Archive for December, 2021
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12, ESV
It is the light of Christ, and should not be our deeds that repel and is not our good works that necessarily draw others to God.
Our goodness and light comes from Christ, and it will either repel or draw others in.
I have started (and with this one finish) a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]
Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.
What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.
What was discussed last time?
Matthew 7:24-27:
Foolish and Wise builders
Matthew 7:28-9:
“Astonished”
Have we counted the cost?
Are we being wise, studying His Word and applying it; or foolish, taking what we like and throwing out
the rest?
Are we listening to the under-shepherds or the wolves in sheep’s clothing?
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV
We keep our focus on God, being thankful for all He has done, and our lives will show the difference.
Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Psalm 47:1, ESV
Our God has done great things worthy of celebration, most importantly He saved us from our sins through the cross.
This is a regular thing inour church. After nearly three years, we finally installed our first deacon. Not from a lack of trying, just finding the right people at the right time.
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
1 Timothy 3:1x ESV
(Read the whole chapter)
Daniel
For this Sunday here’s what you can do: Pray for the rising new leaders in your Church. I thought about this today since we as a church will be voting for various things including new deacons. Its important churches have right leaders. What does one pray about? Here’s some beginners’ list: Pray for those rising […]
This Sunday at Church: Pray for the rising new leaders in your Church
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Luke 12:40, ESV
It is not a fear tactic to tell people Jesus is coming and therefore be ready and working out our salvation. Instead it is a reminder to reach as many people as possible for Christ as we can and not delay.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, ESV
Faith is supposed based on what we know, and God has proved His faithfulness time and again to let us know He is real, He has saved us through the cross, and He is coming again for the restoration of all things.
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, ESV
Our God and Creator wants to help us. Let us be grateful that in Christ we can trust Him and ask for all our needs, knowing He cares for us.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16, ESV
God’s light is put in us by the Holy Spirit when we put our faith in Christ. Then Christ works in us to do good works in this world that some may also trust Him.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5, ESV
God wants us to rely on Him, that we could do more than we know. Growing stronger in Christ conforms us ever more to His likeness, and our hope and love grows.
a simple man of God 