Read John 4:39-42
Word of mouth is the best advertising. Every advertising firm knows that. Every owner of a business wants his/her brand name to be on people’s lips so that word of mouth spreads the beauty and necessity of their product.
Without being worldly, believers need to realise that word of mouth is the best ‘advertising’ for Jesus. What Jesus has done in your life is a powerful testimony that you can share with the world. The Samaritan woman at the well went to her village and told everything about Jesus and her encounter with the living Lord. They were intrigued and wanted to know more. After hearing Jesus, they declared that He really was the Saviour of the world! Hallelujah!
Let me encourage you to look for opportunities to share your testimony. Look for open doors to speak about what Christ has done in and through you. Create opportunities to peak people’s curiosity about what Jesus has done in your life. You are a living advertisement for our Lord whether you realise it or not. You may as well be a good one and a positive one!
“But, but, but”, I hear you say. I know there are many buts. I know there are issues but it’s not that hard. Here’s a few steps to help you get started:-
1. To help you share your testimony, try writing it out first. Once you have written it out you can share the different bits in different circumstances as relevant.
2. There are basically three parts to your testimony. What life was like before you came to know Christ. Talk about your desires, your life outlook, your passions etc. Next is how you came to know Christ Jesus. Talk about what He did to bring you to salvation and how He worked in your life. Finally, talk about how life has been since you’ve become a Christian. Talk about how you’ve changed with God in your life. This doesn’t need to be all roses. If you’ve struggled and had issues, talk about how God has walked with you and got you through so far. If you’ve been a Christian all your life and have no conversion date as such, talk about what you’ve seen God do in your life and how you’ve seen him at work. Talk about how you’ve changed and grown with God over the years.
3. You can ‘steer’ a conversation to gospel issues and open doors for your testimony in several ways:-
m If someone asks “How are you?”, tell them about how you’re going with God. It’ll blow them away but might open doors to talk more.
m Pique their curiosity by answering in unexpected ways. Eg, Someone told me they were not religious. I responded by telling them that Jesus was not religious either. Once you have made a statement wait for that other person to ask a question. Once a question has been asked, dialogue has opened up and you are ready to talk about Jesus.
Let them see the purity and holiness of your life. Putting Jesus first always raises questions. Think of the following example. Your mates ask you to go to the footy next Sonday. You can pull your head in and go or you can say something like, ‘That sounds great. I’d love to go but I’m not willing to give up my time with Jesus next Sonday at church.’
When someone makes a statement that has gospel implications start questioning them (not interrogating them). What do you mean? Tell me more? Draw that out for me. Help me understand your point of view.
Prayer:-
m Over the 2 weeks of mission, pray for opportunities to share your testimony. Pray that every one will get on board and be at the events to share their faith, to speak to non believers and to shine the light of Jesus.
m Pray for a growing passion and zeal among the believers at ChristLife Presbyterian Church.
Get Into It!
Write out your testimony and show it to a mature believer for comment and refinement.
Make sure you focus on God and not yourself.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Monday September 6, 2010
Read John 3:16-21
We’re gearing up for 2 weeks of mission here at Christlife Presbyterian Church. It is going to be a fantastic time of praising God as the gospel goes out into the world.
But just stop a moment to think about why it’s so hard to bring the gospel to people. Why is it often like talking to a brick? Why do my unbelieving friends and family find it so hard to understand what I’m telling them about Christ Jesus?
Part of the answer is in John 3:16-21. Light has come into the world. The light of salvation has shone into our existence. But the world is under the control of the evil one. The world has been blinded by the prince of this age. And so we read that men loved darkness instead of light. They will not enter into the light because they will feel the condemnation of the weight of their sinfulness. They will stay in the darkness so that they can avoid the truth that their deeds are evil. Even though we know that this guilt is good because it pushes us to find salvation in Christ, they don’t yet know it because they are still under the control of the evil one. He doesn't want them to hear the gospel and to be saved. Of course, he’s going to distract them with fun, games, money, sexuality and preoccupation with ‘self’. Of course he’s going to make them angry with you. Of course he’s going to drown out the gospel in any way he can. This is the heart of spiritual warfare!
Before we look at what we can do, think deeply about vs 18. Have you ever realised there are no fence sitters? Anyone who does not believe in Jesus is already condemned. They are standing under the wrath of God already. If they were to die right now they would be accursed for all eternity. It’s a picture that sends a shudder down my spine as I think of people I love that refuse to come to Christ. There will be no tallying of deeds on the day of judgement. There will be no decisions for God to make because they are already condemned. How scary!
But there is something we can do. Read vs 16 again. Anyone, anyone at all who believes in Jesus will not perish eternally but will have eternal life. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
So what can I do? First and foremost, pray. Pray that God will grant the people you know with love, repentance and faith in Jesus. Secondly, pray for opportunities to share the good news with those people. Have coffee with them and share your faith. Invite them to the events over the next 2 weeks. Do whatever it takes to get them to hear the gospel. It’s the only hope they have. Tomorrow could be too late.
Prayer:-
m As mission approaches pray that God would prepare the college team and each of us for a frantic, yet glorious week of intense gospel work. Pray that the community around us would be ready to hear the gospel and to respond positively. Pray that the Kingdom of God would grow through this fortnight of mission activity.
m Pray that the Lord would bind up the evil one and his henchmen/servants over the two weeks of mission, so that we would see many many people come to the Lord in repentance and faith. Ask God to fill the speakers and presenters with His Holy Spirit so that they can speak powerfully and convict many of their need to repent and have faith in Jesus.
Get Into it !
Write down the names of 3 people you would love to see come to the Lord in repentance and faith.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Pray for each one and ask God to allow you to share the good news with them.
Ring each one and make a time to chat.
We’re gearing up for 2 weeks of mission here at Christlife Presbyterian Church. It is going to be a fantastic time of praising God as the gospel goes out into the world.
But just stop a moment to think about why it’s so hard to bring the gospel to people. Why is it often like talking to a brick? Why do my unbelieving friends and family find it so hard to understand what I’m telling them about Christ Jesus?
Part of the answer is in John 3:16-21. Light has come into the world. The light of salvation has shone into our existence. But the world is under the control of the evil one. The world has been blinded by the prince of this age. And so we read that men loved darkness instead of light. They will not enter into the light because they will feel the condemnation of the weight of their sinfulness. They will stay in the darkness so that they can avoid the truth that their deeds are evil. Even though we know that this guilt is good because it pushes us to find salvation in Christ, they don’t yet know it because they are still under the control of the evil one. He doesn't want them to hear the gospel and to be saved. Of course, he’s going to distract them with fun, games, money, sexuality and preoccupation with ‘self’. Of course he’s going to make them angry with you. Of course he’s going to drown out the gospel in any way he can. This is the heart of spiritual warfare!
Before we look at what we can do, think deeply about vs 18. Have you ever realised there are no fence sitters? Anyone who does not believe in Jesus is already condemned. They are standing under the wrath of God already. If they were to die right now they would be accursed for all eternity. It’s a picture that sends a shudder down my spine as I think of people I love that refuse to come to Christ. There will be no tallying of deeds on the day of judgement. There will be no decisions for God to make because they are already condemned. How scary!
But there is something we can do. Read vs 16 again. Anyone, anyone at all who believes in Jesus will not perish eternally but will have eternal life. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
So what can I do? First and foremost, pray. Pray that God will grant the people you know with love, repentance and faith in Jesus. Secondly, pray for opportunities to share the good news with those people. Have coffee with them and share your faith. Invite them to the events over the next 2 weeks. Do whatever it takes to get them to hear the gospel. It’s the only hope they have. Tomorrow could be too late.
Prayer:-
m As mission approaches pray that God would prepare the college team and each of us for a frantic, yet glorious week of intense gospel work. Pray that the community around us would be ready to hear the gospel and to respond positively. Pray that the Kingdom of God would grow through this fortnight of mission activity.
m Pray that the Lord would bind up the evil one and his henchmen/servants over the two weeks of mission, so that we would see many many people come to the Lord in repentance and faith. Ask God to fill the speakers and presenters with His Holy Spirit so that they can speak powerfully and convict many of their need to repent and have faith in Jesus.
Get Into it !
Write down the names of 3 people you would love to see come to the Lord in repentance and faith.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Pray for each one and ask God to allow you to share the good news with them.
Ring each one and make a time to chat.
Tuesday September 7, 2010
Read John 4:1-26
I read the story of a Bedouin Arab who, having spent his life wandering and living in the desert, had opportunity to spend time in a western hotel for the first time in his life. This man was particularly taken by the taps and faucets - turn a tap and water comes out of the spout. After he had left the hotel it was discovered that he had taken a tap and spout, no doubt, expecting to be able to turn them on in the desert to get fresh cool, life giving water!!!!
How I wish that all Christians, myself included, were as attractive to non believers as that tap and spout were to the Bedouin. How I pray that all believers are overflowing springs of living water to the non believers around us - that they see in us a life giving source that they have no access to. How I dream of non Christians flowing into our churches seeking to find the source of that life, that abundance, that generosity, that joy, that exhilaration and other Christ centeredness that they see in us Christians.
How I ache for the Christians across the land and the entire world to unite, to stand together and to worship together with Jesus in His love, rather than the hatred, bickering and gossip that fills our churches and denominations.
Please let me suggest some ways that you and I can become abundant wells of life giving water:-
1. Develop your own relationship with our Lord. If you are wandering through a desert no one is going to want to follow you. Even though they are time worn and common, the best way to grow in your walk with the Lord is through regular time in the Bible, regular time in prayer and regular time with other passionate, godly Christians. If you’re hanging out with half hearted Christians with a ‘who cares’ attitude maybe it is time to move on!
2. Learn to love God with your entire being - heart, soul, mind and strength. Consider each of these areas and jot down what loving God in each area looks like. Change what you need to change so that every department of your life is glorifying to God.
3. Deliberately work at removing disobedience in your life. When non Christians see us being disobedient they are immediately convinced that we are simply hypocrites and that their initial assessment of us was right.
4. Start living with passion and zeal for the Lord. Christians with heavy feet and frowns aren’t very attractive. Please don’t hear me negate pain, suffering or tough times. I don’t, and never have, advocated a “pretend all is well” approach to life. But even in these hard situations we can and should praise God and live with an expectancy that God will do something great in and through us.
Prayer:-
Pray that God would bring revival and healing to the believers at church, at your church. Pray that there will be a growing passion and desire to worship with our entire lives, a desire to be holy in all things and a desire to spread the Word everywhere.
Get Into It!
Take time to ask God to make your life a well of abundant living water. Jot down what He puts on your heart.
I read the story of a Bedouin Arab who, having spent his life wandering and living in the desert, had opportunity to spend time in a western hotel for the first time in his life. This man was particularly taken by the taps and faucets - turn a tap and water comes out of the spout. After he had left the hotel it was discovered that he had taken a tap and spout, no doubt, expecting to be able to turn them on in the desert to get fresh cool, life giving water!!!!
How I wish that all Christians, myself included, were as attractive to non believers as that tap and spout were to the Bedouin. How I pray that all believers are overflowing springs of living water to the non believers around us - that they see in us a life giving source that they have no access to. How I dream of non Christians flowing into our churches seeking to find the source of that life, that abundance, that generosity, that joy, that exhilaration and other Christ centeredness that they see in us Christians.
How I ache for the Christians across the land and the entire world to unite, to stand together and to worship together with Jesus in His love, rather than the hatred, bickering and gossip that fills our churches and denominations.
Please let me suggest some ways that you and I can become abundant wells of life giving water:-
1. Develop your own relationship with our Lord. If you are wandering through a desert no one is going to want to follow you. Even though they are time worn and common, the best way to grow in your walk with the Lord is through regular time in the Bible, regular time in prayer and regular time with other passionate, godly Christians. If you’re hanging out with half hearted Christians with a ‘who cares’ attitude maybe it is time to move on!
2. Learn to love God with your entire being - heart, soul, mind and strength. Consider each of these areas and jot down what loving God in each area looks like. Change what you need to change so that every department of your life is glorifying to God.
3. Deliberately work at removing disobedience in your life. When non Christians see us being disobedient they are immediately convinced that we are simply hypocrites and that their initial assessment of us was right.
4. Start living with passion and zeal for the Lord. Christians with heavy feet and frowns aren’t very attractive. Please don’t hear me negate pain, suffering or tough times. I don’t, and never have, advocated a “pretend all is well” approach to life. But even in these hard situations we can and should praise God and live with an expectancy that God will do something great in and through us.
Prayer:-
Pray that God would bring revival and healing to the believers at church, at your church. Pray that there will be a growing passion and desire to worship with our entire lives, a desire to be holy in all things and a desire to spread the Word everywhere.
Get Into It!
Take time to ask God to make your life a well of abundant living water. Jot down what He puts on your heart.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Saturday September 4, 2010
Read James 1:1-8
When the going gets tough, the tough get…….? The old saying says that they get going. Where do they go? Do they run away from the tough times? Do they run head long into it, tackling it as best they can? Do they just simply run for the thrill of running?
From a Christian perspective the old saying should read, ‘When the going gets tough, the godly start praising’. Praising? That’s the consistent witness of the Scriptures. Why on earth should I praise God? There’s no reason on earth. It’s all in heaven! Jesus is Lord. God is sovereignly in control of all things. God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, even tough times. When we are in the midst of tough times we need to remember that God is at work. There is an outcome ahead that is glorifying to God. You and I are being used to bring glory to God.
Added to this, when we go through tough times we are like gold being refined in the fire. God is purging us of the sinful thoughts, tendencies and habits in our lives. God is purifying us and getting us ready for heaven. You can think of it like a surgeon cutting out the cancer that is invading our body. The surgery may be painful and it may take time to heal, but hallelujah it’s gone. God the great physician is cutting out the cancerous sin in our lives through the surgery of tough times. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Prayer:-
ü Pray that those in your congregation who are going through a tough time will be close to the Lord and able to rejoice in their struggles because God is at work in them.
ü Pray for our brothers and sisters in Iraq as they suffer immensely for the gospel. Pray that God would use them powerfully to bring others to the faith as they persevere and rejoice in their trials. Pray for strength, for patience and for godliness for our brothers as they suffer.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Do you know of anyone who is suffering at present?
Prayerfully think of one way to help that person rejoice and to praise God.
Do it today.
When the going gets tough, the tough get…….? The old saying says that they get going. Where do they go? Do they run away from the tough times? Do they run head long into it, tackling it as best they can? Do they just simply run for the thrill of running?
From a Christian perspective the old saying should read, ‘When the going gets tough, the godly start praising’. Praising? That’s the consistent witness of the Scriptures. Why on earth should I praise God? There’s no reason on earth. It’s all in heaven! Jesus is Lord. God is sovereignly in control of all things. God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, even tough times. When we are in the midst of tough times we need to remember that God is at work. There is an outcome ahead that is glorifying to God. You and I are being used to bring glory to God.
Added to this, when we go through tough times we are like gold being refined in the fire. God is purging us of the sinful thoughts, tendencies and habits in our lives. God is purifying us and getting us ready for heaven. You can think of it like a surgeon cutting out the cancer that is invading our body. The surgery may be painful and it may take time to heal, but hallelujah it’s gone. God the great physician is cutting out the cancerous sin in our lives through the surgery of tough times. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Prayer:-
ü Pray that those in your congregation who are going through a tough time will be close to the Lord and able to rejoice in their struggles because God is at work in them.
ü Pray for our brothers and sisters in Iraq as they suffer immensely for the gospel. Pray that God would use them powerfully to bring others to the faith as they persevere and rejoice in their trials. Pray for strength, for patience and for godliness for our brothers as they suffer.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Do you know of anyone who is suffering at present?
Prayerfully think of one way to help that person rejoice and to praise God.
Do it today.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Friday September 3, 2010
Read Colossians 1:24-29
Perseverance. What thoughts come into your mind as you hear that word? I think of a well trained runner who runs a marathon, having carefully thought out his strategy of winning the race, of getting the gold medal.
Scripturally speaking we are not that different. We have a marathon to run - namely, this life. We are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We are to fight the good fight. We are to finish the race. In the words of Colossians we are to “continue in [our] faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel…”
The secret to Paul’s perseverance is many sided. He realised and
knew that his sufferings benefited others. The tough times and desert wanderings were not pointless and without meaning. God was in control through all of them and was working out His plan of bringing the church to Himself, pure and blameless. Paul also rejoiced throughout the sufferings. He had a godly view of the world and his place in the world. He never demanded anything of God and never wanted to be anywhere but in the centre of God’s will for his life, even if that meant suffering. Paul’s goal was Christ centred. He was not focused on work, money, house building or anything of the sort. His goal was to present everyone perfect in Christ. His goal was to do the works that God has prepared in advance for him to do. Finally, Paul laboured and strove with His energy that so powerfully worked in him. Paul’s life was not run in his own strength but he was energised by the indwelling Holy Spirit. All that Paul did, he did in His strength.
In this world you will see tough times. You will wander through deserts. You will be persecuted for your faith. But remember that you have God on your side. You have been called to take up your cross and to follow Jesus. You have been called to deny yourself and to walk the road that Jesus walked. My brother and sister in Christ, persevere. Fight the good fight. Run the race with perseverance. Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ who sits in the heavenlies at the right hand side of God the Father.
Prayer:-
ü Pray for perseverance for our brothers and sisters in Vietnam as they suffer attack, persecution and economic deprivation for their faith in Jesus. Pray that they will be strengthened in their faith. Ask God to use them to bring more and more people into the kingdom as they live for Jesus alone.
ü Pray that we will persevere through a long two weeks of mission coming up. Pray that God will grant us all we need to faithfully proclaim the gospel over the two week mission period.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Who do you know of that is struggling or going through a tough time at the moment?
Prayerfully consider one way to encourage that person. Do it today.
Perseverance. What thoughts come into your mind as you hear that word? I think of a well trained runner who runs a marathon, having carefully thought out his strategy of winning the race, of getting the gold medal.
Scripturally speaking we are not that different. We have a marathon to run - namely, this life. We are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We are to fight the good fight. We are to finish the race. In the words of Colossians we are to “continue in [our] faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel…”
The secret to Paul’s perseverance is many sided. He realised and
knew that his sufferings benefited others. The tough times and desert wanderings were not pointless and without meaning. God was in control through all of them and was working out His plan of bringing the church to Himself, pure and blameless. Paul also rejoiced throughout the sufferings. He had a godly view of the world and his place in the world. He never demanded anything of God and never wanted to be anywhere but in the centre of God’s will for his life, even if that meant suffering. Paul’s goal was Christ centred. He was not focused on work, money, house building or anything of the sort. His goal was to present everyone perfect in Christ. His goal was to do the works that God has prepared in advance for him to do. Finally, Paul laboured and strove with His energy that so powerfully worked in him. Paul’s life was not run in his own strength but he was energised by the indwelling Holy Spirit. All that Paul did, he did in His strength.
In this world you will see tough times. You will wander through deserts. You will be persecuted for your faith. But remember that you have God on your side. You have been called to take up your cross and to follow Jesus. You have been called to deny yourself and to walk the road that Jesus walked. My brother and sister in Christ, persevere. Fight the good fight. Run the race with perseverance. Fix your eyes on Jesus Christ who sits in the heavenlies at the right hand side of God the Father.
Prayer:-
ü Pray for perseverance for our brothers and sisters in Vietnam as they suffer attack, persecution and economic deprivation for their faith in Jesus. Pray that they will be strengthened in their faith. Ask God to use them to bring more and more people into the kingdom as they live for Jesus alone.
ü Pray that we will persevere through a long two weeks of mission coming up. Pray that God will grant us all we need to faithfully proclaim the gospel over the two week mission period.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Who do you know of that is struggling or going through a tough time at the moment?
Prayerfully consider one way to encourage that person. Do it today.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Thursday September 2, 2010
Read Colossians 1:24-25
How do you deal with the difficult parts of Scripture? Let’s not pretend, there are some very difficult things to understand in the Scriptures. Verse 24 contains one of the most difficult phrases in the Bible to understand and make sense of. Before we read on, state what you think verse 24 means when it says
... I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions...
Here are some steps to help you work out what a difficult passage might mean.
1. What does the passage not mean. There are certain limits of all Scripture interpretation. There are some things that a passage simply cannot mean. This passage cannot mean that the sufferings of Christ are deficient and need to be added to for our salvation. This is contrary to other clear Scripture and cannot be our understanding. If my understanding of a part of the Bible contradicts another part then my interpretation is wrong. It’s that plain and simple.
2. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture. As we wrestle for an understanding of a particular verse or passage, we must always seek to bring our interpretation or understanding in line with other similar passages. Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him, if we desire to come after Him. See Luke 9:23. Taking up a cross involves suffering and self denial. Acts 14:22 tells us that we must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Mark 13:19-20 suggests that the time of tribulation or suffering was limited and fixed. 1 Peter 4:16-17 tell us that suffering is God’s ‘judgement’ upon the church. This judgement is designed to purify the church and to get it ready for Jesus’ arrival.
3. Carefully consider & research the specific words used in the verse in question. The Word for ‘afflictions’ in NIV is never used of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. It speaks of the struggles of life rather than the pains of death. This is a very unique word that cannot be transported to the arena of Jesus’ suffering and death. Paul is thus not talking about Jesus’ atoning sacrifice at the cross.
4. Always read carefully in context. Remember the old adage: a text without a context is a pretext to say whatever you want. Here in context Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church, the body of Christ. Suffering is the vehicle of growing holiness and dependence upon God throughout the Bible. His overarching desire is to present everyone perfect in Christ. Paul is rejoicing that he suffers on behalf of the church, perhaps so that he can work for its perfection and lessen the suffering for the individuals in the church.
5. Read what others have said. Always take this step last so that you personally can research and wrestle with the Scriptures.
And so, having worked through these steps we can start to explain verse 24 as follows.
Paul rejoices that he suffers on behalf of the church, stating this at least twice. Paul is a servant of Jesus, a commissioned servant of the church and desires greatly for the church to be presented as perfect to the Lord. Scripturally, this often happens through suffering. Given that there is a set amount of suffering that the people of God must endure, Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church or on behalf of the church, thereby possibly lessening the suffering on others.
Prayer:-
ü Pleading prayer before the throne of God that many lost lives will come to hear and receive the truth now and especially during the Missions week.
ü Kid’s Games for Jane and all the volunteers, that Christ’s light will shine through and people will see God’s love coming through.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
If you have come across other difficult passages of Scripture then work through steps 1-5 of those passages and seek to come to an understanding of them.
Show your work to another mature believer and get them to comment.
How do you deal with the difficult parts of Scripture? Let’s not pretend, there are some very difficult things to understand in the Scriptures. Verse 24 contains one of the most difficult phrases in the Bible to understand and make sense of. Before we read on, state what you think verse 24 means when it says
... I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions...
Here are some steps to help you work out what a difficult passage might mean.
1. What does the passage not mean. There are certain limits of all Scripture interpretation. There are some things that a passage simply cannot mean. This passage cannot mean that the sufferings of Christ are deficient and need to be added to for our salvation. This is contrary to other clear Scripture and cannot be our understanding. If my understanding of a part of the Bible contradicts another part then my interpretation is wrong. It’s that plain and simple.
2. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture. As we wrestle for an understanding of a particular verse or passage, we must always seek to bring our interpretation or understanding in line with other similar passages. Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him, if we desire to come after Him. See Luke 9:23. Taking up a cross involves suffering and self denial. Acts 14:22 tells us that we must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Mark 13:19-20 suggests that the time of tribulation or suffering was limited and fixed. 1 Peter 4:16-17 tell us that suffering is God’s ‘judgement’ upon the church. This judgement is designed to purify the church and to get it ready for Jesus’ arrival.
3. Carefully consider & research the specific words used in the verse in question. The Word for ‘afflictions’ in NIV is never used of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. It speaks of the struggles of life rather than the pains of death. This is a very unique word that cannot be transported to the arena of Jesus’ suffering and death. Paul is thus not talking about Jesus’ atoning sacrifice at the cross.
4. Always read carefully in context. Remember the old adage: a text without a context is a pretext to say whatever you want. Here in context Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church, the body of Christ. Suffering is the vehicle of growing holiness and dependence upon God throughout the Bible. His overarching desire is to present everyone perfect in Christ. Paul is rejoicing that he suffers on behalf of the church, perhaps so that he can work for its perfection and lessen the suffering for the individuals in the church.
5. Read what others have said. Always take this step last so that you personally can research and wrestle with the Scriptures.
And so, having worked through these steps we can start to explain verse 24 as follows.
Paul rejoices that he suffers on behalf of the church, stating this at least twice. Paul is a servant of Jesus, a commissioned servant of the church and desires greatly for the church to be presented as perfect to the Lord. Scripturally, this often happens through suffering. Given that there is a set amount of suffering that the people of God must endure, Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church or on behalf of the church, thereby possibly lessening the suffering on others.
Prayer:-
ü Pleading prayer before the throne of God that many lost lives will come to hear and receive the truth now and especially during the Missions week.
ü Kid’s Games for Jane and all the volunteers, that Christ’s light will shine through and people will see God’s love coming through.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
If you have come across other difficult passages of Scripture then work through steps 1-5 of those passages and seek to come to an understanding of them.
Show your work to another mature believer and get them to comment.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Wednesday September 1, 2010
Read Colossians 1:21-23. Ephesians 1:8-10
The relationship between faith and works is difficult for many to grapple with. It’s confused many and has been the source of much angst and worry. There is no doubt that we are saved by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. The Scriptures make that exceedingly clear.
So what role do works play? Works are the fruit of our faith. Works are the outflow of our faith in Jesus. If we have a true and saving faith then works will come out of that faith. True faith leads to works. If, for example, I told you that all buses were running late then if you trusted me, you would act appropriately. If you didn't really trust my words, you would continue on as normal. True faith changes our actions.
When we come to faith in Christ Jesus we need to continue in the faith. We need to take steps to grow, to mature and to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. Never has God said that mere mental assent to some concept or truth is saving faith. True faith bears fruit.
So how can I be growing and continuing on in the faith? There are many things we can be doing. The GROWTH acronym helps us immensely.
1. Go to God and to Him, Pray - spend time with God. Include adoration, confession, thanks and supplication.
2. Read His Word every day - It’s vital to know God’s word if you are going to deepen and mature in your relationship with our Lord. With a shallow knowledge of the Word you are open to deception, temptation and being led astray.
3. Obey the Lord in every way. As you grow in knowledge of the Word you will know how God wants you to act in different circumstances, how to speak and what to do or what not to do. Your walk with the Lord will never deepen if you continue wilfully in disobedience.
4. Witness to Him every day. Take every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with anyone who will listen. Create opportunities to share.
5. Trust the Lord in every thing. Each and every day, whether in positive or negative situations, trust God and walk His way rather than your own way. Trust is shown through obedience and willing submission to God’s will and God’s way.
6. Holy Spirit let me sing...Each and every day ask God to lead you through His indwelling Spirit. Pray that you will be able to listen to the Spirit and walk in the Spirit - who always works in accord and agreement to the Word.
Prayer:-
ü As you read the prayers of the New Testament, you see that many of the prayers are for growth in godliness, obedience and Christ-likeness. Pray this for people in your church phone directory.
ü Pray that God would pour out upon your congregation a Spirit of holiness so that believers are happy, joyous about turning from their sins and willing to choose God’s will and God’s way in every situation.
ü Pray that the two missions coming up in a few weeks will be a tremendous outreach in terms of sharing the gospel with people and bringing in the harvest.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Seek to incorporate all the elements of the GROWTH acronym into your life. Think about each aspect and work out where you can slot it in.
The relationship between faith and works is difficult for many to grapple with. It’s confused many and has been the source of much angst and worry. There is no doubt that we are saved by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. The Scriptures make that exceedingly clear.
So what role do works play? Works are the fruit of our faith. Works are the outflow of our faith in Jesus. If we have a true and saving faith then works will come out of that faith. True faith leads to works. If, for example, I told you that all buses were running late then if you trusted me, you would act appropriately. If you didn't really trust my words, you would continue on as normal. True faith changes our actions.
When we come to faith in Christ Jesus we need to continue in the faith. We need to take steps to grow, to mature and to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. Never has God said that mere mental assent to some concept or truth is saving faith. True faith bears fruit.
So how can I be growing and continuing on in the faith? There are many things we can be doing. The GROWTH acronym helps us immensely.
1. Go to God and to Him, Pray - spend time with God. Include adoration, confession, thanks and supplication.
2. Read His Word every day - It’s vital to know God’s word if you are going to deepen and mature in your relationship with our Lord. With a shallow knowledge of the Word you are open to deception, temptation and being led astray.
3. Obey the Lord in every way. As you grow in knowledge of the Word you will know how God wants you to act in different circumstances, how to speak and what to do or what not to do. Your walk with the Lord will never deepen if you continue wilfully in disobedience.
4. Witness to Him every day. Take every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with anyone who will listen. Create opportunities to share.
5. Trust the Lord in every thing. Each and every day, whether in positive or negative situations, trust God and walk His way rather than your own way. Trust is shown through obedience and willing submission to God’s will and God’s way.
6. Holy Spirit let me sing...Each and every day ask God to lead you through His indwelling Spirit. Pray that you will be able to listen to the Spirit and walk in the Spirit - who always works in accord and agreement to the Word.
Prayer:-
ü As you read the prayers of the New Testament, you see that many of the prayers are for growth in godliness, obedience and Christ-likeness. Pray this for people in your church phone directory.
ü Pray that God would pour out upon your congregation a Spirit of holiness so that believers are happy, joyous about turning from their sins and willing to choose God’s will and God’s way in every situation.
ü Pray that the two missions coming up in a few weeks will be a tremendous outreach in terms of sharing the gospel with people and bringing in the harvest.
MEAT 4 THE MATURE
Seek to incorporate all the elements of the GROWTH acronym into your life. Think about each aspect and work out where you can slot it in.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)