Psalm 43:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Praying Can be Dangerous
My son Zachary is 21 months old and anyone who knows him will tell you, that he is all boy. My wife and I have been teaching him to pray since he has been able to sit up right at the dinner table. He has started saying right before eating, “Pray-Pray”, but still has not learned to actually pray. He usually just watch’s us and mumbles as we pray. We try and keep the prayer’s short and sweet – something similar to this:
Lord thank you for loving us and thank you for this food. In Jesus name – Amen.
We have also started praying with him before bed time. Before we put him in bed he will say, “Pray – Pray” and we will normally say a short prayer similar to what’s above. Sometimes just Tina pray’s with him and sometimes just me, but we like to pray all together if possible.
Last night we all where standing there at Zachary’s crib and Tina started praying. Now try and get this picture in you mind, Tina is holding Zachary and I’m standing very close to them both, within inches. After about 20 seconds into the prayer my son…….
Punched me in the noise and then started giggling!
I did not get onto him because I believe he is still too young to really understand that prayer time is not wrestle time.
So the moral of the story is, when praying with a toddler make sure to either keep one eye open or stand outside of swinging distance. Getting clocked in the nose is not fun!
My son will learn this verse and know it by memory:
Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother.
Lord thank you for loving us and thank you for this food. In Jesus name – Amen.
We have also started praying with him before bed time. Before we put him in bed he will say, “Pray – Pray” and we will normally say a short prayer similar to what’s above. Sometimes just Tina pray’s with him and sometimes just me, but we like to pray all together if possible.
Last night we all where standing there at Zachary’s crib and Tina started praying. Now try and get this picture in you mind, Tina is holding Zachary and I’m standing very close to them both, within inches. After about 20 seconds into the prayer my son…….
Punched me in the noise and then started giggling!
I did not get onto him because I believe he is still too young to really understand that prayer time is not wrestle time.
So the moral of the story is, when praying with a toddler make sure to either keep one eye open or stand outside of swinging distance. Getting clocked in the nose is not fun!
My son will learn this verse and know it by memory:
Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother.
Scripture for the Day
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Fathers Bargain
I have no real understanding or knowledge of what Christ really gave up to save me. Lord forgive me for taking so lightly your sacrifice and holding myself higher than You by consistently being self centered and prideful. Teach me Lord how to truly die to myself and live for you daily. Without your help Father, I will never see clearly how to serve You.
This is an excerpt from the sermon "The Covenant of Redemption between the Father and the Redeemer" by John Flavel, 1671.
“How reasonable it is that believers should embrace the hardest terms of obedience unto Christ, who complied with such hard terms for their salvation: they were hard and difficult terms indeed, on which Christ received you from the Father’s hand: it was, as you have heard, to pour out his soul unto death, or not to enjoy a soul of you. Here you may suppose the Father to say, when driving his bargain with Christ for you:
Father: My son, here is a company of poor miserable souls, that have utterly undone themselves, and now lie open to my justice! Justice demands satisfaction for them, or will satisfy itself in the eternal ruin of them: What shall be done for these souls And thus Christ returns.
Son: O my Father, such is my love to, and pity for them, that rather than they shall perish eternally, I will be responsible for them as their Surety; bring in all your bills, that I may see what they owe you; Lord, bring them all in, that there may be no after-reckonings with them; at my hand shall you require it. I will rather choose to suffer your wrath than they should suffer it: upon me, my Father, upon me be all their debt.
Father: But, my Son, if you undertake for them, you must reckon to pay the last mite, expect no abatements; if I spare them, I will not spare you.
Son: Content, Father, let it be so; charge it all upon me, I am able to discharge it: and though it prove a kind of undoing to me, though it impoverish all my riches, empty all my treasures, (for so indeed it did, 2 Cor. 8:9. “Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor”) yet I am content to undertake it.
Blush, ungrateful believers, O let shame cover your faces; judge in yourselves now, has Christ deserved that you should stand with him for trifles, that you should shrink at a few petty difficulties, and complain, this is hard, and that is harsh? O if you knew the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in this his wonderful condescension for you, you could not do it.”
Shorter Clip of Paul Washer at Deeper 2008
I recommend watching the longer clip below, but if you only have a few minutes this clip will give you a glimpse into the Deeper Conference.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Paul Washer at Deeper Conference 2008
This clip is from the Deeper Conference Tina and I attended last weekend at First Baptist Woodstock hosted by the Living Waters Ministies. This clip is of Paul Washer's breakout session. If you want to grow in your understanding about yourself, God and the modern church, then this is a must watch.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Scripture for the Day
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Scripture for the Day
Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Fair Fishing
This past Saturday night my friend Mike Styles and I headed up to the county fair to do some fishing (seeking for lost souls). The fish were active and biting our bait very well (million dollar bill tracts). We ended up giving out over 200 tracts in just couple of hours, which is good for Spartanburg County.
Let me share about just a few personal encounters I had that evening. The first encounter was with a young man about 20 years old who walked up smoking a cigarette and got a million dollar bill tract. I asked if he had a spiritual background to which he responded, “I’m an evangelist.” I said, “WHAT! You are smoking a cigarette. How are you witnessing to people?” Well after a brief conversation I found out he did not mean evangelist, but he went to a church called Evangelical Cathedral. He was not a regular attendee at his church and we ended up having a very good conversation about God.
Then a little later I started up a conversation with two young men (15-18yrs.old). One was not really that interested in having a spiritual discussion, but his friend Jerome was. I had just taken them through four of the 10 commandments when Jerome’s buddy said, “Take off your beads, the police are coming!” When I asked why they could not wear beads, both boys shrugged their shoulders like they did not know. I encouraged Jerome to ask the police officer about the beads, which he did. The police officer said gangs wear beads and then continued to walk on. Once the officer had left I looked at Jerome and said, “Are you in a gang?”, and he responded “No.” I then asked, “Jerome, are you lying about being in a gang? Do you remember the 9th commandment about lying?” Jerome started smiling, and skriming around like a fish out of water. Then he said, “Oh man, Oh man, Ah, Ah. Yeah I am in a gang.” I then proceeded to open up God’s law, God’s holiness and their sin, in an attempt to wake their conscience. I left them with a clear understanding of God’s holy standard and what He commands us to do for breaking His law.
After several more very good conversations and on the way out of the fair, I met Jack. Jack was a fair game worker and actually called me over to him for a million dollar bill. The first thing I noticed when approaching Jack was that he had a large shiner (black eye). He informed me that the night before during a fair party, a fair ride operator jumped him. When I asked why he was jumped, Jack just responded, “He was drunk. We were drinking.”
Jack told me he believed in God and had started reading a Bible. He thought he was a good person and would make it into heaven. Before opening up God’s law to him I asked, “Jack what do you think about the Bible saying drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God?”(1 Corth. 6:10) He responded with a concerned slight smile, “I have not got that far yet!”
Out of all the people I witnessed to Saturday night, Jack seemed the most open and humble person. He really seemed interested in the afterlife and what comes after this life. It did not take long for Jack to change his opinion about being good enough to get into heaven. God’s moral law (10 commandments) has a way to do that (Romans 3:19). I expressed my concern about his safety and how next time it might not be a punch headed his way but a knife or gun. I strongly encouraged him to get right with God by repentance and faith alone in Christ.
As Mike and I were getting ready to leave, Jack asked if we were going to be at church service Sunday morning. I said we would be at our local church and asked Jack if the fair had church service on Sundays, to which he responded “Yes they have service. I think I will attend in the morning.” I encouraged him to please do so, but not wait until then to get right with God. I explained he did not need a church service to express his guilty and sorrow to God with repentance (turning from sin) and trusting in Christ. I explained God knows his heart and he should just cry out to him if he has sorrow for his sin.
I pray that Heaven rejoiced over someone who repented that night (Luke 15:7). Please pray that God will grow the seeds that were planted.
Let me share about just a few personal encounters I had that evening. The first encounter was with a young man about 20 years old who walked up smoking a cigarette and got a million dollar bill tract. I asked if he had a spiritual background to which he responded, “I’m an evangelist.” I said, “WHAT! You are smoking a cigarette. How are you witnessing to people?” Well after a brief conversation I found out he did not mean evangelist, but he went to a church called Evangelical Cathedral. He was not a regular attendee at his church and we ended up having a very good conversation about God.
Then a little later I started up a conversation with two young men (15-18yrs.old). One was not really that interested in having a spiritual discussion, but his friend Jerome was. I had just taken them through four of the 10 commandments when Jerome’s buddy said, “Take off your beads, the police are coming!” When I asked why they could not wear beads, both boys shrugged their shoulders like they did not know. I encouraged Jerome to ask the police officer about the beads, which he did. The police officer said gangs wear beads and then continued to walk on. Once the officer had left I looked at Jerome and said, “Are you in a gang?”, and he responded “No.” I then asked, “Jerome, are you lying about being in a gang? Do you remember the 9th commandment about lying?” Jerome started smiling, and skriming around like a fish out of water. Then he said, “Oh man, Oh man, Ah, Ah. Yeah I am in a gang.” I then proceeded to open up God’s law, God’s holiness and their sin, in an attempt to wake their conscience. I left them with a clear understanding of God’s holy standard and what He commands us to do for breaking His law.
After several more very good conversations and on the way out of the fair, I met Jack. Jack was a fair game worker and actually called me over to him for a million dollar bill. The first thing I noticed when approaching Jack was that he had a large shiner (black eye). He informed me that the night before during a fair party, a fair ride operator jumped him. When I asked why he was jumped, Jack just responded, “He was drunk. We were drinking.”
Jack told me he believed in God and had started reading a Bible. He thought he was a good person and would make it into heaven. Before opening up God’s law to him I asked, “Jack what do you think about the Bible saying drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God?”(1 Corth. 6:10) He responded with a concerned slight smile, “I have not got that far yet!”
Out of all the people I witnessed to Saturday night, Jack seemed the most open and humble person. He really seemed interested in the afterlife and what comes after this life. It did not take long for Jack to change his opinion about being good enough to get into heaven. God’s moral law (10 commandments) has a way to do that (Romans 3:19). I expressed my concern about his safety and how next time it might not be a punch headed his way but a knife or gun. I strongly encouraged him to get right with God by repentance and faith alone in Christ.
As Mike and I were getting ready to leave, Jack asked if we were going to be at church service Sunday morning. I said we would be at our local church and asked Jack if the fair had church service on Sundays, to which he responded “Yes they have service. I think I will attend in the morning.” I encouraged him to please do so, but not wait until then to get right with God. I explained he did not need a church service to express his guilty and sorrow to God with repentance (turning from sin) and trusting in Christ. I explained God knows his heart and he should just cry out to him if he has sorrow for his sin.
I pray that Heaven rejoiced over someone who repented that night (Luke 15:7). Please pray that God will grow the seeds that were planted.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Joy of Forgiveness
This morning during my prayer time I cried out to my Lord, about my lack of a genuine relationship with Him, and how I want to know Him better. I cried out to Him regarding the state of our country and the vile disregard of Him and His laws. I weep when I thought about how pitiful and sinful I am. I thought about how many times I break His heart being disobedient to His will. I pleaded with Him to teach me how to be completely obedient right where I am, to use me for His glory.
One of the things that the Lord has used to grow me over the last couple of years is reading a chapter of Psalm’s and Proverb’s daily. I thank my Pastor Dr. Michael Hamlet for this recommendation. It is such a blessing to have someone in the senior Pastor position who really loves the Lord and will not softly prod the hearer’s hearts, but speak God’s truth mightily from the pulpit.
After prayer this morning I opened my Bible to read His word and Psalm 32 was the first thing I read. I started weeping and had to stop on verse one. I have often wept over being a wretched sinner, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. And I have wept before regarding my transgression and how Christ paid my fine, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. Oh I have wept because of all the wonderful blessings God has lavished on my life I do not deserve, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin.
It’s a wonderful thing to be free and have real Life. But even in the joy over my forgiveness, is the shadow of death that falls upon the multitudes of people in this world who do not know Christ.
As I was meditating on what God has in store for my life and how He might use me, verse 8 of chapter 32 stood out:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
Obedience starts where you are at. Pray and read your Bible daily. Call out to the Lord with a humble heart and He shall save you…I pray that the Psalm of David in chapter 32 will touch your heart like it did mine this morning.
One of the things that the Lord has used to grow me over the last couple of years is reading a chapter of Psalm’s and Proverb’s daily. I thank my Pastor Dr. Michael Hamlet for this recommendation. It is such a blessing to have someone in the senior Pastor position who really loves the Lord and will not softly prod the hearer’s hearts, but speak God’s truth mightily from the pulpit.
After prayer this morning I opened my Bible to read His word and Psalm 32 was the first thing I read. I started weeping and had to stop on verse one. I have often wept over being a wretched sinner, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. And I have wept before regarding my transgression and how Christ paid my fine, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin. Oh I have wept because of all the wonderful blessings God has lavished on my life I do not deserve, but rarely just over the forgiveness and covering of my sin.
It’s a wonderful thing to be free and have real Life. But even in the joy over my forgiveness, is the shadow of death that falls upon the multitudes of people in this world who do not know Christ.
As I was meditating on what God has in store for my life and how He might use me, verse 8 of chapter 32 stood out:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
Obedience starts where you are at. Pray and read your Bible daily. Call out to the Lord with a humble heart and He shall save you…I pray that the Psalm of David in chapter 32 will touch your heart like it did mine this morning.
Scripture for the Day
Psalm 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Scripture for the Day
Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.
Friday, October 10, 2008
John Piper
I love John Piper's teaching. He is right on here. This video clip is only a couple of minutes long, so watch it!
Is God Angry at Sin
Thinking God is not going to punish sin is a scary road to be on. This road leads to death and the drivers name is Idolatry…Which in essence is violation of the 2nd commandment, because you have created a god in your mind that does not exist. Make sure you get it right and read your bible every day...
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Terrible Twos
My son is almost 20 months old and already he is going on terrible two’s. Zachary is our first son and we were really of the impression that the (MELTDOWNS-SCREAMING-WHINNING) would not start for at least a few more months. I have to admit I was really hoping that our son would skip the terrible two’s altogether, but that just does not look like it’s going to happen.
So what do you do? All suggestions are welcome on how to make it through this MINE FIELD without getting blown up or throwing our hands up and allowing our son to WIN. Really if you have suggestions please comment below.
I read something today that I thought was cute and it went something like this:
What is it like to have and raise a child?
It starts with a concept, then it becomes a dream, and then it begins to feel like a chore. Later you wonder how you could ever have been entrusted with something so great, so important. Soon you question what it will be when it is finished…You begin to ask yourself, “How in the world will I ever get this right?” or “How did I get myself into this in the first place?”
I would not give Zachary back for anything. He is truly a blessing from God even if sometimes I think he might be imposter and not really my child.
So what do you do? All suggestions are welcome on how to make it through this MINE FIELD without getting blown up or throwing our hands up and allowing our son to WIN. Really if you have suggestions please comment below.
I read something today that I thought was cute and it went something like this:
What is it like to have and raise a child?
It starts with a concept, then it becomes a dream, and then it begins to feel like a chore. Later you wonder how you could ever have been entrusted with something so great, so important. Soon you question what it will be when it is finished…You begin to ask yourself, “How in the world will I ever get this right?” or “How did I get myself into this in the first place?”
I would not give Zachary back for anything. He is truly a blessing from God even if sometimes I think he might be imposter and not really my child.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Scripture for the Day
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Scripture for the Day
James 2:12-13
12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Witnessing at Walmart
It seems I have a lot of witnessing encounters that I do not get write about due to time. With my real estate appraisal business, sales business and taking time for the family, I just cannot seem to find enough time to write as much as I'd like to.
So to save me some time, I have decided to start adding some video blogs. My goal will be to keep them under 5 minutes, because I know how busy everyone is. I will also continue to write and post up other videos, pictures and articles I find interesting.
Also coming soon to this blog and the ifish ministry will be audio interviews with people on the street about spiritual issues. Again as I have noted before, my main purpose for this blog and any kind of posting, whether it be stories about witnessing, audio about witnessing or video about witnessing, is to help other Christians be bold about sharing their faith. I hope you enjoy the video.
Scripture for the Day
Psalm 25: 4-15
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD.
Good and upright is the LORD; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
For Your name’s sake, O LORD, Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
Who is the man that fears the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
He himself shall dwell in prosperity, And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the LORD, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Bible Fellowship Lesson for Oct. 5, 2008
Carry Out God-Given Instructions
God takes pleasure when His people boldly and fully obey Him
1 Samuel Chapter 13 and 15
Introduction:
Last week Trent talked about how King Saul came into power and how it displeased God that the people of Israel wanted a King as the other nations had. Today we are still in 1 Samuel and will still be looking at King Saul and how he failed at carrying out two specific instructions from God. We will see in just a bit that not following God’s instructions can have dire consequences in our life just like they had in King Saul’s life.
As I begin my study of 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 15 and started thinking about the lesson title, I had a couple of questions come up. What are some reasons why I would not carry out God’s instructions? I have a small list I jotted down, but someone tell me what they think are reasons Christians might not carry out God given instructions.
Fear of what He might ask of me to do
Not acknowledging His authority over me
Only believing part of His word
Because I’m prideful and think I know best
I am selfish
I just don’t know what they are
Not knowing what God’s instructions are, really hit home with me. Oh I know some of His instructions, but if I am honest with myself, I have to admit there are likely instructions in His book I don’t know. I came up with my top five instructions from God. These are Brian’s top five not necessarily God’s top five.
5. We are to discipline our children.
4. Wives are to submit to their husbands and husbands are to love their wives.
3. To witness to others around us.
2. To keep the 1st commandment
1. To repent of our sins (turn from them) and place our faith in Christ.
What are some other instructions from God that we are to follow?
There are three things we can learn from King Saul about not carrying out God’s instructions. First fear leads to disobedience, second disobedience causes rebellion and third rebellion separates us from God. Let’s look at each point. If you have your bibles turn to 1 Samuel 13:5, 7-13.
Fear Leads to Disobedience (1Sam. 13:5,7-13)
As we can still see from these passages there is a lot of fighting going on, sort of like the world we live in today. We can also see why King Saul and his men might have started getting cold feet.
The Philistines had gathered an enormous army in Michmash and they were ready to fight because of King Saul’s oldest son Jonathan attacking a Philistine garrison in Geba.
Vs.7b-8: We see Saul is obedient and does go to Gilgal like Samuel told him to in Chapter 10:8, but when the seventh day came and Samuel had not shown up yet, fear started to set in on the people. They started to scatter.
Vs. 9: We see here the first sign of disobedience from King Saul. He feared losing his soldiers more than fearing God’s instructions to wait for Samuel to make the burnt offering. The burnt offering indicated absolute dedication to God. Because King Saul took matters into his own hands the offering was meaningless. If he was truly dedicated to God he would have waited. Plus only priest from the tribe of Levi were to offer burnt offerings for the people.
Vs. 10-13b: Samuel’s question to King Saul was not for information, smoke was most likely still climbing from the alter site. The question was intended to cause King Saul to see his disobedience and to contemplate the consequences of his actions. King Saul countered back to Samuel with self-justification as can be noted in the text. Samuel notes in verse 13 that King Saul acted foolishly. The Hebrew verb here usually expresses lack in a moral or spiritual sense. The verb depicts a person acting from fear and thus behaving rashly.
Illustration:
The United States economy today could cause some to fear the uncertainty of their financial and personal future therefore; they could be disobedient in their giving or being stewards of what God has given them.
Application:
Like King Saul fearing the circumstances more than fearing God and leading him into disobedience, we to have to be careful not to let the worldly things cause us to disobey God’s instructions. God honors faith.
Esphesians 5:6
Do not be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.
Student Outline:
Putting you own FEAR ahead of God’s instructions can cause disobedience. Trust Him.
Do we want our own selfish desires more than we want to OBEY God?
Disobedience Causes Rebellion (1Sam.15:7-11)
Let me set up these next few verses. Because of King Saul’s son Jonathan’s courageous fighting, God sent another message to Samuel to give to King Saul. The message was for King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) which did include all men, women, children, infants, ox and all animals. Now this command might seem harsh and hard to swallow, but let’s be careful not to put ourselves up on a throne above the Holy God of the universe Romans 9:15-23. The Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) had terrorized Israel during their exodus and God promised their annihilation Deut. 25:17-19
Vs. 7-9: We can see how King Saul’s disobedience is leading into plain out rebellion. King Saul sparing the life of King Agag (AY gag) was nothing but pure rebellion to God’s command. Not only did King Saul not carry out God’s instructions to kill all the people, but he kept the choice properties of the Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) and was unwilling to destroy them.
Vs. 10-11: The Word of the Lord points to divine revelation to a prophet. This incident has similarities to Samuel’s call experience (Chapter 3), but Samuel here recognized God’s calling. The Hebrew verb regret indicates God was about to do something different. God never changes and did not change here, but King Saul had changed for the worst since God appointed him King.
Illustration:
In a book entitled Down to Earth, John Lawrence tells the story of a city that dared God to show Himself and paid a terrible price. It seems that the city of Messina, Sicily, was home to many wicked, irreligious people.
On December 25, 1908, a newspaper published in Messina printed a parody against God, daring Him to make Himself known by sending an earthquake.
Three days later, on December 28, the city and its surrounding district was devastated by a terrible quake that killed 84,000 people.
Application:
Disobedience can and most often does lead to rebellion. We need to make sure to always follow God’s complete instructions and not void out what we think does not apply to us. We should be careful not to act like God should appreciate us just for obeying part of His instructions. Even partial obedience is disobedience.
Student Outline:
Partial OBEDIENCE is still disobedience.
Rebellion Separates Us From God (1Sam.15:22-23)
Verses 12-21 really detail King Saul trying to justify himself with Samuel for not being completely obedient. First King Saul starts out by lying that the best of sheep and oxen were spared to sacrifice to God. (Make a note about King Saul saying first he was obedient to the Lord, then it was Samuel’s Lord and then back to his Lord and finally back to Samuel’s Lord.) King Saul even eventually try’s to blame his soldiers for not destroying everything. He was the King and the soldiers would have done what he told them to do.
Vs. 22: Samuel responds to King Saul’s justification by reminding him of his failure to be completely obedient. Samuel was pointing out that certain rituals are second to complete obedience to God.
Vs.23: Rebellion here in the text is likened to witchcraft and stubbornness to idolatry. Scripture makes it clear that witchcraft and idolatry are worthy of death. (Ex.22-Duet.13 and Micah 5) King Saul had sinned greatly against the Lord for not following completely His instructions and now was being rejected as king by God.
Rebellion against God’s instructions will always separate us from God and will always result in devastating circumstances.
Proverbs 28:9 says
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Student Outline:
When we disobey we sometimes try to JUSTIFY ourselves. This doesn’t make it right.
Conclusion:
Are we carrying out God’s instructions in our life? Are we raising our children in the way they should go and to love God? Are we honoring our spouses and loving them like Christ loves us? Are we taking time out of our schedule to witness with others like Christ commanded? Are we putting God first in everything we do and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
But more importantly I think, are we following His instructions about repenting from our sins (breaking His laws -10 commandments) and placing all our faith in Christ. Not just believing in Christ, but really trusting everything Christ did for us. Are we putting Christ on everyday and dying to ourselves?
Just like King Saul rebelling against God and being rejected as king, are we being rejected by God because of some un-confessed and un-repented sin in our life?
Repentance and faith is the beginning to following God’s instructions in our life. After that we are continually being sanctified and growing in holiness, obeying all God’s instructions as we seek to please Him who saved us. God does take pleasure when we fully and boldly obey Him.
Jesus said in John 14:15:
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
God takes pleasure when His people boldly and fully obey Him
1 Samuel Chapter 13 and 15
Introduction:
Last week Trent talked about how King Saul came into power and how it displeased God that the people of Israel wanted a King as the other nations had. Today we are still in 1 Samuel and will still be looking at King Saul and how he failed at carrying out two specific instructions from God. We will see in just a bit that not following God’s instructions can have dire consequences in our life just like they had in King Saul’s life.
As I begin my study of 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 15 and started thinking about the lesson title, I had a couple of questions come up. What are some reasons why I would not carry out God’s instructions? I have a small list I jotted down, but someone tell me what they think are reasons Christians might not carry out God given instructions.
Fear of what He might ask of me to do
Not acknowledging His authority over me
Only believing part of His word
Because I’m prideful and think I know best
I am selfish
I just don’t know what they are
Not knowing what God’s instructions are, really hit home with me. Oh I know some of His instructions, but if I am honest with myself, I have to admit there are likely instructions in His book I don’t know. I came up with my top five instructions from God. These are Brian’s top five not necessarily God’s top five.
5. We are to discipline our children.
4. Wives are to submit to their husbands and husbands are to love their wives.
3. To witness to others around us.
2. To keep the 1st commandment
1. To repent of our sins (turn from them) and place our faith in Christ.
What are some other instructions from God that we are to follow?
There are three things we can learn from King Saul about not carrying out God’s instructions. First fear leads to disobedience, second disobedience causes rebellion and third rebellion separates us from God. Let’s look at each point. If you have your bibles turn to 1 Samuel 13:5, 7-13.
Fear Leads to Disobedience (1Sam. 13:5,7-13)
As we can still see from these passages there is a lot of fighting going on, sort of like the world we live in today. We can also see why King Saul and his men might have started getting cold feet.
The Philistines had gathered an enormous army in Michmash and they were ready to fight because of King Saul’s oldest son Jonathan attacking a Philistine garrison in Geba.
Vs.7b-8: We see Saul is obedient and does go to Gilgal like Samuel told him to in Chapter 10:8, but when the seventh day came and Samuel had not shown up yet, fear started to set in on the people. They started to scatter.
Vs. 9: We see here the first sign of disobedience from King Saul. He feared losing his soldiers more than fearing God’s instructions to wait for Samuel to make the burnt offering. The burnt offering indicated absolute dedication to God. Because King Saul took matters into his own hands the offering was meaningless. If he was truly dedicated to God he would have waited. Plus only priest from the tribe of Levi were to offer burnt offerings for the people.
Vs. 10-13b: Samuel’s question to King Saul was not for information, smoke was most likely still climbing from the alter site. The question was intended to cause King Saul to see his disobedience and to contemplate the consequences of his actions. King Saul countered back to Samuel with self-justification as can be noted in the text. Samuel notes in verse 13 that King Saul acted foolishly. The Hebrew verb here usually expresses lack in a moral or spiritual sense. The verb depicts a person acting from fear and thus behaving rashly.
Illustration:
The United States economy today could cause some to fear the uncertainty of their financial and personal future therefore; they could be disobedient in their giving or being stewards of what God has given them.
Application:
Like King Saul fearing the circumstances more than fearing God and leading him into disobedience, we to have to be careful not to let the worldly things cause us to disobey God’s instructions. God honors faith.
Esphesians 5:6
Do not be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.
Student Outline:
Putting you own FEAR ahead of God’s instructions can cause disobedience. Trust Him.
Do we want our own selfish desires more than we want to OBEY God?
Disobedience Causes Rebellion (1Sam.15:7-11)
Let me set up these next few verses. Because of King Saul’s son Jonathan’s courageous fighting, God sent another message to Samuel to give to King Saul. The message was for King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) which did include all men, women, children, infants, ox and all animals. Now this command might seem harsh and hard to swallow, but let’s be careful not to put ourselves up on a throne above the Holy God of the universe Romans 9:15-23. The Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) had terrorized Israel during their exodus and God promised their annihilation Deut. 25:17-19
Vs. 7-9: We can see how King Saul’s disobedience is leading into plain out rebellion. King Saul sparing the life of King Agag (AY gag) was nothing but pure rebellion to God’s command. Not only did King Saul not carry out God’s instructions to kill all the people, but he kept the choice properties of the Amalekites (uh MAL uh kights) and was unwilling to destroy them.
Vs. 10-11: The Word of the Lord points to divine revelation to a prophet. This incident has similarities to Samuel’s call experience (Chapter 3), but Samuel here recognized God’s calling. The Hebrew verb regret indicates God was about to do something different. God never changes and did not change here, but King Saul had changed for the worst since God appointed him King.
Illustration:
In a book entitled Down to Earth, John Lawrence tells the story of a city that dared God to show Himself and paid a terrible price. It seems that the city of Messina, Sicily, was home to many wicked, irreligious people.
On December 25, 1908, a newspaper published in Messina printed a parody against God, daring Him to make Himself known by sending an earthquake.
Three days later, on December 28, the city and its surrounding district was devastated by a terrible quake that killed 84,000 people.
Application:
Disobedience can and most often does lead to rebellion. We need to make sure to always follow God’s complete instructions and not void out what we think does not apply to us. We should be careful not to act like God should appreciate us just for obeying part of His instructions. Even partial obedience is disobedience.
Student Outline:
Partial OBEDIENCE is still disobedience.
Rebellion Separates Us From God (1Sam.15:22-23)
Verses 12-21 really detail King Saul trying to justify himself with Samuel for not being completely obedient. First King Saul starts out by lying that the best of sheep and oxen were spared to sacrifice to God. (Make a note about King Saul saying first he was obedient to the Lord, then it was Samuel’s Lord and then back to his Lord and finally back to Samuel’s Lord.) King Saul even eventually try’s to blame his soldiers for not destroying everything. He was the King and the soldiers would have done what he told them to do.
Vs. 22: Samuel responds to King Saul’s justification by reminding him of his failure to be completely obedient. Samuel was pointing out that certain rituals are second to complete obedience to God.
Vs.23: Rebellion here in the text is likened to witchcraft and stubbornness to idolatry. Scripture makes it clear that witchcraft and idolatry are worthy of death. (Ex.22-Duet.13 and Micah 5) King Saul had sinned greatly against the Lord for not following completely His instructions and now was being rejected as king by God.
Rebellion against God’s instructions will always separate us from God and will always result in devastating circumstances.
Proverbs 28:9 says
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
Student Outline:
When we disobey we sometimes try to JUSTIFY ourselves. This doesn’t make it right.
Conclusion:
Are we carrying out God’s instructions in our life? Are we raising our children in the way they should go and to love God? Are we honoring our spouses and loving them like Christ loves us? Are we taking time out of our schedule to witness with others like Christ commanded? Are we putting God first in everything we do and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
But more importantly I think, are we following His instructions about repenting from our sins (breaking His laws -10 commandments) and placing all our faith in Christ. Not just believing in Christ, but really trusting everything Christ did for us. Are we putting Christ on everyday and dying to ourselves?
Just like King Saul rebelling against God and being rejected as king, are we being rejected by God because of some un-confessed and un-repented sin in our life?
Repentance and faith is the beginning to following God’s instructions in our life. After that we are continually being sanctified and growing in holiness, obeying all God’s instructions as we seek to please Him who saved us. God does take pleasure when we fully and boldly obey Him.
Jesus said in John 14:15:
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Witnessing to a Pastor
Today I had a conversation with a gentleman while I was out at one of my foreclosed properties doing an inspection. As I was starting my inspection a truck pulled into the driveway to inquire about the property. Right away I was thinking Lord I need to witness to this man and looking for a way to spin the conversation to the things of God. The gentlemen never did get out of his vehicle and as we chatted about the house, I happened to notice a bible sitting on the passenger seat along with a (Minister) sticker on the floor board. One thing I have learned here lately is, if you are praying and asking the Lord to provide opportunities to witness, He is good to not only provide the opportunities but to make available an easy transition into spiritual things. I always pray that the Lord will bring the right person into contact with me and today I was blessed to get a Baptist preacher.
I only chatted for about 5 minutes about my foreclosed property, because I really wanted to get down to the real business – (God, Salvation, Heaven, Hell, etc…). Don’t get me wrong here, I am always looking to make a sale on one of my properties. But whether I sale the property personally or someone else sells it for me really does not matter in big scheme of things. Where people spend eternity is the greatest issue we all face.
For the purpose of this blog I will only use the first name of the gentlemen I met today. I quickly found out Clarice was a local Pastor at a small Baptist church in the area. Right away I was thinking to myself, “I wonder if he is going to witness to me” which he never did. My mind told me not to worry about his salvation, I thought if he was a pastor there was a 99% chance he was saved and no need to witness to him, but my conscience and I believe the Holy Spirit said, “Witness to this man” so that’s what I did. I started the spiritual conversation the same way I do with most self professing Christians. I learned this technique through the Living Waters Ministry and especially some helpful tips from Tony the Lawman. Here is short summary of how our conversation went.
ME “Pastor Clarice. What do you think happens to people when they die?”
Now I was expecting something like, if you are covered by the blood of Christ and saved you will go to heaven and if your not you will go to hell. Well I was a little taken back by Pastor Clarice’s answer.
PC “Well do you mean the rapture.”
ME “No if someone dies today what happens to them?”
PC “Well nothing is going to happen until the resurrection.”
ME “Ok I understand the resurrection of all people, but is there going to be a judgment?”
PC “Yes, yes there will be a judgment.”
Ok finally I was thinking we are getting somewhere. Pastor Clarice did say he believed in Heaven and Hell, which only took us about 5 minutes to get there. I could have got this information out of him quicker, but was really hoping that he as a Pastor would have said hell a lot sooner than he did. Because it took so long to get him to say people will either go to Heaven or Hell when they die, I really felt like the Holy Spirit was leading me to witness full force like I would with anyone else.
ME “Pastor Clarice. If you walked up to me and I was dying and only had 3 minutes to live and was not saved. How would you witness to me?”
Pastor Clarice started like everyone else.
PC “Well I would tell you Jesus loves you and died for you. You are a sinner…”
ME “I don’t believe in Jesus. Even if I did belief in him, how does the fact of him loving me help me once I’m dead? Plus I’m not a sinner, I have seen the people that go to church, their all hypocrites.”
PC “Well if you do not believe in Jesus there is nothing I can do for you.”
Now this really hit me hard and saddened my heart. Here is a Pastor that is telling me in our fake analogy that there is nothing he can do for me if I don’t believe. I felt like he was giving up on me. He did mention the bible to which I told him I did not believe in the bible. Pastor Clarice fumbled around for the next 2 minutes, never did he even try to quote any scripture or tell me that God is holy. He said a couple of times I was a sinner to which I would point out to him I was no worse than anyone else. He never said anything about breaking God’s law, etc…After the three minutes expired I somberly said,
ME “I guess based on what you and I believe, I’m going to hell now that I’m dead.”
PC “Yeah I guess you are.”
ME “Pastor Clarice can I share with you how I would witness in three minutes?”
PC “Sure.”
I started by asking four simple questions.
ME “Pastor Clarice, have you ever told a lie?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “What does that make you?”
PC “A liar.”
ME “Have you ever stolen something?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “What does that make you?”
PC “Thief.”
ME “Have you ever used God’s name in vain?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “That’s called blasphemy and God will not hold those guiltless who misuse His name. Have you ever looked at a woman and lusted after her?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “Jesus said you have committed adultery in your heart for doing that.”
Now at about this point I noticed something amazing. The Holy Spirit was working on Pastor Clarice’s heart I believe because a tear started to form in his right eye. I went on to tell Pastor Clarice
ME “By your own admission, you are a lying, thief, blasphemer and adulterer at heart. You in our fake analogy are about to face God and this is how He see’s you. Will you be innocent or guilty?”
PC “Guilty.”
ME “That is right and God will have no choice but to send you to hell for eternity. His word says all liars will have their part of the lake of fire and lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. No thieves, blasphemers or adulterers, will inherit the Kingdom of God, but will go to hell.”
This took only about a minute and half to maybe two minutes to allow the law to do its job, bring forth the knowledge of sin and make the sinner guilty before God. I then spent about one minute giving the good news of how he broke God’s law, but Jesus paid the fine in His life’s blood and now God could commute his death sentence. I explained just believing this will do nothing but he needs to confess and repent of his sins and place all his faith and trust in what Christ did on the cross.
Pastor Clarice listened intently as I spoke to him and really seemed to be somewhat awakened. I stressed to him as we were finishing our conversation how important it was for him as a Pastor to make sure he was explaining what sin is by using God’s law. I reminded him of 1 John 3:4 which says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Pastor Clarice seemed very grateful that we had our discussion and I know I was. I never thought this morning that God would have divinely appointed a meeting where I was going to witness to a Pastor. I pray and would ask you to pray that God would work hard and heavy on Pastor Clarice’s heart, so he would lead and guide his people in the whole truth about God.
The main purpose for writing this blog about Pastor Clarice is not to lift me up about witnessing to a Pastor. I am the least worthy to be lifted up. I decided to write this blog to show there are Pastors in front of church’s all around this country, who do not understand what sin is and how to explain it. We who are believers are all called to be preachers and we should remember when witnessing what it says in 1 Corinthians2:14:
“The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Starting the conversation with someone who is lost who does not think they are lost, with Jesus loves you and you’re a sinner, will not work. They cannot understand because they are blinded by the god of this age (world). Using God’s law will work true repentance and awaken the conscience because the bible says so in Galatians 3:24:
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
And in Psalm 19:7:
“The law of the Lord is perfect; riving the soul…”
Are you being obedient and sharing your faith…
I only chatted for about 5 minutes about my foreclosed property, because I really wanted to get down to the real business – (God, Salvation, Heaven, Hell, etc…). Don’t get me wrong here, I am always looking to make a sale on one of my properties. But whether I sale the property personally or someone else sells it for me really does not matter in big scheme of things. Where people spend eternity is the greatest issue we all face.
For the purpose of this blog I will only use the first name of the gentlemen I met today. I quickly found out Clarice was a local Pastor at a small Baptist church in the area. Right away I was thinking to myself, “I wonder if he is going to witness to me” which he never did. My mind told me not to worry about his salvation, I thought if he was a pastor there was a 99% chance he was saved and no need to witness to him, but my conscience and I believe the Holy Spirit said, “Witness to this man” so that’s what I did. I started the spiritual conversation the same way I do with most self professing Christians. I learned this technique through the Living Waters Ministry and especially some helpful tips from Tony the Lawman. Here is short summary of how our conversation went.
ME “Pastor Clarice. What do you think happens to people when they die?”
Now I was expecting something like, if you are covered by the blood of Christ and saved you will go to heaven and if your not you will go to hell. Well I was a little taken back by Pastor Clarice’s answer.
PC “Well do you mean the rapture.”
ME “No if someone dies today what happens to them?”
PC “Well nothing is going to happen until the resurrection.”
ME “Ok I understand the resurrection of all people, but is there going to be a judgment?”
PC “Yes, yes there will be a judgment.”
Ok finally I was thinking we are getting somewhere. Pastor Clarice did say he believed in Heaven and Hell, which only took us about 5 minutes to get there. I could have got this information out of him quicker, but was really hoping that he as a Pastor would have said hell a lot sooner than he did. Because it took so long to get him to say people will either go to Heaven or Hell when they die, I really felt like the Holy Spirit was leading me to witness full force like I would with anyone else.
ME “Pastor Clarice. If you walked up to me and I was dying and only had 3 minutes to live and was not saved. How would you witness to me?”
Pastor Clarice started like everyone else.
PC “Well I would tell you Jesus loves you and died for you. You are a sinner…”
ME “I don’t believe in Jesus. Even if I did belief in him, how does the fact of him loving me help me once I’m dead? Plus I’m not a sinner, I have seen the people that go to church, their all hypocrites.”
PC “Well if you do not believe in Jesus there is nothing I can do for you.”
Now this really hit me hard and saddened my heart. Here is a Pastor that is telling me in our fake analogy that there is nothing he can do for me if I don’t believe. I felt like he was giving up on me. He did mention the bible to which I told him I did not believe in the bible. Pastor Clarice fumbled around for the next 2 minutes, never did he even try to quote any scripture or tell me that God is holy. He said a couple of times I was a sinner to which I would point out to him I was no worse than anyone else. He never said anything about breaking God’s law, etc…After the three minutes expired I somberly said,
ME “I guess based on what you and I believe, I’m going to hell now that I’m dead.”
PC “Yeah I guess you are.”
ME “Pastor Clarice can I share with you how I would witness in three minutes?”
PC “Sure.”
I started by asking four simple questions.
ME “Pastor Clarice, have you ever told a lie?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “What does that make you?”
PC “A liar.”
ME “Have you ever stolen something?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “What does that make you?”
PC “Thief.”
ME “Have you ever used God’s name in vain?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “That’s called blasphemy and God will not hold those guiltless who misuse His name. Have you ever looked at a woman and lusted after her?”
PC “Yes.”
ME “Jesus said you have committed adultery in your heart for doing that.”
Now at about this point I noticed something amazing. The Holy Spirit was working on Pastor Clarice’s heart I believe because a tear started to form in his right eye. I went on to tell Pastor Clarice
ME “By your own admission, you are a lying, thief, blasphemer and adulterer at heart. You in our fake analogy are about to face God and this is how He see’s you. Will you be innocent or guilty?”
PC “Guilty.”
ME “That is right and God will have no choice but to send you to hell for eternity. His word says all liars will have their part of the lake of fire and lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. No thieves, blasphemers or adulterers, will inherit the Kingdom of God, but will go to hell.”
This took only about a minute and half to maybe two minutes to allow the law to do its job, bring forth the knowledge of sin and make the sinner guilty before God. I then spent about one minute giving the good news of how he broke God’s law, but Jesus paid the fine in His life’s blood and now God could commute his death sentence. I explained just believing this will do nothing but he needs to confess and repent of his sins and place all his faith and trust in what Christ did on the cross.
Pastor Clarice listened intently as I spoke to him and really seemed to be somewhat awakened. I stressed to him as we were finishing our conversation how important it was for him as a Pastor to make sure he was explaining what sin is by using God’s law. I reminded him of 1 John 3:4 which says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Pastor Clarice seemed very grateful that we had our discussion and I know I was. I never thought this morning that God would have divinely appointed a meeting where I was going to witness to a Pastor. I pray and would ask you to pray that God would work hard and heavy on Pastor Clarice’s heart, so he would lead and guide his people in the whole truth about God.
The main purpose for writing this blog about Pastor Clarice is not to lift me up about witnessing to a Pastor. I am the least worthy to be lifted up. I decided to write this blog to show there are Pastors in front of church’s all around this country, who do not understand what sin is and how to explain it. We who are believers are all called to be preachers and we should remember when witnessing what it says in 1 Corinthians2:14:
“The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Starting the conversation with someone who is lost who does not think they are lost, with Jesus loves you and you’re a sinner, will not work. They cannot understand because they are blinded by the god of this age (world). Using God’s law will work true repentance and awaken the conscience because the bible says so in Galatians 3:24:
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
And in Psalm 19:7:
“The law of the Lord is perfect; riving the soul…”
Are you being obedient and sharing your faith…
700 Billion Bailout with Pork
"This is how Washington works," said Keith Ashdown of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a Washington research group. "A big pot of pork is their recipe for final passage."
The special provisions include tax breaks for:
* Manufacturers of kids' wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Is- lands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research.
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.
Another measure inserted into the bill appears to be a bald-faced bid aimed at winning the support of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who voted against the original version when it went down in flames in the House on Monday.
That provision - a $223 million package of tax benefits for fishermen and others whose livelihoods suffered as a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill - has been the subject of fervent lobbying by Alaska's congressional delegation.
The special provisions include tax breaks for:
* Manufacturers of kids' wooden arrows - $6 million.
* Puerto Rican and Virgin Is- lands rum producers - $192 million.
* Wool research.
* Auto-racing tracks - $128 million.
* Corporations operating in American Samoa - $33 million.
* Small- to medium-budget film and television productions - $10 million.
Another measure inserted into the bill appears to be a bald-faced bid aimed at winning the support of Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who voted against the original version when it went down in flames in the House on Monday.
That provision - a $223 million package of tax benefits for fishermen and others whose livelihoods suffered as a result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill - has been the subject of fervent lobbying by Alaska's congressional delegation.
Read the full article here.
The Gallup poll website indicates as of September 18, 2008 only 26% of Americans are satisfied with the way our nation is being governed. When I see things like noted above I'm not surprised.
Maybe if my business gets into trouble the government will come and bail me out...Na my pockets are not that deep.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
In The Presence Of My Enemies
I just finished a great book about the trials and tribulations of Martin and Gracia Burnham. Who are the Burnham’s you might be asking? Well Martin and Gracia Burnham were missionaries in the Philippines who were taken hostage on May 27, 2001 by a radical terrorist Muslim group called Abu Sayyaf and held captive for one year in the jungles of the Philippines.If you are struggling with anything in your life, this book will help you put things into perspective and find encouragement. Gracia gives the details of their daily struggles in a real life gritty first hand experience. This book is a easy read and I highly recommend it. Read it!
Learn more about Gracia Burnham here.
Scripture for the Day
Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.
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