Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 3 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

This weekend, we continue a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Here in Session 3, Beth teaches us what it means to deceive, to be deceived, and how the difference between a liar and a deceiver often comes down to success rate. But more importantly, she says, "We faced a more personal truth: we all carry an imposter within us!"

Rather than shaming that part of ourselves, let's lean into the understanding that wrestling is a form of intimacy. We see Jacob engage in his first honest fight in Genesis 32:24-32, a powerful moment not because it gave him all the answers but because, in Beth's words, "It brought him into contact, face to face with God." 

We discover a powerful truth: when we build relationships from our false selves, we often get trapped because those relationships can't truly hold the real us. So, let's break that pattern by remembering the three perimeters: Authenticity with all, transparency with most, and intimacy with some.

These guidelines will help us stay true to who we are becoming, heed the inner warnings, and avoid falling into old traps. It's not about having it all figured out—just about showing up more honestly, together.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

In What Do You Base Your Self-Worth?

"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."  - C.H. Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist preacher (1834-1892)

A large proportion of people's self-worth is often influenced by external forces such as social approval, engagement in meaningful activities like work or academics, appearance, and the successes of their family and children. 

Without question, all of these are certainly good and valid reasons. But allow me to add a point to ponder, if you will. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we need to remember that our true worth cannot be determined by earthly standards.

Rather, it is found in the transformative power of seeking first the kingdom of God. In other words, our true worth or self-value should instead come from a deep, spiritual relationship with Christ, which truly supplies life-changing power.

This is a directive to prioritize spiritual growth over material success, acknowledging that only by knowing and abiding in Him can one build a life of lasting significance. Here are some bible verses to reinforce our discussion:

• Philippians 3:7-9 - points out the Apostle Paul's perspective of his worldly accomplishments as rubbish compared to knowing Christ.
• Matthew 6:19-21 - motivates the pursuit of spiritual wealth over earthly wealth, accenting or stressing that your heart follows your treasure.
• Colossians 3:1-2 - advises focusing on divine affairs in contrast to earthly ones.
• Romans 12:2 - implores for transformation through the renewal of the mind, rather than compliance to the world.
• Ephesians 2:10 - maintains that believers are God's creation, intended for good works.

Essentially, this message is to remind all of us to shift our perspective from external results to internal spiritual reality, recognizing that true identity and security lies in Christ, not material wealth, possessions, and worldly goods. 

Scripture: Proverbs 3:13–15; John 10:10; Romans 8:38–39; Colossians 2:9–10; 1 Peter 2:9

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for showing my true value through your unconditional love and grace through the eternal truth that I am your creation and your beloved child. Amen."

May God bless you always,

Liana

Bible Studies To-Go | Jesus, A Physician for Spiritual Sickness

"Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.." - Augustine of Hippo, theologian, writer, preacher, rhetorician, and bishop (354-430 A.D.)

The ©Bible Studies To-Go series presents abridged Scripture studies that are tailored for the contemporary believer who desires to enhance their Bible learning, but is limited by a demanding daily routine. 

Our short studies focus on themes, topics, and in some cases are even developed by questions we gather from our work with others. Detailed Bible studies can easily be obtained from other sources, if one prefers that.

The topic for study presently is: Jesus, the healer of spiritual sickness. Mark 2:13-17 will serve as our focal point. It would be most advantageous to read this passage before proceeding with the subject.

In the verses mentioned above, the center of attention is on Jesus' mission to heal spiritual sickness, that is, those who are spiritually broken and need salvation. Thus establishing Himself as the Great Physician.

Thought-Provoking Questions: Do you see yourself as spiritually "sick"? Or, do you consider yourself spiritually "healthy"? 

Consider these questions carefully. You may want to write your thoughts down to help you stay on task and limit diversions. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here, just be upfront.

Below, I have provided some scripture passages that are associated with this topic of discussion. You will find these related verses will help to clarify some of the points raised in the discussion.

• Isaiah 55:7
• Matthew 9:13
• Luke 5:32
• Luke 15:7 
• 1 Timothy 1:15

Mark 2:13-17 draws attention to Jesus' invitation of Levi, a tax collector, and his following meal with other tax collectors and sinners. This important event challenges the social and religious norms of the time and makes known a core aspect of His mission.

Contextual Questions:

1. Who was Levi in the passage and why were tax collectors despised in that society?
2. Who were the Pharisees and what was their primary concern?

Evidence-Based Questions:

1. What does the call of Levi reveal about Jesus' mission and character?
2. What made Jesus's acceptance of people deemed "unclean" so offensive to the religious establishment?
3. How does the metaphor of a doctor for the sick explain Jesus' mission to call sinners to repentance?
4. In Luke 5:32, Jesus says "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners..." What is meant by His statement, given that all have sinned?

Questions for Personal Insight: 

1. In what ways does engaging in genuine fellowship with non-believers, as Jesus did, serve as a form of evangelism?
2. How does religious pride prevent us from seeing our own sinfulness and need for Jesus?
3. Why is the comprehension of Jesus as a physician for the spiritually ill, rather than the morally upright, crucial for spiritual growth?

Food For Thought:

• This passage calls us to maximize our abilities by moving beyond familiar boundaries. How can you show Christ's love to someone who may not feel accepted or seen by the church?

I trust that this condensed study format opens the way for more time to incorporate additional activities, methods, and reflections in deepening your understanding and retention of God's Word, the Bible. 

I'm excited about our next Bible study, and eagerly look forward to our next meeting!

Closing Prayer: "Dear Lord, we are thankful for the insights and truths shared today. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the way Your Word transforms us. May You guide us and keep us safe. In Jesus' name, Amen."

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle