Sunday, October 28, 2012

Motivation: Does it Matter?

My mind keeps replaying this question over and over again. You see, a few weeks ago, our Bible Study had a rather, shall we say, 'intense', discussion on the Ten Commandments, and whether or not they were relevant in the life of a Christian or not. The question was asked, "In light of the New Covenant, do we as Christians need the Ten Commandments today?" Person A said, "Yes, I need them as a guide--not for salvation, but as a guide. Jesus told me to follow his commandments," Person B said, "No, I don't need them. I now have the Holy Spirit as my guide, to lead me in a way of love for my fellow-man" And from there the heated discussion took place. Person A made it clear that he didn't obey the Ten Commandments in order to get salvation, or even forgiveness. He knew that was already accomplished in Jesus. However, in order to know "how to live" or "What to do", we needed to use the Ten Commandments as our guide. He admitted he didn't follow them perfectly, but he did, however, did the best he could. Person B lamented that nowhere did the Scriptures say, "Try your best", but rather, to be perfect. Nothing else would do. Person A reminded us that because of the cross, God won't hold our short comings against us, so we should try to keep the Commandments. On and on it went in circles, neither persons were willing to back down from their stand. Finally, Person C stands up and says, "Why does it matter? As long as Person A and Person B doesn't kill, steal, or lie at the end of the day, why does it matter why you didn't do it, as long as you didn't do it??" Why indeed? Does it matter what our motivation is for "being good" as long as we treat our fellow-man with respect? To God, yes. The motivation is important. Why do we not steal, kill or lie? Is it because we're: A) Afraid God'll punish us if we do? B) We're hoping to earn more rewards, aka, "stars in our crown," when we get to heaven? C) Because the Holy Spirit, that now lives inside of us, is having that love of God within us, to flow out of us, to others? Sure, at the end of the day, if you got by without breaking any of the Ten Commandments, I suppose you could pat yourself on the back. However, what does that mean? That we're some sort of super-christian? Not really. In the eyes of man, it merely means we've not broken any laws. I've known some Buddhist friends who are able to abide by the Ten Commandments a lot better than some Christians I know. But, the Buddhists aren't afraid of any big god in the sky zapping them for punishment. They just know that helps the community work better. When Christians stand before the Beema seat, the only works that will be worth anything are the works done in the energy of the Holy Spirit. The outward gestures aren't the focal point, but rather the inward motivation. If we gave a person a drink of water, is that a good work or bad work? Depends. What was our motivation? Again as mentioned before, do we do good works because: A) Afraid God'll punish us if we don't? B) We're hoping to earn more rewards, aka, "stars in our crown," when we get to heaven? C) Because the Holy Spirit, that now lives inside of us, is having that love of God within us, to flow out of us, to others? At the end of the day, the thirsty child may have had their thirst quenched, and that's fine. Regardless of our internal motivation, they may be grateful for that glass of water. But what about us? Are our good works spurned on by selfish reasoning, or by God's love for others? Yeah--loving those people who really irritates us. That changes the playing field some. You know that irritable, grouchy, pretty-much-unlovable person that always seems to pop up in your life? Could you give him or her a glass of water if you saw they were thirsty? Why would you do it? A) Afraid God'll punish you if you don't? B) You're hoping to earn more rewards, aka, "stars in your crown," when you get to heaven? C) Because the Holy Spirit, that now lives inside of you, is having that love of God within you, to flow out of you, to others? I'm reminded of a couple of students from several years ago. Throughout the entire year, these two boys got on each other's nerves. Several times one of the boys would loudly proclaim, "I'd fight you, but I don't wanna get in trouble!!" This student wanted to be clear that the only reason he would not engage in a fight, was because he didn't want to get suspended, or worse yet, get in trouble by his parents when he got home. I assure you, there was no love lost between these boys. So, did he "do good"? Granted, it saved us the paperwork to fill out for suspensions, but did it help solve the problem between the two boys? No, it didn't. Yet, neither of the boys "got in trouble', because they obeyed the rule about no fighting in school. --(incidentally, the next year these two boys were the best of friends...go figure!)- Of course, by loving others, we're driven to do the good works that God has already laid out for us, and as a by-product, the Ten Commandments are followed. But, was following the Ten Commandments the end goal, or was loving the neighbor the end goal? Motivation. Does it matter?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Do this in Remembrance of Me

What a wonderful study we had tonight! Being the Thursday before Resurrection Sunday, we decided to do a little something different. After the study of "A Closer Look at the New Covenant" chapter 4, we partook of the Lord's Supper. It was great, as we had two of my nephews join us who'd not been able to be here for a while. We were going to attempt to do the Lord's Supper with Metro Bible Fellowship, a ministry that live streams out of Texas, but some of our youth had a curfew so we stepped up the pace. A wonderful reminder was given as we read through the usual scriptures that indicated the purpose of the Lord's supper. For instance, Luke 22:
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
It was noted that the New Covenant was in His blood--something we never really paid attention to before. We thought it worth another read, as we let the truth of that verse sink in. Before we partook of it, a quote from Bob Christopher was read, concerning our mindsets as we ate and drank of the juice and bread. It was a beautiful celebration of the love Jesus has for us, and allowed us to have for each other. Below is the ending quote.
When you eat of the bread, remember the day you first trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord. That was the day you were added to the body of Christ. When Jesus was alive, the body of Christ was in singular form. He occupied the body God had prepared for him as a sin offering. Today, His body has a new form. It is made up you believers throughout the world. As Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.” Remember that you belong to Christ. When you drink of the cup, you remember that this cup represents the New Covenant in which you live today. Jesus's death brought an end to the old covenant, fulfilling it in every detail. His death also ushered in the New Covenant. In this new covenant, God remembers your sins no more and where these have been forgiven there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Remember that you are a forgiven person.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Grace--definitely amazing

So tonight was awesome. We were missing several folks--between school studies, and health issues. However, the folks that were here--the love was super intense. Blows my mind.
As many ups and downs this family has had over the years, it it is nothing short of God's grace that has brought us together, united us in love.
For the study, if you so desire, you can see it at:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21129664
Come back soon!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Questions for March 15, 2012

(editor's note: This may be the last week the questions are posted. If you would like to follow along with the Bible Studies, you could pick up your copy of the Closer Look at the New Covenant Study Guide by Bob George at the Realanswers.net store. )


Hey fam..Just wanted to give a heads up about Thursday...this chapter is quite long with a lot of scripture...so when you're doing the questions stop at Promise #3. We're going to briefly look at the intro and go straight into Promise 1. That being said...here's the questions:

Promise 1

Under the Old Covenant, where was the law written down? (Exodus 32:15-16, 2 Corinthians 3:7)

Can laws written on stone change a person’s heart?

3.What was God’s promise to the people of Israel in Ezekiel 36:26?

How do you see this promise being fulfilled through the New Covenant

According to 2 Corinthians 3:3, how does Paul describe God’s work in the lives of the Corinthian believers?

The writer of Hebrews stated that God would write His laws in our hearts and put them in our minds. Do you believe the writer was speaking specifically about the 10 Commandments? Why or why not?

7.In Deuteronomy 30:6 God, through Moses, promised the Israelites that one day He would circumcise their hearts. For what purpose?

According to 1 John 3:23 what is the commandment of God?

In John 13:34-35 Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment. What makes this commandment new? Compare John 13:34-35 to Matthew 22:37-40

10.Based on these passages, what is it that God writes on our hearts?

What did the Apostle Paul say had been poured out within our hearts in Romans 5:5?

Why is this New Covenant promise better than what was provided in the Old Covenant?

Promise 2

Under the Old Covenant, God Promised the Israelites that He would be their God, and they would be His people. What conditions were attached to this promise? (Exodus 19:5)

Did the Israelites fulfill their end of the bargain?

Are there any conditions attached to the promise in the New Covenant?

4.As a person who had trusted Jesus Christ, what is your relationship to God?

Because of this New Covenant promise, do you ever have to live in fear, like the Israelites did, that one day God may cast you aside?
What is His promise to us in Hebrews 13:5?

How did Jesus amplify this promise in John 10:27-30?

In reading through these passages, one could easily conclude that the New covenant is for Israel only. How does Paul assure those of Gentile heritage that the New Covenant applies to them? (Ephesians 2:17-22, 3:6)

Because of this promise, can you be assured of your salvation?

See y'all Thursday!!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Questions for March 7, 2012

Here are the questions for March 7th's Bible Study. I just copied/pasted. See you soon!
Hebrews 8:7-8

1. According to the writer of Hebrews, what was God’s reason for implementing a New Covenant?

2. Where specifically did God place blame?

3. Why did the blame rest on the people?

Hebrews 7: 18-19

1. According to the writer of Hebrews, what has happened to the former regulation?

2. Why does he describe it as weak and useless?

3. Since the former regulation has been set aside, what now has been introduced?

4. What does this better hope enable us to do?

5. Is it possible to draw near to God under the law?

6. Why?

After the Israelites crossed through the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh’s army, they settled in the desert near Mt. Sinai. There, God established a covenant with the people. Exodus 19 and 20 record the terms and conditions of that covenant.

1.In Exodus 19:5-7, what was the responsibility of the people under the Old Covenant?

What would it mean for the people if they fully obeyed God and kept this covenant?

3.When Moses set before the people the terms and conditions of the covenant, how did they respond? (verse 8)

Based on their response, do you think they understood their responsibilities?

On two other occasions, Moses read the book of the covenant to the people of Israel. How did they respond at those times? (Exodus 24:3,7)

Read Exodus 32:1-9

When Moses was delayed in returning from Mt. Sinai, the people began to question his leadership. What was their plan to replace Moses?

What was Aaron’s response to their request?

Once the idol was complete, what did the people say about it?

Aaron then built and alter in front of the calf and announced that the next day they would have a festival to the Lord. How does verse 6 describe the atmosphere of that festival?

What was God’s response?

How did He describe the Israelites?

In what way were their actions a violation of the covenant? 

Did the people live up to their promise to God to fulfill the terms of the covenant?

Romans 3:23

What does this verse reveal about mankind?

Does it exclude anyone?

Based on this truth, do we have the ability to live up to God’s righteous standards?

Based on this verse, why was it necessary for God to usher in a brand new covenant?

Galatians 3:19, 22-24

Why was the law added?

How long was it to be in effect?

What does Scripture declare concerning the whole world?

What role does the Law play in a person’s life before they turn to Christ by faith?

5.What is the purpose of the law?

Read Romans 3:19,20

According to this passage, to whom does the law speak?

Are those under the law lost or saved?

For what purpose does the law speak?

Will anyone ever be declared righteous in the sight of God by observing the law?
What do we become conscious of through the law?

Read 2 Corinthians 3:5-9

God equipped Paul to be a minister of which covenant? Why?

How does this passage describe the ministry of the Old Covenant?

How do we know that Paul is specifically talking about the Ten Commandments?

What else does Paul say regarding the old covenant and the ministry it has in our lives?

Why does it condemn us and bring death?

Is it important for us to know our true condition apart from Christ? Why?

In your own words, why did God usher in the New Covenant?

(That last question just tell that to yourself, I won’t ask the question unless someone wants to share Thursday :) )

Thursday, March 1, 2012

March 1, 2012




Tonight was comfortable and contentment. G has decided that using the Closer Look at the New Covenant would be a good study guide to use.  The intricate questions pertaining to the New Covenant beginnings, the purpose of it, all are included in this booklet.

The questions that were discussed this week can be found at the previous blog. Catch us on uStream to see what was said!

I need to order some this week so we can each have our copy of them. Looking forward to learning and reviewing some truths about the New Covenant. Should be eye opening!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Questions for March 1, 2012

Hebrews 9:16-17

In the case of a will, why is it necessary to prove the death of the one who made it?

Does a will ever go into effect while the person who made it is still living?

What is the purpose of a will?

In light of this verse, what is the significance of Christ’s death on the cross?

Where is the dividing line in history from the world’s perspective? From God’s perspective?

Hebrews 9: 18-22

How did Moses ratify the Old Covenant?

Why did he sprinkle blood on everything?

What is necessary for forgiveness to occur?

Who shed His blood on the cross for our forgiveness?

According to Hebrews 9:27-28, will He shed His blood again?



Jeremiah 31:31-34

What did the Lord say He would do someday in the future for the nation of Israel?

Would the new covenant be anything like the old?

What four things did God say He would do for the people once this New Covenant was ratified?

As we learned in Hebrews 9:22 what had to occur in order for this New Covenant to be established?


Luke 22:20

According to Jesus, what did the cup represent?

At this point in time, had the new covenant gone into effect?

In what way does the phrase “in my blood” show how the new covenant was to be ratified?

Was there any way to usher in the new covenant other than through the death of Jesus?


Galatians 4:4-5

According to Galatians 4:5-6 was Jesus born under law or under grace? For what purpose?

When Jesus lived on earth, did He live under the New covenant or the Old Covenant? Why?

If Christ had not died on the cross to redeem us, what covenant would we be living under today?

If your salvation was dependent on your ability to live up to the old covenant, would you have any hope of being saved?

John 19:30

After Jesus declared that His work was finished, what happened?

In Matthew 5:17 Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it. Do you believe that Jesus’ work on the cross fulfilled the terms and conditions of the old covenant?

What did Jesus’ death signify was and is now in effect?

Because of Christ’s death, what covenant do we live under as Children of God?


Be convinced of what a believer believes :)

Thursday, February 16, 2012

New Covenant

Wow, tonight's Bible study was meaty to say the least! After watching The New Covenant Video, G's passion was renewed. This was made obvious as he shared scripture after scripture with us, explaining the entrance of the New Covenant, the purpose of the New Covenant, and the purpose of the Old Covenant. Most of the scriptures were found in Hebrews, with a few in the Johns and Corinthians. Make a decision: Are we forgiven or not? Is Jesus' life eternal or not? Have we been made as holy as Jesus, through Jesus or not? God either did it all, or He did nothing at all. Which is it?
We have the Old Covenant; the Law, that kills or the New Covenant; Jesus, that gives life. Which would you want?

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Courageous

Okay, I forgot to do the blog. Hopefully, this will catch us up. This past Wednesday was movie night. We all gathered to watch the movie Courageous. With popcorn in place, we all settled down to watch the movie. It was a family movie, to be sure, and I dare say that anyone who has ever had to bury a child, knows full well the grief this family faced. Not having gone through that particular heartache, I can only cry and pray on behalf of my friends who have gone through that heartache. With the love that circled the families in the movie, it showed that God can be in the middle of any trial we face. See you next Wednesday!

Friday, February 3, 2012

February 2, 2012




Two generations of men studying God's word.

Okay, so it's been a while since I've posted. Work and life...you know how it is. However, I find myself in need of a review. The last couple of weeks, G has been asking, "Who can tell us what we talked about last week" sadly, none of us could recall. Talk about embarrassing!

Don't get me wrong, we all love the study. We can tell you some of the non-BIble discussion we had; we could tell you who was absent and why; but for the life of us, we could not state the main idea, or topic of the study.

So, after a couple of weeks of the question being met with blank stares, it was obvious an omen that the blog needed to be resurrected. You'll find no promises from me, promising to post every week. I'd like to way I would, but too many blogs in the past have proven that life and myself just won't allow a consistency in blogging.

So enough of that. Here's some of what we discussed this past week: Let's start with scripture first:

What does love look like? 
1corinthians 13:4-7
Romans 11:6 how will love come? Grace or works?
II Corinthians 9:6-7. Cheerful giver; don't expect anything in return
Ephesians 4:1-3 walk in unity.
Ephesians 4:31-32. Forgive as God forgave.
I John 3:18 show me you love me.
I Corinthians 13:13 greatest is love



I would wager to bet, this is the part of the New Covenant that the Law+Grace people never get to. I've heard the argument too many times, and I'm betting you have, too.

You see, a lot of folks feel that if we don't have the law, sinning would be running rampage. What's not realized, though, is exactly what's going on at the point of salvation. It's not just a feel good fuzzy feeling, but an actual rebirth. The Holy Spirit comes to take up residence, not simply to visit from time to time, but to actually live in the hearts of his people.  So, once He's moved in? Exactly what is He doing? The Holy Spirit isn't going to lead us to the nasty nine or dirty dozen, as this attitude was so coined; but rather, lead us in a life of love, and dependency onto God the Father.

The calloused Christian has just shrugged their shoulders, and replied, "What's the difference? Tomato, Tomahto--both are the same thing" But really? It's not. The view on Grace allows us to put our focus onto Christ Himself, allowing us to bask in his love and patience. The Legalism has us always focusing on ourselves, making sure we did enough 'good stuff' that we might actually get in; the outward motions might be the same, (not killing, stealing, honoring our parents, loving God, etc) but the motivation on the inside are different. One is done in love, and thinking of others, the other is done in fear of retribution, or in hopes of more 'stars in our crown'.

It's really an important point, to realize the difference in motivation.  The "Law of Love" goes further than the Ten Commandments ever could. Love compels us of all the 'don'ts', but also compels us in all the 'do's'. Don't just "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's stuff", but we're compelled to take it a step farther and perhaps help the neighbor with his 'stuff', whether repairing, cleaning, or simply enjoying.
Law simply says, "Don't--or else!"

Andrew Farley, a pastor out of Lubbock, Texas, had this to say about the Ten Commandments: Fashioning a safety net of 9 commandments, and what Jesus is saying is, “Walk the tightrope of Grace with me,” You don’t need a safety net. You’re going to find your balance in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone. When we fashion a safety net, it’s essentially an insult to Jesus, “I’ll take you for salvation, I’ll take you for heaven, but in the meantime I am nervous about immorality, and so I need these commandments...” (Click here for the interview with Andrew Farley)


It was good to see our Bible study get this far. Too many times has our New Covenant gotten stuck in the quicksand of debate, when people fear we are giving people a license to sin, intend of a license to trust in His finished work on the cross.