Mon, 29 January 2018
The Lord’s Prayer, Transformation, and the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 6: 5-15 |
Mon, 22 January 2018
INTRODUCTION Jesus is baptized near the end of Luke 3. Then Luke, in Chapter 4, records the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. The first thing Jesus experiences is his temptation. During this moment Jesus demonstrates his reliance on the Word of God as he recites to Satan scripture that stands against Satan’s lies and temptations. Soon afterward, Jesus begins teaching his ministry in Nazareth in the Synagogue quoting scripture from Isaiah (61), which said, “the Spirit of Lord is on me.” First, the crowds marvel at Him but then turn on him, claiming He had blasphemed. Jesus in Chapter 5 moves from Nazareth to Capernaum, where he finds a family of fishermen open to Him and his ministry (Peter, James, and John). Every move Jesus made seems controversial: healings, Sabbath practices, and even his association/friendships, and his powerful demonstrations were capturing the public’s attention. It seems like he postured for great success. How does he move forward?
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Tue, 16 January 2018
Shape Up: Maturity is Listening and Obeying! Matthew 7:21-27
INTRODUCTION The Sermon on the Mount is the longest portion of teaching recorded of Jesus. The whole sermon is recorded for us in Matthew 5-7 or in Luke 6. It speaks of the blessedness of a believer and different issues related to living the life of a believer.
Jesus, in Chapter 7 of Matthew, concludes his sermon warning of false prophets, (v15-20); the reality of false believers (21-23); and how to prepare for the coming storm at the end of time (vv.24-27).
This passage challenges us to develop the ability to hear and then obey. This ability is a primary sign of maturity.
I. Where are you headed?
II. False Believers vs True Believers
III. Goal is to develop the Character of Christ and the Competency
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Mon, 8 January 2018
Shape Up! Ephesians 4:1-17
INTRODUCTION Ephesians is a letter written to the Church, not to any one congregation. It serves as the constitution of the church.
In the first three chapters of the letter you find the theological moorings for life with God. Ephesians 2:8 has the famous quote: “We are saved by grace not by works.” At the end of Ephesians 3, Paul prays that the Church might attain the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ and grow up into being the fullness of Christ in this world.
Chapter 4 is where Paul lays out how to live consistently with who God is and what he has done in Jesus. In Chapter 4, there are three movements within the verses: 1) Verses 1-6 are about unity. 2) Verses 7-11 are about diversity. 3) Verses 12-16 are about maturity.
I. Getting into Shape.
II. Difficulties.
III. Goal is to develop the Character of Christ and the Competency of Christ.
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Tue, 2 January 2018
The “ABCs” of a New Year Jeremiah 29:4-14
INTRODUCTION Many of us excel in thinking about the future and fail miserably in living for today. We’re quick to complain about our circumstances and slow to compassionately act to change our circumstances! As you begin 2018, what actions does God want you to take today, right where you are, that will lead you into His hopeful future?
CONTEXT God’s people were not “happy campers.” They were in exile. They had been uprooted from their home and taken 700 miles away to Babylon. The only thing that they wanted was out! That’s not the message that God gave to them from Jeremiah. His words to them are “on target” for you and me.
CONTENT
-Tendency to want the “easy way” out
- God’s “Waiting Room” Ps 27:14
-Don’t let what you can’t do, keep you from doing what you need to do!
III. CALL upon the Lord…seek the Lord v12-13 -Biblical “call” Gen.4:26, Ps.50:15, Jer 33:3
Questions to Ponder: Whose voice will direct you this year? What actions do you need to take now in order to follow God’s plan for your life in the future?
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