Lake Norman Church of Christ

What Kind of Tree Are You?

2011-03-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

I can remember as a young boy living in rural Virginia loving to go outside with friends and climb trees. However, not every expedition outside turned into the adventure I had in mind. On several occasions I looked at the tree and judged for myself whether or not I thought the tree was fit to climb. There were times where the tree limbs were so brittle they broke and naturally, gravity took over and well, you know, the rest is history. But when things did go "according to plan," it was amazing what a sturdy tree could do for the imagination of a young boy. I felt as if I could see the entire world from atop of a strong pine. So what does this have to do with God's word?

Luke 19 is the account of Jesus meeting the infamous tax collector, Zacchaeus. In Luke 19:3-4, the text states, "He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way." As we know because of his encounter Jesus Christ, Zacchaeus became a new man, a saved man. However, what would have happened if the sycamore tree couldn't sustain Zacchaeus? Is it possible that Zacchaeus could have missed an encounter with his savior? But, the tree was strong enough to sustain and meet the needs of Zacchaeus. One could suggest that it was the sycamore tree which lead to this hated tax collectors divine encounter with Jesus. So what type of tree are we spiritually? Are we the tree which is firm enough to show people Jesus or are we so flimsy that we cannot sustain their desire to see the Savior?

Dean

Talk to Someone

2010-10-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

Christians have a responsibility to shine in a world of darkness (Matthew 5:16). We all know of friends and loved ones who are spiritually without Christ. There are many opportunities to shine by talking to others about Jesus.God's plan is for His church - His people to reach out to others with the message of salvation (Romans 1:16-17). We are to be working with God to bring others to Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:9).I think about Andrew who simply talked to his brother. (John 1:40-42). This is not too difficult is it? Certainly we ought to be able to speak to others we care about and give them a reason for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15).At least we ought to be able to say like Jesus "come and see" (John 1:39). Inviting others to come with us to a worship service to hear, see, and talk with Christians who are trying to live for Jesus is a great way to begin talking to others about faith in Jesus.

SALVATION

2010-09-28T08:17:00.001-07:00

For years we have heard that in order to be saved you must “Believe in Jesus – Just believe in your heart.” Well, Acts 16:31 is not the only verse connected to salvation as many think and preach. In two following verses (33 & 34) we learn the “whole truth.” Repentance and baptism are a part of that word “believe.”

God wants all to repent (Acts 17:30). God is patient with us but still wants us to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Any plan of salvation that does not include “repent” is not God’s plan.

Notice also that baptism is connected with salvation. The jailer in Acts 16 was baptized the same hour of the night so there was a sense of urgency because baptism is connected with salvation. Sins are forgiven at this point so why not be baptized immediately! After repentance and after baptism, there was rejoicing.

There are other plans of salvation that are being offered today but only God’s plan saves. The others are bogus. Others sound easy and inviting but there is no other plan that can save – only God’s plan saves us.

Rob Albright

RESURRECTION LIKENESS

2010-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

The greatest proof of the divinity of Jesus Christ is His resurrection from the dead. Jesus said he was the Son of God and people called that blasphemy (John 10:30-39). Paul wrote and said that the resurrection confirmed the claim that He was the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

Through the fact of His resurrection, we have a guarantee of our resurrection. This will be a blessed event for all who have been identified with His resurrection. When does that happen? At Our baptism.

When we are buried with Jesus in the likeness of His death, we become identified with him as we die to sin. Then we are raised with him in our baptism and are united with him in the likeness of his resurrection making us alive unto God (Romans 6:3-11; Colossians 3:1-2).

Rob Albright

Hebrews Wk 2 - Rob Moorey

2010-03-09T19:31:00.001-08:00

Hebrews

Adult Bible Class

February 28, 2010 thru May 23, 2010

Lake Norman church of Christ

1. Lesson 2: Christ is Superior to the Angels Chapter 1 and 2

a. Outline of Hebrews

i. Week One: Introduction

ii. Week Two: Christ is superior to Angels Chapter 1 and 2

iii. Week Three: Christ is superior to Moses Chapter 3

iv. Week Four: Christ’s promised rest is superior to the rest offered thru

Joshua to the Jews Chapter 4:1 – 13

v. Week Five: Christ is a superior High Priest Chapter 4:14 – 5:10

vi. Week Six: a warning to the hearer Chapter 5:11 – Chapter 6

vii. Week Seven: Christ of the order of Melchisedek: Priest and King Chapter

viii. Week Eight: Christ’s covenant is greater than Moses’ Chapter 8

ix. Week Nine: Mosaic worship was a shadow of the True worship Chapter

9:1 - 14

x. Week Ten: Christ’s sacrifice is greater than the Mosaic sacrifices Chapter

9:15 thru Chapter 10:20

xi. Week Eleven:

1. Second warning to the hearer Chapter 10:21 - 31

2. Personal words of encouragement Chapter 10:32 - 39

xii. Week Twelve: Faith Chapter 11

xiii. Week Thirteen:

1. Encouragement Chapter 12

2. Divers Instructions Chapter 13

b. Review:

i. About when was Hebrews written?

1. AD 64 – 66

a. After Nero’s persecution begins AD 64

b. Before First Jewish Revolt in AD 66

c. Before Destruction of Jerusalem AD 70

ii. Who wrote Hebrews?

1. Holy Spirit

2. Through whom?

3. Unknown

4. Personal opinion: John Mark

iii. Who was this written to?

1. Jewish Christians abroad

2. Heavy reference the Jewish law

3. Written in Greek – would indicate audience did not know Hebrew

iv. Why was it written?

1. Heb 10:23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver

not; for he is faithful that promised:

2. Heb 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the

sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the

race that is set before us,

3. Encourage the Saints to hold fast to their faith

v. What was the environment?

vi. Persecution of Nero AD 64 – 68

vii. All but John have been martyred

1. Paul and Peter AD 65

viii. Church passing from eye-witnesses to second generation

ix. Temple soon to be destroyed AD 70

a. All possibility to practice Judaism will end

b. Jews will be persecuted for centuries to come

c. Not until 1948 were the in possession of this land – and

then only remnant

d. Ability to trace genealogies would end with destruction of

Temple – Temple records

x. Judiazers were trying to convert them back

1. Ga 6:12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly

are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they

do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not

even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you

to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.

2. Ac 15:24 We have heard that some went out from us without our

authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what

they said.

xi. Tough time to have been a Jew converted to Christianity!

2. Chapter 1

i. Hebrews 1:1 – 4

1. 1 God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by

divers portions and in divers manners,

2. 2 hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son, whom he

appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds;

a. How did God communicate to us in these last days?

i. Through His son

b. How does this make the NT superior to the OT?

c. Col 1:15 - 16

i. Col 1:15 who is the image of the invisible God, the

firstborn of all creation;

ii. 16 for in him were all things created, in the heavens and

upon the earth, things visible and things invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or principalities or

powers; all things have been created through him, and

unto him;

3. 3 who being the effulgence of his glory, and the very image of his

substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he

had made purification of sins, sat down on the right hand of the

Majesty on high;

a. Where is Jesus now?

i. At the right hand of the Father

ii. 1Pe 3:22 who is one the right hand of God, having gone

into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being

made subject unto him.

4. 4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath

inherited a more excellent name than they.

a. Eph 1:21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and

dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world,

but also in that which is to come:

b. Php 2:9 – 11

i. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto

him the name which is above every name;

ii. 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of

things in heaven and things on earth and things under

the earth,

iii. 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus

Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

ii. Hebrews 1: 5 – 14

1. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son,

This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And

he shall be to me a Son?

a. Ps 2:26 – 27

i. 26 I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou

art my son; This day have I begotten thee.

ii. 27 I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the

kings of the earth.

2. 6 And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith,

And let all the angels of God worship him.

3. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his

ministers a flame a fire:

a. Ps 104:4 Who maketh winds his messengers; Flames of fire his

ministers;

b. Who does this refer to?

i. Jesus

4. 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And

the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

a. Ps 45:6 – 7

i. 6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: A sceptre of

equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

ii. 7 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness:

Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil

of gladness above thy fellows.

5. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God,

thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

6. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the

earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands:

a. Who is the Lord referenced in this verse?

i. In context – it is Jesus

ii. Joh 1:1 – 3

1. 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word

was with God, and the Word was God.

2. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3. 3 All things were made through him; and without

him was not anything made that hath been

made.

iii. Ge 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image,

after our likeness:

7. 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as

doth a garment;

8. 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they

shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.

9. 13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my

right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet?

a. Ps 110:1 Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand,

Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

10. 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the

sake of them that shall inherit salvation?

a. Angel literally means “a messenger”

b. If Angles are messengers, and Christ is Creator and Son

c. Whose message is greater?

3. Chapter 2

i. Hebrews 2:1 – 4

1. 1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that

were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.

2. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every

transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

3. 3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having

at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by

them that heard;

4. 4 God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and

by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own

will.

a. If God punished you for transgression of his law delivered by

Angels – how much more so of the one delivered by Jesus?

b. Joh 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did,

the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that

even the world itself would not contain the books that should

be written.

c. Ac 2:22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a

man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders

and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye

yourselves know;

ii. Hebrews 2:5 – 10

1. 5 For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we

speak.

2. 6 But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art

mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

a. Ps 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of

man, that thou visitest him?

3. 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him

with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands:

a. Ps 8:5 – 6

i. 5 For thou hast made him but little lower than God,

And crownest him with glory and honor.

ii. 6 Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of

thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet:

4. 8 Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he

subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him.

But now we see not yet all things subjected to him.

a. Mt 28:18 And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying,

All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth.

b. Eph 1:22 – 23

i. 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and

gave him to be head over all things to the church,

ii. 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in

all.

5. 9 But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the

angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with

glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for

every man.

a. Why was Jesus made lower than the Angels?

i. Because of the suffering of death

ii. That he might taste death for every man

b. Why was Jesus crowned with glory and honor?

i. Because he was made lower than the Angels

ii. Because he would taste death for us all

c. Joh 10:17 – 18

i. 17 Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay

down my life, that I may take it again.

ii. 18 No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of

myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to

take it again. This commandment received I from my

Father.

6. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are

all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the author of their

salvation perfect through sufferings.

iii. Hebrews 2:11 – 18

1. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of

one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

2. 12 saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, In the midst of the

congregation will I sing thy praise.

a. Ps 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of

the assembly will I praise thee.

3. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold, I and the

children whom God hath given me.

a. Ps 56:4 In God (I will praise his word), In God have I put my trust, I

will not be afraid; What can flesh do unto me?

b. Ps 56:11 In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What

can man do unto me?

4. 14 Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also

himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he

might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the

devil;

a. Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and

we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the

Father), full of grace and truth.

b. Ro 8:3 – 4

i. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak

through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the

likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the

flesh:

ii. 4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us,

who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

c. Php 2:7 – 8

i. 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant,

being made in the likeness of men;

ii. 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled

himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the

death of the cross.

5. 15 and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their

lifetime subject to bondage.

6. 16 For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the

seed of Abraham.

7. 17 Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his

brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in

things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the

people.

8. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to

succor them that are tempted.

a. Did Jesus have to be tempted to be able to help us?

b. Can God create something He can not understand?

c. Or, was Jesus tempted, so that we might understand that he can

help us?

d. Heb 4:15 For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all

points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

e. Matt 4 Temptation of Jesus

4. Next Week:

i. Week Three: Christ is superior to Moses Chapter 3

1. Who is the Apostle and High Priest of our faith? Heb 3:1

2. Who was counted more worthy of glory and Moses? Heb 3:3

3. Who built all things? Heb 3:4

4. What type of heart is unbelieving? Heb 3:12

5. What prevented the Israelites from entering the promised land?

Heb 3:19

Hebrews Wk 1 - Rob Moorey

2010-03-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

Hebrews

Adult Bible Class

February 28, 2010 thru May 23, 2010

Lake Norman church of Christ

1. Lesson 1: Introduction

a. Outline of Hebrews

i. Week One: Introduction

ii. Week Two: Christ is superior to Angle’s Chapter 1 and 2

iii. Week Three: Christ is superior to Moses Chapter 3

iv. Week Four: Christ’s promised rest is superior to the rest offered thru

Joshua to the Jews Chapter 4:1 – 13

v. Week Five: Christ is a superior High Priest Chapter 4:14 – 5:10

vi. Week Six: a warning to the hearer Chapter 5:11 – Chapter 6

vii. Week Seven: Christ of the order of Melchisedek: Priest and King Chapter

viii. Week Eight: Christ’s covenant is greater than Moses’ Chapter 8

ix. Week Nine: Mosaic worship was a shadow of the True worship Chapter

9:1 - 14

x. Week Ten: Christ’s sacrifice is greater than the Mosaic sacrifices Chapter

9:15 thru Chapter 10:20

xi. Week Eleven:

1. Second warning to the hearer Chapter 10:21 - 31

2. Personal words of encouragement Chapter 10:32 - 39

xii. Week Twelve: Faith Chapter 11

xiii. Week Thirteen:

1. Encouragement Chapter 12

2. Divers Instructions Chapter 13

b. General Information

i. Immediate Recipients: Not specifically stated

1. Heavy reference to Old Testament indicates the audience was

Jewish

ii. Penman: Not specifically stated

1. Historically attributed to Paul – probably not Paul.

a. II Timothy 1:11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an

apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

b. Ga 2:7 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted

with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just

as Peter had been to the Jews.

c. Ga 1:11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I

preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not

receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I

received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

d. Compared to: Hebrews 2:3 – “This salvation, which was

first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those

who heard him.”

2. Author:

a. Mention of Timothy Heb 13:23 – coworker with Timothy

b. Had to be Jewish – heavy reference to Jewish laws and OT

c. Not an eye witness of Jesus (Heb 2:3) – would rule out any

Apostles

3. Was probably in Prison in Rome or with someone in Prison in

Rome Heb 13:18 – 19

4. I think someone close to Peter

a. Not Peter – Hebrews 2:3 “spoken by the Lord, and was

confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”

b. John Mark

i. Prominent in early church at Jerusalem

1. Ac 12:12 And when he had considered the

thing, he came to the house of Mary the

mother of John, whose surname was Mark;

where many were gathered together

praying.

ii. Acquainted with the great early church leaders

1. Peter

a. Ac 12:12 When this had dawned on

him, he went to the house of Mary

the mother of John, also called

Mark, where many people had

gathered and were praying.

b. 1Pe 5:13 She who is in Babylon,

chosen together with you, sends you

her greetings, and so does my son

Mark.

2. Joses – Barnabus (Son of Encouragement)

a. A Levite Act 4:36

b. Col 4:10 My fellow prisoner

Aristarchus sends you his greetings,

as does Mark, the cousin of

Barnabas. (You have received

instructions about him; if he comes

to you, welcome him.)

c. Ac 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul

had finished their mission, they

returned from Jerusalem, taking

with them John, also called Mark.

d. Ac 13:5 When they arrived at

Salamis, they proclaimed the word

of God in the Jewish synagogues.

John was with them as their helper.

e. Ac 15:37 Barnabas wanted to take

John, also called Mark, with them

3. Paul

a. Phm 1:24 And so do Mark,

Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my

fellow workers.

b. Col 4:10

4. Timothy

a. 2Ti 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get

Mark and bring him with you,

because he is helpful to me in my

ministry.

5. The fact he worked closely with these men

is important because

a. Can see influence in all in Hebrews

b. Would make John Mark known to

many in the Faith

c. Was near beginning of Church

iii. John Mark was in Rome with Peter near his death 1

Peter 5:13

iv. Written from Italy Heb 13:24

v. Mentions knowledge of Timothy Heb 13:23 – we

know he and Timothy worked together before 2

Tim 4:11

vi. Personally known by these Jewish Christians

1. Heb 13:19 “that I may be restored to you

sooner”

2. John Mark lived in Jerusalem Acts 12:12

iii. Time period written:

1. Clements of Rome knows of the book of Hebrews – so before 95

2. Before 70 AD

a. Hebrews 10:1-3 deals with Temple sacrifices, as if they are

continuing at the time of writing

b. Temple is destroyed 70 AD

c. With Temple destroyed, would have been impossible to

return to Jewish religion

d. If Temple destroyed, surely this would have been cited as

proof of law having been replaced by a better covenant

Heb 8:6-7

3. Probably before AD 66

a. Vespasian becomes Emperor in AD 69

b. First Jewish Revolt begins in Fall of 66

c. Vespasian arrives February AD 67 to begin the recapture of

Judea.

d. By AD 68 Jerusalem was in upheaval

i. Jerusalem alone was left in Jewish hands

ii. In-fighting in leadership left many dead by zealots

iii. Over 1 Million Jews perish in the revolt.

iv. Surely this calamity would have been referenced in

this letter, if it was written after AD 66

4. After AD 64

a. A persecution is mentioned in Hebrews 10: 32-39

b. Nero 64 – 68 AD – most likely under Nero is this written

c. Domitian 81 – 96 AD – seems too late for this book

d. Paul and Peter meet their death AD 67

5. I see this written

a. By John Mark

b. In Rome

c. Just after the deaths of Paul and then Peter

d. To Christians in Judea or Jewish Christians abroad

e. To Encourage them

i. While a great persecution has arisen

ii. After all but one Apostle has been killed

iii. Judiazers were trying to convert them back

1. Ga 6:12 Those who want to make a good

impression outwardly are trying to compel

you to be circumcised. The only reason they

do this is to avoid being persecuted for the

cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are

circumcised obey the law, yet they want

you to be circumcised that they may boast

about your flesh.

2. Ac 15:24 We have heard that some went

out from us without our authorization and

disturbed you, troubling your minds by

what they said.

iv. Gnosticsm was on the rise

1. Gnosis = Knowledge

2. Mystic religion

3. Believed in Good and Evil

a. God is good

b. Material things are evil

c. Therefore, Christ could not come in

the flesh, or Christ was not truly God

4. 1Ti 6:20 Timothy, guard what has been

entrusted to your care. Turn away from

godless chatter and the opposing ideas of

what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which

some have professed and in so doing have

wandered from the faith. Grace be with

you.

5. 1 Jo 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every

spirit, but test the spirits to see whether

they are from God, because many false

prophets have gone out into the world. 2

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of

God: Every spirit that acknowledges that

Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from

God, 3 but every spirit that does not

acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is

the spirit of the antichrist, which you have

heard is coming and even now is already in

the world.

f. Would have been tempting to return to Judiasm

i. God is punishing Christians

ii. There still remains Temple worship

g. Shortly after this letter – God removes forever this

temptation to return to Judaism.

i. Temple destroyed in AD 70

ii. With it, the Temple records, used to prove

genealogies

iii. No pay to validate Priest or High Priest

1. Although the High Priest has been a political

appointment by Rome for past 60 years.

iv. No Temple

v. No Priest

vi. No worship!

Hunger and Thirst After Rightheousness

2010-02-09T05:22:00.001-08:00

What it Means to Seek God and “Hunger and Thirst After Rightheousness”
Matthew 5: 6; Hebrews 11:6

I. Why Seek?
a. Our Relationship with God evolves
b. It is not a passive relationship
c. Look at Moses:
i. Exodus 3:1-5 God announces who He is
ii. Moses “questioned” God Exodus 5:22
iii. Chapters 6-10 God delivers the plagues, Passover, Manna/Quail-Water from rock
iv. God calls to Moses from the Mtn Exodus 19:3-5,
v. Exodus 33:7-10 The tent of mtg., v. 12-21
vi. Moses sees the Glory of the Lord (He fasts) Exodus 34:28

II. How We Seek
a. Fasting and Prayer Matthew 17:28-29
b. Through God’s Word Psalms 119:9-12
c. Living Faithfully Romans 1:17; Psalms 119:1-5
d. By Enduring Trials James 1:1-5

III. Other Avenues
a. Worship John 4: 21-24
b. Fellowship I John 1:5-7; I John 2: 9-11
c. Evangelism I Cor. 9:22-23; II Cor. 9:13-14

IV. The Benefits of True Spiritual Seeking
a. It pleases God Hebrews 11:6
b. God rewards us Matt. 6:6, 18
c. Mankind praises God Matt. 5:16

I. What is Fasting
a. Voluntary abstinence from food Luke 2:37
b. It was a common practice among the Jews
c. Involuntary abstinence from food
d. “The Fast” (Day of Atonement)-Acts 27:9
II. Purpose
a. Seeking God’s Wisdom/Seeking guidance Acts 13:1-3
i. Moses on Mt. Sinai
ii. Seeking God in secret (date night with spouse)- Matthew 6:16-18; Luke 6:35-37 Jesus’ thoughts on Fasting
iii. Jesus fasted 40days/nights in the wilderness
b. Seeking God’s solution in a difficult situation Mark 9: 17-31
i. Acknowledgement of a hopeless situation
ii. That a hopeless situation does not constitute the end result
c. Invoking God (based on his promises-Moses Exodus 34:8-9, 28)
d. Seeking God’s blessing on a commitment Acts 14: 22-23
III. What Fasting is Not
a. It is not a gimmick or quick fix
b. Not a contest (“I fasted 40 days/nights just like Jesus”)
c. Not about being unhealthy
d. Not a replacement for the right mind set. Should be an enhancement to prayer and solitude
IV. Helps With Our Submission to God
a. Removes distractions
b. Helps us Focus
c. Can give us Clarity

Seeking Devo - Shawn Gupton

2010-02-01T06:17:00.000-08:00

Seeking
Matthew 7: 7-9

I. Seek Actively
a. Ask, Seek, Knock
b. Not passive our casual (see Psalms105:4)
II. Seek with Knowledge
a. Acknowlege God Proverbs 3:5-6
b. Learn His will “His thoughts are not our thoughts, His Ways…”Isaiah 55:8
c. Come Boldly Hebrews 4:14-16, Romans 8:26
III. Seek with Faith
a. Give God the Space to work “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills…”
b. Our Urgent situation does not constitute an emergency for God II Cor. 12:9
c. He will come through Proverbs 3:9-10
d. Seek: His Will, Wisdom (James 1:5), Patience/Peace, The Kingdom (Matt. 6:33)
e. Concepts: unwrapping a gift, God revealing himself to those who seek him (Heb. 11:6)

Conclusion: We sing “Our God is an awesome God.” Do we truly understand that? Have we experienced that. Have you “tasted” God’s grace? It takes submission and faith. An understanding of who you are dealing with.
Godly sorrow: II Cor. 7:10 The day of Pentecost Acts 2:36-40
They were seeking a way out; a better way. They found it: Remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost, freedom.

Sermon on the Mount Part 2 (Psalms 37) - Shawn Gupton

2010-02-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

Psalms 37: Meekness and Our Inheritance

1. The Wicked are Transient-Fret Not Thyself (v.1-2)
a. Don’t look on them with envy
b. Trust in God
c. They will not last
2. The Desires of Your Heart: Should we express the desires of our heart to God? (v. 4)
a. Suppressing Your Desires is not Biblical Luke 11: 5-13
b. It’s about Carnal vs. Spiritual thinking
c. Notice he says “Commit your way to the Lord”
i. If you are carnal-minded, God will help you see it
ii. Philippians 3:15; Romans 8:7
3. Righteousness Shine Like the Dawn (v. 6)
a. II Corinthians 7: 6-13
i. There was a gift the Corinthians were to preparing for the Macedonians (A Region just as Corinth was in Achaia)
ii. The benefits of giving (v.6)
iii. The way to give (v.7)
iv. Because of God’s capability (v.8)
v. To make his Grace Abound (v. 9-11):
1. so we can do good works
2. He can supply us what we need
3. To share in the harvest
4. Which results in thanksgiving and God’s glory
vi. More men will praise God (v. 13)
vii. Notice the kingdom is about power II Corinthians 10:1-4
4. Enjoy safe pasture (v. 3, 11, 25)
a. Philippians 4: 7,9
b. God is greater than our hearts I John 3: 18-20

Sermon on the Mount - Shawn Gupton

2010-02-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Sermon on the Mount

Background: This is the basis for Christianity, what Jesus expects of those in his kingdom

Is it a summary of what Jesus taught on one occasion or a compilation of teachings presented on numerous occasions?
-Thirty four verses in Matthew’s sermon occur in different contexts in Luke than the apparently parallel “Sermon on the Plain” Luke 6:17-49

It is the first of five great discourses in Matthew (chapters 5-7)
10-Instructions to the disciples,
13-Seven Parables (Sower, Weeds, Mustard Seed)
18-Greatest in the Kingdom, Lost Sheep, A brother who sins against you
24-Signs of the End of the Age
25-Parables of the Ten Virgins

It is a declaration of the requirements and characteristics of the new kingdom
Good news to those who were under the yoke of the law and religious leaders (legalistic teachings)

Our position before God
Explanation of the setting and Christ’s intent
Poor in Spirit (Broken before God Psalms 40:1-7, 17 51:16-17)
Poor in Spirit and Meekness is Internal (Meekness starts that way)
i. Ultimately Meekness is an outward demonstration of what has taken place
ii. As we demonstrate this attribute, we “realize” our inheritance
iii. Not about earning salvation but demonstrating our confidence/hope (Act Like You Know)
Theirs is the Kingdom Colossians 1:12-13, Romans 8:8-9
i. Kingdom is Near, Matt 3:2; 4:17
ii. Kingdom not a matter of…I Corinthians 4:20; Romans 4:17
iii. Inheritance Ephesians 1:18-19 (now see Colossians)
iv. Future aspect of our inheritance I Cor. 15:50
Meekness and our Inheritance *The gate that leads to the kingdom of God is synonymous with life Matthew 7:13-14, Psalms 37 (see outline)
Mourning: our attitude towards sin (both personal and corporate Ezra 9:4, Psalms 119:36)
Seeking God Matthew 7: 1-10; Matthew 6: 1-18
Seeking God “in secret” (Moses sought an intimate relationship with God)
i. Beatitude, hungering and thirsting after righteousness
ii. Purity of heart (also relates to the way we deal with sin, see below)
Things worth seeking take effort and are “hidden” Matthew 7:13-14, Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 6:33-34
Praying: entering into God’s presence “come boldly before the throne”
Fasting: entering into God’s presence-Moses and Mt. Sinai (see Fasting-Prayer file)
Giving Nehemiah 8:10-12
Developing a True Righteousness
Our attitude towards others
i. Merciful (Beatitude Matthew 5:6)
ii. Peacemakers (Beatitude Matthew 5:9)
Our role on this earth
i. Light & Salt
ii. Persecution (Standing for the cause)-Matthew 5:10-12
iii. *Note that Jesus said he came so that we can have an abundant life John 10:10
How We view the Law of Grace (a higher calling)
i. Murder vs. Malice Matthew 5:21-26
ii. Going the Extra Mile (chap. 5: 38-42)
1. vengeance and living peacefully
2. Preferring one another
3. Power to love enemies (people who strive with you or offend you) vs. 43-46
iii. Committing Adultery (It starts with our thoughts and intent)
1. a calculated stare to arouse sexual desire
2. deal drastically with sin (I’m causing someone else to stumble, not just myself) see beatitude on mourning and purity of heart
iv. Oaths and Worry
1. We can’t change things, God is in control
2. What should we do with worry?

The Hidden Treasure

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The Hidden Treasure

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Sunday Morning Sermon Handout
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