I have started a new blog @ www.lifelinewithtimchilders.blogspot.com
I hope it is a blessing to you!!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Nehemiah 4 -- Spiritual Warfare
This chapter would be what I consider to be the “spiritual warfare” chapter. Once the word got out that Judah was actually rebuilding the walls, Sanballet was furious. (v.1) He and his buddies mocked the Jews publicly. They constantly played “mind games” with the people who were working.
As usual – Nehemiah responded with prayer.
• Nehemiah’s prayer. (v. 4)
o Turn the plans of the enemy to destruction on their own heads.
o Give them as plunder to a land of captivity – plunder means “wasted destruction.” It was common for the enemy to “plunder” a village. They would come into the village and destroy it for the shear joy of destruction.
o Show everyone their true colors – asked God to keep a record of their sin.
These initial attacks did not stop the people. (v.6) They continued to work. The was was built to half it’s height. They were making progressing. How?
The people had a mind to work. (v.6)
• They were resolute in their actions.
• They believed their leader and followed his leadership.
• They trusted God.
• They did not allow Sanballet and Tobiah to distract them from the task at hand. They were not distracted from re-building….the vision.
When Sanballet and Tobiah heard of their continued success they became “very angry.” (v.7) They did not like hearing that the walls were restored. Most of all they did not like it that “gaps were closing.”
They were beginning to see that their intimidation was not working so their plotting to destroy the work of the Lord increased.
• Their plan
o Attack Jerusalem
o Create confusion
o Destroy the progress
Nehemiah had a plan of his own.
• Nehemiah’s Plan (v. 9)
o Continue in prayer
o Set a watch against the attacks
Even with these plans in place – the people were growing discouraged and weary. They were tired.
• Strength was failing
• Overwhelmed by the amount of destruction and rubbish.
• They were so discouraged that they told Nehemiah that they could not continue.
Because the enemy was so convincing the people began to talk and tell what they were hearing. Again, fear and intimidation was the plan of the day for the Sanballett.
• Surprise attack was imminent. (v. 11)
• Kill everyone so the work would stop.
• Intimidation was intense.
o “No matter where you turn – we will be there.”
o You can’t escape
o They repeated this over and over and kept it before the people so they would not forget, but stay in fear.
God gave Nehemiah a plan:
• Position guards
• Keep families together
• Gather weapons
• Nehemiah was their leader so HE ENCOURAGED THEM!
o Nehemiah’s encouragement
Do not be afraid.
Remember the Lord – Great and awesome.
Get priorities in line.
• Fight for you lives.
• Fight for the brethren.
• Fight for the family.
• Fight for your property.
The Results (v. 15)
• God brought the plan of the enemy to nothing so the people resumed the work on the walls
• Half of the people built the walls and half of them stood as guards.
• The people worked to complete the construction but they were wise. In one hand they held their tools for construction; the other hand held a weapon for defense!
Nehemiah placed a trumpet player near him. The sound of the trumpet was the signal for assembly. There is strength in numbers. Nehemiah saw the danger of the people being spread apart so he said to them, “when you hear the trumpet….rally! Rally means to assemble.
• God will fight for us! (v. 20)
The key to Nehemiah’s success was his faith in God and his determination and unwillingness to waver from the call of God on his life to rebuild the walls!!
Lessons Learned –
• When God gives vision and call to a person, Satan will have his Sanballet’s and Tobiah’s ready to:
o Humiliate
o Intimidate
o Cause confusion
o Attack
• God is faithful
o He gave Nehemiah a plan
o He brought the plans of the enemy to nothing
As usual – Nehemiah responded with prayer.
• Nehemiah’s prayer. (v. 4)
o Turn the plans of the enemy to destruction on their own heads.
o Give them as plunder to a land of captivity – plunder means “wasted destruction.” It was common for the enemy to “plunder” a village. They would come into the village and destroy it for the shear joy of destruction.
o Show everyone their true colors – asked God to keep a record of their sin.
These initial attacks did not stop the people. (v.6) They continued to work. The was was built to half it’s height. They were making progressing. How?
The people had a mind to work. (v.6)
• They were resolute in their actions.
• They believed their leader and followed his leadership.
• They trusted God.
• They did not allow Sanballet and Tobiah to distract them from the task at hand. They were not distracted from re-building….the vision.
When Sanballet and Tobiah heard of their continued success they became “very angry.” (v.7) They did not like hearing that the walls were restored. Most of all they did not like it that “gaps were closing.”
They were beginning to see that their intimidation was not working so their plotting to destroy the work of the Lord increased.
• Their plan
o Attack Jerusalem
o Create confusion
o Destroy the progress
Nehemiah had a plan of his own.
• Nehemiah’s Plan (v. 9)
o Continue in prayer
o Set a watch against the attacks
Even with these plans in place – the people were growing discouraged and weary. They were tired.
• Strength was failing
• Overwhelmed by the amount of destruction and rubbish.
• They were so discouraged that they told Nehemiah that they could not continue.
Because the enemy was so convincing the people began to talk and tell what they were hearing. Again, fear and intimidation was the plan of the day for the Sanballett.
• Surprise attack was imminent. (v. 11)
• Kill everyone so the work would stop.
• Intimidation was intense.
o “No matter where you turn – we will be there.”
o You can’t escape
o They repeated this over and over and kept it before the people so they would not forget, but stay in fear.
God gave Nehemiah a plan:
• Position guards
• Keep families together
• Gather weapons
• Nehemiah was their leader so HE ENCOURAGED THEM!
o Nehemiah’s encouragement
Do not be afraid.
Remember the Lord – Great and awesome.
Get priorities in line.
• Fight for you lives.
• Fight for the brethren.
• Fight for the family.
• Fight for your property.
The Results (v. 15)
• God brought the plan of the enemy to nothing so the people resumed the work on the walls
• Half of the people built the walls and half of them stood as guards.
• The people worked to complete the construction but they were wise. In one hand they held their tools for construction; the other hand held a weapon for defense!
Nehemiah placed a trumpet player near him. The sound of the trumpet was the signal for assembly. There is strength in numbers. Nehemiah saw the danger of the people being spread apart so he said to them, “when you hear the trumpet….rally! Rally means to assemble.
• God will fight for us! (v. 20)
The key to Nehemiah’s success was his faith in God and his determination and unwillingness to waver from the call of God on his life to rebuild the walls!!
Lessons Learned –
• When God gives vision and call to a person, Satan will have his Sanballet’s and Tobiah’s ready to:
o Humiliate
o Intimidate
o Cause confusion
o Attack
• God is faithful
o He gave Nehemiah a plan
o He brought the plans of the enemy to nothing
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Nehemiah 2 --God's Sovereign Hand of Supply
After Nehemiah prays that God will grant him "compassion from the king" he goes into the presence of the king with the king's wine. The king notices how sad and distressed Nehemiah looks. The king then asks "what's wrong?" This opens the door for Nehemiah to share with the king how and why he feels the way he does. The king asks Nehemiah what he wants to do. WOW!! God worked in such a way that Nehemiah did not even have to bring the subject up first. God opened the door. The king asked! The king also wants to know how long Nehemiah things it will take and how long he will be gone. (v. 6)
Following all of this - the king gives Nehemiah all that he needs to go to Jerusalem. The king evens sends horseman, guards, and captains in the king's army. He sent letters of blessing to all of the governors who were in the territories where Nehemiah was passing. Note: Nehemiah gives GOD all of the glory for HIS supply. (v. 8)
Sanballet and Tobias were the two thorns in the flesh for Nehemiah. They were residents of Jerusalem. They were very disturbed that someone was coming to help God's people. Verses 11-12 reveal that this was not just some "adventure" for Nehemiah but a true calling from the Lord. (verse 11 -- God put it in Nehemiah's heart.)
As Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and began to make inspections. He found total devastation. Some places were not even passable. There was much work to do and one who reads this can almost hear the gears begin to turn in Nehemiah's head.
Now Nehemiah begins to cast the vision in verse 17. He tells the people that they should arise and build so as to no longer be a REPROACH. He then assures the people that the hand of God is on him. He also has the support of the king. (v. 18) Then the people caught the vision and said, "let us rise up and build!" The followed through by beginning this work of God - the vision to rebuild the CITY OF GOD! ZION! Jerusalem!!
When the rose up to work - so did Sanballet and Tobias and their friend, Gesham. They hated the people, laughed at them and even falsely accused them of rebellion against the king. Nehemiah's response was to call on God! (v. 20)
Following all of this - the king gives Nehemiah all that he needs to go to Jerusalem. The king evens sends horseman, guards, and captains in the king's army. He sent letters of blessing to all of the governors who were in the territories where Nehemiah was passing. Note: Nehemiah gives GOD all of the glory for HIS supply. (v. 8)
Sanballet and Tobias were the two thorns in the flesh for Nehemiah. They were residents of Jerusalem. They were very disturbed that someone was coming to help God's people. Verses 11-12 reveal that this was not just some "adventure" for Nehemiah but a true calling from the Lord. (verse 11 -- God put it in Nehemiah's heart.)
As Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and began to make inspections. He found total devastation. Some places were not even passable. There was much work to do and one who reads this can almost hear the gears begin to turn in Nehemiah's head.
Now Nehemiah begins to cast the vision in verse 17. He tells the people that they should arise and build so as to no longer be a REPROACH. He then assures the people that the hand of God is on him. He also has the support of the king. (v. 18) Then the people caught the vision and said, "let us rise up and build!" The followed through by beginning this work of God - the vision to rebuild the CITY OF GOD! ZION! Jerusalem!!
When the rose up to work - so did Sanballet and Tobias and their friend, Gesham. They hated the people, laughed at them and even falsely accused them of rebellion against the king. Nehemiah's response was to call on God! (v. 20)
- God will prosper us!
- We will arise and build!
Nehemiah then reminds Sanballet, Tobias, and Gesham that they have not place in the city, no heritage there in Jerusalem. It's almost as if Nehemiah is saying, "you are aliens who are here illegally. We are God's people doing what God has called us to do. He has empowered us and supplied our every need. You just watch - His hand is on this project -- we will be successful because God want us to be successful.
- God caused the king to approach Nehemiah. Nehemiah did not even have to mention the calling of God on his life - THE KING MADE IT POSSIBLE! (v. 2 and v. 4)
- Nehemiah prayed before he answered the king. (v. 4)
- Nehemiah had a God given plan to accomplish what God had called him to do. The plan even included a time line for how long it would take to accomplish the vision.
- When the king granted his requests - Nehemiah gave God the glory. (v.8)
- Nehemiah logically presented the vision/project to the people. (v. 17) NOTE: For further study -- v. 17, "no longer a reproach."
- The people caught the vision. (v. 18)
- Negative forces began to make their presence known! Whenever and wherever God is doing something great - there will always be those who are trying to tear it down.
- Nehemiah reminds Sanballet, Tobias and Gesham that they have no heritage. Heritage calls to mind the importance of a blood line! They have no place there because of who they are! They have not rights there.
- God will prosper the work of their hands (Nehemiah and the people) because of who they are and because of "whose" they are!!!
Nehemiah 1 -- God's Call to Nehemiah
Nehemiah learns of the plight of the chldren of God - the REMNANT that escaped captivity and went back to Jerusalem. They found the city in ruins and were in great distress. Nehemiah heard this and went into a time of depression/mourning and he began to cry out to God. I was during this time that Nehemiah began to fast and pray. During the time of fasting he became convicted of his sin and confessed before the Lord. He reminded God of God's promise to Moses -- unfaithfulness will bring distress and separation, but repentance will bring blessings. The blessing of "coming home" is a great blessing. RETURN TO ME - stands out to me. (v. 9)
Nehemiah now prays a key prayer. He asks God to grant the King compassion before Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the curpbearer to the king. Now he was about to ask for some time off -- too be relieved of his duties so he could go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city.
Nehemiah now prays a key prayer. He asks God to grant the King compassion before Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the curpbearer to the king. Now he was about to ask for some time off -- too be relieved of his duties so he could go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city.
- Return to ME! (v. 9) -- it is always a good thing to confess our sins before the Lord. He has already forgiven them but it is for our benefit that we confess because the acts of sin have led us "away" from the blessing of God. God told Nehemiah - if we RETURN to God - we will walk in His blessings!
- Nehemiah's "mercy prayer." (v. 11) -- This verse has proven to be so helpful in my ministry as a pastor. Nehemiah approached the king with caution because any talk of leaving the service of the king could signal disloyalty and could be punished by death. Nehemiah could be sentenced to death just for asking time away to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. However, Nehemiah prayed that the king would be compassionat toward him. Chapter 2 is the account of what hapened afte Nehemiah prayed this prayer. It is amazing to see how God worked in this!!
Nehemiah 3 -- The Plan Comes Together
Nehemiah 3 is a detailed description of how individuals and groups of people came together and started the repairs and in some places the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem. They filled in the gaps. They repaired and re-hung the gate-doors. Nehemiah even records the repairs of the hardware on the gates. What I find amazing about this portion of scripture is that each group worked and tied each section of the wall together. It reminds me of the meeting of the two railroads across the U.S. When the time came to tie the tracks together – they met perfectly. When it came time to close the gaps and tie the wall together, it came together perfectly and supernaturally. God brought this to pass because the people were being obedient to Him. He blessed the work of their hands and the project was a success.
The scripture 2:18 reminds us that “set their hands to the work.” In other words their focus was to complete the work that God had called them to do. The huge task of rebuilding the wall was comprised of many smaller projects. The smaller projects were part of the larger project and calling of God – the rebuilding and refortifying of the city of Jerusalem.
• Our projects must always point to the larger focus and vision of God. Notice that they were all focused on different projects, but for the purpose completing what God had called them to do.
• None of the projects recorded by Nehemiah were a distraction from the vision given to Nehemiah – they all worked together. They all pointed to the greater vision/project--REBUILD THE WALLS!
• Everyone bought into the vision – the priests, the common laborer, the common citizen and women. Everyone had a place in the work.
The scripture 2:18 reminds us that “set their hands to the work.” In other words their focus was to complete the work that God had called them to do. The huge task of rebuilding the wall was comprised of many smaller projects. The smaller projects were part of the larger project and calling of God – the rebuilding and refortifying of the city of Jerusalem.
• Our projects must always point to the larger focus and vision of God. Notice that they were all focused on different projects, but for the purpose completing what God had called them to do.
• None of the projects recorded by Nehemiah were a distraction from the vision given to Nehemiah – they all worked together. They all pointed to the greater vision/project--REBUILD THE WALLS!
• Everyone bought into the vision – the priests, the common laborer, the common citizen and women. Everyone had a place in the work.
Blogging AGAIN!
I have felt a need to start blogging again. I got away from ith when I discovered FaceBook and now I am feeling the need to blog. I am going to be sharing my thoughts from my early morning Bible studies. Currently I am studying 1 chapter of Nehemiah each morning. Now when I says that I am studying, actually it will be a "light" study with makers for me to go back and dig deeper at a later time. My plan is to read the chapter 5 times - then write it out in my own words, marking through bulleted points what God is showing me. I have been at this for 3 days and I am loving it.
At first I was writing everything in a journal but then I decided to start blogging it so I am taking the time over the next couple of days to re-write the material into the blog.
I hope this study will be a blessing to you - It has already taught me so much!
At first I was writing everything in a journal but then I decided to start blogging it so I am taking the time over the next couple of days to re-write the material into the blog.
I hope this study will be a blessing to you - It has already taught me so much!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fellowship by Chris Chow
Chris Chow was in my youth group at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the late eighties. He was a strong Christian young man who was a deep thinker. We keep in touch through email. Recently he sent a study he did on "fellowship" in the church. It is a wonderful study. I asked his permission to post on my blog. He graciously agreed. You will be glad he did!
FELLOWSHIP --
As busy person (2 small kids hanging all over me whenever I'm at home trying to accomplish a task, pages all night from the hospital, catching up on tons of paperwork at the office, catching up on and co-laboring with friends and members of the church universal, early morning meetings, evening prayer meetings, earlier morning devotions, self-development projects of reading lists, projects, lawn-care, Sunday School preparation, worship team preparation, listening to new songs, daily readings of secular and Bible readings to the children, trying to carve out time for my patient and understanding wife), I find myself cringing at the request for my presence at yet another "fellowship". At the inspiration of a friend this week, I decided to look into what God says about it. Here's what I found. I welcome your comments.
Fellowship:
More than just a gathering
Chris Chow
April 2, 2009
The word “fellowship” is listed in the Bible 17 times.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The word for “fellowship” here is “koinonia” (Strong’s 2842) which means “participation”, “sharing in”, “fellowship with”, “communion”.
God uses this word to call us into fellowship of his Son (1 Cor. 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”).
Paul uses this word to identify and share in Christ’s sufferings (Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”)
It’s used in Philemon 1:6 “that the koinonia of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
Even John uses this word in 1 John 1:3-7 “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ…If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But is we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Paul uses this word to describe the plea of the churches of Macedonia to receive the support to the poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:4 “imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”)
Later, to end the same book, he uses this word to describe the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”)(See also Phil 2:1)
He also uses this word to describe our fellowship with the blood and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16 “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the koinonia of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the koinonia of the body of Christ?”).
[So, already, God describes the fellowship of Christ, of His sufferings, of our faith, with other believers, sharing in their ministry/gifts, of the Spirit, of the blood and body of Christ—it’s more than an identification, it’s a partaking/embracing/and perhaps incarnation of those things and what it means]
But in the same chapter, the Bible warns us not to fellowship with demons (1 Cor. 10:20 “Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.”) The word for fellowship here is “koinonos” (2844, sound familiar?), which means “partners”.
That word “partner” is the same word used in Luke 5:10 to describe Peter, James and John’s work relationship (Luke 9-10 “For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’”) The Greek word here is koinonos (Similar to koinonia) that describes a business relationship, with mutual responsibilities and accountability, working together to bring in the net, taking turns during the night watch waiting for fish, rowing out into the water together, investing their resources to continue the business, sharing the load and the return, improving the trade. “Titus my partner/koinonos” (2 Cor. 8:23). “Koinonos with them in the blood of the prophets” (Matt. 23:30)
In Galatians 2:9 Paul uses koinonia to describe his and Barnabas’ partnership Peter, James, and John (“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”)
In Philippians 1:3-5, Paul and Timothy addresses the saints serving in the church there: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,”
So you see, Paul uses the word almost interchangeably! Because of this, we need to see the idea of fellowship in our church body as more than just hanging out and exchanging jokes and superficial pleasantries, having a good time over fried chicken and potato salad (dumplings and rice in our Chinese church), or sipping coffee while discussing the latest sports news. That may be the start of things, but I believe God wants us to see the idea of fellowship as a partnership, a working relationship with each other (especially as leaders of the church) where we meet to always improve one another, sharpen each other in our walk and glorification of God, speaking (rhema) the Word (logos), teaching each other, raising the worship in our hearts together, so that we start AND finish strong, and working hard together for Him strategically like Peter, James, and John fishing, this time to gather souls, that the reign of heaven may be at hand in many more of our lives!
FELLOWSHIP --
As busy person (2 small kids hanging all over me whenever I'm at home trying to accomplish a task, pages all night from the hospital, catching up on tons of paperwork at the office, catching up on and co-laboring with friends and members of the church universal, early morning meetings, evening prayer meetings, earlier morning devotions, self-development projects of reading lists, projects, lawn-care, Sunday School preparation, worship team preparation, listening to new songs, daily readings of secular and Bible readings to the children, trying to carve out time for my patient and understanding wife), I find myself cringing at the request for my presence at yet another "fellowship". At the inspiration of a friend this week, I decided to look into what God says about it. Here's what I found. I welcome your comments.
Fellowship:
More than just a gathering
Chris Chow
April 2, 2009
The word “fellowship” is listed in the Bible 17 times.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The word for “fellowship” here is “koinonia” (Strong’s 2842) which means “participation”, “sharing in”, “fellowship with”, “communion”.
God uses this word to call us into fellowship of his Son (1 Cor. 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”).
Paul uses this word to identify and share in Christ’s sufferings (Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”)
It’s used in Philemon 1:6 “that the koinonia of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
Even John uses this word in 1 John 1:3-7 “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ…If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But is we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Paul uses this word to describe the plea of the churches of Macedonia to receive the support to the poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:4 “imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”)
Later, to end the same book, he uses this word to describe the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”)(See also Phil 2:1)
He also uses this word to describe our fellowship with the blood and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16 “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the koinonia of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the koinonia of the body of Christ?”).
[So, already, God describes the fellowship of Christ, of His sufferings, of our faith, with other believers, sharing in their ministry/gifts, of the Spirit, of the blood and body of Christ—it’s more than an identification, it’s a partaking/embracing/and perhaps incarnation of those things and what it means]
But in the same chapter, the Bible warns us not to fellowship with demons (1 Cor. 10:20 “Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.”) The word for fellowship here is “koinonos” (2844, sound familiar?), which means “partners”.
That word “partner” is the same word used in Luke 5:10 to describe Peter, James and John’s work relationship (Luke 9-10 “For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’”) The Greek word here is koinonos (Similar to koinonia) that describes a business relationship, with mutual responsibilities and accountability, working together to bring in the net, taking turns during the night watch waiting for fish, rowing out into the water together, investing their resources to continue the business, sharing the load and the return, improving the trade. “Titus my partner/koinonos” (2 Cor. 8:23). “Koinonos with them in the blood of the prophets” (Matt. 23:30)
In Galatians 2:9 Paul uses koinonia to describe his and Barnabas’ partnership Peter, James, and John (“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”)
In Philippians 1:3-5, Paul and Timothy addresses the saints serving in the church there: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,”
So you see, Paul uses the word almost interchangeably! Because of this, we need to see the idea of fellowship in our church body as more than just hanging out and exchanging jokes and superficial pleasantries, having a good time over fried chicken and potato salad (dumplings and rice in our Chinese church), or sipping coffee while discussing the latest sports news. That may be the start of things, but I believe God wants us to see the idea of fellowship as a partnership, a working relationship with each other (especially as leaders of the church) where we meet to always improve one another, sharpen each other in our walk and glorification of God, speaking (rhema) the Word (logos), teaching each other, raising the worship in our hearts together, so that we start AND finish strong, and working hard together for Him strategically like Peter, James, and John fishing, this time to gather souls, that the reign of heaven may be at hand in many more of our lives!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Evangelism
This video is really amazing and an eye opener for people who are afraid to evangelize. REAL caring goes a long way......
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Psalm 91 - Devotions -- Day 20
The last devotional was about the defeat of evil. No evil is going to overtake you because you have eternal life in Jesus – who is our secret place. Today we are promised that plagues will not come near our dwelling place.
In the 19th century the bubonic plague wiped our thousands of people. In an effort to stop the plague from spreading, residents were required to post a plague notice on their doorposts. People knew to stay away from that home because the plague had come near.
Do you want to hear some good news? There is NO DEATH in the dwelling place of the Most High! Death was defeated at the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. I love how the Psalmist reminds us that death will not even come near us!
There is not need for warning signs on the doorpost of your spiritual dwelling place. God provided a cure for the plague! The blood of Jesus is the perfect cure for the plague of death. Through Him we have eternal life. Death does not stand a chance! I am alive forevermore in the secret place of the Most High! No plagues for me!
In the 19th century the bubonic plague wiped our thousands of people. In an effort to stop the plague from spreading, residents were required to post a plague notice on their doorposts. People knew to stay away from that home because the plague had come near.
Do you want to hear some good news? There is NO DEATH in the dwelling place of the Most High! Death was defeated at the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. I love how the Psalmist reminds us that death will not even come near us!
There is not need for warning signs on the doorpost of your spiritual dwelling place. God provided a cure for the plague! The blood of Jesus is the perfect cure for the plague of death. Through Him we have eternal life. Death does not stand a chance! I am alive forevermore in the secret place of the Most High! No plagues for me!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Which Way Will America Go?
The video below is a message I preached on Sunday, October 27, 2008.
If you will go about 24 minutes into the video, you can pick up where I started preaching. The message of this video is timeless, although,I do mention the election and the candidates for the presidential election.
Our country is at a crossroads -- which way will we go. Our new president has been elected - now what will happen? Which way will we go?
Christians -- Arise!
If you will go about 24 minutes into the video, you can pick up where I started preaching. The message of this video is timeless, although,I do mention the election and the candidates for the presidential election.
Our country is at a crossroads -- which way will we go. Our new president has been elected - now what will happen? Which way will we go?
Christians -- Arise!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 19
Day Nineteen
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
NKJV
Have you ever noticed that part of verse 10? I do not think we can fully understand the protection that God is offering us. That word “befall” has an interesting meaning.
Befall means to be taken over. In other words the Lord is promising us that evil will never overtake us. Honestly, we did not have that promise before Jesus came to “dwell” with us through His Spirit. Evil is never going to take over as long as Jesus is in the house! His blood has defeated the evil one. Ultimately, since Jesus rose from the dead, evil does not stand a chance of destroying our eternal life. I know what you are thinking – “but what about the evil in the world that affects me?” Evil can still affect our circumstances, but it will never win over the blood of Jesus for our souls!!!
No evil shall befall you! Count on it!
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
NKJV
Have you ever noticed that part of verse 10? I do not think we can fully understand the protection that God is offering us. That word “befall” has an interesting meaning.
Befall means to be taken over. In other words the Lord is promising us that evil will never overtake us. Honestly, we did not have that promise before Jesus came to “dwell” with us through His Spirit. Evil is never going to take over as long as Jesus is in the house! His blood has defeated the evil one. Ultimately, since Jesus rose from the dead, evil does not stand a chance of destroying our eternal life. I know what you are thinking – “but what about the evil in the world that affects me?” Evil can still affect our circumstances, but it will never win over the blood of Jesus for our souls!!!
No evil shall befall you! Count on it!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Psalm 91 -- Devotions -- Day 18
Day Eighteen
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV
Yesterday we discovered more about the refuge we have in God. Today, I want you to consider what it means to have the “Most High” as your “dwelling place.”
I love the Old Testament use of the word dwelling. It means to “settle down” to “tabernacle,” “to make a home.” If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and life then you have made God your place to settle down, to camp out (tabernacle), your home. As I have said before, those of us who are Christians are “in Christ.” Jesus is our dwelling place. I know what you are thinking. What does that mean? How do I get there? How do I know that I am there? These questions and more can be answered by an understanding of FAITH. “For by grace you have been saved through faith….” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
It is by faith that we make Jesus our dwelling place! He is our refuge. When we realize that we are in Christ, our dwelling place, we can truly begin to realize the benefits of dwelling in the safe place – the refuge we call Jesus. His provision, His protection, His promises! Salvation, safety, solutions! Abundant life, walking in the Spirit, freedom from the power of sin! All of these are the benefits given to us “in Christ” as we make the Most High our “dwelling place.”
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV
Yesterday we discovered more about the refuge we have in God. Today, I want you to consider what it means to have the “Most High” as your “dwelling place.”
I love the Old Testament use of the word dwelling. It means to “settle down” to “tabernacle,” “to make a home.” If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and life then you have made God your place to settle down, to camp out (tabernacle), your home. As I have said before, those of us who are Christians are “in Christ.” Jesus is our dwelling place. I know what you are thinking. What does that mean? How do I get there? How do I know that I am there? These questions and more can be answered by an understanding of FAITH. “For by grace you have been saved through faith….” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
It is by faith that we make Jesus our dwelling place! He is our refuge. When we realize that we are in Christ, our dwelling place, we can truly begin to realize the benefits of dwelling in the safe place – the refuge we call Jesus. His provision, His protection, His promises! Salvation, safety, solutions! Abundant life, walking in the Spirit, freedom from the power of sin! All of these are the benefits given to us “in Christ” as we make the Most High our “dwelling place.”
Where Have I Been?
Hey folks,
I am so sorry that I stopped posting. I have gotten a few emails from you asking what happened. I was right in the middle of completing the series on Psalm 91 and then..................I got hooked...............................on............................................Facebook! I am almost embarrassed tot ell you that, but it's true! I joined FB and before I knew it I was looking at all of my friends pictures, chatting with old friends and catching up with people from my former churches. It has been fun, but I am growing weary! So...I plan to come back to the blog so keep checking back!
Psalm 91 starte again on Sunday evening -- September 7!
I am so sorry that I stopped posting. I have gotten a few emails from you asking what happened. I was right in the middle of completing the series on Psalm 91 and then..................I got hooked...............................on............................................Facebook! I am almost embarrassed tot ell you that, but it's true! I joined FB and before I knew it I was looking at all of my friends pictures, chatting with old friends and catching up with people from my former churches. It has been fun, but I am growing weary! So...I plan to come back to the blog so keep checking back!
Psalm 91 starte again on Sunday evening -- September 7!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 17
Day Seventeen
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV
Years ago I knew a woman who was terrified of storms. She had transformed her basement into a storm shelter. Her husband had built a bed from railroad cross ties. The top of the bed was reinforced with several sheets of plywood. She had designed the bed to have doors. When a storm would come she would get inside her bed, close the doors and wait out the storm. She told me that she felt safe in her basement “refuge.” I have been in her house during a storm. She was right!
We all long for security. We want to feel safe and secure. The psalmist reminds us today that God has provided that safety and security. He knows first hand what it means to live in that refuge.
God is our refuge. God is our safe place. The Bible tells us that we are “in Him.” We will explore what it means to be “in Him” in tomorrow’s study.
My friend with the storm shelter in her basement made the decision to get into that safe place. Each time a storm came she made the conscious choice to go there. As a result of that choice she was rewarded by having peace of mind. She felt secure there. Just as my friend felt safe in her basement, we can find that same security and peace of mind in our Lord.
The psalmist knew the importance of the refuge. Notice that he says, “because you have made the Lord.” Because you have made the Lord your refuge there are going to be some benefits. In the days ahead we will explore some of the blessings of the refuge.
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV
Years ago I knew a woman who was terrified of storms. She had transformed her basement into a storm shelter. Her husband had built a bed from railroad cross ties. The top of the bed was reinforced with several sheets of plywood. She had designed the bed to have doors. When a storm would come she would get inside her bed, close the doors and wait out the storm. She told me that she felt safe in her basement “refuge.” I have been in her house during a storm. She was right!
We all long for security. We want to feel safe and secure. The psalmist reminds us today that God has provided that safety and security. He knows first hand what it means to live in that refuge.
God is our refuge. God is our safe place. The Bible tells us that we are “in Him.” We will explore what it means to be “in Him” in tomorrow’s study.
My friend with the storm shelter in her basement made the decision to get into that safe place. Each time a storm came she made the conscious choice to go there. As a result of that choice she was rewarded by having peace of mind. She felt secure there. Just as my friend felt safe in her basement, we can find that same security and peace of mind in our Lord.
The psalmist knew the importance of the refuge. Notice that he says, “because you have made the Lord.” Because you have made the Lord your refuge there are going to be some benefits. In the days ahead we will explore some of the blessings of the refuge.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 16
Day Sixteen
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
NKJV
I would not have used the word “reward” to describe what the wicked will receive as a result of their depraved lifestyle. Reward conjures up visions of winning a prize. Would we want to “reward the wicked” for their wickedness? Punishment seems like a better word.
In order to understand why the word was translated as “reward,” one must understand the Hebrew word “peri.”
Peri has three meanings.
The tangible fruit produced by a plant
The offspring of the womb
The consequences or the result of a particular action
The “reward” of the wicked is actually the fruit produced by living an ungodly life. The reward will be the consequences of a wicked lifestyle. A closer look at the writings of the Apostle Paul will help us understand this “reward.”
Read Galatians 5:17-21. It is interesting to note in these verses that there is a particular lifestyle that will bring destruction into a person’s life. Paul speaks of this lifestyle in verses 19-21 when he describes the characteristics of the “flesh life.” In the second part of verse 21 he states that those who practice this kind of lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are very strong words. Christians can sin and still inherit the Kingdom of God. This verse must be speaking to the unbeliever. Although a Christian may commit some of the sins Paul lists, it is highly unlikely that a believer would actually want to continue in the lifestyle that Paul describes.
The reward is the offspring of the curse of sin. The reward of the wicked in Psalm 91 is the “tangible fruit” produced by living an ungodly lifestyle. . The reward is the consequences or the result of a particularly fleshly action in the life of a person.
The Christian has two choices:
Walk according to the flesh (vs. 19-21) where one will reap the consequences of living an ungodly life. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Satan will use these sins in our lives to kill, steal and destroy the abundant blessings in which Jesus wants us to live.
Walk according to the Spirit (vs. 22-23) where one is filled with the fruit (reward) of the Holy Spirit. By faith we make the choice to appropriate the abundant life of Christ in us each day so that the Spirit is giving us the reward of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
NKJV
I would not have used the word “reward” to describe what the wicked will receive as a result of their depraved lifestyle. Reward conjures up visions of winning a prize. Would we want to “reward the wicked” for their wickedness? Punishment seems like a better word.
In order to understand why the word was translated as “reward,” one must understand the Hebrew word “peri.”
Peri has three meanings.
The tangible fruit produced by a plant
The offspring of the womb
The consequences or the result of a particular action
The “reward” of the wicked is actually the fruit produced by living an ungodly life. The reward will be the consequences of a wicked lifestyle. A closer look at the writings of the Apostle Paul will help us understand this “reward.”
Read Galatians 5:17-21. It is interesting to note in these verses that there is a particular lifestyle that will bring destruction into a person’s life. Paul speaks of this lifestyle in verses 19-21 when he describes the characteristics of the “flesh life.” In the second part of verse 21 he states that those who practice this kind of lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are very strong words. Christians can sin and still inherit the Kingdom of God. This verse must be speaking to the unbeliever. Although a Christian may commit some of the sins Paul lists, it is highly unlikely that a believer would actually want to continue in the lifestyle that Paul describes.
The reward is the offspring of the curse of sin. The reward of the wicked in Psalm 91 is the “tangible fruit” produced by living an ungodly lifestyle. . The reward is the consequences or the result of a particularly fleshly action in the life of a person.
The Christian has two choices:
Walk according to the flesh (vs. 19-21) where one will reap the consequences of living an ungodly life. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Satan will use these sins in our lives to kill, steal and destroy the abundant blessings in which Jesus wants us to live.
Walk according to the Spirit (vs. 22-23) where one is filled with the fruit (reward) of the Holy Spirit. By faith we make the choice to appropriate the abundant life of Christ in us each day so that the Spirit is giving us the reward of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 15
Day Fifteen
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. NKJV
We have learned that small words in the Scriptures are sometimes the most powerful. Yesterday we celebrated the little word “but.” Today there is another small and seemingly insignificant word that packs a huge punch of power in our study: ONLY
To speak the word “only” without using it in a sentence is somewhat comical. Say it a few times. Only..only...only! This word may sound comical but praise God, it is powerful!
The dictionary defines ONLY as an adverb with many uses. It means: without others or anything further; alone; solely; exclusively. Today’s verse is very clear. We will ONLY see the reward of the wicked. Only seeing it with our eyes! We will not receive the reward of the wicked. Praise God! Tomorrow you will understand more fully the reward of the wicked.
This powerful little word ushers God’s grace into our lives. Read James 4:4-6. In these verses James says that whoever wants to be a friend of “the world” will make himself an enemy of God. The “wicked” in our verse for today are those who have made friends with the world. They are the ones who have turned their backs on the grace of God.
Those of us who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ have been given “more grace.”(v. 6.) We will not receive our just reward (which should be punishment) for our rebellion against God. Instead, we have been graced by God! We have been given a measure of protection. We will “solely, exclusively without others or anything further” see what is coming to the “friends of the world – the wicked” but their punishment will not touch us!! Because of God’s grace we have been justified, sanctified and glorified!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
(NKJV)
I am so thankful that God has provided not ONLY salvation, but protection and the promise of our verse for today!
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. NKJV
We have learned that small words in the Scriptures are sometimes the most powerful. Yesterday we celebrated the little word “but.” Today there is another small and seemingly insignificant word that packs a huge punch of power in our study: ONLY
To speak the word “only” without using it in a sentence is somewhat comical. Say it a few times. Only..only...only! This word may sound comical but praise God, it is powerful!
The dictionary defines ONLY as an adverb with many uses. It means: without others or anything further; alone; solely; exclusively. Today’s verse is very clear. We will ONLY see the reward of the wicked. Only seeing it with our eyes! We will not receive the reward of the wicked. Praise God! Tomorrow you will understand more fully the reward of the wicked.
This powerful little word ushers God’s grace into our lives. Read James 4:4-6. In these verses James says that whoever wants to be a friend of “the world” will make himself an enemy of God. The “wicked” in our verse for today are those who have made friends with the world. They are the ones who have turned their backs on the grace of God.
Those of us who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ have been given “more grace.”(v. 6.) We will not receive our just reward (which should be punishment) for our rebellion against God. Instead, we have been graced by God! We have been given a measure of protection. We will “solely, exclusively without others or anything further” see what is coming to the “friends of the world – the wicked” but their punishment will not touch us!! Because of God’s grace we have been justified, sanctified and glorified!
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
(NKJV)
I am so thankful that God has provided not ONLY salvation, but protection and the promise of our verse for today!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Back from Vacation
We are back from vacation. I will post from Psalm 91 tomorrow. I just don't have it in me to write it tonight! Keep checking back.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Vacation!
I am on vacation beginning right now! I will not be posting again until next Monday, July 28th! Debbie and I are going to the beach! Check back next week!
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