The document discusses three key metaphors from the Bible about how to view life:
1. Life is a test, with God continually testing people's character, faith, and obedience through trials and temptations. Passing these tests brings rewards.
2. Life is a trust, with everything given by God and meant to be treated as a loan to be stewarded well. People will be evaluated on how they handled what was entrusted to them.
3. Additional details and scriptural references are provided to support these metaphors and encourage transforming one's mindset about life from a worldly to biblical perspective. Readers are prompted to reflect on recent tests from God and the greatest trusts in their
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant Lord, make me like you
For you are a servant, make me one, too.
Make me a servant, do what you must do
To make me a servant, make me like you.
To love my brother, to serve like you do.
I humble my spirit, I bow before yo.
And through my service, I'll be just like you.
So make me a servant, make me like you.
Open my hands Lord and teach me to share
Open my heart Lord and teach me to care,
For service to others is service to you.
Make me a servant, make me like you.
Make Me A Servant
Make me a servant Lord, make me like you
For you are a servant, make me one, too.
Make me a servant, do what you must do
To make me a servant, make me like you.
To love my brother, to serve like you do.
I humble my spirit, I bow before yo.
And through my service, I'll be just like you.
So make me a servant, make me like you.
Open my hands Lord and teach me to share
Open my heart Lord and teach me to care,
For service to others is service to you.
Make me a servant, make me like you.
If no one can see God and live (Ex. 33:19-23) then why did Jesus promise the pure in heart that they would "see God"? (Mt. 5:8) How did Job and David see God? (Job 42:5; Psa. 19) How have you seen God? What difference has seeing Him made in your life? What are our hearts naturally? (Jer. 17:9) What are the characteristics of a divided or insincere heart? (Psa. 86:11; Ez. 11:19) Describe the condition of your heart. Why does God want our hearts, even more than our minds, emotions or behavior? (Prov. 4:23; 27:19; Jer. 29:13)
Sermon Slide Deck: "A Real Cause For Joy" (Luke 10:17-20)New City Church
True, lasting joy is not found in what you do, but in what has been done for you.
This message was given on July 20, 2014 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info: www.newcitychurch.ca
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
“What Will You Reap?" - [We Reap What We Sow] - (Luke 8:5-15; 2 Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7-9) - We Are All Sowing – but to what end? The principle of reaping according to what we have sown is as old as creation & applies in both the material & spiritual realm. This lesson examines three areas in which we are all sowing - (Sowing The Seed / Use of Material Things / Thoughts & Deeds) What will you reap in these three areas? – MP3 / PPT / KEYNOTE / PDF - 3/29/2015
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "Serving God By Serving Others" sermon at New Life Christian Church in November 2012. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
This is the first of a series of presentations about the development of Christian character, based on a study of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. The presentation was prepared by Dr Kevin Smith, Vice-Principal of the South African Theological Seminary.
If no one can see God and live (Ex. 33:19-23) then why did Jesus promise the pure in heart that they would "see God"? (Mt. 5:8) How did Job and David see God? (Job 42:5; Psa. 19) How have you seen God? What difference has seeing Him made in your life? What are our hearts naturally? (Jer. 17:9) What are the characteristics of a divided or insincere heart? (Psa. 86:11; Ez. 11:19) Describe the condition of your heart. Why does God want our hearts, even more than our minds, emotions or behavior? (Prov. 4:23; 27:19; Jer. 29:13)
Sermon Slide Deck: "A Real Cause For Joy" (Luke 10:17-20)New City Church
True, lasting joy is not found in what you do, but in what has been done for you.
This message was given on July 20, 2014 at New City Church in Calgary by Pastor John Ferguson. For more info: www.newcitychurch.ca
It is common to refer to the process of maturing as a disciple as spiritual formation. Here, based upon work by Greg Ogden, I give a four stage process for growing into maturity, and fruitfulness, as a follower of King Jesus.
“What Will You Reap?" - [We Reap What We Sow] - (Luke 8:5-15; 2 Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7-9) - We Are All Sowing – but to what end? The principle of reaping according to what we have sown is as old as creation & applies in both the material & spiritual realm. This lesson examines three areas in which we are all sowing - (Sowing The Seed / Use of Material Things / Thoughts & Deeds) What will you reap in these three areas? – MP3 / PPT / KEYNOTE / PDF - 3/29/2015
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "Serving God By Serving Others" sermon at New Life Christian Church in November 2012. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
This is the first of a series of presentations about the development of Christian character, based on a study of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. The presentation was prepared by Dr Kevin Smith, Vice-Principal of the South African Theological Seminary.
Hope for the Christian Struggling with Same Sex AttractionFree Indeed
Does living according to the ten commandments mean you are in God's good graces? Does God require you to live righteously so that you can be pleasing to Him? Or are our efforts to please Him futile because there's nothing we could ever do to be perfect? This western culture is all about what you bring to the table. In this episode we will discuss exactly what we bring to the table and what God thinks of it, the efficacy of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the real extent of His love, or should I say the limitless reaches.
http://freeindeedco.podbean.com/e/episode-3-grace-vs-works/
What is a Christian Struggler?
For our purposes it is a person who struggles with same sex attraction. This includes one who has never acted on these thoughts to transgender. Struggler, means that you feel a sense of guilt, shame or wrong about these things. You are not alone. We know that God has a plan and a purpose for your life.
More than anything we want you to know that the Bible does NOT require you to change into something else before Jesus accepts you. In fact, God came to earth (in the life of Jesus) nearly 2000 years ago, suffered, died and rose again for your redemption. Your sins are already forgiven. All you have to do is receive this forgiveness and live forever with Him.
Not sure how all this works? Ask us and we will show you the way.
Jesus said, "I am the truth the life and the way". We can show you to him he will do everything else!
Don't give up on your dreams. No one may understand you, and that is okay. Remember these words: He who knows, needs no explanation; he who doesn't know, no explanation will suffice. He who cherishes a beautiful vision in his mind, a lofty idea in his heart, will one day realize it. Dr. Mayberry
Nov 30-Dec 6-08 Pay Attention To Temptation!Rick Peterson
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers Nov 30-Dec 6
Making converts, gaining decisions, does not equal making disciples. It is essential we look at the right ideas, in the right way to make real disciples of King Jesus.
Jesus expected a process of change, growth and development in the life of his followers. Many writers suggest a three or four stage process. A four stage process is outlined here, along with personal challenge / application.
Disciple-Making, according to Greg Ogden requires at least tow major factors: Internalisation and Multiplication. This presentation adds to his ideas with some scripture and illustrative ideas challenging followers of Christ to become, and make, disciples in his image.
Name someone...who has impacted your life.
Disiple-making is a deliberate act requiring discipline and dedication
“Discipleship is all about living the life together rather than just one structured meeting each week” Chan
Simple teaching to remind people about Jesus. I make four simple points. Jesus was:
1. Incarnational 2. Prayerful 3. Full of Word 4. Full of the Spirit
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Homily: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Sunday 2024.docxJames Knipper
Countless volumes have been written trying to explain the mystery of three persons in one true God, leaving us to resort to metaphors such as the three-leaf clover to try to comprehend the Divinity. Many of us grew up with the quintessential pyramidal Trinity structure of God at the top and Son and Spirit in opposite corners. But what if we looked at this ‘mystery’ from a different perspective? What if we shifted our language of God as a being towards the concept of God as love? What if we focused more on the relationship within the Trinity versus the persons of the Trinity? What if stopped looking at God as a noun…and instead considered God as a verb? Check it out…
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
3. The way you see your life shapes
your life.
That image is your life’s metaphor. It’s
the view of life that you hold, consciously
or unconsciously, in your mind. It’s your
description of how life works and what
you expect from it.
Sunday 15 August 2010
4. To fulfill the purposes God made you for,
you will have to challenge conventional
wisdom and replace it with the biblical
metaphors of life.
Sunday 15 August 2010
5. The Bible says,
“Do not conform yourselves to the
standards of this world, but let God
transform you inwardly by a
complete change of your mind.
Then you will be able to know the
will of God.”
Rom. 12:2 (TEV)
Sunday 15 August 2010
6. The Bible offers three
metaphors that teach us God’s
view of life:
Sunday 15 August 2010
7. 1. Life on earth is a test
Throughout the Bible God
continually tests people’s
character, faith, obedience, love,
integrity, and loyalty.
Words like trials, temptations,
refining, and testing occur more
than 200 times in the Bible.
Sunday 15 August 2010
8. Character is both developed and
revealed by tests, and all of life is a
test.
We will be tested by major
changes, delayed promises,
impossible problems, unanswered
prayers, undeserved criticism, and
even senseless tragedies...and more
Sunday 15 August 2010
10. Do you keep your word?
Can people trust you?
Do you finish something you promise
to finish and do you do it on time?
If you are told some gossip, what do
you do with it?
Matt 12:36
Sunday 15 August 2010
11. Have you ever found it difficult under
the leadership of another person?
Do you willingly submit to authority?
If not, why not?
Eph 5:18-21
Sunday 15 August 2010
12. The things that captivate our hearts
will dominate our thoughts, and our
thoughts will dominate our lives.
What is your heart captivated by?
Matt 6:21
Sunday 15 August 2010
13. Are there any people you have not
forgiven or you feel you cannot
forgive? Why?
Matt 6:14-15
Sunday 15 August 2010
14. Do you find it easy to admit that you
are wrong? (What does this reveal
about yourself?)
Matthew 5:21-26
Sunday 15 August 2010
15. How do you react when confronted
with an ungodly situations or
something that appeals to the lust of
the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the
pride of life?
2 Timothy 2:22
Sunday 15 August 2010
17. -- They expose the depths of our
maturity in God. They show us where
we are at with God and where we need
to improve.
-- They show us the true values of life.
When persecution and difficulty comes,
it is not long before we know what is
really important and what is not.
Sunday 15 August 2010
18. -- They create self-awareness (i.e.
show us who we really are) and
highlight our character strengths and
weaknesses (like metal testing).
-- They develop spiritual
perseverance. If we want to overcome
or solve a problem, we have to press on
and not give up. Too many Christians
give up before they overcome.
Sunday 15 August 2010
19. -- They build our sensitivity to and
empathy with other people and their
needs, because we learn by experience
what it is like to be in their shoes.
-- They refine and polish our gifts and
capabilities. The pressure of problems
knocks off our rough edges and drives out
the rubbish within our lives, when we
handle problems in God's way and in God's
power.
Sunday 15 August 2010
20. -- They develop our confidence in God
rather than ourselves. We learn to
trust God who always proves faithful.
-- They enlarge our capacity in God
and enable our faith in Him to grow,
because they stretch us and create the
need for us and our faith to grow.
Sunday 15 August 2010
21. -- They test our securities. They teach
us that we need to rely on God and that
we can depend on Him (and often on
not much else!), who is the only
unshakeable, permanently stable
entity.
-- They stimulate us and prevent
complacency. Problems are like a red-
hot poker behind us.
Sunday 15 August 2010
22. -- They enable creativity and help us
to think and develop new ideas. They
often force us to challenge `the way we
have always done it' syndrome and to
come up with new and more effective
ways of doing things.
-- They develop wisdom, because we
learn what God would do in our
situation, if we wait on Him, rather
than immediately reacting to our
Sunday 15 August 2010
23. Bible Words for Problems
To understand what the Bible says about
problems is not a simple matter. Instead of
using the word `problem', the Bible uses
words like `temptations, trials,
tribulations, hardships, and sufferings'.
These words can be defined in the
following way:
Sunday 15 August 2010
24. -- Temptations: this is mainly
translated from the Greek word
`peirasmos' in both the AV and NIV,
and may be defined as either `trials
or proofs with a beneficial purpose'
or conversely `trials designed to lead
to wrong doing'.
Sunday 15 August 2010
25. -- Trials: this is translated from a
variety of Greek words in the AV and
NIV, and may be defined as `testings
or the putting to proof the quality of
things'; `a burning, a refining or a
trial by fire'; or `being tried by
suffering or temptation'. These
mainly test our endurance and
patience.
Sunday 15 August 2010
26. -- Tribulations: this is translated
from the Greek word `thlipsis' in the
AV and can be defined as `great
oppression, pressure, afflictions, or
miseries'.
Sunday 15 August 2010
27. -- Hardships: this is mainly
translated from the Greek word
`kakopatheo' in the NIV, and may be
defined as `suffering evil, hardness,
affliction, or trouble'. These tend to
be more severe sufferings or
privations.
Sunday 15 August 2010
28. -- Suffering: this is again translated
from a variety of Greek words in
both the AV and NIV, and may be
defined as `undergoing, experiencing
or being subject to pain, loss, grief,
defeat, damage, or punishment'. It
can also mean `to permit to do, put
up with, endure, or tolerate'.
Sunday 15 August 2010
30. A very important test is how you
act when you can’t feel God’s
presence in your life. When you
understand that life is a test, you
realize that nothing is insignificant
in your life.
Sunday 15 August 2010
31. Remember, the Bible says,
“God keeps His promise, and He
will not allow you to be tested
beyond your power to remain firm;
at the time you are put to the test,
He will give you the strength to
endure it, and so provide you with
a way out.”
1Cor. 10:13 (TEV)
Sunday 15 August 2010
32. Every time you pass a test, God notices
and makes plans to reward you in
eternity.
“Blessed are those who endure
when they are tested. When they
pass the test, they will receive the
crown of life that God has promised
to those who love Him.”
James. 1:12 (GWT)
Sunday 15 August 2010
33. 2. Life on earth is a trust
We are stewards of whatever God gives
us. We need to recognize God is the owner
of everything and everyone on earth:
Time, energy, opportunities, intelligence,
relationships, resources etc.
Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a
trust that God has placed in our hands - a
loan God has given to us.
Just as God made Adam and Eve stewards
so he makes us
Sunday 15 August 2010
34. “ The world and all that is in it belong to
the Lord; the earth and all who live in it.”
Ps. 24:1 (TEV)
Sunday 15 August 2010
35. “What do you have that God hasn’t
given you? And if all you have is
from God why boast as though you
have accomplished something on
your own.”
1 Cor. 4:7b (NLT)
Sunday 15 August 2010
36. “Those who are trusted with
something valuable must show
they are worthy of that trust.”
1Cor. 4:2(NCV)
At the end of your life on earth you will be
evaluated and rewarded according to how
well you handled what God entrusted to
you.
Sunday 15 August 2010
37. “Well done, good and faithful
servant! You have been faithful
with a few things; I will put you in
charge of many things. Come and
share your Master’s happiness.”
Matt. 25:21(NIV)
Sunday 15 August 2010
38. In that verse God promises three rewards
1) Affirmation from God
2) A promotion from God
3) a celebration with God!
Does this not speak volumes about the
fact that everything we do on earth has
tremendous implications?!!!!!
Sunday 15 August 2010
39. Point to Ponder:
Life is a test and a trust.
Sunday 15 August 2010
41. Question to Consider:
What has happened to me recently
that I now realize was a test from
God?
What are the greatest matters God
has entrusted to me?
Sunday 15 August 2010