans 12:5 : 1 Cor 12:20, 27; Eph 4:12, 25

Put your dreams on ice

Published: Oct 20, 2006 12:30 AM
Modified: Oct 20, 2006 03:31 AM

Teri Saylor, Correspondent
Wade Minter channels his inner Carolina Hurricane when he's on skates at The Factory Ice House in Wake Forest.
He caught 'Canes fever back in 1999 when the team came to Raleigh, and, for him, sitting around watching isn't good enough. He wants to play.
Minter, 31, of Rolesville, is enrolled in the Ice House's adult skating program. Men who have never even laced up skates can sign up as beginners and work their way up to playing on a team.
The adult league is the fastest growing hockey program in the area. It attracts men and women from all walks of life, even the world of professional hockey.
Hurricanes assistant manager Jason Karmanos is on a senior Ice House team.
Minter's daughter is also skating, and at the tender age of 3, she already has an advantage over her dad.
"She has no fear," he said.
Fear is the great motivator for keeping hockey fans in their armchairs and off the ice.
Minter offers simple advice for overcoming fear.
"Just get out and do it," he said. "With all the padding you wear, it doesn't hurt that much when you fall."
If you want to play, contact program director Hart Duddy at 453-1500.
http://www.newsobserver.com/nrn/saylor/story/500580.html

[1] https://sciencing.com/six-human-senses-6642371.html

[2] https://www.natgeokids.com/nz/discover/science/general-science/15-facts-about-the-human-body/

Gifted by God to Serve: The Gifting of Others

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: SACRIFICIAL BODY & MIND = GOD’S PLEASURE

INTRODUCTION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEAT

SCRIPTURE:           ROMANS 12:3
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: THE GIFTING OF OTHERS
CTS:   3 VALID TRUTHS THAT ENCOURAGE BELIEVERS TO USE THEIR GIFTS
EXERCISING SPIRITUAL GIFTS IS MAXIMIZED THROUGH:
I.       GOD’S GRACE (VS. 3A)

EXPLANATION: PAUL ACKNOWLEDGES THE POWER OF GOD’S GRACE
- “THROUGH THE GRACE GIVEN TO ME” (SEE NOTES)
ILLUSTRATION: AN ENDURING GIFT: LOGOS
APPLICATION: EMBRACE GOD’S GRACE IN EVERY BELIEVER (EPH 2:8)

II. GOD’S HUMILITY (VS. 3B)

EXPLANATION: PAUL WARNS AGAINST RESTRICTING GOD’S GRACE
- “EVERYONE” – NOT JUST LEADERSHIP; ALL ARE GIFTED TO SERVE
- “. . .NOT TO THINK MORE HIGHLY OF HIMSELF THAN HE OUGHT”
  - HUMILITY IS PARAMOUNT IN EXERCISING GRACE:
    - JAMES 4:7-10, 1 PETER 5:6 – GOD EXHALTS THE HUMBLE
    - JOB 22:29 – HUMILITY BRINGS GOD’S SALVATION
    - JESUS’ WORDS ON HUMILITY – LUKE 14:11:18:14

ILLUSTRATION: A TEACHABLE SPIRIT (1 COR 10:11-13)
APPLICATION: LET OTHERS USE THEIR GIFTS. GOD HAS CALLED THEM

III. GOD’S WISDOM (VS. 3C)

EXPLANATION: GOD GIVES THE WISDOM TO DISCERN GIFTS
- THINKING WITH SOUND JUDGMENT
- GOD GIVES HIS GRACE TO EACH PERSON’S FAITH TO DO HIS WORK
  - EPH 2:8-10

ILLUSTRATION: WHITE BOARD GIFTS
APPLICATION: GOD USING OTHERS = YOUR INCREASED FAITH

CONCLUSION:

GIFTED FOR KINGDOM WORK – B.O.C.E.S.

REMEMBER THIS: ALL FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST HAVE BEEN GIFTED BY GOD TO EXERCISE HIS GRACE THROUGH HIS SPIRITUAL POWER.

REFERENCES (page 1)

I.    GOD’S GRACE         (VS. 3A)
What was the grace given to Paul? Here are the key verses that reveal the grace that was given to him:
•   Romans 1:5: Grace and apostleship to call Gentiles to faith.
•   Romans 15:15: Grace given to be a minister of Christ to the Gentiles.
•   1 Corinthians 15:10: The grace of apostleship was at work in him.
•   Galatians 2:9: The grace given to him was evident to church leaders.
•   Ephesians 3:7: Grace to be a servant of the gospel.
•   Ephesians 4:7: Grace that was apportioned to him by Christ.

James 4:7-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Peter 5:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Job 22:29 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁹When they cast you down, and you say, ‘Exaltation will come!’
Then He will save the humble person.

Luke 14:11 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
¹²Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. ¹³No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Ephesians 2:8-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, ⁹not of works, lest anyone should boast. ¹⁰For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Conclusion:
GIFTED FOR KINGDOM WORK – B.O.C.E.S.
At various times in our lives, we may wonder why we went through various experiences at a younger point in life. Such was the case, when I began attending the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (B.O.C.E.S.) training center in Elmira Heights, New York. I attended a variety of trade school classes during my sophomore year in high school. The classes were each five weeks in length. At the end of the year, each student was to choose one of the trade classes to attend during their junior and senior year of high school. Little did I know that God would use the training I received in the various trade classes I attended to serve in His kingdom in the future. I am, by no means, a master of any trade, but have been used by God to serve many people. Everyone called by God into His kingdom has been prepared for God’s kingdom work. However, let us all remember that it is only through God’s wisdom and Holy Spirit power that we will bring God glory and effectively serve others in His name.

Romans 12:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 For through (A)the grace given to me I say to everyone among you
(B)not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think;
but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to (C)each a measure of faith.
Cross references:
Romans 12:3 : Rom 1:5; 15:15; 1 Cor 3:10; 15:10; Gal 2:9; Eph 3:7f
Romans 12:3 : Rom 11:20; 12:16
Romans 12:3 : 1 Cor 7:17; 2 Cor 10:13; Eph 4:7; 1 Pet 4:11

Gifted by God to Serve: Danger

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: JAMES: FRIEND OF THE WORLD OR GOD?

INTRODUCTION:  “BLIND SIDED”

SCRIPTURE:           JAMES 3:13-18
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: DANGER
CTS:   3 TRUTHS THAT IMPACT HOW YOU SERVE GOD AND OTHERS
EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF GOD AND OTHERS REQUIRES:
I.       ABANDONING EARTHLY WISDOM                                  (VV. 13-15)

EXPLANATION:
- WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING = GOOD LIFE IN GENTLE WISDOM (13)
- JEALOUSY / ENVY – SEE NAC NOTES (14A)
- SELFISH AMBITION – SEE 4:1-5
- WITHOUT SELF CONTROL, LYING TO THE TRUTH (14B)
- EARTHLY WISDOM IS:
  - NOT FROM ABOVE – NOT OF GOD
  - EARTHLY – 1 COR 1:20, TOWER OF BABEL (GEN 11)
  - NATURAL – 1 COR 2:14
  - DEMONIC – SATAN IS THE CHIEF INFLUENCE (EPH 2:1-3)
ILLUSTRATION: RUG PULLED OUT FROM UNDER YOU
APPLICATION: SERVING GOD & OTHERS: IMPOSSIBLE W/ MAN’S WISDOM

II. ADMITTING THE DANGER OF MAN’S WISDOM (VS. 16)

EXPLANATION: THE RESULT OF MAN’S WISDOM IN SERVING OTHERS
- JAMES POINTS TO THE FRUIT: (16)
  - JEALOUSY – DISORDER (GAL 5:19-21)
  - SELFISH AMBITION - EVERY EVIL THING (COL 3:5-9)

APPLICATION: AVOID USING YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS MAN’S WAY

III. ADOPTING WISDOM FROM ABOVE (VV. 17-18)

EXPLANATION: REPLACE MAN’S WISDOM WITH GOD’S
- “BUT. . .” – SHIFT FROM MAN’S WISDOM TO GOD’S: (17) (IS 55:8-10)
  - WISDOM FROM ABOVE = FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (NOTES)
- “SEED WHOSE FRUIT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS:
  - SOWN IN PEACE BY THOSE WHO MAKE PEACE (18)

APPLICATION: SERVE OTHERS WITH WISDOM FROM ABOVE

CONCLUSION:

REGENERATED TONGUES

REMEMBER THIS: GOD VALUES HUMILITY, PEACE, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS MORE THAN SELF-CENTERED ZEAL AND AMBITION.

REFERENCES (page 1)
The New American Commentary (Envy defined)
Envy was the sin involving the usurpation of the knowledge of good and evil that belonged to God just as it is envy of the rich man’s wealth (2:1–4) that is the root of partiality. Envy, like jealousy, focuses inordinately on another person’s possessions and relationships. This desire to imitate and surpass another, even if it might mean stealing from that person, destroys relationships within the church, just as it did the original relationship with God and others.^{^[1]}

1 Corinthians 1:20 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁰Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

1 Corinthians 2:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Ephesians 2:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

By Grace Through Faith

2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, ²in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, ³among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Galatians 5:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ²⁰idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, ²¹envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
⁸But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. ⁹Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Isaiah 55:8-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
¹¹So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
The Bible Exposition Commentary(Fruits of Righteousness)(17)
Purity (v. 17a). “First pure” indicates the importance of holiness. God is holy; therefore the wisdom from above is pure. The idea behind this word is “chaste, free from defilement.”
Peace (v. 17b). Man’s wisdom leads to competition, rivalry, and war (James 4:1–2); but God’s wisdom leads to peace. It is a peace based on holiness, not on compromise. If the church is pure, devoted to God, then there will be peace. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever” (Isa. 32:17).
Gentleness (v. 17c). It carries the meaning of moderation without compromise, gentleness without weakness. The gentle person does not deliberately cause fights, but neither does he compromise the truth in order to keep peace.
Compliance (v. 17d). God’s wisdom makes the believer agreeable and easy to live with and work with. Man’s wisdom makes a person hard and stubborn. When God’s wisdom is at work, there is a willingness to listen, think, pray, and obey whatever God reveals. “Yielding to persuasion” is another translation of this word.
Mercy (v. 17e). To be “full” of something means to be “controlled by.” The person who follows God’s wisdom is controlled by mercy. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).
Good fruits (v. 17f). People who are faithful are fruitful. God’s wisdom does not make a life empty; it makes it full. The Spirit produces fruit to the glory of God (see John 15:1–16).
Decisiveness (v. 17g). The word suggests singleness of mind and is the opposite of “wavering” (James 1:6). When you lean on the world’s wisdom, you are pressured from one side and then another to change your mind or take a new viewpoint. When you have God’s wisdom, you need not waver; you can be decisive and not be afraid.
Sincerity (v. 17h). The Greek word translated hypocrite in our New Testament means “one who wears a mask, an actor.” When man’s wisdom is at work, there may be insincerity and pretense. When God’s wisdom is at work, there is openness and honesty, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).^{^[2]}
The New American Commentary (Righteous church)
A church that is rich in reconciling activities, that is, evangelism, the defense of the poor, counseling the troubled, offering hospitality to the stranger, providing shelter for the battered, sending gospel missionaries throughout the world, and many more, certainly reaps a rich harvest of righteousness. Wherever the church of Christ is doing these things, the kingdom of God is in evidence. This harvest precisely is what Jesus meant by the admonition to “seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness” (Matt 6:33).^{^[3]}
Regenerated Tongues
Envy and selfish ambition can control our tongues. When we are in love with our own ideas instead of the Lord Jesus, we struggle to promote our ideas and our success rather than promoting him. We can easily slide into the habit of using our tongues to belittle others, work out our own agenda, develop pockets of strife, and promote our own policies. We can fail to love peace, respond in gentleness to others, produce righteousness, and demonstrate mercy.

James 3:13-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Wisdom from Above

¹³Who among you is wise and understanding? ⁽^A⁾Let him show by his ⁽^B⁾good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. ¹⁴But if you have bitter ⁽^C⁾jealousy and ^[^a^]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against ⁽^D⁾the truth. ¹⁵This wisdom is not that which comes down ⁽^E⁾from above, but is ⁽^F⁾earthly, ^[^b^](^G⁾natural, ⁽^H⁾demonic.
¹⁶For where ⁽^I⁾jealousy and ^[^c^]selfish ambition exist, ^[^d^]there is disorder and every evil thing.
¹⁷But the wisdom ⁽^J⁾from above is first ⁽^K⁾pure, then ⁽^L⁾peaceable, ⁽^M⁾gentle, ^[^e^]reasonable, ⁽^N⁾full of mercy and good fruits, ⁽^O⁾unwavering, without ⁽^P⁾hypocrisy.
¹⁸And the ^[^f^](^Q⁾seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace ^[^g^]by those who make peace.

Footnotes:

James 3:14 Or strife
James 3:15 Or unspiritual
James 3:16 V 14, note 1
James 3:16 I.e. in that place
James 3:17 Or willing to yield
James 3:18 Lit fruit of righteousness
James 3:18 Or for

Cross references:

^{^[1]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–172.

^{^[2]} Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 362–366.

^{^[3]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–172.

Gifted by God to Serve: Inability

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 26 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD IS PREPARING MOSES FOR SERVICE

INTRODUCTION: THE PURPOSE OF A COACH

SCRIPTURE:           EXODUS 4:10-18
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: INABILITY
CTS:   3 TRUTHS ABOUT GOD’S CALL ON YOUR LIFE TO SERVE HIM
GOD WILL ENABLE YOU TO ACTIVELY SERVE OTHERS BY:
I.       ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR INABILITY TO SERVE         (VV. 10-13)

EXPLANATION: MOSES DOUBTS GOD; GOD REASSURES
- NOT THE FIRST TIME MOSES HAS DOUBTED HIMSELF (3:11, 4:1)
- MOSES IS FEARFUL TO TAKE ON SUCH A TASK (10)
  - CONSIDER – A MURDERER IN EGYPT; 40 YRS SHEPHERDING
- GOD ENLIGHTENS MOSES TO HIS POWER (11-12)
- MOSES DOUBTS GOD’S ABILITY TO WORK THROUGH HIM (13)
  - CONSIDER ISAIAH (IS. 6:1-8)
ILLUSTRATION: USMC SWIM QUAL
APPLICATION: CONFESS THAT YOU AR HELPLESS (JOHN 15:1-5)

II. ADMITTING GOD IS YOUR ABILITY TO SERVE (VV. 14-17)

EXPLANATION: GOD BECOMES ANGRY WITH MOSES, BUT HELPS
- GOD PROVIDES AARON TO DEAL WITH MOSES’ INABILITY (14-15)
- GOD GIVES MOSES THE PRIVILEGE TO PLAY GOD (16)
  - CONSIDER: TWO POWERS MOSES WOULD FACE:
    - PHAROAH – KING OF EGYPT
    - ELDERS OF ISRAEL
- GOD GAVE MOSES “HIS STAFF” TO PERFORM THE SIGNS (17)(NOTES)
  - SPECIFIC USE OF GOD’S STAFF YOU (PSALM 23:4)

ILLUSTRATION: THE PURPOSE OF A SPOKESPERSON
APPLICATION: LET GOD CONDITION YOUR MIND FOR HIS SERVICE

III. ACTIVELY PURSUING KINGDOM SERVICE (VS. 18)

EXPLANATION: MOSES’ RESPONSE: ACTION ON GOD’S WORD
- MOSES WENT TO HIS FATHER-IN-LAW (18A)
  - CONSIDER: SERVED JETHRO 40 YRS AS A SHEPHERD
- MOSES SOUGHT PERMISSION TO GO TO EGYPT (18B)

APPLICATION: HONOR GOD BY COMMITTING TO SERVE

CONCLUSION:

“THE DASH” BY LINDA ELLIS

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S EXPECTATION IS THAT WE SERVE HIS KINGDOM.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Introduction The Purpose of a Coach

Isaiah 6:1-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. ²Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³And one cried to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
The whole earth is full of His glory!”
⁴And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.
⁵So I said:
“Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.”
⁶Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. ⁷And he touched my mouth with it, and said:
“Behold, this has touched your lips;
Your iniquity is taken away,
And your sin purged.”
⁸Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

John 15:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ²Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
The New American Commentary
        The staff figures prominently in the initiation of various plagues (9:23; 10:13), the miracle at the Red Sea (14:16), and the miraculous provision of water in the wilderness near Sinai (17:5). Moses on one other occasion called his staff “God’s staff” [NIV “the staff of God”], that is, in 17:9 (“Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands’ ”). Since in the context Moses himself was speaking to Joshua of the staff as “God’s staff” rather than “my staff,” it would seem possible that this term (maá¹á¹Ä“h hÄ?Ê¾Ä•lÅ?hÄ±Ì‚m) may have become the term the leaders themselves used to refer to the staff.
        Did Moses’ staff have power in itself? Not at all. Its power, and every aspect of its effectiveness, came from God’s use of the staff in Moses’ (or Aaron’s) hand as a symbol of the divine authority, supremacy, and presence. The miraculous staff was designated to convince Moses and Aaron, then the Israelite leadership, and in turn Pharaoh, and finally the nation of Israel of God’s sovereign control in his plan to liberate his people from their bondage. It becomes progressively clear that the staff was not really Moses’ or Aaron’s (or anyone else’s) but God’s.^{^[1]}
Psalm 23:4                 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Exodus 4:10-18                      New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹⁰Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, ⁽^A⁾I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” ¹¹The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or ⁽^B⁾who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹²Now then go, and ⁽^C⁾I, even I, will be with your mouth, and ⁽^D⁾teach you what you are to say.” ¹³But he said, “Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will.”
Aaron to Be Moses’ Mouthpiece
¹⁴Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, ⁽^E⁾he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. ¹⁵You are to speak to him and ⁽^F⁾put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do.¹⁶Moreover, ⁽^G⁾he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him. ¹⁷You shall take in your hand ⁽^H⁾this staff, ⁽^I⁾with which you shall perform the signs.”
¹⁸Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro ⁽^J⁾his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Cross references:

THE DASH

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?[2]

^{^[1]} Douglas K. Stuart, Exodus, vol. 2, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), 133–143.

[2] https://thedashpoem.com/

Gifted by God to Serve: The Attitude

Will Fortier — Sun, 19 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Gifted by God to Serve: Send Me (Part 2)

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 12 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PAUL’S EMPHASIS: MERCY X 10 = SALVATION

INTRODUCTION: ARE YOU BEING TRANSFORMED? (USMC GRADUATION)

SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 12:1-2
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: SEND ME (PART II)
CTS: 3 STEPS TO BEING TRANSFORMED BY GOD
GOD TRANSFORMS YOUR LIFE, AS YOU CHOOSE TO:

REJECT THIS WORLD (VS. 2A)

EXPLANATION: PAUL’S CHALLENGE: REJECT WORLDLY INFLUENCE
- “AND” – CONTINUATION OF VERSE 1 THOUGHT.
- “DO NOT BE CONFORMED” – CHOOSE NOT TO BE REACTIVE
- “TO THIS WORLD” – MAN’S WAY OF THINKING; SATAN INFLUENCED
  - MATT 13:22; MARK 8:35-37; LUKE 12:29-31; 1 COR 2:12, 3:18-19

APPLICATION: BE A PSALM 1 MAN / WOMAN / CHILD

II. RENEW YOUR MIND (VS. 2B)

EXPLANATION: PAUL POINTS TO HOW ONE IS TRANSFORMED
- “BUT” – NOTE THE CONTRAST TO WORLDLY WISDOM
- “BE TRANSFORMED” – “METAMORPHOSIS” (GRK)
  - METAMORPHOSIS DEFINED (SEE NOTES)
  - “TRANSFIGURED” – ALTERNATE GREEK DEFINITION

ILLUSTRATION: WORM & BUTTERFLY TRANSFORMATION / A.N.S.
- “BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND”:
  - INPUT: GOD’S WORD / OUTPUT: SPIRIT-LED RGHTEOUSNESS
    - PSALM 119: 9-11, 105, 107
    - APPLICATION: STUDY TO BE APPROVED BY GOD (2 TIM 2:15, 3:16-17)

III. REVEAL GOD’S WILL TO ALL (VS. 2C)

EXPLANATION: A TRANSFORMED MIND IS ABLE TO DO GOD’S WILL
- “SO” – THE OUTFLOWING RESULT OF A TRANSFORMED MIND
- “PROVE WHAT THE WILL OF GOD IS” – YOU DO, OTHERS SEE
  - GOD’S WILL IS:
    - GOOD – ROM 8:27-28; 1 PET 3:16-18
    - ACCEPTABLE – JOHN 1:12-13; COL 1:9
    - PERFECT – HEB 10:35-37; GAL 1:3-5
    - APPLICATION: DISCOVER YOUR GIFT(S) & USE IT. ITS GOD’S WILL

CONCLUSION:

GOD’S DESIRE FOR OUR TRANSFORMATION 1 TIM 2:1-4

REMEMBER THIS: IT IS GOD’S WILL TO TRANSFORM AND LIVE FOR HIM.
REFERENCES (page 1)

Matthew 13:22 New King James Version (NKJV)

²²Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Mark 8:35-37 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ³⁷Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Luke 12:29-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁹“And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

1 Corinthians 2:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹²Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. ¹⁹For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”;

Psalm 1 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
²But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
³He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
⁴The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
⁶For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Metamorphosis defined
met·a·mor·pho·sis
/ËŒmedÉ™ËˆmôrfÉ™sÉ™s/
noun
ZOOLOGY

(in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
- a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.[1]

Psalm 119:9-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word.
¹⁰With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
¹¹Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:105 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

Psalm 119:107 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰⁷I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.

2 Timothy 2:15 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Romans 8:27-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

1 Peter 3:16-18 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
¹⁸For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

John 1:12-13 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹²But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Colossians 1:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Hebrews 10:35-37 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ³⁶For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
³⁷“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

Galatians 1:3-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

³Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ⁵to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Conclusion

1 Timothy 2:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ²for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Therefore ⁽^A⁾I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God,
to ⁽^B⁾present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,
acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual service of worship.
²And do not ⁽^C⁾be conformed to ⁽^D⁾this world,
but be transformed by the ⁽^E⁾renewing of your mind,
so that you may ⁽^F⁾prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Cross references:

[1]

Gifted by God to Serve: Send Me (Part 1)

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 05 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: SOUND DOCTRINE LEADS TO ACTION

INTRODUCTION: ARE YOU A LIVING SACRIFICE?

SCRIPTURE:           ROMANS 12:1-2
TITLE OF MESSAGE: GIFTED BY GOD TO SERVE: SEND ME
CTS:   2 STEPS TO BECOME A LIVING SACRIFICE TO GOD
BEING A LIVING SACRIFICE FOR GOD IS POSSIBLE, WHEN YOU:
I.       REFLECT ON HIS MERCIES                                                 (VS. 1A)

EXPLANATION: PAUL CALLS FOR A RESPONSE TO GOD’S ACTIVITY
- “THEREFORE” – AS A RESULT OF WHAT GOD HAS DONE (CH 1-11)
- “I URGE YOU, BRETHREN” – PAUL CALLING FOR A RESPONSE
  - SPEAKING TO / BEGGING FELLOW BELIEVERS
  - IMPOSSIBLE TO RESPOND W/O CHRIST (1 COR 2:14)
- “BY THE MERCIES OF GOD (SEE WUEST NOTES)
APPLICATION: GOD CALLS FOR OUR JOYFUL COMMITMENT

II. RELEASE YOUR BODY TO GOD (VS. 1B)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S MERCIES ARE REASON TO SUBMIT TO GOD
- “PRESENT YOUR BODIES” – SINFUL BODIES ARE ABLE TO SERVE
  - GOD HAS GIVEN US THE ABILITY (SEE MACARTHUR NOTES)
  - THE INABILITY OF THE BODY (MACARTHUR NOTES)
- OUR BODIES BELONG TO GOD:
  - 1 COR 6:19-20; 2 COR 5:14-15; GAL 2:20; ROM 6:12-13
- BODY = LIVING AND HOLY SACRIFICE TO GOD (JAS 4:7; EPH 5:15-21)

ILLUSTRATION: RELEASING THE BODY TO THE USMC
APPLICATION: JOYFULLY GIVE GOD CONTROL OF YOUR BODY

CONCLUSION:

AN EXAMPLE OF SACRIFICIAL FAITH

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S MERCIES LEAD TO SACRIFICIAL FAITH

REFERENCES (page 1)
BACKGROUND (Knowledge that Leads to Action)
        If you were to read the book of Romans, you would find that the first eleven chapters of the book are addressing the basic doctrine of faith in Christ, as well as the magnificence of God’s mercies demonstrated upon mankind. Chapter twelve introduces the practical application of the doctrine that has been presented. If someone has just placed their faith in Christ, this would be a wonderful starting place for discovering how to live what you believe. It certainly is not a black and white set of rules that must be followed to please God. However, when a believer allows God’s Holy Spirit to have control of his or her life, and strives to honor God with a life of loving service in word and deed, these perceived rules become life principles that enable the believer to bring glory to God and blessing into the believer’s life.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus gave His disciples valuable counsel in regards to how people would know that they were His disciples. He identified that they must have love for one another (John 13:34-35). Jesus also gave them the depth of the love they were to show for each other. Their love should be characterized by a willingness to lay down their lives for their friends (John 15:12-14). The apostle Paul also emphasized the importance of love in what we do. He identifies that acts of service without being driven by love are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). As demonstrated by these passages, love is of the utmost importance when it comes to living responsible lives before God and others (Christian or not). In choosing our text for today, our Lord led me to a chapter from the book of Romans that addresses the behavior of the believer in Christ. If you have your Bible with you, turn with me to Romans 12.
1 Corinthians 2:14     New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament
The basis of Paul’s exhortation, or that by which he urges obedience to the exhortation is “by the mercies of God.” The mercies of God here are the justification, sanctification, and glorification of the believer. “By” is dia (δια), the preposition of intermediate agency. The exhortation to a holy life in conformity to the exalted position of the saint in Christ Jesus is to be obeyed in view of these mercies. Thus, in view of the fact that we are justified persons, righteous in our standing before God, we are under obligation to live a righteous life. In view of the fact that we are the objects of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification, we are to live those lives in the spiritual energy He supplies. In view of the fact that we are yet to be glorified, we are to look forward to our Lord’s coming, and purify our lives. Thus, the exhortations are to be obeyed in view of the contents of and through the enablement which chapters 1–8 provide.^{^[1]}
MacArthur New Testament Commentary (An able body)
We are told that victory in the Christian life is to have more of God and have more from God—although, “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, [already] has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3 emphasis added). And in Christ, we already have “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” so that in Him e “have been made complete” (Col 2:3, 10). Peter said that in the true and saving knowledge of Christ, we have “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). And we have the resident truth teacher, the Holy Spirit, whose anointing, John says, “teaches [us] about all things” (1 John 2:27). . . In the deepest, eternal sense, therefore, we cannot have more of God or from God than we now possess. It is more than obvious, however, that most of us do not have the fullness of joy that this fullness of blessing should bring.
MacArthur Commentary (Release Your Body to God)
“. . .the redeemed soul must reside in a body of flesh that is till the beachhead of sin, a place that can be readily given to unholy thoughts and longings.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁹Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? ²⁰For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; ¹⁵and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Galatians 2:20            New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁰I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Romans 6:12-13         New King James Version (NKJV)
¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. ¹³And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
James 4:7                  New King James Version (NKJV)
⁷Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Ephesians 5:15-21     New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁵See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
¹⁷Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Conclusion:
On a continual, daily basis, our attitude should be that of Theodore of Heraclea, a Christian martyr from Pontus who died around a.d. 306: “I know not your gods. Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is my God. Beat, tear or burn me, and if my words offend you, cut out my tongue; every part of my body is ready when God calls for it as a sacrifice” (Ward, p. 26). God, through the apostle Paul, is calling for the body of every believer to be offered daily as a sacrifice in worship—and if necessary, in death.^{^[2]}

Romans 12:1-2    New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Therefore ⁽^A⁾I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God,
to ⁽^B⁾present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,
acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual service of worship.
²And do not ⁽^C⁾be conformed to ⁽^D⁾this world,
but be transformed by the ⁽^E⁾renewing of your mind,
so that you may ⁽^F⁾prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Cross references:

^{^[1]} Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 204–209.

^{^[2]} Kenneth Boa and William Kruidenier, Romans, vol. 6, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 361–367.

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Rescuing Others

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: ELIMINATING WEAKNESS IN THE CHURCH: PRAY

INTRODUCTION: FIRST ASSIGNMENT AS DEACON

SCRIPTURE:           JAMES 5:19-20
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR YOUR LIFE: RESCUING OTHERS
CTS:   3 FACTS THAT ESTABLISH OUR ROLE IN SEEKING THE LOST
WHAT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE FAITH OF OTHERS?:
I.       FELLOWSHIP AWARENESS (VS. 19A)

EXPLANATION: JAMES’ FINAL THOUGHT: FAMILY CARE
- MY BROTHERS – CONTINUED EMPHISIS OF FAMILY/PERSONAL LOVE
- “AMONG YOU STRAYS” – BELIEVERS AND NONBELIEVERS
- IS IT POSSIBLE TO STRAY (NOTES: NAC)
- CONSIDER THE PROCESS OF WANDERING (1:14-15)(1 JOHN 2:18-19)
- STRAYING IS DANGEROUS – HEBREWS 10:26-31
- ACTION FOR SINNING IS REQUIRED – ECC 9:18; MATT 18:15-17; GAL 6:1-2
ILLUSTRATION: THE BUDDY SYSTEM – IT WORKS
APPLICATION: ANY CAN STRAY. KEEP EACH OTHER CLOSE TO GOD

II. FELLOWSHIP PURSUIT (VS. 19B)

EXPLANATION: AWARENESS ENABLES RESPONSE TO ABSENCE
- “ONE TURNS HIM BACK . . .” – WE ARE TO PURSUE (JN 13:34-35)

ILLUSTRATION: PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THE DISCIPLINED ONE

2 CORINTHIANS 2:5-11

GOD EXPECTS US TO CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER - HEBREWS 10:24-25

APPLICATION: SEE SOMEONE MISSING, SEEK HIS / HER RESTORATION

III. FELLOWSHIP EDIFICATION (VS. 20)

EXPLANATION: PRAISE THOSE WHO TAKE ACTION TO RESTORE
- ACTIONS IN RESTORING OTHERS – INSPIRES OTHERS TO ACT
- ACTIONS TO RESTORE OTHERS:
  - SAVE HIS SOUL FROM DEATH
  - COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS

ILLUSTRATION: WORKING TOGETHER TO RESTORE = FAMILY LIFE
APPLICATION: WILLINGNESS TO FELLOWSHIP PREVENTS WANDERING

CONCLUSION:

THE BEST APPROACH TO REDUCE WANDERING (SEE BKC NOTES)

REMEMBER THIS: GOD DESIRES REAL AND CARING FAITH IN HIS CHURCH.

REFERENCES (page 1)

New American Commentary
“Any believer could stumble and stray from God’s truth. Not only this, but the believer may stray outside the restorative fellowship where mutual confession of sin secures the confidence of forgiveness and right relationship with God (16). The truth from which believers wander is that which comes from the Word of God that birthed them (1:18) and which they deny when they harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition” in their hearts (3:14) while claiming to be faithful to it. The wandering from the truth here may be the wandering away from the gathered church itself. Just as the sick person cannot join the gathering of believers (14), believers who return to the way of the world avoid the fellowship of God’s friends.^{^[1]}

James 1:14-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. ¹⁵Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

1 John 2:18-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. ¹⁹They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

Hebrews 10:26-31 New King James Version (NKJV)

Ecclesiastes 9:18 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁸Wisdom is better than weapons of war;
But one sinner destroys much good.”

Matthew 18:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁵“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Galatians 6:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

John 13:34-35 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁵But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. ⁶This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, ⁷so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. ⁸Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. ⁹For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. ¹⁰Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, ¹¹lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Hebrews 10:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Bible Knowledge Commentary
James has given clear instructions about how to achieve practical holiness and spiritual maturity. His pointed exhortations were designed to stab the consciences and stir the souls of his beloved Jewish brothers. Stand with confidence, serve with compassion, speak with care, submit with contrition, and share with concern. A believer should be what God wants him to be, do what God wants him to do, say what God wants him to say, sense what God wants him to sense, and share what God wants him to share. Spiritual maturity involves every aspect of life.^{^[2]}

James 5:19-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁹My brethren, ⁽^A⁾if any among you strays from ⁽^B⁾the truth and one turns him back,
²⁰let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way
will ⁽^C⁾save his soul from death and
will ⁽^D⁾cover a multitude of sins.

Cross references:

^{^[1]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 242–243.

^{^[2]} J. Ronald Blue, “James,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 835.

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Prayer

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: STRUGGLES ALL BELIEVERS FACE
TRIALS / WISDOM / PARTIALITY / TONGUE / IMPATIENCE

INTRODUCTION: PRAYER WORKS!!

SCRIPTURE:           JAMES 5:13-18
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S WORD FOR YOUR LIFE: PRAYER
CTS:   THREE TRUTHS TO ENHANCE YOUR FAITH THROUGH PRAYER
HOW CAN PRAYER ENHANCE MY FAITH?:
I.       COMMITTING TO A PRAYER LIFE                                      (VS. 13)

EXPLANATION: JAMES CALLS FOR PRAYER IN ALL SITUATIONS
- PRAY IN TIMES OF “TROUBLE / STRUGGLE” (13A):
  - ANXIETY, STRESS, DEPRESSION, LIFE, SICKNESS, SIN, ETC.
  - IGNORING SIN VS CONFESSING SIN – 1 JOHN 1:8-9
- PRAY IN TIMES OF JOY (13B)
  - GIVE GOD PRAISE FOR THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE (PHIL 4:4)
  - “HAPPINESS IS A BLESSING OF GOD . . .” (NAC)
ILLUSTRATION: A.C.T.S. – ALL INCLUSIVE PRAYER
APPLICATION: COMMIT TO FELLOWSHIP W/ GOD ALL DAY EVERY DAY

II. CONFIDING IN GOD’S PEOPLE (VV. 14-15)

EXPLANATION: THOSE STRUGGLING ARE TO SEEK GOD’S HELP
- IMPORTANT NOTE: TROUBLE / SUFFERING: SPIRITUAL
  - GREEK (WEAK OR SICK) + CONTEXT = WEAK IN FAITH
- CALL FOR THE ELDERS – SEEK MATURE COUNSEL AND PRAYER
- ANOINTING WITH OIL – METAPHOR: BIBLICAL COUNSEL = OIL
- RECEIVING BIBLICAL COUNSEL = SPIRITUAL HEALING (PS 91)
- THE POWER OF PRAYER = RESTORES THE WEAK (GOD’S WORK)

ILLUSTRATION: RESURRECTION PRAYER = GOSPEL RECEIVED
APPLICATION: STRIVE FOR YOUR CHURCH TO BE HEALTHY: SHARE

III. CONFESSING SIN TO ONE ANOTHER FOR PRAYER (VV. 16-18)

EXPLANATION: BODY OF CHRIST: GOD’S OIL FOR THE WEAK (1 PET 2:4-5)
- CONFESSION AND PRAYER = HEALING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST (16A)
- CONSISTENT EFFECTIVE PRAYER = MUCH ACCOMPLISHED(PHIL 4:6-7)
- THE EXAMPLE OF ELIJAH (17-18):
  - ELIJAH WAS LIKE US (17A):
  - GOD RESPONDED TO ELIJAH’S PRAYERS (17B-18)

APPLICATION: BE STRONG IN PRAYER; SHARE YOUR BURDENS

CONCLUSION:

HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR EACH OTHER? PHILIPPIANS 1:8-11

REMEMBER THIS: PRAYER UNLEASHES GOD’S POWER TO HEAL AND SAVE.

REFERENCES (page 1)

1 John 1:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Philippians 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
New American Commentary
“Happiness Is A Blessing Of God And Must Be Received With Gratitude. Thus, Gladness Is Directed And Channeled To God (Colossians 3:16).”

1 Peter 2:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, ⁵you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:8-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.
⁹And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

James 5:13-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹³Is anyone among you ⁽^A⁾suffering? ⁽^B⁾Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to ⁽^C⁾sing praises.

¹⁴Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for ⁽^D⁾the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, ⁽^E⁾anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ¹⁵and the ⁽^F⁾prayer offered in faith will ⁽^G⁾restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will ⁽^H⁾raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

¹⁶Therefore, ⁽^I⁾confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be ⁽^J⁾healed. ⁽^K⁾The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. ¹⁷Elijah was ⁽^L⁾a man with a nature like ours, and ⁽^M⁾he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for ⁽^N⁾three years and six months. ¹⁸Then he ⁽^O⁾prayed again, and ⁽^P⁾the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
Cross references:

James 5:13 : James 5:10
James 5:13 : Ps 50:15
James 5:13 : 1 Cor 14:15; Col 3:16
James 5:14 : Acts 11:30
James 5:14 : Mark 6:13; 16:18
James 5:15 : James 1:6
James 5:15 : 1 Cor 1:21; James 5:20
James 5:15 : John 6:39; 2 Cor 4:14
James 5:16 : Matt 3:6; Mark 1:5; Acts 19:18
James 5:16 : Heb 12:13; 1 Pet 2:24
James 5:16 : Gen 18:23-32; John 9:31
James 5:17 : Acts 14:15
James 5:17 : 1 Kin 17:1; 18:1
James 5:17 : Luke 4:25
James 5:18 : 1 Kin 18:42
James 5:18 : 1 Kin 18:45

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Your Word

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE VALUE IN TELLING THE TRUTH (JOSHUA 7:19-25)

SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5:12
BACKGROUND THOUGHT:

SELF ASSESSMENT: CONTROL OF MIND, TONGUE, BODY, AND ATTITUDE?

TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR YOUR LIFE: YOUR WORD
CTS: 2 INDICATORS OF TRUE FAITH
TRUE FAITH INVOLVES:
I. AVOIDING OATHS YOU CAN’T HONOR (VS. 12A)

EXPLANATION: ANOTHER ASPECT CRITICAL TO FAITH: TESTIMONY
- NOTE BRETHREN (1:16; 5:7, 9-10, & 12);
  - CONCISE DESCRIPTION - DECEPTION? (ACTS 5:1-6, JAS 1:16-18, 2:14-17)
- “DO NOT SWEAR” - THE WORDS OF JESUS (MATTHEW 5:34-37)
ILLUSTRATION: THE PAIN OF DISAPPOINTMENT & GUILT (PROMISES)
APPLICATION: YOUR TESTIMONY REVEALS FAITH: TRUE OR FALSE

II. ADOPT OATHS BACKED BY GOD (VS. 12BC)

EXPLANATION: BE A FOLLOWER OF YOUR WORD
- BE A MAN / WOMAN OF TRUTH: YES = YES; NO = NO (12B)
- BEING TRUTHFUL AVOIDS GOD’S AND MAN’S JUDGMENT (12C)
  - MATTHEW12:36, GALATIANS 6:7-9

ILLUSTRATION: POCKET TESTAMENT LEAGUE:

“YOUR WALK IS YOUR WITNESS”

APPLICATION: ADOPT ONLY ONE OATH: HONOR GOD IN ALL(1 COR 10:31)

CONCLUSION:

THE BEST POLICY (ODB by Richard Dehaan)

REMEMBER THIS: TRUTH MATTERS TO GOD AND REFLECTS HIS GLORY

REFERENCES (page 1)
INTRODUCTION                 “THE VALUE IN TELLING THE TRUTH”
As we begin our study in James this morning, let me share with you an unfortunate example of why it is important to live and tell the truth. The book of Joshua presents a beautiful picture of God honoring His promise of giving His promised land to His people, Israel. However, the blessing would not happen without a struggle. Joshua 6 tells of the triumphant victory God gave His children over Jericho. Chapter 7 reveals Israel moving toward their next city of conquest (Ai), confident that God was with them and would enable them to have a victory similar to that of Jericho. However, what they did not know is that someone in the nation had disobeyed God during the attack on Jericho and took some of the booty. As a result, about 36 men lost their lives during the attack on Ai. After a thorough investigation by Joshua, he discovered that Achan was responsible for Israel’s loss of 36 lives. Listen to how the situation played out:
Joshua 7:19-25          New King James Version (NKJV)
19 Now Joshua said to Achan, “My son, I beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me.”
20 And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done: 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it.”
22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and there it was, hidden in his tent, with the silver under it. 23 And they took them from the midst of the tent, brought them to Joshua and to all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the Lord. 24 Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones.
Acts 5:1-6                  New King James Version (NKJV)
5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
James 1:16-18           New King James Version (NKJV)
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
James 2:14-17           New King James Version (NKJV)
Faith Without Works Is Dead
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Matthew 5:34-37              New King James Version (NKJV)
34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Matthew 12:36           New King James Version (NKJV)
36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Galatians 6:7-9          New King James Version (NKJV)
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

1 Corinthians 10:31 New King James Version (NKJV)

³¹Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

James 5:12          New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 But above all, (A)my brethren, (B)do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath;

but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

Cross references:
(A) James 5:12 : James 1:16
(B) James 5:12 : Matt 5:34-37

The Best Policy by Richard DeHaan
July 17, 1998

Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that . . . they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God. —1 Peter 2:12
          A construction worker walked into a fast-food restaurant and ordered two dinners to go. When his number was called, he picked up the bag, paid the cashier, and left.
          When he arrived at home, he discovered he had been given a sack containing the day’s receipts. He immediately returned the bag—just as the manager was reporting the loss to the police. The customer was honest enough to return the money, even though he probably could have gotten away with keeping it.
          This incident involved a large sum of money, but we must be honest in little things as well. We sometimes wonder why Christians are not having a greater spiritual impact on our world. Could it be that many believers are cheating, lying, “fudging,” manipulating, and then rationalizing their actions? Too often dishonesty is the order of the day—even for Christians. No wonder unbelievers aren’t impressed!
          More important still, honesty is what God demands and expects from us. The apostle Peter said that we are to have honorable conduct (1 Pet. 2:12). Then he wrote, “This is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (v.15). Honesty is not only the best policy—it’s God’s policy.

Lord, may our words and deeds be true,
As people of the light,
And help us as we follow You
To always do what's right. —Sper
There are no degrees of honesty.^{^[1]}

^{^[1]} https://odb.org/1998/07/17/the-best-policy-2/

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Patience

Will Fortier — Sun, 07 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Riches

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 31 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PRESUMPTUOUS LIVING = MISERY / JUDGMENT

INTRODUCTION: WHAT AM I TO DO WITH ALL THAT I HAVE?

·LUKE 12:13-21

·JAMES 5:1 – GOD’S JUDGMENT TOWARD THE MERCILESS RICH

SCRIPTURE:           JAMES 5:1-6
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR YOUR LIFE: RICHES
CTS:   4 TRUTHS THAT CAN HURT THOSE WHO ARE NOT RICH TOWARDS GOD
RICHES CAN:
I.       LOSE THEIR VALUE                                                                        (VV. 2-3)

EXPLANATION: THE EFFECTS OF UNUSED / STORED RICHES
- RICHES HAVE ROTTED (FOOD); GARMENTS MOTH-EATEN (2)
  - 1 TIMOTHY 6:9-10; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-3; WHAT HAPPENED TO MANNA?
- GOLD & SILVER HAVE RUSTED (CAUSE: NOT USED FOR GOD) (3A)
  - MATTHEW 6:19-21 – THE RIGHT PLACE TO STORE RICHES
  - LUKE 16: 19-26 – THE RUST OF NON-CONCERN
- RUST OF RICHES:
  - WITNESS AGAINST YOU (3B) – EVIDENCE OF YOUR SIN
  - CONSUME YOU LIKE FIRE (3C)– RICHES DEMAND ATTENTION
    - THE VALUE OF EARTHLY RICHES – PROVERBS 23:4-5
  - YOUR RUST IN THE LAST DAYS = YOUR TREASURE (3D)
APPLICATION: THE PURPOSE OF RICHES – TO USE FOR OTHERS

II. LEAD TO NEGLECTING OTHERS (VS. 4)

EXPLANATION: THE RICH WERE WITHOLDING WAGES OF OTHERS
- NORMAL PAYMENT PROCESS: AT THE END OF EACH WORK DAY
- NO PAY – PEOPLE SUFFER, SOME DIE
- RICH WITHELD PAY FOR VARIOUS REASONS (4A)
- “. . .CRIES OUT TO GOD” – GOD IS AWARE (4B)

APPLICATION: THE PURPOSE OF RICHES – OTHERS DEPEND ON YOU

III. LURE YOU TO A SELFISH LIFE (VS. 5)

EXPLANATION: YOU HAVE EARNED TEMPORAL REWARDS
- THE RICH HAVE LIVED A LIFE OF CONTENTMENT (5A)
- THE RICH HAVE LED A LIFE OF SELFISH PLEASURE (5B)
- SUCH DESIRE WITHOUT CONCERN FOR OTHERS = SLAUGHTER (5C)

APPLICATION: PURPOSE OF RICHES – UNSELFISH CARE FOR OTHERS

IV. LEAVE YOU IN REBELLION AGAINST GOD (VS. 6)

EXPLANATION: THE RICH JUDGE THE RIGHTEOUS UNFAIRLY
- SINFUL CONDUCT OF THE RICH = CONDEMNATION & DEATH OF GOD’S CHILDREN
  - GOD’S VIEW OF THOSE WHO ARE HIS – ROMANS 8:1-2
- THE RESPONSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS – WILL NOT RESIST (JAS 1:2-4)

APPLICATION: PURPOSE OF RICHES – USE FOR GODLY LIVING
CONCLUSION:

THE ULTIMATE GOAL WITH RICHES (1 TIMOTHY 6:17-19)

REMEMBER THIS: USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU TO BLESS OTHERS AND GROW HIS KINGDOM.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Luke 12:13-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
¹⁴But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
¹⁶Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
²¹“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

1 Timothy 6:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 3:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

Matthew 6:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Luke 16:19-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.²⁰But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, ²¹desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. ²²So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
²⁴“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ ²⁵But Abraham said, ‘Son,remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

Proverbs 23:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴Do not overwork to be rich;
Because of your own understanding, cease!
⁵Will you set your eyes on that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings;
They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

Romans 8:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

8 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

James 1:2-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

²My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. ¹⁸Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, ¹⁹storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

James 5:1-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

5 ⁽^A⁾Come now, ⁽^B⁾you rich, ⁽^C⁾weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
²⁽^D⁾Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. ³Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is ⁽^E⁾in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!
⁴Behold, ⁽^F⁾the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and ⁽^G⁾the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of ⁽^H⁾the Lord of ^[^a^]Sabaoth.
⁵You have ⁽^I⁾lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have ^[^b^]fattened your hearts in ⁽^J⁾a day of slaughter.
⁶You have condemned and ^[^c^](^K⁾put to death ⁽^L⁾the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Footnotes:

James 5:4 I.e. Hosts
James 5:5 Lit nourished
James 5:6 Or murdered

Cross references:

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: God's Will

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 24 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PRIORITY OF JAMES: YIELDING TO GOD’S WILL

INTRODUCTION: THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WILL

·GOD’S WILL – SUMMERIZES THE CHARACTER OF A GENUINE BELIEVER

oTHE PSALMIST DAVID’S PERSPECTIVE – PS 40:8, 143:10

oTHE PERSPECTIVE OF JESUS: - MARK 3:35, JOHN 7:17, 1 PETER 4:2

SCRIPTURE:           JAMES 4:13-17
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR YOUR LIFE: GOD’S WILL
CTS:   4 RESPONSES TO GOD’S WILL (3 NEGATIVE, 1 POSITIVE)
I.       THE DANGER OF IGNORING GOD’S WILL                    (VV. 13-14)

EXPLANATION: I CAN DO WHAT I WANT WITHOUT CONSULTING GOD
- “COME NOW” – “GET THIS,” “LISTEN UP” (13A)
- “THE ONES WHO ARE SAYING” (LITERAL GREEK TEXT) (13B)
  - “WE WILL:”
    - GO
    - TO A PLACE
    - STAY A YEAR
    - ENGAGE IN BUSINESS
    - MAKE A PROFIT
  - SATAN’S EXAMPLE – ISAIAH 14:12-14
- UNAWARE OF WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRING (14) (PROV 27:1)
ILLUSTRATION: THE PRESUMPTUOUS FARMER (LUKE 12:16-21)
APPLICATION: REMEMBER THAT NOTHING HAPPENS WITHOUT GOD

II. THE FUTILITY OF DENYING GOD’S WILL (VS.16)

EXPLANATION: ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AND HIS WILL, BUT REJECT IT
- ATHEISTS DON’T BELIEVE IN GOD’S EXISTENCE
- THEISTS – REFUSING TO GIVE GOD CONTROL, RULE THEIR LIVES
- SUCH LEADERSHIP BY CHRISTIANS IS EVIL OR SIN

APPLICATION: PLANNING WITHOUT GOD IN MIND IS SIN

III. THE SIN OF DISOBEYING GOD’S WILL (VS. 17)

EXPLANATION: REFUSING TO DO WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT = SIN
- THE “WILL” TEST: IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT ALL WOULD BE:
  - SAVED (1 TIM 2:4, 2 PET 3:9)
  - SPIRIT FILLED (EPH 5:17-18)
  - SANCTIFIED (1 THESS 4:3-8)
  - SUBMISSIVE (1 PET 2:13-15)
  - SUFFERING (1 PET 3:17)

APPLICATION: AVOID SIN BY CHOOSING TO DO GOD’S WILL

IV. THE BLESSING OF ACKNOWLEDGING GOD’S WILL (VS. 15)

EXPLANATION: IN CONTRAST TO SELF, PLACE GOD FIRST
- ACKNOWLEDGING AND OBEYING GOD’S WILL = TRUE BELIEVER
- “TO SAY” – INFINITIVE FORM (GREEK) = CONSTANTLY SEEK GOD
- “IF THE LORD WILLS” – GOD IS CENTRAL TO ALL PLANS
  - PHIL 2:19, HEB 6:1-3
- WE LIVE ONLY BECAUSE GOD WILLS IT (JOB 12:9-10)

APPLICATION: INCLUDE GOD IN ALL OF YOUR LIFE PLANS. HE EXPECTS IT
CONCLUSION: A FINAL THOUGHT ON DOING GOD’S WILL
FOR THE CHRISTIAN, DOING GOD’S WILL IS:

AN ACT OF WORSHIP (ROMANS 12:1-2)
TO BE DONE FROM THE HEART (EPH 6:6)
A WAY OF LIFE (COL 1:9-10)
ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HE ENERGIZES US TO DO IT (HEB 13:20-21)

REMEMBER THIS: OUR GOD IS TO BE OUR LIFE. DO NOTHING WITHOUT HIS INVOLVEMENT.

REFERENCES (page 1)

Psalm 40:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 143:10 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁰Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Mark 3:35 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

John 7:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

1 Peter 4:2 New King James Version (NKJV)

²that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

Isaiah 14:12-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

12 “How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’

Proverbs 27:1 New King James Version (NKJV)

27 Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Luke 12:16-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods.¹⁹And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’
²¹“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Philippians 2:19 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Hebrews 6:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ²of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³And this we will do if God permits.
Job 12:9-10          New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹Who among all these does not know
That the hand of the Lord has done this,
¹⁰In whose hand is the life of every living thing,
And the breath of all mankind?
 

 
James 4:13-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
13 (A)Come now, you who say, “(B)Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.”
 
14 [a]Yet you do not know [b]what your life will be like tomorrow. (C)You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
 
15 [c]Instead, you ought to say, “(D)If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your [d]arrogance; (E)all such boasting is evil.
 
17 Therefore, (F)to one who knows the [e]right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
 
Footnotes:
James 4:14 Lit Who do not
James 4:14 Or what will happen tomorrow. What kind of life is yours?
James 4:15 Lit Instead of your saying
James 4:16 Or pretensions
James 4:17 Or good
 
Cross references:
James 4:13 : James 5:1
James 4:13 : Prov 27:1; Luke 12:18-20
James 4:14 : Job 7:7; Ps 39:5; 102:3; 144:4
James 4:15 : Acts 18:21
James 4:16 : 1 Cor 5:6
James 4:17 : Luke 12:47; John 9:41; 2 Pet 2:21

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Judgment

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: DO YOU EXERCISE “GOOD JUDGMENT?”

SCRIPTURE: JAMES 4:11-12
BACKGROUND THOUGHT:

JAMES: THE NEED FOR TOTAL DEPENDENCE UPON GOD’S WISDOM (3:17)
INACTION / ACTION / TONGUE / ENVY THE DANGER OF PRIDE

TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR LIFE: JUDGMENT
CTS: 3 WAYS YOU CAN MINIMIZE HARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH
HOW CAN MY USE OF JUDGMENT BEST GLORIFY GOD?:
I. AVOID THE ABUSIVE TONGUE (VS. 11A)

EXPLANATION: JAMES HUMBLY WARNS AGAINST JUDGING OTHERS
DO NOT SPEAK AGAINST ONE ANOTHER (11A) (CF. 3:6)
- SPEAK EVIL AMONG (NKJV), SLANDER (NIV), SPEAK EVIL AGAINST (ESV)
- THE PROBLEM WITH SLANDERING OTHERS (NOTES, NAC)
- NATURALLY SINFUL - JEREMIAH 17:9; GOD’S AWARENESS (17:10)
ILLUSTRATION: “TAKE THE HIGH ROAD”
APPLICATION: GOD’S HELP FOR LIFE: LEAVE JUDGING TO GOD

II. ADMIT YOUR INABILITY TO JUDGE (VS. 11BCDE)

EXPLANATION: JUDGING OTHERS IS AN ATTEMPT TO OVERRULE GOD
- WHEN YOU JUDGE OTHERS, YOU: (CF. MATT 7:1-5)

SPEAK AGAINST GOD’S LAW (11B)

“WHEN BELIEVERS SLANDER OTHERS, THEY SLANDER GOD’S LAW”
SLANDER DEFINED (NOTES, HOLMAN)

JUDGE GOD’S LAW (11C)

“WHEN BELIEVERS JUDGE ANOTHER, THEY JUDGE GOD’S LAW”
- BUT, IF YOU JUDGE THE LAW, YOU:

ARE NOT A DOER OF THE LAW = SIN AGAINST GOD (11D) (1:21-24)
JUDGE GOD’S LAW = PLACING YOURSELF ABOVE GOD (11E) (4:10)

APPLICATION: GOD’S HELP FOR YOU: DON’T JUDGE OTHERS. PRAY.

III. ACKNOWLEDGE GOD AS THE ONLY JUDGE OF ALL (VS. 12)

EXPLANATION: GOD IS THE ONLY JUDGE FOR HIS LAW
- GOD, ALONE, IS THE:
  - LAWGIVER (2 TIM 3:16, 2 PETER 1:19-21) (12A)
  - JUDGE OF HIS LAW (12B) (ISAIAH 33:22)
  - ONE ABLE TO DO WHAT MAN CANNOT: SAVE AND DESTROY (12CD)
  - WE ARE IN NO POSITION TO JUDGE OTHERS TO THEIR HURT (12E)

APPLICATION: GOD’S HELP FOR LIFE: DEPEND ON GOD FOR JUSTICE

CONCLUSION:

BEHAVIOR THAT IS GOLDEN

REMEMBER THIS: GOD IS THE ETERNAL JUDGE OF LIFE. DON’T TRY TO TAKE HIS JOB FROM HIM.

REFERENCES (page 1)
Introduction:       Do you exercise good judgment?
Do you exercise “good judgment?” People who possess this positive characteristic are noted for their ability to consistently make the best decision (good judgment calls) that will provide the best results in most situations. Unfortunately, those who make unwise choices or decisions that produce harmful effects are noted for having “poor judgment.” Is there a way that we could increase the odds of being recognized as one possessing good judgment? Today’s message will enable us to see how effective we are at exercising good judgment, based upon God’s assessment.
The New American Commentary
Slander was considered a vice in the ancient world, and by interjecting it here, James pronounced a judgment on their behavior that perhaps they had not expected. Some readers had exchanged the rulership of God and his wisdom for the rulership of their appetites (vv. 3–4) while maintaining that they were living in accord with the faith, so slander could be expected. Evil speaking is a part of several lists of vices in the New Testament (e.g., Rom 1:30; 2 Cor 12:20; 1 Pet 2:1; 2:12; 3:16).^{^[1]}
Jeremiah 17:9-10             New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹“The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
¹⁰I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings.
Holman New Testament Commentary
Slander is critical speech intended to inflame others against the person being criticized. It involves talking against people, perhaps attacking them behind their backs. In this instance Christians were slandering Christians. Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. For Christians to malign other believers is a living contradiction of the close family ties which should bind them together.^{^[2]}
2 Timothy 3:16-17     New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:19-21          New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁹And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; ²⁰knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ²¹for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 33:22                     New King James Version (NKJV)
²²(For the Lord is our Judge,
The Lord is our Lawgiver,
The Lord is our King;
He will save us);
Conclusion:                Behavior That Is Golden
I have one friend, betrayed by another, who managed to dig deep enough to apply the kingdom’s Golden Rule to the betrayer. Let the forgiven betrayer tell the story of his “golden friend” in his own words:
Bill is one of my very few “soul mates” in life. That is not to say that we have very much in common or that we share any of the same interests or skills or hobbies. We are soul mates because we connect at the level of life values. We are passionate about building the same kingdom, and that cause is larger than the petty issues of our lives.
But several years ago I betrayed Bill. In my immaturity, I said some things that hurt him deeply, and would have provided any lesser man with reason to abandon the relationship. God used the resulting pain and confrontation to wake me up, and to cause me to see my error and to confess my sin. It was a hard moment for both of us, but perhaps the most significant time in defining our current relationship.
Bill never allowed my failure to destroy our relationship. He forgave me fully accepting my sincere apology, and never mentioning the issue again. We are brothers in the battle of life.
Bill is the kind of golden friend we all need in this life. But, if the truth be known, we would all have to admit we like “the Golden Rule” when it benefits us. And we may not find ourselves so quick to offer its grace to another as Bill did.
It all boils down to a choice, a determination to go the extra mile for someone in need. The choice is made more difficult when the other person has deeply wounded us. Jesus made this choice, and he expects the same of his children. It is a golden road that can make all the difference in relationships.^{^[3]}

James 4:11-12         New American Standard Bible (NASB)
11 (A)Do not speak against one another, (B)brethren.

He who speaks against a brother or (C)judges his brother, speaks against (D)the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not (E)a doer of the law but a judge of it.

12 There is only one (F)Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is (G)able to save and to destroy; but (H)who are you who judge your neighbor?

Cross references:

James 4:11 : 2 Cor 12:20; James 5:9; 1 Pet 2:1
James 4:11 : James 1:16; 5:7, 9, 10
James 4:11 : Matt 7:1; Rom 14:4
James 4:11 : James 2:8
James 4:11 : James 1:22
James 4:12 : Is 33:22; James 5:9
James 4:12 : Matt 10:28
James 4:12 : Rom 14:4

^{^[1]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 193–198.

^{^[2]} Thomas D. Lea, Hebrews, James, vol. 10, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 322–323.

^{^[3]} Stuart K. Weber, Matthew, vol. 1, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 95.

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: Humble Motivation

Will Fortier — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Bible: God's Help for Your Life: The Tongue Part II

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: A LIFE OF DECEIT (HOLMAN COMMENTARY)

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PURSUIT OF GOD’S WISDOM: 1:5, 22, 25; 2:1, 8, 12, 26
SCRIPTURE: JAMES 3:8-18
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE BIBLE: GOD’S HELP FOR LIFE: THE TONGUE PART II
CTS: 4 TRUTHS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A GROWING CHURCH

HOW CAN I BEST GLORIFY GOD WITH MY TONGUE?:

I. CONFESS YOUR INABILITY TO CONTROL IT (VV. 8-12)

EXPLANATION: JAMES POINTS TO A TONGUE OUT OF CONTROL
- GOD’S JUDGMENT: IT IS A RESTLESS EVIL, FULL OF POISON (8)
- WITH IT, WE BLESS GOD; WITH IT, WE CURSE HIS CREATION (9)
- SAME MOUTH = BLESSING AND CURSING; NOT GOD’S DESIGN (10)
- EXAMPLES OF CONSISTENCY: WATER, FIG TREE, VINE (11-12)
APPLICATION: GLORIFY GOD: ADMIT THE STATE OF YOUR TONGUE

II. CONSIDER GOD’S COUNSEL ON ITS USE (VS. 13)

EXPLANATION: JAMES CONSIDERS THE EVIDENCE OF A HOLY TONGUE
- A CONTROLLED TONGUE: WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING (13A)(1:5)
- DEMONSTRATION OF CONTROL: GENTLENESS OF WISDOM (13B)

APPLICATION: GLORIFY GOD: CHOOSE TO USE A GENTLE TONGUE

III. CAST AWAY THE EVIL USE OF IT (VV. 14-16)

EXPLANATION: EVIDENCE OF AN UNCONTROLLED TONGUE
- EVIL TONGUE: BITTER JEALOUSY / SELFISH AMBITION (14)
- SUCH WISDOM IS NOT FROM GOD (15): (ISAIAH 55:6-11)
  - EARTHLY – NOT FROM HEAVEN
  - NATURAL – UNSPIRITUAL (1 CORINTHIANS 2:14)
  - DEMONIC – OF THE DEVIL – USED TO CORRUPT (EPH 2:1-3)
- JEALOUSY & SELFISH AMBITION = DISORDER & EVIL (16)(1:6-8)

APPLICATION: GLORIFY GOD:

QUICK TO LISTEN, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO ANGER (1:19)
IV. COMMIT IT TO THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE (VV. 17-18)

EXPLANATION: HOW WE CAN HONOR GOD W/ OUR TONGUE (NOTES)
- THE CONTENTS OF WISDOM FROM ABOVE (17):
  - PURE, PEACEABLE, GENTLE, REASONABLE, FULL OF MERCY
  - GOOD FRUITS, UNWAVERING, WITHOUT HYPOCRISY

APPLICATION: GLORIFY GOD: LIVE THROUGH HIS WISDOM (COL 3:1-5,9-10)
CONCLUSION:

REGENERATED TONGUES (NOTES)

REMEMBER THIS: A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD STEMS FROM EMBRACING HIS WISDOM.
REFERENCES (page 1)
A Life of Deceit              (Holman Commentary)
In March 1805, Aaron Burr, vice president of the United States, delivered a farewell address to the Senate. After four years in office, he presented a valedictory to conclude his service. Burr said: “I shall, until I die, feel reverence for this house and the noble principles of which it is the primary guardian. In taking my leave of it and of you, I feel like the young man who leaves the dwelling of his parents to make his way into the world. This house is my mother, and has nurtured me; this house is my father, and has given me strength” (Philip Vail, The Turbulent Life of Aaron Burr).
After finishing his address Burr left the Senate chamber, receiving a standing ovation from his colleagues. His well-chosen words resembled the speech of a great patriot. They prompted the Senate to an outburst of affection and support. The picture of Burr we see in this speech is a complete distortion of this complex master of deceit. Burr was an accomplished liar!
When Burr reached the street after leaving the Senate chamber, he checked to see if bailiffs from either New York or New Jersey were waiting to arrest him. Not seeing any law officials in the streets, he left the Capitol on horseback, changed to another horse at the stable behind a small inn, and later transferred again to a coach with heavy, closed curtains. Then Burr disappeared from sight for two days.
At the time when he spoke Burr was wanted by officials in New York for murdering Alexander Hamilton, former secretary of the treasury, in a duel. He was also engaged in a plot to seize the Louisiana Territory and install himself as its emperor. He had shown nothing but contempt for the laws of the Senate. He adjusted his words to fit the occasion and felt no guilt about lying to protect himself or to arouse support. He used words as a tool to get people to act in his own ways.
Burr’s speech showed two failures of the tongue. First, the tongue can deceive people. Aaron Burr was a first-class rascal, but his words resembled those of a pious prophet. Our words can deceive us and can mislead others. To be believable, our words must be supported by credible deeds. Second, we can use our tongues to advance our own agenda. Our ambition can drive us to distort the facts, present half-truths, and rationalize our failures.
James would have us use the tongue to produce a harvest of righteousness. We must claim God’s grace to control our tongues, avoid using the tongue as an instrument of deceit, and instead use it for the purpose of encouragement, forgiveness, and mercy.[1]
Isaiah 55:6-11 New King James Version (NKJV)
^6 (A)Seek the Lord while He may be ^(B)found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
^7 (C)Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man ^(D)his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
^(E)And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
⁸“For^(F) My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹“For^(G) as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
¹⁰“For ^(H)as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
^11 (I)So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall ^(J)prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
1 Corinthians 2:14       New King James Version (NKJV)
^14 (A)But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Ephesians 2:1-3          New King James Version (NKJV)
2 And ^(A)you He made alive, ^(B)who were dead in trespasses and sins, ^2 (C)in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to ^(D)the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in ^(E)the sons of disobedience, ^3 (F)among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in ^(G)the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and ^(H)were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
Bible Exposition Commentary          (Warren Wiersbe)
“When God’s wisdom is at work, there is a willingness to listen, think, pray, and obey whatever God reveals. “Yielding to persuasion” is another translation of this word.”^{^[2]}
The New American Commentary      (Kurt Richardson)
Just as the evil of the tongue is set aflame by the evil of hell (v. 6), the good works of the wise are enlivened by the goodness of God.^{^[3]}

The New American Commentary      (Kurt Richardson)
The divine wisdom is like a fountain of goodness, depicting a dynamic development of virtues. When heavenly wisdom is operative in the believer’s life, one virtue is linked wonderfully to another.^{^[4]}
The New American Commentary      (Kurt Richardson)
A church that is rich in reconciling activities, that is, evangelism, the defense of the poor, counseling the troubled, offering hospitality to the stranger, providing shelter for the battered, sending gospel missionaries throughout the world, and many more, certainly reaps a rich harvest of righteousness. Wherever the church of Christ is doing these things, the kingdom of God is in evidence.^{^[5]}
Colossians 3:1-5         New King James Version (NKJV)
3 If then you were ^(A)raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, ^(B)where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ²Set your mind on things above, not on things on the ^(C)earth. ^3 (D)For you died, ^(E)and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ^4 (F)When Christ who is ^(G)our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in ^(H)glory.
^5 (I)Therefore put to death ^(J)your members which are on the earth: ^(K)fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, ^(L)which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:9-10       New King James Version (NKJV)
⁹Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, ¹⁰and have put on the new man who ^(A)is renewed in knowledge ^(B)according to the image of Him who ^(C)created him,
Regenerated Tongues (THOMAS LEA (HOLMAN NT COMMENTARY))
Envy and selfish ambition can control our tongues. When we are in love with our own ideas instead of the Lord Jesus, we struggle to promote our ideas and our success rather than promoting him. We can easily slide into the habit of using our tongues to belittle others, work out our own agenda, develop pockets of strife, and promote our own policies. We can fail to love peace, respond in gentleness to others, produce righteousness, and demonstrate mercy.[6]
James’s words on the tongue provide information about its power, rebelliousness, and double-mindedness. He gives us warnings of the evil potential of the tongue which we must carefully observe. Though we are believers in the Lord Jesus, we do not automatically develop regenerated tongues. The potential for speaking evil with our tongues must drive us to let God search out our words and allow him to develop in us attitudes of grace and goodness.
James’s words about wisdom warn against misplaced zeal and godless ambition. Some crusading zeal develops from Satan. Contentious words produce disorder and evil. God places a premium on peace.
We must seek God’s grace to practice the words of Paul: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29). We can do no better than to commit our tongues to the Lord, ask him to develop true wisdom in us, and daily let him refine and purify our flashes of selfishness, anger, resentment, and pride.

James 3:8-18       New American Standard Bible (NASB)
⁸But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of ^(A)deadly poison. ⁹With it we bless ⁽^A⁾our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, ⁽^B⁾who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. ¹¹Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ^12 (^C⁾Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
¹³Who among you is wise and understanding? ⁽^D⁾Let him show by his ⁽^E⁾good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
¹⁴But if you have bitter ⁽^F⁾jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against ⁽^G⁾the truth. ¹⁵This wisdom is not that which comes down ⁽^H⁾from above, but is ⁽^I⁾earthly, ⁽^J⁾natural, ⁽^K⁾demonic. ¹⁶For where ⁽^L⁾jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
¹⁷But the wisdom ⁽^M⁾from above is first ⁽^N⁾pure, then ⁽^O⁾peaceable, ⁽^P⁾gentle, reasonable, ⁽^Q⁾full of mercy and good fruits, ⁽^R⁾unwavering, without ⁽^S⁾hypocrisy. ¹⁸And the ⁽^T⁾seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Cross references:

[1][1] Thomas D. Lea, Hebrews, James, vol. 10, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 306–311.

^{^[2]} Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 362–366.

^{^[3]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–172.

^{^[4]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–172.

^{^[5]} Kurt A. Richardson, James, vol. 36, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1997), 155–172.

[6] Thomas D. Lea, Hebrews, James, vol. 10, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 306–311.

The Power of Your Rotor

Chris Allen — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Membership: Vision (Part II)

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: DO YOU HAVE A VISION FOR YOUR FUTURE? (PROV 29:18)

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: WUEST’S COMMENTS
SCRIPTURE:           GALATIANS 6:1-5
TITLE OF MESSAGE: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: OUR VISION
CTS:   3 TRUTHS THAT FUEL THE VISION OF GOD’S CHURCH
WHAT DOES THE VISION OF A HEALTHY CHURCH LOOK LIKE?:
I.       ACCOUNTABILITY                                                                   (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: PAUL SPEAKS TO RELATIONAL UNITY
- GALATIAN TEMPTATION: LIVE BY THE LAW VS SPIRIT
- PAUL:
  - SOME BELIEVERS WERE RETURNING TO JUDAISM (1A)
  - THOSE WALKING IN THE SPIRIT: HELP THOSE STRAYING (1B)
  - DO SO IN A SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS (SPIRIT LED) (1C)
  - W/O THE SPIRIT’S LEADERSHIP (LED BY LAW) = DISUNITY (1D)
    - NO GRACE, MERCY, EMPATHY, COMPASSION, ETC.
    - PREPARING FOR SELF-JUDGMENT (MATT 7:1-2)
ILLUSTRATION: COUNSELING OTHERS: APPROACH WITH CARE/LOVE
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: HIS FRUIT

II. ACTIVE CARE (VS. 2)

EXPLANATION: CHOOSING TO ASSIST OTHERS HONORS CHRIST
- PAUL JUSTIFIES INVOLVEMENT WITH STRUGGLING BELIEVERS:
  - WE ARE TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS (2A)
  - IN DOING SO, WE SHOW EVIDENCE OF HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK (2B)

ILLUSTRATION: ACTIVE CARE ON THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: ACTIVE CARE

III. ATTENTIVE HUMILITY (VV. 3-5)

EXPLANATION: PAUL WARNS AGAINST PRIDEFUL NEGLECT
- PRIDE IS A HINDERANCE TO GOD’S VISION (3)
- ASSISTING OTHERS REQUIRES SELF-EXAMINATION (4-5)
- NOTE – SELF EXAMINATION SHOULD NOT PREVENT ACTION

ILLUSTRATION: PRIDE – A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE IN GOD’S CHURCH
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: HUMBLE SERVICE

CONCLUSION:

WHAT’S GOD’S VISION FOR YOU? (MICAH 6:8); OUR CHURCH?

REMEMBER THIS: HUMBLE CARE FOR OTHERS FULFILLS THE LAW OF CHRIST

REFERENCES (page 1)
Proverbs 29:18           King James Version (KJV)
¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament
Verse one. This verse is closely connected with the contents of chapter 5. In the latter chapter, two methods of determining conduct and following out that determination with the appropriate action, are presented. One is in dependence upon the Holy Spirit for the supply of both the desire and the power to do the will of God. This method results in a life in which the fruit of the Spirit is evident. The other method is that of putting one’s self under law, and by self effort attempting to obey that law. This results in a defeated life full of sin, for the law gives neither the desire nor the power to obey it, and on the other hand, uses the evil nature as a means by which to bring sin into the life, since the evil nature is aroused to active rebellion by the very presence of the law.^{^[1]}
Matthew 7:1-2            New King James Version (NKJV)
7 “Judge^[a] ^(B)not, that you be not judged. ²For with what ^[b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; ^(C)and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Micah 6:8                                   New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸He has ⁽^A⁾shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But ⁽^B⁾to do justly,
To love ^[^a^]mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

The Vision of the Church

“We exist to share the hope of Jesus Christ with all people!”
                We have a PROCESS that we use to enable members to accomplish this vision. The Process is a four phase process focusing on the various aspects of worship and church involvement. We have worked hard, and continue to work hard at getting this ingrained into the hearts and minds of our members. This process is clear and concise and demonstrates our commitment to reaching people with the gospel, welcoming them to our church, encouraging them to grow, serve and witness
Step 1 – Honoring God
                This step represents our focus and desire for everyone to Worship God in a Corporate or Large Group setting. Although we should Honor God in all areas of our life, we apply this step of the process to our participation in corporate worship.
Step 2 – Growing Biblically
The Phrase “Growing Biblically” refers to moving people into a smaller group setting for Bible Study. They meet on Sunday Mornings at 9:00 and at other times during the week.
The purpose in moving people into groups is to give opportunity for more biblical application, personal involvement and getting to know others for encouragement and fellowship.

Step 3 – Serving Together
                “Serving Together” enables us to move beyond the general relational ideas of fun, fellowship, and study to really focus on doing something together to impact our community, our church, our country, and world. These opportunities range from local service projects to short term mission trips in the US and Internationally.
Step 4 – Sharing Truth
                We want people to verbally share their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with others they come in contact with. This is sometimes the hardest thing for people to do so we want to help them by giving them training and give them opportunity for faith sharing through Community outreach efforts and volunteering at church to have times of interaction with people from our community.
These steps are not meant to be a checklist but instead, be a lifestyle where each step is enhanced as one grows in their faith. Our hope is that as you become more involved in Growing Biblically, that your worship will be enhanced, and you will grow in every other area as you deepen your faith and involvement in the local church. Please understand our goal is not to get you to the church building every moment of every day. Our goal is to make your church involvement more meaningful so that your time away from the church building will be more fulfilling and beneficial for you, your family, and the community.

Membership Covenant

Following is the Membership Covenant which, in general, outlines the ~~expectations~~ commitment of members at New Hope Christian Fellowship.
We, the members of New Hope Christian Fellowship, having received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and having been baptized by immersion upon our profession of faith, do now enter into this covenant with one another, as one body in Christ. Relying on God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, and using the Bible as our guide…
We will       walk harmoniously together in Christian love, seeking to edify and uphold one
                      another in the spirit of unity and the bonds of peace.
We will       pray for one another, sharing in each other’s joys and bearing one another’s burdens
                      and sorrows.
We will       observe the church ordinances of Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, in
                      accordance with the scriptures.
We will       endeavor to attend worship services faithfully, to regularly study God’s word, and to
                      adhere to the principles of doctrine and discipline as delineated in our statement of
                      faith.
We will       contribute our offerings regularly and cheerfully to the support of the ministry: the
                      expenses of the church, the relief of those in need, and the spread of the gospel at
                      home and abroad.
We will       support the ministry through use of our God-given gifts and talents for the work of
                      the church, the assistance of one another and the furtherance of the gospel.
We agree to encourage personal and family devotions, and to educate our children according
                      to our faith. We will strive to teach by example, denying ungodly practices and
                      attitudes and aspiring to godliness and holy living.
We will       seek the salvation of the unbeliever by word and example, striving to be just in our
                      dealings, reliable in our responsibilities, and caring toward others.
We will       be affectionate toward and watch out for one another, being slow to anger and
                      quick to forgive; always eager for reconciliation and seeking it without delay.

Galatians 6:1-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Bear One Another’s Burdens

6 ⁽^A⁾Brethren, even if ^[^a^]anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are ⁽^B⁾spiritual, ⁽^C⁾restore such a one ⁽^D⁾in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
^2 (^E⁾Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill ⁽^F⁾the law of Christ.
³For ⁽^G⁾if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴But each one must ⁽^H⁾examine his own work, and then he will have reason for ⁽^I⁾boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. ⁵For ⁽^J⁾each one will bear his own load.

Footnotes:

Galatians 6:1 Gr anthropos

Cross references:

^{^[1]} Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 163–169.

Membership: Our Vision (Part I)

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: DO YOU HAVE A VISION FOR YOUR FUTURE? (PROV 29:18)

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: WUEST’S COMMENTS
SCRIPTURE:           GALATIANS 6:1-5
TITLE OF MESSAGE: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: OUR VISION
CTS:   3 TRUTHS THAT FUEL THE VISION OF GOD’S CHURCH
WHAT DOES THE VISION OF A HEALTHY CHURCH LOOK LIKE?:
I.       ACCOUNTABILITY                                                                   (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: PAUL SPEAKS TO RELATIONAL UNITY
- GALATIAN TEMPTATION: LIVE BY THE LAW VS SPIRIT
- PAUL:
  - SOME BELIEVERS WERE RETURNING TO JUDAISM (1A)
  - THOSE WALKING IN THE SPIRIT: HELP THOSE STRAYING (1B)
  - DO SO IN A SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS (SPIRIT LED) (1C)
  - W/O THE SPIRIT’S LEADERSHIP (LED BY LAW) = DISUNITY (1D)
    - NO GRACE, MERCY, EMPATHY, COMPASSION, ETC.
    - PREPARING FOR SELF-JUDGMENT (MATT 7:1-2)
ILLUSTRATION: COUNSELING OTHERS: APPROACH WITH CARE/LOVE
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: HIS FRUIT

II. ACTIVE CARE (VS. 2)

EXPLANATION: CHOOSING TO ASSIST OTHERS HONORS CHRIST
- PAUL JUSTIFIES INVOLVEMENT WITH STRUGGLING BELIEVERS:
  - WE ARE TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS (2A)
  - IN DOING SO, WE SHOW EVIDENCE OF HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK (2B)

ILLUSTRATION: ACTIVE CARE ON THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: ACTIVE CARE

III. ATTENTIVE HUMILITY (VV. 3-5)

EXPLANATION: PAUL WARNS AGAINST PRIDEFUL NEGLECT
- PRIDE IS A HINDERANCE TO GOD’S VISION (3)
- ASSISTING OTHERS REQUIRES SELF-EXAMINATION (4-5)
- NOTE – SELF EXAMINATION SHOULD NOT PREVENT ACTION

ILLUSTRATION: PRIDE – A DESTRUCTIVE FORCE IN GOD’S CHURCH
APPLICATION: GOD’S VISION FOR HIS CHURCH: HUMBLE SERVICE

CONCLUSION:

WHAT’S GOD’S VISION FOR YOU? (MICAH 6:8); OUR CHURCH?

REMEMBER THIS: HUMBLE CARE FOR OTHERS FULFILLS THE LAW OF CHRIST

REFERENCES (page 1)
Proverbs 29:18           King James Version (KJV)
¹⁸Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament
Verse one. This verse is closely connected with the contents of chapter 5. In the latter chapter, two methods of determining conduct and following out that determination with the appropriate action, are presented. One is in dependence upon the Holy Spirit for the supply of both the desire and the power to do the will of God. This method results in a life in which the fruit of the Spirit is evident. The other method is that of putting one’s self under law, and by self effort attempting to obey that law. This results in a defeated life full of sin, for the law gives neither the desire nor the power to obey it, and on the other hand, uses the evil nature as a means by which to bring sin into the life, since the evil nature is aroused to active rebellion by the very presence of the law.^{^[1]}
Matthew 7:1-2            New King James Version (NKJV)
7 “Judge^[a] ^(B)not, that you be not judged. ²For with what ^[b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; ^(C)and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Micah 6:8                                   New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸He has ⁽^A⁾shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But ⁽^B⁾to do justly,
To love ^[^a^]mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Galatians 6:1-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Footnotes:

Galatians 6:1 Gr anthropos

Cross references:

^{^[1]} Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 163–169.

Membership: Our Mission

Will Fortier — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

God Working Through People

Pastor Rich Clegg — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Membership: Who We Are

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 13 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: “PLIGHT OF THE CRAWDADS” BY XOCHITL DIXON

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: POWER CAME DOWN / PREACHING / DRUNKS
SCRIPTURE:           ACTS 2:37-47
TITLE OF MESSAGE: CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: WHO WE ARE
CTS:   3 CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF THE CHURCH GOD GROWS
WE ARE A CHURCH STRIVING TO:
I.       RESPONDING TO THE GOSPEL                                       (VS. 37-39)

EXPLANATION: GUILT = SEEKING FOR FORGIVENESS
- WHY MEMBERSHIP? – IT IS BELIEF AND REPENTANCE
  - PEOPLE BELIEVED AND ASKED HOW TO REPENT (37)
  - PETER TOLD THEM HOW – BELIEVE & BE BAPTIZED (38A)
  - REPENTANCE = HOLY SPIRIT POWER FOR LIFE (38B)
  - THIS PROMISE IS FOR ALL WHO ARE CALLED BY GOD (39)
    - JOHN 6:44 / JOHN 14:6 / 1 PETER 1:2
    - EX: PETER AT THE HOME OF CORNELIUS (ACTS 10:34-35, 43)
ILLUSTRATION: MEMBERSHIP – NO BENEFITS UNTIL YOU JOIN
APPLICATION: BELIEVE GOD’S WAY OF ADDING TO HIS CHURCH

II. RESOLVING TO FOLLOW CHRIST (VV. 40-41)

EXPLANATION: AFTER BELIEVING, BAPTISM TOOK PLACE
- PETER’S EXHORTATION: TURN FROM SELF TO JESUS (40)
  - PERVERSE GENERATION: UNBELIEVERS / WORLDLY INFLUENCE
    - 1 JOHN 2:15-17
  - THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE WORD WERE BAPTIZED (41A)

HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED?

GOD ADDED TO THE CHURCH 3000 SOULS (41B)

ILLUSTRATION: PEOPLE CRAVE ACCEPTANCE = UNITY & INTIMACY
APPLICATION: CONSIDER DEVOTION AND INTIMACY W / GOD (PS 37:4-6)

III. REFLECTING UNITY, INTIMACY AND FELLOWSHIP (VV. 42-47)

EXPLANATION: KEY ATTRIBUTES OF DEVOTION AND INTIMACY:
- AWE, WONDERS AND SIGNS WERE TAKING PLACE (42)
- COMMENTARY ON VERSE 42: DEVOTION TO:
  - SHARING WITH EACH OTHER (44-45)
  - UNITY AT THE TEMPLE AND IN HOMES (46A)
  - JOYFUL FELLOWSHIP (46B-47A)
- GOD ADDED TO THEM DAY BY DAY THOSE BEING SAVED (47B)

APPLICATION: CONSIDER NEW HOPE: UNITY, INTIMACY, FELLOWSHIP

CONCLUSION:

INTIMACY 101 @ CENTERVIEW

REMEMBER THIS – INTIMACY, UNITY AND CARE IS WHAT GOD’S CHURCH IS TO BE ABOUT. JOIN HIS CHURCH THROUGH ACCEPTING CHRIST AS SAVIOR.

REFERENCES (page 1)
Plight of the Crawdads by Xochitl Dixon
When my cousin invited me to join him to fish for crawdads (crayfish), I couldn’t help but be excited. I grinned when he handed me a plastic pail. “No lid?”
“You won’t need one,” he said, picking up the fishing rods and the small bag of chicken chunks we’d use for bait.
Later, as I watched the small crustaceans climbing over one another in a futile attempt to escape the almost-full bucket, I realized why we wouldn’t need a lid. Whenever one crawdad reached the rim, the others would pull it back down.
The plight of the crawdads reminds me how destructive it is to be selfishly concerned about our own gain instead of the benefit of a whole community. Paul understood the need for uplifting, interdependent relationships when he wrote to the believers in Thessalonica. He urged them to “warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,” and “be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).[1]

John 6:44 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴⁴No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 14:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1 Peter 1:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ²elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Acts 10:34-35, 43 New King James Version

³⁴Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.
⁴³To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
1 John 2:15-17 New King James Version
¹⁵Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Psalm 37:4-6 New King James Version
⁴Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
⁵Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

[1] https://odb.org/page/103/

Membership: What We Believe

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: DO YOU BELIEVE? (MARK 9:23-25)

CHURCH PESTILENCE? – NO TEACHING OR PREACHING BIBLE

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: PAUL’S FINAL LETTER TO TIMOTHY
CONSIDER: 2 TIM 1:9-11, 2:14-18, 3:1-5
SCRIPTURE:           2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17
TITLE OF MESSAGE: MEMBERSHIP: WHAT WE BELIEVE
CTS:   3 REASONS TO BE FIRM IN YOUR FAITH AND TO EMBRACE NEW HOPE
WHY IS BELIEF VITAL TO NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP?:
I.       BELIEF IS FOUNDATIONAL TO LIFE                                      (VV. 10-12)

EXPLANATION: PAUL’S BELIEF CARRIED HIM THROUGH TOUGH TIMES
- PAUL PRAISED TIMOTHY FOR HIS CHOOSING TO FOLLOW PAUL: (10)
  - TEACHING, CONDUCT, FAITH, PATIENCE, LOVE, PERSEVERANCE (10B)
  - PERSECUTIONS AND SUFFERINGS PAUL ENDURED (11AB)
  - GOD DELIVERED PAUL FROM ALL OF THEM (11C)
- PAUL NOTES THAT ALL BELIEVERS WILL EXPERIENCE THE SAME (12)
  - NOTES ON PERSECUTION

II. BELIEF REFLECTS TRUE FAITH IN CHRIST (VS. 13)

EXPLANATION: ABSENCE OF BELIEF RESULTS IN UNBELIEF
- EVIL MEN AND IMPOSTORS WILL PROCEED FROM “BAD” TO WORSE (13A)
  - JAMES 1:20-22
- THESE PEOPLE WILL BE DECEIVING AND BE DECEIVED (13B)
  - CONTINUALLY DRIVEN FURTHER AWAY FROM FAITH

III. BELIEVING THE BIBLE LEADS TO LIFE AND PEACE (VV. 14-17)

EXPLANATION: PAUL CHARGES TIMOTHY TO LIVE WHAT HE BELIEVES
- “HOWEVER” – CONTRASTING WITH EVIL (14A)
- CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED & HAVE BEEN CONVINCED (14B)
- KNOWING FROM WHOM YOU LEARNED THEM (14C)
- KNOWLEDGE OF SCRIPTURE FROM “INFANCY” = SALVATION BY FAITH (15)
  - FAITH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (ACTS 4:12)
- ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD (16A)(O.T. / PAUL - N.T. : 1 COR 2:9-16)
  - PROFITABLE FOR TEACHING, REPROOF, CORRECTION, TRAINING (16B)
- PURPOSE OF SUCH INSTRUCTION: MAN OF GOD IS EQUIPPED FOR LIFE (17)
  - ROM 12:2 – TRANSFORMED MIND = CHANGED LIFE (R.E. - A.N.S.)

CONCLUSION:

THE MODEL EXAMPLE FOR TODAY’S CHURCH – ACTS 2:42A
NHCF’S HEALTH IS BASED UPON GOD’S WORD. IS YOUR’S?

REFERENCES (page 1)
Mark 9:23-25                    New King James Version (NKJV)
²³Jesus said to him, “If you can believe,^[^a^] all things are possible to him who believes.”
²⁴Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
²⁵When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!”
Holman New Testament Commentary (Knute Larson)
But persecutions are not reserved for super saints and apostles. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Timothy had experienced it before, was suffering under it now, and would undoubtedly continue in the sufferings of Christ after Paul’s execution. Distress belongs to the believer who commits himself to loyal obedience and growth in godliness. But it remains in the hands of each believer whether he will choose the life of godly obedience or shy away into the shadow; of compromise.
James 1:20-22           New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁰for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
²¹Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
²²But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Acts 4:12                    New King James Version (NKJV)
¹²Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 2:42 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴²⁽^A⁾And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ ^[^a^]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

2 Timothy 3:10-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹⁰Now you ⁽^A⁾followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, ⁽^B⁾love,^[^a^]perseverance, ^11 (^C⁾persecutions, and ⁽^D⁾sufferings, such as happened to me at⁽^E⁾Antioch, at ⁽^F⁾Iconium and at ⁽^G⁾Lystra; what ⁽^H⁾persecutions I endured, and out of them all ⁽^I⁾the Lord rescued me! ¹²Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus ⁽^J⁾will be persecuted.
¹³But evil men and impostors ⁽^K⁾will proceed from bad to worse, ⁽^L⁾deceiving and being deceived.
¹⁴You, however,⁽^M⁾continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵and that ⁽^N⁾from childhood you have known ⁽^O⁾the sacred writings which are able to ⁽^P⁾give you the wisdom that leads to ⁽^Q⁾salvation through faith which is in ⁽^R⁾Christ Jesus. ^16 (^S⁾All Scripture is^[^b^]inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for^[^c^]training in righteousness; ¹⁷so that ⁽^T⁾the man of God may be adequate,⁽^U⁾equipped for every good work.
Footnotes:

2 Timothy 3:10 Or steadfastness
2 Timothy 3:16 Lit God-breathed
2 Timothy 3:16 Lit training which is in

Cross references:

The Key to New Hope's Future: Choose Life

William Fortier — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

The Greatest Gift for You at Christmas: Acceptance

Dr Bob Kruger — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION:        DOES THE TRUTH MATTER?       (IRA HYMAN)
BACKGROUND THOUGHT: LUKE’S INTENT: JESUS IS THE MESSIAH
SCRIPTURE:    LUKE 2:15-20
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE GREATEST GIFT TO YOU AT CHRISTMAS: ACCEPTANCE
CTS:   3 TRUTHS CONCERNING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE PERFECT GIFT
HOW TO ENJOY THE GIFT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU:
I.   OPENING THE GIFT                           (VV. 15-16)

EXPLANATION: SHEPHERD’S RESPONSE TO THE TRUTH
- SHEPHERDS IMMEDIATELY GO WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS (15)
- THEY ALREADY BELIEVED = THEY WENT TO SEE (16A)
- THEY FOUND WHAT THEY WERE SEEKING (16) (MATT 7:7-8)
APPLICATION: OPEN THE GIFT = LET GOD LIVE THROUGH YOU

II. OPENLY SHARING THE GIFT (VV. 17-19)

EXPLANATION: SHEPHERD TESTIMONY AND ACTIONS
- SHEPHERDS TOLD; EVERYONE WONDERED (17-18)
- MARY PONDERED (ANGEL’S MESSAGE & SHEPHERD’S WORD) (19)
ILLUSTRATION: MARK 5:18-20 (JESUS: GO AND TELL)
APPLICATION: TELL OTHERS ABOUT WHY JESUS CAME

III. ONGOING WORSHIP OF GOD BECAUSE OF THE GIFT (VS. 20)

EXPLANATION: LUKE REPORTS THE ONGOING JOY OF THE SHEPHERDS
- THE SHEPHERDS:
  - WENT BACK – TO THEIR WAY OF LIFE DIFFERENT (20A)
    - REJOICING IN WHAT THEY HAD SEEN (20B)
    - REJOICING IN WHAT THEY HAD HEARD: THE TRUTH (20B)
ILLUSTRATION: A LIFE-GIVING GIFT - DICK TRACY WATCH
APPLICATION: LIVE AS PRIESTS. YOU HAVE HEARD THE TRUTH

CONCLUSION:

SON OF GOD WITNESS:
- SHEPHERDS – RECEIVED / SAW / TOLD / SHOWED
- BELIEVERS - RECEIVED / TELL / LIVE BY WORD AND ACTION

References
Matthew 7:7-8        New King James Version (NKJV)
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Mark 5:18-20        New King James Version (NKJV)
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

Luke 2:15-20       New American Standard Bible (NASB)
¹⁵ When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”
¹⁶ So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the^[^d^]manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. ¹⁸ And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary⁽^J⁾treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.
²⁰ The shepherds went back, ⁽^K⁾glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
Footnotes:

Luke 2:16 Or feeding trough

Cross references:

Luke 2:19 : Luke 2:51

Does the Truth Matter?
What does it mean to live in a post-truth world?
Posted Dec 29, 2016
Does the truth matter to you? No one likes being lied to. But the truth is that we seem to like some lies.
I really prefer that people tell me the truth. If a student needs to turn in something late, I tend to believe the story they tell me about it. Oh, I know some of them lie to me. But I generally act as though what they’ve said is true, even though I generally can’t verify it. So when they lie to me, I’m stuck.
As a scientist, I desperately care about truth. I need people to be honest about how they conducted their research and what they found. Science is dependent on truthfulness. Again, I generally trust my peers. I read their publications assuming that they told the truth. Luckily, with research publications there is a peer review process, a lot of information, and replications by other researchers. Science is eventually self-correcting. If someone conducts a poor experiment or if the results don’t reflect the truth of reality, eventually the real state of the world becomes clear. Even if someone lies, the truth eventually comes out.
Why is the truth important? We all need to know the truth if we want to be able to behave rationally. Should I grant the student an extension on a project? I need to know if they actually had a serious conflict or if they were simply lazy. Should I use the results of someone’s research to make an important argument? I need to know that the data are reliable and true. Should we continue this relationship? I need to believe that you’ve told me the truth about where you were last night.
Oh, but the internet and social media. Finding the truth seems impossible.
Recently some Stanford University researchers, Sam Wineburg and Sarah McGrew, reported that students at all levels have difficulty assessing the reliability of information that they find on the internet. This really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Websites from unreliable organizations aren’t going to promote that they are unreliable. Those websites are going to look reliable and trustworthy. People can’t tell which websites are reliable and which information is true.
Fake news has also been in the news recently. There is a lot of fake news, often promoted by well-known people. One of these stories concerned a possible case of child trafficking in a pizza shop in Washington, DC that was supposedly linked to the Clintons. This was fake news. But all sorts of people, even some associated with the Trump campaign and transition, shared and promoted the news. It was never hard to find the truth about this case. But people chose to believe and spread lies. This led someone to attack the pizza shop with a gun to try and free the children.
So yes, the truth matters. It matters for personal relationships, for science, and for public policy.
How do you judge the truth? If you’re like most of us, you probably don’t do the hard work. With information on the internet, the hard work really isn’t so hard. You can check the sources, look at really reliable ones (Snopes is really good about checking lots of these fake news claims). Checking these things only takes a few moments.
But none of us have the time or resources to check all of the news we confront on a daily basis. Instead we rely on other methods of assessing truth. Do we trust the source? Then we believe the message. Does it have a picture? Then we are more likely to believe it. Have we heard this before? Then it starts to feel more true. Does it fit with our pre-existing beliefs? That is the lie we want to believe. We accept truthiness instead of requiring truth.
article continues after advertisement
I worry that the truth is being buried in a landslide of misrepresentations and lies. Sometimes people make honest mistakes. Other times we argue about how to interpret something. In these cases, we’ll eventually understand the real state of the world.
But there is a substantially more dangerous situation. People sometimes deliberately mislead and lie. People present information they know to be false with some goal in mind. Many people come to believe various lies. And these lies seem to be impossible to correct. The pizza shop story was one such deliberate lie with the goal of influencing the election.
There are other cases of fake news. For example, a number of people believe that vaccines cause autism, even though the original ‘study’ that someone reported on this was a misrepresentation and has clearly been debunked. Many people prefer to believe that global warming isn’t happening or that humans aren’t part of the cause of warming. In another example, there was a recent study published in which some authors questioned new recommendations for lowering daily sugar intake. In these cases, the authors are misrepresenting findings and often directly lying. Most of the people involved have received compensation for their work. But the harm they’ve caused is hard to measure.
Truth and lies are a matter of ethics. In science there are consequences for misrepresentations and lies. Eventually science gets to the truth. In our political debates, I worry that the internet has made it substantially more difficult for people to find the truth. Too many people may have too many rewards for the lies they are telling. The rest of us are left accepting things that feel true. Making rational choices becomes impossible in such a climate.
This is what it means to live in a post-truth world with fake news. Even if we try to be rational and thoughtful, we may base our judgments on lies. We may make decisions based on things we want to be true rather than the real state of the world. When the truth is buried under a mountain of misrepresentations, we cannot make wise decisions.
References
Wineburg, S., & McGrew, S (November 1, 2016). Why Students Can't Google Their Way to the Truth: Fact-checkers and students approach websites differently. Education Week.
About the Author

Ira E. Hyman, Jr., Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Western Washington University.

The Greatest Gift for You at Christmas: Its Arrival

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE PERFECT GIFT’S ARRIVAL: IT’S HERE!!

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: ALL STEPS FOR THE MESSIAH’S COMPLETED
SCRIPTURE:           LUKE 2:8-14
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE GREATEST GIFT TO YOU AT CHRISTMAS: IT’S ARRIVAL
CTS:   3 TRUTHS CONCERNING THE ARRIVAL OF THE PERFECT GIFT
THE ARRIVAL OF THE GIFT REQUIRES:
I.       HUMILITY TO RECEIVE IT                                                     (VS. 8)

EXPLANATION: THE SHEPHERD’S LIFE: SECLUSION; FILTHY WORK
- SHEPHERDS:
  - STAYED OUT IN THE FIELDS (8A)
  - DANGEROUS WORK OF PROTECTING THE FLOCKS (8B)
- CHRISTMAS TIME – A TIME OF SECLUSION FOR MANY
  - LONELINESS, DEPRESSION, CONSIDERED SUICIDE
  - MAN DWELLS IN DARKNESS IN NEED OF GOD’S LIGHT
  - JOHN 1:4-5, 3:19-21
ILLUSTRATION: BULLIED FARM HANDS
APPLICATION: THE GIFT IS BEST RECEIVED IN DESPARATION
- COME OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO GOD’S LIGHT - SALVATION

II. CONFIDENCE IN ITS CONTENT (VV. 9-11)

EXPLANATION: GOD’S MESSENGER PROVIDE A JOYFUL WORD
- AN ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED TO THE SHEPHERDS (9)
  - GOD’S GLORY SHONE AROUND THEM (9B)
  - THEY WERE TERRIBLY FRIGHTENED (9C)
    - DON’T BE AFRAID, PEACE I LEAVE W/ YOU – JESUS (JOHN 14:27)
- THE ANGEL CALMED THEIR FEARS (10)
  - DON’T BE AFRAID (10A)
  - “I HAVE GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY FOR ALL PEOPLE”(10B)
  - TODAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID: A SAVIOR FOR YOU! (11A)
  - THE SAVIOR’S NAME: CHRIST THE LORD (11B)

III. CONVINCED OF IT’S ARRIVAL (VV. 12-13)

EXPLANATION: THE ANGEL PROVIDED PROOF OF GOD’S GIFT
- THE SHEPHERDS COULD GO AND SEE THE GIFT (12)
- THE ANGEL WAS JOINED BY A MULTITUDE OF HEAVENLY HOST (13)
  - FUTURE WORSHIP OF GOD – REVELATION 19:1-9
- GOD’S PEACE IS IN THE GIFT FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVE IT (14)

CONCLUSION:

GOD’S PERFECT GIFT WAS SENT FOR YOUR PEACE; HAVE YOU RECEIVED IT?

REMEMBER THIS: ETERNAL PEACE CAN ONLY BE FOUND IN CHRIST.

References:

John 1:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

^4 (^A⁾In Him was life, and ⁽^B⁾the life was the light of men. ⁵And ⁽^C⁾the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not ^[^a^]comprehend it.

John 3:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹And this is the condemnation, ⁽^A⁾that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.²⁰For ⁽^B⁾everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. ²¹But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been ⁽^C⁾done in God.”

Revelation 19:1-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

Heaven Exults over Babylon

19 After these things ⁽^A⁾I ^[^a^]heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! ⁽^B⁾Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to ^[^b^]the Lord our God! ²For ⁽^C⁾true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He ⁽^D⁾has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.” ³Again they said, “Alleluia! ⁽^E⁾Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” ⁴And ⁽^F⁾the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, ⁽^G⁾“Amen! Alleluia!” ⁵Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ⁽^H⁾“Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, ⁽^I⁾both^[^c^] small and great!”
^6 (^J⁾And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For ⁽^K⁾the^[^d^] Lord God Omnipotent reigns! ⁷Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for ⁽^L⁾the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” ⁸And ⁽^M⁾to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, ⁽^N⁾for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
⁹Then he said to me, “Write: ⁽^O⁾‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, ⁽^P⁾“These are the true sayings of God.”

Luke 2:8-20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁸ In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.
⁹ And ⁽^A⁾an angel of the Lord suddenly ⁽^B⁾stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “⁽^C⁾Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; ¹¹ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a ⁽^D⁾Savior, who is ^[^a^](^E⁾Christ ⁽^F⁾the Lord. ¹² ⁽^G⁾This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a ^[^b^]manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “⁽^H⁾Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men ^[^c^](^I⁾with whom He is pleased.”
Footnotes:

Luke 2:11 I.e. Messiah
Luke 2:12 Or feeding trough
Luke 2:14 Lit of good pleasure; or of good will

Cross references:

The Greatest Gift for You at Christmas: Its Value

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE VALUE OF A GIFT

SCRIPTURE:           ISAIAH 53:4-6
BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD WILL RESCUE HIS PEOPLE!!
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOU AT CHRISTMAS: IT’S VALUE
CTS:   THREE TRUTHS HIGHLIGHTING THE VALUE OF GOD’S GIFT TO YOU
THE PERFECT GIFT’S VALUE INCLUDES:
I.       GOD’S MERCY                                                                           (VS. 4)

EXPLANATION: ISAIAH SPEAKS OF GOD’S COMPASSION
- JESUS BORE OUR GRIEFS AND CARRIED OUR SOPRROWS (4A)
- JESUS WAS UNJUSTLY JUDGED – PUNISHED BY GOD (4B)
ILLUSTRATION: TROOPER SACRIFICES SELF FOR MAN ON ROAD
APPLICATION: REJOICE OVER GOD’S MERCY; SHOW IT TO OTHERS

II. GOD’S GRACE (VS. 5)

EXPLANATION: ISAIAH CLARIFIES WHY JESUS SUFFERED
- JESUS WAS PIERCED THROUGH FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS (5A)
- JESUS WAS CRUSHED FOR OUR INIQUITIES (5B)
- JESUS TOOK OUR DUE CHASTENING = OUR WELL-BEING (5C)
- JESUS PROVIDED OUR HEALING PROCESS THROUGH HIS ABUSE (5D)
  - COLOSSIANS 2:14

ILLUSTRATION: GRACE = UNEXPECTED FAVOR
APPLICATION: RECEIVE & GIVE THE GRACE GOD’S GIFT PROVIDES

III. GOD’S LOVING CARE (VS. 6)

EXPLANATION: ISAIAH HIGHLIGHTS GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE
- ALL ARE PRONE TO WANDER (6A) (ROMANS 3:10, 23)
- ALL ARE PRONE TO BE SELFISH (6B) (ROMANS 1:18-24)
- “BUT” GOD, IN HIS GREAT LOVE, PLACED OUR SINS ON CHRIST (6C)
  - ROMANS 5:8

ILLUSTRATION: THE DUTIES OF CARING FOR SHEEP
- JOHN 10:10-16
APPLICATION: ACCEPT GOD’S LOVING CARE THROUGH HIS GIFT

CONCLUSION:

THE VALUE OF THE PERFECT GIFT SEALS YOUR ETERNAL FUTURE

REMEMBER THIS: GOD HAS PAID FOR THE SINS OF HIS PEOPLE!

REFERENCES (page 1)
Colossians 2:14           New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁴having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Romans 3:10               New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
Romans 3:23               New King James Version (NKJV)
²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 1:18-24          New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²²Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
²⁴Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
Romans 5:8                 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁸But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 10:10-16             New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁰The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
¹¹“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹²But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.¹⁵As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Isaiah 53:4-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁴Surely our ^[^a^]griefs He Himself ⁽^A⁾bore,
And our ^[^b^]sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
^[^c^]Smitten of ⁽^B⁾God, and afflicted.

⁵But He was ^[^d^]pierced through for ⁽^C⁾our transgressions,
He was crushed for ⁽^D⁾our iniquities;
The ⁽^E⁾chastening for our ^[^e^]well-being fell upon Him,
And by ⁽^F⁾His scourging we are healed.

⁶All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To ^[^f^]fall on Him.

Footnotes:

Isaiah 53:4 Or sickness
Isaiah 53:4 Or pains
Isaiah 53:4 Or Struck down by
Isaiah 53:5 Or wounded
Isaiah 53:5 Or peace
Isaiah 53:6 Lit encounter Him

Cross references:

What Are the Duties of a Shepherd?

by Beth Greenwood; Updated June 28, 2018
Most shepherds take care of sheep, although they may be responsible for goats as well. They often work in isolated areas and may work independently except for the assistance of herding or guard dogs. Many sheepherders must be on call for their animals around the clock.

Flock Welfare

A shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. Some flocks may include as many as 1,000 sheep. The shepherd will graze the animals, herding them to areas of good forage, and keeping a watchful eye out for poisonous plants.

Protecting From Predators

To protect the sheep under his care, a shepherd may use guard dogs or other guard animals. Sheep predators include coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bears and domestic dogs, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Protecting Health

Like other animals, sheep are susceptible to diseases, and they must also be monitored during the lambing process. They may also be bothered by insects, some of which carry disease. Shepherds are often responsible for minor injuries or basic medical treatment, especially since they work in isolated areas far from veterinary services.

Shearing the Flock

Unlike other animals that shed their hair in the spring, many breeds of sheep must be shorn – have their fleece cut off with shears or clippers. This task may be assigned to sheepshearers, whose primary occupation is shearing, or it may be the responsibility of the shepherd. Sheep may be sheared in the open or in holding pens. An experienced shepherd is expected to shear up to 125 ewes a day without nicking or cutting the skin, and to remove the fleece intact, according to the Mountain Plains Agricultural Service.

References (4)

About the Author

Beth Greenwood is an RN and has been a writer since 2010. She specializes in medical and health topics, as well as career articles about health care professions. Greenwood holds an Associate of Science in nursing from Shasta College.[1]

[1] https://work.chron.com/duties-shepherd-23576.html

The Greatest Gift for You at Christmas: Notification

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THOSE YOU LOVE?

SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 9:1-7
BACKGROUND THOUGHT: GOD’S PROPHET TO HIS PEOPLE (1:1)
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOU AT CHRISTMAS: NOTIFICATION
CTS: TWO FACTS ABOUT GOD’S PERFECT GIFT TO MANKIND
HOW DOES THE PERFECT GIFT OFFERED EFFECT ME?:
I. WITHOUT THE GIFT, LIFE IS MEANINGLESS (VS. 1)

EXPLANATION: ISAIAH POINTED TO THE HOPE FOR A SINFUL PEOPLE
- ZEBULUN AND NAPHTALI – A LAND OF DARKNESS (REBELLION) (1A)
- A LAND WHICH GOD WOULD ONE DAY MAKE GLORIOUS (1B)
ILLUSTRATION: LIFE AT CHRISTMAS IS DARK FOR MANY (LONELINESS)
APPLICATION: WE LIVE IN DARKNESS. ONLY GOD HAS THE ANSWER

II. WITH THE GIFT, GOD MAKES LIFE MEANINGFUL (VV. 2-7)

EXPLANATION: ISAIAH POINTS TO THE PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL
- GOD WILL BRING THE FOLLOWING TO PASS THROUGH THIS GIFT:
  - ENABLE PEOPLE TO SEE A LIGHT SHINING ON THEM (2)
  - ENLARGE THE NATION (3A) (ABRAHAMIC COVENANT (GE 22:17)
  - ENHANCE THE JOY OF THE PEOPLE (3BCDE)
  - ELIMINATE THE YOKE OF BONDAGE (4A)
    - CONSIDER GIDEON’S STORY (4B) (JUDGES 7:19-22)
    - GOD TURNED THE ENEMY ON THEMSELVES
  - EXTERMINATE WAR (5-6) (SEE MICAH 4:1-5)

ILLUSTRATION: LIFE IN CHRIST – PEACE WITH GOD (ROM 5:1-2,8, 6:23)
- GOD WILL GIVE A SON TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL (2-6)
  - A CHILD WILL BE BORN TO US (6A) (7:14)
  - THE GOVERNMENT WILL REST ON HIS SHOULDERS (6B) (PSALM 2)
  - HIS NAME:
    - WONDERFUL COUNSELOR (MICAH 4:1-2) (JOHN 14:26)
    - MIGHTY GOD (PSALM 2)
    - ETERNAL FATHER (MICAH 5:4)
    - PRINCE OF PEACE (MICAH 4:1-4)
  - NO ELECTIONS – HIS KINGDOM WILL EVER INCREASE (7AB)
    - JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS ESTABLISHED (INFINITE)
    - GOD’S POWER WILL BE THE SOURCE OF CHANGE (7C)
APPLICATION: GOD’S FREE GIFT IS OFFERED TO YOU. ACT ON IT.

CONCLUSION:

YOUR LETTER OF NOTIFICATION

REMEMBER THIS: GOD’S ETERNAL PLAN IS FULFILLED IN THE GIFT OF HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.
REFERENCES (page 1)

Genesis 22:17 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.
Judges 7:19-22 New King James Version (NKJV)
¹⁹So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outpost of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just as they had posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. ²⁰Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers—they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing—and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” ²¹And every man stood in his place all around the camp; and the whole army ran and cried out and fled. ²²When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled to Beth Acacia, toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.
Micah 4:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the Lord’s house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And peoples shall flow to it.
²Many nations shall come and say,
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
For out of Zion the law shall go forth,
And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
³He shall judge between many peoples,
And rebuke strong nations afar off;
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.
⁴But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
⁵For all people walk each in the name of his god,
But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God
Forever and ever.

Romans 5:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)

Romans 5:8 New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

²³For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 14:26 New King James Version (NKJV)
²⁶But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Micah 5:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
⁴And He shall stand and feed His flock
In the strength of the Lord,
In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God;
And they shall abide,
For now He shall be great
To the ends of the earth;

Isaiah 9:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

9 ^[^a^]But there will be no more ⁽^A⁾gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He ⁽^B⁾treated the ⁽^C⁾land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the ^[^b^]Gentiles.
²^[^c^](^D⁾The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
³⁽^E⁾You shall multiply the nation,
You ⁽^F⁾shall ^[^d^]increase ^[^e^]their gladness;
They will be glad in Your presence
As with the gladness ^[^f^]of harvest,
As ^[^g^](^G⁾men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
⁴For ⁽^H⁾You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,
The rod of their ⁽^I⁾oppressor, as ^[^h^]at the battle of ⁽^J⁾Midian.
⁵For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult,
And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

⁶For a ⁽^K⁾child will be born to us, a ⁽^L⁾son will be given to us;
And the ⁽^M⁾government will ^[ⁱ^]rest ⁽^N⁾on His shoulders;
And His name will be called ⁽^O⁾Wonderful Counselor, ⁽^P⁾Mighty God,
Eternal ⁽^Q⁾Father, Prince of ⁽^R⁾Peace.
⁷There will be ⁽^S⁾no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the ⁽^T⁾throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with ⁽^U⁾justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
⁽^V⁾The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

Cross references:

The Harvest of Thanksgiving: The Blessing

Dr. Bob Kruger — Sun, 25 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: “THE CHRISTMAS CAROL” LESSON / PSALM 100:4-5

SCRIPTURE: PSALM 116:12-19

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: CONTEXT OF PRAISE; DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH

TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE HARVEST OF THANKSGIVING: THE BLESSINGS

CTS: 3 THOUGHTS THAT ENHANCE A LIFE OF THANKSGIVING

I. WHAT HAS THE LORD DONE FOR ME? (VS. 12)

EXPLANATION: THE PSALMIST REFLECTS ON GOD’S GRACE
- HOW CAN I REPAY GOD FOR HIS GRACE?
  - REFLECT ON MY STATE:
    - THE FEAR OF DEATH PLAGUED ME (VS 3)
    - I WAS BROUGHT LOW (VS 6B)
    - I WAS EMOTIONALLY DISTRAUGHT AND STUMBLED (VS 8B)
  - REFLECT ON WHAT GOD DID IN RESPONSE TO HIS CRY:
    - BECAUSE GOD LISTENED, I SHALL ALWAYS CALL HIM (2,4,13,17)
    - GOD SAVED HIM (4-8)
      - GRACIOUS (5A); COMPASSIONATE (5B); PRESERVES (6A); SAVIOR (6B); PEACE (7) (PSALM 23:1-3); RESCUER (8, 16C); CONFIDENCE (9-11); VALUE BEYOND DEATH (15);
ILLUSTRATION: “WAIT ’TIL YOUR FATHER GETS HOME!”
APPLICATION: GOD HAS DONE MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE

II. HOW CAN I BEST HONOR HIS BLESSINGS? (VV. 13-15)

EXPLANATION: THE PSALMIST HONORS GOD WITH HIS LIFE
- LIFT UP THE CUP OF SALVATION (HIS LIFE) TO GOD (13)
- CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD (13B, 17B)
- PAY VOWS TO THE LORD (14A, 18A)
- ACKNOWLEDGE THE DURABILITY OF GOD’S SALVATION (15)
APPLICATION: CONTINUALLY THANK GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS

III. HOW CAN I GRATEFULLY HONOR GOD (VV. 16-19)

EXPLANATION:
- EMBRACE YOUR INHERITANCE (16)
- OFFER SACRIFICES OF THANKSGIVING (17) (CONTINUOUSLY?)
  - ROMANS 12:1; JAMES 4:7
- BE AN EXAMPLE & ENCOURAGEMENT TO GOD’S PEOPLE (18B-19, 14)
APPLICATION: YOUR RELATIONSHIP W/ GOD #1; POINT OTHERS TO GOD

CONCLUSION:

- THINKING ABOUT DEATH? YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY!

REMEMBER THIS: WORSHIP GOD IN GRATITUDE, FOR HE HAS DELIVERED YOU FROM DEATH TO ETERNAL LIFE!REFERENCES (page 1)

Psalm 100:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 23:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Psalm 116:12-19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

What shall I (A)render to the Lord

For all His (B)benefits [a]toward me?

I shall lift up the (C)cup of salvation

And (D)call upon the name of the Lord.

I shall (E)pay my vows to the Lord,

Oh may it be (F)in the presence of all His people.

(G)Precious in the sight of the Lord

Is the death of His godly ones.

O Lord, [b]surely I am (H)Your servant,

I am Your servant, the (I)son of Your handmaid,

You have (J)loosed my bonds.

To You I shall offer (K)a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

And (L)call upon the name of the Lord.

I shall (M)pay my vows to the Lord,

Oh may it be in the presence of all His people,

In the (N)courts of the Lord’s house,

In the midst of you, O (O)Jerusalem.

[c]Praise [d]the Lord!

Cross references:

Psalm 116:12 : 2 Chr 32:25; 1 Thess 3:9
Psalm 116:12 : Ps 103:2
Psalm 116:13 : Ps 16:5
Psalm 116:13 : Ps 80:18; 105:1
Psalm 116:14 : Ps 50:14; 116:18
Psalm 116:14 : Ps 22:25
Psalm 116:15 : Ps 72:14
Psalm 116:16 : Ps 86:16; 119:125; 143:12
Psalm 116:16 : Ps 86:16
Psalm 116:16 : Ps 107:14
Psalm 116:17 : Lev 7:12; Ps 50:14
Psalm 116:17 : Ps 116:13
Psalm 116:18 : Ps 116:14
Psalm 116:19 : Ps 92:13; 96:8; 135:2
Psalm 116:19 : Ps 102:21

The Harvest of Thanksgiving: The Need

Dr Bob Kruger — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS YOUR WORSHIP RESPONSE TO GOD FOR LIFE?

BACKGROUND THOUGHT: A PSALM OF MEDITATION (D.A. CARSON)
SCRIPTURE:           PSALM 107:1-16
TITLE OF MESSAGE: THE HARVEST OF THANKSGIVING: THE NEED
CTS:   3 REASONS FOR AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE TOWARD GOD AND MAN
HOW CAN I ENHANCE MY ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE TOWARD GOD?:
I.       ACT ON GOD’S MANDATE OF THANKSGIVING               (VV. 1-3)

EXPLANATION: PART OF GOD’S LOVE INCLUDES GATHERING HIS OWN
- THE PSALMIST CALLS (IMPERATIVE) GOD’S PEOPLE TO GIVE GOD PRAISE:
  - GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD (1A)
  - GOD’S LOVING KINDNESS LASTS FOREVER (1B)
  - GOD’S REDEEMED ARE TO SAY SO (2A)
    - GOD HAS REDEEMED THEM FROM THE AVDERSARY (2B)
- NOTES: D. A. CARSON (REDEEMING LOVE)

II. ACKNOWLEDGE HIS BLESSINGS AS CREATOR (VV. 4-9, 23-32)

EXPLANATION: GOD GAVE / GIVES GUIDANCE TO THE REPENTANT
- THEY WANDERED IN THE WILDERNESS IN A DESERT REGION (4A)
- THEY DID NOT FIND AN INHABITED CITY (4B)
- THEY WERE HUNGRY AND THIRSTY; THEIR SOUL FAINTED (5)
- THEY CRIED OUT TO GOD IN THEIR TROUBLE (6A)
- GOD DELIVERED THEM OUT OF THEIR DISTRESS (6B)
- HE LED THEM ALSO BY A STRAIGHT WAY (7)
- LET THEM GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS LOVING KINDNESS (8)
  - GOD HAS SATISIFIED THE THIRSTY AND HUNGRY SOUL WITH GOOD (9)

III. ADORE GOD FOR YOUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST (VV. 10-16)

EXPLANATION: GOD SETS THE REPENTANT PRISONER FREE
- REBELLION AGAINST GOD PUTS HIS PEOPLE IN PRISON (10-11)
- GOD DISCIPLINED HIS PEOPLE TO HUMBLE THEM (12)
- THEY CRIED OUT TO GOD; GOD SAVED / DELIVERED THEM (13-14)
- LET THEM GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS LOVING KINDNESS (15)
  - GOD HAS SHATTERED THE PRISONS (16)

CONCLUSION:

“THE SALT OF GRATTITUDE” by HERBERT VANDER LUGT

REFERENCES (page 1)

Introduction:

Thanksgiving: The Primary Worship Response Scott Aniol | November 23rd, 2017

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln established an annual national holiday of Thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday in November. Most of us look forward to this holiday, a day on which we eat good food, enjoy time with family and friends, and perhaps watch some football. And we will probably set aside at least a little time to thank the Lord.

We all likely recognize the importance of being thankful. We tell our kids to say “Thank you” when they are given something, and we generally try to be grateful ourselves.

But how many of us really see gratitude as an important part of our worship? How many of us consider thankfulness to be a truly significant expression we offer to God? If I were to ask most Christians what kinds of expressions of worship bring God the most glory, I would probably hear things like praise, love, and joy more than I would hear gratitude.

However, I believe gratitude to be an extremely important—if not the most important—expression of worship toward God that brings ultimate glory to him.

Gratitude is a response to grace. God acts in grace, and we respond in gratitude. We see this is 2 Corinthians 4:15:

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

In particular, gratitude is a response of our affections toward God. It is very similar in many ways to responding with love toward God or joy or praise. These are spiritual affections with which we respond in worship toward God when he has shown favor toward us.

D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary (Background)

The psalmist is meditating upon one of the great ‘pilgrim’ feasts of the pre-exilic church (Ex. 23:14–19). He sees people come together from scattered locations and remembers that the promises to Abraham (Gn. 12:1–3; 18:18; 22:18; 28:14; Ps. 47:9), now focused in the house of David (Ps. 72:8–11), pledged a gathering from the whole world. Though for him—as for us (Rev. 7:9–17)—the realization is still future, yet every individual and every generation of the people of God can enjoy the reality of belonging to the gathered people, adoring the love which redeemed (1–2) and rescues (8, 15, 21, 31) and must ever be the focus of our thoughts (43). [1]

D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary (REDEEMING LOVE)
Throughout the psalm the love referred to is the committed, un-changing, loving determination of the Lord who will never give up those whom he has chosen for himself. This love expressed itself in redemption (2)—the work of the ‘next-of-kin’ who took as his own all the needs of his threatened kinsfolk, himself bearing their burdens and rescuing them from their dangers. [2]

Conclusion:

The Salt of Gratitude by Herbert Vander Lugt (ODB) October 9, 2000

A little boy said, “Salt is what spoils potatoes when it is left out.” Using the same kind of negative definition, we can say, “Gratitude is what spoils life when it is left out.”
A disposition of continual thankfulness comes from an unshakable confidence in God’s wisdom, power, and goodness no matter what our circumstances may be. People who possess the quality of gratitude may be poor in this world’s goods, but they are truly rich spiritually.
Some of the most grateful people I know have few material possessions and little money in their bank accounts. A character in one of Charles Dickens’ stories remarks, “My not knowing at one meal where I shall get the next is a great help to thankfulness.”[3]

Psalm 107:1-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

107 Oh (A)give thanks to the Lord, for (B)He is good,
For His loving kindness is everlasting.
2 Let (C)the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has (D)redeemed from the hand of the adversary
3 And (E)gathered from the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the [a]south.

4 They (F)wandered in the wilderness in a [b]desert region;
They did not find a way to [c]an inhabited (G)city.
5 They were hungry [d]and thirsty;
Their (H)soul fainted within them.
6 Then they (I)cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
7 He led them also by a [e](J)straight way,
To go to [f](K)an inhabited city.
8 (L)Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness,
And for His [g]wonders to the sons of men!
9 For He has (M)satisfied the [h]thirsty soul,
And the (N)hungry soul He has filled with what is good.

10 There were those who (O)dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
(P)Prisoners in [i]misery and [j]chains,
11 Because they had (Q)rebelled against the words of God
And (R)spurned the (S)counsel of the Most High.
12 Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;
They stumbled and there was (T)none to help.
13 Then they (U)cried out to the Lord in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He (V)brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death
And (W)broke their bands apart.
15 (X)Let them give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness,
And for His [k]wonders to the sons of men!
16 For He has (Y)shattered gates of bronze
And cut bars of iron asunder.

Cross references:

The Salt of Gratitude by Herbert Vander Lugt (Our Daily Bread)

October 9, 2000
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. —Psalm 105:1
A little boy said, “Salt is what spoils potatoes when it is left out.” Using the same kind of negative definition, we can say, “Gratitude is what spoils life when it is left out.”
A disposition of continual thankfulness comes from an unshakable confidence in God’s wisdom, power, and goodness no matter what our circumstances may be. People who possess the quality of gratitude may be poor in this world’s goods, but they are truly rich spiritually.
Some of the most grateful people I know have few material possessions and little money in their bank accounts. A character in one of Charles Dickens’ stories remarks, “My not knowing at one meal where I shall get the next is a great help to thankfulness.”
Riches, on the other hand, may be a handicap. A wealthy woman told her doctor that she was frustrated by a restless desire to accumulate more and more things. He replied, “These are the usual symptoms of too much ease in the home and too little gratitude in the heart.”
No matter what your circumstances, count your blessings. Psalm 105 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord! . . . Remember His marvelous works” (vv.1,5). The salt of gratitude helps to make all of life taste better.
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom His world rejoices. —Rinkart
A good attitude begins with gratitude to God.[4]

Thanksgiving: The Primary Worship Response

Scott Aniol | November 23rd, 2017 | 0 Comments
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln established an annual national holiday of Thanksgiving to be observed on the last Thursday in November. Most of us look forward to this holiday, a day on which we eat good food, enjoy time with family and friends, and perhaps watch some football. And we will probably set aside at least a little time to thank the Lord.
We all likely recognize the importance of being thankful. We tell our kids to say “Thank you” when they are given something, and we generally try to be grateful ourselves.
But how many of us really see gratitude as an important part of our worship? How many of us consider thankfulness to be a truly significant expression we offer to God? If I were to ask most Christians what kinds of expressions of worship bring God the most glory, I would probably hear things like praise, love, and joy more than I would hear gratitude.
However, I believe gratitude to be an extremely important—if not the most important—expression of worship toward God that brings ultimate glory to him.

For Grace

Gratitude is a response to grace. God acts in grace, and we respond in gratitude. We see this is 2 Corinthians 4:15:
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
In particular, gratitude is a response of our affections toward God. It is very similar in many ways to responding with love toward God or joy or praise. These are spiritual affections with which we respond in worship toward God when he has shown favor toward us.
But notice that Paul didn’t say that what brought God most glory was increase of love toward him as grace extends to more and more people or increase of joy or praise. Now God’s grace in our lives certainly does produce those affections, and God is certainly glorified when love and joy and praise toward him increase. But I believe that there is a particular reason Paul focuses on gratitude here instead of other affections.
You see all true spiritual affections have an object, and their object is always God.
This is why true spiritual affections are different from what we often mean when we talk about our feelings. Feelings are different than affections. Feelings often have no object; mere feelings wallow in themselves. When we experience mere feelings apart from spiritual affections, our focus is not on any object; our focus is purely on ourselves and the feelings themselves. We love the feeling of love; we delight in the feeling of joy.
So sometimes we just feel happy, and someone might ask, “Why are you happy?” And we reply, “O, I don’t know; No reason; I just feel happy.”
But that’s different from spiritual affections. Affections always have an object; they always have a reason.
The problem is that sometimes we use the same word to both describe an affection and a feeling.
For example, “love” could describe the affection we express towards a spouse, a child, or the Lord because we value them. This affection has an object and it is directed toward that object. This love is more about an inclination toward the object and a commitment we have toward that object that it is about a particular feeling. The feelings may come and go, but true love endures all things.
But the word “love” can also describe a warm feeling we have. And even though that feeling may result from a particular object, we tend to enjoy the feeling for itself rather than the object of the feeling. Love in this respect is something people fall in and out of. When the feeling passes away, we say that we are no longer “in love.”
What we describe as joy, or even praise, is very similar. We could mean an affection we have toward an object, or we would mean a mere feeling we enjoy for itself. Often, we mean both.
The thing about the affection of gratitude is that there really is no feeling we associate with it. I mean, think about it: what is the “feeling” of gratitude? And, by definition, gratitude always has an object. The object is always the focus of gratitude.
So you might say, “I just feel happy, but I really don’t have any particular reason.”
But you would never say that about gratitude. If you “feel” grateful, there is always a reason. You always feel grateful toward someone because of something they did for you or something they gave you or simply because of who they are.
With this understanding we are beginning to see why Paul would choose the affection of gratitude as that which connects God’s grace to his glory instead of something like love or joy or praise. But before we develop that further, I want to look at two more ways gratitude is different than other affections.
Unlike most other feelings, gratitude isn’t something you can artificially work up through external means.
If you feel sad, you can work up happiness through something external like upbeat music or funny entertainment. In that case there really is no object of the happiness; you just feel happy because the music or the entertainment made you feel happy. We do this regularly in our lives.
But how do you work up gratitude? You can’t really. It has to have a reason; it has to have an object. That distinguishes gratitude from just about every other kind of affection.
Finally, remember that we are talking about affection that we give to God in response to his gracious gift to us. Now it is true that getting a gift from someone often produces in us other kinds of emotions like joy, but isn’t it often the case that when that happens, we direct the joy toward the gift instead of the giver? When someone gives us something, we often are filled with happiness, but sometimes we’re mostly happy about the gift rather than the one who has given us the gift.
This is even often true with the gift of salvation, unfortunately. God gives us the gracious gift of free forgiveness from sin, and we are happy about that, but often we are mostly happy that we don’t have to go to Hell, or we’re happy that we get to spend eternity in heaven, then we are actually happy in God.
Gratitude never works this way. We could never direct gratitude toward a gift. By definition, by essence, gratitude is directed toward the giver.

For Glory

So the reason I believe that gratitude as the best link between grace and glory is that while love or joy or praise could certainly be directed toward God as a result of his grace toward us, many times what we call love or joy or praise are actually mere feelings that are more about us or the gift than the one who showed grace toward us.
And in the case of the religious affection of gratitude, the very nature of the biblical term in 2 Corinthians 4:15 makes clear that the biblical affection of gratitude is always produced by grace in our lives. The Greek word for “grace” is charis. The Greek term for “thanksgiving” in the text is eucharistia. The idea of grace is baked right into the idea of thanksgiving in the text, and the original readers of this letter would have immediately recognized the parallel that Paul is making here. “So that as charis extends to more and more people it may increase eucharistian.” That’s why I’ve been using the term “gratitude” rather than “thanksgiving”—it better resembles the parallel between gratitude and grace that exists in the Greek between charis and eucharistia. “So that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase gratitude.”
Grace produces gratitude, and it increases, according to 2 Corinthians 4:15, in direct proportion to how undeserved the gift is. The more ill-deserved favor, the more gratitude.
This is why true gratitude always glorifies the giver. Gratitude is always humble, because we are acknowledging that we do not deserve the gift. If we think we deserve the gift, we’re not thankful. If I pay for a dinner at a restaurant, I’m not really thankful because it’s not an act of grace that the waiter gave us food.
And yet, we do often say, “thank you” to waiters when they bring us our food, don’t we? Why do we do that? Why do we say thank you, even if we really do deserve what we are receiving?
We say thank you because we instinctively know that genuine gratitude is an expression of humility. We are trying to show respect and honor toward the waiter even though we paid for the meal.
This is why true and genuine gratitude always glorifies God. If God shows grace toward us, and we are truly grateful, that gratitude inherently has God as its object, and it inherently acknowledges that we are undeserving of the gift. This glorifies God.
Attempting to love God or joy in God—which we should do of course, by the way—often results in narcissistic indulgence wherein we love the feeling of love or joy rather than God.
But gratitude never works that way. By definition and essence, gratitude is a humble acknowledgement of our unworthiness to receive the gift and a profound exaltation of the giver.
God said in Psalm 50:23, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me.”
We often think of praise or joy or love as the ultimate expressions of worship toward God. We expect that true worship will be characterized by intense emotion and heightened praise and excited joy.
But really, the affection most associated in Scripture with worship is actually something perhaps less flashy, less viscerally intense, and less directly connected to particular feelings; the affection most associated in the Bible with worship is thanksgiving.
Listen to how God characterizes Christian worship at the end of Hebrews 12:
Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
In fact, many times in the Old Testament when translators use the word “praise,” the term they are translating is actually a word that has less to do with excited feelings and more to do with humble gratitude. So sometimes they translate it “praise,” and even more often they translate the same Hebrew term “thanks.” And when a term is used that explicitly means praise, it is often accompanied by the term “thanksgiving” as well.
Let me give you just a brief sampling of texts that connect the grace of forgiveness from sin with expressions of thanksgiving as we close:
Psalm 26:6 “I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.”
Psalm 42:4 “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.”
Psalm 69:30: “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 95:2 “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise.”
Psalm 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name.”
Psalm 107:22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
Psalm 116:17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.
Psalm 147:7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre!
Jeremiah 30:19 Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving and the voices of those who celebrate.
Jonah 2:9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!
Salvation does indeed belong to the Lord. It is his to give, and we are ill deserving of any forgiveness.
And yet, in Christ our sins are forgiven.
The Lord be thanked!

About Scott Aniol

Scott Aniol is the founder and Executive Director of Religious Affections Ministries. He is Chair of the Worship Ministry Department at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses in ministry, worship, hymnology, aesthetics, culture, and philosophy. He is the author of Worship in Song: A Biblical Approach to Music and Worship, Sound Worship: A Guide to Making Musical Choices in a Noisy World, and By the Waters of Babylon: Worship in a Post-Christian Culture, and speaks around the country in churches and conferences. He is an elder in his church in Fort Worth, TX where he resides with his wife and four children. Views posted here are his own and not necessarily those of his employer.

[1] D. A. Carson et al., eds., New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 556–558.

[2] D. A. Carson et al., eds., New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 556–558.

[3] https://odb.org/2000/10/09/the-salt-of-gratitude/

[4] https://odb.org/2000/10/09/the-salt-of-gratitude/

The Harvest of Thanksgiving: The Attitude

Will Fortier — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Migrated Media Library

Five Steps to Eternal Hope

Five Steps to Eternal Hope

Pros and Cons of Stress: Rewards

The Furnace of Affliction: Rejection of Purity

The Furnace of Affliction: Heat of Impurity

The Furnace of Affliction: Persistent Impurity

INTRODUCTION: HIDDEN SIN (PART I)

Psalm 139:1-12 New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man

Hosea 6:4-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Furnace of Affliction: Potential Purity

INTRODUCTION: HITTING THE BOTTOM

Isaiah 55:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)

An Invitation to Abundant Life

2 Corinthians 4:7-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Cast Down but Unconquered

1 Corinthians 15:4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah 55:10-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Hosea 1:10-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Cross references:

Missionaries to Papua, New Guinea

The Furnace of Affliction: Refining Process

Genesis 49:27 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jeremiah 17:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah 64:6-7 New King James Version (NKJV)

John 15:4-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

Philippians 4:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

Isaiah 55:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)

James 4:7-10 New King James Version (NKJV)

Humility Cures Worldliness

1 John 1:9 New King James Version (NKJV)

Hosea 5:8-15 New King James Version (NKJV)

Cross references:

The Hope to Carry Us Home

Membership, Our Vision

Church Membership: Our Mission

INTRODUCTION: S.M.E.A.C.

S.M.E.A.C.

John 14:26-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

John 14:15-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Jesus Promises Another Helper

John 16:6-8 New King James Version (NKJV)

1 Peter 4:7-11 New King James Version (NKJV)

Serving for God’s Glory

John 15:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

The True Vine

Galatians 5:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV)

Luke 10:26-28 New King James Version (NKJV)

Acts 1:4-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

4 Gathering them together, He commanded them (A)not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for (B)what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for (C)John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (D)not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, (E)is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which (F)the Father has fixed by His own authority;

8 but you will receive power (G)when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be (H)My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and (I)Samaria, and even to (J)the remotest part of the earth.”

Cross references:

A.Acts 1:4 : Luke 24:49

B.Acts 1:4 : John 14:16, 26; 15:26; Acts 2:33

C.Acts 1:5 : Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 11:16

D.Acts 1:5 : Acts 2:1-4

E.Acts 1:6 : Matt 17:11; Mark 9:12; Luke 17:20; 19:11

F.Acts 1:7 : Matt 24:36; Mark 13:32

G.Acts 1:8 : Acts 2:1-4

H.Acts 1:8 : Luke 24:48; John 15:27

I.Acts 1:8 : Acts 8:1, 5, 14

J.Acts 1:8 : Matt 28:19; Mark 16:15; Rom 10:18; Col 1:23

Church Membership: Who We Are

INTRODUCTION: UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT – JOE STOWELL

Church Membership: What We Believe

INTRODUCTION: A DEADLY VIRUS IN THE CHURCH (2 TIM 4:1-4)

2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Timothy 4:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

Preach the Word

John 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

Romans 6:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

Romans 15:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version (NKJV)

2 Peter 1:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

Matthew 7:24-27 New King James Version (NKJV)

Build on the Rock

2 Timothy 3:10-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

16 (S)All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that (T)the man of God may be adequate, (U)equipped for every good work.

⁶So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, ⁽^E⁾is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which ⁽^F⁾the Father has fixed by His own authority;

⁸but you will receive power ⁽^G⁾when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be ⁽^H⁾My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and ⁽^I⁾Samaria, and even to ⁽^J⁾the remotest part of the earth.”

^16 (^S⁾All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷so that ⁽^T⁾the man of God may be adequate, ⁽^U⁾equipped for every good work.