Archive for the ‘ Church ’ Category
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3, ESV
Because of Christ’s good work, we now can be like a city on a hill, letting our good works shine brightly to the glory of the Father.
I am currently the Youth Pastor for The Church Next Door in Prescott Valley, AZ. On Sunday, August 11, 2019, I took over teaching the adult Sunday School class before the regular service. (If you find yourself in North Central Arizona, specifically the Prescott Valley area, come join in from 8:45 to 9:45 AM, and then stay for the singing and sermon at 10!)
Here is the first lesson notes:
This class starts on what would have been my mom’s 58th birthday. The day after her 53rd birthday she went home to be with the Lord.
Why is this relevant?
My parents did not instill Christian beliefs in us growing up. When I became a Christian, they complained some. My mom in particular challenged me with hard questions. Thankfully, it is what helped lead her to Christ, and it gave me the start toward ministry and apologetics.
What else helped was overcoming my perspective on Church that came from an evolutionary mindset I was not aware I had.
Thus, here is the list of scriptural (and anecdotal) foundations for my life, ministry, and this class:
Church history reveals to us we still make mistakes and sin against our Lord, but He has used this history and guided His Church to better understand His Word and equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
It is fitting this new class starts on my mom’s birthday, because she helped me hone my understanding of God, the Bible, and Christian life. I am sure she would be honored with such a gift as her son sharing God’s redemptive work throughout history since the time of Christ her Lord and Savior. (And this is first shared online on the 5th Anniversary of her going to Him!)
Christ our Foundation: The roots of the Church
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9, ESV
As we grow in Christ, He uses us to help others grow. Let Christ work in you through reading the Word, hearing the Word, and living with the Church.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.
Proverbs 17:17, CSB
Christ again is our example: be a friend to all people, loving through all areas of life; be a brother to all, especially other Christians, sacrificing of yourself in times of need.
I preached this past Sunday, June 30, 2019. I would have uploaded this sooner, but I am sure you understand technological issues and upload errors …
I barely used notes, so there is barely enough to read. If you want the full text, then listen to the message by clicking here or listening below!
I actually started reading from John 15:26 to help with context, in case you want to have your Bible ready. Other references are Genesis 2, 2 Corinthians 7:6-11, Revelation 20, Ephesians 6:12, and Matthew 28:18-20.
World War 2:
Propaganda: “All Germans are evil!”
Truth: “Many Germans helped in secret to undermine the Nazis.”
Reality: Many Germans were shunned, despised, mistreated, and distrusted after the war for “wanting to kill all non-Germans, especially Jews!”
Read 15:26-16:6
John 13:36-14:7 – Peter & Thomas
asked
For Peter: Going to cross, “You
will follow me”
For Thomas: “We don’t know where
you are going. How can we know the way?” They did not understand He was leaving
this world behind. They essentially were asking “What place on Earth are you
going to prepare to kick out Rome?” Not “You are leaving? What do you mean?
What place is it that we are unable to follow you to?”
The disciples were confused, scared, and worried. “He seems to be speaking
nonsense. Is He leaving us? He keeps talking about dying and leaving us!”
After Thomas’ question, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come, which leads
to …
Read 16:7
The Holy Spirit –the Counselor, the Comforter, the Helper – would not be sent permanently until the Son and Father sent Him from Heaven.
Now think back to the first time a helper was given to Man: Genesis 2:20-25. No good helper was found, so God put the man into a deep sleep and created a woman from his rib. Then we have verses 24 and 25. [Read] We have the establishment of marriage (v. 24), and it says they were without shame (v. 25).
What does this have to do with our new Helper?
Read 16:8-14
The Holy Spirit has three major jobs:
Let us look at these:
Read 16:14-15
The Spirit of Truth, the Helper, reminds us of Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)
We fight this war (that was won at the cross!) through the power of the Helper, in a world that says Christians and God are bad and evil.
bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:13, ESV
We are family by Christ’s blood. Sometimes family gets annoying and offend each other.
Get over yourself and love them fiercely. You may even be the offensive one!
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
Titus 3:10, ESV
Some people only want to cause trouble. They gossip, demean, and mock, all in the guise of “prayer” and “accountability”.
Tell them stop, and if they refuse to listen avoid them (even to the point of kicking them out of the congregation).
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Philippians 1:3, ESV
Do you love and pray for the Church? We may not always agree on everything, but it is our family. We should pray for each other with thanksgiving everyday.
a simple man of God 