Memorize the book of James

	Week 1	Monday, July 01, 2013	c1-5
	Week 1	Tuesday, July 02, 2013	c1	c1v1-2
	Week 1	Wednesday, July 03, 2013		c1v3-4	c1v1-4
	Week 1	Thursday, July 04, 2013		c1v5-6	c1v1-6
	Week 1	Friday, July 05, 2013		c1v7-8	c1v1-8
	Week 1	Saturday, July 06, 2013		c1v9-10	c1v1-10
	Week 2	Sunday, July 07, 2013	c1	c1v11-12
	Week 2	Monday, July 08, 2013		c1v13-14	c1v11-14
	Week 2	Tuesday, July 09, 2013		c1v15-16	c1v11-16
	Week 2	Wednesday, July 10, 2013		c1v17-18	c1v11-18
	Week 2	Thursday, July 11, 2013		c1v19	c1v11-19
	Week 2	Friday, July 12, 2013		c1v20	c1v11-20
	Week 2	Saturday, July 13, 2013			c1v1-20
	Week 3	Sunday, July 14, 2013	c1	c1v21
	Week 3	Monday, July 15, 2013		c1v22-23	c1v21-23
	Week 3	Tuesday, July 16, 2013		c1v24	c1v21-24
	Week 3	Wednesday, July 17, 2013		c1v25	c1v21-25
	Week 3	Thursday, July 18, 2013		c1v26	c1v21-26
	Week 3	Friday, July 19, 2013		c1v27	c1v21-27
	Week 3	Saturday, July 20, 2013			c1
	Week 4	Sunday, July 21, 2013	c2	c2v1
	Week 4	Monday, July 22, 2013		c2v2-3	c2v1-3
	Week 4	Tuesday, July 23, 2013		c2v4-5	c2v1-5
	Week 4	Wednesday, July 24, 2013		c2v6-7	c2v1-7
	Week 4	Thursday, July 25, 2013		c2v8-9	c2v1-9
	Week 4	Friday, July 26, 2013		c2v10	c2v1-10
	Week 4	Saturday, July 27, 2013			c1&c2v1-10
	Week 5	Sunday, July 28, 2013	c2	c2v11
	Week 5	Monday, July 29, 2013		c2v12-13	c2v11-13
	Week 5	Tuesday, July 30, 2013		c2v14-15	c2v11-15
	Week 5	Wednesday, July 31, 2013		c2v16-17	c2v11-17
	Week 5	Thursday, August 01, 2013		c2v18-19	c2v11-19
	Week 5	Friday, August 02, 2013		c2v20	c2v11-20
	Week 5	Saturday, August 03, 2013			c1&c2v1-20
	Week 6	Sunday, August 04, 2013	c2	c2v21
	Week 6	Monday, August 05, 2013		c2v22	c2v21-22
	Week 6	Tuesday, August 06, 2013		c2v23	c2v21-23
	Week 6	Wednesday, August 07, 2013		c2v24	c2v21-24
	Week 6	Thursday, August 08, 2013		c2v25	c2v21-25
	Week 6	Friday, August 09, 2013		c2v26	c2v21-26
	Week 6	Saturday, August 10, 2013			c1&c2
	Week 7	Sunday, August 11, 2013	c3	c3v1
	Week 7	Monday, August 12, 2013		c3v2	c3v1-2
	Week 7	Tuesday, August 13, 2013		c3v3	c3v1-3
	Week 7	Wednesday, August 14, 2013		c3v4	c3v1-4
	Week 7	Thursday, August 15, 2013		c3v5	c3v1-5
	Week 7	Friday, August 16, 2013		c3v6	c3v1-6
	Week 7	Saturday, August 17, 2013		c3v7	c1, c2, c3v1-7
	Week 8	Sunday, August 18, 2013	c3	c3v8
	Week 8	Monday, August 19, 2013		c3v9-10	c3v8-10
	Week 8	Tuesday, August 20, 2013		c3v11-12	c3v8-12
	Week 8	Wednesday, August 21, 2013		c3v13-14	c3v8-14
	Week 8	Thursday, August 22, 2013		c3v15-16	c3v8-16
	Week 8	Friday, August 23, 2013		c3v17-18	c3v8-18
	Week 8	Saturday, August 24, 2013			c1, c2, c3
	Week 9	Sunday, August 25, 2013	c4	c4v1
	Week 9	Monday, August 26, 2013		c4v2-3	c4v1-3
	Week 9	Tuesday, August 27, 2013		c4v4-5	c4v1-5
	Week 9	Wednesday, August 28, 2013		c4v6-7	c4v1-7
	Week 9	Thursday, August 29, 2013		c4v8-9	c4v1-9
	Week 9	Friday, August 30, 2013		c4v10-11	c4v1-11
	Week 9	Saturday, August 31, 2013			c1, c2, c3, c4v1-11
	Week 10	Sunday, September 01, 2013	c4	c4v12
	Week 10	Monday, September 02, 2013		c4v13-14	c4v12-14
	Week 10	Tuesday, September 03, 2013		c4v15	c4v12-15
	Week 10	Wednesday, September 04, 2013		c4v16	c4v12-16
	Week 10	Thursday, September 05, 2013		c4v17	c4v12-17
	Week 10	Friday, September 06, 2013			c4
	Week 10	Saturday, September 07, 2013			c1, c2, c3, c4
	Week 11	Sunday, September 08, 2013	c5	c5v1-2
	Week 11	Monday, September 09, 2013		c5v3-4	c5v1-4
	Week 11	Tuesday, September 10, 2013		c5v5-6	c5v1-6
	Week 11	Wednesday, September 11, 2013		c5v7	c5v1-7
	Week 11	Thursday, September 12, 2013		c5v8-9	c5v1-9
	Week 11	Friday, September 13, 2013		c4v10	c5v1-10
	Week 11	Saturday, September 14, 2013			c1, c2, c3, c4, c5v1-10
	Week 12	Sunday, September 15, 2013	c5	c5v11
	Week 12	Monday, September 16, 2013		c5v12-13	c5v11-13
	Week 12	Tuesday, September 17, 2013		c5v14-15	c5v11-15
	Week 12	Wednesday, September 18, 2013		c5v16	c5v11-16
	Week 12	Thursday, September 19, 2013		c5v17-18	c5v11-18
	Week 12	Friday, September 20, 2013		c5v19-20	c5v11-20
	Week 12	Saturday, September 21, 2013			c5
	Week 13	Sunday, September 22, 2013			c1
	Week 13	Monday, September 23, 2013			c2
	Week 13	Tuesday, September 24, 2013			c3
	Week 13	Wednesday, September 25, 2013			c4
	Week 13	Thursday, September 26, 2013			c5
	Week 13	Friday, September 27, 2013			c4
	Week 13	Saturday, September 28, 2013			The Epistle of James

General Help on Memorization: Read each verse three times aloud, write it down, read what you've written three times aloud. You should now be able to recite the verse from memory. Great memorizers have noted the importance of keeping memorized scripture fresh in your mind and heart. Recite a verse once a day for seven weeks, once a week for seven months, and once a month for seven years, and you should know the verse for life.
Definitions: Read: Read aloud as if speaking to someone in front of you. Memorize: Use the help above or the method you find most effective to hide the Word of God in your heart. Recite: Meditate on the Word by speaking it aloud,  praying through it, and thinking about it until you can recite it from memory.
Check off or highlight the verses as you memorize them
Chapter (c)	1	2	3	4	5
Verse (v)	1	1	1	1	1
	2	2	2	2	2
	3	3	3	3	3
	4	4	4	4	4
	5	5	5	5	5
	6	6	6	6	6
	7	7	7	7	7
	8	8	8	8	8
	9	9	9	9	9
	10	10	10	10	10
	11	11	11	11	11
	12	12	12	12	12
	13	13	13	13	13
	14	14	14	14	14
	15	15	15	15	15
	16	16	16	16	16
	17	17	17	17	17
	18	18	18		18
	19	19			19
	20	20			20
	21	21
	22	22
	23	23
	24	24
	25	25
	26	26
	27

I hope this helps you in your memorization of James. Even if you're behind, I encourage you to still attempt to memorize it! Have a great day!

James 1:1-11

I hope you are all having a good week so far. Here are the notes from Sunday!

Rolling Stone

James 1:1-11

June 16, 2013

The Greeting:

·         As a recap from last week, this book was authored by James, the brother of Jesus, written to Jews (12 Tribes) in the dispersion.

·         The term “servant” here means slave.  Again, although James had a special blood relationship to Christ physically, he did not claim so or make mention of it here, emphasizing his spiritual relationship is what is qualifying him to author this letter, and also the relationship that will endure into eternity.

The Pursuit of Spiritual Wholeness – James 1:2-11

·         James comes out of the gate with all guns blazing.  Chapter one of this letter seems to be just stock full of the thoughts James has been having and he just starts blasting out his thoughts on paper.  In other NT letters, there was often a thanksgiving or blessing to the audience, but here James goes straight into his purpose for the letter, emphasizing the difficulties this audience was experiencing was one of his main reasons for writing to them. 

·         Vs. 2-4

o        “Joy” is defined by Webster as a “source or cause of delight.”  James argues that the believers not only CAN experience joy in the time of trial, but SHOULD experience joy.  Not only joy, but “all” joy, or “pure” joy. 

o        James says trials of various kinds.  This casts a large net that can include a multitude of difficulties.  The scattered Christians he is writing to were probably facing many trials, including poverty, persecution, loneliness, illness, disappointment, even prison or death.

o        James tells them why they can have joy: the testing of their faith produces steadfastness, perseverance, endurance. 

o        Don’t give the enemy too much credit in the time of trial.  It is the Lord that is sovereign over these things.  Nothing comes to you, good or bad, without it first passing through His hands.  If this is so, then we know that God has a purpose in the trial. 

o        Experiencing a trial does not mean that we have sinned or done something wrong, and receiving a blessing from the Lord does not mean we have earned it or done something right.  Look at the life of Job as an example.  God always wants to mold us into his image, and He always wants to display His glory in and through His children.

o        James goes on to say that steadfastness or perseverance, as valuable as it is, is not the main goal.  This should ultimately lead to spiritual wholeness or completeness.  James makes it clear that this is the goal.  It is not necessarily ever obtained this side of heaven, but it is certainly the goal that God has for us in the time of trial, is that it will bring about growth, maturity, and move us closer to the completion of the work that He began in us.  The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

·         Vs. 5-8

o        “Ask and you shall receive.”  If you lack wisdom, ask God to give it to you, for he is a generous and loving God, and knows how to give good gifts to His children.

o        Ask in FAITH!  He just got done encouraging the believers that the testing of their faith produces perseverance, and endurance will lead to spiritual wholeness.  Now when they go to ask for wisdom, it requires faith, with no doubt. 

o        James compares the one who doubts to a wave that is tossed by the wind.  Without faith, we will be subject to our ever shifting desires and motives, desiring the wisdom of the Lord one day, and the wisdom of the world the next.  We often lose patience if we don’t feel like we receive wisdom from the Lord right away.  We will take matters into our own hands, and that is when we typically swerve from the correct path.  We are tossed to and fro as we try to work everything out on our own.  Proverbs 3:5-6

o        Faith and steadfastness produce stability.  Not stability on our own merit or ability, but stability on the one who is constant and forever unchanging.

·         Vs. 9-11

o        Whenever a brother of less means is given good circumstances, or catches a break (Msg), rejoice.  Whenever a rich man is humbled or faces a difficult season, rejoice.  Why?  Because both will pass.  These things can often serve as a reminder of what is ultimately important. 

o        Have you ever driven by a cemetery or thought about the people that a building is named for?  They were once just like you and me, working to produce and provide for their families, raising kids, facing fears and worries.  And now they are gone, like a flower that yesterday was here and is now gone, withered away.  Our wealth and our beauty will fade.  It is uncertain, and cannot be depended upon.  You have never seen a hearse dragging a UHaul.

o        The rich will also fade away in the midst of their pursuits.  These words would have been a reminder and comfort to those who were poor, and a warning to those who were rich.

Discussion:

o        Why do bad things happen to good people?  Why do good things happen to bad people?

o        Can you think of an example of when you went through a trial and were able to experience and see the good that came out of it or God’s purpose through it? 

o                     Share some examples of how your spouse has been an incredibly helpful gift in the time of trial.

Interactions between Christ and Simon Peter

This is from ABF a couple weeks ago...sorry I've been so behind on posting these!

Rolling Stone
The Called – Interactions between Christ and Simon Peter
June 2, 2013

What truths can we learn and apply to our lives by observing the calling and interactions that Christ had with Peter?

Peter’s background:
Born in Galilee, son of a fisherman named Jona.  He was a fisherman as well.
Fishermen at that time were curt, unkempt, vile, untidily dressed, and often used vulgar language.  They were full of vigor and had boisterous tempers. 
He was married (Read Mark 1:29-31)
He was one of the inner circle of disciples (Peter, James, and John)

The First Call – Luke 5:1-11
What do you notice about Peter’s response upon realizing that Jesus was unique and powerful, perhaps even the Son of God?

What was the command that Jesus gave, or his calling (you may have to look at Matthew 4:18-19)?

What did Peter and the other disciples have to do in order to follow Jesus?

The Faith Test – Peter Walks on Water – Matthew 14:22-33
What does this passage reveal to us about our faith?
Read Hebrews 12:2

Peter’s Confession – Matthew 16:13-20
Look at Romans 10:9-10.  What is significant about this confession?


The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-8
Moses represented the ______.
Elijah represented the ____________.
Jesus represented the ______ _______________.
What is wrong with Peter’s response in this passage?

Peter’s Failures – Luke 9:46-48; John 13:6-11; Luke 22:45; Luke 22:31-34, 54-62
What do these passages teach us about the road to sanctification (being perfected in Christ)?

Peter Sees the Risen Lord – John 21:1-8
Compare Peter’s response in this passage to the response he had upon their first encounter.


The Final Interaction before Christ ascends – John 21:15-19
What a powerful passage.  What about this passage speaks to you?


Discussion:

Peter can be a great encouragement to us, who are born again believers.  What about the life of Peter and His interactions with Christ serve as an encouragement to you?
How can this encourage us in our marriages, and the way we approach our spouse?
Charlie Hall wrote a song that I think is awesome because of how honest it is.  It could be offensive to some people, but I want to play it this morning to help us understand the heart of God toward His children.  It’s called “Hookers and Robbers.”

Crack kids, track kids, hookers, and robbers

the naked and hungry, mothers and fathers

abuses excuses and guns in your hands

and i'll even welcome the arrogant man

I welcome you all to the biggest of feasts

a night of no shame to pause and to breathe

this is a night of loves renovatio
n
a feast I am sure that can change a whole nation

me I am not such an excellent host

I'm one who forgives but needs it the most

I found the liar the killer of hearts

and I ran away with a new way to start

a journey to rule where a bright man appeared

he looked into me and my eyes filled with tears

my breath fast and short my heart burning deep

he gave me new eyes and a new way to see



So come as you are, as you are, as you are

come as you are, as you are, as you are



I still defiled his great love ways

I felt such a famine when I ran away

I missed the presence the voice like a song

I was nasty and dirty I knew I was wrong

but He ran to me like a dream like a Father

this love is not earthly this love must be other

He carried me home and threw me a party

a party so loud like the greatest love story

oh my dear friends applaud now please

I have invited you here to announce you are free

He takes your chains busting you out of prison

just open your heart let your heart come and listen



who could accept all your pounding and screaming

your raging and freaking cussing and beating

all while He holds you and always forgiving

this is the story of love and of living

so wipe off your tears and laugh just a little

come break this bread celebrate the forgiver

raise up your glass a time to remember

come break this bread celebrate the forgiver


Chorus

Refining by Fire

Rolling Stone

Refining by Fire

April 7, 2013

What does it mean to be refined by fire?

• Psalm 12:6

• Prov. 17:3

• Prov. 25:4-5

Purpose: To discover how to become sanctified/purified for the purpose of glorifying God through corporate methods

Goal: That each couple would spiritually mature through knowing what spiritual leadership in marriage looks like and how to implement it in our marriages daily.

Motivation: Why would we want to obey God?/ What could motivate us to become like Christ?

1. John 14:15,21 (desire to please God and express our love)

2. Rom. 13:5, 1 Tim. 1:5,19, 2 Tim. 1:3, 1 Peter 3:16 (to keep a clear conscience before God)

3. 2 Tim 2:20-21 (increased effectiveness as a vessel for God’s use)

4. 1 Peter 3:1-2,15-16 (bring unbelievers to Christ)

5. 1 Peter 3:9-12 (present blessings)

6. Acts 5:11, 9:31; 2 Cor. 5:11, 7:1; Eph. 4:30; Phil. 2:12; 1Tim 5:20; Heb. 12:3-11; 1 Peter 1:17,2:17 (to avoid God’s displeasure and discipline on our lives/fear of God)

7. Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 19:17-19; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:9-10 (heavenly reward)

8. Matt. 5:8; John 14:21; 1 John 1:6, 3:21-22; Ps. 66:18; Isa. 59:2 (deeper walk with God)

9. 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Peter 1:12 (angels will glorify God for our obedience)

10. Phil. 4:9, Heb. 12:1-2 (peace and joy in our lives)

11. Phil. 4:8, Ps. 40:8 (do what God commands, simply because his commands are right and we delight in doing what is right)

(Derived from Grudem’s Systematic Theology)

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.” – C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory (quoted in Desiring God by John Piper)

Sanctification can be a Corporate Process

• Heb. 10:24-26

• 1 Peter 2:5

• 1 Thess. 5:11

• Eph. 4:1-3, 16

• Gal. 5:19-23, 6:1-2

What are some ways that married couples can join together to be refined into the image of Christ to the glory of God the Father?

Anwswer: this will be the topic for the next 6-8 weeks as we look at ways we can become refined into Christ’s image through our marriages.

Testimonies

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

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.

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?

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

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 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?

2 Thess. 1:5-2:12
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?

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

Parables of the Rich Fool and Faithful Servant

Rolling Stones

 Concerning the End Times: The Rich Fool & Faithful Servant/Doorkeeper

2/24/2013

The Rich Man/Fool [Luke 16:16-31]

Background of what he is speaking with the Pharisees listening: vv1-16

            -Unjust Steward: one’s stewardship in handling his possessions/gains is a test of one’s relationship with God.

            -Faithful with little, faithful with plenty

            -Unfaithful with unrighteous wealth, who will commit to your trust with true riches?

            -Unfaithful with someone else’s, who will give you your own?

            -Cannot serve two masters: either God or your wealth à the attitude toward money is indicative of one’s submission to or rebellion against God’s lordship. 

Israel under the old covenant was concerned about the external matters of the law, a rigid observance…

Jesus fulfilled the Law and therefore, righteousness no longer consists of observance of an external legal code – vv 14-16

What does Jesus declare? (v16)

            1. Preached: Mt 11:12 “…and from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.  For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.”

            2: Pressing In: The violent take it by force

           

What does Jesus say about pursuing the Kingdom, pursuing righteousness, pursuing Him versus other things?  (Mt 10:34-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:26-33)

Jesus is not saying to neglect family nor is he condemning family ties/relationships, but saying that no human relationship, no matter the level of intimacy, should distract from the loyalty and pursuit of Him.  

Luke 16 The rich man and Lazarus

What is the rich man’s response to his situation?

What is Father Abraham’s response?

How is this related to our intro today?

There are those that hear the word, yet do not believe.  There are also those who receive the word with readiness. (Acts 17:11) Some miss the opportunity to receive the life-giving word of God. 

“For all the prophet and the law prophesied until John.” “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take the Kingdom by storm.” Mt 11: 13, 12

The Day, the hour, the unfaithful servant

Matthew 24:42-44, Mark 13:34-37

3 analogies of the coming of man:

What is the promise in vv 36-44?

1 Thess 4:17

Matthew 24:45-51

Luke 12:35-48

What/Who is the evil servant?

James 4:17

What/Who is the faithful servant?

In what way is the servant faithful?

How are we to be prepared for Christ’s coming?

2 Peter 3:10-18

Short End of the Stick

This week's devotional comes from Moments With You on Crosswalk.com

Short End of the Stick

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. PROVERBS 13:12

We all come into marriage with a full yardstick of expectations—what love looks like, what our roles will be, what we'll do on weekends, where we'll go for Christmas. But over the years, that yardstick starts getting snapped off an inch or two at a time, until we're left holding something a whole lot shorter than what we brought with us.

This leads to what I call the Unmet Expectation Syndrome. And every time it happens, the natural reaction is to go from disappointment to hurt to anger and finally to punishment—making your spouse pay for not living up to your expectations.

Here are four better ways to deal with these unmet expectations:

1. Love and forgive. Because you vowed before God to remain committed to each other, you must both own up to your failures and responsibilities. Your marriage will never outgrow its need for massive doses of forgiveness.

2. Communicate and seek to understand each other. Expectations must be managed, and the best way to do that is to keep the communication lines open. Clarify your needs and expectations. Don't leave each other guessing.

3. Develop God's perspective. Your spouse will never be able to meet the needs in your life that can only be met by God alone. Let Him be your sufficiency.

4. Don't throw away the yardstick. Don't give up on your dreams. Even though expectations sometimes tend to be out of step with reality, God doesn't want you to live with just a few inches of the yardstick. Keep high hopes and expectations in your marriage, work toward them in a healthy way, and give thanks to God as He fulfills your true and deepest desires . . .both through Him and through each other.

DISCUSS
Share one or two examples of expectations you brought into marriage—and how your spouse has exceeded them.

PRAY
Pray for clear enough vision to see what each other truly needs and desires, and for the will to meet the ones you can with joy and selflessness.  

Lost the "love feeling"?

This blog is a devotional from Girlfriends in God. Check it out here.

Today’s Truth
“Yet I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love,” (Revelation 2:4 NIV).

Friend to Friend
“We’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’,” the guys crones on the radio. And I sit there and think to myself, “Stop whining man! Love’s not a feelin’ in the first place. That was your problem to being with!”
Now, that sounds a little cynical, I know. But can I be honest? I get so weary of people talking about falling in and out of love, like it is something you can turn off and on like an electric blanket to warm you up on a chilly night. Love is a commitment. I married my husband because I loved him. Now I love him because I married him. If we let our hearts be jerked around because how we’re feeling on any given day, then we’re headed on a never ending roller coaster ride that will leave us heart sick and soul sore. (I’m feeling feisty today. Can you tell?)
OK, so what do you do if you’ve “lost that lovin’ feelin’”? Maybe you truly adored your husband in the beginning, but now you can’t remember why. Maybe you admired his finer qualities, but now you can’t remember what they were.  Maybe you appreciated his wonderful attributes, but now take them for granted. What do you do now?
Here’s a statistic you might find interesting. According to an analysis of the National Survey of Families and Households, 86 percent of unhappily married people who stick it out find that, five years later, their marriages are happier. In fact, nearly 60 percent of those who rated their marriage as unhappy in one survey, and who stayed married, rated their same marriage “very happy” or “quite happy” when re-interviewed five years later. In comparison, those who divorced and remarried, divorced again at a rate of 60 percent.
So, starting over may very well be the answer … as long as it’s with the same man.
In the book of Revelation in the Bible, God had this to say to the church at Ephesus. “Yet I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love” (Revelation 2:4).  Ephesus was one of the most loving churches in the New Testament and yet, somewhere along the way, they lost that initial thrill of knowing Christ. Their love for each other and for God had grown cold.
And it is the same way in many marriages. Many men and women have forgotten their first love. Somewhere between taking out the garbage, paying the bills, running carpool, mowing the lawn, disciplining the kids, folding the laundry…somewhere among the mundane routine of life, they’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’.
So how do you get it back? God gave the church two simple steps for the Bride of Christ to renew her passion for her Beloved, and I believe we can apply the same principles to renewing your passion for the man of your dreams.

Remember and Return
Remember what drew you to your husband in the first place?  Remember how you tried to please him, capture his heart, and win his affection? That may have been fifty pounds and a full head of hair ago, but that young man who longed to be adored, admired, and appreciated still lives within his heart. He wants to know if he still “has what it takes.” Let him know that he does.
Everyone loves a love story. Tell your children the story of how you first met and fell in love. Remember special days such as your first date, your first kiss, or when you first realized he was the man you wanted to marry.
Listen to a tape or watch a video of your wedding. Steve and I celebrate not only our wedding anniversary but also the day he asked me to marry him. I’m sure my son has tired of hearing the story time and time again, but he’s never doubted that his parents are crazy about each other.
Listen, if we tried to hang on to that “lovin’ feelin’” 24/7, it would be like continually popping a beach ball up in the air to try and keep it from touching the ground. On the other hand, we CAN commit to love 24/7. And while we’re at it, we can stir up some of that lovin’ feelin’ to go along with it.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I so want to be a woman that is on fire for You. I want my spiritual passion to be ablaze and never cool. Likewise, I want my marriage to be a passionate example of Christ and the Church. Help me to always remember what drew me to my husband and show me ways to keep that love strong.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
If you have kids, tell them the story of how you met and fell in love with your husband at the dinner table tonight.
If you aren’t married, tell someone how you met Jesus Christ and gave your life to Him.
If you are married, write down what drew you to your husband initially.
If you are not married, write down what you long for in the man of your dreams.

End Times

Rolling Stone
Words of Jesus on the End Times (Matthew 24-25)
February 17, 2013

Matthew 24:1-2
 How are Jesus’ words fulfilled?

24:3-14 Birth Pains• What are the disciples’ questions?
• What is Jesus’s answer? (Rom 8:22-23, 1 John 4:2-3, Matt. 28:19)

24:15-26 Tribulation• What is the abomination of desolation? (Dan 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 8-12)
• What will the tribulation be like?

24:26-31 Return of Christ• What are the signs of the return of Christ? (Dan. 7:13-14, Rev. 1:7)

24:32-41 When?• When will Jesus return?

4 Parables: What does Jesus want us to learn from each parable?

24:42-44 Thief and Homeowner• What does it mean to stay awake?
24:45-51 Servants

25:1-13 10 Virgins/Bridesmaids

25:14-30 Talents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25:31-46 Great White Throne Judgment
• What will happen?
• When will this happen?

Parable of the Tenants

Here are the notes from last Sunday! It was a very interesting study so I encourage you all to take a look at it on your own time if you couldn't be there. Also, this Sunday we will be studying Matthew 24-25 if you want to read that ahead of time!
Jordan also asked that I share this link: The Wicked Tenants

Rolling Stone

Parables of Jesus: Parable of the Tenants

February 10, 2013

The Tenants – Matthew 21:33-44, Mark 12:1-11, Luke 20:9-18

Context: 

• Vineyard imagery (Isaiah 5:1-7)

• Psalm 118:22-23 was already known as messianic psalm

• Jesus cleanses the temple after arriving in Jerusalem (vv. 12-17)

• Jesus’ authority is questioned (vv. 23-27)

• Parable of the Two Sons (vv. 28-32)

“And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21:32 ESV)

Who is the audience? Jewish leaders

Who is the master of the house? God

What does the story tell us about Him? He is incomprehensibly kind, but will exact judgment

What does the vineyard represent? God’s kingdom

Who are the tenants? the Jewish leaders

What does the fruit represent? the fruit (a metaphor will still use) of their faith

Who could the servants represent? (1 Kings 18:4, 19:10; 2 Chr. 24:20-21; Neh. 9:26; Jer. 20:1-2, 26:20-23, 37:15, 38:6) prophets who had been rejected

Who is the son? Unmistakably Jesus Christ, this is a public declaration of his divine Sonship

How can we reword verse 40 in these terms?

“When therefore [Jesus] comes, what will he do to [the Jewish Leadership]?”

What will be the two results? 

1) Death of the tenants

2) Giving of vineyard to others who will produce fruit

When and what does this refer to? The present arrival of Jesus; the taking away of leadership of fruit bearing from the Jewish leadership to the church; preliminarily, the destruction of the temple

The church will be a new “people” (Gk. ethnos, “nation, people”) consisting of disciples, both Jews and Gentiles, gathered out of many “nations” (Matt. 28:19; plural of Gk. ethnos) and brought together as one new “nation” (1 Pet. 2:9; singular of Gk. ethnos) in the unfolding of God’s kingdom in the present age. (ESV Study Bible)

Does this mean that Israel will never be responsible for God’s kingdom? (Romans 11:25-27) 

No, Israel has always been promised a nation, a people, and a Seed (Jesus). This will be fulfilled in the end times.

Who is the cornerstone? (Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-8, Dan 2:44) Christ

Who is the one who falls on the stone? (Matt. 24:29-31, 25:31-40) one who is broken with repentance as a result of falling on Christ

Who will it fall on? (Matt 25:41-46) those who refuse to repent

How did Jesus want his audience to respond?

Let our words be a blessing

This post if from a devotional by Sharon Jaynes over on the website Girlfriends in God. The focus is more towards women but I think its beneficial for everyone to read!

A Marriage Destroyed by Words

Today’s Truth

“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it,” (Ephesians 4:29 Amplified).

Friend to Friend

I talked to a friend of mine about what went so wrong in his marriage that led to divorce. Girlfriend, we need to pay attention to his response.

“When I met Jona at the beach retreat,” Don explained, “I was struck by her vivacious, fun attitude. Oh and did I mention, she looked great in her purple bathing suit? (This is 20 years later and he still remembers the color!)  She stole my heart and as soon as we got home from the retreat, I called and asked her out.”

I had always been a people pleaser.  At first I was always trying to please my parents, then I moved to pleasing my friends, and when I met Jona, I always tried to please her as well.  We were soon married and I couldn’t have been happier. She was so encouraging, loving, and supportive.  After a few years of marriage and several poor financial decisions, I began to see her lose her respect for me. That was most evident in the words she spoke.”

“In the past everything I touched turned to gold. I was president of the student body, won athletic awards, and succeeded in business. As a result, I over promised to Jona and expected her to trust me. Jona was the one person I wanted approval from and the one person from whom I was not getting it. She grew frustrated, angry and bitter towards me. She also withdrew physically, which was the crowning blow to my manhood.”

Jona said things like, “If you cared about us, you wouldn’t make all these bad decisions, you’re a loser, you’re worthless.”

“I’m not putting all the blame of our past marriage problems on Jona. I was shooting for the moon instead of a ten yard gain. I was trying to hit a homerun instead of a base hit. But honestly, once I realized Jona had lost respect for me, I felt the marriage was over. Her words cut too deep and no bandage could stop the bleeding.”

I asked Don what could have made a difference and prevented the eventual separation and divorce.

“If she had said, ‘I’m with you, Don,’ or ‘Let’s work on this together’ or ‘How can I help?’ it would have made all the difference in the world. I didn’t feel like we were on the same team. Instead, she said, ‘If you don’t fix it, I will.’ Instead of constantly pointing out my failures, because believe me, I knew what they were, encouraging words would have made all the difference.”

“At one point,” Don said with tears in his eyes, “I found a list of 80 things that Jona didn’t like about me and 3 things she did like. That list broke my heart. She had no intention of me finding the list, but I happened across it one day when I was looking for something. That was the final nail in the coffin. Jona had nothing but disdain for me. A marriage without respect is no marriage. I saw no hope.”

After Don and Jona’s divorce, he met a woman who gave him all the adoration and encouragement that his wife had not. She was gentle, soft spoken, affectionate, hung on his shoulder, smiled at him, and was very affirming. Her beautiful spirit was a breath of fresh air.

“Don,” I asked, “what advice do you have for a woman who is withholding encouraging words or perhaps cutting her husband down with critical jabs?”

“I don’t think any single thing takes away a man’s strength of character more than the loss of respect,” he said. “Don’t dwell on his weakness, but dwell on the positives. Men are in a fight for our lives. We are at war mentally. We’re out there trying to conquer the world.  A man needs to know that home is a safe place to be instead of feeling like you’re leaving one battle for another.”

Maybe you have not been giving encouraging words to your husband lately? Perhaps it has been so long you’ve forgotten how? I hope Don’s and Jona’s story stirs your heart to build up that man of yours and become the woman of his dreams.

Think back to when you were dating. What did you admire about that young man that captured your heart?  Look for an opportunity to praise him, but make sure it is genuine.  Find one attribute, character trait or task that he does well and begin there. If you are out of practice, this may be difficult at first. But I can promise you, it will become easier with time, especially when you see the results on your husband’s face and his attitude towards you.

Let’s Pray

Lord, oh how easy it is to see my husband’s flaws and ignore my own. Help me to use my words to plant seeds of love and encouragement and not weeds of bitterness and discouragement. I commit this very day to not use my words to tear my man down, but only to build him up. Help me to be like Job and put my hand over my mouth if any negative words attempt to escape my lips (Job 40:4).

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Are you feeling brave? Really brave?

If so, look up the following verses:  [Proverbs 11:22; 19:13; 25:24; 21:19; 27:15-16]