Many people would
share about heaven and their eternal home. It is important to also understand
that when a person accepts Jesus as Savior, they also accept Him as Lord. The
Bible says:That if you
confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. --Romans 10:9
When we call Jesus "Lord," we are stating our respect
for Him, that we belong to Him, and that we are committed to serving Him as our
supreme Master. Even more, this means we worship Him as the one true God and
give Him complete authority over our lives. In a very real way, a Christian is
a person under new management. No area of a believer’s life is exempt.
As humans, we often fail at letting Him take complete control of our lives.
However, this is not an excuse to just give up and live our lives the way we
want to live. We must remember that just as a baby has to learn many new things
once born into this world, we as new Christians have much to learn. Just as our
parents were there to help us take those first steps, Jesus is there to help
us. We grow stronger as we practice and learn from our mistakes. It is pleasing
to God when we strive to do His will above all else. We also experience a deep
satisfaction and peace when we are faithful to Him.
Jesus Christ died to
save us totally from the experience and consequences of sin. This saving
includes a lifelong process.May God himself, the God
of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and
body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. --1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
To sanctify means to be set apart, to be set aside for a special
purpose. Through the process of sanctification God makes a person holy,
sanctified, like Himself. That process begins once a person accepts Jesus as
Savior and Lord.
Jesus explained that
when we accept Him we become His disciple -- a learner or student. In the book
of Acts the term disciple refers to a person who is now seeking to be a
committed follower of Jesus Christ. A disciple is enrolled in the
One of the all-time favorite "Andy
Griffith Shows" centered around a movie company
wanting to use Mayberry for a shoot. The towns people were all excited, Barney
even bought a brand new deputy uniform! When the representative from the
company returned to Mayberry it was all he could do to remember their names. While he knew some of their faces (particularly Barney's), he
really didn't know them.
This is not the kind of relationship we
are to have with God. He wants us to have a first-name-basis kind of
relationship
(In your Bible, read Genesis 1:26-31.)
Being made in the image of God gives humanity a unique quality shared with no
other part of creation. Many have debated over exactly what this image
includes, but all agree that it infers the ability to have a relationship with
God. This "image" points to our purpose in creation--to know God
personally.
(In your Bible, read Philippians 3:10.)
There are a variety of ways we can know something. There is
intuitive knowledge-things like hunger (no one really has to tell you when you
are hungry). There is factual knowledge-2 plus 2 equals 4, George Washington
was the first
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If
anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." --Revelation. 3:20
He used the picture of two friends sitting down for supper to catch up on things.
The God who created everything, the all-powerful God, wants to sit down and
visit with you and I just like we would do for a meal with our very best
friend.
Have you ever noticed couples who have been married for a long time? Some of
them walk alike, they may talk alike, they may even
look like each other. One can give the other a certain look and their spouse
knows exactly what they are thinking.
Christ invites us to be a follower of His (Luke 9:23), an imitator (see
Ephesians 5:1). This means we take on His character and His thoughts. Paul
called this being "transformed" (see Romans 12:1-2). This
transformation, or change in our life, continues the rest of our life as we get
to know God more and more. The more we spend time with God, the more we will
imitate Him in our lives.
Here are a few practical suggestions for establishing a daily time
alone with God.
Set aside a place – make it a location where you can be alone
with minimal distractions.
Set a time – schedule a time that is best for you.
Plan – There are a variety of resources available. The focus of
any plan should be on Scripture. Some have suggested reading one chapter of
Proverbs each day (read Chapter 1 on the 1st day and so forth).
Process – plan out your time to help you get the most out of it.
Here is one routine that may help you:
- say a simple prayer,
asking God to show you something to help you face the day and become more like
Him.
- a
portion of Scripture (depends upon the plan you are using)
- ask yourself what
does this Scripture mean to me?
A tool that may help
could be to ask the following questions:
- write down your
thoughts and discoveries and look at them through the day (or the next day as
the case may be). You may want to share what you have discovered with a friend.
Prayer is simply dialogue between God and people. It includes God listening to
us as we listen to Him. Prayer is a sincere, from-the-heart conversation with
the God of the Universe. The one who created us and loves us wants to hear from
us. It is as necessary to the spiritual life as oxygen is to the physical life.
Prayer should become a way of life for us--as natural as breathing.
Jesus set the example for us to follow when it comes to prayer. After
watching Him pray, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. (see Luke 11:1)
Here are a few of the things
the disciples heard and saw:
This, then, is how you should pray: `Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth
as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we
also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from the evil one.” --Matthew 6:9-13
Read John 17:1-25 in your Bible and look for specific things Jesus requested,
ways He addressed God, and the focus of His requests.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul directed
Christians to “pray without ceasing”. He was encouraging us to be in a constant
attitude of prayer, much like a conversation with a friend would progress over
days and weeks.
If we understand that God is real and
our relationship with Him is to be a personal one, then we will understand
prayer. We express words of encouragement and love to our friends and family
even though they already know we love them. Why? Because such
expressions are part of our personal relationship with these people.
Yes, God is aware of everything in our lives. However, prayer is a confirmation
and recognition of our personal relationship with Him.
One of the most important matters concerning
prayer is regularity. Prayer needs to be a continual part of your everyday life
and not just the words spoken in time of crisis or when you are drifting off to
sleep. A regular prayer life will pay immeasurable dividends in your
life.
One thing you can do to help you is develop a
prayer journal. It doesn't need to be complicated. In a notebook, list prayer
requests, being specific with your request and noting the date. As these
requests are answered, keep a record of how they were answered. In time,
looking back at how God answered these prayers will become a real encouragement
to you.
Another idea would be to pray for a specific kind of
request on different days. You may pray for your family on Monday, friends on
Tuesday, co-workers on Wednesday, church leaders on
Thursday, and so on.
If that was the only
meal you could eat how healthy do you think you would be? Obviously, it is
important for us to eat a balanced diet of foods if we want to have healthy
bodies. The same is true of our spiritual lives.
Bible study provides the spiritual nourishment necessary to grow as a
Christian. It is through digesting the truths of the Word of God that you can
understand all God desires you to be and do. The Bible is the way God chose to
speak to us. It helps us to know who we are and how we are to be.
The Bible is the
revelation of God to man, through man.
In the New Testament
Paul declared:
All Scripture is
God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Being "God-breathed" points to the fact that the
Holy Spirit worked through the human spirit of the writers, guiding the
process.
As you look at the passage above, circle the things for which Scripture is
useful and underline the end result. If you and I want to be equipped for every
good work, we must learn what the Bible says and put its truth into practice in
every area of our lives.
One purpose of the Bible is that persons might believe. Through Scripture, we
come to understand our need for a Savior and forgive-ness and how God has
provided this forgiveness through His Son.
“...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” --John 20:31
A second purpose is that believers might grow. The Bible is our main source for
Christian growth.
“Like newborn babies,
crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow in your salvation.” --1
Peter 2:2
When we become a Christian we are just like a new born child. We must rely on
others to help us get the spiritual nourishment we need. Eventually, as we
mature spiritually, we take the responsibility of feeding ourselves. The next
stage of spiritual maturity is when we begin to feed others and share the
truths of Scripture with others. This maturing process takes time and effort.
How would you
summarize these verses?
The process of Bible study involves
discovering the truth of what the original writer meant and what it means to
us. A person who wishes to study the Bible will need a good study Bible in an
understandable translation. One might also want a commentary of the Bible which
would give you the historical background necessary for understanding each book.
A Bible commentary presents ideas and understandings about specific parts of
the Bible that may be helpful. A Bible dictionary would also be helpful as you
locate grammar and words that are difficult to understand.
As you begin your study you will want to find
a resource that guides you through the study process. One such resource is the
Bible study guide used in your Sunday School class.
This resource will enable you to concentrate on subject areas and themes that
are crucial in understanding the Bible. Before each week's Sunday School lesson, you will want to spend some time reading the
selected Bible passages and the comments in the Bible study guide. This will
help you be prepared to discuss the Bible passages and get answers to your
questions.
In time, you will want to dig deeper in your
Bible study. You may want to study just one section of Scripture, one book, or
a theme. Resources are available for doing this at your local Christian book
store. You may want to ask your Sunday School teacher
or a minister to assist you in finding a resource to help you do this.
Review what you have just read and note
the things this group of Christians did together. Also look for things that
happened as a result of what they did together.
In what ways do you see these things
happening in our church?
The writer of the Book of Hebrews directed Christians “not to forsake the
assembling of themselves” (Heb. 10:25). The writer gave two reasons for
Christians to come together.
(Heb. 10:24). The
writer used a strong word in this text that carries with it the idea of
provoking someone to action. It carries the idea of spurring another person on
as one might do while riding a horse. It should be noted that this spurring is
a mutual action. It is not one person pushing everyone else to do acts of
service, but rather each individual stimulating others to do acts of service as
they are being stimulated to service by the ones they are stimulating. Solomon
described this same kind of idea in terms of “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs.
27:17). When a person sharpens a knife or tool, it requires the use of another
instrument of equal or greater strength. It can not be sharpened of and by
itself. Solomon implied that we as individuals need others to help us become
all God intends us to be.
(Heb. 10:25). It may
seem like the writer of Hebrews was repeating himself, but there is a
difference in encouraging and stimulating. This encouraging appears to relate
to being true to the Christian faith and gaining strength when facing
difficulties. The trials of everyday life can be enough to keep us from being
all God wants us to be, but the writer noted that this encouragement would be
more important as “the day,” the return of Christ, approached. Later in this
letter, the writer will note that some of the Hebrews had already experienced
persecution for their faith (Heb. 10:34). Other writers of the New Testament
note persecution of Christians as escalating as the return of Christ draws
near. That appears to be the case in our world today as more and more
Christians are being persecuted and killed because of their faith in Christ. As
we face potential persecution and deal with the difficulties of life, we need
encouragement to continue to trust God in our lives.
This kind of encouragement can only come from other Christians.
It is obvious that Jesus valued the
assembling of God’s people and being a part of that assembly. Luke described
this as being Jesus’ habit. It should be noted that Jesus went to the synagogue
on a regular basis even though he did not agree with their leadership.
"Be
careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." --Mark 8:15
Meanwhile, when a
crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one
another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your
guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." --Luke 12:1
Jesus confronted the Pharisees on several occasions and was very plain with
them. However, Jesus did not allow His evaluation of the religious leaders to
get in His way of assembling with God’s people. He set the example for us to
follow. The church will never be perfect, but that is no reason for us to miss
out on what God has for us by refusing to be involved in a church.
David and Joan had just become engaged.
They would soon finish their college education and then would get married.
David was on the track team and had to stay on campus during that final spring
break before their marriage. He couldn't stand being away, so he borrowed a
bicycle and rode some 85 miles just to see Joan. Joan's mother was so
impressed, she offered to drive David back (with the bicycle strapped to roof)
just so the two love birds could have a little more time together.
Love can make us do some really
incredible things in our lives. God desires for us to do some incredible things
for His kingdom while here on earth. Doing these things begins with a passion
for God. This passion will drive us to find new ways of expressing our love for
Him through service to others.
Notice the major things Paul was pointing out.
The whole body functions as a single
unit. When someone accepts Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent
residence in the life of the individual. This presence unites every believer
into the body of Christ.
Each part has importance. Within the
church, every member plays an important role. While some roles may be more high
profile, no one role played by a church member is of greater or lesser
importance. Each member has a contribution to make and is missed when
they fail to be what God has called them to be and do.
Each member must rely on the other
members of our church family. While we may be able to survive on a
spiritual island, if we were honest, we would all have to admit we would
prefer to live in a spiritual metropolis where we could rely on others for
strength and encouragement.
Paul noted at least three benefits for the church when
Christians exercise their gifts. These benefits are:
God has given individuals
spiritual gifts to carry out the work of the church and for service to others
Christians. The ultimate purpose is seen in the statement "for the
building up of the body of Christ" (v. 12).
This is the result of Christians
exercising his or her spiritual gift for the cause of Christ. They are all
working toward a common goal, building up the body of Christ.
This growth is two fold. As the
Christian exercises his or her spiritual gift, personal spiritual growth is
experienced. This growth in individuals also causes growth in the body of
Christ.
(In your Bible, read 1 Peter 4:10.)
Peter made it clear that each member of the church has
received a spiritual gift when they became a Christian. It is a matter of you
agreeing with what God has said in His word.
Some passages you may want to look at
are 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. As you examine these passages, keep in mind
that some of those gifts may be expressed in very contemporary terms in our
day. The forms through which the gifts are expressed may vary from age to age.
(In your Bible, read James 1:5-8.)
God is more concerned about you having insight into
your spiritual gift, than you are in understanding your spiritual gift. If you
are going to pray effectively for understanding of your spiritual gift, there
needs to be a commitment to use that giftedness. God gave you the gift to make
you an effective part of His body, so when you ask for insight into your gift,
be ready to use it.
You are more likely to discover your gift
while you are using it, than while you are just sitting. So, instead of
passively sitting by and waiting on God to show you your gift, find something
that interests you and begin to do it. Find a need and begin to meet it.
Some people have a mistaken idea that
if they could ever find the will of God for their lives that it would be
something that would make them miserable. The opposite is the truth. If you can
ever find the will of God for your life, it will be the delight of your heart.
Sometimes God speaks to us through
others. Others may see in us a giftedness that we do not see in ourselves.
Is there something that is a continuing
concern to your heart? It may be that God is speaking to you concerning His
will for your life through that burden. If you don’t have a burden, then ask
God for a burden. Every child of God needs to be carrying a burden for some
aspect of the work of the Lord. Burdens and giftedness can be closely related
to each other.
God owns everything. Everything we see is His creation.
Everything we "create" is made of something God has already created.
(In your Bible, read 2 Corinthians 9:7)
No one is forced to give to the church. However, our gifts are to be an
expression of our love for God. Just as we demonstrate our love to friends and
family by giving them gifts, so should be our attitude
toward giving to God.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever
sows generously will also reap generously. --2 Corinthians 9:6
(In your Bible, read 1 Corinthians 16:2.)
Paul knew that if they waited to give what was left over, they would never
give. It is always best to have a systematic plan for how you use your money
and giving to God should be a part of that plan.
Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by
them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when
you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do
in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you
give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is
doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your
Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. --Matthew 6:1-4
(In your Bible, read Matthew 6:25-34)
When we give, we are demonstrating our trust in God. In a way we are showing
that we trust Him to provide for our needs and that we believe His promises are
true.
When God created humanity, He gave us the task of watching over and caring for
His creation. Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,
and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the
livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the
ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created
him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be
fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the
fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves
on the ground.” --Genesis 1:26-28
Jesus told several
parables that included the idea of humanity being responsible for the things
entrusted to them. As a steward, entrusted with overseeing a specific area or
item, we are to do what we can to make that area or item productive. Being
productive, however, is not based upon our ideas or definitions, but rather
upon creating an increase that pleases God, the Owner, and contributes to His
aims.
In 2 Kings 7, we find an interesting
story about four lepers. The first thing we discover about them is they had a
problem and were hopeless.
Now there were four men with leprosy at
the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, "Why stay here
until we die? If we say, 'We'll go into the city'--the famine is there, and we
will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the
Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if
they kill us, then we die." --2 Kings 7:3-4
Leprosy was a disease that had no cure.
They had no hope and with a famine going on, they would have been the very last
to receive food. This same kind of hopelessness could describe how you and I
were before we became a Christian--sin was our problem and we had no hope of
overcoming it.
At dusk they got up and went to the
camp of the Arameans. When they reached the edge of
the camp, not a man was there, for the Lord had caused the Arameans
to hear the sound of chariots and horses and a great army, so that they said to
one another, "Look, the king of
Paul declared that while you and I were
sinners, Christ was willing to die in our place so we could have eternal life
(see Romans 5:8). God was at work well before you and I ever realized we needed
forgiveness!
All they needed was provided and then some. The men who had leprosy reached the
edge of the camp and entered one of the tents. They ate and drank, and carried
away silver, gold and clothes, and went off and hid them. They returned and
entered another tent and took some things from it and hid them also. --2 Kings
7:8
They had discovered a gold mine and now had more than enough. When you and I
accepted Christ, He provided everything we would ever need for salvation. He
offers us an abundant life, full of all the best joys in life (see John 10:10).
They discovered they had a responsibility. Then they said to each other,
"We're not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it
to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let's go
at once and report this to the royal palace."--2 Kings 7:9
The salvation God has given you and I is too valuable
for us to keep to ourselves. We must find ways to share what God has done with
others. God has forgiven you and has left you here on earth to tell others what
He has done and what He can do for them.
They simply told what they knew. So they went and called out to the city
gatekeepers and told them, "We went into the Aramean
camp and not a man was there-- not a sound of anyone--only tethered horses and
donkeys, and the tents left just as they were." The gatekeepers shouted
the news, and it was reported within the palace. --2 Kings 7:10-11
Sometimes we may wonder what we are to tell others about Jesus. We can learn a
great deal from the four lepers who simply told their story--what they had
found and how.