Origin of Valentine's Day.
There are several "St. Valentines" from the early church era, but our focus is Valentinus, a priest who lived in 3rd. century Rome.
Emperor Claudius II (aka: Claudius the Cruel) was having difficulty keeping the troop numbers up in his armies. Many men didn't want to leave wife and family and go off to war, AND Claudius preferred single soldiers anyway. So, he outlawed marriage among men of military age.
Valentinus continued to perform marriage ceremonies for couples - though in secret. He was discovered, arrested, condemned. He was beaten with clubs, then stoned, and then beheaded.
He was executed Feb. 14 (approximately) 269 AD. In 496 Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14th. "St. Valentine's Day".
Valentine's Day in the US is 2nd. only to Christmas in the number of greeting cards sent.
So - the topic is love! We could go to Song of Solomon, or I Cor. 13, but instead,
Luke 23:26-48 and John 3:16
Note: this word love is not eros, stergo, phileo. It is Agape.
The definition of agape is:
1. the love of God
2. directed toward man - Rom. 5:8
3. expected of man - Matt. 22:36-40
With that as a base, let's talk about people.
I. General Observations.
#1. People are a pain (problem)
Because: A. they are sinful Rom. 3:23
Therefore: B. they are selfish
That does not mean there is no good in man. On one hand, we are made in God's image.
On the other hand, that image reflected in us is like looking into a foggy mirror.
BUT:
#2. People are God's most precious possession. (God hasn't rejected us because of our sins.)
As seen in:
A. Christ's coming - He bore our sin, forgives, adopts, keeps
B. Heaven's landscape - only people from this world will be in heaven.
#3. People need God (which is why Christ came!
You can live without Him, you can die without Him. BUT, you can't live as you were designed to live, intended to live, should live without Him. There is a "God-shaped" hole in man that can only be filled by God.
#4. People need people. (this is also by God's design)
A person cannot be born, grow, develop, achieve, prosper, etc. without others.
It's true that "all I need" is provided by God.
However, that provision is usually met through people!
The point being - our inter-dependence
II. Personal Application
#1. You're a people - (not a Pukah, Klingon, Ewok, etc.)
Therefore:
#2. You're a pain (problem) (If you are a Christian, then you are a "sanctified pain")
BUT:
#3. You are (also) very precious to God.
No matter how big a pain you are, or how much pain you cause others
AND:
#4. You need GOD
A. you can live without Him, BUT not as you should.
B. you find Him in and through Christ
#5. You need (other) people
as you cannot prosper physically without others
so you cannot prosper mentally, emotionally, spiritually without others. God's design to fill this need is called church.
#6. (other) people need you. God's design is give and take.
John 13:35 Life is not just about you.
"One another" is used 38 times in the New Testament in command form.
love one another
be devoted to one another
honor one another
live in harmony with one another
stop judging one another
accept one another
instruct one another
greet one another (with a holy kiss)
agree with one another
have concern for one another
bear one another's burdens
serve one another
be patient with one another
be kind to one another
be patient with one another
speak to one another
submit to one another
forgive one another
admonish one another
encourage one another
spur one another on to good works
confess sins to one another
pray for one another
don't slander one another
offer hospitality to one another
minister your gifts to one another
"you also should wash one another's feet" - John 13:14
John 13:35 - "by this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" - Add the proper word: feel love, claim love, seek love, profess love, promote love...... or EXPRESS it!! with Actions!!
You cannot accomplish this by merely meeting and mingling, but only by meshing, ie. letting our lives become woven together.
"VALENTINE" exchange. #1. Pray for your valentine
#2. pray for yourself that you'll become a better Valentine.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Surviving the Slough of Despond
2 Tim. 4:6-8
The Series is Improving Your Christian Walk, ie: the relationship, lifestyle, journey...)
So..... how are you doing???
On one hand, the answers vary.
On the other hand, among those who are serious about the walk, the typical answer is at a 2 or 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 level of maturity, and they feel they should be at least at a 7 or 8.
The typical serious Evangelical Christian is plagued by feelings of:
1. Guilt - don't study enough, pray enough, witness, enough, minister as should
2. Unworthiness - feel unfit to carry the title Christian or represent Christ
3. Inadequacy - don't seem ABLE to do better!!!
4. Despair - at ever doing much better.
NOTE: A. This is NOT the response of the New Christian .... he is energetic, zealous, optimistic, has not yet experienced multiple failures.
B. This is not the response of Nominal Christian either - he's indifferent, apathetic, and generally unaware of his failures.
But this is common to seasoned, dedicated, serious Christians. AND can be discouraging, depressing, and debilitating. (inability to function at all)
The problem is not Christians who fail but Christians who fall out!!
So..... what to do?? How to battle, overcome these feelings? This tendency to despair and dropout???
#1. Recognize that this is part of the Christian experience.
It doesn't mean we should always find ourselves there, but it does mean it's a definite part.
Examples: Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul - Rom. 7:15-24
It's a result of: sin nature (tendency), fallen world, spiritual warfare - Rom. 7:21
NOTE: this is why salvation is by grace!! We are saved by grace. We are kept by grace!
NOTE: the struggle can be (often is) evidence of salvation.
#2. Recognize that you are not alone. 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
#3. Don't simply surrender to the condition. This is part of our Christian life but keep on anyway.
A. Admit the condition.
B. Recognize the limitations
C. Push on! 1 Cor. 10:13
#4. Keep asking forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 Ask over and over and over... NOTE: 1 John 1:8
Then:
#5. Accept forgiveness and move on. Failures can devastate or motivate. It's your decision.
Contrast Peter and Judas.
What are you going to do with your failures.
#6. Continue to do what you know is right.
There is no pain-free alternative. 2 Tim. 1:6 - Paul's last words to Timothy: "fan the flames".
How??
testify, keep, guard, entrust, endure, remember, remind, walk, present, avoid, flee, pursue, teach, instruct, continue, preach, correct, rebuke, encourage, "discharge all the duties of your ministry" - 2 Tim. 4:5
The only way to do it is to do it!!! "man up", "cowboy up" - How about? "Christian up"? "Believer up"?, "disciple up"?
The Christian walk is tough sometimes. And, men are the worst!!
#7. Think marathon (distance/long term) Heb. 12:1
Achievement/accomplishment is a result of endurance, perseverance, constancy
Walking the walk according to feelings will not get it done.
#8. Focus on Christ. Heb. 12:2 & 3
Why serve? continue? overcome? struggle? "Because He wooed me, saved me, called me, gifted and enabled me, and asked me to serve. AND I said I would!! ( John 21:15 "love me??")
#9. Remember... He's always with you. (He never gives up - Phil. 1:6
Note: You don't conquer a slough - you exit it, survive it. Again and again!
The Series is Improving Your Christian Walk, ie: the relationship, lifestyle, journey...)
So..... how are you doing???
On one hand, the answers vary.
On the other hand, among those who are serious about the walk, the typical answer is at a 2 or 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 level of maturity, and they feel they should be at least at a 7 or 8.
The typical serious Evangelical Christian is plagued by feelings of:
1. Guilt - don't study enough, pray enough, witness, enough, minister as should
2. Unworthiness - feel unfit to carry the title Christian or represent Christ
3. Inadequacy - don't seem ABLE to do better!!!
4. Despair - at ever doing much better.
NOTE: A. This is NOT the response of the New Christian .... he is energetic, zealous, optimistic, has not yet experienced multiple failures.
B. This is not the response of Nominal Christian either - he's indifferent, apathetic, and generally unaware of his failures.
But this is common to seasoned, dedicated, serious Christians. AND can be discouraging, depressing, and debilitating. (inability to function at all)
The problem is not Christians who fail but Christians who fall out!!
So..... what to do?? How to battle, overcome these feelings? This tendency to despair and dropout???
#1. Recognize that this is part of the Christian experience.
It doesn't mean we should always find ourselves there, but it does mean it's a definite part.
Examples: Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul - Rom. 7:15-24
It's a result of: sin nature (tendency), fallen world, spiritual warfare - Rom. 7:21
NOTE: this is why salvation is by grace!! We are saved by grace. We are kept by grace!
NOTE: the struggle can be (often is) evidence of salvation.
#2. Recognize that you are not alone. 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
#3. Don't simply surrender to the condition. This is part of our Christian life but keep on anyway.
A. Admit the condition.
B. Recognize the limitations
C. Push on! 1 Cor. 10:13
#4. Keep asking forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 Ask over and over and over... NOTE: 1 John 1:8
Then:
#5. Accept forgiveness and move on. Failures can devastate or motivate. It's your decision.
Contrast Peter and Judas.
What are you going to do with your failures.
#6. Continue to do what you know is right.
There is no pain-free alternative. 2 Tim. 1:6 - Paul's last words to Timothy: "fan the flames".
How??
testify, keep, guard, entrust, endure, remember, remind, walk, present, avoid, flee, pursue, teach, instruct, continue, preach, correct, rebuke, encourage, "discharge all the duties of your ministry" - 2 Tim. 4:5
The only way to do it is to do it!!! "man up", "cowboy up" - How about? "Christian up"? "Believer up"?, "disciple up"?
The Christian walk is tough sometimes. And, men are the worst!!
#7. Think marathon (distance/long term) Heb. 12:1
Achievement/accomplishment is a result of endurance, perseverance, constancy
Walking the walk according to feelings will not get it done.
#8. Focus on Christ. Heb. 12:2 & 3
Why serve? continue? overcome? struggle? "Because He wooed me, saved me, called me, gifted and enabled me, and asked me to serve. AND I said I would!! ( John 21:15 "love me??")
#9. Remember... He's always with you. (He never gives up - Phil. 1:6
Note: You don't conquer a slough - you exit it, survive it. Again and again!
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Christian Journey (continued)
Series: Improving Your Christian Walk
Previously:
A. Your Walk with God - relationship, getting to know Him
B. Christian Lifestyle - daily behavior
C. The Journey - the whole trip - from born again to physical death.
The Journey - continuing this week with more observations/truths/lessons about the journey.
2 Tim. 4:6-8
#1. A poor start does not necessitate a poor ending. Example: the Apostle Paul
He is the God of many chances/late chances. Luke 23:42-43 - the thief on the cross
Point being: it's not too late to.... A. start the journey B. end well
But:
#2. A good start does not guarantee a good finish. Don't bank on the fact that because you started early (saved as a child or young person) that you are all right.
Point is: this is a journey of choices/decisions/corrections till the end!!
#3. Your choice of traveling companions is very important. Prov. 27:17 Prov. 13:20
This includes, obviously, friends, especially spouse, church family, teachers, mentors etc.
#4. You'll face many obstacles on this journey. (duh!!)
These obstacles can be physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational, financial, etc. This is life in a fallen world - full of fallen people!! 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
AND:
#5. Some of the obstacles are DESIGNED to stop you.
Eph. 6:12 (contrast natural obstacles with supernatural) 1 Pet. 5:8
These are planned on purpose by Satan. (once you are a Christian, he can't keep you from heaven, but he can keep you from making the journey.)
BUT:
#6. That which is designed to stop you can strengthen you. The closer you try to walk with Christ, the more obstacles you will encounter. This is God's unique plan (to strengthen and develop you) and ability (to use those things).
1 Pet. 1:3-7
Rom 5:1-4
Rom. 8:28
THEREFORE:
#7. You should become more adept as you journey. ie: more capable, competent, better able to live, jinister, direct
The point of the journey is to shape, sharpen, strengthen you. So that you are better later in the journey than at the start.
Contrast this with a marathon race: there you have the most strength at the start!!
But, the irony is:
#8. You may feel more inept as you progress. ie: less capable, competent
Why??? 2 reasons: 1. you are more aware of what you should be and become. (ie: the plan/standards)
2. You're more aware of your faults, feelings, shortcomings..... your SIN(S).
So....... Be Careful - don't let your growth, progress hinder your walk
Be Encouraged - your walk M.A.D. (makes a difference) 1 Cor. 15:58 Gal. 6:9
Good news.
#9. You get many opportunities to correct your course.
Heb. 4:14-16
He's the God of many chances.
He's the God of mercy, grace, forgiveness
Bad news.
#10. It's up to you to correct your course.
A self-guided missile needs:
A. information/data
B. this information programmed in
C. to respond to what's been programmed
Comparatively:
A Christian needs:
A. information - Bible
B. this info programmed in - Bible Study, learn, take in
C. to respond to this programming - use the information that's been studied, learned, internalized
NOTE: You'll get many opportunities to correct your course.....
BUT: you only get one shot at the journey!!!
Previously:
A. Your Walk with God - relationship, getting to know Him
B. Christian Lifestyle - daily behavior
C. The Journey - the whole trip - from born again to physical death.
The Journey - continuing this week with more observations/truths/lessons about the journey.
2 Tim. 4:6-8
#1. A poor start does not necessitate a poor ending. Example: the Apostle Paul
He is the God of many chances/late chances. Luke 23:42-43 - the thief on the cross
Point being: it's not too late to.... A. start the journey B. end well
But:
#2. A good start does not guarantee a good finish. Don't bank on the fact that because you started early (saved as a child or young person) that you are all right.
Point is: this is a journey of choices/decisions/corrections till the end!!
#3. Your choice of traveling companions is very important. Prov. 27:17 Prov. 13:20
This includes, obviously, friends, especially spouse, church family, teachers, mentors etc.
#4. You'll face many obstacles on this journey. (duh!!)
These obstacles can be physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, relational, financial, etc. This is life in a fallen world - full of fallen people!! 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
AND:
#5. Some of the obstacles are DESIGNED to stop you.
Eph. 6:12 (contrast natural obstacles with supernatural) 1 Pet. 5:8
These are planned on purpose by Satan. (once you are a Christian, he can't keep you from heaven, but he can keep you from making the journey.)
BUT:
#6. That which is designed to stop you can strengthen you. The closer you try to walk with Christ, the more obstacles you will encounter. This is God's unique plan (to strengthen and develop you) and ability (to use those things).
1 Pet. 1:3-7
Rom 5:1-4
Rom. 8:28
THEREFORE:
#7. You should become more adept as you journey. ie: more capable, competent, better able to live, jinister, direct
The point of the journey is to shape, sharpen, strengthen you. So that you are better later in the journey than at the start.
Contrast this with a marathon race: there you have the most strength at the start!!
But, the irony is:
#8. You may feel more inept as you progress. ie: less capable, competent
Why??? 2 reasons: 1. you are more aware of what you should be and become. (ie: the plan/standards)
2. You're more aware of your faults, feelings, shortcomings..... your SIN(S).
So....... Be Careful - don't let your growth, progress hinder your walk
Be Encouraged - your walk M.A.D. (makes a difference) 1 Cor. 15:58 Gal. 6:9
Good news.
#9. You get many opportunities to correct your course.
Heb. 4:14-16
He's the God of many chances.
He's the God of mercy, grace, forgiveness
Bad news.
#10. It's up to you to correct your course.
A self-guided missile needs:
A. information/data
B. this information programmed in
C. to respond to what's been programmed
Comparatively:
A Christian needs:
A. information - Bible
B. this info programmed in - Bible Study, learn, take in
C. to respond to this programming - use the information that's been studied, learned, internalized
NOTE: You'll get many opportunities to correct your course.....
BUT: you only get one shot at the journey!!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Christian Journey
The series: "Improving your Christian Walk"
1. Your Walk With God
2. Your Daily Walk - Christian Behavior/Lifestyle
3. Your Spiritual Journey
Definition of Journey = the long walk/extended walk ..... your spiritual pilgrimage in this life.
The daily walk is segments of the journey. The journey starts at spiritual birth and ends at physical death.
OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS
#1. The journey begins before spiritual birth.
begins with awareness, encounters, *call of God.....
Note: it's more than you seeking Him. It's Him seeking you!! Luke 19:10 Rev. 3:20
When you feel Him calling, don't reject Him. He only wants the best for you.
#2. Whether you advance from here is your decision. (be born again)
He will call you, but not force you. John 3:1-7 - spiritual birth, not physical rebirth.
John 1:11-13
#3. The journey doesn't end until death.
It doesn't mean that you'll have the strength, vitality, clarity you did as a young person.
But it does mean that you'll have His presence. Phil. 1:4-6
There is no place for retirement from the Christian walk.
4. The goal is not heaven. The destination is heaven. The Christian journey is about life here on earth.
The goals are transformation, personal development, better representation (ambassador), more effective ministry, greater understanding...
Is Matt. 4:19 just about "follow me to heaven"??? It's fishing for men. We're to be salt and light and make a difference. Eph. 2:10
#5. You'll often feel alone.
A. that's the nature of the journey ... it's individual, personal, spiritual
B. nobody can get inside your head or heart. Nobody can experience what you experience so in that respect you are alone in your journey.
BUT:
#6. You'll never be alone.
A. fellow travelers/we're all in the same boat .... 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
Most importantly - B. the ever-present Christ "with you always..."
"never leave you or forsake you"...
God never abandons us.
#7. The way you travel matters at the destination
Question: In scripture, how much content describes where we're going??
In contrast, how much instructs us in how to travel until then??
Why?? Obviously, it is VERY important HOW we travel!!!
The majority of Biblical content is about life between our spiritual birth and physical death.
2 Tim. 4:6-8
1. Your Walk With God
2. Your Daily Walk - Christian Behavior/Lifestyle
3. Your Spiritual Journey
Definition of Journey = the long walk/extended walk ..... your spiritual pilgrimage in this life.
The daily walk is segments of the journey. The journey starts at spiritual birth and ends at physical death.
OBSERVATIONS/LESSONS
#1. The journey begins before spiritual birth.
begins with awareness, encounters, *call of God.....
Note: it's more than you seeking Him. It's Him seeking you!! Luke 19:10 Rev. 3:20
When you feel Him calling, don't reject Him. He only wants the best for you.
#2. Whether you advance from here is your decision. (be born again)
He will call you, but not force you. John 3:1-7 - spiritual birth, not physical rebirth.
John 1:11-13
#3. The journey doesn't end until death.
It doesn't mean that you'll have the strength, vitality, clarity you did as a young person.
But it does mean that you'll have His presence. Phil. 1:4-6
There is no place for retirement from the Christian walk.
4. The goal is not heaven. The destination is heaven. The Christian journey is about life here on earth.
The goals are transformation, personal development, better representation (ambassador), more effective ministry, greater understanding...
Is Matt. 4:19 just about "follow me to heaven"??? It's fishing for men. We're to be salt and light and make a difference. Eph. 2:10
#5. You'll often feel alone.
A. that's the nature of the journey ... it's individual, personal, spiritual
B. nobody can get inside your head or heart. Nobody can experience what you experience so in that respect you are alone in your journey.
BUT:
#6. You'll never be alone.
A. fellow travelers/we're all in the same boat .... 1 Cor. 10:13 (a)
Most importantly - B. the ever-present Christ "with you always..."
"never leave you or forsake you"...
God never abandons us.
#7. The way you travel matters at the destination
Question: In scripture, how much content describes where we're going??
In contrast, how much instructs us in how to travel until then??
Why?? Obviously, it is VERY important HOW we travel!!!
The majority of Biblical content is about life between our spiritual birth and physical death.
2 Tim. 4:6-8
Monday, January 18, 2010
Walking in the Way
Eph. 4: 1 - key verse
The series is "Improving Your Christian Walk"
Last week - Your Walk with God - your relationship with Him and developing that relationship.
This week - the Christian walk, behavior, lifestyle
Note: a companion word to "walk" is "way".
"Walk" is action, behavior, your part
"Way" is the direction, path, course
These two are often put together in scripture:
Deut 5:33/Deut. 10:12
Judges 2:22
Psalms 86:11 (a)
Prov. 2:20
Jer. 6:16 (a)
The image is so natural and so apparent that Christians adopted it. Acts 9:1-2 Acts 24:14
In the beginning, believers called themselves "followers of the Way"
So: regarding "walking in the Way"
A. where you should walk (path, road, corridor, lane, etc.
B. how you should walk (manner, method, appearance
#1. Both the walk and the Way are determined by God
Deut. 11:22/Deut. 30:16 "His Way" (therefore - walking in the Way is non-negotiable)
That doesn't mean that you don't have a choice. He gives us freedom of choice to choose if we want to follow the Way or not, but if we choose to walk in the Way, we must walk His Way.
#2. The rules are not arbitrarily chosen (randomly selected)
They are based on God's character, eternal truths, spiritual laws
Therefore, these rules are beneficial to all when followed.
#3. They are adequately described in His Word
This doesn't mean that every situation is addressed. BUT, have do's and don't's and descriptive phrases as to how we are to walk: faithfully, honestly, in integrity of heart, uprightly, in truth, in the light, in the way of understanding, humbly, stedfastly, by faith, in obedience, in the Spirit, after the Spirit, in love, as children of light, circumspectly (carefully), in wisdom, in Christ.
Also: in God's law, according to His Word, in the name of the LORD, in the fear of the Lord, in His paths, in His way(s)
#4. They have universal application - all people, all times
The specifics vary a little, but ... the list doesn't. Example: Luke 3:10-14 - the answers are always in the way and descriptions apply
#5. His Way is narrow and restrictive
On one hand: this is a relative term. However, there ARE boundaries.
Note: truth is always narrow. (ex. 2 + 2 = 4) Love is restrictive. (ex. prohibitions for your kids)
#6. His Way is not necessarily the easiest way.
Matt. 5:43-44 Matt. 18:21-22 James 1:2-3 Matt. 16:24-25
BUT:
#7. His Way is the best way. Matt. 7:13-14
#8. You are not truly in the Way until you're in Christ. John 14:1-6
The series is "Improving Your Christian Walk"
Last week - Your Walk with God - your relationship with Him and developing that relationship.
This week - the Christian walk, behavior, lifestyle
Note: a companion word to "walk" is "way".
"Walk" is action, behavior, your part
"Way" is the direction, path, course
These two are often put together in scripture:
Deut 5:33/Deut. 10:12
Judges 2:22
Psalms 86:11 (a)
Prov. 2:20
Jer. 6:16 (a)
The image is so natural and so apparent that Christians adopted it. Acts 9:1-2 Acts 24:14
In the beginning, believers called themselves "followers of the Way"
So: regarding "walking in the Way"
A. where you should walk (path, road, corridor, lane, etc.
B. how you should walk (manner, method, appearance
#1. Both the walk and the Way are determined by God
Deut. 11:22/Deut. 30:16 "His Way" (therefore - walking in the Way is non-negotiable)
That doesn't mean that you don't have a choice. He gives us freedom of choice to choose if we want to follow the Way or not, but if we choose to walk in the Way, we must walk His Way.
#2. The rules are not arbitrarily chosen (randomly selected)
They are based on God's character, eternal truths, spiritual laws
Therefore, these rules are beneficial to all when followed.
#3. They are adequately described in His Word
This doesn't mean that every situation is addressed. BUT, have do's and don't's and descriptive phrases as to how we are to walk: faithfully, honestly, in integrity of heart, uprightly, in truth, in the light, in the way of understanding, humbly, stedfastly, by faith, in obedience, in the Spirit, after the Spirit, in love, as children of light, circumspectly (carefully), in wisdom, in Christ.
Also: in God's law, according to His Word, in the name of the LORD, in the fear of the Lord, in His paths, in His way(s)
#4. They have universal application - all people, all times
The specifics vary a little, but ... the list doesn't. Example: Luke 3:10-14 - the answers are always in the way and descriptions apply
#5. His Way is narrow and restrictive
On one hand: this is a relative term. However, there ARE boundaries.
Note: truth is always narrow. (ex. 2 + 2 = 4) Love is restrictive. (ex. prohibitions for your kids)
#6. His Way is not necessarily the easiest way.
Matt. 5:43-44 Matt. 18:21-22 James 1:2-3 Matt. 16:24-25
BUT:
#7. His Way is the best way. Matt. 7:13-14
#8. You are not truly in the Way until you're in Christ. John 14:1-6
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Developing Your Walk With God
Last week we discussed "improving your Christian walk". However, this walk wasn't fully defined.
So...
"Walk"(figuratively) - described in the Bible:
1. Your relationship with God. - getting to know Him.
2. Your Christian lifestyle - practical, hands on
3. Your spiritual journey - from the time He was first revealed to you until death
Today we'll focus on #1: Your relationship with God.
It's God's desire and intent that you walk with Him.
A. Original intent Gen. 3:8-9
B. The relationship was damaged, not destroyed. Gen. 5:22 (Enoch) Gen. 6:9 (Noah)
C. A relationship/walk continued to be His will and desire. Gen. 17:1 (Abram) Lev. 26:12 1 Kings 9:4 Mal. 2:6 (Levi and the priests)
D. Your opportunity for a relationship/walk is improved by Christ. We have greater opportunity to walk with God because of and through Christ.
Thru: 1. revelation (can know better because it's exegeted")
2. reconciliation 2 cor. 5:17-19 (a) it's all from God, none of our own doing
So....
How to develop this relationship? (this walk?)
#1. by Acquaintance - as a seeker - sincerely looking for/searching for
- as a receiver - your response
#2. Acquire knowledge - the Word is the description of who He is, what He desires, etc.
#3. Presence - A. Quality time - (time set aside, ie. Quiet Time. Your presence with Him.
B. Quantity time - can't develop a relationship on quality time alone.
#4. Conversation (prayer) - sharing of heart in important things and trivial things
#5. Continuity - "souls knit together" concept - the relationship gets deeper with time.
Meet Him in the Word - it's God-breathed
Sense Him in your heart
Walk with Him in Prayer (conversation)
Bond with Him in Time
How important is this??? John 17:3
This is not about experiences and sensations, but, do you know Him?
So...
"Walk"(figuratively) - described in the Bible:
1. Your relationship with God. - getting to know Him.
2. Your Christian lifestyle - practical, hands on
3. Your spiritual journey - from the time He was first revealed to you until death
Today we'll focus on #1: Your relationship with God.
It's God's desire and intent that you walk with Him.
A. Original intent Gen. 3:8-9
B. The relationship was damaged, not destroyed. Gen. 5:22 (Enoch) Gen. 6:9 (Noah)
C. A relationship/walk continued to be His will and desire. Gen. 17:1 (Abram) Lev. 26:12 1 Kings 9:4 Mal. 2:6 (Levi and the priests)
D. Your opportunity for a relationship/walk is improved by Christ. We have greater opportunity to walk with God because of and through Christ.
Thru: 1. revelation (can know better because it's exegeted")
2. reconciliation 2 cor. 5:17-19 (a) it's all from God, none of our own doing
So....
How to develop this relationship? (this walk?)
#1. by Acquaintance - as a seeker - sincerely looking for/searching for
- as a receiver - your response
#2. Acquire knowledge - the Word is the description of who He is, what He desires, etc.
#3. Presence - A. Quality time - (time set aside, ie. Quiet Time. Your presence with Him.
B. Quantity time - can't develop a relationship on quality time alone.
#4. Conversation (prayer) - sharing of heart in important things and trivial things
#5. Continuity - "souls knit together" concept - the relationship gets deeper with time.
Meet Him in the Word - it's God-breathed
Sense Him in your heart
Walk with Him in Prayer (conversation)
Bond with Him in Time
How important is this??? John 17:3
This is not about experiences and sensations, but, do you know Him?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Improving Your Chrisitan Walk
Eph. 4:1 - What's worthy? - a life of Godliness. How to do it???
I. Consider - Prov. 14:8 (a) Prov. 14:15 Where Am I? Should be? Want to go? Headed?
Decide - which way to go?? ! Kings 18:20-21
Declare = take a stand. Joshua 24:14-15 Not making a choice is making a choice. If not standing with God, are standing with the world.
II. Educate (self) - Bible Study, Sunday School, etc.
Examine (self) - look in mirror. Heb. 4:12 listen to the prompter (Holy Spirit). Won't fix what don't think is broke.
Admit (say the same thing about that God says). This is about more than our sins. Also about gifts/talents/abilities - calling/opportunity/responsibility.
III. Develop (self) - especially Christian character - 1 Tim. 4:7-8
Impact (others) - On one hand, need to develop self so impact others. On the other hand, impact others which will help develop self. Philemon 6
Enjoy (life) Balance is needed here!!! We tend to spend too much time and energy on the enjoying part
IV. Continue - this is a process; therefore, be constant and consistent.
V. Re-Visit (often) - The word to the prophets was - "remind". to the people "remember"
Re-adjust (early) - if stray off course, which we all tend to do on occasion, readjust and get back on course.
The above 12 things are beneficial to any walk.
Below are 2 things essential to Christian walk:
VI. Accept - (Christ - as Savior)
Enthrone (Christ as Lord)
Application: Apply to your life where you are.
I. Consider - Prov. 14:8 (a) Prov. 14:15 Where Am I? Should be? Want to go? Headed?
Decide - which way to go?? ! Kings 18:20-21
Declare = take a stand. Joshua 24:14-15 Not making a choice is making a choice. If not standing with God, are standing with the world.
II. Educate (self) - Bible Study, Sunday School, etc.
Examine (self) - look in mirror. Heb. 4:12 listen to the prompter (Holy Spirit). Won't fix what don't think is broke.
Admit (say the same thing about that God says). This is about more than our sins. Also about gifts/talents/abilities - calling/opportunity/responsibility.
III. Develop (self) - especially Christian character - 1 Tim. 4:7-8
Impact (others) - On one hand, need to develop self so impact others. On the other hand, impact others which will help develop self. Philemon 6
Enjoy (life) Balance is needed here!!! We tend to spend too much time and energy on the enjoying part
IV. Continue - this is a process; therefore, be constant and consistent.
V. Re-Visit (often) - The word to the prophets was - "remind". to the people "remember"
Re-adjust (early) - if stray off course, which we all tend to do on occasion, readjust and get back on course.
The above 12 things are beneficial to any walk.
Below are 2 things essential to Christian walk:
VI. Accept - (Christ - as Savior)
Enthrone (Christ as Lord)
Application: Apply to your life where you are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
