Friday, November 30, 2012

Miscellaneous Commands from the Bible


Pass time in fear

1 Peter 1:7  

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Pay taxes

Romans 13:6  

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

Pay just dues

Romans 13:7  

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Praise the Lord

Romans 15:11  

And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.”

Preach

Matthew 10:7  

As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’

Matthew 10:27  

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

Matthew 16:15  

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

2 Timothy 4:2  

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Present body to Christ

Romans 12:1  

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Provide things honestly

Romans 12:17  

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

God’s Verse for God’s people


Comfort and Help

Romans 15:1-6

1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Whole Household Saved


Nobleman

John 4:53

Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.

Cornelius

Acts 11:14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’

Also plead - Acts 10:24-48

Lydia

Acts 16:15

When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Philippian Jailer

Acts 16:31-34

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized.

34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.

Justus

Acts 18:7

Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God.

Cause of Mobs


Acts 13:45-52

45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

49 The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.

51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 14:19

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.

Acts 16:19-24

19 When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.

20 They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar

21 by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

22 The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten.

23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.

24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Who are to teach?


All Christians

Matthew 28:19-20 

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Colossians 3:16  

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

The Holy Spirit

Luke 12:12

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

John 14:26  

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

1 Corinthians 2:13  

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Gifted men

1 Corinthians 12:28-29 

28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

Ephesians 4:11

It was he, who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

1 Timothy 3:2  

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,


The Kingdom shall be the LORD’S.


Obadiah 1:21

Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD's.

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Daniel 2:44-45

44 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy.”

Daniel 7:13-14

13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’

Daniel 7:22

Until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

Daniel 7:27

Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’


“The Cross Room”


A young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The young man was filled with relief. "Thank you Lord," he sighed, and he did what he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many other crosses, some so large the tops weren't even visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against the far wall. "I'd like that one Lord," he whispered.

And the Lord replied, "My son that is the cross you just brought in."

Calvary

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left”. Luke 23:33

Calvary is the place of … Suffering.

 Calvary is the place of … Immortal Sayings.

Calvary is the place of … Sorrow.

Calvary is the place of … Battle.

Calvary is the place of … Broken heart.

Calvary is the place of … Divine Accomplishment.

 Calvary is the place of … Challenge

Evangelism

Every worker needs the church like a fisherman needs a boat.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Expecting a Call


Lord, I exalt You above all things. May Your kingdom come this day and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Help me to embrace the calling You have for me. Show me what it is You want me to do and the timing of when You want me to do it. I know that You have a purpose for my life.

Enable me to a great ambassador for Your kingdom. May people love You more because of what they see of You in me. Only by the power of Your Spirit can this be accomplished.

We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us…2 Corinthians 4:7

Lord, I know You have great purpose for me and a plan for my life. Open my ears to hear Your voice leading me into all You have for me. Align my heart with Yours and prepare me to understand where You would have me to go and what You would have me to do. Help me to hear Your call.

If my expectations and plans are out of alignment with Your will for me, I surrender them to You. I let my desires for myself die. I would rather endure the suffering of that than the plan of never realizing what You made me to be.

You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…1 Peter 2:9.

Think it over.

Throw your shoulder back, put a smile on your face, and be looking for opportunities to stretch into the next level.

The key is to get your eyes off your problems and onto your God.

Out of our greatest rejection comes our greatest direction.


     

Teachings of Christ


Devil

Matthew 13:38-39  

38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one,

39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

Diligence

John 9:4  

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Disbelief

John 5:38  

Nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.

Discernment

Matthew 16:2-3  

2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’

3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

Discipleship

Luke 14:33  

In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

Disputes

Mark 9:33-34  

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”

34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.


God’s Verse for God’s people


Comfort and Help

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.


Questions


Why is important for children to go to Sunday School?

Proverbs 22:6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

What did Hannah promise God, if He would give her a son?

1 Samuel 1:11

And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

Did she keep that promise?

1 Samuel 1:24

After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh.
Whom should we love even more than our father or mother?

Matthew 10:37

“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

What is promised us if we honor our parents?

Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Where is he?


“Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, where is he…John 7:11”

Let us try to answer this question.

Is he at the bottom of your heart?

Is he at the root of your joys?

Is he on the throne of your heart?  

Is he near you by constant converse?

Is his presence manifested in your spirit, your words, and your actions?

Is he before you, the end of your journey, the terminus towards which you are daily hastening?

Our glorious Master is always at home, but does not always hold his receptions in the same chamber. One while he will see us in his closet, and anon in his great hall. Today he meets us in the porch, and tomorrow in the innermost room. In reading the Bible I meet him in his library, in working for him I commune with him in the garden. When full of hope I walk with him on the housetop, at another time I wait for him in the secret places of the stairs. It is well to be in the parlor where he talks in sermons or in his drawing-room where he converses in holy fellowship; but the best room of the house is that wherein he spreads his table, and makes himself to be our bread and wine. In any case, the one desire of our heart is to find him, and live upon him.

I am tempted to do wrong:

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”—1 Corinthians 10:13

Talents:  

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”...James 1:17.

A clean ministry


John 15:3  

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

John 17:16  

They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17  

16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?
17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

Ephesians 5:1-7  

1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

Hebrews 12:14  

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.


Righteousness


2 Corinthians 9:9  

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:10  

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 11:15  

It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Galatians 2:16  

know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 2:17  

“If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!

Galatians 3:6  

Consider Abraham: “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Galatians 3:8  

The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”

Galatians 3:11

Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

Galatians 3:21  

Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.

A New Creation

 “If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation.”  2 Corinthians 5:17

At our new birth God remakes our souls and gives us what we need, again. New eyes so we can see by faith. A new mind so we can have the mind of Christ. New strength so we won’t grow tired. A new vision so we won’t lose heart. A new voice for praise and new hands for service. And most of all, a new heart. A heart that has been cleansed by Christ….- Max Lucado





Sunday, November 25, 2012

Why must People Be Baptized?


Those who believe and are baptized shall be saved:

Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

1 Peter 3:21

And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Unto the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Be baptized and wash away your sins:

Acts 22:16

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’

In order to walk in a new life:

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

To be born anew of water and the Spirit:

John 3:3-5

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.