Born Again Christians Owing Nothing

Bible In A Minute

2012-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Psalm 42

2012-03-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Psalmist realizes God is his strength and all that he has,while still feeling so forgotten by the Lord.
Yet the Psalmist yearns for the Lord and cries out for the Savior to rescue him from his enemies.

Describe a time when you felt like the psalmist of these verses. What was your relationship with God like during that time?

Psalm 42^[a]^[b]

For the director of music. A maskil^[c] of the Sons of Korah.
¹ As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
³ My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
⁴ These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One^[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.
⁵ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
⁶ My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
⁷ Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
⁸ By day the LORD directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
⁹ I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
¹⁰ My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
¹¹ Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

The G.O.S.P.E.L propaganda

2012-03-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

Last Class- Colossians 2:8-15

2012-02-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Choosing Fullness Over Emptiness
Don't fall into the three clues listed in the scripture below that lead to false teachings. Choose the fullness of Christ. -Colossians 2:10

Vain deceit
rudiments of this world
traditions of men

Colossians 2:8-15

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ.
⁹ For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. ¹¹ In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[b] was put off when you were circumcised by^[c] Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
¹³ When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, ¹⁴ having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.^[e

Spokenword - on religion

2012-01-25T08:07:00.001-08:00

Caedman's Call - Share The Well

2012-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

Last Class - God Values Us - Psalm 139:1-18

2012-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139:1-18

1 You have searched me, LORD,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, LORD, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

DC Talk- In the Light

2012-01-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Eliminate Excess- Clothe Yourself with Christ

2012-01-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

We studied scriptures Romans 13:12-14
¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

What change would you like to see in your life this year?
What actions, thoughts and attitudes from 2011 should you carry foward into 2012?

Death Destroyed

2012-01-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Death Destroyed!

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December 24, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? —1 Corinthians 15:55

Bible in a year:
Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15

Medical researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, a clue to the mystery of Alzheimer’s, and ways to conquer a host of other debilitating diseases. But what if you awoke to headlines saying DEATH DESTROYED! Would you believe it? Could you believe it?

The New Testament proclaims that for the believer in Christ, deathhas been destroyed—reduced to inactivity—rendered incapable of doing what it once did. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54).

This good news is for everyone who will receive it—just as the angel told the shepherds when Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end for death. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).

That is why we celebrate Christmas!

Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. —Wesley

The birth of Christ brought God to man;
the cross of Christ brings man to God.

Wise Faith- One man's fear is another man's worship.

2011-12-20T08:34:00.000-08:00

Matthew 2:1-6

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

³ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

⁶ “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’^[b]”

While the wise men searched out the Savior to worship Him, King Herod was afraid of losing his reign and kingdom so he sought out the Savior to kill Him. King Herods' fear kept him from seeing the awesomeness of the Savior.

What do you think motivated the wise men to journey so far from home to investigate another religion's Messiah?
As we look at the two different responses from the two different people groups, King Herod and the Wise Men, you must ask yourself this Christmas what will be your response to the Savior? Will you worship Him or run in fear?

Seek First Media- Christmas Video- click the link

2011-12-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

http://www.seekfirstmedia.com/Videos/familytalk-the-christmas-card/

The Digital Nativity Story

2011-12-14T07:08:00.000-08:00

Last class -Scripture reference

2011-11-30T18:01:00.000-08:00

Dueteronomy 32:1-4

1. Pay attention, heavens, and I will speak; listen, earth, to the words of my mouth. 2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants. 3 For I will proclaim Yahweh's name. Declare the greatness of our God! 4 The Rock--His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.

Last Class

2011-11-30T17:54:00.000-08:00

What is the biblical evidence for original sin?

January 23, 2006| by Matt Perman| Topic: Imputed & Original Sin

There are several lines of biblical evidence for the historic Christian doctrine that we are all born into the world with sinful natures, due to the sin of Adam.
Scripture says that we are born sinners and that we are by nature sinners
Psalm 51:5 states that we all come into the world as sinners: "Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me." Ephesians 2:2 says that all people who are not in Christ are "sons of disobedience." Ephesians 2:3 also establishes this, saying that we are all "by nature children of wrath." If we are all "by nature children of wrath," it can only be because we are all by nature sinners--for God does not direct His wrath towards those who are not guilty. God did not create the human race sinful, but upright. But we fell into sin and became sinful due to the sin of Adam.
Scripture speaks of humans as unrighteous from infancy
There are also verses which declare that we are all unrighteous from the time that we are born. Proverbs 22:15 says "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child." Genesis 8:21 declares, "...the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth." Jonathon Edwards, in his classic work The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended, remarks that on this verse: "The word translated youth, signifies the whole of the former part of the age of man, which commences from the beginning of life. The word in its derivation, has reference to the birth or beginning of existence...so that the word here translated youth, comprehends not only what we in English most commonly call the time of youth, but also childhood and infancy."
Humanity is Often Described in General Terms as Unrighteous
Unrighteousness is often spoken of in Scripture as something belonging to the human race as a whole.This implies that it is the property of our species. In other words, sinfulness is considered a property of human nature after the fall. Thus, it must be concluded that we are all born sinners, since we are all born human and sin is regarded as a property of humanity. In this vein, considerEphesians 2:1-3:

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Paul is here reminding Christians of what they were like before their conversion to Christ ("you were dead in your trespasses...in which you formerly walked"). Thus, all people, until and unless they are converted, are sinners. Paul goes on to make it absolutely clear that all Christians came from this state ("...we to all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh") and that all non-Christians are still in this state ("...and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.") Thus, Scripture regards all people before they are saved by Christ as sinners and thus deserving of punishment from God. Which is to say that from the inception of our existence, we are sinful.
In Psalm 14:2, 3 we read: "The Lord has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." Here again we see unrighteousness as a property of the human race: "they have all turned aside...there is no one who does good."
Job 15:14 similarly declares that sinfulness is a property of humanity: "What is man, that he should be pure, or he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?" Verses 15-16 then speaks of the human race as a whole in shocking terms expressing our general corruption: "Behold, He puts no trust in His holy ones, And the heavens are not pure in His sight; How much less one who is detestable and corrupt, Man, who drinks iniquity like water!"
Jeremiah 17:9 says that "the heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it." This seems to assume original sin--wickedness is a property of the human heart.Ecclesiastes 9:3 declares a similar truth: "...the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts through their lives." Again, the human heart is sinful, and therefore all humans are sinful.
These texts indicate, then, that human nature is corrupt. Therefore, even infants are corrupt because they are human. And if infants are corrupt, then this is the same as saying that we are born corrupt--which means we are born with original sin. One may, however, object that these texts speak nothing of infants, only those who are old enough to make moral decisions. All of those people are sinful, but this doesn't mean that infants are.
This is an ingenious objection, but it does not succeed. First, the texts do not seem to restrict themselves to people who are old enough to make intelligent decisions. They seem to speak of human nature as a whole, a classification under which infants certainly fall. Second, as Jonathan Edwards pointed out, "..this would not alter the case...For if all mankind, as soon as ever they are capable of reflecting, and knowing their own moral state, find themselves wicked, this proves that they are wicked by nature."
In other words, even if these verses were only speaking of people old enough to mentally understand sin, they would still be teaching original sin. For on that view, these verses would be saying that all people, as soon as they know good from evil, find themselves sinners. But if all people, as soon as they are capable of moral decisions, find themselves sinners, this proves that they are that way by nature.
Third, Edwards also says, "why should man be so continually spoken of as evil, carnal, perverse, deceitful, and desperately wicked, if all men are by nature as perfectly innocent, and free form any propensity to evil, as Adam was the first moment of his creation?" (Edwards, The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin, 188).
Infants die, therefore they are not innocent
Death--both physical and spiritual--is a result of sin (Romans 5:12; 6:23). Thus, death only comes upon those who have sinned. Since infants die, they therefore must be sinners. It could be objected that Christ was sinless, and yet He died. But He willingly gave up His life, and He did it to conquer the curse of death that we were under. In fact, God imputed to Christ our sins on the cross, and Christ died in punishment of those sins.
If humanity is not born in sin, wouldn't we expect there to be some people who have "beaten the odds" and never sinned?
If we are born innocent and good, why aren't there at least some people who have continued in this state and remained sinless? The fact that everybody sins needs some explanation. The best explanation is that we are sinners by nature. Someone might argue that the reason all people sin is because society is sinful, and thus society renders it impossible for anybody to keep themselves entirely pure. But that only pushes the question back one step. How did society get sinful in the first place? If people are born morally good, then how did it come about that they congregated into socities that influence all people to sin?

Mikeschair-Someone worth dying for

2011-11-30T17:28:00.001-08:00

TOO BUSY TO KNOW GOD?

2011-11-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

    One day when I was waiting to board a plane, a stranger who had overheard me mention that I was a chaplain began to describe to me his life before he met Christ. He said it was marked by "sin and self-absorption. Then I met Jesus."
    I listened with interest to a list of changes he had made to his life and good deeds he had done. But because everything he told me was about his busyness for God and not his fellowship with God, I wasn't surprised when he added, "Frankly, chaplain, I thought I'd feel better about myself now."
    I think the New Testament character Martha would have understood that stranger's observation. Having invited Jesus to be guest at her home, she set about doing what she thought were the important things. But this meant she couldn't focus on Jesus. Because Mary wasn't helping, Martha felt justified asking Jesus to chide with her. It's a mistake many of us make: We're so busy doing good that we don't spend time getting to know God better.
    My advice to my new airplane friend came from the core of Jesus' words to Martha in Luke 10:41-42. I said to him: "Slow down and invest yourself in knowing God; let his Word reveal Himself to you." If we're too busy to spend time with God, we're simply too busy. - Randy Kilgore

Bridge to Life

2011-11-19T17:46:00.001-08:00

Mark 5:1-3-13a, 15-20

2011-10-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Authority Over Darkness (Mark 5:1-3,6-13a)

When Jesus healed the demon possessed man that no man could contain, many wanted Jesus to leave the city but the miracle pointed folks attention to the fact that Jesus possessed the power to heal and that Jesus possessed authority over all demonic activity and principalities of the dark world.

The God of Second Chances ( Mark 5:15-17)

The healing of the demon possessed man gave him a second chance at a new life. A life that was not controlled by demons and demonic activity but a life free in the new liberty that Christ affords for those who come to Him. Those that need a healing and are willing to leave behind the old way of life to walk in the newness of life.

A Story to Tell (Mark 5:18-20)

Once Jesus healed the demon possessed man and a legion of spirits were cast out into the herd of swine the demon possessed man was free to go and tell his amazing story to others about how the Savior of the world had changed his life! Everyone in the village near by was shocked and amazed when they saw the man sitting in his right mind peaceful. The miracle was a testament to the fact that Jesus is a healer and that only one true God possessed such an authority. Now it was time for the man that was healed to go and share what Jesus had done for him.

Class questions

Do religious people automatically gain an advantage over the adversary during times of spiritual warfare? Why or why not?

What can we assume of the efforts of believers and churches? Explain.

Last class-Hope ressurected

2011-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Luke 7:1-17

Who are the outcasts in our society?

Do we have a responsibility to go out of our way to reach outcasts? why or why not?

Jesus invites us to join him in our mission to save the world. So often, we're bound by the box we believe God should fit in and our own unwillingness to believe that Jesus is as radical today as He was 2.000 years ago. If He appeared in the flesh today, a large segment of the world would still want to minimize Him, and persecute Him. No wonder so few people choose to be as radical as their Savior. No wonder it's so easy to ignore His message. Heeding the call to be a Christ-follower will wreck your life. But, oh the places you will go, and, oh, the adventures you'll have! Take up the challenge, and see where He leads you.

THE GOD WE WORSHIP GETS INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN THE LIVES OF HIS PEOPLE.

2011-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” - John 7:38

Live In the overflow of the abundance of Christ!

Last Bible Class-Glory Displayed

2011-10-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

John 1:1-12

JESUS' first miracle of turning water into wine revealed His glory and all that His glory has to offer.

Scripture John 2:11
Jesus performed this first sign in Cana of Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

The empty water jars that Jesus filled with wine represent the emptiness of Israel. When Jesus came to fill the jars of water with wine it represented the type of life that Jesus wants all of us to have. A life with joy and abundance of purpose. A life of undefiled blessing. The miracle pointed their gaze not toward the miracle or the Miracle Maker, but toward the fullness of a life given over to the savior. Just as the jars of warer were filled with the best wine, let us hand our lives over to the savior so that they can become full of what JESUS has to offer.

A life that is filled with abundance and joy. A joy that is unspeakable and that is uncircumstantial and joy that cannot be moved by what ever your day has to offer because joy is not happiness it is a completeness! A knowing that whatever happens God has everything under control and that since God is for us who can be against us!

Romans 8:31

New International Version (NIV)

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

COURAGEOUS Movie Trailer

2011-09-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Serve

2011-09-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:3-5
³ For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ⁴ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

What spiritual gifts has God given you to use?

Does using your spiritual gift measure your spiritual growth?

Last Class - The Abundant Life

2011-09-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Choose your own adventure - 2 Timothy 3

¹ But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

⁶ They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Fall 2011 @Lifeway

Switchfoot - "Dark Horses"

2011-08-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Switchfoot

"Dark Horses"

If you look up the phrase dark horse in Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, here's the first definition you'll find: "A usually little known contender (such as a racehorse) that makes an unexpectedly good showing, or an entrant in a contest that is judged unlikely to succeed." In the spirit of that definition, the lead single from Switchfoot's eighth studio album, Vice Verses, is a straight-up anthem for the underdogs of the world—no more, no less.

Frontman Jon Foreman understands that life has no shortage of knocks, sometimes hard ones. "I've made my mistakes," he sings in the opening verse. "I've seen my heart cave in/I've got my scars/I've been to hell and back again."

Whereas many alt-rock bands might use that jumping off point to justify dwelling in the angsty darkness, Switchfoot, in contrast, immediately, um, switches things up with what comes next. Namely, the recognition that the sun will eventually shrug off the darkness: "Born for the blue skies/We'll survive the rain/Born for the sunrise/We'll survive the pain."

More of that kind of determined optimism shines through the song's fiercely anthemic chorus, as Foreman and Co. vow, "Hey, you can't count us out/ … Wait, it's not over now/We've been down, but we've never been out/Yeah, we are the dark horses."

In an interview with Adrian Hummel (at adrianhummel.com) in late June, Foreman talked about his inspiration for that message. "For me the true underdogs are the people who didn't chose their situation, but are rising above it. For me that song the 'Dark Horses' is all about the homeless kids back in San Diego, specifically the ones who are being helped out by [the nonprofit organization] StandUp For Kids. It's always nice when you have a song you are passionate about singing night after night that has a deeper meaning than simply another verse and another chorus."

And it's also nice that sometimes deep doesn't have to mean complicated. We can all easily relate to and we can all benefit from "Dark Horses."

© 2011, Focus on the Family • Privacy/Terms • (800) A-FAMILY
'Shining a Light on the World of Popular Entertainment' is a service mark
and 'Plugged In' is a trademark of Focus on the Family

The Problem with Criticism {JAMES 4:11-12}-Last class -Bible study topic

2011-08-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

James 4:11-12

¹¹ Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister^[a] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

What do you categorize as criticizing, judging speech?

James warned against engaging in criticism because it directly contradicts God's command to love one another (v.11) and the right to judge belongs to God alone (v.12).

Why do we sometimes think we have the right to judge?

The criticisms James referenced aren't helpful suggestions or thoughtful admonitions offered in love. He warned against harsh criticisms of fellow believers stemming from judgmental, unkind attitudes.

Why are we quick to engage in fault-finding? What's at the heart of that tendency?
What attitudes or behaviors are you most likely to criticize in others?
When we criticize other believers, how does that affect our relationship with them?

-Excerpt taken from p. 102 of Lifeway student guide

An Obstacle Inventory

2011-08-24T13:42:00.001-07:00

Fault-finding is a popular pastime, and unfortunately a lot of us find it’s easy to join the fun. Concentrating on the warts of others is a great way to feel better about ourselves. And that’s just the problem. Avoiding the faults that need to be fixed in our own lives not only stunts our spiritual growth but also obstructs God’s work through us. God’s effectiveness through our lives is enhanced or hindered by the way we live.

It’s no wonder, then, that Paul made a concerted effort to “put no obstacle in anyone’s way” (2 Cor. 6:3 ESV). For him there was nothing more important than his usefulness for Christ in the lives of others. Anything that got in the way of that was dispensable.

If you want to be authentic and useful for God, take an obstacle inventory. Sometimes obstacles are things that in and of themselves may be legitimate, yet in certain contexts may be inappropriate. But sin is clearly obstructive to others. Gossip, slander, boasting, bitterness, greed, abuse, anger, selfishness, and revenge all close the hearts of those around us to the message of God through us.

So, replace your faults with the winsome ways of Jesus. That will enable others to see your “no-fault” Savior more clearly.

Wherever I am, whatever I do,
O God, please help me to live
In a way that makes me credible
As your representative. —Egner

Followers of Jesus are most effective
when attitudes and actions are aligned with His.

"Start Somewhere" by TobyMac

2011-08-15T17:29:00.001-07:00

Forgiveness

2011-08-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:12-13

Therefore, God's chosen ones, holy and loved,

put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another.

Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive

Last Class

2011-08-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Galatians 3:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[a]

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2 Corinthians 4:8-10

New International Version (NIV)

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

Comedy - Uncomfortable At Bible Group

2011-08-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Summer Olympics 2011

2011-08-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

2801 Belair Drive

Bowie, MD 20715-2155
(301) 262-0578
Ages 18-35 are welcome

Cowboys & Aliens Plugged In Online Movie Reviews

2011-07-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

Spontaneous Baptisms

2011-07-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

Oswald Chambers - Liberty and the Standards of Jesus

2011-07-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free . . . —Galatians 5:1

A spiritually-minded person will never come to you with the demand—”Believe this and that”; a spiritually-minded person will demand that you align your life with the standards of Jesus. We are not asked to believe the Bible, but to believe the One whom the Bible reveals (see John 5:39-40). We are called to present liberty for the conscience of others, not to bring them liberty for their thoughts and opinions. And if we ourselves are free with the liberty of Christ, others will be brought into that same liberty— the liberty that comes from realizing the absolute control and authority of Jesus Christ.
Always measure your life solely by the standards of Jesus. Submit yourself to His yoke, and His alone; and always be careful never to place a yoke on others that is not of Jesus Christ. It takes God a long time to get us to stop thinking that unless everyone sees things exactly as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God’s view. There is only one true liberty— the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right.
Don’t get impatient with others. Remember how God dealt with you— with patience and with gentleness. But never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, “Go . . . and make disciples. . .” (Matthew 28:19), not, “Make converts to your own thoughts and opinions.”

Remedy by Rachael Lampa

2011-07-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

Story Behind "Hold Me Together"- Royal Taylor

2011-07-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

The full "Hold Me Together" video is posted at the bottom of the page.

A young teacher demonstrates unconditional love.

2011-07-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Lindsay

K-Love -The City Harmonics

2011-06-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from last class

2011-06-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

Galatians 3:11

¹¹ Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”^[a]

Hebrews 11

Faith in Action

¹ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for. ³ By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
⁴ By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
⁵ By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”^[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
⁷ By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
⁸ By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹ By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ¹¹ And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she^[b] considered him faithful who had made the promise. ¹² And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. ¹⁴ People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
¹⁷ By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, ¹⁸ even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”^[c] ¹⁹ Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
²⁰ By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
²¹ By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
²² By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones.
²³ By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
²⁴ By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. ²⁵ He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. ²⁶ He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. ²⁷ By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. ²⁸ By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
²⁹ By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
³⁰ By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
³¹ By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.^[d]
³² And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, ³³ who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. ³⁵ Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. ³⁶ Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. ³⁷ They were put to death by stoning;^[e] they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸ the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.
³⁹ These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

¹ You have searched me, LORD,
   and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
   you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
   you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
   you, LORD, know it completely.
⁵ You hem me in behind and before,
   and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
   too lofty for me to attain.

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
   Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
   if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
   your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
   and the light become night around me,”
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
   the night will shine like the day,
   for darkness is as light to you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts,^[a] God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you.

¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
   Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
   your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD,
   and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
   I count them my enemies.
²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
   test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting.

Praying Jesus

2011-06-24T17:09:00.001-07:00

Since Jesus prayed so can YOU! Luke 22:39-41

Jeremy Camp- The Way

2011-06-17T08:46:00.001-07:00

A Joyful toon by Mike Waters

2011-06-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Christian Cartoons -Solomon

2011-06-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Rahab

2011-06-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

Her Sin

Three times over Rahab is referred to as "the harlot," and the Hebrew term zoonah and the Greek word porne have at no time meant anything else but "harlot" - a woman who yields herself indiscriminately to every man approaching her. Rahab indulged in venal wantonness as traveling merchants came her way and were housed in her illfamed abode. Evidently Rahab had her own house and lived apart from her parents and family. Although she never lost her concern for her dear ones, perhaps she was treated as a moral leper. We are told that prostitution was not regarded with the same horror then, as now, but the Bible with one voice speaks of harlotry with moral revulsion and social ostracism.

Rahab's house was built against the town wall with the roof almost level with the ramparts, and with a stairway leading up to a flat roof that appears to be a continuation of the wall. Thus, the people of Jericho knew all about the men who entered and left such a disreputable house. While her name came to be sanctified and ennobled, both Paul and James affix the label to her name, Rahab the harlot . She still carried the evil, distinguishing name, thus declaring the peculiar grace of the transforming power of God. How Rahab came to forsake her evil career we are not told! Like many a young girl today perhaps she found the restrictions of her respectable home too irk-some. She wanted a freer life, a life of thrill and excitement, away from the drab monotony of the home giving her birth and protection. So, high-spirited and independent she left her parents, set up her own apartment with dire consequences. Frequently women like Rahab are more often sinned against than sinners. Man's lust for the unlawful is responsible for harlotry.

Her Scheme

It was from some of the travelers Rahab entertained and sinned with, that she came to learn the facts of the Exodus of Israel, the miracle of the Red Sea, and the overthrow of Sihon and Og. So, when the two spies from Joshua sought cover in her house, she knew that sooner or later the king of Jericho would get to know of the accommodation she gave them. Here were two men, different from other men who came seeking her favors. These were men of God, not idolaters, bent on one mission, namely, the overthrow of the enemies of His people, and brilliantly she planned their protection and escape. The flax that she spread on her roof and the scarlet cord she used as a sign indicated that Rahab manufactured linen and also dyed it. If only, like Lydia, she had kept to such an honorable occupation, what a different story would have been hers.

Rahab's skillful scheme succeeded. The two Jewish spies were in desperate straits, seeing the Amorite pursuers were hot on their trail, but Rahab, although her safety and patriotism as an Amorite would be assured if she informed against the spies, decided to hide and preserve them. Seeing their hunted and dreaded look, Rahab assuredly said, "Fear not, I will not betray you nor your leader. Follow me," and taking them up to the flat roof of her house, bade the men cover themselves completely with a pile of flax lying there to dry. Shortly after, when the pursuers had tracked the two spies to Rahab's house, she met them with a plausible excuse that they were there but had left by way of the Eastern Gate. If they doubted her word, they could come in and search her house. But off the pursuers went to catch up with their prey, not knowing that the spies were being befriended by Rahab. As soon as the way was clear, under cover of night, she let the spies down from the window in the wall and, knowing the country, guided the spies in the best way to escape capture.

There are one or two features associated with this clever plan of Rahab which are worthy of notice. First of all, idolater though she had been, with a phase of immorality associated with her idolatrous life, she witnessed to a remarkable understanding of the sovereignty of the true God for she said to the spies -

I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us.... The Lord, your God he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath ( Joshua 2:9-11).

Harlot though Rahab had been, intuition from above had been given her that the spies were men of God, the forerunners of His people who were to execute His will, and that to take sides with them was to take sides with God Himself.

Further, there was in Rahab's mind, no matter how faintly understood, a distinct call from God, that she was being singled out from her own idolatrous people to aid the God she had a growing conception of. Her faith of this God who worked great wonders was altogether marvelous and singular. It was such a call that made her willing to sacrifice her own nation - an act which would have been otherwise treasonable. Does not her confession of God's power and purpose, and her service for the spies indicate that she knew the race of which she was part was accursed of God for its crimes and idolatry, and that she wished to be separated from such a doomed people, and identified with the people of God? The declaration of faith given by this Canaanite woman places her in a unique position among the women of the Bible.

Her Sacrifice

When Rahab hid the spies, put those who sought them on a false trail and helped the spies to escape and melt away into the shadows of night, and lay concealed until they could reach Joshua with their report, she took her life in her own hands. We cannot but admire her courage and willingness to risk her own neck. Had those spies been discovered hiding in her house, she would have died at the hands of the king of Jericho. Yet with a calm demeanor, and without the slightest trace of inner agitation, she met the searchers and succeeded in setting them out on a false trail. By her act Rahab was actually betraying her own country, and for such treason certain death would have been hers had she been found out. To hide spies was a crime punishable with death. Seeing the faces of the spies filled with fear, Rahab assured their hearts that she was on their side, and in spite of the sacrifice involved said, "I will not betray you. Follow me!" By military law the spies were likewise liable to instant death because of the threat of war, and Rahab, willing to do all in her power to protect her nation's enemies, faced a like terrible end. How gloriously daring was her faith, and how richly rewarded she was for her willingness to sacrifice her life in a cause she knew to be of God!

Her Sign

As Rahab offered to shelter the spies and aid them in their escape, she received from them the promise that when they returned to her country, along with Joshua and his army, that she and her family would be spared alive. While her sin had possibly estranged her from her loved ones, she was concerned about their safety as well as her own. Rahab wanted the kindness she was showing the spies to be reciprocated, and they assured her that she would be dealt with "kindly and truly." The spies said, "Our life for yours if ye utter not this our business." Then the sign of the scarlet rope - their means of escape - was arranged. "According unto thy words, so be it," said Rahab as she let the spies down, and making fast the scarlet rope, she awaited her own deliverance. That red token at the window was likewise a signal to the outside world that Rahab believed in the ultimate triumph of Jehovah.

Much has been said of Rahab's deceit when confronted by the king of Jericho. She told a lie and Scripture forbids a lie or any "evil doing, that good may come of it" (Romans 3:7, 8 ). But under the rules of war, Rahab is not to be blamed for her protection of those righteous forces set against the forces of evil. What the Bible commends is not her deception, but the faith which was the mainspring of her conduct. The characteristic feature of the scarlet rope was that it had to be placed outside the window for Joshua and his men to see. Those inside did not see the token of security. As that scarlet line, because of its color and sign of safety, speaks of the sacrificial work of Christ (Hebrews 9:19, 22), the ground of our assurance of salvation is not experience or feelings within, but the token without. Like the Israelites, Rahab and her relatives might not have felt safe within the house, but the same promise prevailed, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13).

Her Salvation

Jericho was the worst of the cities of the Amorites, thus God commanded Joshua to destroy both the city and the inhabitants. By divine decree, it was to be given over to a perpetual desolation. When Joshua entered the city he set about the execution of the divine command, but respected the promise made to Rahab by the spies. Under the protection of the scarlet line, Rahab and all her kindred were brought out of the house. The spies came to her house, not to indulge in sin with Rahab, but to prepare the way for Joshua to take Jericho. She saved the spies not out of human pity, or because of expediency, but because she knew that they were servants of the Lord. In turn, she was saved. The spies she had hid brought her, and her father, her mother, her brothers, and all that she had out of her doomed house, and made them secure without the camp of Israel (Joshua 6:17-25). Brought out of an accursed city, and from her own sins which were as scarlet, Rahab is a fitting illustration of another miracle of divine grace, namely, the calling forth of His church out of a godless, Gentile world.

Her Status

The threefold reference to Rahab in the New Testament reveals how she became a faithful follower of the Lord. She had been taken from the dunghill and placed among the saints in the genealogy of the Saviour (Matthew 1:5 where Rachab [kjv] and Rahab [asv ], are to be identified as the same person). Her remarkable faith was a sanctifying faith leading her to a pure life and honorable career. As the result of her marriage to Salmon, one of the two spies whom she had saved, who "paid back the life he owed her by a love that was honourable and true," Rahab became an ancestress in the royal line from which Jesus came as the Saviour of lost souls. "Poor Rahab, the muddy, the defiled, became the fountainhead of the River of the Water of Life which floweth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Her name became sanctified and ennobled, and is worthy of inclusion among many saints.

Paul highly commends Rahab for her energetic faith and gives her a place on the illustrious roll of the Old Testament of those who triumphed by faith. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she received the spies with peace" (Hebrews 11:31). What a suggestive touch that is, "with peace." There was not only faith in her heart that God would be victorious, but also an assured peace when she hid the spies that her deliverance from destruction would be taken care of. She knew the rest of faith. In fact, Rahab is the only woman besides Sarah who is designated as an example of faith in the great cloud of witnesses. What a manifestation of divine grace it is to find the one-time harlot ranked along with saints like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David!

The Apostle James adds to Paul's record about Rahab being justified by faith by saying that she was likewise justified by works (James 2:25 ), and there is no contradiction between these two aspects for Rahab's courageous deed was but faith in practice. Faith had wrought in her a change of heart and life, and it likewise enabled her to shield the spies as she did in the confidence God would triumph over His enemies. She exemplified her faith by her brave act, and so James quotes Rahab as exemplifying justification by works evidentially. As Fausset puts it -

Paul's justification by faith alone means a faith, not dead but working by love (Galatians 5:6 ). Again, Rahab's act cannot prove justification by works as such, for she was a woman of bad character. But as an example of grace, justifying through an operative as opposed to mere verbal faith, none could be more suitable than the saved "harlot." She believed, so as to act on her belief, what her countrymen disbelieved; and this in the face of every improbability that an unwarlike force would conquer a well armed one, far more numerous. She believed with the heart (Romans 10:9, 10), confessed with the mouth, and acted on her profession at the risk of her life.

In conclusion, what are the lessons to be gathered from the harlot whom God used to fulfill His purpose? First of all, we are reminded by Rahab's change of heart and life, that "His blood can make the vilest clean," and that "His blood avails for me." Was it not a wonderful condescension on the part of the Redeemer when He became manifest in the flesh to take hold of a root so humble in type as poor, despised Rahab to magnify His abounding grace for all sinners? Rahab was well worth saving from her evil life both for her own sake and for the place she had in God's plan. Other women in Jericho saw no beauty in Rahab that they should desire her company, but through faith she became one of God's heroines, and is included among the harlots entering the kingdom of God before the self-righteous. Rahab's sins had been scarlet, but the scarlet line freeing the spies, and remaining as a token of her safety, typified the red blood of Jesus whereby the worst of sinners can be saved from sin and hell (Matthew 21:31, 32). While the door of mercy stands ajar, the vilest sinner can return and know what it is to be saved and safe.

A further lesson to be gleaned from Rahab the harlot is that of deep concern for the salvation of others. With the shadow of death and destruction over Jericho, Rahab extracted a promise from Joshua's spies not only to spare her, but also all those bound to her by human ties. While her life of sin and shame had estranged her from her family, self was not her sole consideration in her request for safety. She desired all her loved ones to share in the preservation. What a vein of gold that was in such a despised character! When the mighty change took place in Rahab's life, and she was transformed from a whore into a worshiper of Jehovah, we are not told. As she received and hid the spies, her tribute to God's omnipotence and sure triumph over His foes reveals a spiritual insight God grants to all who believe. And restored to honor and holiness, the redeemed harlot pleads for her parents, and brothers, and sisters. Do we make Rahab's prayer for the salvation of her family, the cry for our own homes? Is ours the same passionate supplication for all of our dear ones that when death strikes they may be found sheltered by the atoning blood of the Redeemer? When at evening the sun goeth down, will our loved ones be as stars in our crown?

Rahab is likewise a poetic and symbolic name for Egypt ( Psalms 87:4; 89:10; Isaiah 51:9.

The practical lessons to be learned from the history of Hagar have been fittingly summarized by Dr. James Crichton in his article on Hagar in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia -

The life and experience of Hagar teach, among other truths, the temptations incident to a new position; the foolishness of hasty action in times of trial and difficulty; the care exercised over the lonely by the all-seeing God; the Divine purpose in the life of everyone, however obscure and friendless; how God works out His gracious purposes by seemingly harsh methods; and the strength, comfort and encouragement that ever accompany the hardest experiences of His children.

It only remains to be said that Paul uses the story of Hagar as an allegory to distinguish law from grace (Galatians 4:21-31 ). Hagar the bondwoman is contrasted with Sarah the freewoman, and Ishmael "born after the flesh" with Isaac "born through promise"; thence freedom and grace appear as the characteristic qualities of Christianity. Hagar represents the Old Covenant and Sarah the New Covenant which is superior to the Old with its ordinances. Under grace all within the household of faith live by faith, and Sarah represents "the Jerusalem that is above" - "our mother" (rv), which is the free spiritual city to which all children of the promise even now belong ( Philippians 3:21).

Trust - Poem

2011-05-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Trust

As I was sitting here listening to Christian radio

I started to hear the easy listening

I started to feel the freeness, the liberty!

Serving God is light,

It is only when we put the stresses of the world on us that we miss out on the peace that the Lord has to offer and then serving the Lord seems hard.

When we analyze

And try to figure things out

When we worry, fret and over think life that’s when we miss out on the peace that the Lord has to offer.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding

Christian Comedy- The Shallow Bible Study

2011-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Group 1 Crew- Devotional

2011-05-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Follow the link below to view a devotional from Manwell.
http://www.group1crew.com/content/imperfections?cmpid=052411fb

On This- National Day of Prayer-May 5, 2011

2011-05-05T08:20:00.000-07:00

Protected by Prayer
                        by Cheri Fuller

    The missionary rose and prepared to leave the campsite where he had spent the night en route to the city for medical supplies. He extinguished his small campfire, pulled on his canvas backpack, and hopped on his motorcycle to continue his ride through the African jungle. Every two weeks he made this two-day return trip.
When the missionary arrived in the city, he collected his money and medical supplies and was just about to leave for home when he saw two men fighting in the street. Since one of the men was seriously injured, the missionary stopped, treated him for his injures, and shared the love of Christ with him. Then the missionary began his two-day trek home, stopping in the jungle again to camp overnight.
Two weeks later, as was his custom, the missionary again made the journey to the city. As he ran his various errands, a young man approached him-the same man the missionary had ministered to during his previous trip. "I knew you carried money and medicine with you," the man said, "so my friends and I followed you to your campsite in the jungle after you helped me in the street. We planned to kill you and take all the money and drugs. But just as we were about to move in and attack you, we saw twenty-six armed guards surround and protect you."
"You must be mistaken." said the missionary. "I was all alone when I spent the night in the jungle. There were no guards or anyone else with me."
"But sir, I wasn't the only one who saw the guards. My five companions saw them, too. We counted them! There were twenty-six body-guards, too many for us to handle. Their presence stopped us from killing you."
Months later, the missionary related this story to the congregation gathered at his home church in Michigan. As he spoke, one of the men listening stood up and interrupted him to ask the exact day the incident in the jungle had occurred. When the missionary identified the specific month and day of the week, the man told him "the rest of the story."
"On the exact night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here in Michigan, and I was on the golf course. I was about to putt when I felt a strong urge to pray for you. The urge was so strong that I left the golf course and called some men of our church right here in this sanctuary to join me in praying for you. Would all you men who prayed with me that day stand up?"
      The missionary wasn't concerned with who the men were; he was too busy counting them, one by one. Finally he reached the last one. There were twenty-six men the exact number of "armed guards" the thwarted attacker had seen.

Third Day -Children of God

2011-04-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Scripture we discussed!

2011-04-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

James 1:19

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Ecclesiastes 7:9

⁹ Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit,
for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ephesians 4:26-27

²⁶Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

²⁷Neither give place to the devil.

James 3:3-8

³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Proverbs 16:9

⁹ In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.

As We Look to Easter

2011-04-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Suit Up : Our Daily Bread

2011-03-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Suit Up

March 19, 2011 — by Bill Crowder

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Ephesians 6:13-21

Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. —Ephesians 6:13

Bible in a year:
Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

When I played American football as a kid, one thing that took some getting used to was all the equipment we had to wear. Running effectively in a helmet, shoulder pads, and a variety of other protective items can feel awkward and clumsy at first. But over time the protective gear becomes like a familiar friend that provides welcome protection against serious injury. When a football player suits up, he knows that his equipment is designed to protect him in battle against a dangerous opponent.

As followers of Christ, we also face a dangerous foe—a spiritual enemy who seeks our downfall and destruction. Fortunately, our Lord has provided us with protection, and He challenges us to suit up for spiritual battle.

In Ephesians 6:13, we read, “Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Paul then describes our armor—helmet, breastplate, shield, sword, belt, and shoes. These pieces of spiritual equipment are effective only if we put them on and use them—even if they might feel uncomfortable at first. Faithfulness in the Word (v.17), in prayer (v.18), and in witness (vv.19-20) are critical to making our armor feel like a part of us. So suit up! The battle is on!

Be not weary, Christian warrior,
Buckle on thine armor tight;
Be ye strong and face the battle
In the power of His might. —Iler

God’s armor is tailor-made for you, but you must put it on.

Last Weeks Study Scripture

2011-03-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

Finally, be strong in the Lord,

and in the strength of His might.

Put on the full armor of God,

that you may be able to stand

firm against the schemes of the devil.
(Ephesians 6:10-11)

The Invisible War-Preview

2011-03-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hilarious Church Signs

2011-02-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Today's Bible Study Scripture

2011-02-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Hosea and Gomer

4 I led them with cords of human kindness,
   with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
   a little child to the cheek,
   and I bent down to feed them.
Hosea 11:4

When We Pray

2011-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

I Am Sin-IGNITERMEDIA.COM

2011-02-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

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

-Romans 6:23

A LIFESTYLE OF MEDITATION- Why should I develop a lifestyle of meditation?

2011-02-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

11. I have treasured Your word in my heart
so that I may not sin against You.
12.LORD, may You be praised;
teach me your statutes.
13. With my lips I proclaim
all the judgments from Your mouth.
14. I rejoice in the way revealed by Your decrees
as much as in all riches.
15. I will meditate on Your precepts
and think about Your ways.
16. I will delight in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word.

Good-O-Meter

2011-01-27T14:14:00.000-08:00

Failed Remedies & False Gods

2011-01-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

As a little girl, I longed for a daddy to pick me up, swing me around, and tell me I was loved. When this childhood longing went unmet, it became an adult emptiness and brokenness that drove me to seek out all kinds of misguided remedies. My primary remedy was to look for someone or something that would make me feel loved. It's as if I carried around a little heart-shaped cup and extended it to whatever or whomever I perceived might fill it.
        I presented the cup to my education: "Will you fill me?"
        I offered it to my husband: "Will you fill me?"
        I held it out to my children: "Will you fill me?"
        I extended it to my material possesions: "Will you fill me?"
        I presented it to each of my jobs: "Will you fill me?"
        Within these questions were many more entanglements: "Will you right all my wrongs?" "Will you fill up my insecurities?" "Will you make me feel significant?" The more I offered my emptiness, hoping something could fill it, the more frustration I felt.
        Have you ever been there?
        Maybe your gap wasn't left by an absent father but by a friend who hurt you. Or perhaps a husband who left you. Or the children you've longed to have but still don't. Whatever that gap is , God is the perfect fit for your emptiness.

Taken from Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst (Zondervan)

Things I learned while visiting churches

2011-01-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

By Joe Ball | Published: October 12, 2010

Usually this space is targeted to a youth ministry concept, idea or best practice. But this month I want to tweak it a little and look at some things I have observed in churches we have had the opportunity to visit. Most are in Kentucky, some are not. It has always been my contention that healthy youth ministry is best done within the confines of a healthy church. So here are some things I have noticed in my travels over the past year or so that hopefully we can learn from in order to help our youth ministries be the best they can be.
CHURCHES MEMBERS ARE FRIENDLY-but usually only to each other. I am not sure how many times I have or my family and I have arrived at a church and had virtually no one speak to us. Sometimes even the people that open the door for us or hand us a bulletin give little more than a courtesy nod to us. Sometimes they are even in conversation with someone else and just hand us a bulletin on the sly. I guess they know it’s their job to hand them out, but not to the point that they actually have to speak to the guest. There are great conversations going on all over the place, just not with the visitors. One of the strangest was the time we had to push our way into the sanctuary through a group of men clustered and talking at the doors to the sanctuary. We literally had to touch them on the shoulder and ask them to move so we could get into the doors. The funniest (or saddest) part of this is when it is time for the official meet and greet in the worship service, then we are usually welcomed and welcomed well. People come from all across the sanctuary to shake our hands, but only at the appointed time in the program. We have honestly sat in the sanctuary for 15 minutes before service without a word being spoken to us.
MY WIFE HAS SUPERPOWERS-while I know this, after all we have been married for 25 years. It seems that she has the superpower is Invisibility. The weird thing is that I have never noticed that in her, but if she had it would I notice? Our kids and I just thought she had eyes in the back of her head! But there have been several times where we have visited and she isn’t offered a bulletin or is spoken to, or even acknowledged, like she isn’t even there. The only thing we can figure is that she must have the gift of invisibility.
WELCOME CENTERS ARE A GREAT IDEA-but only if the people manning them know where to take us. It still amazes me how many people on the front line of welcoming guest don’t know their way around the church building. They can find their Sunday School class or the fellowship hall, but they don’t know room numbers or where to find the youth or children’s area. I have known of guests that have gotten “the grand tour” of the building in order to find the right class room. Or they may know where the class is located in the building but they don’t know which age group meets in what room.
Because of space, I’ll leave alone, how we welcome visitors in the service, not being able to find a parking spot, knowing which door of the building to enter, or how there are very few spots left in any pew, on the aisle, near the back, where visitors can slip without having to make a scene and crawl over sixteen people to find a place for a family to sit together.
I know you’re wondering, why address this in a column about youth ministry? Gina and I, and our children for that matter, have been raised in church and used to how we do things, and honestly are probably guilty of many of these and several others ourselves. But an unchurched teen, who is skeptical at best about church and church people, may find these as reasons not to come back. It is not just the job of the youth minister or youth workers to make students feel welcome when they walk into our building. It is the responsibility of everyone. Great youth ministry can only occur within the confines of a healthy church. Let’s do our part to help our youth ministry succeed.

This entry was posted in Western Recorder Article, random thoughts and tagged assimilation, church membership, greeters, superpowers. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

Love One Another

2011-01-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

Love One Another

Brandon Moody was attending his uncle D. L. Moody’s church on Easter morning. The final scene in the impressive pageant was a depiction of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The actor who was playing Jesus was being hoisted by stagehands through an opening in the ceiling. But when he was halfway up, they lost their grip and down came the actor—thankfully uninjured. With amazing presence of mind, the actor said to the shocked congregation, “And one more thing. Love one another.”
Love was so important to Jesus that He told His disciples shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another . . . . By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
John, known as the disciple whom Jesus loved (and the man who recorded these words of Jesus), wrote much about love in his first letter. Several times in chapter 4, the apostle urged his fellow believers to “love one another” (1 John 4:7,11-12).
No matter what is happening in our lives, let’s make Jesus’ commandment and John’s exhortation our mission statement: “Love one another.”

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today. —K. De Haan

A little love can make a big difference.

Path To Humility

2011-01-09T15:07:00.000-08:00

My friend declared, as he tried to keep a straight face, “I’m so proud of my humility!” That reminds me of the joke about a leader who was given an award for his humility. Because he accepted the award, it was taken back the following week!
David seemed to be making the same error when he said, “My heart is not haughty” (Ps. 131:1). When we understand the text, however, we know that he wasn’t boasting about his humility. Rather, in response to the accusation of treason made by Saul’s men, David stated he didn’t consider himself so important nor think of himself so highly as to have “lofty” eyes.
Instead, David learned to be like a “weaned child” in the Lord’s arms (v.2). Like a baby who is completely dependent on his parents, he waited on God for His protection while he was a fugitive under King Saul’s pursuit. In his darkest hour, David realized his need and then advised his people: “Hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever” (v.3).
The path to humility is twofold. It involves knowing who we are—having a proper self-esteem rather than thinking too highly of self. But most important, it requires knowing who God is—holding Him in highest esteem and trusting Him for His best in His time.

Humility’s a slippery prize
That seldom can be won;
We’re only humble in God’s eyes
When serving like His Son. —Gustafson

When we think we’re humble—we’re not

How's Your Aim

2011-01-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

How’s your aim?

Tim Jackson on January 5th, 2011

My family and I enjoy shooting sports. Whether it’s a bow, a rifle, a pistol, or a shotgun, we enjoy learning how to shoot and improving our shooting prowess. I shoot on a winter trap and skeet league at a local gun club. And believe me, it sure takes a lot of practice to shoot accurately and consistently. Whether it’s breaking clay birds under pressure in a competition on a trap or skeet field, hitting the bulls eye consistently when dialing in on a long range target, or dropping an animal cleanly and quickly in the field, there’s a fundamental rule that a good marksman must always remember: keep your eye on the target. Lose sight of the target, and you hit nothing.
At this time of the year, when we have the occasion to pause and look back (see my earlier post, No do-overs) and to look forward with anticipation of what the new year holds, a fundamental question that I ask myself and I’d invite you to ask yourself is: “What am I aiming at? What’s my target?”
Most of us have heard some version of this proverbial saying, “If you’re aiming at nothing, that’s exactly what you’ll hit. Nothing.” So, if you’re looking back over last year and are wrestling with regrets over missed opportunities, maybe the reason you didn’t hit your target last year was because you never took the time to clearly focus on a specific target. You didn’t hit it because you weren’t really aiming at it in the first place.
So, let’s not make that same mistake this year. Pick a target and focus on it. Don’t let your eyes drift all over the place. Keep on the target.
Great! So now what? What’s the target? For Jesus followers, I’d recommend what the author of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 12:2-3:
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its same, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Notice, the target isn’t a what but a who. Focus on Jesus.
The word for “fix” your eyes on Jesus is an interesting one. It’s a composite word that means “to look away from one thing to focus on another.” In other words, to “fix your eyes on Jesus” means to intentionally ignore everything else that distracts us to easily so that we can lock on to Jesus.” It’s choosing to ignore everything else and riveting our focus on Him.
So, what happens when we lose our focus on Jesus? Exhaustion and loss of heart. When a marksman doesn’t lock on to a target and stay on it, he’ll miss every time. (That’s what my team mates chide me about on the trap and skeet fields after a miss. They’ll often ask, “Did you lose the bird?” “Yep.”)
Okay, so now I’ll ask you the question: Have you missed the target? What are you aiming at? Do you need to lock on to Jesus? Take some time to observe how he interacts with people in the New Testament Gospels. Watch him. Listen to his words and to his heart.
So, my challenge for me this year is to refocus on Jesus so I can stay on target. How about you?

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Dont Forget to Put on Thee Whole Armor of GOD!

2011-01-05T13:24:00.000-08:00

Awesome Video of what we studied Last Class

2011-01-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome

2011-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hey All

Welcome to a new year and I am glad that I have seen all of your smiling faces again at Cresthill!

Check Out the link to this new video about Prayer .

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9M2JCMNU

Born Again Christians Owing Nothing

Bible In A Minute

Psalm 42

Psalm 42[a][b]

The G.O.S.P.E.L propaganda

Last Class- Colossians 2:8-15

Colossians 2:8-15

Spokenword - on religion

Caedman's Call - Share The Well

Last Class - God Values Us - Psalm 139:1-18

DC Talk- In the Light

Eliminate Excess- Clothe Yourself with Christ

Death Destroyed

Death Destroyed!

Wise Faith- One man's fear is another man's worship.

Seek First Media- Christmas Video- click the link

The Digital Nativity Story

Last class -Scripture reference

Last Class

What is the biblical evidence for original sin?

Mikeschair-Someone worth dying for

TOO BUSY TO KNOW GOD?

Bridge to Life

Mark 5:1-3-13a, 15-20

Last class-Hope ressurected

Last Bible Class-Glory Displayed

Romans 8:31

More Than Conquerors

COURAGEOUS Movie Trailer

Serve

Last Class - The Abundant Life

Switchfoot - "Dark Horses"

Switchfoot

The Problem with Criticism {JAMES 4:11-12}-Last class -Bible study topic

An Obstacle Inventory

"Start Somewhere" by TobyMac

Forgiveness

Last Class

Comedy - Uncomfortable At Bible Group

The Summer Olympics 2011

Cowboys & Aliens Plugged In Online Movie Reviews

Spontaneous Baptisms

Oswald Chambers - Liberty and the Standards of Jesus

Remedy by Rachael Lampa

Story Behind "Hold Me Together"- Royal Taylor

A young teacher demonstrates unconditional love.

K-Love -The City Harmonics

Excerpts from last class

Galatians 3:11

Hebrews 11

Faith in Action

Psalm 139

Praying Jesus

Jeremy Camp- The Way

A Joyful toon by Mike Waters

Christian Cartoons -Solomon

Rahab

Trust - Poem

As I was sitting here listening to Christian radio

When we analyze

And try to figure things out

Christian Comedy- The Shallow Bible Study

Group 1 Crew- Devotional

On This- National Day of Prayer-May 5, 2011

Third Day -Children of God

The Scripture we discussed!

As We Look to Easter

Suit Up : Our Daily Bread

Suit Up

Last Weeks Study Scripture

The Invisible War-Preview

Hilarious Church Signs

Today's Bible Study Scripture

When We Pray

I Am Sin-IGNITERMEDIA.COM

A LIFESTYLE OF MEDITATION- Why should I develop a lifestyle of meditation?

Good-O-Meter

Failed Remedies & False Gods

Things I learned while visiting churches

By Joe Ball | Published: October 12, 2010

Psalm 42^[a]^[b]