Blog Archives

"HONEST TO GOD"

8/25/2019

I Samuel 3:11-19

We are called to live lives of holy honesty.
Rather than focus on the call of Samuel, we will focus on the immediate task, which was to
tell the truth to Eli. (vs. 11, 17-18)

Requirements
1. An Element of Discernment (7)
Before you attempt to speak the truth, make certain that you know the truth.

2. An Element of Hesitation (15)
Your hesitation Is the indication of how important the truth is to you, and how well you acknowledge the impact the truth can have on others.

3. An Element of Participation (18)
Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth.
If it hurts them to hear it, it should hurt you to say it.

“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and He let none of his words fall to the ground. (vs. 19)

"HOW TO WIN PEOPLE AND INFLUENCE FRIENDS"

8/18/2019

Galatians 1:15-24

vs. 24- “and they praised God because of me.”
Can you imagine a better way to influence others than to inspire others to praise God?

1. Seek God's approval above all else.
If you're seeking first to please God, sometimes you will have to make decisions that are unpopular with people.
Gal. 1:10- “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

2. Find God's mission for your life.
a. Paul's mission didn't contradict Scripture.
b. Paul's mission didn't contradict what the Church was already teaching.

Seek Him and let Him reveal His purpose for your life.

3. Invest the time it takes to establish credibility.
Paul's message and ministry were not based on a short-term whim.
We are all people of influence. The questions is: “Is our influence good or bad?”

"WE ARE GOD'S 'BENJAMIN'"

8/11/2019

Genesis 42:35-38; 43:8-9

Correlations of Benjamin's story to the gospel
1. Benjamin was the object of his father's special love.

Much of how history plays itself out hinges on the fact of God's love for mankind. (I John 3:1)

2. Benjamin was temporarily separated from his father, and there was the danger of that being
permanent.

Our sin is contrary and opposite of everything that God is. (Ephesians 2:12)

3. Benjamin bore the evidence of guilt.

We are born with a sinful nature. (Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 6:5, Romans 7:25)
All we have to do is look in a mirror to see we bear the evidence of guilt.

4. A pledge was given for Benjamin's security.
Judah was his intercessor and deliverer.
Our intercessor and deliverer, Jesus, is the Lion of Judah. (II Peter 1:3; I John 2:1)

5. Benjamin continued to cleave unto Judah.

We need to be totally dependent on Jesus' might and power. (John 15:5-7)

"COUNTING THE COST"

8/4/2019

Luke 14:27-33

It is not possible to be a believer, and not be a disciple.
It is possible to be a disciple, and not be a believer.

Costs of being a disciple
1. You have to give up sin.
Sin is not an acceptable option for your life.
(I John 1:8; 3:9; Titus 2:14; I John 1:9; 2:1)
It's about your attitude toward sin.

2. separation from the world
world=all that is hostile toward God
(Galatians 6:14; I John 2:15)

3. opposition by the world (James 4:4; John 15:18)
If we are separated from the world, that means we are going to be enemies of those who are
friends of the world.

4. The price of temptation
Temptation is a way of life for the Christian.

Costs of not following Christ

the offer of forgiveness
the saving power of God the Son
comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit
assuring promises of God's Word
joy of service in the name of the Lord
blessed hope of seeing Jesus
glories and rewards of God's kingdom

Luther: “a religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.”