This document discusses how Christmas decorations can obscure, cover up, crowd out, or fade out the true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. It encourages using decorations that declare the meaning of Christmas by speaking up, speaking out, and speaking truth about Jesus. Decorations should engage people in celebrating the birth of Jesus and point them to the gospel in a loving way.
Hosea 12 & 13 discusses how all sinners stand guilty before God and are condemned to death, but God offers pardon and forgiveness in exchange for grateful service. It addresses Ephraim returning to Bethel, retreating from God, responding to God's mercy, rebuilding righteous structures, waiting for God's rescue, and removing sins. The conclusion notes that flourishing in sin is only short term, and if one refuses God's mercy, they will bear their own guilt and face just punishment.
This document outlines 10 points for discipling the next generation for God's glory based on 2 Timothy 2:2 in 22 minutes. The key aspects of discipleship discussed are: 1) sharing one's story of failure and rescue for transparency, 2) praying over disciples with thanksgiving, 3) leading by example through servant leadership, 4) embracing discipline for godliness and growth, 5) staying actively engaged in ministry, 6) investing one's life in disciples for future heavenly treasure, 7) reminding disciples often of the greatness of the gospel and their purpose, 8) giving biblical advice before personal opinions, 9) teaching doctrine with application to avoid disqualification, and 10) teaching disciples to push through hardship for the
22 September 2013: "God restores lost years" (Joel 2:25-27)alfc_media
Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns that when protections are removed, harm can occur, referring to snakes biting when a hedge is broken. However, another law of undeserved favor or grace is also in effect, which provides benefits even when harm would be expected. This law of grace acts alongside the natural law of sowing and reaping.
The document discusses the prophecy of Joel and warns of God's coming judgment. It summarizes key points from Joel chapter 1, highlighting the total destruction that will come upon the land from locusts and drought. The suffering of farmers, priests, and all people is described. The passage calls believers to remember their relationship with God and to repent from falling away from close fellowship with Him, in light of His impending judgment.
Another great prayer message from the book of Nehemiah. this prayer is actually Ezra's, but it's also recorded in Nehemiah. It is a blessing (thanksgiving) to God.
Old Testament, Prayer
The document describes a confrontation between Jesus and religious leaders where He claims divinity and they reject Him, trying to stone Him. It includes:
- Jesus' words finding no place in them and they seek to kill Him as they are doing the works of the devil
- Their increasing attacks on Him as a demon-possessed Samaritan despite His counterarguments appealing to God and Abraham
- Their ultimate failure to recognize Him as Lord before Abraham existed and their futile attempt to stone Him, from which He escapes.
This document discusses how Christmas decorations can obscure, cover up, crowd out, or fade out the true meaning of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. It encourages using decorations that declare the meaning of Christmas by speaking up, speaking out, and speaking truth about Jesus. Decorations should engage people in celebrating the birth of Jesus and point them to the gospel in a loving way.
Hosea 12 & 13 discusses how all sinners stand guilty before God and are condemned to death, but God offers pardon and forgiveness in exchange for grateful service. It addresses Ephraim returning to Bethel, retreating from God, responding to God's mercy, rebuilding righteous structures, waiting for God's rescue, and removing sins. The conclusion notes that flourishing in sin is only short term, and if one refuses God's mercy, they will bear their own guilt and face just punishment.
This document outlines 10 points for discipling the next generation for God's glory based on 2 Timothy 2:2 in 22 minutes. The key aspects of discipleship discussed are: 1) sharing one's story of failure and rescue for transparency, 2) praying over disciples with thanksgiving, 3) leading by example through servant leadership, 4) embracing discipline for godliness and growth, 5) staying actively engaged in ministry, 6) investing one's life in disciples for future heavenly treasure, 7) reminding disciples often of the greatness of the gospel and their purpose, 8) giving biblical advice before personal opinions, 9) teaching doctrine with application to avoid disqualification, and 10) teaching disciples to push through hardship for the
22 September 2013: "God restores lost years" (Joel 2:25-27)alfc_media
Ecclesiastes 10:8 warns that when protections are removed, harm can occur, referring to snakes biting when a hedge is broken. However, another law of undeserved favor or grace is also in effect, which provides benefits even when harm would be expected. This law of grace acts alongside the natural law of sowing and reaping.
The document discusses the prophecy of Joel and warns of God's coming judgment. It summarizes key points from Joel chapter 1, highlighting the total destruction that will come upon the land from locusts and drought. The suffering of farmers, priests, and all people is described. The passage calls believers to remember their relationship with God and to repent from falling away from close fellowship with Him, in light of His impending judgment.
Another great prayer message from the book of Nehemiah. this prayer is actually Ezra's, but it's also recorded in Nehemiah. It is a blessing (thanksgiving) to God.
Old Testament, Prayer
The document describes a confrontation between Jesus and religious leaders where He claims divinity and they reject Him, trying to stone Him. It includes:
- Jesus' words finding no place in them and they seek to kill Him as they are doing the works of the devil
- Their increasing attacks on Him as a demon-possessed Samaritan despite His counterarguments appealing to God and Abraham
- Their ultimate failure to recognize Him as Lord before Abraham existed and their futile attempt to stone Him, from which He escapes.
This document discusses how to provide comfort to those experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one. It outlines common misconceptions some have during times of grief, such as thinking God is too late or doesn't care. It then summarizes the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, showing God's power over death. The document encourages creating an "oasis" to minister comfort by acknowledging the loss, affirming God's love, reassuring of purpose, and praying with those who are grieving.
A, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12.
B. God gave the anointing oil to BLESS His people, with divine health, fullness and prosperity. Using the anointing oil is biblical and ordained by God. James 5:14-15
The document discusses the dangers of worshipping false idols like the Golden Calf instead of worshipping God. It describes how worshipping idols can lead to spiritual death, confusion, loss of identity and purpose, and empty, repetitive worship. It then presents a song about returning to truly worshipping from the heart, with the understanding that God desires more than just songs - He wants people's whole hearts. The song expresses focusing worship solely on Jesus rather than other things that distract from truly worshipping Him.
This document discusses spiritual formation through the lens of Psalm 119:73-80. It explains that spiritual formation is a process of being molded by God's power and grace into Christ's image for God's glory. The document presents seven prayers for spiritual formation, asking God for understanding, godly friends, regular challenges to faith, reminders of God's love, mercy, truth about one's self, and opportunities to counsel others. It concludes by praying that God would grip the author in grace and throw them toward God's targets with increasing accuracy in knowing, fearing, and serving God.
This document describes different pictures that represent one's current spiritual condition and finding rest from a performance mentality. It discusses Jesus frequently visiting the village of Bethany where he had close friends and finding relief from performance pressures in Christ. It cautions against distractions from comparing oneself to others and encourages focusing on one's relationship with God, taking responsibility for spiritual growth, and serving responsively without the burden of performance.
The document discusses Jesus' invitation for people to eat his flesh and drink his blood, and examines what this means spiritually as receiving him into one's soul. It notes that some grumbled, disputed or quit following Jesus due to finding this difficult to understand or accept. However, it encourages the reader to take the first step of trusting Jesus, acknowledging their need for him, and asking him for forgiveness and holiness.
God sends Isaiah and another prophet to reassure King Ahaz during a time of crisis for the people of Judah. God offers Ahaz a sign that a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us". This prophecy is fulfilled by the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, who is God present with humanity. Though Ahaz refuses the sign, the prophecy signifies God's power and control over the situation, and verifies his promise of presence with his people.
God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute, to represent God's relationship with Israel. Hosea and Gomer have three children whose names represent God's punishment of Israel for abandoning him - Jezreel ("God sows"), Lo-Ruhamah ("not loved"), and Lo-Ammi ("not my people"). However, God promises that one day he will restore his relationship with Israel and the people will return to being his cherished people once again.
This document discusses Peter's denial of Jesus and the lessons that can be learned from it. [1] It predicts that before the rooster crows twice, Peter will deny Jesus three times. [2] Each of Peter's denials drifted him further from Jesus, whom he loved. [3] The key lessons are to identify with and acknowledge Jesus as our true King, choose substantial action over just words to prove our loyalty, and be alert to the enemy's attacks while strengthening our brothers.
The Holy Spirit marks a believer permanently as one of His by baptism and sealing. We are identified with Him and owned by Him.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Holy Spirit series
The gifts of the Spirit are for mutual encouragement and blessing of others. They are, in short, for the purpose of ministry not self-promotion. God gives good gifts to His children!
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ithaca NY
The document provides an overview and analysis of the book of Joel from the Bible. It discusses Joel's message about a locust plague foreshadowing God's coming judgment. Joel calls the people to repentance so God will bless them materially and spiritually. The document also addresses common questions about God's judgment and the role of the righteous in interceding to stop or minimize judgment according to scriptures like Joel 2:12-17.
This is the final piece of the series. It is on cessationism and specifically why we hold it to be true. What does this term mean, what does it not mean, and why can we defend that position Biblically. We do not love controversy, we love seeking truth.
This document discusses how living under the influence of idols brings shame, as outlined in Hosea 4:1-19. It notes that idolatry involves a lack of understanding, playing the whore by being unfaithful to God, and becoming addicted to idols instead of pursuing righteousness. Following idols results in painful consequences like guilt, instability, destruction, shame, punishment, and confusion according to the passage. The document encourages examining what idols have taken hold and whether one is being drawn to more idolatry or closer to God.
The introduction sermon for the Christmas Go Deeper Series at TaB 2013
In order to get the maximum spiritual growth potential out of the Christmas season, we have to contemplate the incarnation and the nativity.
The Holy Spirit comes to live inside every believer at salvation. We have the Spirit on-board. That regular and continuous presence makes a difference in the way that we conduct ourselves. We are created and re-created to worship God with our bodies.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Spirit sermon series
Part of the Spirit's work is to regenerate believers. New life comes through faith, repentance and the work of the Spirit. Something essentially different has come to be by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ithaca NY
Theology of the Spirit
This document discusses the doctrine of pneumatology, or the Holy Spirit. It argues that the Spirit is fully God based on biblical evidence like being attributed divine characteristics, included in trinitarian references, and doing works like creation. The Spirit is a distinct person based on personal pronouns and relationships with the Father and Son. While the Spirit's nature is mysterious, Scripture reveals He teaches, guides, and empowers believers to worshipfully relate to Him in their lives. The document aims to correct erroneous non-biblical views of the Spirit and encourage integral theology and a lifestyle submitted to the Spirit's work.
The document provides an overview of the biblical book of Judges. It describes the book's structure as a series of cycles where the Israelites would rebel against God, face retribution for their sins, repent, and then be restored by judges who delivered them. Each cycle demonstrates how the people failed to learn from history and kept repeating the same pattern of rebelling, suffering consequences, and seeking help from judges. The purpose of the book is to teach readers to avoid rebellion and maintain a relationship with God.
This document discusses how to provide comfort to those experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one. It outlines common misconceptions some have during times of grief, such as thinking God is too late or doesn't care. It then summarizes the biblical story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, showing God's power over death. The document encourages creating an "oasis" to minister comfort by acknowledging the loss, affirming God's love, reassuring of purpose, and praying with those who are grieving.
A, There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12.
B. God gave the anointing oil to BLESS His people, with divine health, fullness and prosperity. Using the anointing oil is biblical and ordained by God. James 5:14-15
The document discusses the dangers of worshipping false idols like the Golden Calf instead of worshipping God. It describes how worshipping idols can lead to spiritual death, confusion, loss of identity and purpose, and empty, repetitive worship. It then presents a song about returning to truly worshipping from the heart, with the understanding that God desires more than just songs - He wants people's whole hearts. The song expresses focusing worship solely on Jesus rather than other things that distract from truly worshipping Him.
This document discusses spiritual formation through the lens of Psalm 119:73-80. It explains that spiritual formation is a process of being molded by God's power and grace into Christ's image for God's glory. The document presents seven prayers for spiritual formation, asking God for understanding, godly friends, regular challenges to faith, reminders of God's love, mercy, truth about one's self, and opportunities to counsel others. It concludes by praying that God would grip the author in grace and throw them toward God's targets with increasing accuracy in knowing, fearing, and serving God.
This document describes different pictures that represent one's current spiritual condition and finding rest from a performance mentality. It discusses Jesus frequently visiting the village of Bethany where he had close friends and finding relief from performance pressures in Christ. It cautions against distractions from comparing oneself to others and encourages focusing on one's relationship with God, taking responsibility for spiritual growth, and serving responsively without the burden of performance.
The document discusses Jesus' invitation for people to eat his flesh and drink his blood, and examines what this means spiritually as receiving him into one's soul. It notes that some grumbled, disputed or quit following Jesus due to finding this difficult to understand or accept. However, it encourages the reader to take the first step of trusting Jesus, acknowledging their need for him, and asking him for forgiveness and holiness.
God sends Isaiah and another prophet to reassure King Ahaz during a time of crisis for the people of Judah. God offers Ahaz a sign that a virgin will conceive and bear a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us". This prophecy is fulfilled by the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, who is God present with humanity. Though Ahaz refuses the sign, the prophecy signifies God's power and control over the situation, and verifies his promise of presence with his people.
God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, a prostitute, to represent God's relationship with Israel. Hosea and Gomer have three children whose names represent God's punishment of Israel for abandoning him - Jezreel ("God sows"), Lo-Ruhamah ("not loved"), and Lo-Ammi ("not my people"). However, God promises that one day he will restore his relationship with Israel and the people will return to being his cherished people once again.
This document discusses Peter's denial of Jesus and the lessons that can be learned from it. [1] It predicts that before the rooster crows twice, Peter will deny Jesus three times. [2] Each of Peter's denials drifted him further from Jesus, whom he loved. [3] The key lessons are to identify with and acknowledge Jesus as our true King, choose substantial action over just words to prove our loyalty, and be alert to the enemy's attacks while strengthening our brothers.
The Holy Spirit marks a believer permanently as one of His by baptism and sealing. We are identified with Him and owned by Him.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Holy Spirit series
The gifts of the Spirit are for mutual encouragement and blessing of others. They are, in short, for the purpose of ministry not self-promotion. God gives good gifts to His children!
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ithaca NY
The document provides an overview and analysis of the book of Joel from the Bible. It discusses Joel's message about a locust plague foreshadowing God's coming judgment. Joel calls the people to repentance so God will bless them materially and spiritually. The document also addresses common questions about God's judgment and the role of the righteous in interceding to stop or minimize judgment according to scriptures like Joel 2:12-17.
This is the final piece of the series. It is on cessationism and specifically why we hold it to be true. What does this term mean, what does it not mean, and why can we defend that position Biblically. We do not love controversy, we love seeking truth.
This document discusses how living under the influence of idols brings shame, as outlined in Hosea 4:1-19. It notes that idolatry involves a lack of understanding, playing the whore by being unfaithful to God, and becoming addicted to idols instead of pursuing righteousness. Following idols results in painful consequences like guilt, instability, destruction, shame, punishment, and confusion according to the passage. The document encourages examining what idols have taken hold and whether one is being drawn to more idolatry or closer to God.
The introduction sermon for the Christmas Go Deeper Series at TaB 2013
In order to get the maximum spiritual growth potential out of the Christmas season, we have to contemplate the incarnation and the nativity.
The Holy Spirit comes to live inside every believer at salvation. We have the Spirit on-board. That regular and continuous presence makes a difference in the way that we conduct ourselves. We are created and re-created to worship God with our bodies.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Spirit sermon series
Part of the Spirit's work is to regenerate believers. New life comes through faith, repentance and the work of the Spirit. Something essentially different has come to be by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
Tabernacle Baptist Church, Ithaca NY
Theology of the Spirit
This document discusses the doctrine of pneumatology, or the Holy Spirit. It argues that the Spirit is fully God based on biblical evidence like being attributed divine characteristics, included in trinitarian references, and doing works like creation. The Spirit is a distinct person based on personal pronouns and relationships with the Father and Son. While the Spirit's nature is mysterious, Scripture reveals He teaches, guides, and empowers believers to worshipfully relate to Him in their lives. The document aims to correct erroneous non-biblical views of the Spirit and encourage integral theology and a lifestyle submitted to the Spirit's work.
The document provides an overview of the biblical book of Judges. It describes the book's structure as a series of cycles where the Israelites would rebel against God, face retribution for their sins, repent, and then be restored by judges who delivered them. Each cycle demonstrates how the people failed to learn from history and kept repeating the same pattern of rebelling, suffering consequences, and seeking help from judges. The purpose of the book is to teach readers to avoid rebellion and maintain a relationship with God.
5th is a series on Nehemiah's prayers.
Nehemiah had a crisis brewing in the workers' camp. People were in need. He challenged the "common business practices" of his day and reinstituted charity and compassion ministries. He led with generosity and prayed to God to take notice and bless his giving.
3rd in a series on Nehemiah's prayers
Nehemiah is being attacked by Sandballat and Tobias. The wall project must go on! But the need is great! Pray for protection! Imprecatory prayers are Biblical.
1. Jesus sat down by a well in Samaria where he met a woman drawing water. They had a conversation where Jesus offered her living water to quench her thirst.
2. Although the woman was skeptical and defensive due to her past, she was interested in Jesus' offer of thirst relief unlike anything she had known.
3. She came to trust Jesus and his message, and went to tell others in her town about the man who knew her life story and offered rest for her soul, becoming a "thirst advocate."
This is the third in the series on spiritual thirst. Sometimes spiritual thirst comes from our restless searching for another answer. We have weak faith and end up looking everywhere else but to God.
This document provides a summary and analysis of Psalms 42:1-11 and 43:1-5. It discusses how the psalmist expresses feelings of spiritual dryness, loneliness, and God's seeming absence. The psalmist asks emotional and theological questions about their depression and unrest. The document suggests the only answer is to hope in God and praise Him. It analyzes the psalmist's expressions of missing God, being sorry, and vowing to follow God. The conclusion encourages thirsty readers to drink deeply of God, whose relationship provides more energy and "pick up" than any other.
Psalm 63 discusses being spiritually exhausted from attacks by enemies and becoming dry spiritually. It offers three ways to rehydrate spiritually: 1) Run back to God through worship and spending time with him; 2) Rest in God's protection by remembering his past faithfulness and placing oneself under his protection; 3) Resist the urge to retaliate against enemies and let God deal with them, rejoicing in his plan for success. The conclusion is that those who are thirsty spiritually should drink of God, not man-made solutions like Gatorade, to replenish their losses.
Boaz redeems Ruth according to custom at the city gate. He marries Ruth and they have a son named Obed, who becomes an ancestor of Jesus Christ. The women bless Naomi and acknowledge God's blessings upon her through Ruth and Boaz's union. Though the story is only beginning, it establishes God as the central character who works in mysterious ways and brings blessings to those who trust in Him through difficulties.
God favors those who humbly depend on Him and work hard, not those who demand entitlement or slack. Ruth humbly asks to work in Boaz's fields, works hard, and is noticed and blessed by Boaz with permanence, protection, refreshment, and more blessings. Ruth shares her blessings with Naomi, and Naomi shares the bigger blessing that Boaz is their closest relative, showing that God favors people who favor others with His favor. Believers should enjoy God's favor, acknowledge Him, be thankful, consider how to redistribute favor to others, and grow in favor with both God and man.
1) The document discusses how true connection to Christ through communion is evidenced by the fruit a believer produces, such as love, joy, and obedience.
2) Regular fruit is a sign of healthy discipleship and growth in intimacy with God.
3) The conclusion examines whether one is a true, connected disciple based on the fruit in their life, encouraging growth and more fruit.
5. Achievement: my ultimate goal is
_____________________ (1:20)
Purpose: for me, to live is
___________________________ (1:21a)
death is a _________________________ (1:21b)
Significance: a meaningful life is filled
with ________________________ (1:22a)
6. Why did God
leave me here?
..in this broken, fallen world
system that is against me
and everything that I now
hold dear by faith?
7. 1. Staying here, in this world, is
DIFFICULT for the believer. (1:23)
Heaven has true “with Christ” fellowship
Others need me here
Death is no longer an end but is now a
necessary, welcome means
8. 2. Staying here, in this world, is
beneficial for OTHER BELIEVERS. (1:24-26)
Believers need each other, living in
connected community
Believers progress and enjoy their faith
more when they are connected
“With skin on” living provides an
example, instruction, accountability, and
mutual encouragement
9. 3. Staying here, in this world, is
beneficial for UNBELIEVERS. (1:27-28a)
An unbeliever is philosophically opposed
and is only reacting to this tension
To an unbeliever, there is no
accountability for his lifestyle choices
To an unbeliever, a “life of faith” is a
waste and unfulfilling
10. 4. Staying here, in this world, is
beneficial for ME. (1:28b)
Suffering increases my testimony, my
dependence on Christ, my empathy with
others, and my appreciation of salvation
Every gift from God is beneficial to me
11. 5. Staying here, in this world, is A GIFT
for the believer. (1:29-30)
Suffering is a “grant”, like salvation
Stewardship is critically important
12. I will rejoice in every experience of life
because of its contribution to the
FULFILLMENT of my greater purpose.