The Challenge of Dealing with Temptation

C. S. Lewis made these insightful observations about temptation: “No man knows how bad he is until he has tried very hard to be good. A silly idea is current that good people do not know what temptation means. That is an obvious lie. Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is....Christ, because He was the only Man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only Man who knows to the full what temptation means.”   -Today in the Word, November, 1998, p. 24 

It is no secret. One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with "temptations." This is especially true for new Christians. We are well aware of how frustrating it is to know that your sins have been forgiven ...only to immediately find yourself bombarded by temptations to continue in your sins!

So what is one supposed to do? In James 1:12-18, we find helpful words for the Christian in the form of:
a. A promise to those who endure temptations;
b. A caution not to wrongfully impugn the source of those temptations;
c. An understanding of how sin develops.

Beginning with James 1:12, we notice the promise. This tells us that "the man who endures temptation will be blessed." The Greek word for "blessed" is "makarios," which means "happy, blessed." The nature of the happiness enjoyed is described as the verse continues... "for after he has been 'proved' he will receive the crown of life."

This is the promise of "eternal life." It is the promise given by Him Who cannot lie (cf. Titus 1:2). The promise is given to those who "demonstrate" (prove) their love for God by their endurance of the temptations. This is encouraging to Christians facing temptations.

As we read on, though, we notice a word of caution. The caution is stated in a couple of places (James 1:13, 16-18). Verse 13 tells us, "let no one say they are tempted by God," that is, to blame God for their temptations. This is impossible for a couple of reasons. 1) God is so holy that he cannot be tempted by evil; 2) Nor does He tempt anyone to do evil!

Verses 16-18 say, "so don't be deceived into such thinking." How can we? God is the source of good, not evil. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him! As an example, it was of His Own Will that He brought us forth. He did this by the "word of truth" (the gospel) -cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23. This is certainly true because we know that God would not tempt us with evil!

In fact, through the words of James God gives us insight into the development of sin which can help us to overcome sin. In verses 14-15 we are given an understanding of  how sin develops. Sin develops in stages. The first stage is temptation. This stage involves two things: 1) lust (desires, NKJV) - a strong desire for something, and; 2) enticement - an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the desire.

Think of it this way: Temptation = Desire + Opportunity. But keep in mind , it is not a sin to be tempted - cf. the example of Jesus, Hebrews 4:15. During the second stage in the development of sin is sin itself (James 1:15). Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and act upon it. Sin therefore requires the added step of action. Using our little formula again: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action.

The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: death (James 1:15). This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the"wages of sin" spoken about in Romans 6:23. Ultimately such "death" involves eternal punishment (Revelation 21:8). Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment!

With this understanding of how sin develops, we are now in a better position to overcome sin. First, we have to change our desires. It is a part of Christian growth to change our desires (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:24). How do we change our desires? We need to read the Word of God to see how it can change our desires.The more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by "nipping it in the bud!"

Now changing our desires will take some time. What else can we do in the meanwhile? This leads us to our next understanding of how sin develops. We can limit our "opportunities." Remember, we are tempted only when there is both desire and opportunity. Therefore, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires.

This can be done by asking for God's providential help, as Jesus taught. (Matthew 6:13; 26:41). We can cooperate with God by: a) purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires (c.f. Psalm 101:3-4; Job 31:1) , and; b) avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them (c.f. Psalm 101:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:33).

Additionally, we can exercise "self-control." Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to action in fulfilling our sinful desires. But, if we can control ourselves so as to not yield through the strength of the Spirit, then we can overcome sin! However, there may be times when we don't take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?

In this case, we can obtain "forgiveness" through the blood of Christ. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin (1 John 2:1-2). Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins!

By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Revelation 1:5). And by His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we repent, pray, and confess our sins to God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!

In conclusion, we can overcome sin by stopping its development at any one of the stages leading to the final punishment. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!

Prayer: Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hear our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen

Have a blessed day! 

Kortney

Video: Beth Moore - A Guilty Conscience

Continuing her series about "Affliction," Beth Moore speaks about discovering how to eradicate your guilty conscience so it no longer holds you back. Watch and listen as she shares yet another awesome message with us. Enjoy!  ~Eve

Love Is the Greatest Gift!

Army National Guard Maj. Shawn Faulkner wanted to reach out from his post in Afghanistan and do something special for his wife's birthday. Since his wife loves Mellow Mushroom pizza, he contacted their corporate offices and asked them to deliver a pizza and a $50 gift card to their Jacksonville, Florida home.

Well, the local Mellow Mushroom franchise did better than that! Their chef made a heart-shaped pizza and even added heart-shaped pepperoni slices. Then their delivery guy dropped off the pizza, a bunch of flowers and balloons, and the $50 gift card—all for free. Josephine Faulkner said, "I was surprised and excited and overwhelmed and all of that. It was so nice." The General Manager of Mellow Mushroom emailed Maj. Faulkner and said, "We got you bro." - PreachingToday.com, February 18, 2013, Matt Woodley and Paul Pastor

Love is the greatest gift of all time. You cannot have a greater gift than truly to be loved. In fact, the Bible says that faith and hope and love are three great things, but faith will be gone one day. Hope will be gone one day, because we will see the Lord, but love will never end. Love will exists for all eternity, because God is love and that love is what is the expression of the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In John, 15:12-17, Jesus talks about obeying his Father's commandments of pleasing the Father because obeying his commandment and that the love that they had with one another was expressed by Jesus' obedience and in the same way he says, "I want you to show your love for me by obeying my commandments and by loving each other." The proof of our friendship is demonstrated by our loving one another in the family of faith.

Please understand this important point: Jesus equates friendship with Him on the basis of how we love each other, as well as Him! Jesus did what he did for us without coercion. And that's a great question to ask ourselves when we are trying to judge our own actions. Am I doing what I am doing freely? That's a test of whether it's really Christlike love. Do we give to others freely or begrudgingly? Do we find ourselves saying, no one appreciates me around here? Or, why do I even bother? You know we say things like that, that can sometimes betray the fact that maybe we are not giving as freely.

I know it is frustrating to be feeling like you are carrying one end of the log and nine other people are carrying the other end, but the point is that love, if it is truly divine is given freely. God loves a cheerful, free giver. So love is given freely and that means that it is something that is given. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13, that love is patient and love is kind. In other words, it's an expression of something. It is active goodness.

Some people say, well I am showing love because I don't hurt anybody. I am not bothering my neighbor. Well, that's good, but it is not the kind of divine love that Jesus is talking about. The divine love that He is talking about is active goodness.

Thus, our obligation to love one another is part of God’s plan to fill the earth with His glory. So, 1 John 4 provides us with four links between loving God and loving our neighbor:

1. If we love each other, we are obeying God's command. Christian love is learning to treat each other the same way God treats us. Love is a matter of the will, not of emotions.

2. If we love each other, we are fulfilling God's Law. In the Old Testament God gave many laws to govern the land, to guide relationships to property and neighbors and to guide in worship. Jesus taught that love fulfills the law and covers all the important issues of life.

3. If we love each other, we are following each other, we are following God's teaching. To be able to live the life of holiness we must love each other.

4. If we love each other, we are expressing God's nature. Time and time again, throughout the Bible we see that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) When we invite Jesus into our hearts, his Holy Spirit puts God’s nature into us. We become His children.

So which is harder? Loving God or loving your neighbor? Both are radical. Both are impossible apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. But with the work of the Spirit, the two go side by side. For if we know God, we will trust Him. If we love Him, we will want to be like Him.

John Piper says: "There is a sense in which the second commandment (to love your neighbor) is the visible goal of the whole Word of God. It's not as though loving God is less important [than loving your neighbor]; rather loving God is made visible and manifest and full in our visibly, practically, sacrificially loving others."

So how will you do this? How will you make your love for God visible? How will you love your neighbor as yourself?

Scripture: John 13:34; Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Matthew 22:37; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 17:17;

Prayer: O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen
  
-many thanks to Ronald Keller

May your day be blessed,

Cyndi

Do You Have A Successful Prayer Life?

In silence, at the close of day,
When sun and light have gone away,
I kneel in solitude to pray,
Alone with God.

When sad, I count my every care,
And all the grief that I must bear;
Then close my eyes in peaceful prayer,
Alone with God.

When triumph brings me joy anew,
And I feel blessed in all I do,
I ne'er forget my rendezvous
Alone with God.

Through life, I always want to be
A Christian of reality,
And keep that hour so dear to me,
Alone with God.
-David L. Diehl. 

When we ask what it means to be a Christian, when we seek to find how to be the person God wants us to be, when we search to discover how to be Christ-like in our life and faith, we cannot over look the fact that Jesus took time to pray. These weren't fleeting prayers. Jesus devoted a chunk of time to prayer, sometimes praying all night.

Church growth expert, George Barna found that prayer was the foundational ministry of rapidly growing churches in America. He wrote: “The call to prayer [in these churches] was the battle cry of the congregation: it rallied the troops. These people understood the power of prayer. They actively and consistently included prayer in their services, in their events, their meetings and their personal ministries.”

Interestingly, surveys of U.S. adults and teenagers by Barna Research Ltd. from 1991–2001 revealed the following statistics about people's prayer habits:

Who prays? 

-82% of adults and 89% of teenagers pray in a normal week.
-88% of women and 75% of men pray in a typical week.
-People living in the South and Midwest pray more than those living in the West and Northeast (around 86% to 76%, respectively).
-96% of born-again Christians pray weekly, while 72% of people not describing themselves as born-again ---pray on a weekly basis.

What do people pray about?  

-95% of adults thank God for what he has done in their lives.
-76% ask for forgiveness for specific sins.
-67% spend time in prayer worshiping God by praising his superior attributes.
-61% ask for help for specific needs.
-47% are silent during prayer to listen for God.

What do people believe? 

-89% of adults believe "there is a God who watches over you and answers your prayers."
-82% of people believe that prayer can change what happens in a person's life.

When and how much do people pray? 

-An average prayer lasts just under five minutes.
-52% of people who pray do so several times a day.
-37% of people say they pray once a day.
-33% of adults regularly participate in a prayer group or prayer-focused meeting.
-21% have extended prayer time with other family members (25% among Protestants and 13% among Catholics).

Jesus knew that prayer was first. You need to simply read the Gospels to realize that he prayed often and before every critical juncture in his ministry and life. The early church considered prayer a priority. Nearly every important event in the apostolic church was preceded by prayer meetings. Did Jesus and his apostles know something that we need to know?

In prayer we make certain assumptions:

1) That there is a God.
2) That we need God.
3) That God hears prayer.
4) That God answers prayer.
5) That God loves man.

If we are going to have a successful prayer life we must pray with sincerity, humility, fervency (zeal and intensity), persistency, watchfulness, thoughtfulness, godly living, a life of self-denial (or to deny things that are right for the cause of Christ), in accordance to God’s will, in the name of Jesus, and in faith. For, if our prayers are going to be pleasing unto God they must be offered acceptably.

Scripture: John 15:7; Philippians 4:6; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26; Matthew 6:6; Luke 18:1; Mark 1:35

Prayer: Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed, kindle in the hearts of all men the true love of peace, and guide with Your pure and peaceable wisdom those who make decisions for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility Your kingdom may go forward, till the earth be filled with the knowledge of Your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God bless you!

Wendy

God Judges What We Give By What We Keep!

When you go to a doctor for your annual check-up, he or she will often begin to poke, prod, and press various places, all the while asking, "Does this hurt? How about this?" If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened. Either the doctor has pushed too hard, without the right sensitivity. Or, more likely, there's something wrong, and the doctor will say, "We'd better do some more tests. It's not supposed to hurt there!"

So it is when pastors preach on financial responsibility, and certain members cry out in discomfort, criticizing the message and the messenger. Either the pastor has pushed too hard. Or perhaps there's something wrong. In that case, I say, "My friend, we're in need of the Great Physician because it's not supposed to hurt there."-Ben Rogers

Okay, you've probably guessed the topic of today's message. It's that word which makes many a good Christian cringe, twinge, and possibly even weep. Tithing! For some, this subject is about as much fun as having a root canal procedure, but it is something that needs to be discussed. After all, tithing was a practice among believers before the Law of Moses, as well as during the time of the Law. Jesus reaffirmed the validity of giving tithes. God's word says that "the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives" (Deuteronomy 14:23).

In a nutshell, the giving of the tithe is the very foundation on which our stewardship of finances rests. It's when we give the 10th to Him before anything else is bought or paid for that we honor Him as Lord of our finances. By giving God the first fruits of our labor, we are investing in a continuous return for our investment.

Why is the tithe so important?  Let me share some pretty good reasons with you...

• It's our response to God's Covenant and Divine ownership in our lives.
• It is a major part in bringing our lives under Christ's Lordship, which is really not an option.
• If the first fruit is holy, the whole lump will be holy. God will bless the 90%.
• It blesses the heart by making it receptive to God's will.
• It brings forth God's blessing in every area of our lives (He rebukes the devourer).
• We are stealing from God when we withhold it.
• It blesses the church by enabling it to carry out a greater ministry.

If you stop and think about it, it’s amazing how little solid teaching is done on the idea of giving and tithing. When I talk about solid teaching, I mean teaching that includes all the principles of the entire Bible, not just part of it. At fault seems to be a focus on me, myself and I. Otherwise known as "What am I going to get out of it?"

Well, what are you going to get if you tithe? Some would say more than you give. In fact, if you give 10%, the Lord will repay you 20% or more… If you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly, and if you sow generously, you will reap generously. So says I Corinthians 9:6, and it’s even better in the book of Malachi.

There the Bible says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” - Malachi 3:10  How can you argue with that?

And so our entire argument for tithing has been that God will give back more than you give to Him. Certain evangelists and television personalities have made a living promising health and wealth for everyone who sends them a check. Others have flat-out played on these beliefs and swindled people out of their money, promising their diseases, sicknesses and infirmaries will be healed if they will give to the Lord. ie… give the evangelist or the healer a large sum of money.

In this sort of environment, giving becomes a means to an end, and our motives become centered around ourselves instead of around the Lord. Why do we give? Because the Lord promises to bless us, haven’t you read Malachi 3:10? More and more, this type of preaching has resulted in the people of the Body of Christ looking for what Christ can offer them in terms of money, material possessions, personal happiness, advancement, and recognition.

The Bible seems to be very clear about the idea of giving to the Lord. It’s comes from a heart that worships God, not a heart that’s looking for something in return. Why? Because giving is then an act of worship and thanksgiving, not just a business proposition. When you give to God, whether it be in the regular offering or a special offering, or just a gift to help someone who is in need, you can give hoping to see a return, but then it’s just a business proposition.

If you’re not careful, your motives might start and end on “me, myself and I.” Or you can give because God has blessed you, giving out of thanks, recognizing that it came from the Lord in the first place…. NOT requiring a return. When you give as a way of telling God thank you, recognizing how He has blessed you, then it’s worship!

"God judges what we give by what we keep."  -G. Mueller

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Luke 6:8; Ephesians 4:28; Acts 20:35; Matthew 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Proverbs 3:9-10; James 1:17; Titus 3:8; Romans 12:8; 1 Chronicles 29:14

Prayer: “Dear Heavenly Father, Purify my heart to give without expecting anything in return. Clean my intentions and give me the joy of the Lord.  When I release this tithe, bless whoever receives it abundantly. Bring household salvation in any place that it lands. Let this salvation multiply and bless those who have been touched by the love of God, through my obedience. Thank you for rebuking the devourer for my sake, and for supplying all my needs so I can have the ability to help others. You are a good God and I am thrilled to be a part of your family. Let this seed reap a harvest for you. In your name, for your honor and glory, Amen.”

God loves you!

Jessie

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Let's Get REAL About Life!

"God controls all that happens in His world, every meal, every pleasure, every possession, every bit of sun, every night’s sleep, every moment of health and safety, everything that sustains and enriches life, is a divine gift. And how abundant these gifts are!"  -J.I Packer, Knowing God, p. 147

Ecclesiastes is a book that talks about life with and without God. The author tried all kinds of things to amuse, entertain, and improve himself, and finally came to the conclusion that God is the only One who gives any meaning to life. 

Ecclesiastes is unlike any other Old Testament book and has no parallel in other literature of the Biblical world. It is a philosophical discourse, and yet it is more. Ecclesiastes makes no claim to bring man a word from God. Instead the writer specifically states that he includes only what he can determine by his own reason and limits himself to data that is available "under the sun." (The doctrine of inspiration, however, assures us that this book conveys the message that God intended that we should receive, but it does not guarantee that all of Solomon's statements are accurate!)

It does not dwell on the covenant, the election of Israel, redemption, prophecy, sacred history, or the temple. Its focus is on man the creature, his life on earth, and the inscrutability of God and His ways. Ecclesiastes goes beyond the other wisdom literature to emphasize the fact that human life and human goals, as ends in themselves and apart from God, are futile and meaningless.

Solomon wrote Proverbs from the viewpoint of a wise teacher, and Song of Songs from the viewpoint of a royal lover,  but when he wrote Ecclesiastes, he called himself "the Preacher." The Hebrew title is Koheleth, and it is the title given to an official speaker who calls an assembly. The Greek word for "assembly" is ekklhsia, ekklesia, and thus the Septuagint version gives us the English title of the book, Ecclesiastes.

But the Preacher did more than call an assembly and give an oration. The word Koheleth carries with it the idea of debating, not so much with the listeners as with himself. He would present a topic, discuss it from many viewpoints, and then come to a practical conclusion.

Among other things, Solomon saw injustice to the poor, crooked politics, incompetent leaders, guilty people allowed to commit more crimes, materialism, and a desire for "the good old days."  It sounds relevant for us, too, doesn't it?

In spite of his painful encounters with the world and its problems, Solomon does not recommend either pessimism or cynicism. Rather, he admonishes us to be realistic about life, accept God's gifts and enjoy them. After all, God gives to us "richly all things to enjoy.

He also learned that wealth could be enjoyed and employed to the glory of God. Though man's wisdom couldn't explain everything, Solomon concluded that it was better to follow God's wisdom than to practice man's folly.

And as for the certainty of death, there is no way to escape it; it ought to motivate us to enjoy life now and make the most of the opportunities God gives us.

So he asks his listeners to look up, look within,  look ahead, and look around, and to take into consideration time, eternity, death, and suffering: these four factors God uses to keep our lives from becoming monotonous and meaningless.

In his final conclusion and personal application, Solomon then presents four pictures of life and attaches to each picture a practical admonition for his readers to follow:

• Life is an ADVENTURE-live by faith;
• Life is a GIFT-enjoy it;
• Life is a SCHOOL-learn your lessons;
• Life is a STEWARDSHIP-fear God

These four pictures parallel the four arguments that Solomon had wrestled with throughout the book: Life is not monotonous; rather, it is an adventure of faith that is anything but predictable or tedious. Yes, death is certain, but life is a gift from God and He wants us to enjoy it. Are there questions we can't answer and problems we can't solve? Don't despair. God teaches us His truth as we advance in "the school of life," and He will give us wisdom enough to make sensible decisions. As far as wealth is concerned, all of life is a stewardship from God; and one day He will call us to give an account. Therefore, "fear God, and keep His commandments."

Finally, here we have practical advice about life from one of the wisest, richest, most powerful men to have ever lived. His insights about life, money, values, and ordering one's personal priorities are priceless: this (Ecclesiastes) is a rewarding guidebook to the reader who looks behind the initial impressions to find the wisdom this remarkable man (Solomon) gleaned from his unique career.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Luke 12:15; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Micah 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; John 6:35; Matthew 6:33; Romans 13:9; Proverbs 13:22; Psalm 112:1; 1 John 2:16

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

-special thanks to Chuck Missler

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Video: Leah O'Brien-Amico's Christian Testimony

Listen as Leah describes how she believed, like many people do, that she was a good enough person to get into heaven. However, the three-time gold medalist shares the only way to heaven is to make peace with God by obtaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Leah shares how to do so and the joy it brings knowing you are forgiven and will have help to overcome all of the challenges one faces in life. (Leah O Brien is a former three time gold medal womens olympics softball player. She played outfield for the USA womens softball team.) Another good message here!  ~Eve

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 16:1-15

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Sixteen, Verses 1-15.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Trace the route of Paul and Silas on their missionary journey.
2) Consider whether the Spirit led Paul through impressions or some other less subjective way.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 16:1-15...  

With this chapter we find Paul on his second missionary journey that began in Acts 15:40 with Paul and Silas passing through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening churches along the way. In Derbe and Lystra, Paul enlists a young disciple named Timothy who will become a life-long fellow-worker in the kingdom. His mother is a believing Jew (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5) but his father is Greek, so with many Jews in the region Paul has Timothy circumcised. As Paul's company travels through Phrygia and Galatia, they deliver the decrees from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem and strengthen the churches (1-5).

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit they find themselves in Troas, where Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help. Concluding that the Lord is calling them to preach the gospel there, Paul's company leaves Troas accompanied by the author of Acts himself, as indicated by the first person pronoun plural "we" (6-10).

From Troas to Samothrace and then Neapolis, the company finally arrives in Philippi. A major city of Macedonia and Roman colony, it marks Paul's first ministry on the European continent. On the Sabbath Paul and his companions go down to the river where women are praying. As Paul speaks, a religious business woman of Thyatira named Lydia listens. The Lord opens her heart to heed Paul, which results in her and her household being baptized. She then persuades Paul and his companions to stay at her house (11-15).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) Where did Paul go after passing through Syria and Cilicia (Acts 16:1; cf.15:41)
2) Who did Paul want to travel with him?  What is said about him? (Acts 16:1-2)
3) Why did Paul have him circumcised? (Acts 16:3)
4) What did Paul's company deliver as they traveled?  What was the reaction? (Acts 16:4-5)
5) How did the Spirit guide Paul's company in their travels? Where did they wind up? (Acts 16:6-8)
6) What vision did Paul have?  What did he and his companions conclude? (Acts 16:9-10)
7) From Troas, where did they go?  Who evidently joined them at Troas? (Acts 16:11-12)
8) Where did Paul's company go on the Sabbath?  What did they do? (Acts 16:13)
9) Who heard them?  What kind of woman was she?  What happened as she listened? (Acts 16:14)
10) What happened next?  Afterwards, what did she do? (Acts 16:15)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri

Music Video: Faith Hill - Peace In the Valley

If you follow our blog on a regular basis, you know that we like to mix things up a little bit from time to time. We listen to a lot of music here at CHBM, so it comes as no surprise when someone suggests a tune that they find inspiring! As you probably know, Faith Hill (a country music diva) has amazing vocals. This particular video is her rendition of a gospel favorite, "Peace in the Valley" So I invite you to sit back and enjoy this simply awesome song by a beautiful and talented singer.   ~Eve

Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good!

God has not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways all our life through; God has not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain. But God has promised strength for the day, Rest for the labor, light for the way; Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
-Source Unknown 

Anyone who says that the Christian life is a bed of roses is nothing more than a liar. The fact that life is not fair is still very real for people of faith. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.

Jesus Himself came into this world and was rejected by His own people. Jesus was given a mockery of a trial and then sentenced to death. He was severely beaten and scourged. Roman soldiers mocked Him, beat Him some more and drove a crown of thorns into His scalp. Jesus was forced to carry His own cross through a jeering mob to the place where He would be executed. Jesus was nailed to the cross and died on a garbage heap. Life is not fair!

On the third day, the stone rolled away from the tomb, Jesus was raised from the dead and lives to show us a simple truth. Life is not fair; but God is good. Here are five things to keep in mind about trials:

1. Trials are a short term reality (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The difficulties that we face in life are short term realities because our existence is not mortal but eternal. This life is not the end but a stepping stone for eternity.

2. Trials can lead us to greater blessings (James 1:12)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Standing up for God in the middle of life’s heart aches and heart breaks leads us to a great reward.

3. Trials give us proper perspective (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
If this life were nothing but good there would be no desire for heaven. Paul tells us that this life may be fading away but eternity is drawing closer. Each day we live, we get closer to the day we will stand before Jesus.

4. Trials can help us experience God’s presence (Psalm 27:5-6)
God gives us His divine presence in the midst of trials and difficulties to send us a clear message. When we go through hard times we never go through them alone.

5. Trials help us to look forward to heaven (Romans 8:18)
One day we will reach the shores of heaven and see Jesus face to face. Every difficulty and trial will simply melt away in the light of eternity. We are not living for today but instead we are living for that day when we stand in the presence of Jesus.

The Bible tells us that God is at work in all things (Romans 8:28). There is absolutely nothing that escapes His attention or comes without His divine care. Also, God gives strength in every situation (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

God knows our every need and graciously supplies everything that we need to make it through the trials of life. There is no situation too hard, no time when He forgets and no problem too great that His grace cannot help you through. Finally, Jesus has defeated the power of trials (John 16:33).

In conclusion, Jesus gives us security in an insecure world. He is the one who helps us overcome the troubles of the world. Jesus gives us His calm assurance in the midst of the world’s chaos. There is nothing that happens in this life that Jesus has not already overcome. One day the trials will be removed (Revelation 21:3-4)!

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 12:12; Deuteronomy 6:5; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 5:3; Galatians 2:20;  Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:7; Philippians 4:19; Romans 10:13

Prayer: Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me." In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me. In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me. In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me. Amen.

-Special thanks to David DeWitt 

God loves you! 

Olivia

Remember...God Is the Judge, Not Us!

Chances are you've heard of Westboro Baptist Church, that small, outrageous congregation in Topeka, Kansas, whose members, led by Pastor Fred Phelps, carry signs that say, among other things, “God Hates Fags” and “Thank God for dead soldiers.”

Phelps’s granddaughter, Megan Phelps-Roper, held those kind of signs when she was a tot, and in recent years she was in charge of Westboro Baptist’s social media strategy—yes, they have one.

In fact, Megan, now 27, was prolific and popular, tweeting up to a hundred messages a day, with a huge following. She was a regular guest on a local morning show, and by all accounts was a somewhat winsome witness for a small congregation with a closed and hate-filled message.

Then suddenly one day last October, Megan’s Twitter account went dark. Well, she turned up the other day, and it turns out she has left Westboro Baptist. It’s been a painful separation from her close-knit community and all she loved and held to be true. Megan says, “I still cry a lot.”

How did one so sheltered and seemingly so confident in her beliefs give them up? Apparently, a very small thing got her mind spinning—a digital social media relationship with a Jewish fellow who quoted Jesus. He said, “If anyone is without sin, let him cast the first stone.”

She was amazed that a Jew was quoting Jesus to show how intolerant Westboro is, and it sent her into a tailspin. It was an obvious point, but Megan was totally unprepared for it. Her case shows that it doesn't take much to shake up a weak and tottering worldview.  - BreakPoint Commentary, February 18, 2013, John Stonestreet

Judging is making a negative evaluation of others without caring for or wanting to help them. It incorporates the use of this type of thinking, "We must judge people in order to fix them and/or in order to make us feel better about ourselves." Thinking that we have to judge people in order to fix them, or set them straight, fails more often than not for 4 reasons:

-It doesn't flow from a heart of love; 
-It can be received as an attack; 
-Deconstruction without reconstruction; 
-Our judgment may be (and often is) wrong; 
-Judging in order to FEEL BETTER about ourselves. 

This is saying that, on one hand, when we judge others, we feel superior to them. Judging puts us on the moral high ground and diminishes those we are judging. Judgmental people either feel the worst about themselves or mostly deny their own weaknesses.

On the other hand, the person that judges will be judged. Also, the manner and to the degree which he judges he will be judged. In other words, the same standards of his judging others will be applied to him. How? We can probably safely assume this includes both people and God judging us.

A Chinese Proverb says, “Do not remove a fly from your friend’s forehead with a hatchet.” 

Obviously the person that is the recipient of this kind of ‘help’ suffers greatly. Moving that illustration into the realm of judging gives us the picture of how damaging our judgments of others can be. And the repercussions in our own lives can be even more damaging.

We need to realize that God is the Judge. Our laying into people and being condemning and harsh with them as if we know their motives and as if we are set so far above them is assuming the throne of judgment that only God can assume. We have no right to this. And our acting like this assumes that we are high and righteous ourselves above all others and worthy to make such harsh judgments on others’ lives.

Are you guilty of the judging Jesus condemned? Do you delight in pointing the fingers at others’ faults while overlooking your own? Do you stink of self-righteousness? Do you point out the sin in others that, if you were honest, is the sin most familiar to you?

Then you need to repent and ask God to help you to quit being harshly critical. You need to ask God to examine your life and remove sin from it. You need to ask God to help you humbly and lovingly to be a spiritual person that helps restore those caught in the web of sin. We need people to hold us accountable, we cannot and must not wink at sin. But we must not devour one another with a self-righteous critical spirit that delights in the faults of others while excusing or denying our own.

Criticizing another person will be called into account at the judgement seat of Christ. We should not be wasting our time by criticizing others. If we turn the searchlight within our own hearts, we will find plenty to keep us humble before the Lord without being occupied with other people. We will have enough to do at the judgement seat of Christ answering for our own behavior without worrying about the actions of others.

If you don’t want to be judged then don’t judge others. If you want heavenly rewards, judge yourself!

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37; John 7:24; James 4:11-12; James 4:12; Romans 2:1-3; Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 7:5; Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:31; James 1:26; John 3:17

Prayer: Guide me lord, you are my heart you are my strength, you are my hope. Teach me Lord, and guide my way I love you more each passing day.

-special thanks to Greg Tabor 

May God bless you always,

Amy Lynn

Video: Beth Moore - Lowly and Afflicted

In her own unique style, Beth Moore tells the hysterical true story of how she frightened two people in the woods. Watch and enjoy her message!   ~Eve 

When Adversity Knocks At Your Door...

Very soon after being diagnosed with diabetes, 7-year-old Sonia Sotomayor decided she would not depend on the adults in her life — a distant, overworked mother, a doomed, alcoholic father — for the daily shots of insulin that would keep her alive.

So along with the morning routine of getting breakfast and brushing her teeth, she’d pull a chair up to the stove and boil water to sterilize a syringe and needle, measure carefully, and inject herself before leaving her South Bronx apartment for school.

In her book, My Beloved World, she reveals that her disease nearly took her life more than once and that part of the reason she never had children was a fear she would not be around to raise them.

In the book, Sotomayor describes a scary series of incidents when she blacked out due to blood sugar imbalances, and once she was discovered by friends unconscious in an Italian hotel room. But monitoring her health has become second nature — she might give herself injections five or six times a day — and she said she no longer worries she will die young.

“When I reached 50, I was able to let go of that demon,” Sotomayor said in the interview. “But not without recognizing its benefits. It drove me in a way that perhaps nothing else might have to accomplish as much as I could as early as possible.”  -The Washington Post, January 13, 2013, Robert Barnes 

Overcoming adversity is part of the human predicament. Thus, to confront adversity and/or trials of any description is a spiritual exercise that will separate the weak from the strong.

Some Christians feel they are automatically immunized from adversity of any kind. Some have said "all these trials and hardships show that God is missing." Since the beginning of time the heroes of faith have always had to deal with adversity. This includes men like Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Peter, Paul and others. Beloved, are we any better than the aforementioned saints? Certainly not! We must not be immersed in self-pity or feel sorry for ourselves when confronted with life's hardships.

Those of us who have been thrust into the lion's den of adversity must come to grip with it and face it head-on. The apostle Paul declared, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Overcoming the trials and tribulations of life means we place our ultimate trust in God. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). This means we will depend on God via prayer (James 5:16).

Daily praying and trusting in our eternal God will help immeasurably when coupled with a rich study of God's word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12). We must not underestimate the power resource that is available to us. Other than the aforementioned tools we must never forget the strength that is derived through family, friends and brethren. We must utilize these if we would overcome calamities in our lives.

Overcoming adversity comes with some positive blessings. Persevering and enduring hardship will certainly bring patience. As the scriptures tell us, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (James 1:3). Job, who faced adversity that we can only imagine, was a faithful patriarch that would not get sidetracked when hardships appeared at his door.

As it is written, "you have heard of the patience of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord..." (James 5:11). We must emulate Job and refuse to let adversity swallow us like the great fish swallowed Jonah. Overcoming adversity will give us a closer relationship with God that will ultimately lead us to our heavenly home (John 14:1-3).

Let's face it, we all face hardships and tribulations of various descriptions. Therefore, giving up and abandoning God is no option. Overcoming adversity with good is the best policy.

In closing today, God wants you to know that He has the final say in every situation in your life, and He is not about to let you stay defeated, certainly not when His Son has already paid the price to bring you an abundant life!

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Proverbs 24:10; Philippians 4:12-13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 8:28; Joshua 1:9; Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 45:7

Prayer: Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts.We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.

-special thanks to Bob Spurlin

Have a blessed day!

Athene

Apathy Is A Problem Within Our Spirit

When Ben Helton signed up for an online dating service, under "religion" he called himself "spiritually apathetic." Sunday mornings, when Bill Dohm turns his eyes toward heaven, he's just checking the weather so he can fly his 1946 Aeronca Champ two-seater plane.

Helton, 28, and Dohm, 54, aren't atheists, either. They simply shrug off God, religion, heaven or the ever-trendy search-for-meaning and/or purpose. Their attitude could be summed up as "So what?"
"The real dirty little secret of religiosity in America is that there are so many people for whom spiritual interest, thinking about ultimate questions, is minimal," says Mark Silk, professor of religion and public life at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.

Researchers have begun asking the kind of nuanced questions that reveal just how big the “So What?” set might be:

•44% told the 2011 Baylor University Religion Survey they spend no time seeking "eternal wisdom," and 19% said "it's useless to search for meaning."

•46% told a 2011 survey by Nashville-based evangelical research agency, LifeWay Research, they never wonder whether they will go to heaven.

•28% told LifeWay "it's not a major priority in my life to find my deeper purpose." And 18% scoffed at the idea that God has a purpose or plan for everyone.

•6.3% of Americans turned up on Pew Forum's 2007 Religious Landscape Survey as totally secular — unconnected to God or a higher power or any religious identity and willing to say religion is not important in their lives.

Hemant Mehta, who blogs as The Friendly Atheist, calls them the "apatheists" Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal Bishop of Washington D.C., calls them honest. "We live in a society today where it is acceptable now to say that they have no spiritual curiosity. At almost any other time in history, that would have been unacceptable," Budde says.

She finds this "very sad, because the whole purpose of faith is to be a source of guidance, strength and perspective in difficult times. To be human is to have a sense of purpose, an awareness that our life is an utterly unique expression of creation and we want to live it with meaning, grace and beauty."   -excerpted from, “For many, 'Losing My Religion' isn't just a song: It's life,” by Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY (1/3/2012)  

Apathy is not so much a physical issue, nor is it merely a symptom of boredom, as it is a problem within our spirit. It is a collapse of the will to vigorously press forward under the burdens of contrary forces and constant repetition of tasks until we either no longer care about activities or their outcomes, or we mechanically go through the motions in a state of sleepwalking where we perform the tasks necessary but are not really consciously involved as we ought to be. What can easily be a danger in the workplace has become a subtle poison in the work of the Lord and the life of the local Church.

There are those for whom attending church is only a duty to be performed. It matters less what songs are sung. It matters somewhat what the Pastor preaches, so long as he doesn't preach too long or probe too deeply. They have reached a comfort level where attending Sunday morning is enough to ease the conscience but not so much as to disturb the heart.

Their fellowship with others tends more towards their social calendar than with any strangers who appear in the services. Their social network is growing more around interests shared outside of the church than those within. Apathy even touches those who have faithfully served in our churches over the years.

Symptoms like these may well be but a mere reflection of the apathy found within our homes and families. Husbands and wives pass each other like ships in the night and likewise parents and children in homes where few family members even eat meals together. The notes that we used to leave on the refrigerator have been replaced by the technology of text messages, instant messages and email; but we still share less time in the same space, with less meaningful conversation, than ever before.

Even the occasional sharing of space has been reduced to mutually staring at the TV in rapt silence or each one tuned into his own computer screen (or personal electronic device) in various places throughout the house. It’s not that we’re angry or dislike each other, we just don’t care about one another or pay as much attention as we should.

Some who recognize the symptoms suggest that a solution to apathy and caring less is for us to make changes, particularly in how we do church. The drive towards contemporizing our music, worship and preaching is built upon the notion that apathy is really a synonym for boredom and the answer to boredom is excitement. Such an answer, however, is simplistic at best.

When Willow Creek Community Church released its self study of the effectiveness of their programs under their philosophy of a changed ministry (their report was published in Reveal: Where Are You? By Greg Hawkins and Cally Parkinson), they were shocked to learn that while they had a large following of people, few of them had matured into real disciples despite all the millions of dollars spent by them to introduce change. In other words, though many professed Christ as Savior under their many ministries, their methods were no better an antidote to spiritual apathy than traditional methods and ministries.

Much has been written about overcoming the problems of apathy, and there are several Scripture passages that relate to the problem and its symptoms. For example, we should recognize that attitudes, like a critical spirit, indulging in gossip or slander, becoming a divider of God’s people, are all soundly condemned in God’s Word; but do we realize that these are also some of the ways apathy can rear its ugly head in a local church? The focus of apathetic people is centered upon themselves. Their observations about what other people do, fail to do or might/might not be doing are all about how the words and actions of others affect them.

Apathy has no time for the tender heart of a selfless servant. Instead you will find a stony heart that is waiting to be served by others. They will gladly sit in impatient judgment of everyone but themselves. Such people can undermine the work of the Lord in any church because they have moved from being the problem-solvers and solution-finders to becoming part of the problem and expecting everyone else to find the solution. There is this myopic sense of having done so much for so long, presumably without receiving anything back in return, that it is now someone else’s problem.

The uncommitted are no longer just the strangers and visitors. They are a growing number of core people who have decided they've done enough. Sadly, people like this fail to realize how far they have slipped spiritually. They have lost sight of their Savior and the fact that their own purpose in life must center about Him and not themselves.

Apathy, spiritual malaise, is a problem that runs deeper than the packaging of Christianity. The self-indulgence of apathy cannot honestly coexist with being identified with Christ and living for the glory of God. A “care-less” spirit misrepresents our relationship with Christ and undermines the power of the Gospel message we are to take to the world.

Scripture: Revelation 3:16; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 15:19; John 5:39-40; Mark 14:38-41; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 6:4-6

Prayer:  Lord, I come close to You seeking to renew a relationship that seems to have grown cold. Show me those ways that I have become proud. Help me to turn to You with a humble heart. I want to spend time with You today. Amen

-special thanks to Dr. Charles L. Dear  

God bless you! 

Nikki

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: The Distinctive Role of The Holy Spirit ...

The Holy Spirit's distinctive role is to fulfill what we may call a floodlight ministry in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. So far as this role was concerned, the Spirit "was not yet" (John 7:29, literal Greek) while Jesus was on earth; only when the Father had glorified him (John 17:1, 5) could the Spirit's work of making men aware of Jesus' glory begin.

I remember walking to church one winter evening to preach on the words, "He will glorify me" (John 16:14), seeing the building floodlit as I turned a corner, and realizing that this was exactly the illustration my message needed. When floodlighting is well done, the floodlights are placed so that you do not see them; in fact, you are not supposed to see where the light is coming from; what you are meant to see is just the building on which the floodlights are trained. The intended effect is to make it visible when otherwise it would not be seen for the darkness, and to maximize its dignity by throwing all its details into relief so that you can see it properly. This perfectly illustrated the Spirit's new covenant role. He is, so to speak, the hidden floodlight shining on the Savior.

Or think of it this way. It is as if the Spirit stands behind us, throwing light over our shoulder on to Jesus who stands facing us. The Spirit's message to us is never, "Look at me; listen to me; come to me; get to know me", but always, "Look at him, and see his glory; listen to him and hear his word; go to him and have life; get to know him and taste his gift of joy and peace." The Spirit, we might say, is the matchmaker, the celestial marriage broker, whose role it is to bring us and Christ together and ensure that we stay together. -James Packer, Your Father Loves You, Harold Shaw Publishers, 1986 

Now, you might be asking (or have asked) yourself this question, "Who or what is the Holy Spirit?" In fact, this is a pretty common question. Perhaps I can help clarify this, or at the very least kindle your curiosity so that you might be inclined to look into this topic more on your own. So allow me to share my take on the Holy Spirit with you in this week's message...

The Holy Spirit is a real person who came to reside within Jesus Christ's true followers after Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven (Acts 2). Jesus told His apostles...

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16-18)

The Holy Spirit is not a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is considered to be the third member of the Godhead. Jesus said to His apostles...

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all the divine attributes ascribed to the Father and the Son are equally ascribed to the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes born again by believing and receiving Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13; John 3:3-21), God resides in that person through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit has intellect (1 Corinthians 2:11), emotion (Romans 15:30), and will (1 Corinthians 12:11).

A primary role of the Holy Spirit is that He bears "witness" of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14). He tells people's hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also acts as a Christian's teacher (1 Corinthians 2:9-14). He reveals God's will and God's truth to a Christian. Jesus told His disciples...

"The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)

"When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer. In a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Rather than trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives.

Thus Christians are told to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). And the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians (Romans 12; 1 Cor. 12; Ephesians 4).

The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians as well. He convicts people's hearts of God's truth concerning how sinful we are -- needing God's forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is -- He died in our place, for our sins; and God's eventual judgment of the world and those who do not know Him (John 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit tugs on our hearts and minds, asking us to repent and turn to God for forgiveness and a new life.

To sum up, the Holy Spirit is a person, the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is not a vague, ethereal shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is a person equal in every way with the Father and the Son. All the divine attributes ascribed to the Father and the Son are equally ascribed to the Holy Spirit. He is a divine person, a being with a mind, emotions, and a will. Simply put, the Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is God!

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Video: Jesus Street Interviews (Denver, Colorado)

Here are some different perspectives on Jesus Christ obtained from people in downtown Denver, Colorado. Very interesting to hear what people have to say about this topic. Watch and think about it!  ~ Eve

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 15:35-41

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Fifteen, Verses 35-41.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Notice the rift between Paul and Barnabas, and how it did not keep them from serving the Lord.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 15:35-41...  

After some time teaching and preaching in Antioch, Paul wants to visit the brethren in the cities they had traveled to on his first missionary journey. Barnabas was willing, but determined to take John Mark. Paul insists they should not take John because he left them on the first trip. Unable to reconcile, Barnabas takes John and sails to Cyprus,while Paul takes Silas, and with commendation from the brethren in Antioch goes through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches (35-41).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:  

1) What did Paul and Barnabas do for a while in Antioch? (Acts 15:35)
2) After some time, what did Paul recommend to Barnabas? (Acts 15:36)
3) What was Barnabas determined to do? (Acts 15:37)
4) What did Paul insist?  Why? (Acts 15:38)
5) When the contention became strong between Barnabas and Paul, what did they do? (Acts 15:39-41)

After completing this week's study, go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!   

Sheri

To Be As Compassionate As Jesus!

A police officer out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, got more than he bargained for after responding to a squad call. Instead of making an arrest, he actually helped the panhandling culprits. Officer Luis Hernandez, with the Albuquerque Police Department, rushed to the scene after someone reported a couple panhandling at a bus stop, with their 2-year-old baby.

The couple was begging for money to buy a bus ticket. Their baby had recently had heart surgery in Colorado, and the family needed to return for a follow-up appointment.

"I have a child that was recently diagnosed with epilepsy and I know how hard it can be when you have to deal with medications and additional care," Officer Hernandez said. "It puts a burden on the family and that's the spot that they were in." Hernandez bought the last ticket the family needed. He said it was his chance to give back.  -CBN News, January 3, 2013 

What a wonderful example of compassion. Compassion! When that word is used, most folks don’t have any idea at all what it means. Some people think of weakness when that think of compassionate people. Men especially are guilty of viewing compassion as something “weak, soft people do”. In truth, expressing compassion towards others reveals a strength of character that few people possess!

You see, we live in a fairly compassion-less world. Most people place themselves and their family above any other consideration in the world. The sad reality is that most people simply do not care what happens to others! They do not possess compassion. In fact, I would venture to say that most people don’t even know what it means to have compassion!

The word compassion, as it is used in the Bible means, “To be moved inwardly; to yearn with tender mercy, affection, pity and empathy.” It refers to the deepest possible feelings. The phrase, “moved with compassion” means to be moved in the “inner organs”. It has the same idea as our modern expression, “From the bottom of my heart.” Someone has defined compassion as “Sympathy coupled with a desire to help.” Sympathy means “The capacity to share feelings, to enter into the same feelings, to feel the same thing”. So, compassion is “sharing the feelings of others and possessing a desire to help them in their trouble.”

When we read the Gospels, they tell us of Jesus and His great compassion for mankind. We see that our Savior was moved deeply in His inner being by the needs of those around Him. In today's message, I would like to address this matter of compassion. I want to talk about The Compassionate Christ. I want to talk about what motivated Jesus to be compassionate and how we can become more compassionate ourselves.

I don’t know about you, but I surely need all the help in this area that I can get. Too often, I am selfish and self-centered, but I want to be; I need to be more like Jesus. Let’s look at The Compassionate Christ and learn His secrets for caring about the needs of others.

How could Jesus reach out to all the people He did? How could He care about so many different people with so many different problems. What motivated Him? Think for a moment about Who Jesus is. He is God in the flesh! He is not encumbered with a fallen nature. He is not selfish. He is not self-centered. He transcends all the faults and flaws that mark humanity!

Many people read the Old Testament and come away with the idea that God is mean, wrathful and harsh. Yet, Jesus, in the New Testament, reveals the exact nature of God, John 1:18; John 14:9. He is holy. He is a consuming fire. He is a God of wrath and judgment. Yet, He is also a God of infinite love, grace, mercy and compassion.

One reason Jesus was able to express such sympathy for others was His Own experiences in life. Jesus did not come into this world to live an idyllic life! The life He lived was difficult at best! He grew up, lived and died in abject poverty, Luke 2:24; Matthew 8:20, when He died, His worldly effects consisted of just the garments on His back, John 19:23-24. He knew about loneliness, Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:47. He was despised, hated and rejected, John 1:11; Mark 14:50. He even endured a time of severe temptation, Matthew 4:1-11.

A brief study of the gospels reveals the truth that His compassion knew no boundaries. Jesus felt the need of all classes and kind of people. His love and compassion are a challenge to each of us.

• He Feels Compassion For The Scattered Ones - Matthew 9:36; 15:32
• He Feels Compassion For The Sinning Ones - Mark 5:1-20 (E.g., when Jesus arose, He sent special word to Peter, who had denied Him three times, Mark 16:7!)
• He Feels Compassion For The Sick Ones- Matthew 14:14; 20:30-34; Mark 1:40-45
• He Feels Compassion For The Suffering Ones - Luke 7:11-13
• He Feels Compassion For The Seeking Ones - Mark 10:17-22

Why was Jesus able to do this to so many different kinds of people in so many different settings and situations? Because Jesus, even though He knew all their faults, did not let that get in the way of His compassion and expression of love! He did not look just at that which was apparent on the surface, He was able to look at these people and see their deepest need! He loved them at the deepest level of His being, as a result, He was never impatient with them or offended by their needs.

In conclusion, you never know what a little compassion will accomplish! I know I need help in this area! How about you? Remember, compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. It is more than pity. Compassion is a desire to reach out and make a difference in the life of someone else. In truth, compassion is a desire to be Christ to someone else!

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember that others don't always see the way we do, hear what we hear, feel what we feel, or understand things the way we've come to understand them. Give us the compassion you want us to have, O Father, and teach us to embrace each other with compassion, as well. Amen

May God be with you always, 

Jennifer

What About Pride?..Well, It's Not What YOU Think It Is!

Over the past 47 years about nine million college freshman have taken the American Freshman Survey. It asks students to rate how they measure up against their peers. According to the survey, over the past four decades, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of freshman who think that they're "above average" for academic ability and self-confidence.

For instance, while students think they're more gifted than their peers at writing, objective test scores actually show that writing skills have declined in the past few decades. Researchers call this "ambition inflation."

One of the researchers, Dr. Jean Twenge notes, "Our culture used to encourage modesty and humility and not bragging about yourself. It was considered a bad thing to be seen as conceited or full of yourself." Apparently, now everyone wants to be above average. -The Daily Mail, January 5, 2013

Charles Spurgeon once said, "There is nothing into which the heart of man so easily falls as pride, and yet there is no vice which is more frequently, more emphatically, and more eloquently condemned in Scripture." 

Many times, we start our Christian walk well. Our focus is set on God, and our hearts are fully committed to Him. Then all of a sudden, pride creeps in, preventing us from being all God wants us to be by blinding us to His ways. It tempts us to believe that we know better than He does. And, if we let it, pride will change our attitude toward God and the path He has chosen for us to take.

You might recall that the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law were proud men. And because they were proud men they expected to be honored by position and power that came from being at the head of the line. Jesus was never impressed by these men, and He picked on them every chance He got - because they were proud men. As James says “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6.

The word translated “pride” in the Old Testament means “to rise or to swell up.”  It refers to the rising of the waves of the sea. It speaks of men thinking more of themselves and their abilities than they do of God. Pride says, “I do not need God, I can make my own way. I know best. I call the shots in my life.” (Sound familiar??)

What are some problems and dangers of pride? How about the following... 

1. Pride Is A Motivator For Other Sins…

a. The first sin committed on the earth was due to pride (Genesis 3:5-6 cf 1 John 2:15-16)…
b. Pride was also the motivator for the first murder (1 John 3:12)…
c. Note the words spoken regarding Sodom (Ezekiel 16:49)…

2. Pride Makes Us Oblivious To Danger…

a. We cannot see the stumbling blocks set before us (Proverbs 16:18)…
b. We cant see the ground with our noses in the air!

3. Pride Makes Us Blind…

a. Spiritual blindness causes us to reject Jesus (John 9:35-41)...
b. There can’t be any acceptable relationship between God and the proud (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5)
c. Look at the Pharisees (Luke 18:9-14)…
d. Christians must understand that we are saved by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-10).

4. Pride Makes Us Foolish…

a. Prides gives men a foolish sense of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20)…
b. Pride causes us to think foolishly (Romans 12:3; Proverbs 12:15)…
c. Pride causes us to act foolishly (1 Kings 12:3-16)…

5. Pride Cause Us To Be Independent…

a. Pride causes us to not seek counsel (1 Corinthians 8:1-2)…
b. False teachers are proud not knowing anything (1 Timothy 6:4; Proverbs 21:24)...
c. It prevents us from learning anything (John 9:35-41)…
d. We cannot trust in our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-8)…
e. God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:9), therefore to please Him we are in need on His counsel, the very thing the proud reject (Psalm 107:10-12)…

6. Pride Condemns Us To Hell

a. (Romans 1:28-31)...
b. (Isaiah 2:11-17)...

By now, it should be quite obvious that God hates pride! (Proverbs 6:16-19). Each sin mentioned in that list is a result of pride!  Here is God’s Word on pride: Proverbs 8:13; 11:2; 16:5; 18-19. God has a better plan!  He calls on His people to “humble themselves”. The word “humble” means “to bend the knee; to bring down; to place self under another.”  Pride will not allow the prideful person to bow their knee to the Lord!

In closing, there is nothing good said about pride because there’s nothing good about it. We must keep away from having it and refrain from displaying it at any price!

Let's pray... 

Father, in the Name of Jesus, I realize that as a believer, my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. My acknowledgment of His presence on a daily basis makes my faith in Him effectual. I believe that You, heavenly Father, are leading me and guiding me by the Holy Spirit through my spirit and illuminating my mind. Amen 

God loves you! 

Jerri

Sin Is an Attitude of Wanting Your Way Instead of God's Way!

Sin comes when we take a perfectly natural desire or longing or ambition and try desperately to fulfill it without God. Not only is it sin, it is a perverse distortion of the image of the Creator in us. All these good things, and all our security, are rightly found only and completely in him. -Augustine, The Confessions of Saint Augustine

Ernest Hemingway once said that if something is moral, you feel good afterwards; if immoral, you feel bad afterwards. That’s a popular view of sin – many have lived by it. But it’s not a biblical view. Biblically, sin is an attitude of wanting your way instead of God’s way.

How much does sin matter to God? He cannot tolerate it. “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.” (Habakkuk 1:13a) “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5a) That may seem unimportant. Hasn’t Jesus paid for all your sins? Why be concerned about sin when God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life? Perhaps you should view sins as mistakes, mere miscues in life.

God never views sin as such. Because of one sin, Adam and Eve were exiled from paradise. Because of sin God brought a flood upon the earth’s inhabitants in the days of Noah. He brought fire upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their blatant immorality. Sin kept the original children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years.

God hates sin. Yet to us, sin feels good, and we do it. Like Adam and Eve, we think we can know evil and yet not be overcome by it. But we do not become like God. God knows of the existence of evil, yet God is not evil nor does He give in to evil. We, on the other hand, are attracted to it, and we give in to it.

Whenever you sin, God’s Spirit inside you is grieved. Sometimes He’ll cause you to feel guilty. In sinning, you are choosing at that instant to live independently of the Lord’s will for you. That doesn’t cause God to hate you. He still loves you. But it saddens Him: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) To understand how sin does affect you, let’s look at the difference between your relationship with God and your fellowship with God.

Your Relationship With God		Your Fellowship With God
Began when you received Christ (John 1:12)		Began when you received Christ (Colossians 2:6)
Everlasting (1 Peter 1:3,4)		Can be hindered (Psalm 32:3-5)
Maintained solely by God (John 10:27-29)		Maintained in part by you (1 John 1:9)
Never changes (Hebrews 13:5)		Changes when you sin (Psalm 66:18)

Sin does not affect God’s eternal relationship with you – that was established when you trusted in Christ’s payment for your sins. Christ died for all your sins – past, present, and future. At that time, your entire life was in the future. Because of your faith in Jesus, you are totally forgiven. Your relationship with God is secure.

However, sin affects your fellowship with God. (Fellowship means your earthly, moment-by-moment association.) Sin affects your communication with Him and your usefulness in doing His will. Sin dulls you to the things Christ wants you to be thinking about and to be doing.

Psalm 32:3-5 says: “There was a time when I wouldn’t admit what a sinner I was. But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration. All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess them to the Lord.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” This is the correct response to sin. He didn’t deny sin. He didn’t become preoccupied with it. He confessed it.

What does it mean to confess sins and repent? First, confession means to agree with God. He already knows you’ve sinned, so you might as well be honest! “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Confession means freely admitting our sin and accepting God’s attitude about our sin.

Confession does not mean begging God for forgiveness. Christ already paid the penalty for all of our sins, and God’s forgiveness is available automatically when we confess. The reason God can make this forgiveness available to you instantly is Christ’s death on the cross, not the strength or humility with which you confess your sin.

Repentance means to change your actions concerning your sin. It involves agreeing with God that you were wrong and that you do not want to continue to commit that sin.

There will be times when you still feel guilty even after you’ve confessed your sin. It somehow seems spiritual to berate ourselves for committing such an awful sin, and we think that if we can lower ourselves in our own eyes, God will be pleased with our humility.

But that’s not the way God sees us. Part of confession is thanking God that all of our sins have been paid for by Christ. On that basis God says, “I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12) Thanksgiving involves faith because you are responding to what God’s Word says is true about you instead of how you feel. To berate yourself focuses on your sin rather than on Christ and His forgiveness.

Sometimes we mistake temptation for sin. But keep in mind that everyone is tempted. Even Jesus was tempted…but He didn’t give in to His temptations – He didn’t sin. If you are being tempted, don’t chastise yourself. You can choose not to dwell on tempting thoughts and you can ask God for the strength to avoid the sin. Don’t feel guilty about being tempted. A great verse to learn, to bring to mind when you battle temptation, is 1 Corinthians 10:13.

God has completely forgiven you of all the things you have done. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) He doesn’t look back now on your sins or your failures with condemnation, and neither should you. Again God says, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” (Hebrews 10:17) The cloud of guilt is gone! Accept God’s complete forgiveness.“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:2)

The Christian life is a life of freedom: freedom from guilt and freedom to live as God intends, which is ultimately the most satisfying life. It is a process of growth, of becoming like Christ and reflecting Christ. And it takes time to grow!

Scripture: Romans 6:23; Romans 3:23; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 21:8; Mark 2:17; James 2:10; 1 John 5:16; Psalm 16:10; Hebrews 9:27; Acts 4:12

- thanks to Steven L. Pogue

Prayer: Hear, Lord, the prayers we offer from contrite hearts. Have pity on us as we acknowledge our sins. Lead us back to the way of holiness. Protect us now and always from the wounds of sin. May we ever keep safe in all its fullness the gift your love once gave us and your mercy now restores. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Debbie