Bible Study 1 31 13

Something that was mentioned by Daddy that seemed really profound: God's forgiveness towards us was unprovoked. There's nothing we did in order to provoke Him into forgiving us. He did so because of who He is, not because of who we are. Our "asking God to forgive us" won't make Him forgive us; we're already forgiven. Mankind, including the likes of Hitler and BinLaden, as well as you and me, were forgiven when Jesus died on the cross. Don't ask God to do what He's already done; instead, thank Him for what He's already done (forgiven us) and ask to learn to do things His way (in love) instead of our way (Usually gratifying the flesh)

Bible Study 1 17 13

Interesting. For years, I thought the cornerstone was the first corner on "top" of the foundation. I thought, after the foundation was laid, that people had to start from the corner of the concrete to build the walls. I was thoroughly excited to learn tonight that, the cornerstone is the very first stone BEFORE the foundation is even laid. The first stone that starts the entire foundation and building.
Jesus.
The cornerstone.
He started the whole thing. Without Him, the Church would not exist. No man can build on any other foundation, than that that the apostles started. As generations pass, we simply add more floors to the foundation the Apostles built, that Jesus was the made the cornerstone for.
Nice to know!

Bible Study 1 24 13

Wow, thought I'd try out the "share to blogger" site. Didn't realize that this morning's sermon was the same thing that we spoke about on Thursday night Bible Study. This might spur me on to reviving this blog, although I don't know if it will or not. We'll see Enjoy!

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?

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.

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!

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!!