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Not a Tame Lion

9/24/2023

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"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

God is God -- we don't get to say who He is or how He acts or how He runs His Creation. Every knee will blow.

We can't put Jesus in a box. Do we really want Jesus to be fair?

"7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:7-8

3 The Lord appeared to us in the past,[a] saying:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

God is love -- "
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Jesus is the Lamb

"He was oppressed and afflicted,

    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth." Isaiah 53:7

"18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,
 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19

The Lamb and the Lion

"You are a lion’s cub, Judah;
    you return from the prey, my son.
Like a lion he crouches and lies down,
    like a lioness—who dares to rouse him?" Genesis 49:9


"5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits[a] of God sent out into all the earth." Revelation 5:5-6

Two Lions

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9

The devil goes around like a lion -- he isn't one. He is a pretender.

The King Lion -- he is the guardian and stays behind to protect the cubs while the lionesses hunt. A roaring lion is a juvenile trying to be the king but isn't.

"And then the lawless one will be revealed,
 whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming." 2 Thessalonians 2:8

In the end the King Lion shows up and that is the End!

Example of Doing it Wrong:


"Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. 2 The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. 3 When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.” 1 Samuel 4:1-3

They want to blame God for their defeat. Then they pull out their "lucky rabbit's foot" as they see the Ark. They call on God at the wrong time. God doesn't think like us. We can't use Him. We are called to worship Him.

"8 We’re doomed! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the wilderness. 9 Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!” 10 So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died." 1 Samuel 4:8-11

The Philistines can't parade God around. No one can play around with God. 

"9 But after they had moved it, the Lord’s hand was against that city, throwing it into a great panic. He afflicted the people of the city, both young and old, with an outbreak of tumors.[a] 10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. As the ark of God was entering Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, “They have brought the ark of the god of Israel around to us to kill us and our people.” 11 So they called together all the rulers of the Philistines and said, “Send the ark of the god of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it[b] will kill us and our people.” For death had filled the city with panic; God’s hand was very heavy on it. 12 Those who did not die were afflicted with tumors, and the outcry of the city went up to heaven." 1 Samuel 5:9-12

Heavy=Glory=Honor. The Lion put His Paw down on them. (sadly the Philistines weren't converted)

Ark went back to God's children's territory. We are not in charge of God. We want God to fit our needs, our wishes. This is not how it is or EVER will be.

"6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7

the "eternal gospel" the ending of the gospel we know. The fulfillment of it. Fear and trembling work out your salvation. This isn't a lion in the zoo. This is the Lion in His Own Kingdom.

"11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[a] He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
king of kings and lord of lords." Revelation 19:11-16

Are you on the Lion of Judah's team? There is no defeating this Lion. This is the Lion turned loose!

At our own peril we ignore the Lion. If you're not a follower of the Lamb you will be consumed by the Lion. The Lamb came because is the Lion.

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Do You See?

9/10/2023

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"​13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

God sightings...God is with us all the time. 

"20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

He is here. He is everywhere! 

"Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10

Anywhere we go God is there. There is no way to escape God. We are never alone. 

God sees us. EL ROI -- means the God who sees.

13 She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen[a] the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13

34 But whenever he entered the Lord’s presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,
 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the Lord." Exodus 34:34-35

Being in God's presence made Moses glow!!

Outside of the Holy of Holies was a 24-inch-thick curtain. When Jesus died, it ripped from the top down! God's presence was in a sense released into the world for all of us to experience. Nothing and no one stood between us and God.

"18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?" John 14:9

We are never alone. 

"Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

"19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Behold = Pay Attention!

We are to absorb and exude the things of God. Be still.

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

When we walk, we should walk knowing God's right with us.
When we talk, we should talk knowing God's right with us.

Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden. They knew the sound of his footsteps. When you know someone well you know their sounds. You know what their voice sounds like. The more we know God the easier it will be to hear his voice. Constantly. 

Application: How to live in the presence of God.

"2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2

"16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

Live shiny!

Make people jealous of your faith, of your relationship with Jesus, with His word.

"9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous about our faith! And live knowing the best is yet to come!

"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1-4
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Calculating the Cost

9/3/2023

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 "25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." L uke 14:25-33

The Greek Words used for 
HATE is Miseo. It means "love less then."
DISCIPLE is Mathetes. It means follower, student, pupil.
CROSS is Stauros. It means cross piece, undergoing sufferingg, exposing yourself to reproach and even death.

We need to be willing to undergo suffering, reproach and even death for Jesus Christ. Disciplesip doesn't end.

37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.'
Matthew 10:37-39

If Jesus isn't first in your life then you aren't worthy of Him.


DAPANE is the word used for cost. It means "Consuming expense."

Can you afford to be a disciple? It might cost you family, friends, money, time, reputation, etc....anything and everything.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:5-8

Abide= live in


31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NIV

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 ESV

If you don't live in Jesus's word you aren't his disciple.

"16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Are you ready to be a lifetime student of Jesus?

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables:
“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand." Matthew 13:11-13

Calm, collected, watching, responsive, planning, meticulous. Study, plan, respond....How to be a lifelong learner 

Hidden Wisdom


"7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Corinthians 2:7-8

You have to seek it out, look for it.

"14 
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 2:14

Be able to defend your faith. Trust Jesus, not the world. You need to study and study to be ready to defend your faith. Don't go into auto-pilot. 

Giving up everything for the hidden wisdom.


"44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46

Forethought:
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples." Luke 14:28-33

Application: Evaluate yourself:

What is the guiding factor of your life?
How much do you know? How much do you not know?
Stewardship -- where you do you spend your time? Money? Talents? self?
How much do you value your discipleship?

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Going the wrong way!

8/27/2023

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"23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

Nobody likes to be told they're wrong.

"15 Elijah said, “As the Lord Almighty lives, whom I serve, I will surely present myself to Ahab today.”

16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 17 When he saw Elijah, he said to him, “Is that you, you troubler of Israel? 18 


“I have not made trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “But you and your father’s family have. You have abandoned the Lord’s commands and have followed the Baals." 1 Kings 18:15-18

God has a tendency to send prophets when people are going the wrong direction. Elijah wasn't a popular man during his day -- much disliked.

3 reasons we don't like to be told we are wrong according to Dr. Tim Sharp (this is the world's view, not God's):
1. Being wrong means we are unworthy.
2. Not admitting fault means we are stronger.
3. Truth doesn't matter as much as being right.

All of that is bunk! That isn't God's perspective. That isn't truth.

People in authority need tto say they're wrong when they are wrong. Society -- we look away from truth because it's uncomfortable. God has sent his prophets throughout history to correct us when we're wrong. They are never popular. 


Prophets vs False Prophets

Oracle at Delphi
Oracle of Google

Journal of Internet Research Study found out that less than 1/2 of searches are not correct.
 
Oracles of today are the people with the most internet followers. We can be easily led astray -- the more we see something the more we begin to believe it.

Litmus Test for Prophecy (to figure out if it is true or not):

Is it consistent with God?

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." Malachi 3:6

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,

    but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Beware of false prophets!

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." 2 Peter 2:1-3

Consistent Truth #1 Discipline is love.

"Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding." Proverbs 15:32

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects;

    so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.[a] Job 5:15

"5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]" Hebrews 12:5-6

It's a good thing to be corrected. We make mistakes because we're sinners. Be sensitive -- the more you listen and obey the voice of God the more sensitive you will be to his voice.

Consistent Truth #2 God knows our weaknesses

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

"My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Consistent Truth #3 Hold onto the Love of God


"Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

Consistent, unmovable love.

"37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers," Romans 8:37-38

The Final Word

"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.
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood." 1 John 4:1-6

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

Hold the world up to the Word. Hold all things up to the Word. Jesus told us we are for him or against him. My thoughts, actions and words -- I am responsible for them. You are responsible for your thoughts, actions and words.

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Where are you on the map?

8/20/2023

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“If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

There are consistent parallels between our own personal spiritual journeys and the Israelites's Exodus. It is a six day walk from Egypt to Israel. So, why did it take them 40 year? They had been in slavery for over 400 years. They needed to learn how to live as free people.


6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." Exodus 6:6

They had to be reeducated/taught how to live as God's people. This happens to us as well. We start on our spiritual journey when we say yes to Jesus -- that is just the beginning. We need to learn how to live as God's child. 

Back to the Exodus --- they complained from the start. First, they complained because they didn't feel safe.


10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. 11 They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Exodus 14:10-12

God proved to them he was mightier than their old master!

Then, they complained because they weren't having their basic needs met.


3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” Exodus 16:3

3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Exodus 17:3

God proved to them he would meet their needs!


Every time they encountered a challenge/problem they wanted to rush back to slavery where everything was guaranteed and comfortable rather than trusting God. 

God took care of everything. Instead of seeking God when a problem would arise, they went to Moses and complained.

Are we praying or complaining?

God led them out to get them away from all the worldly influences. They had to be taken out of their slave environment to learn a new way of life, to learn how to follow God. Sin is a comfortable place to be -- lots of people there to encourage you to stay in sin. But that isn't what God wants for us, for any of us. 

He is offering us a life to the Promised Land, to a place of Abundant Life from the very first moment we say yes to him, but it will take faith and being uncomfortable at times because we have to grow into the people he created us to be to live that abundant life. 

The Israelites were impatient; they didn't want to wait.


When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” Exodus 32:1

They refused to believe. Instead, they wanted their own way, the way of destruction. 

They rejected the Promised Land!

26 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land.
 27 They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” Numberse 13:26-29

2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!
 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numberes 14:2-4

Are we rejecting the Promised Land, the Abundant Life Christ has for us?

Our own Exodus:
"For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.
6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did." 
1 Corinthians 10:1-6

God is consistent -- same yesterday, today and foreverf. We are all starting from the same place -- starting from sin -- he will save us out from sin and death and self. When we say yes, we begin the spiritual journey.

Saved by the Blood of Christ!


"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace" Ephesians 1:7

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,
 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19

Where are you on your spiritual journey? God's love and grace leads us out. Will we allow him to continue to lead us?

​16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.
 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and[a] is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known." John 1:16-18

7 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew 5:17

The Entire Old Testament is for our spiritual instruction.

“If you love me, keep my commands." John 14:15

Jesus completed it all. The Grace of God is there for you.

"For the wages of sin is death,
 but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: 'Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.'" John 17:1-3

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" Matthew 6:25

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

How much time do you spend with Jesus?

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The One thing

6/26/2023

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  This week's church service was at Pioneer Hall in honor of Pioneer Days, so I wasn't able to take any notes, but you can still watch a great sermon (and hear us sing a couple of songs).
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Blessed Be (part 2)

6/11/2023

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“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Remember, the beattitudes were being taught to the disciples. Lots of people were listening, but Jesus's focus was his disciples. These 9 beattitudes should be present in each disciple's life. They are current status, not conditional or in the future.


"Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

What is mercy? A compassionate response to human need; forgiveness of offenses toward us.

Here is Jesus showing mercy:

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Matthew 14:14

"39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Luke 18:39-42

When and why do we forgive others?
* Do we forgive others as God forgives us?
*Do we forgive others so that God will forgive us?
* Does God forgive us first and then we are able to forgive?

All 3!

"And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John  4:19

"Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God." Single-minded, not double-minded. God first -- always first. Focused on God. Top priority -- way beyond any other priorities.

 "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."
1 Timothy 1:5

"Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a]" Matthew 22:37

"Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9

What are peacemakers?


They aren't merely peaceful. They aren't pacifist. They take action. Not avoidance, but seeking to help with conflict. First to forgive, first to repent; intentionally standing between two opposing parties. Seeks the conflict.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Seeks peace for others; seeks and speaks truth. Call out what is wrong. 

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

"5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6 “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.”
7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”
8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." Matthew 8:5-8

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

Persecuted for God's righteousness, for your relationship with Christ (not self-righteousness).

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18

Darkness and Light. The world is in darkness. Christ is the light. The world hates the light of Christ.

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," 2 Timothy 3:12

Matthew 5:11-12 should be formated like this:

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, 
     persecute you and falsely
   say all kinds of evil against you
   because of me.
 
12 Rejoice and be glad, 
    because great is your reward in heaven,
    for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." 

1st Line
negative line
negative line
JESUS
Positive line
Positive line
Last line.

This was a form of poetry the people would have been familiar with. Yet, people don't want to hear what God has to say if they are living in the world living a worldly life.

What's true? The Bible.

The ugly stuff (the 2 negative lines above) are beautiful to God.

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Blessed Be . . .

6/4/2023

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"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The BeatitudesHe said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:1-12

What does "Blessed" mean?

Eulogeo (Greek) = Beraka (Hebrew) means two things: to ask for blessing; as in "bless these people who are suffering: a prayer request.  This is not what Jesus means here. It means it is recognizing an existing state. Not conditional. You are...He is describing what a good disciple is like in the beattitudes.

What does "Poor in spirit" mean? Jesus is not talking about finances. It means someone who is humble because they seek God. He could have been referring to Isaiah 66:2:

"Has not my hand made all these things,
    and so they came into being?”
declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:
    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
    and who tremble at my word." Isaiah 66:2

They understand who God is and who they are. 

What is the kingdom of God?

History and desire. The Jews want to go back to the time of King David. But Jesus isn't referring to this. The King of God is both present and future (Lord's prayer)

"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Luke 11:20

The Kingdom of God began on earth when Jesus came to earth and will end when He returns -- the culmination of the Kingdom of God. We are living in the interim, the Kingdom is now. "Blessed are the humble who understand God is King. We are in the Kingdom now."

"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." 

What is Jesus talking about? it is a state of being -- this mourning. They are mourning the evil of the world and the evil in themselves. It implies we can't fix what is wrong, but know that God can. Thihs is not the end. Real comfort knowing that God is the only answer.

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
    though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity".Psalm 37:8-11

The meek have ability to be angry and violent but choose not to be. They have self-control in relation to other people. Meek doesn't mean weak. Meekness is self-control, not weakness. A sign of maturity.

The Land -- promised land. The Jews would be thinking of the Exodus. But this isn't what Jesus was referring to. He was referring to the world.

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith." Romans 4:13

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8:22

You are blessed right now because you know what is coming. The meek will inherit the world. State of current existence. These are characteristics of a good disciple.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst"

Jesus is talking about someone who is desperate for God. Those who are desperate for God will be filled -- a feast.

Righteousness-- is relational. God's righteousness = justice = salvation.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly[a] with your God." Micah 6:8

This is how we should live our lives as Jesus's disciples:

-- in humbleness
-- mourning evil but knowing God will make it all right in the end
-- Self-controlled
-- Be hungry for God!

When we live like this we are already blessed! May God bless and keep you


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A Healthy Body

5/21/2023

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23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:23-25

The Church and the USA today according to a 2020 Berna study -- here are a few challenges of Modern Christianity in our country:
-- 72% watered down gospel teaching
-- lack of bible literacy
-- We have more access to the bible and people read it far less.
-- cultural shift to secularism within the church 66%
-- Screen-based lives and boredom -- aversion to commitment
-- Complex social issues and biblical integrity -- 58%
-- entangled allegiances and fetish of brokenness (embracing victimhood as a way of life)
-- the church's influence has faded.

These are not new problems!

"So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them." Ecclesiastes 9:1

Challenges of the Early Church:
-- Racial tension (Acts 6:1-7)
-- Man-made rules (Acts 15:1-2, Romans 14:1-4)
-- Sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:1-7)
​-- Authority of Roman Government (Romans 13:7)
​-- Lawsuits between Believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-7)
​-- Perversion of the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)
​-- Disunity of believers in the church (Philippians 2:1-4)

This is modern stuff too!

The church is the people. 

A Healthy Church:

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
1 Corinthians 12:12-14

No one is more important to the church than any other -- all roles are equal.

There is unity in diversity.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body." 1 Corinthians 12:15-20

Everyone has as role to play. We have to be all in -- face-to-face. If we don't play our roles, fulfill our roles in the church, the whole church suffers.

24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:24-27

Who we are as part of the body of Christ:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

We need to take care of each other. Your life always needs to be dedicated to Christ and the life God gives you. We are invididual parts, but one body.

"3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:3-8

Applications:


#1 Don't be biblically illiterate. No excuse not to know.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17

"Jesus replied, 'You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.'" Matthew 22:29

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

#2 Prioritize the body of Christ.


"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10:23-24

#3 Put God first.

 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Mathew 22:37

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
 because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." Romans 1:16

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
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Germination to harvest

5/7/2023

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"That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:1-8

Parables are unique -- they are more than stories; more than illustrations; they have great depth of meaning. Why did Jesus begin to speak in parables?

In Matthew 12 of the same day the pharisees confronted him several times without seeing what God was doing -- he healed the man with the shriveled hand; he delivered a man from demons and the pharisees said it did it by the power of Satan; they asked for signs and he said the only sign they were get was the sign of Jonah. Time after time the pharisees refused to believe and just wanted Jesus to follow their rules. He was done. So, he began to speak in parables. 

30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." Matthew 12:30-31

We should read a parable looking for what is surprising about God's grace to us in that parable. 

Explanation of the parable:
Path:
The seeds that fell on the path: when we have a mindset of the "path" or "road" we are hard-hearted. We refuse to believe even though the evidence is all around us. 


"20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

Rocky Soil:
Emotion based -- not belief
Jumping on the bandwagon -- a fan, not a follower
Love the highs -- can't handle the lows.

​Weeds:
They don't finish; Jesus is no longer first. No time for Jesus. They started out great but then they chose the world over Jesus: no relationship, no fruit. 

Good Soil:
Accepts the seed. The full cycle: acceptance, growth, maturity, fruit. A field that yields to grain is soft.

We need to feed the seed with the Word of God; prayer, fellowship, testimony. Weeds will come but we need to keep pulling them out. Some are harder to get rid of. Just keep doing it though. We have to be intentional in order to grow. We gotta do the work. Intentional and specific. The sower scattered the seed everywhere because God loves everyone. He wants everyone.

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' John 3:16
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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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