This past Sunday's lesson was about testimonies. There will be a sign up sheet next Sunday for couples to give their testimony so that we can get to know each other better!
Testimony
What do you say? Are you excited to give your testimony or do you dread the possibility?
1 Peter 3:15
Charles asked me in college, "Why do you love Jesus?" This was the first time someone had asked me this. I could not answer. I didn't know how to answer it. I knew Jesus loved me. I knew I loved Jesus. But how do I say it? So I asked him, "why do you love Jesus, Charles?" And he said, "Let me tell Him why." He began to pray and give account of why he loved His Savior. I was moved. Not because he answered the question, but because for the next 20 minutes he prayed and talked to his Savior of why he loved Him. How could one comprehend the love of a Savior this much? This moment impacted me in ways Charles can never understand.
He gave a record of who Jesus was to him.
Testimony
Marturia- evidence of, record, report, witness of, testimony
Bearing witness.
Gal 4
Romans 8:12-17
Heb 10:15-17
Our testimony will be different depending on the audience we are speaking with.
- by the words we use.
- by how we talk to people be it in casual conversation, or at a podium giving testimony to hundreds or thousands
- does not need to be a rehearsed, rigid format, but needs to be organized and thought through so that your words are exact and clear of the work God has done in you.
What's in a testimony?
1. It's not what you have done! It's not about you. Some people say, "my testimony is not very good, not strong, not very long." Hogwash! If this is your frame of mind, then I tell you, you have forgotten what The Lord has done for you!
Have to understand the POWER of your testimony.
Rev 12:11
Why? It's not your Work. Jesus saved you that's the testimony. He pulled you for the mud, cleaned you up and set you at the royal table.
2. Paul gave a great example of a testimony in Acts 26
Paul gives account of his testimony to Agrippa.
Sections divided up:
Early life
Conversion
Post-conversion
3. Preparation in thought.
What was your life like before you met The Lord?
What was going on in your life at the time you met The Lord- struggles, issues...
4. Outline:
Before Jesus
How you found Him
Since then
Or
What life was like before Jesus
How I came to realize I needed a savior
What my life is like now that Jesus is my savior.
Galatians 4
Revelation 12
Hebrews 10
1 Peter 3:15
Romans 8:12-17
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
On Target
Today's marriage devotional comes from here and is by James Dobson
On Target
“Get a new heart and a new spirit.” Ezekiel 18:31
Maybe you heard the story about the day Lisa finally had enough. Her husband, Greg, loved to shoot. An expert marksman, he traveled widely to compete against other enthusiasts, and occasionally he brought home a trophy. But Lisa had no interest in marksmanship. In fact, she didn’t like guns—period. To make matters worse, she missed her husband terribly while he was away pursuing his hobby.
One day it dawned on her that their relationship was in trouble. That was the day Lisa finally had enough. Lisa asked Greg to teach her how to shoot a rifle, then joined him in his travels. Soon she decided to compete at the shooting events. To Lisa’s surprise, she liked firing a rifle. And to her husband’s surprise, Lisa was a very good shot. She even started bringing home more trophies than he did. But of the prizes they brought home, one stood out above all the rest: Their marriage seemed reborn. The time they spent together at their newfound common interest helped them develop a closeness that simply hadn’t existed before.
Lisa’s story is a good reminder that what seems like an obstacle might really be an opportunity. Creative, committed couples discover this secret everyday. Just ask a husband who’s learned to love ballroom dancing or a wife who’s gotten hooked on fly fishing. That’s because the best times always seem to come in pairs.
Just between us . . .
• When was the last time we tried a new activity together?
• Did you enjoy it? Why or why not?
• Are there activities keeping us apart that we could do together?
Dear God, we ask for fresh determination to explore new interests and activities together. Where our marriage would be strengthened by playing together, help us let go of the old habits and assumptions that keep us apart. Amen.
On Target
“Get a new heart and a new spirit.” Ezekiel 18:31
Maybe you heard the story about the day Lisa finally had enough. Her husband, Greg, loved to shoot. An expert marksman, he traveled widely to compete against other enthusiasts, and occasionally he brought home a trophy. But Lisa had no interest in marksmanship. In fact, she didn’t like guns—period. To make matters worse, she missed her husband terribly while he was away pursuing his hobby.
One day it dawned on her that their relationship was in trouble. That was the day Lisa finally had enough. Lisa asked Greg to teach her how to shoot a rifle, then joined him in his travels. Soon she decided to compete at the shooting events. To Lisa’s surprise, she liked firing a rifle. And to her husband’s surprise, Lisa was a very good shot. She even started bringing home more trophies than he did. But of the prizes they brought home, one stood out above all the rest: Their marriage seemed reborn. The time they spent together at their newfound common interest helped them develop a closeness that simply hadn’t existed before.
Lisa’s story is a good reminder that what seems like an obstacle might really be an opportunity. Creative, committed couples discover this secret everyday. Just ask a husband who’s learned to love ballroom dancing or a wife who’s gotten hooked on fly fishing. That’s because the best times always seem to come in pairs.
Just between us . . .
• When was the last time we tried a new activity together?
• Did you enjoy it? Why or why not?
• Are there activities keeping us apart that we could do together?
Dear God, we ask for fresh determination to explore new interests and activities together. Where our marriage would be strengthened by playing together, help us let go of the old habits and assumptions that keep us apart. Amen.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Final Judgment
Rolling Stone
March 10, 2013
The Final Judgment
Evidence of the Final Judgment:
Read Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:30-31; Matt. 10:15, 11:22; 1 Cor. 4:5
There were people throughout Scripture that God delivered (Moses, Abraham, Joseph, etc.), but also many who received punishment for their continual sin and disobedience (the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Tower of Babel). Peter reminds us that these periodic judgments were carried out to remind us that a final judgment is coming (2 Peter 2:9-10)
Timing of the Final Judgment:
The Final Judgment will occur after the millennial reign of Christ. There will be a rebellion led by Satan after he is allowed to roam the earth again, and God will bring the final victory. After this, the judgment will take place. (Rev. 20:9-11)
Who will Judge?
Jesus will be the Judge! Read 2 Tim 2:4; Acts 10:42; John 5:26-27
Nonbelievers will be Judged:
Every man will be judged (Revelation 20:12; Romans 2:5-7; 11)
For nonbelievers, judgment day will be a day of punishment (Revelation 11:18)
There will be degrees of punishment (Revelation 20:12-13; Matthew 11:22; Luke 20:47)
Every word and deed will be judged (Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Every secret of the heart will be judged (Romans 2:16; Luke 12:2-3)
Believers will be Judged Also:
We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10-12)
For believers, judgment day will be a day of reward (Revelation 11:18)
We will be judged for our deeds as well (2 Corinthians 5:10), but our judgment will be on the foundation of Christ, where there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1). It is important to understand that while we will in fact enter this Great White Throne Judgment to be evaluated for varying degrees of reward, we as believers should never fear that this will result in being eternally condemned. (Read Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; and Hebrews 8:12)
As stated above, believers will be judged in order to evaluate varying degrees of reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Moral Implications:
It satisfies our deep desire for justice.
It frees us to forgive others, and trust God for the outcome (Romans 12:19).
Look at Christ’s example of this!!! (1 Peter 2:22-23; Luke 23:24)
It motivates the believer for good works and righteous living (Matthew 6:20)
Remember, this is not in order to obtain salvation, as that is a gift freely given by God, but in order to gain eternal reward!
It motivates us to spread the Gospel, with a huge sense of urgency!
Hell is a harsh reality, and consists of eternal punishment, an unquenchable fire.
On Friday night, Louie Giglio spoke at the Chris Tomlin concert regarding the Lost Son. Let’s turn and reread this story: Luke 15:11-32. Let’s compare this parable with the parables of the talents and of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25.
Discussion:
In the parable of the Lost Son, does the Father’s love and acceptance into his family depend on their actions and works? What is the Father’s response to both sons?
The older son is upset in this parable because he felt all of his labor and work for the Father had gone unnoticed. What was the older son focused on? What did the Father convey in his message to the older son?
March 10, 2013
The Final Judgment
Evidence of the Final Judgment:
Read Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:30-31; Matt. 10:15, 11:22; 1 Cor. 4:5
There were people throughout Scripture that God delivered (Moses, Abraham, Joseph, etc.), but also many who received punishment for their continual sin and disobedience (the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Tower of Babel). Peter reminds us that these periodic judgments were carried out to remind us that a final judgment is coming (2 Peter 2:9-10)
Timing of the Final Judgment:
The Final Judgment will occur after the millennial reign of Christ. There will be a rebellion led by Satan after he is allowed to roam the earth again, and God will bring the final victory. After this, the judgment will take place. (Rev. 20:9-11)
Who will Judge?
Jesus will be the Judge! Read 2 Tim 2:4; Acts 10:42; John 5:26-27
Nonbelievers will be Judged:
Every man will be judged (Revelation 20:12; Romans 2:5-7; 11)
For nonbelievers, judgment day will be a day of punishment (Revelation 11:18)
There will be degrees of punishment (Revelation 20:12-13; Matthew 11:22; Luke 20:47)
Every word and deed will be judged (Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Every secret of the heart will be judged (Romans 2:16; Luke 12:2-3)
Believers will be Judged Also:
We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10-12)
For believers, judgment day will be a day of reward (Revelation 11:18)
We will be judged for our deeds as well (2 Corinthians 5:10), but our judgment will be on the foundation of Christ, where there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1). It is important to understand that while we will in fact enter this Great White Throne Judgment to be evaluated for varying degrees of reward, we as believers should never fear that this will result in being eternally condemned. (Read Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 43:25; and Hebrews 8:12)
As stated above, believers will be judged in order to evaluate varying degrees of reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Moral Implications:
It satisfies our deep desire for justice.
It frees us to forgive others, and trust God for the outcome (Romans 12:19).
Look at Christ’s example of this!!! (1 Peter 2:22-23; Luke 23:24)
It motivates the believer for good works and righteous living (Matthew 6:20)
Remember, this is not in order to obtain salvation, as that is a gift freely given by God, but in order to gain eternal reward!
It motivates us to spread the Gospel, with a huge sense of urgency!
Hell is a harsh reality, and consists of eternal punishment, an unquenchable fire.
On Friday night, Louie Giglio spoke at the Chris Tomlin concert regarding the Lost Son. Let’s turn and reread this story: Luke 15:11-32. Let’s compare this parable with the parables of the talents and of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25.
Discussion:
In the parable of the Lost Son, does the Father’s love and acceptance into his family depend on their actions and works? What is the Father’s response to both sons?
The older son is upset in this parable because he felt all of his labor and work for the Father had gone unnoticed. What was the older son focused on? What did the Father convey in his message to the older son?
The parables of the talents and of the sheep and the goats seem to tell a different story. They make it appear as if the judgment will be based on the actions and/or works of the servants. Can both be true?
Is salvation based on grace through faith, or by works? We know salvation is by grace through faith. So where do works come into play?
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Works and fruit will be a natural progression as we are sanctified by the Spirit. James and Paul were sometimes viewed as having different views on this subject, but they are 100% on the same page. Faith leads to salvation which is given graciously as a gift, and salvation leads to good works. The absence of good works can mean that there was a lack of true faith and salvation to begin with. So the good works are the evidence of the Spirit of God being present in the life of the believer. By their fruits you will know them…
The End Times
I failed at getting these out to y'all last week...so here are the notes from March 3 finally! There will be another post later today with notes from this past Sunday.
Have a great week!
Rolling Stone
The End Times
March 3, 2013
The End Times
March 3, 2013
Review
What does each of these parables tell us about the last days?
• The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)
• The barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9)
• The weeds (Matt. 13:24-30)
• The net (Matt. 13:47-50)
• The tenants (Matt. 21:33-44)
• The wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-14)
• The faithful servant/doorkeeper (Matt. 24:42-51)
• The ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13)
What does each of these parables tell us about the last days?
• The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21)
• The barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9)
• The weeds (Matt. 13:24-30)
• The net (Matt. 13:47-50)
• The tenants (Matt. 21:33-44)
• The wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-14)
• The faithful servant/doorkeeper (Matt. 24:42-51)
• The ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13)
What does Jesus tell us in Matthew 24-25?
Other Passages on the Last Days
1 Thess. 4:13- 5:11
What incorrect thoughts is Paul trying to correct in the Thessalonians?
1 Thess. 4:13- 5:11
What incorrect thoughts is Paul trying to correct in the Thessalonians?
2 Thess. 1:5-2:12
What incorrect thoughts might Paul be addressing here?
What incorrect thoughts might Paul be addressing here?
Rev. 19-20
Dan. 9:24-27
The Study of Last Things (Eschatology)
This outline is based on Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Theology.
Definitely True
A. The return of Christ will happen and will be…
1. Sudden (Matt. 24:44)
2. Personal (John 14:3, 1 Thess. 4:16)
3. Visible (Acts 1:11)
4. Bodily (Acts 1:11)
B. We should eagerly long for Christ’s return1. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20)
2. “live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13)
C. We do / do not know when Christ will return (Matt. 24:44)
D. All Bible believing Christians agree on the final results of Christ’s return (Next week)
1. Judgment
2. New Heaven and New Earth
E. There is disagreement over the details by Godly Bible believing scholars
1. What the Millennium will be (is) like
2. Timeline of events
3. How the Jews will be saved (we have already discussed)
F. Could Christ come back at any time?
1. The coming of Christ will be Sudden and Unexpected (Matt 24:42-44, 50; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 22:7,12,20)
2. Signs will happen before Christ returns
a. The preaching of the Gospel to All Nations (Matt 24:14)
b. The Great Tribulation (Matt 24:15-22)
c. False prophets working signs and wonders (Matt 24:23-24)
d. Signs in the heavens (Matt. 24:29-30)
e. The coming of the man of sin and the rebellion (2 Thess 2:1-10)
f. The salvation of Israel (Rom. 11:12, 25-26)
g. Wars and rumors of wars/ famines/ earthquakes (Matt. 24-6-7)
3. What is the problem here? There is an apparent contradiction between His coming being unexpected and after there are signs. Three possible explanations:
a. There are two returns of Christ. (Rapture/Second Coming)
1) 1 Thess. 4:13-18
2) 2 Thess. 2:1
3) 1 Cor. 15:51-58
4) John 14:1-3
b. All the signs have been fulfilled, and therefore Christ could return.
c. It is unlikely, but possible that the signs have already been fulfilled.
1) Have each of these signs happened? it is unlikely, but possible.
4. Is it possible to be ready for something that we think unlikely to happen in the near future?
5. We do not know which will be the point that Christ will return.
“When these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28
Application
1. How would not believing that Jesus is coming back soon affect someone’s life?
2. How would believing that Jesus is coming back tomorrow affect someone’s life?
3. Do you eagerly long for Christ’s return? Why might you not long for that now?
1. How would not believing that Jesus is coming back soon affect someone’s life?
2. How would believing that Jesus is coming back tomorrow affect someone’s life?
3. Do you eagerly long for Christ’s return? Why might you not long for that now?
What will happen to us as believers?
1) We die and go directly into the presence of God
2) We are still alive in the last days and we are raptured/caught up to be with Christ
1) We die and go directly into the presence of God
2) We are still alive in the last days and we are raptured/caught up to be with Christ
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