foundations

We are at the end of a foundations series – This Sunday (2/28/10) we will be exploring the topic of repentance. I wanted to add a few thoughts about this large topic.



Our key thought is – Repentance is not so much about what you have done but rather what you can become.

Few scripture

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.
• Repentance leads to life

Acts 3:19 "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;

• Repentance leads to refreshing

G-d leads you to repentance for a life that is refreshing

Day 8 - Reading thru the NT in 30 days

1&2 Thess and 1 Cor 1-11

• Pray for each other
• will of G-d = your sanctification
• pursue what is good for everyone, not just you
• Does my faith grow exceedingly
• Keep on doing good
• G-d is Faithful
• We are servants of Christ
• Knowledge can make you puffy
• examine yourself

Quote

Sin is the best news there is…because with sin, there's a way out.… You can't repent of confusion or psychological flaws inflicted by your parents—you're stuck with them. But you can repent of sin. Sin and repentance are the only grounds for hope and joy, the grounds for reconciled, joyful relationships.

John Alexander, quoted in Leadership (Summer 2000)

Day 7 - Reading thru the NT in 30 days

A few thoughts from


Mark 12-16 James and Galatians

• He is the G-d of the Living

• Love G-d, Connect to others, Serve the world – that sounds familiar

• Jesus watched the offering plate

• It is your responsibility to see that no one misleads you

• Be on ALERT

• Good intentions need follow up with action.

• A naked man in linen sheets? (I know I have read the bible before but I don’t remember this)

• Testing of faith = endurance

• Faith & works - Works & Faith – that’s what works

• Double minded = unstable

• Temptation comes from your desires.

• Boredom ----> Stupidity --> injury -----> Death

• Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger

• A life that is balanced with G-d and the world is out of balance.

• Knowing to do right and not doing it = sin

• Serving Christ and pleasing men go together like oil and water

• Don’t rebuild your old life

• You are a son/daughter – serve like it

• Examine yourself

Day 6 - Reading thru the NT in 30 days

Here is an interesting thought

The more I read the bible the clearer things become.
Sometimes I will read just a chapter or two and it seems like Im just reading another book. But when I read 10 plus chapters I see things different- clearer.
I guess its like medicine, the bigger the dose the bigger the effect. I wonder if you can overdose?
Here are some thoughts from Mark 1 -11

• Mark used the word immediately 10 times in the first chapter. NAS

• Jesus prayed in the morning

• People came from everywhere to see and hear Jesus

• Jesus spoke in terms of relationships

• Someone is watching to see what you will do

• Stretching = healing

• Learn the art of withdrawal

• Does your seed produce a crop

• Let it shin, let it shine, let it shine

• Hide it under a bushel – NO! I’m going to let it shine

• Fear destroys belief

• Traditions of men can cause neglecting of G-d’s command

• Take me to Jesus

Day 5 - Reading through the NT in 30 days

It's been a busy week - It seems like when you make a commitment to really do something big, there is something that always gets in the way.

However I’m pressing on--->

Day 5 – Acts 16-28

This section was difficult to read, but here are my thoughts

• Can you give G-d the praise at the midnight hour?

• These disciples upset the WORLD!

• Paul was driven by a changed life

• People still fall asleep in church

• A message that counters complacency will always face complications

• Paul went to where he knew affliction would be waiting

• Do work befitting of your repentance

• Follow that inner voice more than outer knowledge

• G-d has the Final say!

Rich young property owner

A young rich man came to Jesus and asked a few questions. You can find the story in Matt. 19


The young property owner would have made a great disciple. He must have known some things about management and priorities. He owned much land and kept the commandments. But he still was lacking.
He knew there was something missing. He knew Jesus would have the answers.
Im sure he was a little excited to hear Jesus speak to him and say to have eternal life keep the commandments. But what Jesus said next was troubling. Sell everything and give it away and follow me.
Am I willing to sell out to everything I know and own? I’m I willing to learn a new life? I know Jesus has the answers, but I just don’t know if I want to hear them.
It’s one thing to know Him and another to follow Him

NT reading day 4

I really believe the adventure of the early church could be made into a movie
Here are a few thoughts...
• Lying brings death

• The early church had Power, which landed them in Prison, which lead them to Preaching.

• Do you fill your world with Jesus

• Following Jesus = death sentence= life

• Where does your suffering come from? Your own wants or the desires of the King

• Teamwork!

• G-d’s plan always moves forward

• G-d calls and He sends

• GO! Go!

• No partiality, Know principles

• Who am I that I can stop the way of G-d?

• Repentance = life

• John was also call Mark???

• Preach Jesus

Day 3 - Reading thru the NT in 30 days

Day 3 - Matt 24-28 Acts 1-4

its rerally cool to see new and fresh things from the Bible

• enduring to the end = saved
• BE READY!
• Be pure and wise
• The way you treat others reflects the way you treat Christ
• not my will - - -
• Are you following Jesus at a distance?
• Have an exit strategy

JESUS is ALIVE !!!!

• The church started in untiy
• There will always be mockers
• This promise is for me and my kids and YOU!
• Repenting leads to refreshing
• I have something in coomon with Peter and John (LOL)
• over 8000 added to the early church in just a few days 
• Can others see that you have been with Jesus??
• no one lacked! WOW   

Day 2 - Reading through the NT in 30 days

Day 2 thoghts - Matt. 13-23

• Sow a seed
• Becareful what you promise
• Give what you have to Jesus and He can multiply it 
• He (Jesus) can rescue you even from unbelief 
• tradition can cause transgression
• I want my heart close to G-d, not just my words
• How desperate are you?
• Dont give up
• If you disagree with G-ds plan- you have to change
• What is the price tag on your soul?
• Prayer and Fasting builds Faith
• Jesus enjoyed kids!!
• No blind leaders

Crazy Love week 1

this book is a must have.
We are working through it on Wensedays.
Here are some thoughts from week one.

When you pray do you consider how you enter into G-d's presence?

• Eccl 5:2 - Matt 6:7
• Explore Lev. 16 to see how it was done in the Old Testment

How do you see G-d?

Can you see Him in Nature

• Romans 1:19-22
• Ps. 19:1-4

G-d is ...

• Holy - Lev. 19:2b
• Eternal - Ps. 90:2
• All-Knowing - Ps 147:4,5
• All-powerful - Matt. 19:26

New Testament in 30 days

And so it begins – Reading through the New Testament in 30 days. The Bible declares that we should not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of G-d. So this is a booster shot of sorts.
I will try to post random thoughts/questions from my daily reading
Day 1 - Matthew 1 – 12
• You have a History- what is it?
• Be lead by the Spirit
• When the message is about Jesus, people will come
• Temptation comes 1. When you follow the Spirit 2. When you are tired 3. When you are hungry
• Are you willing to leave everything to follow Jesus
• Our gospel is worthless and is being trampled under the feet of the community, BUT Christ Gospel is still holding its flavor
• Adultery= Looking & Lusting
• Pray for your enemies?!?!
• Do good to those that hate you? By doing this we reflect our Father in Heaven
• Is what you are doing in secret worthy of a reward?
• Seek and you Will find! What are you looking for?
• Hearer + Doer = wise
• “I am willing” Jesus
• Jesus sees things different. We call it dead and He says it’s only sleeping.
• Instruct before you send
• Sparrows < You
• Good works stirs things up!

2nd Snow Day In Ga.!!

Winning

The Apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to “run in such a way that you may win!”

So the question comes – How do you win? Well I’m glad you asked. Here are a few thoughts taken from the wisdom of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

To win you have to have a passion for what you are doing. Paul stated “for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” Paul was driven by the passion of preaching the gospel.

This passion carried him through tough times and humbled him during times of success.

What are you passionate about?

To win you have to remember the small things. Paul said “To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews.” Paul had to keep in mind all the details of the Jewish tradition even the traditions that seemed insignificant. Paul keeps the details.

Don’t overlook the small things.

To win it will take discipline. Paul declared “but I discipline my body and make it my slave.” He didn’t allow his body to guide him through desires. He ignored the pain. He stayed focused.

Discipline?

Run in such a way that you may win!