tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67931998312378944822024-02-18T17:56:55.374-08:00Joy of LearningDr. J Rousseau's Bible Notes and DiscussionsDr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-56058512136834099452014-01-25T08:36:00.004-08:002014-06-20T08:13:01.020-07:00(1) LIVING THE LIFE of a Follower of Christ.<b>Too often we hear people pray, "help us Lord, to live so that when we die we can go to Heaven". </b><br />
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<b>Praise God, there is sooo much more to following Jesus! </b><b>There is SOOOO much MORE to our walk with the Lord than waiting on a "Golden Retirement Plan!"</b><br />
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<b>Christ calls us to LIVE in HIM and to FOLLOW HIM....and each of these two requests are abundant with PROMISE. The promise afforded those who LIVE the LIFE of a Jesus follower is His Presence</b><b> with us each and every step until the end of time. Our blessings in the Lord are far beyond what we can ask or even think. </b><br />
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<b>IT IS IN THE NOW</b><br />
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<b>It is in the NOW that we fulfill the mission of Christ. In the LATER, it will be tooooo late. It is in the NOW that we find all the spiritual blessings in Christ (peace, joy, love, hope, mercy, grace....). It is in the NOW that we celebrate victories in Christ (the faithful journey in hand with Him, sharing the joy of our salvation, discipling others to accept God Plan in baptism, the Thanksgiving Feast or Eucharist, the fellowship of the saints, rejoicing in suffering and service....and more!)</b><br />
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<b>Christ calls us to mission work (Matthew 28:18-19). Christ calls us to follow. Christ calls us to CELEBRATE even in our suffering (1 Thess 1:6; Hebrews 10:34). </b><br />
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<b>The reality is that many Christians look, act, and react in exactly the same manner as those lost in darkness. The call to be different from the world has been lost to a culture of comfort and narcissism (self-centeredness). Essentially, this is idolatry with self as the idol of our worship, service, and continuous absorption.</b><br />
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<b>Jesus has called us out of self-absorption to self-denial and sacrifice. Only those who hear His voice and answer His call will enjoy His rest, His peace, and His mercy. </b><br />
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<b>CULTURAL BLINDERS</b><br />
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<b>Keep in mind that most of what we traditionally cling to and experience in assembly worship was constructed by the c of C (church of Constantine). If you are not familiar with this unconverted ruler, please read about the 7 malformations of <a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/06/lesson-9-chapter-7-take-away-part-2.html" target="_blank">Constantine's influence on Christianity</a>. </b><br />
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<b>If you are ready to be challenged to LIVE the LIFE of a Follower of Christ, then please DOWNLOAD & listen to the following audio sermons. <span style="font-size: large;">Take notes AND take note!</span></b><br />
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<b>FOLLOWSHIP (1) DOWNLOAD</b><br />
<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTSjNpTXRWdUVSVlE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTSjNpTXRWdUVSVlE/edit?usp=sharing </a></b><br />
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<b>FOLLOWSHIP (2) DOWNLOAD</b><br />
<b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTX0UzbHdZYjZWVU0/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_OXt7psO2lTX0UzbHdZYjZWVU0/edit?usp=sharing </a></b><br />
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<b>In the comment section, let us know what you have learned or have reaffirmed in your heart and mind.</b><br />
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<b>RESOURCE: <a href="http://joyindiscipleship.blogspot.com/2014/06/lesson-1-what-is-discipleship.html">http://joyindiscipleship.blogspot.com/2014/06/lesson-1-what-is-discipleship.html </a></b>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-58793387019277846762013-12-19T08:22:00.001-08:002013-12-23T08:47:31.155-08:00Lesson 16: Chapter 11 Crazy Love - We are the Weird Ones!<span style="color: #660000;">SIDE NOTE: Wow! What a timely Lesson! The focus of this discussion was how much we needed to stand humbly yet courageously for the Truth and then we get home and see the big blow up with Duck Dynasty and A&E. Was there a more humble and courageous move on the part of a true follower of Christ?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>WE ARE THE WEIRD ONES!</strong></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we look back at our studies in this book, we should have come to some very essential conclusions. Here are just a few:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1) I MUST change! “If we don’t actually change, we deceive ourselves”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:14&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Hebrews 12:14</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Pursue peace with all men, and the <b>sanctification</b> without which no one will see the <b>Lord</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:2&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Romans 12:2</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “And do not be conformed to this world, but be <b>transformed</b> by the renewing of your <b>mind</b>, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2) I am a Missionary! As a child of God I am “on mission” and need to keep this a priority in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BoVH60ExClQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Video: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoVH60ExClQ&sns=em" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoVH60ExClQ&sns=em</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+5:18&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">2 Corinthians 5:18</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Now all <i>these</i> things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the <b>ministry</b> of <b>reconciliation</b>,”</span> </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3) We must change the way we look at “church”, a word not in the original text. We must see ourselves as the “called out” to be “sent out” if we are to be the faithful servants of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17:18&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">John 17:18</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “As You <b>sent</b> <b>Me</b> into the world, I also have <b>sent</b> them into the world”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(4) If we want to Experience God, we must share our Faith! </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:6&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Colossians 4:6</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Let your speech <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">always</b> be with <b>grace</b>, <i>as though</i> seasoned with <b>salt</b>, so that you will know <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">how you should respond to each person.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:18-20%20&version=NASB"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 28:18-20</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup>And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, </span><span class="woj">“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.</span> <span class="woj"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></sup>Go therefore</b> and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,</span> <span class="woj"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></sup>teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, I am with you always</b>, even to the end of the age.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="woj"><b>Being able to verbalize what we have learned is one way to insure that we have actually internalized the true meaning of the message. Allowing children (and adults) to verbalize what they have learned is one way to evaluate our teaching methods. Parents should practice allowing their children to verbalize their understanding of the truth. </b></span></span><br />
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</span><iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/82502194?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/82502194">PC3 2013 Christmas Card</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/portcitychurch">PC3 Media</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(5) </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Courage and Humility Must Coexist (p. 254)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+3:8&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">1 Peter 3:8</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and <b>humble</b> in spirit;”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:6&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">James 4:6</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore <i>it</i> says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the <b>humble</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+31:24&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 31:24</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Be strong and let your heart take <b>courage</b>, All you who hope in the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1:14&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Philippians 1:14</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more <b>courage</b> to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">speak the word of God without fear.</b>”</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">A TIMELY example of courage and Humility</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Going Out of Business for Jesus<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/author/MarkDriscoll/" title="More from Mark Driscoll"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">by Mark Driscoll</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Several high-profile discrimination cases around the world raise the question: Will 21st-century society honor the Christian’s conscience, or destroy the Christian’s livelihood?</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This [suffering] will be your opportunity to bear witness.” —Jesus (</span></i><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2021.13" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 21:13</span></span></i></a><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">)</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good luck building any Christian tribe on an invitation to suffer. Western Christians are, generally speaking, bad at suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can’t major in suffering at Bible college. Preachers are reticent to speak on it because people don’t want to hear about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #660000;">God works through defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead, we’d rather believe that faith is a stick and God is a piñata, and if we swing hard enough, health and wealth will come pouring down upon us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We don’t want to hear that we have to “</span><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+23/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">walk through the valley of the shadow of death</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,” and so we keep buying books and listening to teachers who promise to give us a map showing us how to walk</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>around </i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the valley of the shadow of death.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We don’t want to embrace suffering. We want to avoid it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God’s will, we are wrongly told, involves blessing. Yet, we fail to accept that suffering for Jesus</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>is </i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who or what we fear determines what we do and how we live. What are you fearful of? Rejection, criticism, mockery, conflict, hatred, loneliness, unemployment, poverty, a loss of status?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pastor Doug Wilson</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">once quipped</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“a great reformation and revival ... will happen the same way the early Christians conquered Rome. Their program of conquest consisted largely of two elements—gospel preaching and being eaten by lions—a strategy that has not yet captured the imagination of the contemporary church.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #660000;">Thrown to the critics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today, we are more likely to get thrown to the critics rather than the lions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A number of high profile cases around the world will indicate whether 21st-century society will honor the Christian’s conscience, or destroy the Christian’s livelihood.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At this point, a favorable outcome only seems likely in the sense that we serve a God who works through hardship and defeat.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the western United States, we’ve heard about the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2020743969_floristlawsuitxml.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">florist in Washington</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2013/august/nm-supreme-court-photographers-cant-refuse-gay-weddings.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">photographers in Albuquerque</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—all dealing with lawsuits after declining to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Those of us on this side of the pond may be less familiar with England’s Peter and Hazelmary Bull. Due to their Christian convictions, the elderly owners of a small bed-and-breakfast in Cornwall will only allow married couples to rent rooms with double beds.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This policy became a problem five years ago when the Bulls turned away a gay couple, who responded with legal action. The case is now headed to the British Supreme Court, but too late to save the Chymorvah Hotel.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>The Independent </i></span><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/christian-owners-of-chymorvah-hotel-who-refused-to-allow-gay-couple-to-stay-in-double-room-take-legal-fight-to-supreme-court-8866168.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">reports</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that the guesthouse went up for sale after vandalism and death threats started taking a toll on Peter and Hazelmary.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thrust into the spotlight of public scrutiny (and scorn), the Bulls appeared on British national television to face a furious line of questioning from a pair of morning talk show hosts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4a3814MC8Q" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Watch as this dear grandmother puts most evangelicals to shame with her gracious but courageous responses</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4a3814MC8Q"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4a3814MC8Q</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #660000;">A chance to bear witness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somehow, the myth has gotten around that if something is difficult or if we encounter opposition, it must not be God’s will. God’s will, we are wrongly told, involves blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet we fail to accept that suffering for Jesus</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>is </i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We serve a God who works through hardship and defeat.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through Christ, God identified with us and suffered for us in order to save us. In turn, we identify with him and suffer for him in hopes of glorifying him and sharing his salvation with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus tells his disciples to expect this kind of opportunity in opposition. In</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2021.12%E2%80%9313" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">Luke 21:12–13</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, he says:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="background: white; border-color: currentColor currentColor currentColor rgb(204, 204, 204); border-style: none none none solid; border-width: medium medium medium 1pt; margin-left: 7.5pt; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-left-alt: solid #CCCCCC .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 4pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: currentColor; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid #CCCCCC .75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 4.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christians will have more and more chances to “bear witness” through hardship in the coming years, I am certain.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I praise God that Peter and Hazelmary Bull have provided an example of what faithful witness looks like in our context today. As Hazelmary said, “God demands that our faith doesn’t end at the kitchen door. He means for your faith to run in every corner of your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please pray for this couple, and for the millions who will hear about Jesus through their story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div style="background: white; border-color: currentColor currentColor windowtext; border-style: none none solid; border-width: medium medium 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; border: currentColor; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">And get used to hearing a lot more stories like it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(6) We are in a battle with Satan, not other seekers. To survive this battle there must be a unity through the Spirit in a bond of peace and love. God’s power is given to those who fully trust Him by walking in faith, without sight, towards His vision. This is very difficult for us because we fear suffering and uncertainty. This is a reflection of our lack of trust and faith. Our prayer should be that when we encounter the battle we have the courage and humility to work the works of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Tim%201:7-8&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Timothy 1:7-8</span></b></a><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “</span></b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">power and love and discipline</b>.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8 </span></sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Therefore <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord</b> or of me His prisoner, but join with <i>me</i> in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">suffering for the gospel</b> according to the power of God,”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Would you have stood up to A&E? How will your children stand in the world they will be living in?</strong></span></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Video: God with Us! </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvau2wd7SXk"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvau2wd7SXk</span></a></div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>We can be humble and courageous because God is With Us!</strong></span><br />
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<div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jvau2wd7SXk" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-60654621394093046722013-12-11T08:52:00.000-08:002013-12-13T12:04:33.437-08:00Lesson 15: Crazy Love Chapter 10 - Travel Agent or Tour Guide?<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Review</span></b><br />
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<b>2 Timothy 3:7 <span style="color: #660000;">“Always learning but never coming to the knowledge (epignosis – ABOVE knowledge --intimate understanding of the Divine) of the truth”</span></b></h3>
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<b>Those of us who are educators in the public and private realms have been schooled in basic theories of learning. One of the theories we often use to determine if students actually learn is Bloom’s Taxonomy. This theory helps us to identify whether or not a student has merely memorized information or if they have actually incorporated the new knowledge into their “schema” (thinking processes and eventual behavior). </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Rote memory is the lowest form of learning and is not considered true knowledge (experiential understanding, intimate relationship with concepts, ability to utilize information in a real-world situation). </b></div>
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<b>Paul was telling Timothy that merely learning to quote Scripture was not the same as living a life in true relationship with The Way, The Truth, and The Life. One of the first steps in becoming intimate with Christ is to be able to confess Him among many witnesses, to give a coherent testimony of our relationship with Him, to express our trust and belief in Him as Lord, to be willing to share the Gospel with others as it was shared with us (Phil 2:11; Romans 10:9f; 1 Tim 6:12-14). </b><br />
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<b>The Master Teacher understood how humans "come to the knowledge of the truth" – through relationship with The Truth. </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">If we cannot articulate what we know, we really don’t know it.</span> </span></b></div>
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<b>If we cannot verbalize our understanding then our understanding is superficial and short- lived. Many of the basic learning theories tell us that deep , long-term understanding can be easily articulated and will result in new skills and behavior patterns. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Simply put, if we can’t talk about it, we really don’t “get” it. More importantly, if we really don’t “get” it, reflect on it, submit to it, then we won’t be changed by it. Perhaps that is why we do not see the life-changing transformation by Holy Spirit in many folks claiming to be Christians. Perhaps they have not allowed the Spirit to help them articulate and share with others the “hope of their salvation”. </b></div>
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<b>Our testimony is only the <u>beginning</u> of our life in Christ and yet, many have never given time or energy into sharing their testimony. Until we can patiently, gently, lovingly, caringly, consistently, and faithfully share the good news, we stunt our process of intimate “knowledge of the truth.” </b></div>
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<b>The TRUTH is that true followers of Christ continually confess Him with their lips, continually share in discipling others, continually share the Light in dark places, continually pray for wisdom to walk through doors of opportunity, continually work the works of God. (Acts 1:14, 1 Thess 5:17; 2 Cor 9:12-14) But there is still more! </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">G</span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">od grant us the courage, faith, and humility to begin our journey into truth by following Christ in declaring the Kingdom to those who are lost.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Lesson 15: Chapter 10 ---Travel Agent or Tour Guide?</span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once on a trip from Moscow to St Petersburg, Russia, I had the opportunity to sit next to a young man who was interested in a conversation in English. This is always a great opportunity to learn about people and to plant a seed for Christ. During our exchange, I learned that this young man was a chemical engineer and had been hired by a very well known company to do research and development. I mentioned in our conversation how much I enjoyed science and research and was thankful to God for making Himself known to us through His creation.</span></b></div>
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The man slowly turned, cocked his head and said, I've never thought about believing in God. (Which, of course, was the door of opportunity!) We spent the rest of the flight discussing the major issues scientists had with believing in God. After sharing my faith and my reasons for believing, the young man turned to me and said, "This has been the most intriguing conversation I have had in a very long time. My mind will be more open to hearing about God." Well, in my mind that was all I could have prayed for in such a short flight.<br />
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Upon arriving at the airport in St Petersburg, the young man got up from his seat, but did not run off like "Wow! I'm glad that is over!" But instead, insisted on helping me with my bags and showing me where to stand in line for customs. Although this was about my 12th trip to St Petes....I let him assist me and share in the joy of trusting each other.<br />
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When we see our testimony as a way to plant a seed for the gospel and trust God to bring others who will water, we have a more relaxed, enjoyable, fearless, honest approach to our testimony. <br />
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When we fear about what we might say or not say, what we might leave as an impression, then we are only trusting in our own abilities. We have failed to see how the God of the Universe is able to take our weakness and make something glorious. We show our lack of faith in the Gospel, when we feel powerless and unsure.<br />
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But Christ did not send His disciples out "cold turkey". He spent 3 years mentoring them in his teachings and in His commission. They came back from their limited commission with questions and concerns and Christ spent time "debriefing" them and helping them to get a better grasp of His Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ’s methods included, teaching, demonstrating with visual cues, challenging, baptizing, mentoring, sending out, bringing back in, debriefing, re-training and extended learning, sending out again, and demanding a confession of commitment and love. When we see how the Master accomplished His goals, we would do well to mimic His methods. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Those who have little or no questions about their faith are probably those who have never tested their faith by trying to share it. More than likely, they have never shared it with people in utter darkness and made it compelling and glorious to those who are lost. When we step out in faith and share our understanding of God's plan, we inevitably come up with areas where we need to not only hone our skills, pray for guidance, and trust God, but where we need help from others in determining how to better address our testimony to the current culture. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">We must continually learn through debriefing, re-examining ourselves, our motives, our understanding of Scripture, asking for wisdom, and participating in communal prayers of agreement for the lost. This is the best reflection of 1st Century Christianity.</span><br />
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Having never learned to lovingly and graciously share the gospel often results in a false sense of self-righteousness--"I know the truth and you don't" attitude. The truth is that the gospel, if sown, IS THE POWER of God unto salvation. If we are not sowing it in love, consistently, graciously, bravely and tenderly, then we are not living by the truth or by faith. Just "being nice" and living morally, makes us more like the Pharisees, than like Christ. Our love for the lost must EXCEED that of the Pharisees or we will not inherit the Kingdom </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">of Heaven.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">What have we done today that required us to step out, "sight unseen" in faith for the gospel of Christ? How have we bravely pursued Christ this week?</span></span></b></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">What discomforts have we suffered for the gospel? What sacrifices have we made for the Kingdom? We say we love Christ and His church, but we have not demonstrated any crucial trust in the Commission of Christ to the lost and dying world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do not be deceived, we shall reap what we sow”</span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Examine yourself. Are you a Travel Agent or a Tour Guide?</span></span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">So let's list characteristics of each to see which one describes us best!</span></span></b><br />
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Travel Agent<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tour Guide<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Works in an air conditioned office<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Sits in a padded chair<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Plans trips <o:p></o:p></div>
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-Hands you a brochure<o:p></o:p></div>
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-May motivate you to go, but may have never been<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Says, “Have a nice trip!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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-You won’t see after you pay<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Goes home at the end of each day<o:p></o:p></div>
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-The expert who is side by side in the field with you the entire trip<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Experiences exactly the same conditions as you<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Understands hazards & warns you of dangers ahead<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Plans for rest stops and facility breaks<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Takes time to explain and educate along the way<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Makes sure all equipment is available and fits well<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spends time with each member <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Resource: <a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/171503-are-you-a-travel-agent-or-a-tour-guide.html" target="_blank">http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/171503-are-you-a-travel-agent-or-a-tour-guide.html</a></span></b></span><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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There is a major difference between a travel agent and a tour guide. This difference is seen best in white-water rafting. There are plenty of rafting outfitters from which to choose along a white-water river trail. A travel agent will mail you brochures. A travel agent will suggest a few rafting outfitters and a river to enjoy. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">But a travel agent’s role ends there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">A travel agent spouts out intellectual information, hands you some brochures and smiles. A travel agent tells you to enjoy the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">“Nice to meet you. Enjoy the trip.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">A tour guide is different.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Along the Ocoee, in the Smoky Mountains, there is a great tour guide named Tripp. The name fits. He literally is a trip. Unlike the travel agent who hands you a brochure, he goes with you on the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">“Nice to meet you. Get in. Let’s go.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Tripp knows the Ocoee. He knows each rapid intimately and talks about them with great energy. “Double Suck. Moonshot. Flipper” Tripp enjoys each stage in the journey. It is fun to hear him share stories about the different parts of the river. You fall more in love with the river and the scenery because of him. You are inspired by his passion.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">What makes Tripp a great tour guide is not his information. Even some of the local travel agents have the information. Tripp is great because of his love for the journey and because he takes you with him.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">He takes you along the journey he has traveled. He does not instruct from a distance. He is with you. He is on the bus with you from the outfitter to the river. He is in the raft with you. And, if things do not go as planned, he is in the river with you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">Tripp has been where he is taking you. He is able to instruct because he is familiar with the journey. He speaks from a place of personal authority, and you listen. He is not perfect. His boat may tip over with you in it. But he is credible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">People need spiritual tour guides. They have had plenty of spiritual travel agents. Be a tour guide through the process of spiritual transformation in your church. Take people on a journey with you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12pt;">If you get in the boat, the ministry process will come alive. The ministry blueprint will make sense then. It will be clear.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Do we walk the walk with those who need The Light?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Examine yourself are you the Levi or the Good Samaritan?</span><br />
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</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Resource: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=649471821731788&set=a.569011403111164.128941.568983819780589&type=1" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=649471821731788&set=a.569011403111164.128941.568983819780589&type=1</a></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI-ThS2sX1P_KbQEaAw0TNUPYxS40YTPx7Lh9ENgoh_VNxSeLA65g8x4Mg_ax_mp_3S1B6HdsZwJuNBm-gq4EdcXhMvYSGU7NbfABCaaVxbE-Md4MTMxrxxPc10T7clce8-LnEFkJEBni/s1600/homeless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI-ThS2sX1P_KbQEaAw0TNUPYxS40YTPx7Lh9ENgoh_VNxSeLA65g8x4Mg_ax_mp_3S1B6HdsZwJuNBm-gq4EdcXhMvYSGU7NbfABCaaVxbE-Md4MTMxrxxPc10T7clce8-LnEFkJEBni/s1600/homeless.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
A minister transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the church that he was to be introduced to as the “new preacher” at that morning service. He walked around the building in his tattered clothes for 30 minutes while everyone filed in for service....only 3 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food....no one in the building gave him change. He went into the auditorium to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers he should sit in the back. He greeted people only to be greeted back with stares and dirty looks.<br />
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As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new preacher to the congregation........"We would like to introduce to you our new preacher"....The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation.....The homeless man sitting in the back stood up.....and started walking down the aisle.....the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him....he walked up to the pulpit and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment....then he recited<br />
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"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, </span></b><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison, and go to visit you?'</span></b></div>
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"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers, you did for me.'<br />
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After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning...many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame.... he then said....Today I see a gathering of people......not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples...when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until next week.......Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It’s something you live by and share with others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">2 Timothy 2:15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed.”</span></span></b></h2>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000;">Ephesians 4:28B “...but rather labor for what is good, so that you will be <u>able to share with those who are in need.</u>” </span><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I think the American culture and our "pursuit of happiness" syndrome have made us forget why God has blessed us as a nation with wealth and privilege. </span></b><b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Why do we have jobs? So we can become the rich man, who built bigger storehouses and who ignored Lazarus? Or did God bless us with our jobs so that we can share with those in need?</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Have we barricaded ourselves in the Basilica or have we "Gone Out!" for the purpose of Christ? Are we piled up or spreading out for Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">“Christians are like manure: Spread them out and they help everything grow better, but keep them in one big pile and they stink horribly” (Chan, Chapter 10)</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Examine yourself, humble yourself, deny yourself, be refined in the fire and prove your willingness to trust in the Holy Spirit and the Gospel of Christ.</span></span></b></b></div>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-16711229226306107782013-12-04T14:23:00.001-08:002013-12-16T11:21:00.137-08:00Lesson 14: Who Really Worships "that" Way?<span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">7 Issues Discussed Here </span>from the internal workings of my limited mind with respect to Interpretation of Scripture</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #660000;"><b>Some thoughts on recent terms used in "Contemporary Worship". Things included here are:</b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">a view of interpretation</b></li>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">a view of musical instruments used in the assembly. This has nothing to do with my preference. </b></li>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">a view of tradition and </b><span style="color: #660000;"><b>liturgy</b></span></li>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">a view of expression and interactivity in the assembly</b></li>
<li><b style="color: #660000;">and other "cans of worms".....</b></li>
</ul>
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<b>Does it open a can of worms when beginning the topic of worship in the post-modern world? Well, yes, to some that is exactly what it appears to do. The tendency may then be to keep our traditions as they are and not attempt to change anything. Why are there so many ideas about how worship should be conducted and why do they seem to conflict with each other? </b><br />
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<b>Many would put evil ulterior motives behind the recent changes and different perspectives when in truth this may not be the case. We have so much more available to us today than we did 50 years ago. We have murals of early Christian worshipers standing and raising their hands in worship. We have translations of writings near to the time of Christ. </b><br />
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<b>We have unearthed houses of 1st Century worship and we have great online lexicons that help us better understand the meanings of terms used in Scripture. We have more accurate contemporary understanding of issues faced during the writing of the original manuscripts and a deeper and broader understanding of the historical envelope wrapped around most of the New Testament writings.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>RESOURCES</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b>In the world of information and access to instantaneous research materials, there are almost as many ideas floating around as there are people on the planet. We have never before had so much information and misinformation available to us at our finger tips. This is both a blessing and a cursing. The blessing is that there is hardly any excuse to not knowing God’s Word, His Vision for mankind, and His love for all of creation. The curse involves the author of chaos and confusion, the Devil has also taken advantage of the flood of information to turn “itching ears” in the wrong direction. Anyone, including false teachers, can publish their thoughts and gain an audience in today’s world. </b><br />
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<b>In two clicks you can find a passage that will support whatever idea or thought you would like to support using Scripture. I heard a speaker say recently, “The Bible is like a human being, if you torture it enough, you can get it to say just about anything.” </b><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>RULES FOR INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">The first rule of interpretation is to LOVE the Lord your God with all your HEART, MIND, SOUL, and STRENGTH</span>. A lover of God who is filled with The Spirit is allowed to partake in the wisdom and understanding that illuminates the heart and mind (Eph 1) And the Second rule of Interpretation is to LOVE others as yourself. These two premises must be well ingrained in our being, otherwise we will look to Scripture to please ourselves and our interpretations will be corrupt and divisive. </b><br />
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<b>No matter how off base some folks are, there are some very other good rules for gleaning truth from Scripture and the resources available to us today. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Rules of context - knowing how to interpret Scripture </span></b><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">include</span></b><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">:</span></b><br />
<b>• When was it written? What was happening in the world? What was the historical envelope around which the book or letter was written?</b><br />
<b>• Who wrote it? What was the background of the writer? From what perspective did he write?</b><br />
<b>• For what purpose? Was there conflict? Sinning? A specific need?</b><br />
<b>• To whom? Who was the intended reader? What were their issues or beliefs? Why were they being addressed?</b><br />
<b>• What can I apply this letter or book to my life today?</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">An example of using these rules can be easily seen in this passage. (Ezekiel 4)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b>9 “But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. 10 Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time. 11 The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 12 You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.” </b><br />
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<b>Does this passage apply to us? Why was it written? To whom? For what purpose? What can I apply to my life? Taking passages out of context can become a very dangerous habit! Reading the entire book or letter will give you the answers to the contextual questions. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">Rules of interpretation (hermeneutics):</span></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>(1) Christ-Centered Approach: Mimicked the exact strategies that Christ and the Apostles used to interpret Scripture would certainly not be incorrect. So if we use the same hermeneutics as they did, we should approach the truth they were trying to convey. For instance, a popular way of interpreting Scripture, especially in recently years, has been to look at Scripture using a Christ-centered approach. Seeing the revelation of Christ in Scripture follows the teachings of Paul in Galatians 3:24 “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” If the Old Testament was a tutor to bring us a deeper faith in Christ, then we should strive to see The Christ in its pages. </b><br />
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<b>Even Christ confirmed this as a proper way to interpret Scripture, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me.” (John 5:39) Jesus was speaking specifically of the Old Testament when he gave this lesson on interpretation (as the New Testament had not yet been written). Again in Ephesians 1:10, Paul states that “the summing up of all things [are] in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth”</b><br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #660000;">(2) Dispensational Interpretation and Chronological Interpretations are</span> also exemplified in Scripture. Using both the chronological and covenant views of God’s Word, we see that biblical writers did make distinctions between the testaments and the historical envelop surrounding the time and events to assist in interpretation of Scripture. (Acts 14:16, 17:30-31; Romans 15:4; Eph 1:10, 3:2-3; 2 Tim 3:1)</b><br />
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<b>Others have used some nefarious rules of interpretation to unwisely promote allegories, humanistic moral applications and social/political philosophies, secret metaphysical knowledge or codes, to “prove” the existence of a “rapture”, of a human throne upon which Christ will sit someday, prophecies about one-world religion or to predict the end of time, or the existence of a North American lost tribe of Israel. </b><br />
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<b>Although there are many other ways to look at Scripture some with value and some misleading, let it be said that seeking a deeper faith in Christ through the Scriptures most likely will not lead to misinterpreting the original intention of God. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">HOW DOES INTERPRETATION APPLY TO UNDERSTANDING WORSHIP?</span></b><br />
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<b>What do we know about New Testament (and Old Testament) worship and what should we glean from God’s original intent for the "called out" in their practices and pursuit of holiness? In order to see how God desires us to worship Him, we must make sure of several things:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>1. <span style="color: #660000;">It’s not about us, it’s about Christ.</span> We must have a Christ-center view of Worship moment by moment throughout our day. In the assembly, He would have us remember His sacrifice and then mentor, encourage, and love those who attend and seek those who don’t. Christ-centered worship and communion, NEVER ENDS. It has no beginning and it has no end. We don't worship Him and then just stop. We don't commune with Him and then just stop. </b><br />
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<b>2. <span style="color: #660000;">We must have a dispensational view </span>(chronological view) of worship practices. We must understand the historical context of Worship. We no longer sacrifice animals because Christ fulfilled that practice.</b><br />
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<b>The truth about worship is that it must take place in our lives all throughout the day and all through the week so that when we come together in assembly, we are prepared to share our best with the One who loves us best (Heb 13:15; 1 Thess 5:14-19; Romans 12:1-2; James 1:25-27; 1 Cor 15:31.) We are prepared to love our brethren and encourage them. </b><br />
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<b>Preparing our hearts to take the Lord’s Supper “in a worthy manner” does not involve only the 30 second contemplation of the cross just before the cup and bread are passed to us, it MUST involve a 24/7 examination of our lives and dedication of our whole self to the cross of Christ (Luke 9:23). </b><br />
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<b>We, then, come together to experience sacrificial praise, prayers of agreement, and “one another” fellowship with our brethren before our Lord and God (Rom 15, Gal 6:2, Eph 4:2, 32; 5:19-21; Col 3:16; 1 Thess 4:18, 5:11; Heb 3:13; 10:24-25.) to spur one another on to fulfilling our calling in Christ. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">TRADITIONS between the TESTAMENTS (Luke 4:16)</span></b><br />
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<b>Jesus and the disciples attended synagogue worship “as was [their] custom” or tradition. Did you know that nowhere in God’s Word is there ANY command or direction from God for synagogue structure, guidelines, worship, or any command from God to have such an “animal”? It was purely a tradition of man formulated between the Testaments. Yet Christ participated. Some of the feasts were purely traditions of men. The feast of Lights is one of these, but yet, Christ participated. </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>We will note that during the time of Christ's walk on earth, there were no musical instruments, except for, as some Rabbi’s have informed us, a ram's horn (shofar) being blown during several religious ceremonies. </b><b>Again, this was more of a tradition of man, than a directive from God. </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b>Having or not having harps or bells or lyres or horns was not directed by God, it was the choice of men. Nowhere did God command worship to take place without musical instruments. (Some might point to the book of Amos, but this reference has more to do with attitude and heart-condition than with musical instruments.) </b><br />
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<b>As you may also know, the word, “psalm” in the Greek is “psalmos” which means to pluck strings, like a harp. As the psalms were brought into the Christian worship and approved of by Christ and the Apostles, some see this as approval for musical instruments.</b><br />
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<b>Others see the directive to “<u>speak</u> to <u>yourselves</u> in psalms...” translated to mean, we are only allowed to "speak" the psalms. But we have been singing the psalms since the first century. Sill others, who look at the Greek text see the word "yourselves" as meaning you do this when you are alone. “Alone” is actually part of the preferred translation of this phrase. What follows in this same passage is another one of the “continuous” commands: “Giving thanks ALWAYS for all things unto God” which takes these passages beyond of the realm of corporate assembly worship and into the realm of continuous daily personal worship. Either way, whether you are given permission to pluck strings in assembly or to continuously give thanks outside of assembly, these passages are very often used in a manner to forbid instruments within assembly. Perhaps an unintentional result of poor interpretation.</b><br />
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<b>Others will point to New Testament practices which continued to carry on the contemporary Jewish traditions of the time. We are without a doubt to sing and make melody in our hearts because we are to have a heart-felt relationship with our Lord. Singing stoically, stiltedly, unemotionally, without the heart, would be a trespass against this command. </b><br />
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<b>What happened between the writing of the Psalms (with all those instruments) and the Jews returning to Jerusalem from captivity? Had God given some command to remove the instruments from worship? According to some rabbinical writings, the Jews refrained from using instruments upon their return from Babylon as a result of seeing them used in pagan worship. They came back to Jerusalem determined not to reflect the pagan worship they had seen there. They remembered WHY God had sent them into captivity in the first place--because of their pagan worship practices (Ezekiel 6:9)</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Seven Important Things to Glean Here: </span></b><br />
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<b>1. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">There has never been a command from God</span> for the non-use of musical instruments in worship. The decision to remove musical instruments originated from man. Is it OK to continue this tradition? Well, of course. We see the apostolic fathers continue many of the Jewish traditions after the establishment of the Kingdom. Do we condemn those who choose otherwise? That is not our place. Consider David using instruments and the angels in Heaven using instruments to praise God. Is it OK for us to choose them in worship? Well consider item 2. </b><br />
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<b>2. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">The existence of “synagogue” and synagogue worship</span>, synagogue officials/rulers/chiefs are purely an invention of man. The synagogues arose between the times of the Testaments. They were vehicles for both good and evil (Luke 4:44, Luke 21:12). The term, “synagogue” in the New Testament, is often preceded by the word “their”. In other words, “their synagogues” as opposed to God’s synagogue. There was never a command from God on the guidelines or use of synagogue worship, yet Jesus participated in it and never spoke against this aspect of Jewish life, except when it became a vehicle for persecution of saints (take heed!). Was it OK for Christ to worship in the tradition of the Jews? (Luke 4:16)</b><br />
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<b>3. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">During the 1st Century, there was freedom</span> in choosing celebrations and traditions of men as long as they did not contradict or get in the way of God’s mission or there had not been a direct command from God. The Apostles, after the death of Christ, still visited synagogue, made Jewish vows, and kept the feasts and hours of prayer, much of which were merely traditions of men. </b><br />
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<b>4. <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">When envisioning worship</span> </span>we would do best to revisit the New Testament in earnest. What is worship? How was it laid out during the initial years? We see that the saints met daily and fellowshipped daily. They dedicated themselves to learning, praying, serving, teaching, testifying, baptizing, and sharing daily. There have never been just the so called “5 acts of worship”. </b><br />
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<b>These very familiar 5-finger sermons were vehicles to teach illiterate pioneers. They were easy to memorize when Bibles were scarce. These 5-finger sermons should not confine us in this present information age. We know that God commanded our worship to take on more than just 5 acts. We know for instance that we are to come together and confess our sins one to another, to bare one another burdens, restore the weak, to testify to the power of God working in our lives, to stimulate one another to love and good works. Are these acts of worship? Romans 12 says that they are!</b><br />
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<b>5. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">You will find that Jewish writers</span> often described the “what” but rarely the “how" to do something. Arguments began with early Christian fathers on “how to” baptize someone. Should it be in running water (stream) or stagnant water? Should the person being baptized be completely naked or clothed? Should you require a believer to wait before being baptized and show some form of repentance first? The “how to” in MANY areas of religious thought became the crossroads for many splits and arguments among not only early Christians, but up unto this very day. </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">THE CRUX OF THE MATTER</span></b><br />
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<b>If God did not give the “how to”, then do we have freedom to determine the “how?” Ahhh, this is the crux of the matter! When do we have freedom and when are we bound? We have had some directives from men that often determined our practices. These guidelines usually sound something like this:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>• Is it commanded?</b><br />
<b>• Is it exemplified?</b><br />
<b>• Is it expedient?</b><br />
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<b>The problems arise in the latter two. Is it exemplified? Is it expedient? We like to pick and choose which examples we follow and which verses we translate for use with expediency. Do we call the elders to anoint us with oil? Do we sell our goods and have everything in common? Do we meet daily in fellowship? Allow women to pray, speak forth, become deaconesses (Acts 2:16-18; 21:9; 1 Cor 11:5; Romans 16:1-2)? Are our collections only sent to non-local works (1 Cor 16:1-3) as directed by Paul? Do we lift holy hands (1 Tim 2:8)? </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">The Devil wins EVERY argument</span> for or against any modern consideration of worship UNLESS we humble ourselves and love one other while re-evaluating our sacrificial life and worship to God. Would I recommend splitting a congregation over my preferences for worship? If I did that, I would be DEVOID of the Spirit. (Jude 1:19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.) </b><br />
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<b>Please be aware that there are pitfalls no matter which tradition or format (the “how to”) you decide to follow. The stoic, emotionless tradition of “decency and in order” (a phrase taken WAY out of context!) or the “contemporary” version, both have the potential of Satan entering into the hearts and minds of those who participate in either version.</b><br />
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<b>A. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Contemporary Worship Pitfalls:</span> Two videos to demonstrate how worship of self and self preferences can become a stumbling block to exalting God.</b><br />
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<b>• Sing of your love on Sunday <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I </a></b><br />
<b>• Contemporary Worship<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RJBd8zE48A" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RJBd8zE48A</a></b><br />
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<b>These are critiques of what might go wrong in worship for those who follow “modern” worship practices. The Devil works on all of us to pervert our ability to truly worship God. Sometime we think we have to have an emotional high to say we have truly worshiped. If you have felt that way, then you might want to contemplate this video.</b><br />
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<b>• <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_71356&feature=iv&src_vid=Rf72L962E6A&v=kbnJWlFjSFk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_71356&feature=iv&src_vid=Rf72L962E6A&v=kbnJWlFjSFk</a></b><br />
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<b>B. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Stoic, Post-Constantine Worship Pitfalls:</span> God wants our whole self (heart, mind, soul, and energy) He would be jealous if we did not give Him everything. 4th Century worship practices resulted in an audience with pulpit performances. Have you ever judged a “service” by the talent of the preacher, the length of the sermon, the song leader’s ability, the pace of the songs, the number of stanzas being sung, the length of a prayer or the announcements? Have you ever wanted to raise your hands or fall on your knees, but refrained for fear of what others might think?</b><br />
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<b>Have you ever wished you could ask a question, get some clarification, or make a comment? Have you ever wanted to share a personal issue or give a joyful testimony, but realized it might not be an acceptable thing to others in the service? Have you ever felt like part of an "audience". If you answered, “yes” to any one of these, then you have experienced the pitfalls of a post-Constantine worship service. </b><br />
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<b>Sing, Shout, Praise, Call out, Rejoice, Bow Down, Lift Hands, Kneel, or Falling on the Face are some of the ways believers exhibited their love and thanksgiving to God according to New Testament Scripture. (Don't see "stoic," emotionless characteristics in Scripture anywhere in reference to thanksgiving, praise or worship.) Along the same lines, it might be important to note that there are other ways to demonstrate how we worship and express our thankfulness. Scripture tells us that we show our thanksgiving to God by the way we choose to live our lives.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">Thanksgiving is more than words, it is action</span>. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 & Colossians 4:2-6 tell us that testifying and sewing the seed of the Kingdom are glorious ways to give thanksgiving to God.</b><br />
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<b>Up until the late 4th century, worship was not stoic, subdued, stilted, or quiet. The Reformation Movement also had much to do with how we view worship, not Scripture. This movement began much earlier than the Restoration Movement. Thomas Paine’s, “The Age of Reason; being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology” refuted the supernatural working of God in the lives of the faithful, exchanging miracles and supernatural for reason and mental assent. Formulating worship as merely involving the reason and mind. </b><br />
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<b>Many other writers and reformers influenced how the Restoration fathers campaigned against involvement of the emotions during worship. They saw Christianity as logical with ethical behavior patterns and rules of reason (checklists)—to be completely comprehended with the mind with no external reaction or involvement of the Holy Spirit necessary. Today we would call this “intellectualism” which Jesus shunned. Jesus was looking for the heart in relationship, rejoicing, sincere prayerfulness, thankfulness, faithfulness (stepping out without sight) and fearless trust. You might be interested in reading through this short resource:</b><br />
<b>• <a href="http://www.zachicks.com/blog/2012/4/9/was-early-church-worship-reserved-and-stoic.html" target="_blank">http://www.zachicks.com/blog/2012/4/9/was-early-church-worship-reserved-and-stoic.html </a></b><br />
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<b>6. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">It was Constantine</span>, a non-baptized ruler, in the 4th century who took worshippers out of small interactive worship practices in the home and placed them in repurposed large pagan temples (Basilicas) with a podium facing a non-interactive, passive audience. He dictated a hierarchy of “ordained” clergy (people who told believers what to think, do and how to do it), and the liturgy (order of worship, i.e. 2 songs and a prayer, Scripture reading, lesson, and sacraments). He dictated when to worship and how to worship. He prescribed that clergy would be responsible for sharing the gospel, baptizing a sinner, and taking confessions. </b><br />
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<b>A “layperson” (regular, “non-ordained” person, who does not have the knowledge or abilities of an “ordained” professional), had the responsibility <span style="color: #660000;">to show up, shut up, and to give up a portion of their means.</span> </b><br />
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<b>It was also Constantine who made “church” a place instead of a “calling”. In fact the word “church” never appears in translations of Scripture until after Constantine. Pre-Constantine translations used appropriate contextual terms for “ecclesia” or “called out” or “house hold of God” all of which infer to relationship and purpose, not a place. </b><br />
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<b>Constantine’s regime took all responsibility of being “ON MISSION” for God, called out and being sent out, from the repertoire of ordinary Christians. As long as members were “good”, nice moral folk who obeyed laws and legal edicts, attended services, and didn’t cause any problems, they were assured eternal life….. And that is how the “legalistic checklists” began. Unfortunately, we have not been very successful in shaking this vision of “church”. Yes, if truth be told, we have successfully restored the 4th Century church of Constantine (c of C). </b><br />
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<b>7. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">If you had been raised in isolation </span>on a desert island with a New Testament and wanted to honor God by imitating His Vision for the First Century Church, you would never imagine the post-Constantine legacy. Instruments or no, have nothing to do with how we have forsaken our first love – LIVING the Commission of Christ!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">The question now remains, “What should be done?”</span> Seeing how Jesus accepted the synagogue model which eventually transitioned into Christian tradition, it doesn’t seem detrimental to our spiritual health to give some credence to traditions of men when not specified otherwise by God. But the Devil will win EVERY TIME if we argue over our traditions among ourselves, especially when we don’t realize that most of what we see as sacred is truly 4th Century tradition and not God-inspired commands. </b><br />
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<b>My dad preached for 55 years and raised his hands as he prayed over a baptism in the tradition of the Hebrew priests who raised their hands in expectation of God’s blessings. He also knelt to pray when he led a public prayer. I recently read a church history which denoted when the men stopped kneeling in leading the public prayer. Apparently, this change in posture was significant enough to be mentioned. The historical account spoke of the early 1950’s when the first microphones were added to the pulpit. These were big clunky, stiff devices which were not easily moved and thus the men began to stand to lead public prayer. Do we even know when and why our traditions change or where they originated? We often use poor hermeneutics to justify why we do what we do. When, in fact, we are following traditions of men.</b><br />
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<b>We have spent sooooooo much time and energy arguing over our (3 songs and a prayer) liturgy that God must be truly pained and disappointed (they will know you by your love for one another). We must remember that early Jewish writers were concerned more with the “what” then the “how”. We are told to partake of the Lord’s Supper but never told the logistics of that command (one cup, one loaf, songs between the cup and the loaf, etc) but rather the motive. Worshipping God in spirit and in truth has to do with the heart, not Constantine’s legacy. </b><br />
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<b>NONE of the judgment scenes in the New Testament depict us being taken out of the Book of Life because of “how to” practices in our 1 hour assemblies. ALL of the judgment scenes in the New Testament deal with how we approach our God-given mission of serving Christ and others through daily sacrificial living. </b><br />
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<b>You might not want to know my opinion on musical instruments in worship and I am fully aware that my opinion accounts for nothing at all. However, I thought you might like to know that I don’t really have an opinion. I have been in both kinds of worship formats and seen performance-oriented vanity in both, apathetic participation in both, and been uplifted and full of praise in both. Will I force my preference on you? Absolutely not! </b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000;">I’m sure of this one thing…God will not accept worship that is heartless. God will not accept worship that does not bring Him glory, honor, and praise. God will not accept worship that violates His initial vision for the Bride of Christ. God will not accept worship that is "separate and apart from our daily lives" and only expressed during 1 hour a week. </span></b><br />
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<b>We are often influenced by a few prominent writers/preachers and out-spoken popular publications which try to define us as a fellowship in ways that God never intended. Our prayer should be as Christ followers, “that we are all one as He and the Father are One”. That we spend our time in His mission instead of fighting among ourselves over things that have nothing to do with God’s intended purpose for us. </b><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000;">TRUE WORSHIP</span></strong><br />
<b> </b><b><span style="color: #660000;">We have fought over the 1 hour a week more than we have striven to fulfill the purpose of our mission from God</span>—seeking and saving those who are in darkness. We made it “the most important thing we do” which is nowhere noted, inferred, or intended in Scripture, therefore, such a statement is a false teaching. The assembly is important, but not for the reasons we have often heard. It is important to motivate us to love and good works – to get out there, to GO, to make the Will of God priority in our lives. It is our refueling station, remembering who we are and who our Lord is and what He has done and is doing for us. It is our rededication to our mission. <span style="color: #660000;">Assembly worship is NOT our mission</span>! We have cloistered ourselves in our Basilicas long enough instead of “GOING” and we think we are worshipping in spirit and in truth. </b><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000;">MY PRAYER</span></strong>: <strong>God help us to wake up to Your call and to get out of our post-Constantine stupor before You return and find that we have “lost our first love”, that we are “lukewarm”, self-indulgent, and have “little power” because we have been blinded by the kinds of tradition that truly <u>do</u> keep us from the Will of God. (Rev 2 & 3). </strong><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Other Resources: </span></b><br />
<b>• What Happens When the Church Copies the World</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/170623-joe-mckeever-happens-when-the-church-copies-the-world.html#.UllUaZBzCSg.email">http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/170623-joe-mckeever-happens-when-the-church-copies-the-world.html#.UllUaZBzCSg.email</a></span></b><br />
<b>• You will need to order it from MRN <a href="http://www.mrnet.org/library">http://www.mrnet.org/library</a></b><br />
<b>• The “Shallow Small Group” <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMyTMTmJU6E" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMyTMTmJU6E </a></b>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-48723510482841429822013-11-26T12:58:00.001-08:002013-11-27T15:47:09.618-08:00Lesson 13: Post-Modern Pagans <strong>Please allow me to state that I was compelled to write this lesson after reading “How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home” By: Barrett Johnson </strong><br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/k375q8f"><strong>http://tinyurl.com/k375q8f</strong></a><strong> I felt there was much more to say on the subject. </strong><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong>Post-Modern Pagans in the American Church</strong></span><br />
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<strong>The first Century church went into the world to preach the good news to a pagan world. Not too long afterwards, the pagan world fought back by requiring every good citizen to show their allegiance to Caesar. A true Roman citizen would bow before the statue of Caesar and pay homage to him as “ Dominus et Deus” (master and god) . Some Christians attempted to please both Christ and man by stopping at the foot of the statue to tie their shoe laces. </strong><br />
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<strong>After reading the article “How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home” by Barrett Johnson, it dawned on me that this problem maybe much larger than just with our kids. This next statement here may be the most critical one you read in this article. I believe many well-meaning Bible-believing churches are mentoring seekers into becoming post-modern pagans. The basis of this statement is purely founded on my own experiences and observations—purely anecdotal in nature. But don’t dismiss these observations without examining your own personal experiences because we all have pagan tendencies.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">So what is a post-modern pagan?</span> This is not someone who carves an idol out of wood and then worships it, prays to it or gives it sacrifices. A post-modern pagan is one who often looks the part of a true Christian believer, but whose life is so wrapped up in worldly pursuits, hobbies, and consumption of entertainment, that there is no real dimension or depth to their professed faith. If we are one of these pagans then we are shallow when it comes to a sacrificial relationship with God and yet, very deep when it comes to football statistics, social events, latest movies and entertainment groups. We are stoic and sullen in a post-Constantine worship service and hysterically over-joyed at a rock concert or sporting event.</strong><br />
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<strong>We have barely any memory for Scripture but have memorized every song on the country & western radio. If we know Scripture, it has not turned our lives upside down. It has not motivated us to continually communicate in love the joy of our salvation. Our brains freeze up trying to tell the gospel story or when attempting a testimony of praise but we can rattle off detailed critiques on political issues, current events, or the Friday night playoffs. </strong><br />
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<strong>Christ knew folks like us well and often rendered His harshest judgments to them. "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But these testify of me.” He wasn’t looking for people with all the right answers, He was looking for people who wanted to build a close covenant relationship with HIM. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What is a post-modern pagan?</span> Well, it’s quite simple. We all have a bit of pagan in us. Praise be to God we can learn to give over our pagan lives and worship the Creator instead of ourselves. We have been taught to show up and shut up for corporate non-interactive worship. There is no room for emotion or unfettered praise. But we are all pleased to demonstrate our joyous exaltation in seeing someone run across a one-yard line, shoot a monumental deer, catch a fairly decent fish or twirl two batons at one time. </strong><br />
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<strong>We have misplaced our glory in the cross of Christ and given it to praising narcissistic children or selfish interests. We hear from our own lips a continuous stream of praise for everything but how Christ has transformed the ones we love, “he/she is so smart, so talented, so beautiful, so accomplished.” How does this make us pagan? We have made this life and personal accomplishments our gods. </strong><br />
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<strong>We worship the created and have not given our lives over to the Creator of the Universe. Our goals and those we have set for our children are devoid of the sacrificial calling we have in Christ Jesus, love for the lost and those in need.</strong><br />
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<strong>Being good and moral is the fruit of a moral pagan. As Johnson states, “The gospel is not about making bad people moral, but about making dead people alive. If we teach morality without the transforming power of the gospel and the necessity of a life fully surrendered to God's will, then we are raising moral pagans. “</strong><br />
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<strong>I would add that if we teach morality without sacrificial transformation, we are merely placing a band aid over cancer. It may look good, but the result is certain death. The wearer of such a band aid eventually abandons it, like so many of folks who will eventually abandon their shallow faith.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What is it we want our children to become?</span> </strong><br />
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<strong>The lesson is simple, if we want them to become concert pianists, then they must practice and dedicate themselves to a daily life at the piano. If we want them to become servants of God, then they must practice and dedicate each day to a life of sacrifice and service. If we want them to become pagan dancers, then…. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Maxim: You don’t just wake up one day and become a concert pianist.</span> </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">We Are What We Practice</span></strong><br />
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<strong>How money is budgeted, how time is spent all week long, all year long, how priorities are set, how checklists are made so that we appear “good” may result in nothing to do with depending fully on God, His grace and mercy and lovingly submitting to His call and mission in the world. Where our treasure is, there is our happiness. Where are we when we feel real joy?</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">A post-modern pagan is one who</span> stoops at the foot of the Cross, but their hearts are far from carrying that cross. Like many first Century Christians who stooped to tie their shoes at the foot of Caesar’s statue so that they appeared to be worshipping him; They comforted themselves by thinking that their hearts were still faithful to Christ. These folks were only deceiving themselves. In like manner, showing up for a Sunday assembly and going through the “shoe-tying” motions only makes for a post-modern kind of self-deception. </strong><br />
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<strong>When we view Scripture as something to be debated or defended instead of the power of God to revive the dead and to transform and convict, we have a diminutive view of Scripture. We have made winning arguments our god. We have made intellectualism our god. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">As a post-modern pagan we may say</span> we believe in God, but live as if we are practicing atheists. We neither trust Him nor rely on Him in daily matters of the heart. He is the “Santa Claus” God we pray to when we want something. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">A pagan’s relationship with God</span> is no different than the relationship we have with a birthday candle wish or wishing on a star. Too often our prayers are merely “punctuation” prayers at the end or beginning of an event—more ritualistic than relational. We have very little understanding of walking moment by moment in a continual prayerful relationship with our God. We go through the motions of making requests but have no intention of stepping out in faith, sight unseen, in loving obedience to the Gospel’s Great Commission. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Who or what have we made as our object of worship?</span> Let’s be honest in examining ourselves. Here is a list of reflections for us to consider.</strong><br />
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<strong>1. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">What we praise is what we worship</span>.</span> When was the last time you made a statement with “I’m so proud of….”? Did it refer to Christ or someone else? (Galatians 6:14) When was the last time you found yourself unable to stop talking about The Lord? </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">God demands our whole being...not just our mental assent!</span></strong><br />
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<strong>2. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What we do in our “off-time” tells more about us then what we do on Sunday morning. How have we spent our leisure time this week?</span> (James 1:27; Romans 12:1-2)</strong><br />
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<strong>3. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What we talk about is what we love</span>. Do we love to gossip? Love to expound on our latest purchases, accomplishments, or hobbies? Who or what do we talk about most? Who or what fills our thoughts throughout the day? (Luke 6:45)</strong><br />
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<strong>4. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What we prioritize in our day is what is most important to us</span>. What did we make time for today? What was our favorite activity? What did we think must be accomplished without delay? (Galatians 6:10)</strong><br />
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<strong>5. <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What we have faith in is what we depend on.</span> What did we do today that required full faith and dependence on God? Faith in our own abilities? Faith in our own financial status?</strong><br />
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<h3><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Too often, we are “drinking a cocktail that's a mix of the Protestant work ethic, the American dream, and the gospel. And we've intertwined them so completely that we can't tell them apart anymore. Our gospel has become a gospel of following your dreams and being good so God will make all your dreams come true. It's the Oprah god.” (Johnson)</span></h3><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">We have become post-modern pagans if</span> we have not crucified ourselves with Christ, denied our fleshly desires, and taken up our cross, our dedicated, committed lives to walk in faith, without sight, believing that God will accomplish His work in us. </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">We are pagans if we worship, praise, adore, and exalt things created instead of the Creator</span>. We are pagans if we depend on ANYTHING created instead of the Creator. We are moral pagans if we live our lives to please ourselves while trying to look good to others. </strong><br />
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<strong>Without transformation by the Holy Spirit and the cutting away of the flesh to make our hearts truly super sensitive to God’s Will (circumcision of the heart), we are leading a carnal, self-indulgent life. </strong><br />
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<strong>My confession is that I have fought my pagan tendencies most of my life. I am still fighting. I look to those who were once in the faith and now have left, those who are angry, anxious, contentious and poor mentors for a converted pagan. Does our witness produce the type of believer that has become more and more comfortable in their pagan luxuries and life-styles? Do we hold each other accountable for following in the foot steps of our crucified Lord? Have we "little power" (Rev 3:8) because of our lack of devotion and whole-body dedication (soul, mind, heart, and strength) to the God of the Universe?</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">EXAMINE YOURSELF</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Who is our master?</span> Who has dominion over our day, moment by moment? Whose priority is the focus of our life? Who do we shout to, cry to, proclaim, stand up for, fall on our knees before, and continually sacrifice to and praise? (Hebrews 13:15-16) Who do we applaud, witness for, and talk about?</strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">If we are pagans then we are not fooling God when we stop by on Sunday to tie our shoes before His Thrown.</span></strong><br />
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</span></strong></div>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-74745352273140469572013-11-21T12:57:00.002-08:002013-11-21T13:04:53.247-08:00Lesson 12: Praise & Sacrifice to the One we Love: Chapter 8 Crazy Love<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lesson 13: Praise & Sacrifice to the One we Love: Chapter 8 </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Chapter 8: Profile of the Obsessed – This chapter brings us into a better understanding of 2 main ideas: (1) Sacrificial love and (2) Sacrificial praise and acknowledgment of the mercy and grace of God. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Discuss 7 Things to know about someone you want to teach God’s plan for man</span>. As soon as you understand the answer is "no" to one of these questions, stop there and deal with it. Start where they are. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. Do they believe in God? If no, then help them to understand why you believe in God.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Internal Evidences (proclamations, prophecies, precision, and practicality)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">External Evidences (power, preservation, protection, price/sacrifice of writers, proliferation, pre-scientific discovery)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Scientific Theory </span>http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookener1.html </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Logic & Apologetics - <a href="http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4227385/k.236B/Blaise_Pascal_An_Apologist_for_Our_Times__A_Defense_of_Christianity_Ringing_True_Today.htm" target="_blank">Pascal</a></span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal">2. Do they believe in Eternity? If no, then help them understand the concept of Eternity (1 divided by 3) </div><div class="MsoNormal">3. Do they believe one day we will be judged by that God? If no, then discuss why you believe in judgment, restitution, accountability, justice. </div><div class="MsoNormal">4. Do they believe that the Bible is the true Word from God…a plan for man? If no, turn back to Internal Evidences and discuss the beauty of God’s Word </div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Do they believe that Jesus came from God to show us God’s Will for our lives? If no, then He was a lunatic, not a “good teachers”. </div><div class="MsoNormal">6. Do they believe that Jesus is the Son of God? See number 5</div><div class="MsoNormal">7. Do they believe that they are “in Christ”, saved by the blood of the cross? If no, then help them understand how to “get into Christ”. If yes, then examine Scripture as to how salvation takes place for the sin condition. Francis Chan on Baptism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXuIvievIA0 </div><div class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wXuIvievIA0" width="420"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal">If we are truly obsessed with Christ then, according to Crazy Love, we will be obsessed with two responses: (1) Sacrificial Love and (2) Sacrificial Praise for the One who has granted us life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I. SACRIFICIAL LOVE:</span></b> Jesus said that we would be no better than Pharisees if we only showed support and love towards those who already love us. If we walk in the foot prints of Jesus, our love must go beyond our friends and family to reach the meanest and lowliest. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Quotes from Chapter 8</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back. OUCH!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom spreading throughout the earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress. OUCH!!!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him (1John 2:4-6; Matt 16:24-26)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don’t always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(Luke 14:25-35; Matt 7:13-23; 8:18-22; Rev. 3:1-6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be “humble enough, “ and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known (Matthew 5:16)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people (Matt 13:44; John 15:8).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Obsessed people are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world (James 2:14-26)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don’t put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A Person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4).</span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">2. <b>SACRIFICIAL PRAISE</b>:</span> If you truly love someone you spend time talking to them, edifying them, building them up and supporting their life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life, continually saying, “Thank You!” to God. An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role as child and friend of God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Obsessed people praise God and acknowledge His movement in their lives moment by moment and step by step.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Obsessed people can praise God by telling the story of Jesus -- relating His mercy and grace to their own lives.</span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Audio File--Listen to:</b> <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/important_question.mp3" target="_blank">“The most important question”</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Group Activity</b>: Sitting in a circle, each person will have 15 seconds to tell a part of the Story of Jesus. The first person who starts will begin with "God loved us so much that He made the world to be a paradise". Each person will add to the story and may go back to add a little more to the person in the circle directly next to them. This is OUR story and should be presented with more than just mere facts, but with an obsessed heart for Jesus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>FINAL NOTES</b>: Falling in love with Jesus and yearning for His presence in our hearts is the epitome of the Christian walk. With Jesus on the throne, His Mission will be done in all things. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is the difference between raising children who “act nice” and raising children who are in love with Christ? Telling the story of Christ in such a way that children will desire to have: (1) Sacrificial Love for God through obedience and (2) Sacrificial and unconditional Praise for God.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">READ “<b>How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home</b>”: <a href="http://infoforfamilies.com/blog/2013/11/13/how-to-raise-a-pagan-kid-in-a-christian-home#.UouE7sSmiSo">http://infoforfamilies.com/blog/2013/11/13/how-to-raise-a-pagan-kid-in-a-christian-home#.UouE7sSmiSo</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The jest of this article is that folks try to put a band aid on cancer to cover and hide its wretched appearance, but the disease is still eating away at our very being. Helping children to “be nice” and to follow a moral code without sacrificing self on the cross and taking up the mission of Christ is like hiding behind a white-washed tomb. “The Gospel is not about making bad people moral. It’s about making dead people alive!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“If we teach children to act nice without the transforming power of the Gospel and the necessity of a life fully surrendered to God’s will, then we are raising moral pagans.” <b>Transformation is the key. Not trying harder, but letting Him in! Those who are transformed by the Spirit will follow sacrificially in the footsteps of Jesus and will bear MUCH fruit. <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you Raise Christian Children in a Christian Home? (Meditate! on this)</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>LOVING the UNLOVABLE and LIVING in the PRAISE & PRESENCE of God.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This week the Devil knew I was teaching this topic so he hit me really hard. A very difficult situation arose at work for not only for me but my whole tech crew. We had some disappointing news and some misunderstandings and some hurt feelings and some disgusted folks (myself included.) </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>But instead of chewing on my anger, I began to praise God. I didn't like how it felt at first, but I remembered one of my favorite verses: </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ps 22:3 “You are Holy, You inhabit (are married to, abide in) the praises of (Israel) your people.”</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling lonely? Feeling defeated? Praise Him! ….and there He is! ;-) </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>God was with me! He supported me because I refused to succumb to "a natural man" reaction. In the following day, He showed me His power by setting everything "right" and calming fears and healing wounds. God is great! </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Homework:</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our homework this week is to study the little paragraph below and to follow its guidelines for producing a testimony of praise. If God lives in the praise of His people, then we need to make sure we are well versed in praising Him among the nations (heathens). These guidelines are t<span style=" color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>aken from the blog post “How to Give a Testimony (of Praise) the RIGHT Way” by Bobby Gilles</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The Psalms provide the pattern for people to express their own thanksgiving, and the structure … is not complicated. The opening declaration (“I will give thanks to the Lord”) contains the reason for the praise (“because he is faithful”); then there is a report of the dilemma that was faced (“I was surrounded by enemies”) and the deliverance (“he heard my prayer” and “he delivered me”); this is followed by the full declaration of praise (“God is faithful to those who love him”); and finally, the conclusion offers a word of encouragement to others (“Seek the LORD while he may be found”). It is not difficult to train folks to construct their own thanksgiving with such a pattern.”</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Many people feel uncomfortable giving a testimony. They say, “The minute I open my mouth, I forget what to say. I either ramble on for too long or I don’t say anything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Teach them how to give an effective, but short, testimony using the psalmic template described above. </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style=" background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">See <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2057&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalms 57</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%20136&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalms 136</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style=" background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For example:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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1.Opening declaration: “I want to thank the Lord today.” Reason for the praise: “He is so good to me.”</span><br />
2. Dilemma that was faced: “I had open-heart surgery to unblock three arteries.”</span><br />
3. Deliverance: “God guided the hand of the doctor. It was a long surgery, but I came through.”</span><br />
4. Full declaration of praise: “God has kept me all these years. He’s prolonged my days here, and I want to use whatever time I have left to magnify His name.”</span><br />
5. Word of encouragement: “Don’t waste your life on foolish things. You don’t know how much time you have. Seek the Lord’s will for your life, and tell everyone you know about Him.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">HOMEWORK Read below</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I. Practice your testimony<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">II. Practice Sacrificial Love this season<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">MY THOUGHTS ABOUT SACRIFICIAL LOVE</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ok, if you are a Christian and you believe in the birth of Christ, then let's talk seriously about Christmas and how we can imitate God's gift of our Savior.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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1. Let's get the first argument out of the way: Whether or not Christ was born in December is of little importance here. Paul says we can hold special days as holy to ourselves (Romans 14:5-6) End of<br />
argument.</span><br />
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2. Christmas is not "a magical time of the year". Magic is condemned as evil. Throughout Scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, all forms of witchcraft and magic are in violation of God's law and are condemned. (Deuteronomy 18:10-16; Leviticus 19:26, 31, 20:27; Acts 13:8-10).</span><br />
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However, Christmas CAN be a time of great blessings and joy with family, friends, and the needy.</span><br />
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3. Moving on: Jesus is no longer a baby and must be remembered (according to Scripture) for His great sacrifice, not the day of His birth. So during the Christmas Holidays, let's become sacrificial instead of greedy consumers. Who NEEDS more "stuff"?</span><br />
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Can we not practice true Christianity and organize our family events around sacrificial love for those who are truly in need? Serving sacrificially brings deep and lasting "joy" to our lives.</span><br />
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Parents, teach your children to look for things that are truly needed by others instead of looking in online catalogs for more "junk" they will not want in 2 weeks.</span><br />
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Let's challenge ourselves, our family members, and our Christian brothers & sisters to kick the materialistic and consumeristic addictions this year.</span><br />
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Sacrificial giving should be the habit of Christ followers if we truly see the Vision of God. Share the Light and share the necessities of life this season. Compassionately look for those who are truly in need. Become a blessing to others in the Name of the One who blessed us (Matthew 10:42) Resource: Praise: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Resources:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style=" color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Consummation of Joy: </span><a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/praise-the-consummation-of-joy">http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/praise-the-consummation-of-joy</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Crazy Love by Francis Chan, </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Multiply by Francis Chan & Mark Beuving </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b> Transcend by Matt Smay</b></div><br />
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</div>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-27205139645428737282013-11-14T14:09:00.002-08:002013-11-14T14:18:26.693-08:00Lesson 11: The GREAT COMMISSION: Crazy Love Chapter 7 and Transcending<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">THE GREAT COMMISSION</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">7 TIPS FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL</span></b></div>
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<b>Taken From www.vergenetwork.org Guest post by Nick Barker</b><br />
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</b> <b>We’ve all felt it. That lingering mixed feeling of anxiety and guilt. It comes from sitting next to someone at work for a year without telling them about Jesus. It comes from wanting to invite our neighbors to Missional Community or Sunday morning, but never actually doing it. Why is it that sharing the gospel and inviting others into community are usually accompanied with so much uneasiness? It is vital that we continue to wrestle with these tensions and resolve them.</b><br />
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</b> <b>As we work through how to go about faithfully sharing the gospel, here are some 6 helpful tips for evangelism:</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I . Pray</span></b><br />
<b>FOR REAL. Spend time praying that the Holy Spirit would lead us on mission. Jesus instructs his disciples to wait for the sending of the Spirit (Acts 1:4-5) before they go out on mission. The same is true for us today. The reality is that no fruit will come from our missional efforts if they aren’t saturated with prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. </b><br />
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</b> <b>We often discuss how the 1st Century church went “into all the world and spread the Gospel” from house to house. But we often forget to mention that they began each day with the power of Spirit-filled, steadfast, continuous prayer. </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 1:14 – steadfast in prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 1:24 – they prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 2:42- steadfast in prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 3:1 – went to the temple to pray<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 4:31 – when they had prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 6:4 – steadfast in prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 9:11 – behold he prays<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 9:40 kneeled down and prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:2, 4 – prayed to God always<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:9 – housetop to pray<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:30-31 – hour of prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 11:5 – in Joppa praying<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 12:5 – prayed earnestly<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 12:12 – together praying<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 13:3 – fasted and prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 14:23 – prayed and fasted<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 16:13 – place of prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 16:16 – place of prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 16:25 –praying and singing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 20:36 – kneeled down and prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 21:5 – we prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 22:17 – I prayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 28:8 – prayed & laid hands on him<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A community of faith should be in continual prayer. The prayers in Acts were Not <u>Punctuation Prayers</u> that open or close a service or start a meal or a function. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To Begin sharing the Light we Need Continual (Steadfast) Prayers for:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Community—fellow laborers with God’s Vision (Luke 10:2)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Courage, (Ephesians 3:16)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Patience, (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Opportunities for doors to open & to KNOW how to respond (Colossians 4:3-6)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Creativity,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The devil to stay away from your opportunities and from the soil (planting tares, “Get Behind Me Satan”) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The harvest (John 4:35) good soil for God to germinate the Gospel Response<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">II. See your Missional Community (MC) as a Team</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">“When we aim for community we get neither community nor mission. When we aim for mission we get both.” Matt Carter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Work together with your MC on ways to share the gospel. It may be easier and less intimidating for someone else to share the gospel with the co-worker you invited over. Furthermore, we believe that God uses his church to reflect the gospel. This can be done as communities work together to intentionally display and declare the good news.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus sent His disciples out 2 by 2…never alone. (Paul & Barnabas, Paul & Silas, etc.) Do not think that you are in this alone. Strive to build small group relationships with mission-minded brothers and sisters in Christ where you can share your struggles and where you can ask for wisdom, debrief about your encounters, and gain strength from prayers of agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Practice your testimony, your Gospel sharing techniques, and your story with your MC. Ask them to help you hone your testimony. Be ready to ask questions and to find answers together for ways to better share the message of Christ. Study together, pray together, share and communicate regularly. Keep each other encouraged and uplifted for the work of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">III. Listen</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mission should be done with the posture of humility and compassion. A tangible way of doing this is actively listening to what people are saying. Knowing a person’s story will allow you a more faithful contextualization of the gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Relational evangelism requires listening, loving, compassion, service, and sharing. Don’t over-share! Find out where they are. What 7 things would you need to know about someone so that you might share the Light more effectively?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">IV. Tell the True Story</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">IS there MORE to life?</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what should we tell people about God? How should we do it? A good place to start is with presenting the overarching story of the Bible. By doing this we’ll be able to proclaim that Jesus is King, that he is working to right every wrong, and that he is restoring every broken part of this earth! Now that is good news! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you tell the story? Have you practiced making it meaningful and relevant? Can you express your faith beyond just stating dry facts? Is the “awesomeness” of the Gospel truly believed by you? Can you express the joy of your salvation? </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What Scriptures should you know to tell The Story?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Has Christ done a work in your life? Then tell someone! It may be just exactly what they need to hear, to give them faith that God can work in their life, too! God desires our witness, or confession of faith in Him-and that is the greatest Christian testimony of all. God wants you and me to partner with Him in the work He is doing! <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CIn%20evangelism%2C%20a%20good%20place%20to%20start%20is%20the%20overarching%20story%20of%20the%20Bible%3A%20creation%2C%20fall%2C%20redemption%2C%20renewal.%E2%80%9D&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1eyqHVL">“In evangelism, a good place to start is the overarching story of the Bible: creation, fall, redemption, renewal.”</a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Point 1: IS THERE ANXIETY? The reality, is that most of the anxieties that come from evangelism stem from Christians not believing the gospel themselves. Or even worse, they don’t believe that the gospel is good news. When sharing the gospel, tell of the powerful, all knowing God who is on a rescue mission to redeem His Creation!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 2: ARE YOU CONNECTED? Those who are connected to the vine will do the works of Christ and greater works because He went to the father. Those connected to the vine will bear much fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 3: IT’S NOT US, IT’S GOD: God’s mission in the world is to raise the dead to life and he has chosen us to do the same. The Father is working and we cannot sit on the sidelines. He wants us connected and engaged to bring others to Him so that we can help them to find the Father. None of us have an excuse. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We put too much emphasis on human ability instead of believing in the power of the Cross. “Paul I decided to know nothing among you except Christ and Him crucified. Not in eloquent words, because that would empty the power of the cross. Eloquence is not what we need. We need faith in the power of the cross.” Don’t empty the cross of its power! IT’S NOT ME, IT’S GOD who draws all men to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It's Not About Intellect or Debate Skills</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span></strong><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul addresses the heart of Christian witnessing:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you <u>in weakness</u>, in fear, and in much trembling. And <u>my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words</u> of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your <u>faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.</u><span class="apple-converted-space"><u> </u></span>(1 Corinthians 2:1-5)</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 4: IT’S A LOVE STORY, NOT COLD FACTS. Resolve to just share the simple truth in love…not the cold facts in pride. Do we really believe that the Gospel is amazing and that God will work through simple, weak, testimony? Do we have confidence in the Father and Christ to draw people to Himself? </span></b><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Power of our Story Rests in Jesus Alone!</span></strong><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A mission-minded man was asked this question, “</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How do you know if God is working in your life? That God has placed this person in your path and prepared the soil in his heart. The man answered, “Well, if God puts them next to me, then I’m going to assume that God placed them there because I have the Light that this person needs.”<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 5: GOD KNOWS THE HARVEST. Just because you find that nothing is happening doesn’t mean that God is not working. You may only be the planter and someone else may be the one who gets to harvest. I have often prayed for God to allow me to see the harvest…He has often answered that prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We need to stop judging failure and success through numbers. Jeremiah would have been a failure. Isaiah would have been a failure. Noah, Amos, and Malachi, and even Jesus would have been deemed a failure if we think that numbers are how God will judge us. No, it is our faithfulness in declaring the Gospel and our faith to know that God’s word will not return to Him void. He will judge us by whether we deny Him or whether we speak for Him. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 6: YOU ARE FOR ME OR AGAINST ME. We have to believe that there is a cosmic battle and we are either in it for Christ or a servant of Satan. Satan has the ability to detract us from our testimony….to shut our mouths, to keep us from declaring the day of the Lord. God has given you a place in the world that only you can fill. He has put you next to those who need to see the Light. He has placed you in a unique position of influence. All it takes is you to have enough faith to step out and walk in His mission. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">V. Preach the Gospel to yourself Daily</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We constantly need to be reminded of, and be transformed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus. As we are sent into the world with the message of life, we must deeply know, delight, contemplate, and give thanks for the gospel. Remember, it is “out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Point 1: Practice praising God… as you walk day by day and moment by moment. Praise is more powerful than what appears to be “self-righteous preaching”. Say this verse OVER & OVER to yourself, “My Holy GOD ABIDES in the PRAISE of His people.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Psalms 22:3 “You are Holy, God inhabits (is married to, abides in) the praises of “ His people (Israel). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">You desire God to be near you? In you? Then praise Him!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Point 2: Practice Telling His Story. How would you relate the story of Christ to others?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Research for Parents<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">According to recent research completed by Dr. Cheryl Crawford, “Kids who cannot articulate their faith are most likely to walk away from it. “ She recommends that families hold discussions with deeper questions like, “So tell me about your relationship with God…” <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Often as parents we have chatty time or what Dr Crawford calls, “non-relevant junk talk” with our kids. Parents not only need to take time to focus on faith talk, deep questions and listening to answers, but to talk to their children about “being on mission for Christ moment by moment.” Parents should learn to develop their own testimonies and faith talk to model for their children. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Point 3: What we cannot easily talk about, we <i>really do not</i> <u>know</u> or <i>own. </i> The ease by which we can witness/testify for Christ is a good benchmark of our faith. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+6:12&version=NASB">1 Timothy 6:12</a> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the <u>good confession</u> in the presence of <u>many witnesses</u>.</span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+1:6&version=NASB">1 Corinthians 1:6</a> </span></b><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="text"><sup>5 </sup>that in everything you were enriched in Him, <u>in all speech</u> and all knowledge,</span> <span class="text"><sup>6 </sup><u>even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you</u>,</span></span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+1:8&version=NASB">2 Timothy 1:8</a> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Therefore <u>do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord</u></span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+5:11&version=NASB">1 John 5:11</a> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>And the testimony is this; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.</u></span></b></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is your testimony?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">VI. Faithfully Expect God to Work</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Do we believe that God is doing something through us? Do we believe that we are his agents here on earth? Do we believe that He is going to use us to transform lives?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here’s what God has brought me to understand in my Christian walk; He not only prepares the soil (situation, people, events, open doors) so we can sow the seed, but He is the one who germinates the seed that we sow. If our prayers are not as Paul requested, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</b> <b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:3&version=NASB">Colossians 4:3</a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">…then we will never know the joy of being in the mission of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My experiences have been many, but the most memorable was recently when I was “</span>accidentally<span style="font-size: small;">” taken to a house and found the woman there reading Acts 8 and asking questions about true conversion, transformation, and baptism. No one, save God, could have opened such a wide door. Just as Peter was brought to Cornelius, Philip to the Eunuch, Paul to Lidia, God still brings people into our lives –strategically-- so that we can share the Light. “Lo, I am with you always….”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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</span></b> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>VII. Practice Sacrificial Love</b></span><br />
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</b></span> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is important that you understand that the Missional Calling of the Lord's people is not a part time calling. It is a full out commission for our every day lives. Matthew 28's commission is correctly translated to mean "AS YOU GO into all the World, preach the Gospel". It is an on-going commission with no retirement system. It will take your time, energy, funds, patience, love, </span>commitment<span style="font-size: small;"> and submission to the Spirit of God. </span> </span></b><br />
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</span></span></b> <b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We "go" because we are in love with the One who sent us. We share because we cannot stop from speaking the over-flow of our heart. But in the world's eyes, this will look like it is costing a great price. ...and it is! But we have found the Kingdom, something more precious that gold or silver. We have been given gracious, merciful love and we can only return it with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength because He First Loved Us! Praise God. </span></span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b style="background-color: #f6f6f6; line-height: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CWe%20constantly%20need%20to%20be%20reminded%20of%2C%20and%20be%20transformed%20by%20the%20Cross%20and%20Resurrection%20of%20Jesus.%E2%80%9D&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1eyqHVL">“We constantly need to be reminded of, and be transformed by the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus.”</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=%E2%80%9CMission%20should%20be%20done%20with%20the%20posture%20of%20humility%20and%20compassion.%E2%80%9D&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1eyqHVL">“Mission should be done with the posture of humility and compassion.”</a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="line-height: 18.75pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">HOMEWORK: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">(1) Chapter 8 Crazy Love </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">(2) Fill in the 7 things you should know about someone you will teach the Gospel to</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">(3) Practice telling the Amazing Story of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-83917323612441511292013-11-08T11:47:00.001-08:002013-11-14T13:42:24.159-08:00Lesson 10: Crazy Love & Transcend chapters 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>Discussing Chapter 7 Crazy Love and Final Review of Transcend</b></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/11/lesson-10-crazy-love-transcend-chapters.html#testimony" target="_blank">Click Here: Post for Parents</a></span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>"By now you've probably realized that you have a distinct choice to make: Just let life happen, which is tantamount to serving God your leftovers, or actively running toward Christ..." with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. </b></span><br />
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</b></span> <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>Worshiping, praising, glorifying, and serving God by sacrificial living is our C</b></span><b style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">alling. </b><br />
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</b> <b style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ told a woman, a Samaritan woman, who was NOT a Biblical Greek or Hebrew scholar, that she was to worship God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). What did He mean? This message was not complicated or cloaked in mystery. It was an answer to "what place do we worship God" and the answer was....continually and everywhere!</span></b><br />
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</b> <b style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Continually walk with Him (aletheia -the Truth, the Way, and the Life) breath by breath (pneuma-Spirit). As we take in a breath, we respond with praise and glory for God. </b><br />
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</b> <b style="font-size: x-large;">May my steps be worship</b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">May my thoughts be praise </b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">May my words bring honor to your Name</b><br />
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</b> <b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">We cannot be pleasing to God if we think about worshiping only in a certain place. We worship God hand in hand, breath by breath, moment by moment and then come together (assemble) to remind each other to continue with our sacrificial living-wholesale surrender-- for the One who sacrificed for us (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11). </span></b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ask yourself, "What am I doing right now for God that actually requires faith?"</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">God doesn't call us to be comfortable or safe. He doesn't even call us to place family or friendship, entertainment or hobbies above His Cause. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we have to rely totally upon Him. </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">True joy comes from truly trusting in the One who never forsakes.</span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">John clearly tells us that "whoever claims to live in Him must <u>walk as Jesus did</u>" (1 John 2:6). </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">But we barely understand just what that looks like in our American, cozy, safe, privileged rich culture. We are the "rich man" and Lazarus is lying in the street cold and naked, dirty and unhealthy, lost and alone.</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>Idolatry</b></span><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> in American Culture</span></b></div><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Independence, Consumerism, Materialism and Narcissism are the idols of the American Culture which are creeping into the church making many people "unfruitful" and taking them </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">off-mission. </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b> <b style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">Some of our traditions for doing anything other than mission-minded service originated as early as the 4th Century AD.</b><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click Here for a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6793199831237894482#editor/target=post;postID=1995765265128310233;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=postname#Constantine" target="_blank">Quick Review of Constantine's Influence: 8 Points that you should be aware of</a>:</b></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click Here for video: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6793199831237894482#editor/target=post;postID=1995765265128310233;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=postname#CHURCH" target="_blank">Going Back to the Bible</a> (Can we shake "traditions" of men?)</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="testimony"><strong>RESEARCH for Parents: </strong></a></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">According to recent research completed by Dr. Cheryl Crawford, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Kids who cannot articulate their faith are most likely to walk away from it. “</b> She recommends that families hold discussions with deeper questions like, “So tell me about your relationship with God…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often as parents we have chatty time or what Dr Crawford calls, “non-relevant junk talk” with our kids. Parents not only need to take time to focus on faith talk, deep questions and listening to answers, but to talk to their children about “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">being on mission for Christ moment by moment</b>.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents should learn to develop their own testimonies and faith talk to model for their children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">What we cannot easily talk about, we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really do not</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>know</u></b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">own</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ease by which we can witness/testify for Christ is a good benchmark of our faith</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+6:12&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 Timothy 6:12</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">good confession</b> in the presence of many <b>witness</b>es.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+1:6&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">1 Corinthians 1:6</span></a></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="text"><sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">4 </span></sup></span><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28369">5 </span></sup>that in everything you were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">enriched in Him</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">in all speech</b> and all knowledge,</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text"><sup><span id="en-NASB-28370"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></span></sup>even as the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you,</b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+1:8&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">2 Timothy 1:8</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Therefore do not be ashamed of the <b>testimony</b> of our Lord <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+5:11&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 John 5:11</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the</b> <b>testimony</b> is this; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Praying that our children are given opportunities to hone their testimonies while it is not too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxKE-A_GDWVmh7xuc3AB3OFTKp6QpT_5QgH91S9V6oqfBpA6N87pdWrAR2sI-WncQTnP3Z6agU8dkT_ljL4KrIVpEOy6wNi05ViFz34Kkmc_E1762YrbRO0JRixKDSS1YMJyV2HJTb7IR/s1600/bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>VIDEO: Just 1 Phone Call - Phil Robertson</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b>HOMEWORK</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<ul><li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Read Chapter 7 and finish Transcend </span></b></li>
<li><b style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Reflect on, pray about, and then generate responses to these assignments. </b></li>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">(1) How can we change our "small group" experiences to better reflect the Vision of God?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">(2) Read Isaiah 58:2-14 and listen to what God is saying. Listen with your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Soooo much of this passage is what our God <i>still</i> asks of us. His nature has not changed. Bring some reflections to share with the group. </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">(3) Practice lifting someone's eyes upward. Hope you can share with us your experience of "stepping out in faith" this week.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lifting-Eyes Example: </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus slowly lifted the Samaritan woman's cast-down eyes of shame to praising and evangelizing her city for Christ with joy! </span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">First, He acknowledged her presence. He met her where she was. He engaged her in unexpected conversation. He offered her spiritual refreshment--living water. Her eyes lifted to the mountain top where the Samaritans worshiped. But He did not leave her on the mountain top. Christ lifted her eyes to Heaven and gave her the hope of having a true relationship with God.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>These are just some examples of opening an uplifting conversation. Build a relationship first of acknowledgment or trust. Remember to be as natural as you can be. Pray for God to give you the words that you need to use in reflecting His grace. It is not good enough to be benevolent (which may reflect on you). We need to be benevolent in His Name (to reflect on Him). </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NOTE: If you don't like these....bring some of your own to share. Larry West's favorite opening line when someone was complaining was, "I know how you can commit suicide and be resurrected to a new life in the same day" </b><br />
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</b> <b>Remember: It is our Mission to Plant the Seeds. It is God that germinates the seeds that we plant. So begin praying for those you want to help see the Light.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Recognize the marginalized. Open with unconventional conversation (remember it's about Him, not you):</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I thank God every day for my friendship with you. </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's your story?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who are your heroes?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you worship?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>To you, who is Jesus?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you feel you are fulfilling your purpose in life?</b></span></li>
</ul><br />
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</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Plant the seed that you are a loving servant because of Christ:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I serve because He lives</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I want to help you because I have been so blessed by my Lord</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hey, I'm here for you just as Christ is here for you.</b></span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Plant the seed that there is so much MORE than what we see, touch, taste or feel: </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b><span style="font-size: large;">There is so much more to life than what we see here (suffer here, put up with, observe)</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so thankful that this is not all there is!</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">When you are ready, God will lift you up. </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">How do you find meaning or purpose?</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">What is the biggest challenge you face?</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you hope for in the future?</span></b></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Introduce the avenue of prayer:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b><span style="font-size: large;">How can I pray for you?</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Could we pray about that? </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">May I pray for you about that? </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to pray about that? </span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Let's pray about that!</span></b></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Introduce the need for grace:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hey, we all mess up. Thank God we can be forgiven.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You know we can all start over again through Christ.</b></span></li>
</ul><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Introduce the need for faith in God</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>So, what what are your spiritual beliefs?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do you teach your children about spirituality?</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you died today, where do you think you would go?</b></span></li>
</ul></div><br />
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</div>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-38789504772201967032013-10-31T12:21:00.001-07:002013-11-08T06:11:16.774-08:00Lesson 9: Time is Changing! Are We??? Review of Chapters 1-6 Transcend & Crazy Love<div 13px="" arial="" class="MsoNormal" sans-serif="">
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<b>We are pausing to review and to change tactics of merely READING and TALKING about God’s Vision to actually BECOMING God’s Vision—Disciples making Disciples, <u>seeking</u> the lost and pointing to Jesus. How have we GROWN in Disciple Making?</b></div>
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<b>This week we are going back and catching up on our reading (Crazy Love Chapters 1-6 and Transcend 1-6). The reading is very short, but please pray that we commit to being Transformed by the Renewing of our Minds in the Vision of God. </b></div>
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<b>Sanctification is the process of TRANSFORMING Christians (perfecting the saints) into the image of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a life-long process of submitting to the Will of God. It begins with being exposed to the Will of God and receiving the message, not just into our brains, but into our hearts. We respond by committing our heart, mind, soul, and strength to following in the footsteps of Jesus. </b></div>
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<b>Our commitment and sacrificial service come from a heart of love and overwhelming joy. We value the mission God has given us. We organize and prioritize His mission in all that we do. For us to live is Christ! We become the representatives (ambassadors) of His Son.</b></div>
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<b>Read through the lesson to gain a perspective on where you might need to further your growth in Christ. (Examine yourself) We begin with attending, paying attention to what the Scripture teaches.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 24pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">CHANGING INTO the image of Christ</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1. </span><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;">RECEIVING (ATTENDING, EXPOSING)</span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;">:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> A. <b>Awareness</b> – Even though many sounds surround us day and night, the human mind pays heed to only a few of those sounds while ignoring others (dripping water, a bird’s song, a car engine roaring past). In our spiritual life, there are many Biblical messages we just don’t attend to. Learning to become more sensitive to the Will of God is something we continually need to strive for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">I Tim 4:16 <b>Pay close attention</b> to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">Hebrews :2:1 For this reason we must <b>pay much closer attention</b> to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">Consider, contemplate with earnest attention – Hebrews 3:1, 16 versus Harden hearts and fall away Hebrews 3:8-4:11, 7:51<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to <b>pay attention</b> as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">STUDY: Romans 13:11; Ps 94:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">EXAMPLES:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> Your mother calls you to dinner while you are watching TV....do you even hear her? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">The gospel is being preached over the entire earth...are most people paying attention? What message is God trying to give you...while you are not paying attention? Attending requires Meditation NOT just study --- Meditate on Ps. 23 - "The Lord IS my shepherd")<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> B. <b>Willingness-- Hearing and willing to listen</b>. "Ye have ears, but you do not hear," A <b>willing </b>heart is the beginning of understanding. <b>Willing to admit there is a need to change. </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;">STUDY: 2 Timothy 4:2-4; Romans 11:8</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">C.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">Controlled or Selective Attention</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">: The term “selective attention” is given to the filtering process we each use to screen out unwanted sounds and to attend to preferred sounds. Willing to selectively hear and concentrate on what God is revealing is a form of “selective attention”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">EXAMPLE:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> In church one person hears a baby cry, another hears the voice of God speaking to their heart through the singing. Controlled Attention means that you have focused long enough to get the message. You can receive the word. Selective Attention also means that you choose to listen or attend to a message. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">When one chooses to attend to something on their own time, during <b>leisure time</b>, it is said that this person has <b>developed a “taste” for</b> that certain thing. What we do in our “down” time reflects more of who we are than what we do during our “busy” life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">2. </span><b><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">RESPONDING, EMBRACING: (Exhibit a NEW behavior) </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> A. <b>Acquiescence:</b> Acquiescence occurs when one believes or is touched by a message that has been attended to and responds to it with <b>feeling, emotion, and mental affirmation</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> B. <b>Willingness:</b> One hears a message, believes it, and is willing to respond to it. Action follows the hearing, "Be ye doers of the word, not just hearers only". James 1:22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> C. <b>Satisfaction:</b> When on responds to a message out of faith, the response brings satisfaction. Gladness results from the action taken. One is not embarrassed or demeaned by the action taken. The action generates an internal response which is typically sense of well-being and deep joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=100&verse=2&version=49&context=verse">Psalm 100:2</a> Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with <b>joy</b>ful singing.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=23&chapter=32&verse=11&version=49&context=verse">Psalm 32:11</a> Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for <b>joy</b>, all you who are upright in heart</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=51&chapter=13&verse=52&version=49&context=verse">Acts 13:52</a> And the disciples were continually filled with <b>joy</b> and with the Holy Spirit.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=14&verse=17&version=49&context=verse">Romans 14:17</a> for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and <b>joy</b> in the Holy Spirit.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=54&chapter=8&verse=2&version=49&context=verse">2 Corinthians 8:2</a> that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of <b>joy</b> and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=10&verse=34&version=49&context=verse">Hebrews 10:34</a> For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted <b>joy</b>fully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=66&chapter=1&verse=2&version=49&context=verse">James 1:2</a> Consider it all <b>joy</b>, my brethren, when you encounter various trials</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">3</span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt;">. <span style="color: #660000;">VALUING, ENGAGING</span>:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> (Exhibits actions that are characteristic of true INVOLVEMENT) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> A. <b>Acceptance:</b> You accept the message, respond to the message, feel satisfaction from acting on the new value and now you accept this value as a part of your character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=13&verse=46&version=49&context=verse">Matthew 13:46</a> and upon finding one pearl of great <b>value</b>, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=57&chapter=3&verse=8&version=49&context=verse">Philippians 3:8</a> More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing <b>value</b> of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=67&chapter=2&verse=7&version=49&context=verse">1 Peter 2:7</a> This precious <b>value</b>, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve," THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,THIS BECAME THE VERY CORNER stone,"</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> B. <b>Preference:</b> When faced with a new dilemma, you prefer to react in accordance with your new value system. You prefer the type of people who share your value system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=12&verse=10&version=49&context=verse">Romans 12:10</a> Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give <b>prefer</b>ence to one another in honor;</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> C. <b>Commitment:</b> You are committed to the new value and will even publicly proclaim your commitment. People see that you have made choices that agree with the new value system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">4. <span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">PRIORITIZE, ORGANIZE, EQUIP</span>:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> (Value Clarification ) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> A. <b>Conceptualization:</b> Your life is defined by the way you prioritize your affairs. You <b>organize your life around the new value system</b>. Example: All your friends know that you will be at church on Sunday instead of in a pub. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&verse=33&version=49&context=verse">Matthew 6:33</a> "But seek <b>first</b> His <b>kingdom</b> and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> B. <b>Organization:</b> You define your life, schedule, finances, spare time, and friendships around the activities that represent your new values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">5. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">CHARACTERIZE, EXTEND</span> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";">(Consistently acting in agreement with value) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=8&verse=29&version=49&context=verse">Romans 8:29</a> For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the <b>image</b> of <b>His</b> Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> A. <b>Generalized Set:</b> You have a set of values (such as Disciple Making) that are predictable and holistic. There are no other values in the set that conflict with any other value in your "set". (i.e. being a racist would be in conflict with disciple making)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"> B. <b>Value Complex:</b> Your life is so ethically and completely aligned with the value set that you become the very representative of the set of values. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=67&chapter=3&verse=15&version=49&context=verse">1 Peter 3:15</a> but <b>sanctify</b> Christ as Lord in your hearts, <b>always being</b> ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif";"><b>Example: Someone might say, "When I think of caring, I think of Irena. She is the very essence of caring."</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">GUIDED PRACTICE: Using the term “BENEVOLENT,” give examples of BEHAVIOR CHANGES you might see on each step of the pyramid as God’s Spirit molds you into the image of Christ.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>CLICK on Pyramid for LARGER VIEW</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">HOMEWORK: Supply the behavior changes in someone who was allowing God’s Spirit to shape them into a <b>Disciple Maker</b>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #660000;">It’s not so much that the church has a mission;
it’s that the mission of God has a church. </span></span></b></div>
<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></span></b>
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<b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 30px;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #660000;">3 VIDEOS to Watch: </span></span></b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_OXt7psO2lTUk9fUk9lX3BQV2M&usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B_OXt7psO2lTUk9fUk9lX3BQV2M&usp=sharing </a></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="color: #222222;">Survey (for your eyes only):</b></div>
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<b>You will probably have to give some of these your best guess….<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How many times does Scripture say something similar to these words?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>“have eyes but do not see”, or “he who has an ear let him hear ”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>1 time<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>3 times<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>5 times<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>10 times<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>More than 15 times<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What did Jesus mean when He said, “Visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction” or “do unto the least of these”<br />
a. These could be programs for the deacons<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>b. These might be a good idea for a Lady’s Bible Class<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>c. The elders and staff would take care of these<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>d. These command apply to me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Who does this command apply to? “Go into all the world, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things….”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>To me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>To paid staff<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>To the preacher<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>To the elders<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>To every Follower of Christ<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Matthew 25: 31-46 gives us a vision of judgment day. Which one of these was the criteria for being pleasing to the Lord? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How many times we read the Bible<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How much money we gave each Sunday<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How we spent our time serving the needy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How many football game scores we could recite<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Whether we gave our children dance, piano, cheer, or voice lessons <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Where did Jesus spend 80% of his time?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Teaching in the Temple<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Teaching in the Synagogue<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>On a lake<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>On a mountain top<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>In the Desert<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>f.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Among the poor and broken.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>If we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and with all our strength, we will……<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Trust Him by continually striving to make His Vision our priority<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Make ourselves sick by worrying about pleasing Him<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Feel guilty for not doing more<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Continue with the status quo<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How should you express the gospel to friends in darkness?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Give them 5 Scriptures and a chart<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Take them a pie and a tract<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Let them hear your testimony as you walk your walk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Praise God for the deep joy, peace, and grace that you see exposed in your daily life<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b> Express your love for God and others moment by moment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>f.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Serve humbly and sacrificially while giving God the glory<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>God called us to be mission-minded<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Only His sheep hear His voice<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>We can “send” the Light. We don’t need to “take” it.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>We might not be gifted in the area of sharing the Gospel<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What affects the Sunday assembly more than any other thing?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>The songs chosen by the leader<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>The length of the sermon<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Our daily walk in the mission of God<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Being inspired by the number in attendance<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>How do help our children do not suffer the Narcissistic Plague?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Avoid using the words “I’m so proud of you” (1 John 2:16)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Start praising God for giving your children success and talents (Prov 3:6)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>c.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Teach them to be sacrificial servants of the King (2 Cor 6:4)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>d.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Help them to see the needs of others before their own “wants” (Phil 2:3)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>e.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Other:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>If you can answer all the above questions correctly what does it profit us?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>a.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Nothing …if we call Him, “Lord” and do not the things that He says<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>b.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Everything…if we EMBRACE His Words and make them our priority <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-74357065352190376942013-10-24T10:08:00.002-07:002013-10-24T10:19:49.849-07:00Lesson 8: Extending the Love of Christ (chapter 6 Crazy Love & chapter 6 Transcend)<div style="text-align: center;">
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</b></span> <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b> Extending the Love of Christ</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. If we don't participate in the NOW, we WON'T be privileged in the LATER. What does a Follow of Christ look like NOW?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Follower of Christ: Transformed by the Love of God and empowered by Him to reach out to a lost and broken world, testifying to His glory and fulfilling His Vision in THIS world! Jesus </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> save us to give us a golden retirement plan. He saved us and sent us to do His work until He returns.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Goals of this Lesson:</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Learn what it takes to Fall in Love with Jesus Christ</span></b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Learn our PRIMARY GOAL</span></b></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Learn that those who are transformed by the indwelling Spirit and by following in the footsteps of our Lord will bear the fruit of LOVE (patience, kindness…), joy, peace (being peacemakers) and hope (seeing the big picture).</span></b></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">______________<span style="color: #660000;">WE MOVE TOWARDS WHAT WE LOVE</span>___________<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Video: Love God with all Your Heart</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Excerpts from Transcend (Matt Smay)</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Love </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">isn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> an emotion….Love is a set of behaviors driven by a deeply-held belief.” Love comes from knowing the big God you serve can use love to heal a broken-heart, investing in people who may never return the favor, nailing expectations to the foot of cross, mourning with those who weep, serving those who don’t care about you, or not turning a blind eye to all the pain in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Love is tireless. The journey is not for the faint of heart. Love is relational. But then, love is exactly what Christ gave to us and if we follow in His footsteps, we will EXTEND His love in every relationship that we encounter. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“As Christians”, Smay submits, “we have lost the art of exposing people to love. Why? Because exposing people to love takes considerable time and energy…” This is the crux of the issue. As we studied last week, we are too often miserly with our time, too self-absorbed in our busyness when it comes to Kingdom work. We find all kinds of excuses (which do not hold water before the throne of God) as to why we are too busy. Most often, we are NOT TOO BUSY, we are just TOO self-centered. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jesus told His disciples, “you will be known by your love.” Unfortunately, too many congregations are known for their hurtful and judgmental ways. We all have a great deal to learn about this concept of love. We want to love God, His Word, and His Will. But too often the Devil takes advantage of those good </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">intentions</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and turns them 90 degrees to suit his will. </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We want to be able to “defend the faith”, but even so…we can be displeasing to God! How is that possible? Revelation 3 details church who have “kept God’s word” but who have “little power” and are in danger of losing their crowns. Again in Revelation 2, Christ warns Ephesus (a church with a preacher’s school) that they have defended the faith, but they had left their first love. We often refer to this type of behavior as “legalistic” in modern terms. It is usually characterized by people to hold to the text, but not involved in loving relationship with the Spirit of Christ. This church had “fallen” and was in danger of being wiped out of the Book of Life. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span 115="" 12pt="" background-position:="" background-repeat:="" font-family:="" font-size:="" imes="" initial="" line-height:="" new="" roman="" serif="">John 5:39 –“You<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>search<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;”</span></b></div>
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<b><span 115="" 18pt="" background-position:="" background-repeat:="" font-family:="" font-size:="" imes="" initial="" line-height:="" new="" roman="" serif=""><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Without a loving relationship with the Spirit of Christ, without being in love with Christ and His mission to the lost, we are lost.</span></span></b><b><span 115="" 12pt="" background-position:="" background-repeat:="" font-family:="" font-size:="" imes="" initial="" line-height:="" new="" roman="" serif=""><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+3:6&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2 Corinthians 3:6</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">who also made us adequate <i>as</i> servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">Without the Spirit who empowers us to serve with love, peace, joy, and long-suffering in the Vision of God, we are lost. We become a clanging symbol.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Falling in love with Christ Jesus means that we have established a deep, intimate relationship with Him. We “see” with the eyes of Jesus. The Spirit of God moves us to serve moment by moment in all relationships that we experience. These relationships might include the grocery clerk, the gas station attendant, the babysitter, the soccer coach, and the homeless man at Taco Bell. It certainly includes our brothers and sisters in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:10&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Romans 12:10</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “</span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Be</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+13:35&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">John 13:35</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> ”</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Falling in love with Christ means that we fall in love with His mission; that<span style="color: #660000;"> we EXTEND His love to a lost world</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">The ONLY thing that COUNTS is faith expressing itself through love (Gal 5:6).</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s look at the beginnings of Christ’s Mission on earth and see if we imitate Him as He as commanded (follow me).</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Refer to </span></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%203:21-22&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold;">Luke 3:21-22</span></a></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">How do we begin this journey with God? </span></span></div>
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</span><span lang="en-US"><b>Jesus was perfect and certainly did not need to be baptized, but He did so to fulfill "all righteousness" as an example for us. His entire life on earth was to give us a path to follow. What do we learn about His <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="en-US">example in baptism? </span><span lang="en-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, <br />
22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(1) Jesus was baptized </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(2) Jesus was praying</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(3) Heaven Opened and the Holy Spirit Descended</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(4) Heaven claimed Him as "Son"</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(5) God was well-pleased<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;">(6)</span><span style="width: 9.0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Christ began His ministry <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;">(7)</span><span style="width: 9.0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Christ demonstrated the love of God to the world</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
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<b><span lang="en-US">When we go into baptism (immersion in water), we are to call on the name of the Lord (praying) as</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="en-US">commanded in </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2022:16&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Acts 22:16</span></a><span lang="en-US">. What are we praying for? </span><span lang="en-US"><br />
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<b><span lang="en-US">While we submit to baptism, we call on God, in faith, to save us and give us His Holy Spirit. (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:38&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Acts 2:38</span></a><span lang="en-US">) who will enlighten us (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Cor%202:10-13&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;"><span dir="ltr"></span>1 Corinthians 2:10-13</span></a><span lang="en-US">) and empower us to live Holy unto God (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201:13-18&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Ephesians 1:13-18</span></a><span lang="en-US">). God, then, claims us as his "child". We become "sons" of God (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:14&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Romans 8:14</span></a><span lang="en-US">). God is well when we submit to Him in baptism and faith according to His Gospel (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+1:21&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;"><span dir="ltr"></span>1 Corinthians 1:21</span></a><span lang="en-US">; </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201:19-23&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Colossians 1:19-23</span></a><span lang="en-US">).</span><span lang="en-US"><br />
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<b><span lang="en-US">It is in baptism that we contact the blood of Christ which has the power to reconcile us to God, IF we continue firmly in the faith without wavering (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201:22-23&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Colossians 1:22-23</span></a><span lang="en-US">). The exact 7 events take place in transitional baptism as took place in Christ's.</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(1) We are buried in water (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:3-11&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Romans 6:3-11</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">) as we </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(2) We call on God (pray) to do His work in baptism (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2022:16&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Acts 22:16</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">). </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(3) The Holy Spirit descends on us (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:38&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Acts 2:38</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">). </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(4) We become sons of God (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:16-17&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Romans 8:16-17</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">, </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%203:1-2&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;"><span dir="ltr"></span>1 John 3:1-2</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">) and <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(5) When we are raised up as Christ was raised from the dead (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:1-3&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">Colossians 3:1-3</span></a><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">), God sees the blood of Christ covering (hiding) us and is well pleased. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="en-US" style="color: #741b47;">(6) We begin our ministry to share the Light. </span></b><b style="color: #993366;">(2 Cor 5:17-18)</b><b><span lang="en-US" style="color: #29303b;"><br />
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</span><span lang="en-US">We have a "new self" (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:10&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Colossians 3:10</span></a><span lang="en-US">) and are transferred out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1:13&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Colossians 1:13</span></a><span lang="en-US">). We need only to SUBMIT. We submit in baptism to the blood of the Lamb. We submit in our Christian walk to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%201:7&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;"><span dir="ltr"></span>1 John 1:7</span></a><span lang="en-US">).</span></b><br />
<b><span lang="en-US"><br />God grants us power through His Spirit to strengthen us as we walk in Him (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3:16&version=NASB"><span lang="en-US" style="color: black;">Ephesians 3:16</span></a><span lang="en-US">). Salvation is wholly a work of God!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="en-US"><b>(</b></span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #993366;"><b>7) The Holy Spirit, as our guide, transforms us & sanctifies us to the ministry of reconciliation so we can share the love of God to the world. </b><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Resource Recommendation: John Mark Hick’s book “Down to the River to Pray”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">LOVE is More than a COMMITMENT- It is Covenant</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps each day we should recite these words to ourselves until they are embedded into our hearts better than other words we have come to memorize through popular songs, movies, poetry, or popular expressions. Here are the words that should come to our lips when we are tempted to show our “natural” side.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span class="text"><b>1 Cor 13: 4-8 Love</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>is patient, love is kind</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><i>and</i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>is not jealous; love does not brag</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><i>and</i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>is not arrogant,</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><sup>5 </sup></b><b>does not act unbecomingly; it</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>does not seek its own, is not provoked,</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>does not take into account a wrong</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><i>suffered</i>,</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><sup>6 </sup></b><b>does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b><sup>7 </sup></b><b>bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. <sup>8 </sup>Love never fails;<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b>Can we take a few minutes to unpack this verse and really chew on its contents?</b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #660000;">SMALL GROUP: </span> </span>In the chart below give specific modern day examples of characteristics of love in a “Missional Community”. I want you to “think” and “see” like Christ not like the churches in Ephesus or Laodicea.</b><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b>If we are the Light of the world, how might we EXTEND Christ’s love to others?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">VIDEO: Practice what we preach and sing about....</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, this is a vivid example of moving lips and disengaged heart. We must admit that we do NOT love as we ought. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">What are the Christian Disciplines which will help us learn to love more? (What did you gleaned from our texts?)</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Let Him in: Open our hearts to the Spirit of God, Submit to Transformation and Sanctification, without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Pray: Pray that God will allow you to love more -- the lost, the brethren, and God Almighty.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Praise: Give God glory throughout your day.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Practice Presence: Stop the busyness of your day to meditate on and acknowledge the presence of God in your life</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Read the Psalms: Observe and imitate the closeness and relationship that the psalmists had with God</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Testify: Find ways to share the Light in your everyday life.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Serve: Allow God to work through you to do above and beyond anything you can imagine.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>REFLECTION: </b></span><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 63:1-5</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="text"><b>O God,</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>You are my God; I shall seek You</b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="text"><b>earnestly;</b></span><b><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">My soul</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">thirsts for You, my flesh</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">yearns for You,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">In a</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">dry and weary land where there is no water.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2 </span></sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Thus I have</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">seen You in the sanctuary,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">To see Your power and Your glory.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">3 </span></sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Because Your</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">loving kindness is better than life,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">My lips will praise You.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">4 </span></sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">So I will bless You</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">as long as I live;</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">I will</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">lift up my hands in Your name.</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">5 </span></sup><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">My soul is</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">satisfied as with</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">marrow and fatness,</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">And my mouth offers</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">praises with joyful lips.</span></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">List as many ways as you can how the Psalmist demonstrated his love for God. After listing, add a note to describe how demonstration of love for God might look in today’s world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">6.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">7.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Resource: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">W. Tozer, <i>The Pursuit of God (</i>Camp Hilll, PA: WingSpread, 2007) – Free download for ebooks.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">HOMEWORK:</span><b style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Practice your Testimony<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 7 Crazy Love & Transcend final chapter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">EXTEND God’s love this week and share your stories next week<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-40764528277783776472013-10-22T11:52:00.003-07:002013-10-24T09:09:02.343-07:00Lesson 7: EQUIPPING for SERVICE OR SERVING LEFTOVERS<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lesson 7: Chapter 5 Crazy Love & Chapter 5 Transcend</span></b><br />
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</span></b> <b><span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">St Augustine “Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure …”</span></b><br />
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<b> </b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Even the demons believed in God and shuddered.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Demons also….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is the difference between demons and saints?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Seriously, I use this example to make this point: The demons were NOT transformed. We see this concept repeated in the example of Simon the Sorcerer. He believed, obeyed, confessed, and was baptized. BUT, he was not transformed. Peter warned him that he might be lost if he did not repent (Acts 8:13-24).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our conversion to Christ must include transformation; renewing by the Holy Spirit, submitting to being molded into the image of Christ by the power of God for His glorification. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our conversion includes an inner dimension as we submit to transformational baptism (from darkness to light Col 1:13) which is more than a command; it is our prayer to receive an introduction to God through Christ (Romans 5:1-2) and the indwelling of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). True conversion includes, among other aspects, an understanding of Lordship (1 Peter 3:15), community (2 Cor 6:14; 13:14), commission (Matthew 28:18-19), and the Vision of God for His Kingdom (2 Tim 4:1-5, Hebrews 12:25; 2 Peter 1:1-11). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Baptism is more important than we think, but not for the reasons we suppose.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Baptism is the sinner’s prayer for a good conscience; a prayer for the application of God’s saving act.”</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(John Mark Hicks & Greg Taylor from <i>Down in the River to Pray</i>) <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We go down in the
river to pray for a good conscience” addressing God as the giver of our
salvation. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Transformational baptism is God’s grace delivered to believers through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of His Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Baptism is NOT a work of Man, but a work of God. Colossians 2:12 instructs us to have faith in the working of God requires in our baptism. <o:p></o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those
who accept by faith the grace of God become baptismal candidates actively
appealing to God for salvation and committing themselves to Him through their
submission in baptism.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">BUT THERE IS STILL MORE!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God wants more than good theology; He wants us to know (intimately know), to claim Him as Lord (1 Peter 3:15), and to serve Him (take up our cross and follow Him). The man who says, “I know Him but does not do what He commands is a liar.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SMALL GROUP: Share Testimony of what your life would be without Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We believe we KNOW the Bible and that we live by it. This is why Paul tells us to continually re-examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Video: Are Your Beliefs Biblical. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b>Goal of this Lesson is to answer these questions:</b></span></b></h1>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is it that we still lack in order to serve God? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How do we need to be equipped so that we are giving God our best and not our leftovers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s find out about the Laodicea church. What do you learn from each of these Scriptures? Colossians letter was written in about 62 AD during Paul’s imprisonment (Nero). The Revelation letter was written 30 years later. What has happened? <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Researchers document this kind of cycle in congregations regularly. Often congregations start out strong, remembering their mission and then become “pew-sitters”. This is what happens; newer members are more on fire for God than established members. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nothing throws cold water on a fire like someone who stops trying to expand their influence for Christ. When the “church” becomes the focus of all its own attention, then we have forgotten our first love, the love for the lost. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 5 Crazy Love: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If Ronnie, the poor blind boy, can see his ministry more clearly than those who are sighted, then the sighted are truly lukewarm. Chan asks, “What is more messed up—that we have so much more compared to everyone else, or that we don’t think we’re rich? …Even calling ourselves “broke”. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, we are “broke” or rather broken and only the Holy Spirit can wake us up to the Will of God. We know the Scriptures, we don’t need to re-read “</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14:26&version=NASB">Luke 14:26</a></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">What we need, is to live it! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">We decide how we will spend our time. First Century Christians had MUCH less leisure time than we do. The huge idol sitting in the room, which we continuously ignore, the perverbal elephant, which no one wants to admit is starring everyone in the face, is our idolatrous use of our leisure time. It is this elephant that is enabling us to slowly float away from Christ or like the frog being boiled alive…we have not yet noticed it….and probably won’t until it is too late. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Henri Nouwen voiced it quite nicely, “It’s hard to bear with people who….seek their own happiness in little pleasures which they cling to…You feel sad about all that self-indulgence and self-satisfaction, for you know with an indestructible certainty that something greater is coming.” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">A paraphrase of Luke 9:25 “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world of pleasure, entertainment and fun…and lose his whole family to the devil.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what does the Bible say about the HUGE elephant in the room?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy+3:2&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Timothy 3:1-2</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For men will be <b>lovers</b> <b>of</b> <b>self</b>, <b>lovers</b> <b>of</b><b> money</b>, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, <b>without self-control</b>, brutal, haters of good, <sup>4 </sup>treacherous, reckless, <b>conceited</b>, <b>lovers of pleasure</b> <b>rather than lovers of God</b>, <sup>5 </sup>holding to a form (rituals) of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. </span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parenting Practices which sell our children’s souls for Fleeting Fun instead of Eternal Joy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About 20 years ago, I was working in Russia on a mission effort. One of my dear Russian friends often asked questions about American life that puzzled her; like how could we eat a fatty burger and wash it down with a ice cold coke. "Don't you know what happens to all that grease when you drink cold liquids?", she would query. Her education in Russia had been as a veterinarian, not what we think of, but an inspector of meat for human consumption. She was often plagued by the fact that Russians on the average died at much earlier ages than Americans yet our eating habits were so detestable to her. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After all the interesting conversations I have had with her, the most haunting was this observation that she made, "When visiting the United States as we get in the car to leave, Americans always wave good bye and say, 'Have fun!'. Why do you all always think that we are looking for fun?"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apparently, "fun" was not a criterion for a successful life in soviet Russia. But for the next 20 years I became very sensitized to the word "fun":<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is going to be fun<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It seems the opposite of having fun is being bored:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have nothing to do…..BORRRRRRING!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too often we, as Americans, measure something's worth by whether it is boring or fun</span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My point in introducing you to my Russian friend was to let you know that seeking "fun" is NOT a universal aspiration. And I hope to provide you with enough of the inspired Word to transform your family’s incessant pursuit of "fun" into pursuit of eternal joy. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seeking fun, the goal of many Americans, is perhaps the most detrimental enemy of the Church and Christianity. Many have sold their souls to seeking after fun and entertainment every weekend to the detriment of the Cross of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St Augustine put it this way, “Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure …”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Followers of Christ have never been called to “fun”, but to sacrifice. Our weekly schedules are often too overrun with entertainment, sports, dance lessons, etc. to give any time to Kingdom concerns. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT IS FUN?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s try and define "fun.” To some it is a night of drinking and dancing, amusement parks, toilet papering someone's house, wild sex, birthday parties with innocent games, wrestling with your children on the floor, watching a football game, cruising the Mediterranean, or attending a rock concert. Fun is defined by each individual. What is fun for some is not for others. But basically fun is something that amuses, brings thrills or laughter, indulges the senses in pleasure, entertains, or involves joking.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When children leave the house we often hear someone say, “Have fun and stay safe!” These two parameters often go hand-in-hand. As neither are actually Biblical goals or modeled by Christ and his disciples, it might be wise to rethink how we have been frogs slowly boiling in the waters of self-satisfaction, self-indulgence, and continuously on the hunt for what pleases our lust for amusement.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The BIG QUESTIONS</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<li><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we care that we might be raising children who seek too much after self-satisfaction, entertainment, and pleasure?</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we see the “disconnect” between the Followers of Christ and the followers of American culture?</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Do we really want to measure life by fleeting fun, which is much like a dog chasing its tail?</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is it pleasing to us that our family life is entangled so much in the pursuit of happiness, entertainment, amusement, and fun in order to ward off boredom?</span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What does the Bible say about why we should make money?</span></b></li>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">CONTEXT </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the context of our culture, we are surrounded by a powerful entertainment industry that is selling </span></b><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fleeting fun. The world knows how to dish it out, but does not know how to sustainable it. Fun is fleeting and produces a continual thirst for it (definition of addiction). Our thirst for fun often out-weighs our hunger and thirst for righteousness and the Kingdom of God. What is the opposite of “fun?” Well, it is not boredom, it is eternal joy brought about through a meaningful relationship and service to our Lord, Jesus Christ. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You can search all day long in Scripture and you won’t find a word in the Greek or Hebrew that refers to what we have come to idolized by our continuous pursuits. You will find the word “pleasure” several times usually referring to the fleeting pleasures of sin. Let’s look more closely, as Followers of Christ, into the text to re-examine what a family’s goals should be to be pleasing to God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When searching Scripture concerning this topic of “seeking fun", this is what we find:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">( (1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Luke 8:14 </span></b><b><sup><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">14 </span></sup></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The <i>seed</i> which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of <i>this</i> life, and bring no fruit to maturity.</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b> (2) </b></span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Mark 4:19 <span class="woj"><sup>19 </sup>but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is pretty clear here that the elephant in the room is........ our own desire for pleasures and other “things”, other priorities, and other time-wasting pursuits that are choking out the Word of God which produces <u>no</u> fruit for the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="text"><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(3) 2Tim 3:3f </span></b><span class="chapternum"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3- </span></b></span><span class="text"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.</span></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span class="text"><sup style="font-weight: bold;">2 </sup><b>For men will be <u>lovers of self</u>, <u>lovers of money</u>, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,</b></span> <span class="text" style="font-weight: bold;"><sup>3 </sup>unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, <u>without self-control</u>, brutal, haters of good,</span> <span class="text" style="font-weight: bold;"><sup>4 </sup>treacherous, reckless, conceited, <u>lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God</u>,</span> <span class="text" style="font-weight: bold;"><sup>5 </sup>holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.</span></span><span class="text"><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Romans 13:14- <span class="text"><sup>14 </sup>But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to <i>its</i> lusts.</span><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Galatians 5:16- <span class="text"><sup>16 </sup>But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.</span><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, the desire of fleshly pleasure, and we are not only talking about sexual appetites here, war against our calling in Jesus Christ. Christ has called us to a sacrificial service (taking up our cross daily) which brings eternal joy, peace, and hope to the one who answers His call.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What I see, as an educator in young people, is a galloping trend towards self-indulgence, complacency, narcissism, and boredom. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Try taking away a child’s video game and see what reaction you get! There is an addiction to instant gratification and stimulation which when deprived of will result in depression, defiance, and disconnection. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This has been well documented in recent research studies. Recent brain research documents that video gaming lights up the same centers in the brain as cocaine (Behavioral Health </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/"><b>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/</b></a></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is it sinful to indulge in video gaming? Only if we are in bondage to it and only if God has nothing else <u>better</u> for a Follower of Christ to do. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b>Is it sinful to have fun and unwind? Only if we have made this our priority and "practice." God has a lot to say about "practice" and how we "spend" our time. </b></span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5:16&version=NASB" style="text-decoration: none;">Ephesians 5:16</a> </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">making the </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">most</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> of your </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">time</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, because the days are evil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:33&version=NASB">Matthew 6:33</a></b> <b>But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is it a sinful to encourage children to play baseball, soccer, or other sports? No, however, if their love for the sport grows more than their love for being a sacrificial servant of Christ, then--YES. Is it a sin to have “fun” with the kids? No, but only if we have a priority to build deeper relationships with Christ, friends and family for the sake of reflecting the Light. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BEST ANSWER</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Larry West helped to teach his children core Kingdom values. One example was when his son asked if he can go to the prom. “Yes, you can go to the prom as long as you go because you want to share Christ.” <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">REFLECTION- Are we giving God the leftovers</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did we misunderstand Christ? Did He say, “Take up your cross ‘once a week’ and follow me?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are your thoughts?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A REAL STORY</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As an educator, I am often blessed to teach a 4<sup>th</sup> -5<sup>th</sup> grade Bible classes. I was on a one-year mission effort with several other families. One father, on the mission team, decided he wanted his boy to become the world’s best baseball player. He signed his son up for every team in the county. The boy began to play baseball every day. He gained skills, as you might imagine with as much practice as he was getting. The dad started taking him to games and tournaments in other counties every weekend. These tournaments lasted until late Sunday evening requiring the boy and father to miss assembly and Bible classes for months at a time. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the boy finally did attend class, on an off weekend, he was visibly disgruntled and vocally unhappy to be there. He was “bored” in Bible study and would much rather be playing baseball than attending assembly worship or a Bible class. He had already prioritized his life and seeking the Kingdom was not anywhere in his preferred agenda. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">TOO BUSY FOR GOD</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The question that keeps coming up when we talk about learning to disciple others; peers, friends and family members is, “how do you have enough time? My family is on the go all the time. I don’t have time for anything else. Just tell me, how are we suppose to add anything else to our family’s schedule?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ANSWER?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mine is: REALLY? Is time really the problem? Or have we sold our souls for a life of entertainment, sporting events, and fun? Will the trophies our children gather in ballet, baseball, soccer, piano, or band make any difference in eternity?.... Only if we are showing up at these events to shine the Light.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT ARE WE EQUIPPING OUR CHILDREN TO BECOME?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has uniquely made each of his followers to become both a disciple and a disciple-maker. How will you and your children develop that skill? Remember this requires life-long skill development. You don’t wake up one day and become a disciple or a disciple maker. Who will your children model themselves after?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Narcissism has reached 89% in our current generation. Why do you think we have become, “lovers of self and lovers of our own pleasure?” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zj8CmnANa7g" width="560"></iframe></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My experience as a child was moving all over the United States from Oregon to Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and California. Mission trips included Mexico, Washington State, Florida, Germany, Estonia, Ukraine, and 20 years in Russia. I think God that He gave me a fairly good global perspective on the world, even though it has been pretty unpopular in my neck of the woods. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having grown up in LA, I wanted to find a more environmentally friendly place to raise my kids. Raising them in East Texas meant that they could be fairly safe, unhampered by gangs, most drugs, and bullies. They were able to attend a small school where prayer and Scripture were still modeled every day. But something was lacking. They were not the global citizens I had hoped. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">They began to exhibit some traits that made me worry. I woke up one day and realized their thinking was very “small town” and cliquish. They </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">didn't</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> tolerate a whole lot of diversity and were often afraid of expanding their experiences outside of their little slice of Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This concerned me so much that I decided to include them on my mission trips over seas. At first I begged my oldest to join me, but she just </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">didn't</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"> want to go. Then I tricked her by inviting one of her friends to come along to Russia. I did the same thing with my son when we went to China. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">After only a few trips, both of these children took on global trips of their own including mission work to Russia and China. The moral of this story is….you have to stretch your children’s comfort zones and teach them to sacrificially serve others. It does not happen while sitting in a pew or looking in their teenage narcissistic mirror. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">GIVING GOD THE LEFTOVERS</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The discussion about “seeking fun and entertainment” leads us in so many directions that we could talk about it for hours. Here are some things to consider:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we stay up late on Saturday night to indulge in our favorite entertainment and then give the assembly a tired, worn-out effort?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we spend all our time on Sundays watching football instead of visiting the sick or in Bible studies with friends?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we spend all our money on vacations, concerts, toys, games, etc. and give God the leftover from our paycheck? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do we buy the biggest house, most expensive car, and best clothes to fit in with our peers or do we follow Galatians 5:13<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, we are free in American but how do we use your freedom? In accordance with 1 Peter 2:16?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, we make more money that most people on the planet, but how do we spend that money? In accordance with 2 Corinthians 8:2, 14, 1 Tim 6:17-19, 1 John 3:17, Prov 28:8, James 2:14-17; 5:1-3, Hebrew 13:16, Luke 3:11, Romans 12:13 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, we are rich! Do we see ourselves in the Luke 16:19-31 parable?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How can we raise children and/or dedicate ourselves to being first and foremost Followers of Christ? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Resources: </span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Behavioral Health </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/"><b>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57357895-10391704/internet-addiction-changes-brain-similar-to-cocaine-study/</b></a></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement</span></i></b><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Read more:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://healthland.time.com/2013/08/20/wealthy-selfies-how-being-rich-increases-narcissism/#ixzz2hjDSiNxx"><b><span style="color: #003399;">http://healthland.time.com/2013/08/20/wealthy-selfies-how-being-rich-increases-narcissism/#ixzz2hjDSiNxx</span></b></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-26573359550638344752013-10-14T10:26:00.004-07:002013-10-14T10:37:32.167-07:00Lesson 6: Crazy Love chapter 4 & Transcend chapter 4 - The WILL OF GODThe WILL OF GOD<br />
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<h4>Are we just going through the motions? Are we on fire for God?</h4><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/km3A_UK2yuE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Goals of this lesson: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each believer in God will be able to demonstrate to a non-believer how God works in a broken world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each believer will strive for a red hot passion for the Living God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></b> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">KNOWING the Will of God Requires us to view different aspects of His Will. These 5 aspects of God's will become more and more personal as we move from 1 to 5. We finally realize that God has a special place for us in the Kingdom, unique to our talents and gifts. We, therefore, cannot judge others as to how God has called them into service. All we can do is to encourage each other to love and good works. </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">May God help you to find His perfect will for your life. </span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></b> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>(1) </strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>God’s Eternal Will: His Divine Purpose - His Ultimate Intention -God has an eternal will that He set before the foundations of the earth and that will ultimately reign on the last day. (Eph 3:11)</strong></span></span></span></span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 20:27 For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.</span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></li>
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<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 8:27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph 1:9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Col 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.</span></div></li>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><strong>(2) </strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s Sovereign Will: His Permissive Will <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-God allows men the choice as to whom they will serve. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deut 10:10 Now I had stayed on the mountain forty days and nights, as I did the first time, and the Lord listened to me at this time also. It was not his will to destroy you. </span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psa 147:4 He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prov 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prov 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 4:27-28 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 17:26 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 18:21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God’s will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 21:14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord’s will be done."</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jas 4:15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that."</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 1:10 And I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 9:19 One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?"</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 15:32 So that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Cor 4:19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Cor 16:7 I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Pet 3:17 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>(3)</strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>God’s Perfect Will: His Moral Will: Intentional Will: His Revealed Will --This is how God wishes all humans to conduct themselves. This was messed up in the garden and now we have a path to restore His Will through our walk in Christ. (1 John 1:7)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ezra 10:11 Now make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psa 103:21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt 7:21 Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark 3:35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 7:17 If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 22:14 Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 2:18 . . . if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law. </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rom 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Cor 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph 6:6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Col 4:12 Epaphras . . . is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Thess 4:3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Thess 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heb 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heb 13:21 . . . equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Pet 2:15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Pet 4:2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Pet 4:19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.</div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>(4)</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">God’s Selective (Circumstantial) Will: God’s Will in Calling and Gifting in His Kingdom --This is God’s specific will for one’s place in the Kingdom. Moses had a place to fulfill which was different from Aaron’s place. Elders have a place to fulfill which is different from deacons. You have a place and calling which may be different from the calling of your peers. Not everyone is given the same gifts or talents. Some are given 1 talent, some 5, and some 10 according to God’s Will. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Cor 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Cor 12:11 But all these work that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Cor 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Col 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Tim 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heb 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.</div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">NOT in God’s Will --</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not everything is in the will of God. (2 Peter 3:9 and Matthew 18:14). “So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”</span> <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-">The idea that God has a detailed plan for your individual life which encompasses every decision you will ever make has no Biblical basis. Each day we make countless decisions; what to wear, what to eat, when to leave for school or work. Sitting around to wait for God to answer questions like what should I eat for breakfast would keep us at a very immature level of spirituality….never having to make decisions based on our personal faith and trust in God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong>(5) </strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-"><strong>God’s Interactive Will: His Active Will: Some actions/decisions require more prayer and even fasting and as we have seen in Scripture, God’s mind can be changed interactively<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 18:1-5 Persistent widow </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 16 – Ask in my name and you shall receive.</div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 4:2 “you have not because you ask not” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 5:16 <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Therefore confess your sins to each other<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>nd pray for each other so that you may be healed. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>prayer</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>of</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a righteous</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>person is powerful<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>nd effective.</span> </div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 Peter 3:12 <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">For the eyes<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>of</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the Lord<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>re on the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>righteous</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>nd his ears<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>re<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>a</b>ttentive to their<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>prayer</b>, ”</span> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 35:13 <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>humbled myself with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>fasting</b>. When my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>prayer</b>s returned to me unanswered,</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daniel 9:3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">So I turned to the Lord God<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>pleaded with him in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>prayer</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>petition, in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>fasting</b>,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>in sackcloth<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>ashes.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 14:23 <span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Paul<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b>, with<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>prayer</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>and</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>fasting</b>, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.<o:p></o:p></span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">God Repented and Turned aside or changed His mind (1 Chronicles 21:15, Amos 7:6; Jonah 3:10) <o:p></o:p></span></div></li>
</ul></span></span></span><br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2011/11/lesson-12-disciple-red-hot-passion-for.html" target="_blank">ALSO SEE: RED HOT PASSION FOR GOD</a> </h2><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Application: Francis Chan lists 16 characteristics of Lukewarm Christians. I have condensed them to 14. For each example of Lukewarm describe a person who would be RED HOT for God. Use Transcend Chapter 4 to help you find these characteristics. I will give you an example on Number 1. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lukewarm<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Fire – Red Hot Passion for God<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Go through the motions of Christian rituals<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Give money while it is easy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Follow popular trends in society to fit in<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Want to be saved from penalty of sin<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rarely share their faith with neighbors, coworkers, or friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Judge their “goodness” by comparing themselves to others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Section off their time, money, thoughts and give Jesus some of those.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love the thought of Jesus <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love others but do not seek to love or serve as much as themselves<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve God and others with limits of time, money and energy<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think about life on earth much more than eternity in Heaven. Daily life is mostly focused on today’s to-do list.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do whatever is necessary to keep themselves comfortable, safe, and secure.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are slaves to being in control. Risking life, limb, funds, security for God is not part of their walk. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are rich, consumeristic, relying on their retirement, savings accounts, and stored up possessions. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div></td> <td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext rgb(0, 0, 0); border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt 0px; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Engaged, committed, involved in both assembly worship and daily praise & testimony for Christ. </span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </h2><h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">We live in a Privileged & Rich society. Christ said it will difficult for rich folks to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. When you are looking reflectively into God's will try to imagine that you are hearing His words for the first time. Try to imagine that each statement He makes warms your heart and that you can obey His will. Please watch these two videos:</h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Lukeware & Loving It (~38 Minutes)</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pBhqrtMqrv8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> Beekman House (2 Minutes)</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/w0l8DLBy1N8" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>HOMEWORK:</strong></span></div><strong> </strong><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chapter 5 of Crazy Love and Chapter 5 of Transcend. If you did not participate in reading Chapter 4 of Transcend, you missed a great chapter.</span></strong></div><strong> </strong><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Sometime this week share your testimony with your Study Buddies so that you will feel more confident to share it in small groups in class next week. Start by describing how your life would be without Christ. Let’s tweak our skills in verbalizing the joy we have in Christ.</strong> </span></div></div>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-53968570874408545792013-10-02T14:19:00.004-07:002013-11-11T13:54:32.158-08:00Lesson 5: Crazy Love - Embracing God (chapter 3 and Transcend chapter 3)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SHORT REVIEW:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the previous lesson we spoke of EXPOSING others to the Light of the world. We accomplish this by taking every opportunity to glorify Christ in our speech and in our actions. We accomplish this by caring, compassionate, loving, supportive attentiveness to those who are especially vulnerable to receive the Gospel. We learn to discern which seed to plant by listening first!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were given a chart which helped us determine who might be most receptive to hear the Good News. We prayed over those with whom we might have the opportunity to share the Light. We are asking God to prepare the soil so that we might plant the seed. We ask God for the increase. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our goal is to be the one that shares with the one (1:1) who will come to know Christ in an intimate and meaningful way. We recognize that we will need to mentor those with whom we share the Light. That sowing and nurturing are what God has called us to do. Our schedules reflect that priority. Our bank books reflect that priority. Our enthusiasm and praise reflect that priority… if we are to be called followers of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were given a handout about “Making Plans” and a friend of mine shared the lyrics to a song that goes quite well with this topic. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In small group read the words to this song and discuss main points that you glean from it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Song: “Whatever” (Colossians 3:23-24) by Steven Curtis. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made a list wrote down from A to Z<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the ways I thought You could best use me<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Told all my strengths and my abilities<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I formed a plan it seemed to make good sense <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I laid it out for You so sure you’d be convinced<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made my case presented my defense<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But then I read the letter that You sent me<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It said that all you really want from me is just<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever, whatever, You say<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever, I will obey<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whatever, Lord, have your way<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘cause You are my God, whatever….<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So strike a match set fire to the list<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of all my good intentions all my preconceived ideas<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to do your will not matter what it is<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Give me faith to follow where you lead me<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh Lord, give me the courage and the strength to do<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not my own<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am yours and yours alone<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have bought me with your blood<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord to You and You alone do I belong<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so whatever………<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LESSON:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week we look at Chapter 3 of Crazy Love and Chapter 3 of Transcend. What were some of the main points?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">HELPING A BROKEN WORLD Fall in love with Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">--There is only true joy in Jesus Christ. The world knows fun for a fleeting moment. Christians know joy even in crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">--There is only lasting hope in the Lord. You can always know that God is with you, supporting you, loving you when you draw near to Him. Call upon God in your distress. He hears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">--There is only peace in the heart of follower of Christ. The world does not know peace. Peace is a result of God dwelling in your inner man. Your heart is the temple of God, where His peace reigns. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">PREVIEW OF HOMEWORK: Your Testimony: What would your life be like without Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We see a common theme running through both chapters. Francis Chan speaks of falling in love with Jesus; taking His mission into our hearts, minds, and souls with all of our strength. Matt Smay speaks of EMBRACING the Good News of the Kingdom to the point of living in a Christ-centered relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In small groups discuss what “embracing” God means to you. What does it look like? Sound like? Acts like?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Embracing implies touching lovingly, receiving gladly, eagerly, and willingly. There is enthusiasm in embracing. Embracing overcomes the human barrier of “personal space.“ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a letting down barriers and letting go of disconnectedness. Those who truly LOVE God are able to embrace Him, His Words, His Vision, and those He loved enough to die for. When we have seen all the options and still choose Christ, it is at this point that we can truly say we have “owned faith”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="faith">CONSIDER THESE LEVELS OF FAITH </a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">INHERITED FAITH</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: When one is born into a family and community, and they practice the faith of their family and community, we say they have an INHERITED FAITH. This is the faith of their father and/or mother. Children don’t know any difference but to accept what they are being taught by their closest relationships. They attend worship because their parents haul them to worship. They pray in the manner they see their parents pray or not pray. If born into a Moslem family, then they pray 3 times a day on a prayer mat. If born a Hindu, then they pray with prayer beads. If born to atheists, then they learn to rely of humanism.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inherited faith relies solely on tradition and handed down ideologies. Whole nations live from childhood into adulthood and even unto death adhering to inherited faith. Unfortunately, God is only pleased when we whole-heartedly seek Him and establish a personal covenant relationship with Him through Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PEER FAITH</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: As we grow older, additional relationship take on priorities. These are the relationships we build with our peers. Soon we compare and contrast our inherited faith with our PEERS’s faith and often determine to associate ourselves with them. We go to church where our friends go to church. We emulate their level of commitment or non-commitment. We prefer assembling where there is a lot of social interaction so that we can gain more peers. Peer faith often fades or changes loyalties as we continue to grow or as we move on to careers, relationships, or educational opportunities. As we move beyond the interests of a specific peer group, we often find other groups to associate with regardless of their specific religious tendencies. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been well documented that as some individuals join the military forces they become involved heavily in peer faith experiences. Many of the military and even those in prisons have taken on the faith of Islam because their peers did. In the same way, many have been baptized into Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real test is how committed they will be when they leave their group of peers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SEARCHING FAITH</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">:</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Eventually, our minds mature enough so that we can think for and beyond ourselves. We question everything and everyone. We might see the flaws in the “system” and often reject those things which don’t seem real</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We might become critical and skeptical searching for the answers.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Often we find truth that is incongruent with what we have once believed.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It is at this point in our lives that we look at all the variables and options available to us and thus are able to make informed choices. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we look closely into the background of the four Gospels, we recognize that most of the folks drawn to Jesus were probably at this point of “searching faith”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it is a far stretch to imagine that the disciples where at this point of “searching faith” when Jesus called them. We often don’t give them credit for having looked deeply into their inherited faith and into their contemporaries’ faith. They must have been searching for a better way to God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hypocrites, Pharisees, and Scribes were certainly not drawing these type men to follow them. The disciples must have been very frustrated with the religious “right” of their day. As with Zacchaeus, Saul (Paul), Lydia, Cornelius and others, the current state of religious affairs left them seeking and searching for better answers. Praise God, Jesus came bringing the answers!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So it is with many young people, whether raised in the church or outside of it. At a special moment in life, most work through and decide what they will believe and which principles will formulate their actions. These principles are based on their own journey navigating through what they perceive to be the choices available to them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These folks want to find purpose and meaning in a real world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vain rituals (giving 1/10 of your spices to the temple, feasting, fasting) without relationship (embracing and loving Jesus Christ) often is rejected by this group. On the other hand, these folks will embrace a cause, even a radical and sacrificial one, if that cause exemplifies true Christianity. </span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since Christ spent 80% of His time with the poor and broken, we can see why Shane Claiborne came to this conclusion during his search for “owned faith”:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I learned a powerful lesson: We can admire and worship Jesus without doing what he did. We can applaud what he preached and stood for without caring about the same things He did. We can adore His cross without taking up ours. I had come to see that the great tragedy in the church is not that rich Christians do not care about the poor but that rich Christians do not know the poor” And thus began Shane’s search to <u>find<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a true Christian</u>, someone who actually did what Jesus taught. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DISCONTENT: One hallmark of searching faith is a form of discontentment, even anger at the status quo. It is not hard to believe that each generation must come to grips with where they are and where they still need to go….especially in today’s culture. The current American culture tells us, “You are most important.” The message is that all choices should be made according to what makes me most comfortable, what gets me the most money, how can I secure a comfortable future, and what makes me look and feel the best.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Discontentment often arises when there is disconnect between what one’s faith proclaims and what the community of faith is actually doing. An inherent motivation occurs in the human heart to resolve this disconnect or to bury this dissonance deep underneath a layer of guilt or complacency. Those who seek the higher path, to resolve the Vision of God in their own lives, will move onward to “owned faith”. Those who bury this dissonance will have hearts that are scarred over and ears that no longer hear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">OWNED FAITH</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: Embracing an "owned" faith involves gaining enough knowledge and understanding to make an informed decision. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is ONLY after seeing all the options, investigating all the possibilities, and making one’s own choices that we can truly say we “own” our faith. It is unfortunate that many never get to this level of ownership (through study, reflection, and wrestling with the options). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When we choose to live God’s story and not our own, people notice.” (Smay) Owned faith becomes a testimony to the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><u>THE RESULTS of OWNED FAITH</u></span></b></span></div>
<b style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “When we have been exposed to an idea in an environment of love and we recognize that it’s time to take the next step to own the idea, a few things must happen. First of all, we must feel discontent with where we are, that what we are currently doing is lacking. … We have to decide we want something different. …but this just makes us grumpy if we don’t understand where we are trying to go.” (Smay) Sometimes, I think there are a lot of grumpy Christians who would be transformed & find true purpose and joy if they learned to WALK IN and EXPOSE others to the LIGHT. (“What are you steppin’ in?”)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Claiborne: “People always want to define you by what you want to do or where you are going. I started saying, “I’m not too concerned with what I am going to do<u>. I want to be a lover of God and people</u>…..Jesus never says to the poor, ‘Come find the church,’ but he says to those of us in the church, ‘Go into the world and find the poor, hungry, homeless, imprisoned,’ in other words, go minister to Jesus in all His disguises.”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Secondly, according to Smay, we must have a vision of where we want to be in the future. However, I have come to realize that we need to stop looking for “what we want” and look to God’s Vision and where HE wants us to be. </span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Claiborne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rather than waiting around for God’s special plan for our lives, we should just go find where God is at work and join in.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chan says it this way, “Stop thinking that you are going to receive a life plan from God and start applying what you already know to be in His Will.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God is at work in the world, at this very moment, preparing hearts to accept the seed-- the Gospel. We just have to “show up” and “step up” by embracing the mission of God. Embracing God must take place in our own hearts before we can help others to embrace Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When we choose to love in a sacrificial and radical way, heads turn; and people are faced with the choice to embrace a bigger story of God in their life—a choice to join a loving relationship with the Creator of the Universe.” (Smay)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thirdly, God is calling us to be a living witness for the peace, joy, love, the hope that is within us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WATCH: </span></span></b><a href="http://www.faithit.com/?p=1575"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.faithit.com/?p=1575</span></span></b></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Is there a disconnect between what we say we believe and how we act or react in the world?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When we talk about EMBRACE in regards to someone who is searching, we are talking about an “I get it” moment. (Smay) The light bulb comes on and “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!” becomes more than head knowledge, it becomes heart and soul inspiration…the evidence, of which, is a life of praise, sacrifice, and witnessing. When we fall in love with Jesus, we shine like a Light to the world. We spend our time as He did among (eyeball to eyeball) the poor & broken. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We move from feeling guilty to feeling ready for any good work because “God ensures our success in accordance with His Plan, not ours.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">In your small group discuss any “I get it moments” you have had recently</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">EMBRACING GOD is about choosing Him above all other options. “To whom will we go?” Peter asked. Peter had seen the options and found the one true answer. When we embrace our faith in Almighty God, He embraces us and gives us the gifts of endless joy, hope, peace, and love. These are the gifts more precious than gold and that can never be taken from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the gifts we use to bring others to Christ. </span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>WATCH: <a href="http://www.faithit.com/?p=1753">http://www.faithit.com/?p=1753</a> How does this approach work for you?</o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Question: How will you know when you are teaching someone who has begun to EMBRACE God? </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Can you give some Biblical examples?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WATCH this Video. Discuss Good ideas you see and discuss Better ideas you can think of: Homeless Man Video: </span></span></b><a href="http://youtu.be/rsIOoXG_gmo"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://youtu.be/rsIOoXG_gmo</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rsIOoXG_gmo" width="560"></iframe></span></span></b><br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">WATCH this video to see </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How to present the Gospel:</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><br />
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Begin thinking about how you would present the Gospel in a just few minutes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_ZzhwbfcjK4#t=6">https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_ZzhwbfcjK4#t=6</a></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_ZzhwbfcjK4" width="560"></iframe></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">EMBRACING THE VISION OF GOD MEANS TOUCHING LOVINGLY<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>“I’m just not convinced that Jesus is going to say, “When I was hungry, you gave a check to the United Way and they fed me,” or “When I was naked, you donated clothes to the Salvation Army and they clothed me.” (Shane Claiborne)</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Has the church become a distribution center, a place where the poor come to get stuff and the rich come to dump stuff” perpetuating the insulation and the isolation of “the have and the have not?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Survey (for your eyes only): You will probably have to give some of these your best guess….<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many times does Scripture say something similar to these words?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“have eyes but do not see”, or<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“he who has an ear let him hear ”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 time<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More than 15 times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What did Jesus mean when He said, “Visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction” or “do unto the least of these”<br />
a. These could be programs for the deacons<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b. These might be a good idea for a Lady’s Bible Class<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c. The elders and staff would take care of these<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d. These command apply to me<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who does this command apply to? “Go into all the world, make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things….”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To me<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To paid staff<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the preacher<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To the elders<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To every Follower of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matthew 25: 31-46 gives us a vision of judgment day. Which one of these was the criteria for being pleasing to the Lord? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many times we read the Bible<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How much money we gave each Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How we spent our time serving the needy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many football game scores we could recite<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether we gave our children dance, piano, cheer, or voice lessons <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where did Jesus spend 80% of his time?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teaching in the Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teaching in the Synagogue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a lake<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a mountain top<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the Desert<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">f.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Among the poor and broken.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and with all our strength, we will……<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Trust Him by continually striving to make His Vision our priority<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Make ourselves sick by worrying about pleasing Him<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feel guilty for not doing more<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">d.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue with the status quo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you can answer all the above questions correctly what does it profit us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing …if we call Him, “Lord” and do not the things that He says<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everything…if we EMBRACE His Words and make them our priority <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">GOD HAS BEEN PATIENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It recently occurred to me that God has been very kind and patient, waiting for us to change, but we too often continue to think more about our own interests more than we do about the poor. (Luke 16) Consider honestly if you think more about your own comfort than you do about the lost. (John 20:21) Is it possible that we vocalize our political stance more than we open our lips to share the Gospel with someone personally? (Matthew 28:18-19) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Are we more concerned about our savings accounts than we are about being accountable to help save others?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Perhaps it’s time to consider the cost of discipleship instead of the economy's toll on our wallets. (Matthew 6:24) Praise God we have wallets.<br />
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Here is an opportunity to abide in the love of Christ. (1 Cor16:22-24) I am personally wrestling with remembering it was the poor and the broken with whom Christ preferred to spend His time. He did<br />
not come to feed the poor or to heal the sick; He came to bring the Good News. However, He fed and healed because He moved among them and touched them.<br />
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CAN WE ALL PRAY THIS PRAYER?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Father, forgive me because I am too often caught up in my own selfish affairs. (Matthew 16:24) Help me to be converted, “no longer conformed to the pattern that is destroying our world.” (Shane Claiborne) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">HOMEWORK: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Complete your witness statement, “My life without Christ would be……..” Share your statement sometime this week with your Study Buddies. It is not a witness until you share it. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Read Chapter 4 in Crazy Love-“Profile of the Lukewarm” . List 16 characteristics of lukewarm people. Read Chapter 4 in Transcend –“Engage</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please note that we will either be engaged in God’s mission or we will grow lukewarm in His presence. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pray for those you are going to expose to the Good News. Think about how you would present the Gospel in just a few minutes. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Begin praying how you might embrace the vision of God beyond the confines of the church.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look into the chapters of Crazy Love to see which chapter you would like to present. Email me!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-51033713430392785512013-09-26T08:28:00.001-07:002013-09-27T06:40:07.689-07:00Lesson 4: Crazy Love - Its Not about Us, Its about HIM<h2>
Who's Story is it Anyway?</h2>
<strong>This lesson is a reflection of Crazy Love Chapter 2 and Transcend Chapter 2. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Scriptures: </strong><br />
<h3>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204:35&version=NASB" target="_blank"><strong>John 4:35</strong></a><strong> -Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and <i>then</i> comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26192A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>for harvest.</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%204:12-17&version=NASB" target="_blank">James 4:12-17</a> -12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?</h3>
<br />
<h3>
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.<br />
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From these two sections of Scripture we glean the following thoughts:<br />
<br />
--We have work to do in the Vision of God. He has a harvest and this work can NOT wait. <br />
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Initially the James 4:12-17 verses seems to have same random thoughts within the text, but with a little digging we can see what James is communicating. His main point is verse 35. God has a plan for us and this is how we accomplish it:</h3>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><h3>
We refrain from judging. Our work is loving. </h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
We refrain from trying to make our own plans, when God has already set forth a plan.</h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
We make sure our schedules sync with the Vision of God. Our mission is not "in addition to what we want to do", it is always in conjunction with our daily schedule.</h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
Our time on earth is short and therefore our work must concentrate on the Vision of God.</h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
If we decide we are in control, we are arrogant and evil.</h3>
</li>
<li><h3>
THEREFORE, since we KNOW these things, to not DO them is sin.</h3>
</li>
<strong> </strong></ul>
<strong>Is this a radical way of life? Well, what do you think?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZHOz-uF8b8c" width="420"></iframe><br />
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If we are truly follows of Jesus, then what He says takes us to a whole new place, a new road, a narrow road. This requires, perhaps, losing our identity as a follower of consumerism, popularity, or status. Actually attending to what was important to Jesus and following His plan for our lives helps us to gain the identity of a true disciple of Christ. <br />
</strong><br />
<h3>
After all, it is not about us, it is about Him.</h3>
<h3>
Keep asking, "What's Next, Lord?" and be open to Him when He answers. (From: "My PLANS") Remember that HE wants to walk with you every step of the way. He rarely gives us detailed long-term plans because He wants us to be wholly dependent upon His leading. </h3>
<br />
<h3>
He did not give detailed long-term plans to:</h3>
<h3>
--Noah "build a boat"</h3>
<h3>
-- Abraham "leave your home country"</h3>
<h3>
--Moses "go to Pharaoh, meet Me in the wilderness" </h3>
<h3>
--Disciples "come, follow me"</h3>
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<h3>
Why does our King not give detailed long-term plans to His followers? </h3>
<br />
<h3>
If we understood exactly what Christ had in store for us, could we not go on our way without being dependent on Him moment by moment. He wants us to trust Him as He leads us each step of the way. Its not about the details, its about trusing in Him.<br />
<br />
Francis Chan talks about making a big deal when you have a bit part in a movie. Our part in the scheme of redemption is so minute that it might be likened to being an extra in a movie with a 2-second walk-on. We dramatize our lives and often make ourselves out to be the main character. But looking at the big picture, who is this drama truly about?<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yzqTFNfeDnE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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When we can praise and glorify our Savior in our everyday communication, when we can EXPOSE (Transcend) others to the Light, we are exactly the type of radical that walks the narrow road. </h3>
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<h3>
"Understanding our journey and relationship with God can help shape how we communicate to others" (Transcend chapter 2)</h3>
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<strong>If you were going to EXPOSE someone to the the thing you love and enjoy the most, how would you do it? Hand them a pamphet, a book, make them take a class on it?...Well, not initially! Initially, you would build their interest, <span style="background-color: white;">EXPOSE</span> them to the joy and excitement before you asked them to begin a more indepth journey.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>This week we want to practice EXPOSING others to the Light, sharing our King with those who are most receptive. We have two handouts that will help you decide who you know that would be ready for this exposure. Please download and read these two handouts. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>--<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/OPEN2GOSPEL.docx">Open2Gospel.docx</a></strong><br />
<strong>--<a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/ShootFirst.docx" target="_blank">Shoot First</a></strong><br />
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<strong>RULE OF THUMB: "Oftentimes, it's only after knowing something about a person that the Holy Spirit will guide you to speak some Gospel truth that actually connects with their lives and renders them open to hear more. It's better to plant a seed that takes root than to try and ram a full-grown tree down into the soil with no prep. Even it's only something small, you have no idea what the seed will sprout into." Trust God to bring the increase!</strong><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Homework:</h3>
<strong>--Read Chapters 3 in both Crazy Love and Transcend</strong><br />
<strong>--Ask your Study Buddies to pray with you this week in preparing your top 5 to receive the EXPOSURE to the Light</strong><br />
<strong>--Come up with 7 questions you need answered before you "share" in depth the Gospel with someone.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-86192702842220607112013-09-19T18:15:00.001-07:002013-09-26T06:38:59.498-07:00Lesson 3: Transformed by Crazy Love - "What are you Steppin' in?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kIQLfuStmVDBeuAFi6N0Xc4m0IPOIK4SDaJIRuNck9LBkWLEdSoqKdE3nOeneROYS85arPQDgCysZQq3T0YH46kRTkD1I-Nd4x8PJt7VzVYJX9VO5IOHu5uXXrAMZzKMna1BQpsRK5ck/s1600/steppin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kIQLfuStmVDBeuAFi6N0Xc4m0IPOIK4SDaJIRuNck9LBkWLEdSoqKdE3nOeneROYS85arPQDgCysZQq3T0YH46kRTkD1I-Nd4x8PJt7VzVYJX9VO5IOHu5uXXrAMZzKMna1BQpsRK5ck/s1600/steppin.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="reftext"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What are we steppin’ in?</span></b></span><br />
<h3>
1 John 1:7 " but <u>if</u> we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin"</h3>
<strong>Also consider:</strong> <span class="reftext"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="reftext"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>John 12: </strong></span></span><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/12-42.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">42</span></strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “</span>Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; </strong><a href="http://biblehub.com/john/12-43.htm"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">43</span></strong></span></a><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.”</span><br />
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We walk either in light or darkness and exhibit a corresponding testimony to the world.<br />
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The difference between walking in the light and walking in darkness is that Light has a testimony with a high view of God. That testimony reflects peace, joy, love, tenderness, mercy, forgiveness. The dark testimony takes after Satan who is a liar and accuser. He came into Eden tempting Eve to feel discontent. Therefore the dark testimony whines, complains, is full of strife, contention, points fingers, distrusts the working of God in the world and relies of self and self-interests; is prideful and full of lust for the pursuit of one’s own happiness in this world.<br />
<br />
Pursuing the American dream is not the same thing as pursuing after God nor is there democracy found in a Kingdom. Kingdom people are slaves in purpose but free in spirit! Kingdom people have a testimony of true peace, mercy, grace, joy, and love. Their witness is powerful because they transcend the cares of this world through the Spirit of the Living God. They are stepping in the Light as they look always upward. (Mark 4:9, Galatians <span class="aqj">5:22</span>-26)<br />
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To complain, point fingers, accuse, stir up strife, distrust the working of God in the world, to rely on self or self-interests, to be prideful in our own accomplishments or those of other men, full of lust for the pursuit of happiness or status in this world or to chase consumeristic idealism is the testimony of those who step in darkness. (1 John <span class="aqj">2:16</span>)</strong><br />
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What are we steppin' in?</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>A high view of God acknowledges His power, grace, mercy, and long-suffering towards us. We confess Him to the world regardless of opposing laws, peers, or circumstances. We stand amazed in His Presence, moment by moment, step by step. We practice being in awe of Him. We remain sensitive to His promptings. We give Him glory in all things. We exhibit trust in Him even while living in a world full of chaos and unwise men. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>COMMUNITY:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>We recognize that if we walk in the Light, we have fellowship—community with those who practice the high view of God. We become peacemakers yet challenge one another to love and good works. We spur each other onward and upward. We share our faith experiences and provide mentoring where it is needed, compassion where it is needed, support where it is needed; loving service where it is needed.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>COMMISSIONED:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>What are we steppin’ in when we are out of sync with the Vision of God?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>If we walk in the Light, we are not absorbed in just fellowshipping and serving the saints. We look outward to the fields white for harvest. We walk by stepping out in faith (unseen, uncharted territory) to answer the commission of Christ and to meet the world where it lives. <br />
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One cannot truly mature without a community of faith. Being a part of the body is where we find our challenges for all the “one another” commands. Recluses on mountain tops cannot become servants sitting by themselves. But being only associated with the body does not serve the purpose of our commission. We must reach out, go out, and expand beyond the confines of the fellowship of saints in order to participate as a partner with God in the harvest. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>CLEANSED:</strong></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If</span></u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> we walk in the Light, Christ’s blood continually cleanses us from all sin. I am amazed at how many “conditional” statements we choose to ignore in Scripture. God’s promises have always been conditional, though His love for us is unconditional. Our covenant relationship with Him requires a proper response and submission (Romans 8:13). We often get blasé and lazy in our reverence and respect for His Will. “IF” is used over 1500 times in Scripture for conditional promises. </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>We can know we are saved step by step, IF we walk in the Light. Please keep examining your steps. This is not a yoyo salvation, it is God’s way of asking you to walk in trusting relationship with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will sin and we will fall, but we don’t stop trusting in the One who loved us enough to provide a continual cleansing. If we were perfect, we would not need a continual cleansing. Praise be to God! Because He provides not only for cleansing past sins but for future one’s as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>What are we steppin’ in? <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>May we all spend time this week walking in the Light….stepping out in faith (unseen, uncharted territory) for the cause of Christ and the Vision of God. May we practice being in awe of God by acknowledging His power in our life. Guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus and guard your testimony! </strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">HOMEWORK:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read Chapter 2 Crazy Love</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Read Chapter 2 Transcend</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/drjstudy13/home#crazy" target="_blank">Read Handouts.</a> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Pray for 5 people you would like to see come to Christ.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Start planting seed. </span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-80612028956946567052013-09-14T12:20:00.001-07:002013-10-28T15:04:31.102-07:00Lesson 2: Transformed by Crazy Love <strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></strong><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More than just Your Head in the Game...</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<b><span style="color: black;"><br />
It's true, many a player has been told, "get your head in the game"
because they seem to lack focused attention on their mission. Many people
claiming to be Christ followers also seem to lack focused attention on their
mission. The cares of this world have drawn their concerns and priorities away
from the "one thing" (1 Corinthians 10:33, Matthew 28:18-19, Luke
19:10) which is a reflection of the greatest thing. (Luke 10:27)<br />
<br />
HOWEVER, even with those who have their "head in the game", it takes
more. Players who sit on the side lines and who know everything about "the
game" but who refuse to actually get into the game, have no future except
to be dropped by their coach.<br />
<br />
It takes more than wishing, hoping, and praying to be in the army of The Lord,
it takes humility and commitment to follow the marching to the orders. It takes walking in the Light. It takes loving Christ and others which is doing
the Will of the Father. It takes partnering with God on "The
Mission."</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too many of us have our head in the game, but not much else.
"Why call me, Lord, and do not the things that I say?"<br />
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</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Timely message sent to me this week:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
"There is a difference between believing something is beneficial and
opening up your heart, mind and life to let that beneficial thing in,"
Geof Morin of the American Bible Society (ABS)…..”Some people view reading the
Bible as taking your medicine</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">rather than a life-changing encounter with God."</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crazy Love - Chapter 1 - Stop Praying</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Sometimes we struggle with how to properly respond to Majesty of God" and consequently what results amounts to ignoring Him or merely tolerating the thought of Him. These are the responses we see from much of the world. To go beyond the the spiritually anemic status quo may be challenging in the present world....not because of persecution, but because of being noticed, being unique, or being different or "bucking" the system.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are often more concerned about our own image than we are about becoming the image of the Son of God. We are often more concerned about our human schedules, "to do lists" for each day than we are about prioritizing Kingdom concerns each day. Let's be honest, if He is the Vine and we are the branches, then we truly have His mission flowing through our veins. If we are withered branches, He will cut us off. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How does one respond to the Great I AM? </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LISTEN: There can be little relationship with one who does not listen. God is speaking, calling, commissioning, setting up spiritual events, arranging encounters & conversations, and providing opportunities for each one of His followers. Are we attentive or just too busy?</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MEDITATE: Keeping our mind fully engaged in the Will of God and sensitive to His calling does not mean we sit on a mountain top. Rather, it may only mean that we tune out the noise of this world while we are in our car, at lunch, on our break, or during a dedicated time so that we can allow the Spirit to strengthenn our inner self. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Too often, we plan vacations, retirement, parties, sports events, and graduations with more sensitivity and purpose to details than we do Kingdom concerns. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVING PRAISE: If we truly attempt to contemplate with our feeble minds the awesomeness of God and His great mercy towards us, we can only respond in praise and love. We will proclaim Him among the nations, to all people, all types, in all settings. If He is the Vine and we are the branches, we live to be IN HIM and FOR HIM. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PURPOSE BEFORE THE THRONE: If we have a loving covenant relationship with God, then we understand our position in the Universe as servant of the one true God. We have been commissioned by Him for the "one thing" to reflect the greatest thing. The way we order, prioritize, and spend our time and efforts completely changes. Our identity as "branches" gives us purpose--bearing fruit through His power. There have been many sermons on what the nature of this fruit might be...but I like these two passages:</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Titus 3:14 --And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 Peter 1:6-8 And to knowledge add self-control; and to self-control patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things be in your, and abound, they make you neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone who lacks them is blind and shortsighted, forgetting the cleansing of past sins.</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our purpose must include the Vision of God for our lives, the commission for the "one thing" to reflect the greatest thing. The follower of Christ commits lovingly to a journey of development where Christ takes over heart, mind, soul, and strength and we respond by submitting to that process. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ministry describes our roles as the people of God. We have gotten too accustomed to letting "staff" do the work each Christian was called to do. We have grown up lacking the skills or confidence to bring our witness of Christ's glory to the world. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt Smay asks this question in Transcend (Chapter 1), </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"How do we help people shake off the cultural values of independence and consumerism and replace them with an insatiable need to love and serve others while growing each day to be more like Jesus?"</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How do we become followers....those who walk in His foot steps of ministry and mission to the world? </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We submit! God help us to turn our selfish lifestyles in to servant lifestyles. </span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord remove the fleshly formula that the American pursuit of happiness has placed over our eyes. Renew in us a right spirit and a glorious sense of purpose. </span></span></b><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Consider:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">(1) What are some consumeristic traits that I have that might be keeping me from being an effective "branch?"</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">(2) What priorities have I put first, in front of Kingdom concerns?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">(3) How much time this week did I spend contemplating the deeper things of the Kingdom?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">(4) What did I ask in prayer this week that did not fall under the "first thing" category?</span></strong><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-91981483113143510572013-09-09T15:30:00.001-07:002013-09-19T18:07:40.074-07:00Lesson 1: Crazy Love Introduction <h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Transformed by Crazy Love: Introduction</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">A Perverted View of the Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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Text: Crazy Love by Francis Chan<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Blog: <a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/">http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com</a> <o:p></o:p></h3>
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Website: <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/drjstudy13">http://sites.google.com/site/drjstudy13</a> <o:p></o:p></h3>
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Email: <a href="mailto:joy@arpisd.org">joy@arpisd.org</a><o:p></o:p></h3>
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Resource: <a href="http://www.crazylovebook.com/">http://www.crazylovebook.com</a> <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Meditation Scripture:</span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19:14&version=NASB">Psalm 19:14</a> “ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Prayer:</span> Oh most gracious God, please teach my mind to be still and know that you are ever present. Help me to realize that you are worth unplugging and being silent for your wisdom in a noisy world. Teach me to listen and to meditate. I am no less needy than Christ who sought prayer time in the wilderness. Give me the strength to lay my burdens at your feet and to refuse to pick them up again because I trust in only You. </h3>
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Grant me recognition of your Presence, the joyous life I have in You, and a vision of the victory to come! Help my lips to be used solely for your praise and as salt to a decaying world. Raise my awareness to the Heavenly realm and take my eyes off of the mundane, insignificant tasks that I often put in the place of the main thing - serving you. Help me to be absorbed in your mission and crazy love towards all of mankind! <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">The Big Idea:</span> Recognizing the Awesome Love of God will Transform the way we Prioritize our Lives.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Twitter Notables</span>:<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(1) Learning to see the Presence of God moment by moment changes the way we walk moment by moment<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(2) Acknowledging the true nature of the King and the Kingdom is paramount to transcending discipleship (John 6:66)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(3) The real challenge for followers of Christ is not learning a new concept or verse. It is how to meaningfully apply what we already know! <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Characteristics of God:</span> List as many characteristics of God as you can in small groups. Take about 5 minutes and then share your answers.</h3>
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Study Buddy Assignments: (Cards – Handouts) Two Copies <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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Our God is an awesome God! This word “awesome” should be reserved for our God and Him only because He is much more that we can even fathom. We often suffer from spiritual “amnesia” as we go about our mundane tasks each day. We forget to be moved by His Presence or even remember that He has come down to us to make His home inside of us. </h3>
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We forget to be the “temple” of the living God and to serve the purpose of the temple, to praise Him with our hearts, minds, soul, and strength. So many other interests consume us and take over our schedules. To combat this lack of “God awareness” on our part, we need to dedicate time in meditation and prayer, study and application, and praise and creative proclamation of His glory each day. Begin by making a special time for “renewing” your mind and then pray for God to train our hearts to be in tune with Him moment by moment, step by step. .</h3>
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“God is bigger than we think!” Yes, it is true that we cannot fathom all that God is, but the Bible promises that we can grow in our knowledge and understanding of God.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">1 Corinthians 2:10</span> 9 but just as it is written,<o:p></o:p></h3>
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“Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,<div>
And which have not entered the heart of man,</div>
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All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.”<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Eph 3:18-19</span>: that you…”18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know (ginosko- Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse) the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (gnosis-deeper, advanced wisdom), that you may be filled (cram a hollow) up to all the fullness of God.”<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Notice that to be filled with the fullness of God we must be hollowed out, emptied, humbled, selfless and submissive. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">THINK:</span> Do we have this type of knowledge and understanding of God? The word “knowledge” here in Eph 3:18-19 represents the kind of “knowing” that Adam and Eve had in the garden…intimate love. When we consider that the Supreme God of the Universe has made Himself available to us for that type of “knowing”, we must be in awe of this loving God.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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“We all know something‘s wrong” and should be praying diligently for revival for all those who claim to wear the name of Christ. Soooo much of our collective salt has lost not only its ability to serve its purpose, but even the desire to serve its purpose. Why do you think that is?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Resource FYI: <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2013/07/rain-down-revial.html">http://blog.lproof.org/2013/07/rain-down-revial.html</a> <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Perverted Views of the Kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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Ok, we are going to get down and dirty here….not to make anyone feel guilty but, as Jeremiah the weeping prophet would have done, to wake up a sleeping, lukewarm, entertainment-seeking Kingdom. Somehow we translated our mission as Christians into a check list of Do’s and Don’ts. If we went to church each week, partook of the Lord’s Supper, avoided drinking, drugs, sex, and swearing, we were pleasing to God. As Chan points out, if we failed at any of these we felt guilty and distant from God. (p 19 eBook version)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(1) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 13:24</span> </h3>
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--The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.</h3>
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--There will be tares among the wheat </h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom has too often resulted in many of our young adults leaving the church because they were looking for a reality, a relationship, a purpose, a mission, a crusade to dedicated their lives to, not a check list. Our perverted view of the Kingdom has often resulted in stunted personal growth and a diminishing of outreach, evangelism, and mission-minded disciples. We have often loved the status quo and tradition more than we have love the mission of God. </h3>
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WOE to those who become stumbling blocks to others in the Kingdom.</h3>
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(2) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 13:31</span></h3>
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--"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field;</h3>
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--From a small seed grows a great Kingdom through POWER of God -- not by our power!</h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom holds that “we do our best and God will do the rest” when in truth we can do NOTHING outside the power of the living God. This perverted view praises self and others for accomplishments for honor which should only be given to God. It is through Him that we move, and breath, and have our very being. </h3>
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It is this view that seeks the talents of men to uphold congregation numbers instead of seeking the blessing of God through His Holy Spirit to empower all His saints. It is this perverted view that we forget to pray first and seek His Will before we plan and implement missions in His Name. It is this perverted view that takes us down the path of destruction: “For there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the way there of is death.”<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(3) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 13:33</span>: </h3>
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--"The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in the three pecks of flour until it was all leavened."</h3>
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--God will increase His Kingdom even while we are unaware of it....but He wants us to be His missionaries! </h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom is that we are an audience with paid staff to do the work of evangelism and missions. As Chan so eloquently puts it, “Disciples disciple.” No one can take the place of each and every disciple affecting the daily contacts God has placed in their path. Although we model the Christian life, souls are brought to the Lord through the testimony of our lips. Faith comes by hearing, NOT by seeing. </h3>
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We have ALL been commissioned to be missionaries (Matthew 28:18-20). Without a mission, we cannot call Him,” Lord.” (Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19) This perverted view believes (not through words, but through actions) that we were saved to sit on a pew. AND we need to make sure that do not just serve those who sit in the pews. Yes, we need to be careful that the “church” does not merely look inward. We need to see ourselves as missionaries to those outside of Christ. </h3>
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(4) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 13:44:</span> </h3>
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--"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys the field."</h3>
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--Those who truly find the Kingdom will make it their supreme priority in life.</h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom includes the idea that we need to keep studying before we reach out to the lost. From Acts 2 onward we see that those who took the Gospel into the known world actually knew very little, they did however intimately “know” Christ as Lord. “Christ is Lord” was their testimony and that was enough. </h3>
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The perverted view of the Kingdom maintains that winning souls for Christ depends upon our knowledge and understanding of Scripture. When in truth, God’s Spirit is actively opening hearts to the Gospel before we even recognize it (Act 16:14) AND our commission is to plant the seed in community with those who will water (network fishing) It is God who gives the increase. </h3>
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When one comes to Christ this is a victory celebrated by the Angels in Heaven because God’s Word does not return to Him void. This victory should be our most significant celebration! To make light of this event, to gloss over this event, to minimize the impact of this event is serving Satan and not Heaven. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 13:45:</span> </h3>
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--"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls..."</h3>
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--The kingdom of heaven is priceless to those who are Kingdom people, not traded for riches, fame, idolatry, possessions, entertainment, status, or other pursuits which they believe will make them happy. </h3>
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We need to stop singing, “Send the Light” and start motivating each other to “Take the Light”. God calls those who are busy to leave their “nets”--their business, in order to do His Will. </h3>
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(5) <span style="background-color: yellow;"> Matthew 13:47</span>: </h3>
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--"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind..."</h3>
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--The kingdom of heaven will be shared with those who look and act like us and with those who DO NOT!</h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom is that we are to be the judges of the world. Often we think we are to “defend” ourselves from those who are sinful and evil. This is the Pharisaical view of the “church”. As the term “church” is not in the transcripts of Scripture until after Constantine, we need to refrain (if possible) from using this term. </h3>
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We, the called out of the Kingdom, have but one attribute and that is to LOVE one another and the lost. We were called out to be CONFORMED into the image of His Son. We, the called out, are SENT OUT into the world to share the grace, mercy, and love of Christ just as He did. We, the called out, are servants of Christ, the hands of Christ, to be compassionate and caring for those who are in need, especially those who do not LOOK like, ACT like or SMELL like us. We, the called out, are commissioned to GO instead of requiring others to COME. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 18:23:</span> </h3>
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--" For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves..."</h3>
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--Slaves in the Kingdom are forgiving as they have been forgiven </h3>
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We are commissioned to GO where the sinful and the lost ARE, which will often become uncomfortable for many of us. But we were never called INTO comfort, safety, or convenience. We cannot serve those we condemn. We cannot save those we gossip about or defame. We all fall short of the Glory of God. And the world will KNOW us by our LOVE. Get OFF the throne of judgment and put yourself on the cross of service to a dying world. We are ALL on MISSION!<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(6) <span style="background-color: yellow;"> Matthew 18:1</span>: </h3>
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--"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is the greates in The kingdom of heaven?"</h3>
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--The kingdom of heaven is for the humble slaves of the Great "I AM"</h3>
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A perverted view of Kingdom is that God wants His saints to practice a false reverence (false piety) that serves only Satan. False reverence can be seen in Matthew 6, and is actually the one thing that upset Christ the most…outward appearances that were void of inward spirituality (full of dead man’s bones). Please allow me to share a take-away from Beth Moore. One of Satan’s tasks is to transform us into either being useless for the cause of Christ or into a co-worker with Satan. One of Satan’s missions is to “mute” the lips of the believer. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 23:13 WOE TO YOU</span>!: </h3>
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--Woe to you! Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the Kingdom of Heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."</h3>
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--"Legalism and false piety will take you straight to Hell.</h3>
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When reverence is interpreted as complete silence or short answer, who is please? Christ proclaimed, “even the rocks will cry out!” Witnessing among the brethren as well as among the nations is paramount for building faith and pleasing God.</h3>
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We see in the first chapter of Romans that Paul desired to meet with (among) the Saints in Rome in order to be strengthened and encouraged by “the other’s faith.” This isn’t done in a vacuum. This is done when we meet together and when we practice the “one another” Scriptures including witnessing to one another. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Romans 1:12</span> that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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How do I know that your faith will strengthen me unless you witness to me about what God is doing in your life? We miss great opportunities to be touched by what the power of God is doing in our community of faith because we cling to a “false” sense of reverence. We have taken the verse “in decency and in order” completely out of its original context – that of having multiple speakers, multiple witnessing, multiple prophets, multiple tongues. </h3>
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We have deleted multiples of these activities from our services and we rarely have any interactivity. This does not represent the scenes we see portrayed in the first century. No one in our services would dare to cry out, “Men and brethren what shall we do?!?” What a pity!!<o:p></o:p></h3>
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Further: If we do not allow brethren to witness in the presence of true believers, how well do you think they will witness in the world among scoffers? We must EQUIP the saints to verbalize their testimonies one to another so that they become ready to testify in the world (3 John 1:3-4) </h3>
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NOTE: Five-finger sermons were very popular back in the day when traveling preachers came through once a month and they wanted you to remember their last sermon. It was also a time when not very many people could read or had a copy of the Scriptures. </h3>
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As a community of faith that has every Biblical aid and every answer at our finger tips, it should be an opportunity to mature in our understanding of God’s will and to seize the truths beyond the five-finger approach to faith, conversion, worship, etc. </h3>
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There are MORE than 5 steps to salvation: One which should have been included all along is 1 Peter 3:15, “Sanctify Christ as Lord of your heart”. Until we have placed Him on the throne of our heart, we are still walking in darkness. Confessing Christ is appropriate, but even demons believed & confessed Him. Being baptized is appropriate, but even Simon the Sorcerer was baptized, yet in danger of Hell. Therefore, being transformed is essential. Do you see my point? <o:p></o:p></h3>
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Are there MORE than 5 acts which should be performed as worship? Well, of course there are! These include motivating one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:25), serving those in need (Romans 12:1-2) confessing our sins one to another, praising God through our testimonies one to another, and so many more. Learning what is expected of us during the assembly should be a personal study for each member of the Lord’s body. The worship assembly, as others have said before me, “should be where Saints get their marching orders.”.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(7) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 9:36:</span> Lord of the Harvest</h3>
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--"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. The He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest."</h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom is that the King does not care if we only surrender just an hour a week to His service. It is popular, not in word but in deed, to sprinkle a little Jesus on our lives and then go about doing as just as we please, thinking as we please, confronting the world as we please. Unless we become slaves of the King, we needn’t bother with any semblance of serving Him. </h3>
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Unless He directs each and every step, we are foolish in our understanding of His desire for our lives. Unless we take up our cross daily, we cannot be His disciple. Unless we lose our lives, we cannot be His disciple. Christ calls for all or none. Romans 12:1-2 lets us know that this Kingdom requires a transformation, a daily renewing of our minds, a selfless serving submission because God has given us His indwelling Spirit to guide us. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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There are those who believe that have “enough God.” What more could they possibly do for God? Perhaps they have filled their time with all kinds of ministries, none of which include their “first love”, Christ’s commission, God’s reason for bringing them into the Kingdom (Matthew 7:21-13). Busy work does not gain favor with God. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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(8) A perverted view of the Kingdom is that we are at the mercy of earthly circumstances, political figures, armies, enemies, or foes of the church. Brethren, we walk in the Kingdom of God. We have been translated to the Heavenly realm. We have the protection of our Supreme God and Father. Our Savior has a plan for our lives. </h3>
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Kingdom people trust God in ALL things, rejoice in all things. We don’t vocalize our fears or anxieties to a darkened world as this defeats our testimonies. We pray in agreement over life’s situations and then trust God to bring about His desired Will. If we can’t trust, then please don’t sing, “It is well with my soul!”<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(9) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 18:3-4</span>: </h3>
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--"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven."</h3>
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--The kingdom of heaven is for those who are truly "converted", "transformed", "changed" into the image of our Lord.</h3>
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A perverted view of the Kingdom is that we can bring up children in the world and they will “inherit” the Kingdom by osmosis. When we pursue a consumeristic life-style with all other worldly interests, entertainment, and relaxations and spend all our time and energy teaching our children how to be successful and popular in the world, we should not expect that one day they will wake up to be committed servants of Christ. </h3>
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No one wakes up one day and becomes a concert pianist. It takes years of teaching, mentoring, practicing, and pursuing a goal to become a concert pianist. Our children more than likely will not wake up one day and decide they want to become a true disciple who disciples others, if they were not taught to prioritize their time in the service of Christ. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 19:23</span>: </h3>
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--"Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven."</h3>
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--Americans are going to have to take extra precautions to assure that they are Kingdom people. We are richer than 97% of the world's populations. </h3>
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Soooo many parents regret the short time they have with their children and realize tooooo late that they focused on every kind of activity except those activities which spiritually developed their children. You don’t become a concert pianist by practicing 1 hour a week. You don’t become grounded in real trust and love of God by being exposed one hour a week to Biblical teaching. Church statistics (and Scripture) tell us that young adults will fall away because of spiritual anemia if they were only fed on Sundays and Wednesday nights. </h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 22:2</span>: </h3>
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We often brag about all the activities our children are involved. We recognize their success in school, sports, extracurricular activities without any reference to the miles stone they may be making spiritually. A maxim we use in education is “what is rewarded is repeated”. Acknowledging spiritual goals and objectives we have set for ourselves and our children can become ways of helping the value their spiritual growth. </h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Matthew 25:1</span>: </h3>
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--Parable of the 10 virgins, 5 who....</h3>
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(1) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Lost their first love</span> - energy to shine their lights to the world. Lost their love of the Bridegroom and lost their testimony.</h3>
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(2) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Became tired and lazy</span> about renewing their lamps (daily renewing of their minds by the Holy Spirit)</h3>
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(3) <span style="background-color: yellow;">Became "pew sitters"</span> content to "sit and wait" instead of GOING!</h3>
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Being toooooo busy is a figment of our imagination! What we find as a necessity may not make a hill of beans difference in eternity. In fact, if this business takes my family’s attention off their service to Christ, it more than likely will make a world of difference in eternity!</h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Review: </span><a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/05/lesson-6-chaper-5-take-away-forgotten.html">http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/05/lesson-6-chaper-5-take-away-forgotten.html</a> </h3>
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Although my understanding of Scripture (<a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/06/lesson-10-chapter-7-take-away-part-3.html">http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2013/06/lesson-10-chapter-7-take-away-part-3.html</a> )would keep me from recommending that you use the phrase, “I so proud of you”, referring to a child’s accomplishments…I do think we can express our joy in what the Lord’s Spirit is producing in their lives. </h3>
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Children need to find their identity in Christ before they identify themselves as a cheerleader, band member, football player, pianist, etc. Family and peers should recognize them as Christian first and all other characteristics as minor. Building a child’s self esteem is not as important as building a servant of the Most High God. Developing a child’s abilities, talents, and specialties should never take the place of developing a child’s love for the King and Kingdom work. </h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Revelation 11:15</span>: </h3>
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--"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."</h3>
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--Nobody goes to Heaven who doesn't want to! If we are not Kingdom People first on earth, we will not be Kingdom people in Heaven.</h3>
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Paul was a tentmaker, but you never heard him identify himself as such. He was, “Paul, a servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Kingdom people share that recognizable characteristic with Paul. We cannot call Christ, “Lord” (Master) without identifying ourselves as His slaves. Help your children to build their identity through their relationship to Christ.</h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">CRAZY LOVE:</span> </h3>
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--Our love for Christ and His Kingdom and God and His Plan might seem crazy to those who are in darkness.</h3>
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--We are called to be radical, holy, set-apart, slaves of God who reaches down from the Holy of Holies to grant us a position in the Heavenly Realm.</h3>
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--Kingdom people are unique. They do not look like, talk like, or act like the world. They are salt and light to those who are decaying and in darkness. </h3>
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We will continue to uncover perverted views of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Kingdom as we work through this study. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<o:p> <span style="background-color: yellow;">V</span></o:p><span style="background-color: yellow;">IDEO:</span> <a href="http://www.crazylovebook.com/">http://www.crazylovebook.com</a> Introduction (2:10)</h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">AUDIO:</span> <a href="http://www.evangelismcoach.org/?powerpress_pinw=9853-podcast">http://www.evangelismcoach.org/?powerpress_pinw=9853-podcast</a> (5 minutes) – Find something you can share easily and well.</h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">Closing:</span><div>
Our life experiences are not as important as our God experiences. External circumstances and past situations ( being abused as a child, betrayed by a loved one, victories, defeats, gains or losses) should not determine who we are as much as how God is molding us in our inner-man through the power of His Spirit because we have dedicated quality time in pursuing Him.</div>
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If our outward circumstances have determined more of how we respond in this world, then we have not spent enough quality time dedicated to communing with God. Some of us are like a cheap dates, intimate for only short periods of time, when God desires to have a deep, extensive, and fulfilling relationship with each one of us.</div>
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Dedicate Quality time in pursuing God, for God is NEAR! Learn what this crazy love is all about.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">HOMEWORK:</span> </h3>
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(1) Listen to : 1 for 1 CD First Lesson </h3>
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(2) Read Transcend: Chapter 1</h3>
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(3) Read Crazy Love: Intro & Chapter 1</h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">APPLICATION:</span> </h3>
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(1)Write down 5 people you want to see become Kingdom people. Begin praying for them every day. </h3>
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(2) Write down a way for you to share the Gospel story in 5 minutes (the steps to Peace with God). How would you explain it? DON’T MISS this assignment! Bring it to class. </h3>
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· Telling your own conversion story<o:p></o:p></h3>
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· You can use analogies of, “the bridge” between man and God<o:p></o:p></h3>
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· 7 Colors (Green for Garden of Eden, Black for Turning back on God, Yellow for Christ the Light of the World, Red for His blood on the Cross, Blue for our baptism into His cleansing blood, White for our sins washed away, Gold for walking in the Light until we are taken into Heaven)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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· Circle Scriptures (start anywhere, end anywhere): <o:p></o:p></h3>
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o 1 Thess 1:7-9 – we must KNOW God (intimately) and obey the Gospel<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o 1 Corinthians 15:1-3 – What is the Gospel? Death, burial, and resurrection of Christ<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Romans 6:3-11 – How can we obey the Death, burial, and resurrection of Christ?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Gal 3:26-27 – Being clothed in Christ keeps us from the wrath to come and affords us all the Spiritual Blessings in Christ<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Eph 1:3-end of chapter – What are the spiritual blessings in Christ? Can we have any of these outside of Christ?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Acts 22:16 – Why do I need to call on God when I am baptized?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Col 2:12 If I must be in Christ to receive all spiritual blessings, how to I get into Christ? Why do I need faith in the working of God in my baptism? What work does God do in baptism?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Luke 3:21-22 – What 5 things happened in Christ’s Baptism that will also happen in ours (He is our example) <o:p></o:p></h3>
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o 1 Peter 3:15 – What response must I have to the sacrifice of Christ?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o 1 Peter 3:21 – If I place Christ on the throne of my heart, confess Him with my mouth, and obey His death, burial and resurrection, I am saved.<o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Romans 12:1-2 – My life in Christ will be a life of submission, transformation, and service. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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o Titus 3:5-7 The Holy Spirit through the Word will transform me by the renewing of my mind. I will be a new creature in God’s Kingdom<o:p></o:p></h3>
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· Egg Cartoon: Broken Egg, Descending Egg, Sacrificed Egg, New Egg, Redeemed Egg<o:p></o:p></h3>
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· Others: <o:p></o:p></h3>
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Suggested Reading:<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(1) Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray (you can download this for free or ask me for a copy)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(2) The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer (you can download this for free or ask me for a copy)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(3) Transcend: Beyond the Limits of Discipleship by Matt Smay (I will give you each a copy) <o:p></o:p></h3>
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</h3>
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(4) The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis (you can download this for free or ask me for a copy)<o:p></o:p></h3>
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(5) Forgotten God by Francis Chan<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<o:p> </o:p></h3>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-33887357308345769892013-07-01T13:00:00.001-07:002013-07-01T13:16:32.500-07:00Lesson 12: Forgotten God - Mission-Minded Communities<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: x-large;">Disciples Disciple</span>---<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:19-20&version=NASB" target="_blank">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
"Go therefore and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24215B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>make disciples of <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24215C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>all the nations, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24215D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, <span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NASB-24216"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24216E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>I am with you always, even to <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24216F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>the end of the age.”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disciples <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">SEE</span> the lost, the lame, and the lukewarm, not to judge but to show the mercy of God by sharing the LIGHT. <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Disciples</span> multiply purposefully because they have taken to heart to TWO GREATEST COMMANDS.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2022:36-40&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 22:36-40</a> <br />
<span class="text Matt-22-36" id="en-NIV-23909"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NIV-23910"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>Jesus replied: <span class="woj">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-38" id="en-NIV-23911"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>This is the first and greatest commandment.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-22-39" id="en-NIV-23912"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span></span><span class="text Matt-22-40" id="en-NIV-23913"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">40 </sup>All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-22-40"><span class="woj"><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23913C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><sup></sup><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012:30;%20Luke%2010:27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27</a><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30" id="en-NIV-24704"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’</span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27" id="en-NIV-25391"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25391A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%206:5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 6:5</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5" id="en-NIV-5092"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5092A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God with all your heart<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5092B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and with all your soul and with all your strength.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span style="font-size: large;">Before taking action we should ask ourselves, "Does this action reflect my love of God? </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2011:13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 11:13</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13" id="en-NIV-5222"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>So if you faithfully obey<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5222A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> the commands I am giving you today—to love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5222B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5222C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>—</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;">Are my actions <span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">sacrificial</span></span> in nature?</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2011:22&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 11:22</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-11-22" id="en-NIV-5231"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>If you carefully observe<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5231A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5231B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, to walk in obedience to him and to hold fast<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5231C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> to him—</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;">Am I holding fast to God, cleaving to Him step by step?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2013:3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 13:3</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God is testing<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5276C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> you to find out whether you love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5276D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> him with all your heart and with all your soul.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;">Have I allowed God to change my heart, to remove fleshly desires from my heart?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2030:6&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 30:6</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6" id="en-NIV-5715"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5715A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> so that you may love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5715B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut%2030:16,%2020&version=NIV" target="_blank">Deut 30:16, 20</a> Commandment with promise</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16" id="en-NIV-5725"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>For I command you today to love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5725A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5725B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and increase, and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20" id="en-NIV-5729"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>and that you may love<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5729A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is your life,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5729B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and he will give<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5729C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> you many years in the land<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5729D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span style="font-size: large;">Take Heed! Pay Attention!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%2022:5;%2023:11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jashua 22:5; 23:11</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5" id="en-NIV-6432"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>But be very careful to keep the commandment<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6432A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and the law that Moses the servant of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> gave you: to love the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6432B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6432C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6432D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11" id="en-NIV-6472"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>So be very careful<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6472A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to love the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-6472B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> your God.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><span style="font-size: large;">Second Commandment with Promise</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11">"Love your neighbor as yourself"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">WHO is my neighbor?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202:1-13&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 2:1-13</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Mark-12-30"><span class="woj"><span class="text Luke-10-27"><span class="text Deut-6-5"><span class="text Deut-11-13"><span class="text Deut-30-6"><span class="text Deut-30-16"><span class="text Deut-30-20"><span class="text Josh-22-5"><span class="text Josh-23-11"><div class="chapter-1">
<span class="text Jas-2-1"><span class="chapternum">2 </span>My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30295A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30295B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-2" id="en-NIV-30296"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.</span> <span class="text Jas-2-3" id="en-NIV-30297"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”</span> <span class="text Jas-2-4" id="en-NIV-30298"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30298C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> with evil thoughts?</span></div>
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<span class="text Jas-2-5" id="en-NIV-30299"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Listen, my dear brothers and sisters:<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> to be rich in faith<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> and to inherit the kingdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> he promised those who love him?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30299H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-6" id="en-NIV-30300"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>But you have dishonored the poor.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30300I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30300J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-7" id="en-NIV-30301"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?</span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-2-8" id="en-NIV-30302"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.</span> <span class="text Jas-2-9" id="en-NIV-30303"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>But if you show favoritism,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30303L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30303M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-10" id="en-NIV-30304"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30304N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30304O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-11" id="en-NIV-30305"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.</span><br />
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<span class="text Jas-2-12" id="en-NIV-30306"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Speak and act as those who are going to be judged<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30306R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> by the law that gives freedom,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30306S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Jas-2-13" id="en-NIV-30307"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30307T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> Mercy triumphs over judgment.</span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Your neighbor is anyone in need, especially those in need of mercy. Our judgments must look with the eyes of our glorious Lord.</span> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:31-46&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 25:31-46</a></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Jas-2-13"><span class="text Matt-25-31"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>“When the Son of Man comes<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24040A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24040B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-32" id="en-NIV-24041"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24041C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24041D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-NIV-24042"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-NIV-24043"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24043E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> prepared for you since the creation of the world.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24043F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NIV-24044"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24044G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-NIV-24045"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>I needed clothes and you clothed me,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> I was sick and you looked after me,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> I was in prison and you came to visit me.’<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24045J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-NIV-24046"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-NIV-24047"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NIV-24048"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NIV-24049"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">40 </sup>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24049K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-41" id="en-NIV-24050"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">41 </sup>“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> you who are cursed, into the eternal fire<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> prepared for the devil and his angels.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24050N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-42" id="en-NIV-24051"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">42 </sup>For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,</span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-43" id="en-NIV-24052"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">43 </sup>I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-44" id="en-NIV-24053"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">44 </sup>“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-45" id="en-NIV-24054"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">45 </sup>“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24054O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46" id="en-NIV-24055"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">46 </sup>“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24055P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>”</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Treatment of the lost, the lame, and the unlovely, the poor, the distressed, and the destitute becomes the criteria for our eternal destination. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Touching the untouchable, loving the unlovable, sharing eyeball to eyeball, hand to heart, skin to skin is the true religion of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:1-2&version=NIV" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1:27&version=NASB" target="_blank">James 1:27</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: x-large;">Sharing the Gospel</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Discipleship 101</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(1) Sin Problem: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans 3:23&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 3:23</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Thess%201:7-9&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Thessalonians 1:7-9</a>: "when the Lord Jesus will be revealed <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29657B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>from heaven <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29657C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>with His mighty angels <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29657D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>in flaming fire, <span class="text 2Thess-1-8" id="en-NASB-29658"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>dealing out retribution to those who <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29658E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup><u>do not know God</u> and to those who <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29658F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup><u>do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus</u>.</span> <span class="text 2Thess-1-9" id="en-NASB-29659"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>These will pay the penalty of <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29659G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>eternal destruction, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29659H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(2) God's amazing love and cure! <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:16&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 3:16</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(3) Christ's <span class="woj"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">unparalleled </span></span> sacrifice <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:3-5&version=NASB" target="_blank">I Corinthians 15:3-5</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span> <span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(4) My Acceptance and Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians+13:5&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthinas 13:5</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(5) My Response <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:37-38&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 2:37-38</a></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding my lost condition separated from God</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Committing to redirecting (repenting) my life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203:15&version=NASB" target="_blank">1 Peter 3:15</a>)</span></li>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Overwhelming joy at God's love, mercy and grace in providing a way of salvation</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(6) My Submission (Obeying the Gospel)- Asking God to renew me while submitting to a death of the old self in baptism, being raised up to walk in a new life in Christ believing that God has transferred me out of the Kingdom of darkness into the Light- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2022:16&version=NASB" target="_blank">Acts 22:16</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:3-11&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 6:3-11</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal%203:26-27&version=NASB" target="_blank">Gal 3:26-27</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1:13&version=NASB" target="_blank">Col 1:13</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%202:12%20&version=NASB" target="_blank">Col 2:12</a> </span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(7) My Continual Submission to the Holy Spirit's Process of Metamorphosis, being Transformed daily into the image of Christ - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:2&version=NASB" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Cor%204:16&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Cor 4:16</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eph%204:23&version=NASB" target="_blank">Eph 4:23</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%203:10&version=NASB" target="_blank">Col 3:10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus%203:5&version=NASB" target="_blank">Titus 3:5</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(8) Taking on the new Mission of sharing the Gospel among my neighbors, friends, relatives, and to the far reaches of the earth while always acknowledging the power of God to pave the way and to give me the strength to accomplish His Will step by step and moment by moment. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians+5:18&version=NASB" target="_blank">2 Corinthinas 5:18</a></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Displaying Contagious Joy</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Overflowing with the love for the lost, the lame, and the lukewarm</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Preferring mercy over judgment. It is my calling to love and not to judge. It is my privilege to serve and not to be served.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Going to where the needs are instead of requiring them to "attend" something</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Being able to forgive and overlook differences and to extend the call of the Kingdom to everyone, anywhere, anytime-- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%201:28-29%20&version=NASB" target="_blank">Col 1:28-29</a> </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">(9) Learning to praise Him and to rejoice in all things -- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1:11&version=NASB" target="_blank">Phil 1:11</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:4&version=NASB" target="_blank">Phil 4:4</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">APPLICATION: Who is my neighbor?</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Name 5 people that live around you, their dreams, their desires, their needs, their concerns, and their spiritual condition. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">If you love your neighbor as yourself, you will be able to complete this task. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">If you cannot, then you should make this your goal: to find out about each one of your neighbors so that you might begin to LOVE them. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Pray for strength and courage, wisdom and love to share the Good News with those who are your neighbors. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-25-46"><span class="woj"></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div align="center">
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Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-92104456740844837822013-06-28T13:11:00.000-07:002013-07-01T10:50:05.351-07:00Lesson 11: Forgotten God - Part 4 Mission-Minded Communities<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">Questions:</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4e5b6f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Can you describe characteristics of a Supernatural Christian “Discipling” Community?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4e5b6f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">What continuing signs do we see of Constantine’s influence in the Lord’s Body today?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4e5b6f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Watch: Secret Church with David Platt, Part 1 The Gospel, Possessions & Prosperity: </span></b><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8eAiArw1MjM" width="560"></iframe><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eAiArw1MjM"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eAiArw1MjM</span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">What does this video have to do with a Mission-Minded Community?</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4e5b6f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What did Jesus say would distinguish His Spirit-led Community, the “called out?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #4e5b6f; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How do “one another” commands support a mission-minded community?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">THE MISSION-MINDED COMMUNITY</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They know how to prioritize their lives, time, funds, and efforts. </span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(2) They understand that the Spirit lives within them and God's power is available to accomplish God's mission</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: large;">They are a</span></span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> community of folks who really love one another, the lost, and their neighbors</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus gave us a church family to train and mentor us. We don't have to do it alone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: large;">They</span></span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>work together by "network" fishing"..only God gets the glory for turning the hearts and minds of men to His Plan. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A mission-minded community allows disciples to “practice” discipling in small steps, then following Christ’s example of using a debriefing process that supports and uplifts them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Power of prayer of agreement – They ask for wisdom and courage to meet the challenges of taking the Gospel to the world. They pray continually.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Spirit gives to each a special gift needed to support the community of believers. Each uses that gift for the vision of Christ in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They glory only in the Cross. They are not haughty or full of pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their identity is in Christ. Their children do not think of themselves as athletes, musicians, doctors, lawyers, or Indian Chefs first. They take pride in the cross and the power of God – All sin is derived from lust and pride. They exemplify humility in Christ and do not speak as if they are citizens of this world. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(10)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">They practice “one another” day to day, house to house, with the vision of Christ for loving the LOST, LAME, and the LUKEWARM. Those who minister to these are those who are LIVING IT!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(11)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They are courageous! For God did not give us a Spirit of timidity! They don't play it "SAFE".</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I think you might have guessed why we introduced Study Buddies to you as just a taste of what it would be like to restore N.T. closeness, caring, compassion, sharing, and reliance on a daily basis. We need to take this opportunity to reach out to each other on a daily basis to gain community strength through Christ to meet His vision. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">WHY IS IT SO HARD?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As Americans, we are too used to being separated by our cars, our big homes and large yards, selective entertainment, educational opportunities, and value systems. We are not use to having people in our business, on our door steps daily, or involved with us in such intimate relationships just because they are Christians. We are closer to our extracurricular activities friends than we are to our church family. We are closer to our peers at work and rely on them more than we do our church family....in fact, we can hardly say we have a church family...we have church acquaintances.....<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: yellow;">"Prefer One Another"<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We don’t feel this closeness because we don’t think we NEED to….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If we are going to be a community of disciple makers, we will NEED that closeness with other Christians...or we will not be the Bride that Christ is returning to take to the Wedding Feast –that SUPERNATURAL COMMUNITY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">SUPERNATURAL COMMUNITY can put POSSESSIONS, BUDGETS, TIME, TALENTS, and FINANCES into PERSPECTIVE</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Listen to Burned Up (3 minutes): </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Forgotten_God/Burnedup_Assets.mp3"><span style="color: blue;">https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Forgotten_God/Burnedup_Assets.mp3</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our culture has trained us to be consumers while God is looking for loving, sharing, caring disciples!</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">NETWORK FISHING:</span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9hK50IDH-nO5KqV82ehqM1lnwlfi6-KMVR1gpChvxQlNl8rJLojbgtVmHFCIvsOLphORlFyA6po8V7qUI10uzDIOevDp6_1xm8H2JmubAPE2nZKUgP1j1AFDrlm_ipJLxYVXpvtuZc93/s657/nets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9hK50IDH-nO5KqV82ehqM1lnwlfi6-KMVR1gpChvxQlNl8rJLojbgtVmHFCIvsOLphORlFyA6po8V7qUI10uzDIOevDp6_1xm8H2JmubAPE2nZKUgP1j1AFDrlm_ipJLxYVXpvtuZc93/s320/nets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God did not call us to become fishers of men with angling poles (rod & reels). He called us to use our “nets”. Nets require like-minded peers who can assist in helping those who are fishing for men. Christ did not send His disciples one by one. He sent them out in pairs and small groups. God gave us the church to support our efforts as we witness to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">How do you know if you are in a community of Spirit-led disciples?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Their prayer life is unending, continual, and vital<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They don't try to "normalize" you, they encourage you to stretch yourself. Being radical is the norm.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They infuse you with strength and wisdom - a blood transfusion for the anemia in the spiritual climate of today's world. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They witness and share their stories with you so that you see the possibilities and power of God in lives of submitted servants<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They rely on the power of God. The only way to explain the events and blessings you see in their community is by the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">What distinguishes a Spirit- led community from a moderately successful church</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Francis Chan asserts and rightly so that anyone can build a moderately successful church by bringing in a talented speaker, good music, fun activities and sustain a crowd for a while. But only those who submit themselves to the power of the Holy Spirit will see the mighty work that God can do. Those who humbles themselves to the glory and honor of God are dedicated to the vision of Christ. Nothing is identified that God is not given the glory. Nothing is done unless the Spirit leads. Prayer before Planning & Implementation becomes critical. Some plant, some water, but the Lord gives the increase. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Spirit-led community is in Love with Jesus...not the world, not things, not prestige, not wealth, not fashion, not popularity.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Activity, fervent working & worshipping, boisterous assemblies, and zeal...are not critical characteristics of a Spirit-led church. Rather, being in AWE of His Power and stunned by His Work is the mark of a Spirit-led community. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Is it determined precisely who is glorified? Are we impressed by our own performance or seeing the "hand of God'. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do we look more like Elijah rather than the prophets of Baal ( p 213, praying fervently for the Lord to do His work.) or overtly clamoring to impress others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God is a "gentleman"...He will not force Himself upon us. So being a slave of Christ has always been a matter of choice. Choose you this day who you will serve. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">A MISSION-MINDED COMMUNITY Prioritizes each moment for the Kingdom</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">What is the benchmark of a Spirit-lead church? What evidence might you look for?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(2)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do most Christians rectify the discrepancy between what they see in Scripture and what they see in their own Christian walk?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(3)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Why is the Holy Spirit vital to our lives today?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(4)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">What is wrong with the statement: “I want to find a healthy balance between extremes”?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(5)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">What are the dangers of opening our hearts and lives to His presence and actions more fully than we have ever don before? What are the blessings?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(6)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Can you give some illustrations of where you have “cut and pasted” verses together which might need to be re-evaluated?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(7)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Why is application of God’s Word vital? How do Spirit-led Christians respond to God’s Word?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(8)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">In today's world we have come to judge almost everything by our material, consumeristic standards. We judge our success by what "we" have accomplished. We teach our children to judge themselves by the sports "they" can play, the grades "they" make, the talents "they" possess, and by the entertainment "they" have been privileged to participate in. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">How would a Spirit-led family do this differently?</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Resource: <a href="http://www.vergenetwork.org/building-a-missional-family/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.vergenetwork.org/building-a-missional-family/</span></a> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(9)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why do you think people who have once been involved in a church, leave not only the congregation, but God altogether?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(10)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I used to say that "selfishness" (self-centeredness) was the root of all the problems in the world...but that statement did not give hope or a solution. A better way of putting this would be to say that the "lack of submitting to the Holy Spirit" is the root of all problems. How is this demonstrated in our churches? In our lives?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(11)</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Submitting to the Holy Spirit includes examining our cultural biases. Are you willing to examine every aspect of your faith?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Give examples of assumptions you have made in the past<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Give examples of cultural norms you have discovered are not pleasing to God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Constantia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Constantia; mso-fareast-font-family: Constantia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(12)<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If the Counselor/Comforter exists in our hearts, what supernatural traits should we exhibit on a daily basis?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-20033161515650415932013-06-28T12:49:00.001-07:002013-06-28T14:36:03.096-07:00Lesson 10: Chapter 7 Take-Away, Part 3 Mission-Minded Communities<h2>
What are the signs of a Mission-Minded Community?<o:p></o:p></h2>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Homework was to Watch: <a href="http://www.multiplymovement.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">Videos - MULTIPLY</span></a> (class was given the 2 hour DVDs)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Matthew 28:18-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Those who are truly disciples of Christ make other disciples; this is what it means to be a follower of Christ. Discipling is not choice, it is the mission that all disciples of Christ adhere to. “As you go into the world, mentor people by your loving life-style and teaching to become disciples of Christ, baptizing them in the authority of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then continue to mentor them in all things.” <o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">This is commandment of promise. While we accomplish the will of God, Christ will be with us until the end of the age. This is a commandment for “going”. It has nothing do to with asking people to “come to church.” This is the cost of discipleship; to spend our time, energy, resources, social agendas, and entertainment perspectives on fellowshipping and apprenticing our personal contacts for the perfection of their faith. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">MISSION STATEMENT</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">A mission-minded community has a mission statement. I suggest that we use Paul’s (follow him as he follows Christ). His mission statement can be found in Col 1:28, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” What better mission statement might we have?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>OR we might wish to make a mission statement out of the two great commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself. </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Since these are the summation of all God is ever asking of us, why have we ignored them for so long? Who is God that we should dedicate everything to Him? Is He still powerful and is He still mightily working in the world today? If we do not think so, then we don’t dedicate all our time and energy to asking Him for what He has promised us. He has promised to send His Holy Spirit to live inside us to empower us with wisdom, strength, and courage for every opportunity to shine the Light in the dark places. Are we walking moment by moment to be an instrument of God’s Will in this world? Do we love the commission He has sent us on—a mission of reconciliation? <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Are we ecstatic about our own salvation and are we giving God the glory in ALL things?<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>What about that neighbor? We have all too often hypothetically used “neighbor” to dismiss the responsibility we have to those people who live in proximity to us. Who are the 5 closest neighbors to your front door? Do you love them….as yourself? Do you even KNOW their names? Do you know what their dreams are, aspirations, goals, problems, and can you assist them in any way? This is what God has called you to….love your neighbor!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>What mission statement can you compose that will reflect how you will be sharing the Light in the darkness?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Remember: Disciples Disciple! Disciples multiply! Who better to disciple than your neighbor, your friends, your co-workers, your loved ones? Disciples of Christ follow Christ in His work of sharing the Light to the world.</strong></span></div>
</span><b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">SUPERNATURAL</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">In these lessons we will agree to use the definition of “supernatural” as something that cannot be accomplished by “natural” man. Salvation then is a “supernatural” act of God. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the (dunamis – supernatural/miraculous) power of God unto salvation….”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">The indwelling of the Spirit and His fruit in our lives is supernatural according to Gal 5:22-23. Our spiritual blessings in Christ are supernatural gifts which no one can take away. Joy, peace, love, hope are all blessings that do not rely on experience or circumstances, but rather they rely on faith in the working of God in our lives. No one can steal your joy, unless you allow them to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">SUPERNATURAL LOVE</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">God loves us without condition. He loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. God has not changed in His love for mankind. He loves us all: AIDs victim, prostitute, sexually impure, haters of self, adulterer, liar, white-collar criminal, Hollywood film star, preacher of false doctrines, church-going pew sitter, angelic child, even the criminal on death row. God LOVES each and every one of His creations. It is only by the supernatural power of God that we, as Christians, are able to LOVE one another and to love the world, to love the unlovable, and those who hate us. We praise God for giving us the Holy Spirit through whom we can grow in the love and grace of our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">It is our calling to LOVE as Christ first loved us. It is not our job to condemn, but to love. It is not our place to accuse; that is the Devil’s job (Rev 12:10). It is not our position to sit in judgment of those who are in the world (1 Cor 5:12), but to RESCUE them as our mission of reconciliation empowers us to do (James 5:19-20). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">FORGOTTEN HOW to LOVE?</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">How did we get it sooooooo convoluted in our thinking? How did we get so judgmental? Unloving? Unlovely? How is it that churches have become museums for saints instead of hospitals for sinners? How did we become so pharisaical as to think we did not need to reach out to those who are lost, hurting, and dying without hope? Perhaps it is because we have FORESAKEN our FIRST LOVE! (Revelation 2:4)</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Have we forgotten how to “touch” the untouchable? Sometime we give our clothing and other items to the Good Will or to our congregation’s Benevolent Closet, which in itself is not a bad thing, but it does not put us eyeball to eyeball, hand to heart in front of those folks who might need us in their world. God asks us to give a simple glass of water “in His Name”, not in the name of another organization. He asks us to “give in His Name” not just to “give.” He asks us to see the hurting and to respond, not just empty unwanted items into a bin. Have we forgotten what it means to love?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">LUKEWARM and LOVING IT!</span> MUST LISTEN TO THESE 4 short VIDEOS - CLICK on link for 1 of 4...find links for other 3 here also....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vllUDgVps7M&list=PL394D3D4AA6779489"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vllUDgVps7M&list=PL394D3D4AA6779489</span></a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(4 short videos)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Watch: Francis Chan – Why People Hate Church (1 hour video but WORTH it!):<o:p></o:p></span></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d6xGoWuPDjw" width="420"></iframe> <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6xGoWuPDjw"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6xGoWuPDjw</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d6xGoWuPDjw" width="420"></iframe> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">A MISSION-MINDED COMMUNITY gives ALL GLORY to the POWER of GOD</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">PRIDE: Reliance on Wealth, Position, Status, Education, Possessions, and Talents<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What are we proud of?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Look up pride and proud. The definition we will use here is, <span style="background-color: orange;">“an inflated sense of one’s personal status or accomplishments.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What can a Christian be proud of? Have pride in? When have you heard people say, “I’m proud of….? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul explains, “Indeed, I count everything as worthless because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">When we recognize that it is God working in our weakness which results in His mission being accomplished on earth, we no longer have any bragging rights. When we understand that we can only live the Christian life by the power of God, then what can we possibly brag about? Who do we praise? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">The world is listening to our every conversation and determines our value system by the way we praise and glorify in all our interests. We are to be ambassadors for Christ, not football, baseball, movie shows, or fashion. What does our conversation tell the world about what we value? Well, we praise what we value, it’s as simple as that! We are to praise God in word and deed and do all to His glory. But our culture has led us to clap for everything except a soul being brought into His Kingdom, to shout for everything except our joy in the Lord, to share with our colleagues everything but the Light, and to demonstrate our affection for everything except the Cross. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Remember our lesson on Acts 12 when Herod did not give glory to God for his talent of speaking eloquently before his people? God struck him dead and he was eaten by worms. Paul tells us to glory and brag only in the cross of Christ. Christians need to be VERY careful when they start a sentence with, “I’m so proud of…”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I am so proud of my children<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I’m Texas proud<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Christians need to check their cultural habits at the door of humility under the Cross. We sing, “my glory all the cross”, but our every day conversations tell a different story. How might a Spirit-led disciple rephrase the 4 items above?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I am proud of the way God has led my children to become who they are today because of the cross of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I am thankful for the blessings God has poured out on our school through His mercy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I am thankful that God has blessed America with freedoms and privileges not seen in many nations <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I am grateful to our Lord for fellow believers who live in Texas and share Christ’s vision for the lost. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">In an earlier lesson, we saw how Paul handled this very temptation. He could have said, “I am so proud of Titus for having concern for you”. Instead he said, “Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.” (2 Cor 8:16)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">As Spirit-led individuals and communities of faith, our speech should ALWAYS give glory to God. Since pride comes before a fall (in the case of Herod, literally a fall), we need to honor God if our nation is to continue to be blessed. “God bless America!”…is that a command to God or a request? I’m not convinced it is a humble request. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: +mj-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 & Ezekiel 16:49-50. What advice would you give to the class about how to honor, praise, and submit our hearts, minds, and tongues to God? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jeremiah 9:23-24 </span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">23 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is what the </span></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> says:</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<span class="text">or the rich boast of their riches, <sup>24 </sup>but let the one who boasts boast about this:</span></span><br />
<span class="text">that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">, who exercises kindness,</span><br />
<span class="text">justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="text">.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">49 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“‘Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. <span style="font-size: small;"><sup>50 </sup>They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>PRIDE is in opposition of being "poor in spirit"</o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>"To be alive is to be broken. And to be broken is to stand in need of grace. Honesty keeps us in touch with our neediness and the trugh that we are saved sinners. There is a beautiful transparency to honest disciples who never wear a false face and do not pretend to be anything but who they are.</o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>When a man or woman is truly honest (not just working at it) it is virtually impossible to insult them personally. There is nothing there to insult. those who were truly ready for the Kingdom were just such people (in first Century). Their inner poverty of spirit and rigorous honesty had set them free. They were people who had nothing to be proud of." ....save the Cross of Jesus Christ.</o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Excerpt From: Manning, Brennan. "The Ragamuffin Gospel"</o:p></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My prayer for all of us is to surrender to the Holy Spirit, to help us see, observe those around us in need of the Light. That God will increase our love the each other and for the lost, that we will have gentleness, yet persistence in proclaiming the truth. That God will give us creative ways of introducing others to the Gospel and that our prayer lives will never cease. I pray that we will work with the Holy Spirit to become a supernatural community of disciple makers. </span></b></div>
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And finally, I pray that we will not sin by learning to do what God commands and then not do it. <o:p></o:p></h3>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-19957652651283102332013-06-18T11:41:00.004-07:002014-01-25T08:30:58.515-08:00Lesson 9: Chapter 7 Take-Away, Part 2 The Supernatural Body of Christ<span style="background-color: white;"><b>We often hear that we would like to RESTORE New Testament Christianity, but unfortunately we rarely understand what that would mean. What we HAVE restored too often is the c of C (church of Constantine) a ruler who took over the church in the late 4th Century. A ruler that had no connection to the Mission of Christ or God's Vision for His church. </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6793199831237894482" name="Constantine">Quick Review of Contantine's Influence</a></strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;">(1) Constantine was never baptized</span> (</span>maybe sprinkled on his death bed) therefore he could not have been led by the Holy Spirit to be a leader of the Lord's Body. He declared himself Vicar of Vicars (bishop of bishops) which of course, (1) there is no such title in the Lord's Body and (2) he could not have been any kind of bishop not having accepted Christ in baptism.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;">(<span style="font-size: large;">2) He changed the PLACE of Worship</span></span> (Isa 17:7-8). Instead of the daily house-to-house worship that spread the Gospel into the known world, he placed Christians in Basillicas patterned after pagan temples with rows facing a podium, diasis, clergy and assigned times so that he could be in control and "manage" Christianity.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;">(3) He changed the "one another" interactivity</span> of the assembly into an "audience" instead of "participants".</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;">(<span style="font-size: large;">4) He started the idea of "church", a place</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> The word "church is not in any Scripture or copy of Scripture until after Constantine. "We are going to church, (Kirke-Teutonic for a secular building meaning "circle" or pagan worship place like Stone Hinge) does not even resemble what first century Christians practiced. "Church", a place substituted for Ekklasia, "the called out" meaning people who were sanctified for the purpose of being sent on the mission of God.</strong><br />
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<strong>You will notice that Christ and the Apostles did not go to an established place to preach or pray. They went to the mountains, in boats, in homes, and where ever the people were. This is the point....they preached EVERYWHERE.</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>READ!</strong></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oMVbVekRJz8gKrx-4O4cypfdU4N0veN07ZJLGwI-aA820ytSwfoMYH9G2OfEi4oC-Lwu-GCIl31Vz8sSSRL6b4HzioSRCcchkPXrFcStCE-ddyguyFAlC64DGf3b7spbJpSiwoXue_Ez/s1600/bjline.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oMVbVekRJz8gKrx-4O4cypfdU4N0veN07ZJLGwI-aA820ytSwfoMYH9G2OfEi4oC-Lwu-GCIl31Vz8sSSRL6b4HzioSRCcchkPXrFcStCE-ddyguyFAlC64DGf3b7spbJpSiwoXue_Ez/s640/bjline.gif" height="16" width="640" /></strong></a><br />
<strong>Taken from James Nored blog, "Missional Outreach":</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Out of 132 contacts that Jesus had w/people, 6 were in temple, 4 were in synagogue, & 122 were in the mainstream of life." </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> </span></o:p></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Consolas;"><strong>Also Jesus never invited anyone to the synagogue or the temple - where did he meet them? On the road ... along the lake ... in their homes. Why not invite them to the temple or synagogue... especially when he was going to be speaking? Because the people he usually hung out with wouldn't have been welcome there anyway.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Consolas;"><strong>He was almost never 'one-on-one' with anyone ... possible exceptions: Nicodemus and the woman at the well of Sychar. There were almost always multiple witnesses to what he did and taught.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Consolas;"><strong>So? So why have we gotten into this thing of inviting people to 'church?' How long has it been since you were invited to a mosque? Did you go? Probably not. Why not? Because it's a scary thing to do. You don't know anyone there. You don't know what's expected of you or how to act. Its not the place for you.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Consolas;"><strong>We invite people to church because we enjoy it and we want the visitor to enjoy what we enjoy. We are comfortable and we think they should be comfortable. Jesus modeled doing the hard thing: going to the 'turf' of the people he was sent to reach ... going where they are comfortable (at the cost of being uncomfortable ... yes, even persecuted).</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Consolas;">So, NEVER invite people to your church? </span><span style="font-family: Consolas;">If they ask you if they can come, sure. That's a sign you are doing something right and have something they are searching for.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Stop thinking that you ONLY need to "bring folks to church" although it is not evil...it is all too often not what they really need. Ask God to give you wisdom to know what they need. Do they need to know and be convicted that they are broken in need of a remedy for sin? Do they need to know that Jesus is the Son of God? Do they need to know that God loves them and has made the ultimate sacrifce? Do they need to know that you have been transformed through your relationship with God's Spirit? Do they need to know that you love them because of Christ?</strong></span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greek word, "ekklesia", is used 115 times in the New Testament, and in most Bibles it is always translated as "church" (except in Acts 19:32, 39, 41, where it is properly translated as "assembly" of <u>saints</u>.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">(4) He changed the ORDER of Worship</span> (Liturgy) by prescribing how worship would be organized.</strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--Where 2 or 3 taught lessons, he placed an orator to deliver a "one-way" lesson<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He stopped the interactive nature of the communication. There would never again be an interruptive cry in the "audience" of "Men and brethren what shall we do?"<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He set the order of worship so that it was not spontaneous or interactive (James 5:17) 3 songs and a prayer, lesson, sacriments, prayer and dismissal. No more "one another" Scriptures would be practiced in the Basillica.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He started the vain repetitions</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He took the responsibility of memorizing and learning Scripture away from the laity (common folk) and gave the responsibility of interpreting Scripture to the masses to the clergy.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>(<span style="font-size: large;">5) He changed the "rulers" over Worship</span>:</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He made himself to be Vicar of Christ (bishop of bishops)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He modeled church leaders after the Roman government and appointed clergy as the official interpreters of Scripture. Regular folk no longer had to worry about studying the Scriptures. They would be told what was written and what it meant.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He called the Nicene council to set the dogma of the church and to set up hierarchical clergy which mirrored the Roman government<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--We no longer confessed our sins one to another but to a singular person or small group of professionals<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--He gave the clergy power, funds, status, and property. They were no longer sacrificial servants but high officials with power from Caesar.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">(6) He changed some of the fundamental PUPROSES of the Assembly</span> (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Acts 2:41, James 2:2 or Acts 13:43, Hebrews 10:25; 2 Thess 2:1)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--To collect all the masses into one place at one time to sit facing a stage or podium instead of seated around tables breaking bread eyeball to eyeball.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--To relinquish any form of “one another” participation or interaction</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>(<span style="font-size: large;">7) He changed the MISSION of the common folk</span></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong> </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>Well actually, he <u>dismissed</u> the "mission" of the common folk and left the "saving of souls" up to the professional (clergy). </strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /><strong>When all we had to do was show up at a Basillica, pagan temple, once a week and someone else gave the lesson because they were clergy and we weren't...we didnt have to study our Bibles, and we didn't have to visit the sick, because they were paid to do that, and we didn't have to worry about where the funds went because there were committees to do that, and we didn't have to feed the poor because there were clergy whose unique job it was to make bread and pass it out to the orphans and widows, and we didn't have to do anything but "be nice" and do what the clergy said, and we didn't have to pray because the clergy would pray for us and forgive us of our sins so we didn't have to confess it before the congregation...then did we NO LONGER LOOK LIKE the Bride of Christ?</strong> <span style="font-family: Consolas;"></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Consolas; font-size: large;"><strong>HOW DO WE LOOK TODAY?</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">(<span style="font-size: large;">8) He called the Nicene Council</span> which begin perversions in Christian Dogma</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--named a one-world religion –Holy Roman Catholic Church, views on the Trinity, a creed of belief, and church organization and purpose.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--It began a tradition of accepting men’s views and opinions which arose beyond Scripture as truth. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--It set up 9 elements for the Liturgy and worked through the acceptance of the canon (Biblical books accepted as inspired).<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--It calculated the a table for the exact date of Easter – although it is the First Resurrection Day, it was named by for Heathen Goddess Easter. <span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: black;">This practice needs to disappear as it is a stumbling block to Jews and Muslims alike.</span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>--It formally stated that “baptism should be delayed” until the prospect is known to have no serious offense.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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</strong></span> <span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Restoration Movement--a Snipit</strong></span><br />
<strong><a gt="" href="http://%3D/" ncyclopedia-stone-campbell-movement-douglas-foster="" reader_0802838987="" strong="" target="_blank" www.amazon.com=""><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-RqbWQSeB-fBlHditUACcpWTnfm5FO1xzEKZ7psQ5mBBxHx4pPokkEcralit8NfgrI83LKNblUbZOY33MLxQOguegeaQnS91QL7RQITwzMmcNpaw6w7tTgHwHNJNSAFyFAuftBx2rdkc/s320/restoration.jpg" height="320" width="286" /></a></strong><br />
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<strong>Click on Picture to Search Encyclopedia</strong></div>
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<strong>You may have been exposed to the American Restoration Movement which many are so proud of because of the efforts of people like Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone. My ties to this movement run fairly deep as my father is actually mentioned in this encyclopedia and I am related to B.W. Stone. I grew up appreciating what these men had done. But now that I am older and have studied much more of the church's history, including works by European fathers such as </strong><a href="http://www.simplychristians.eu/d4web4s/dippings/hansgrim.htm" target="_blank"><strong>Dr Hans Grimm</strong></a><strong>, I realize that this movement was only a small part of God's operation among men. </strong><br />
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<strong>Through a unique perspective Dr Grimm was able to chronical the Lord's Body from the time of persecution in Rome to WWII when European Christians were sent to the concentration camps even before Jews because they refused aliegence to any "state or dictator" save Christ. This summary of his book includes: (1) criteria ancient Christians kept for recognizing membership in the Lord’s Body (2) proof that Dr Grimm was a member of one of the oldest Christian families in Central Europe, (3) the incarceration of Christians (which NOBODY talks about) during WWII (4) Dr Grimm meeting Otis Gatewood (missionary friend of our family and who I went to Germany on a mission trip back in the 60’s) and (5) his AMAZEMENT to hear that the Lord’s church was alive and well!</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oMVbVekRJz8gKrx-4O4cypfdU4N0veN07ZJLGwI-aA820ytSwfoMYH9G2OfEi4oC-Lwu-GCIl31Vz8sSSRL6b4HzioSRCcchkPXrFcStCE-ddyguyFAlC64DGf3b7spbJpSiwoXue_Ez/s1600/bjline.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_oMVbVekRJz8gKrx-4O4cypfdU4N0veN07ZJLGwI-aA820ytSwfoMYH9G2OfEi4oC-Lwu-GCIl31Vz8sSSRL6b4HzioSRCcchkPXrFcStCE-ddyguyFAlC64DGf3b7spbJpSiwoXue_Ez/s320/bjline.gif" height="8" width="320" /></strong></a></div>
<strong>I am glad to see that we have called this a "movement" and now recognize that this "movement" needs to continue to MOVE! Perhaps we have taken too much "pride" in this movement as if it had come to completion. Let's examine this movement further. Each of these two men, Stone & Campbell (1790-1870) came from eclesiastical traditions of the Presbyterian persuation. We appreciate their work to unify everyone and to restore New Testament Christianity. However, they too had filters which rendered them blind to some fundamental facts about the Lord's Body.</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>These filters go all the way back to 312 AD, Constantine's influence on Christianity and not back to the first Century. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><o:p>IS THIS REALLY CHURCH?</o:p></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Resource: </span></strong><a href="http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/nicea1.txt"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/nicea1.txt</strong></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><strong>WATCH:</strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dq3DfUPAQiY" width="560"></iframe><strong> <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> What do we STILL NEED to do to RESTORE First Century Christianity?</span></h3>
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<strong>Click Here: </strong><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Forgotten_God/OneAnother.docx" target="_blank"><strong>HANDOUT: ONE ANOTHER VERSES</strong></a><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="CHURCH">GO BACK TO THE BIBLE:</a></span> </strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50mqagzxU0c#t=141">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50mqagzxU0c#t=141</a> <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/50mqagzxU0c" width="420"></iframe></strong></div>
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>PERHAPS FREEDOM is our ENEMY</strong></span><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>After Constantine "freed" Christianity, the people became complacent and non-missional. Perhaps we too with all our freedoms have become complacent and non-missional. Perhaps God needs to take those freedoms away from us so that we will, as early Christians did, count the cost of discipleship with our very lives. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>I am not sure God even asks us to pray for our freedom. Our riches and freedoms have led to a very crippled and lame Christianity. </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+52:7&version=NASB"><strong>Psalm 52:7</strong></a></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">riches</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">And</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> was strong in his </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">evil</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> desire.”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span></strong></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> God never told us to "fight for our rights." As His servants, we have no "rights". Our freedom is given to us by God in order that we might do what? Galatians 5:13</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Who's rights are we to stand up for according to Scripture? (Isaiah 10:2)</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Join us for Part 3: The signs of a Mission-Minded Community</strong></span></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
<strong></strong>Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-75123877591917553412013-06-18T08:42:00.007-07:002013-06-18T10:25:14.427-07:00Lesson 8 - Chapter 7 Forgotten God Take-Away Part 1 The Supernatural Body of Christ<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Questions which deserve Biblical Answers:</strong></span><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Are we the Supernatural Bride of Christ empowered by His Holy Spirit? </strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>Are we the Bride for which Christ will return and claim as His own? </strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>Are we the "called out of God" who will be invited to the Wedding Feast on that Day?</strong></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>REVIEW:</strong></span><br />
<ul><strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>We cannot live the Christian Life on our own</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>The Holy Spirit empowers us to have the close fellowship and relationship that God desires for His people</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>All that we do in word or deed, we do in the name of the Lord as His advocates on this earth </strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>A Spirit-led Disciple will continually praise Him with life and lips</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><strong>The Spirit gives us courage, power, and all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus which no one can take from us.</strong></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><strong>POWERPOINT LINK</strong>: </span><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Forgotten_God/Chapter%207.pptx">https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Forgotten_God/Chapter%207.pptx</a><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><strong>A TUTORIAL on INTERPRETATION</strong></span> <br />
<br />
<strong>Why don't we all interpret the Bible the same way? What are some rules for properly interpreting Scripture?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Example: How many of you have followed these commands?</strong><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 19pt;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; font-size: 95%; mso-color-index: 6; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span></span><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">“As for you, lie down
on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall
bear their iniquity for the number of days that you lie on it. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: 30%; vertical-align: super;">5 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">For
I have assigned you a number of days corresponding to the years of their
iniquity, three hundred and ninety days; thus you shall bear the iniquity of
the house of Israel. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: 30%; vertical-align: super;">6 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">When you have completed these, you shall lie down a
second time, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">but</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
on your right side and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; I have assigned
it to you for forty days, a day for each year.” (Ezekiel 4)</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span><strong> </strong></div>
<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Hopefully you already understand that these commands were not for you personally. Context is the most important feature of learning truth in Scripture.</strong></span><br />
<strong> </strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Rules of Context are followed when we know these 5 things:</strong></span></div>
<ol><strong>
</strong>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Who wrote it?</strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>When?</strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>For what purpose?</strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>To whom?</strong></span></div>
<strong>
</strong></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>What does it say to me?</strong></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span> <strong>How we study the Bible makes a big difference in how we interpret it. There are 2 major ways of studying Scripture: (1) Exegetical and (2) Eisegetical. Page 23 of Forgotten God explains these. Here is a brief summary:</strong></div>
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<strong> </strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; font-size: 95%; mso-color-index: 6; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span></span><u style="text-underline: single;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Exegesis</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> – going to the Biblical record to
study the context, vision, and purpose of the text.</span></strong></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-color-index: 6; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span><u style="text-underline: single;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Eisegesis</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> – going to singular Scriptures to
prove a point or argue an opinion</span></strong></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7fd13b; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-color-index: 4; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">If
you believed that the only thing you had to do was to “confess Jesus” to be
saved you would pull Scriptures like </span></strong></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #7fd13b; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-color-index: 4; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Romans
10 “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">as</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be
saved; </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: 30%; vertical-align: super;">10 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">for
with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the
mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”</span></strong></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: #7fd13b; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; font-size: 85%; mso-color-index: 4; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Give
this Scripture the “Context” Test…</strong></span><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(1) Who was it written to? This letter was written to folks who were already saved, Saints (Christians in Rome) Romans 1:7 </strong></span><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(2) When was it written? During a time of intense persecution when just admitting you were a Christian might have gotten you killed. </strong></span><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(3) Why was it written? It was written to "REMIND" ("or do you not know?" Rom 6) Christians not to forsake the Gospel (Rom 1:16) and not to be content with being "closet" Christians. Paul tells them that even at the threat of death, they are to "confess Him with their mouths". This was almost like giving Christians a death sentence, but Paul promises that they will be saved if they keep being transformed instead of conformed to this world. </strong></span><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(4) Who wrote it? Paul, the apostle, with a mission to "bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles". Rom 1:1-5</strong></span><br />
<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(5) What does it say to me? As a Christian there is never an excuse to hide my faith. I must proclaim Christ in word and deed among all nations. I must never be ashamed of the Gospel even when it is unpopular or life threatening.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><strong>BIBLE STUDY METHODS</strong></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<strong>There are many ways to study the Bible, but the most productive and less confusing ways are the following:</strong></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(1) <u>Study Strands</u> (themes) from Old
Testament to New Testament</strong></span></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #feb80a; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-color-index: 6; mso-special-format: bullet;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">8
Strands to color in your Bible (<span style="color: #cc0000;">God</span>, <span style="color: #e06666;">Christ</span>, <span style="color: #e69138;">Holy Spirit</span>, <span style="background-color: white; color: #f1c232;">Salvation</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">Kingdom-Ekklesia</span>, <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Satan-sin</span>, <span style="color: #0b5394;">Heaven-Last Day</span>, <span style="color: #660000;">Christian Living</span>)</span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>For instance “salvation” from O.T.
through N.T. always associated with water and blood in a covenant relationship
with God. Work of God, not man!</strong></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
<strong>Read your Bible through 8 times from Genesis to Revelation and mark each Scripture that deals with each of these: the Nature of God, Christ, Holy Spirit, or has the promise of Salvation, deal with both prophecy and fulfillment of the Kingdom, describes Satan and/sin, highlights Heaven or last Day Judgment, and Christian or Covenant Living. Such a study will give you the over-arching Big Picture of God's plan for mankind. </strong></span></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>(2) <u>Word Studies</u> – Greek & Hebrew
(glory, praise, worship, sacrifice)</strong></span></div>
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<strong>Resources: </strong><a href="http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html"><strong>http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html</strong></a><strong> </strong></div>
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<strong></strong><br /></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">(3) <u>Study exegetically</u> – Study of James
is an exegetical study…spend time in the word comparing one book to other
passages in Scripture while identifying the context.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
Go to the Scriptures asking, "What does God want me to know and apply in my life?" </span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Pray that God will open your eyes to His truth and remove the filters that traditions and culture have placed over your eyes. In Western culture we have many pharisaical traditions that we are not even aware of. Here are two videos that might challenge you to re-examine your walk with the Lord.</strong></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 5.76pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Jesus vs Religion (Greg Boyd) </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZePfmCO93M">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZePfmCO93M</a><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VZePfmCO93M" width="420"></iframe></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> </span></strong></div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<strong>
</strong><br />
<ul>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: small; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Before you watch this next clip, please contemplate on this Scripture:</strong></span></ul>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">“</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the
kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: 30%; vertical-align: super;">10 </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">nor thieves, nor </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">the</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom
of God. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt; mso-text-raise: 30%; vertical-align: super;">11 </span><u style="text-underline: single;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Such were some of you;</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> but you were washed, but you were
sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in
the Spirit of our God.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySkB30rf5Ao">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">I </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;">Cor</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"> 6:9</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySkB30rf5Ao">
</a></span></strong></div>
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<strong>How were folks brought to Christ? How did they become Saints in the First Century-- By being ignored or shunned?</strong></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySkB30rf5Ao"><strong>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySkB30rf5Ao</strong></a></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 22pt; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong> Concerning </strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"><strong>Homosexuality (Greg Boyd)</strong> </span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ySkB30rf5Ao" width="420"></iframe></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="direction: ltr; language: en-US; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3in; margin-top: 4.56pt; mso-line-break-override: none; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.3in; unicode-bidi: embed; word-break: normal;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Constantia; font-size: 19pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Constantia; mso-bidi-font-family: +mn-cs; mso-color-index: 1; mso-fareast-font-family: +mn-ea; mso-font-kerning: 12.0pt;"></span> <strong>What filters and/or pharisaical practices do you see in your life and community of faith that need to be corrected?</strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Join us for Part 2 The Supernatural Body of Christ</strong></span></div>
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</div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-49664041790213570892013-05-30T14:57:00.001-07:002013-05-30T14:57:10.112-07:00Lesson 7 -Chapter 6: Forgotten God Take-Away<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">Forget
About His Will for Your Life!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Creative thoughts come from The Creator.
When the Spirit leads you to communicate His Will to someone, don’t be ashamed
of your attempt. Pray for humility, guidance, and how you might honor God (and
not yourself) as you express your faith to someone else. Pray for wisdom to
approach someone who needs the Light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
use to think we had to give the entire plan of salvation before we would even
speak to someone. This is simply not true. Praising God and sharing faith is
the “<u>seed”</u><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>we are to sow. We
sow, perhaps someone else will water, but the Lord will always give
the increase because His Word will not return to Him void. (Isaiah 55:11 )<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each person called by God in Biblical accounts was a BUSY person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>None were just idly thinking of what they should do….they were BUSY. God
called Moses when he was tending sheep, the apostles when they were fishing, Abraham
when he was overseeing his household. God changed the direction of history
because busy people dropped what they were doing and followed His calling.
Never think that being “too busy” will be an excuse to God for not dropping
everything to follow where He leads. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">COMMITMENT
TO A LIFE OF WALKING BY THE SPIRIT</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We don’t need to see the entire plan
before we obey The Lord. Very few Biblical heroes were given a “life plan”
before they walked in step with the Spirit. If we know the entire way, then we
don’t check in with the map very often. God wants us to dependent on Him. He wants
us to check in with Him often. He wants to be involved moment by moment directing our path and
for us to be solely dependent on Him always. A “right now” walk with the Lord keeps us
in tune with the Spirit. “One step at a time, dear Savior” is the exact
relationship God wants us to hold on to. It keeps us humble just as a little child,
wholly dependent upon our God and His power. This is the definition of Kingdom
Living. God despises the opposite relationship: “your lips honor me, but
your hearts are far from me”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As we grow in the Spirit we will
learn to have a continual spiritual conversation with our God, to pray without
ceasing, to meditate on His Words. We will talk, question, think, and be
enlightened by our intimate conversations through the Spirit. These are the
conversations that help to transform us, change us, mold us, and which circumcise our
hearts to become more sensitive to His Will. We are to always carry the death of our
own fleshly desires as Christ bore His own cross. But as Americans we are not
use to putting to death the desires of the flesh. We have been propagandized to
make sure we have the very best that we can afford….and even that which we cannot afford….<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">A
SPIRIT WALK IS SACRIFICIAL</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Spirit walk is a sacrificial walk
and this has almost become alien to us with all our freedoms and funds. Luke
12:42-48 directly condemns the steward servant who hordes his resources. We
must learn to think of others more highly than ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and curb
our selfish mindsets of “me and mine.” A Spirit walk does not attempt to blend
a little Jesus with a lot of worldly pursuits. It is a narrow road and few
there be that even desire it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">SHORT AUDIO (Listen</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kbscb68"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/kbscb68</span></a></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> (BURNED UP!)</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">YOUR
SPIRIT WALK IS UNIQUE</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Spirit walk may require us to give up
things that are not sinful to others, but are taking up too much of our time
and consideration thus becoming sinful to us. A Spirit walk is personal. When
we make plans and dream dreams and then go to God to ask Him to make them
happen, we have missed the entire point. God is not a Disneyland Dad. His
purpose is not to fulfill our every wish. Likewise, as we are prompted by “a
spirit”, we should take time to mediate, reflect, and test the spirit by
examining Scripture to be sure it is Holy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will open doors for you but He wants you
to stay in close relationship with Him as you go through those doors. No one
else can take our place in the Body of Christ. WE are uniquely needed to
fulfill our role in the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No one else will see the
opportunities we see today, stand next to the person we are standing next to,
or meet a new face in a new place. Francis Chan shared how he approached a
stranger to say, “God loves you” and still with fear and trepidation. What he
did not say was that each time we <u>overcome</u> the impulse NOT to approach others;
we begin to form a habit that is more and more Christ-like. May we always keep our eyes and
hearts open for <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unique opportunities to
sow seed for the Kingdom of God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">VIDEO (you probably have not seen
this one!) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/jwoggrq"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/jwoggrq</span></a>
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">YOUR
SPIRIT WALK IS A LIFE-LONG PROCESS</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We never really complete the walk
with the Spirit. We never “arrive” until we see the “unveiled” face of God. Our
Lord wants us in this relationship for the “long haul”. His plan to send His
son and then His Spirit was to develop a relationship that is always growing
and maturing. This is His design to share His glory to a broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s work in us is accomplished by His own
power. “Well done thou good and faithful servant” is a phrase that will only be
spoken to those who are true servant/slaves of Jesus Christ as shown by their
sacrificial life-styles and humble walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-78600414111413868942013-05-23T10:35:00.002-07:002013-05-24T11:18:56.278-07:00Lesson 6: Chaper 5 - TAKE-AWAY Forgotten God <span style="font-size: x-large;">TOO BUSY FOR A REAL RELATIONSHIP</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do Not Be Deceived; We Do Have Time
for Kingdom Work Each Day <o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">TOO BUSY for A REAL RELATIONSHIP</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have we ever said, “We
are just tooooo busy” or “I don’t know how to spend time in meditation or
service with my busy schedule?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At this point in my life, as an educator
and administrator, I can see all the things I have spent my time doing and most
of it is just dust in the wind. I see all the projects I have managed, grants I
have written, policies and guidelines I have invested time in and presented to
my district, and equipment I have purchased—dust in the wind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a young person, I spent 9 years in
piano lessons, 12 years in voice lessons, won countless contests, sang in 7
musicals and participated in multiple play productions. Won scholarships to both
Abilene Christian and to UT Austin—dust in the wind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have owned a small cattle ranch, 8 different
dogs, 6 cars, 2 trucks, one super tricked-out van, a scooter, and 2 tractors—dust
in the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended 9 colleges for 5
degrees and 6 certifications – dust in the wind. I have had 12 different jobs
and 2 different careers –dust in the wind. These are dust in the wind because
they did not turn my heart to a closer relationship with my God or to my
calling in Christ Jesus. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Although I can praise God for being
blessed to have taught many the Gospel in my home, from house to house, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>from office to office, in Bible classes, and
overseas, I realize now how much time I have wasted not being in step with the
Spirit. Don’t wait until you are my age to make that realization!</strong></span></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong><br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">LISTEN: </span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ndlzc8y"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/ndlzc8y</span></a>
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SCRIPTURES: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter+3:10&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">2 Peter 3:10</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass
away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the
earth and its <b>works</b> will be <b>burned</b> up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3:10&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 3:10</span></a> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does
not bear good fruit is cut down and <b>thrown</b> into the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fire<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7:19&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 7:19</span></a> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and <b>thrown</b> into the </span><b><span style="color: #366388; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">fire</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203:13-15&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1
Corinthians 3</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></sup>each man’s
work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is <i>to be</i>
revealed with fire, and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fire itself
will test the quality of each man’s work</b>. <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></sup>If any man’s work
which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. <sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></sup><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If any man’s work is burned up, he will
suffer loss</b>; <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">WORK
THAT REMAINS</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The First Century Christians took the
Gospel into the entire known world (</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%201:3-6&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Col
1:3-6</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">, </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Col%201:23&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">23</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
)<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please humbly consider just these few
examples of what previous generations did NOT have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">They
did <u>NOT</u> have:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Grocery Stores</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (picked the grain, ground the grain, made the bread, </span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq1hsZyXKYCwhx5VnMP3dDr4gEPN9KXUJJwUB-uMMv3sZptFwhA-3twYBAEBNGEjx90D3WEbJMv-1iecEZVL5a9MstQdoGQi9XL82rdyoUNuJF9bHzSuq_ozX1yTRXcTn2Q_t7b3TENlI/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq1hsZyXKYCwhx5VnMP3dDr4gEPN9KXUJJwUB-uMMv3sZptFwhA-3twYBAEBNGEjx90D3WEbJMv-1iecEZVL5a9MstQdoGQi9XL82rdyoUNuJF9bHzSuq_ozX1yTRXcTn2Q_t7b3TENlI/s1600/bread.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
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</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype>caught the chicken, plucked the
chicken, sliced the chicken, cooked the chicken, caught the fish, gutted the
fish………..)<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stoves, microwaves, slow cookers</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (cooked over open flame, could not walk away from food preparations for
hours)</span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnIftf6EciRy-d5_B5S65x9E7QGIYfI2qf63RLWLa8VRM3Ud4TYQp4INYVXbQtHGHp2_sj3duPbrheJBSS-g8I-JTeQAHXPpslg31lo73EBdR8m-NxMuZ8DElfsdG_7kkSyn2QgR8QJQz/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnIftf6EciRy-d5_B5S65x9E7QGIYfI2qf63RLWLa8VRM3Ud4TYQp4INYVXbQtHGHp2_sj3duPbrheJBSS-g8I-JTeQAHXPpslg31lo73EBdR8m-NxMuZ8DElfsdG_7kkSyn2QgR8QJQz/s1600/fire.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dishwashers, Vacuum Cleaners, or
Washing Machines</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (hours were spent cleaning clothes,
houses, utensils)</span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN7Id8d0217MBINfkbvqneblca8GsUQ3tggJJO02nNgE7u312LBaxvY9YGC7ow0jlqsaL_y_pPKnYyx1McZUgbCWhdhmqxqI5l-7KEvRImKU3R_jEem9M0rbMd4Nf4ByiYegGcrO9HI10/s1600/wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwN7Id8d0217MBINfkbvqneblca8GsUQ3tggJJO02nNgE7u312LBaxvY9YGC7ow0jlqsaL_y_pPKnYyx1McZUgbCWhdhmqxqI5l-7KEvRImKU3R_jEem9M0rbMd4Nf4ByiYegGcrO9HI10/s1600/wash.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Refrigerators</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (had to gather food almost every day from different food sources in the
field or in the market, could not keep food overnight in most cases)</span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaDk4GBViA_AQKzxr9v0IJsziMOXgJnOW_gscjyHpX04CqxH6NqV9BckDseBxWUs6nmCzVoboVIjtY9R7fPotlNFWtEtzaIlhooRMcAogAVR6YcXmbVVMftwSZLKIR4u-RXF8xyZIR-QA/s1600/grain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaDk4GBViA_AQKzxr9v0IJsziMOXgJnOW_gscjyHpX04CqxH6NqV9BckDseBxWUs6nmCzVoboVIjtY9R7fPotlNFWtEtzaIlhooRMcAogAVR6YcXmbVVMftwSZLKIR4u-RXF8xyZIR-QA/s1600/grain.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cars</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (had to walked or ride a donkey everywhere, made about 2.5 miles an
hour)</span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r59kh9NZ3UmJSxe_RUdNvk7dFRie6EPLaXS-xLyjkdUQPHqs4suGgEXBuyF0HkCfvuykhd_HC3T_FgWCG0dpUe075qn9eJC0YPMuq5jMjnkc5V1kMUHDG4rYTe9fMaEA01Al7i5m3K5q/s1600/donkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r59kh9NZ3UmJSxe_RUdNvk7dFRie6EPLaXS-xLyjkdUQPHqs4suGgEXBuyF0HkCfvuykhd_HC3T_FgWCG0dpUe075qn9eJC0YPMuq5jMjnkc5V1kMUHDG4rYTe9fMaEA01Al7i5m3K5q/s1600/donkey.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoA9DOFy7dsmS7J3Kj67JGj0YiNu0LQUBkWT4hqlf5fNfcYoH8ObXXdLCOuHv-aA7vBDnnKChzUQuxDS1XOPfkp0gGgJihObxKvZgTQ3S0tW66sV-Wg7YR6cdgj-j_ILNL9_7meSdp0Mk/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyoA9DOFy7dsmS7J3Kj67JGj0YiNu0LQUBkWT4hqlf5fNfcYoH8ObXXdLCOuHv-aA7vBDnnKChzUQuxDS1XOPfkp0gGgJihObxKvZgTQ3S0tW66sV-Wg7YR6cdgj-j_ILNL9_7meSdp0Mk/s1600/walk.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Telephones, radios, television,
Internet</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (communicated mouth to mouth which
would seem to be a real disadvantage and slow process, yet with the power of
God the message spread)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Electricity</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (collect the wax, make the wicks, dunk the candles, keep a flame or
coals going at all times)</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUxv9JTLtk3Rz66jE84tSpFqw7djlYh8pUayIz8oEV5I9p2xXd0NQRacsURtkkv9E0bMr7C3U-KbrhqTpG3lG4-AcHQtakhq0jHwncYC1ec9Ur6gGvUQkODqVpWdXTmReC-JOZeqqi1dJ/s1600/candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUxv9JTLtk3Rz66jE84tSpFqw7djlYh8pUayIz8oEV5I9p2xXd0NQRacsURtkkv9E0bMr7C3U-KbrhqTpG3lG4-AcHQtakhq0jHwncYC1ec9Ur6gGvUQkODqVpWdXTmReC-JOZeqqi1dJ/s1600/candles.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shopping Malls</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> (raised the sheep, sheered the sheep, carted the wool, spun the wool,
weaved the material, cut the garment, sewed the garment for each member of the
family)</span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj066YRIrFl89zihMrvYL6PrfgRa-Yi8AhQFzlPFz_IO8vvlcxG-HVWJja07KVZi0gnKbyHIhyh3lo-9ww3fsNEmz_djbUQgiAD2nfmptng6nRW9Y4UXfvSoqEG4HItBqgezsTs9m7LHaHG/s1600/wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj066YRIrFl89zihMrvYL6PrfgRa-Yi8AhQFzlPFz_IO8vvlcxG-HVWJja07KVZi0gnKbyHIhyh3lo-9ww3fsNEmz_djbUQgiAD2nfmptng6nRW9Y4UXfvSoqEG4HItBqgezsTs9m7LHaHG/s1600/wool.jpg" /></a></div>
</span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Rights or Freedoms</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> (they were restricted in when and where they could assemble, they were
persecuted for spreading the Gospel, they lost homes, businesses, children,
husbands, wives, as they proclaimed the free Gift of God to mankind.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">They
<u>GLADLY MADE TIME</u> to:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Share the Gospel</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> from house to house (What
was the “sign” that these folks “believed”?)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202:%2044-47%20%20&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">Acts
2: 44-47 </span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">44 </span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And all those who had believed were
together and had all things in common; <sup>45 </sup>and they <i>began</i>
selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as
anyone might have need. <sup>46 </sup>Day by day continuing with one mind in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals
together with gladness and sincerity of heart, <sup>47 </sup>praising God and
having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day
by day those who were being saved.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Learn and Grow in</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> “all things pertaining
to life and godliness”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%201:3&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Peter 1:3</span></span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">seeing that His divine power has
granted to us everything pertaining to <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">life</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">godliness</span>, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His
own glory <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and</span> excellence</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Witness and testify</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> concerning the glory
of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John+4:14&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 John 4:14</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
have seen and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">testify</span> that the
Father has sent the Son <i>to be</i> the Savior of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Spread the good news where ever they went…</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> moment by moment<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+9:16&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 Corinthians 9:16</span></a> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For if I <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">preach</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">gospel</span>, I have
nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">preach</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">gospel</span>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Timothy+6:12&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 Timothy 6:12</span></a> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fight the good fight of faith; take
hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good
confession in the presence of many <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">witness</span>es</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Serve</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> the brethren and their neighbors<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:13&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Galatians 5:13</span></a> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For you were called to freedom,
brethren; only <i>do</i> not <i>turn</i> your freedom into an opportunity for
the flesh, but through love <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">serve</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">one</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">another</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(6)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take seriously their “calling” <o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+5:18&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">2 Corinthians 5:18</span></a> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">all</span> <i>these</i> things are from God,
who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">gave</span> us the ministry of reconciliation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">WE ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this age and time where the Word
of God is so readily available with tools like Hebrew and Greek lexicons, Bible
dictionaries, concordances, reference books, atlases, sermons online, etc, <u>the
only way</u> the Devil has of making these tools useless, is to convince us
that we are tooooo busy to take advantage in them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Devil has done a great job in creating “noise”, chaos, discontentment, and a
rushing-about life-style. We are like dogs chasing our tails. We are never
satisfied, but always seeking the next “new” thing. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we are tooooo busy, we have placed
into our lives things of little or no importance, especially when we look through
the eyes of Christ. We are even diverting our children’s attention by involving
them in every kind of activity except daily Kingdom activities. Unfortunately,
we will reap what we sew.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let us take our schedule this week and
pray over it, asking the Spirit to prioritize it, making Kingdom work a daily
event. If we are truly to be “known” by God then we need a daily communication
and participation with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can you imagine your child not
participating with your family or communicating with you except one time a
week? Not relationship-building…not acceptable behavior. Our relationship to
God must be built moment by moment, step by step, heart beat by heart beat or we
may find ourselves in the position of those in Matthew 7:21. </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">BEWARE OF THE AMERICAN FILTER – A Message
for the Church in the Western World<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God gave us all, since the dawn of
creation, 24 hours in a day. It is God’s time which He gives to us. Are we
being deceived by Satan to “spend” time in pursuits that do not build strong
relationships to our God? God has given us soooooooooooooooo much, we should be
ashamed to give Him a pittance of our day or week. We cannot “pray without
ceasing” if we are not reflecting on Him step by step. We are the temple of God
at all times, not just 1 hour a week therefore His mission must be our mission.
His eyes, must be our eyes, His priority, our priority.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a privileged country, we have “advantages”
that no other nation <u>has ever had</u> in any previous time period. We have “free”
time which we then dedicated to entertainment, extra-curricular activities, developing
nouveau riche talents, extended educational opportunities, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">these we have begun to call necessities of life</span></u></i>.
Our reasoning is filtered by the influences of our peers, our neighborhoods,
careers, and fleshly desires. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">What we think we “need to do” and what we “want to do”
have merged to blocked out “what God calls us to do today”.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suggestions (just a few examples):<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Family devotional time</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: Take a night out of
the week and instead of dance lessons or baseball, spend time studying,
witnessing, mentoring, and discussing with your children the reasons they
should have a close and personal relationship with Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Service time</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: Take on a weekly
service project “in the name of Jesus”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
often donate to the Red Cross or to Good Will, but this may not bring glory to
Christ. “A cup of water <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>in my name</u></i>”
is the difference between a sheep and a goat, the left or the right hand of God
on the last day<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Prayer time</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: Make a family or
personal prayer journal which will allow you to keep track of your requests for
praise and thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Meditation time</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: “Take time to be
Holy, Speak oft with thy Lord” and cut off all disruptive devices so that you
can hear the sweet whisper of His voice. Commit yourself to listening for the
voice of God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Multiply time</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">: Make a list of those
you would like to see come to the truth and to receive the gift of the Holy
Spirit. Start creatively plan, pray, and communicating with them through love
and persistence the Gospel of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">VIDEO :<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vllUDgVps7M" width="420"></iframe><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vllUDgVps7M"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vllUDgVps7M</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This video is not just to watch, it is
something we MUST reflect on and respond to with a spirit-led heart!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s1600/BAR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="16" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv637U9Xr560M9HYOVqUInIwTIaA3HwuEvIUMDbtrQ35wAAdq3H81oLqDTbvz41_BLyOK2dRL1L8bodfi2RJyOaKl5OCvXY9CMl1jWSVA0tGNZfQwU_mmxqv3I-hmWP8XX6xCMHpDhQvLL/s640/BAR.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6793199831237894482.post-55236874136961426162013-05-17T08:35:00.005-07:002013-05-17T08:41:47.414-07:00Lesson 5: Forgotten God Chapter 4 TAKE-AWAY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Chapter
4 –Forgotten God-- TAKE-AWAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
do you want the Holy Spirit present in your life? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is a big question for every believer to answer. We have learned that the Holy
Spirit is given to us to strengthen us in the inner man, to empower us to live
the Christian life, and to help us build a closer relationship with our God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We
will agree to define “supernatural” as being anything that cannot be
accomplished by “natural” man. Therefore, our salvation is supernatural, the
fruit of the Spirit is supernatural, and in like manner, the accomplishments of
a spirit-led community are capable of being supernatural. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you need some clarification on “supernatural, you can refer to </span></b><a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2011/03/sanctification-lesson-2.html#miracles"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2011/03/sanctification-lesson-2.html#miracles</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2011/10/9-disciple-rising-above.html"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://joyofbiblelearning.blogspot.com/2011/10/9-disciple-rising-above.html</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">WHY
A MORE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Why
should we want more of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives? One reason we want
to submit more to the Holy Spirit is because He gives gifts for the benefit of
the community of faith according to the Will of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Our
desire to live should be for the sake and glory of the God who put us on this earth
in the first place” (Francis Chan, chapter 4).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A
second reason we might need to submit <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
the Spirit is to overcome the fear of witnessing for Christ (John 16:14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Christ is magnified, the Spirit is
leading (1 Corinthians 12:3). <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">This is the true test of a spirit-led Christian;
Christ is continuously magnified in all situations: in plenty or in drought, in
sickness and in health, in comfort and in persecution.</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Reflect
on these Scriptures before attempting the exercise below:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 5pt 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Revelation 19:5 “ <span class="text"><sup>5
</sup>And a voice came from the throne, saying,“<u>Give praise to our God</u>,
all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mark
7:22 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<sup>22 </sup>deeds of coveting <i>and</i>
wickedness, <i>as well as</i> deceit, sensuality, envy, slander,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>pride <i>and</i> foolishness.”</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1
Tim 3:6 “ <sup>6 </sup><i>and</i> not a new convert, so that he will <u>not
become conceited</u> and fall into the condemnation <u>incurred by the devil</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1
John 2:16 “ <span class="text"><sup>6 </sup>For all that is in the world, the
lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the <u>boastful pride of life</u>,
is not from the Father, but is from the world.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Romans
1:30 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<sup>30 </sup>slanderers, haters
of God, insolent, <u>arrogant, boastful</u>, inventors of evil, disobedient to
parents,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1
Tim 6:4 “ <sup>4 </sup>he is <u>conceited <i>and</i> understands nothing</u>;
but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about
words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1
Peter 5:5 <span class="text"><sup>5 </sup>You younger men, likewise, be subject
to <i>your</i> elders; and all of you<u>, clothe yourselves with humility
toward one another</u>, for </span></span></b><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the
humble</span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts
5:36 <sup>36 </sup>For some time ago Theudas rose up, <u>claiming to be
somebody</u>, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. <sup>[</sup></span></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205:36&version=NASB#fen-NASB-27096a" title="See footnote a"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">a</span></sup></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">]</span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But he was killed, and all who <sup>[</sup></span></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205:36&version=NASB#fen-NASB-27096b" title="See footnote b"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">b</span></sup></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">]</span></sup></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">followed him were dispersed and came to
nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ephesians
2:9<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="text"><sup>9 </sup>not as
a result of works, so <u>that no one may boast</u>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2
Tim 3:2 <span class="text"><sup>2 </sup>For men will be lovers of self, lovers of
money, <u>boastful, arrogant</u>, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful,
unholy</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">James
4:16 <sup>16 </sup>But as it is, you <u>boast in your arrogance</u>; <u>all
such boasting is evil</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt 0.5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+4:19&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 Corinthians 4:19</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I will come
to you soon<u>, if the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">wills</span></u>, and I shall find out, not
the words of those <u>who are arrogant</u> but their power.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4:15&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">James 4:15</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead, <i>you
ought</i> to say, “<u>If the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">wills</span>, we will live and also do
this or that.” </u></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter+4:11&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">1 Peter 4:11</span></a>” </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoever speaks, <i>is to do so</i>
as one who is speaking the utterances <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">of</span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span>; whoever serves <i>is to do
so</i> as one who is serving by the strength which <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span> supplies; so that in all things <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">God</span> may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">glory</span> and dominion forever and ever.
Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:17&version=NASB"><span style="color: blue;">Colossians 3:17</span></a> “ </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever you do in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">word</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">or</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">deed</span>, <i>do</i>
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=word+or+deed&searchtype=all&version1=49&language1=en&spanbegin=1&spanend=73"><span style="color: blue;">giving</span></a> thanks through Him to God the Father.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">Remember our example in 2 Corinthians
8:16</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-highlight: yellow;">. Paul could have said, “Thank you Titus for thinking of
us”, but instead Paul said, “But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness
on your behalf in the heart of Titus.”</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul ALWAYS gave the glory to God!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Exercise
1: Change these phrases so that they reflect what a spirit-led Christian might
say:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Proud
to be an American!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Take
pride in your job<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My
friend is so creative and accomplished<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My
child won a scholarship to a Christian University<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
church has over 700 members<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>congregation is planning to build a new
auditorium<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
talent in this place is amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Revelation/5%20Revelation-The_Great_I_Lamb-web.mp3" target="_blank">REVELATIONLesson 5</a> (Listen online)</span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In
Lesson 5 of Revelation we hear about the Power of the Lamb. The only ONE who was
able to open the scroll of God’s Will on earth. The Lamb faces the Dragon and
wins. The Lamb is glorified and praised by every living creature in Heaven and
on earth. If we are under the Power of the Lamb, we too must learn to magnify
His name by proclaiming His attributes before those in Heaven and those who are
on the earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can do this when we
focus our attention on what is above us and not what is around us. We can do
this when we are filled with the “awe” of our God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10103343/Revelation/6%20Revelation-standing_on_the_premises-web.mp3" target="_blank">REVELATIONLesson 6</a> (Listen online) <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“HOW
LONG, OH, LORD?”, is the prayer of the persecuted saints. They present their
prayer under the throne of God. When will our prayers be answers? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From this w e learn that we must trust God to
display His power in His time & for His purpose and learn to “Wait on the
Lord” <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+27:14&version=NKJV"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Psalm 27:14</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wait <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">on</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span>; Be of
good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Wait</span>, I say, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">on</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Lord</span>!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sarah rushed into
making a decision by giving her handmaiden to Abraham. The result of Sara NOT
waiting on the Lord is the cause of wars and more wars between sons of Isaac
(Jews) and sons of Ishmael (Arabs) unto this very day. </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pursue
Christ instead of selfishly wanting to use the ”supernatural” for our own
purposes. Like a genie in a bottle, we often just want to really get down to
praying when there is something we want God to accomplish for us. Allow the
Spirit to guide our hearts. Submit to the Holy Spirit and He will lead us.
Don’t be tempted to make our requests (prayers) THE priority instead of the
Will of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Don’t
expect the Spirit to layout a “life plan” for you. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Francis
Chan explains that waiting for God to give you a whole life plan before you
respond to the Spirit is unreasonable. We almost never see God explaining an
entire life plan to anyone in the Scriptures. Instead, when Abraham was called,
he went. He didn’t know where, how long, what to pack, or if he would ever
return to his home in Ur. The important point here is to follow God moment-by-moment
and trust where He will lead. We don’t have to have all the answers before we
“walk in step” with the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Pray
that we will recognize the doors of opportunities when He presents them to us.
Pray that He will give us the wisdom to step through those doors in faith and
obedience. Pray that we will make the most of those opportunities for the glory
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4:3&version=NASB"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colossians 4:3</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “ </span></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=door&searchtype=all&version1=49&language1=en&spanbegin=1&spanend=73&startnumber=201"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">praying</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> at the
same time for us as well, that <u>God will open up to us a <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">door</span> for the word</u>, so that we may
speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
you really want to be led by the Spirit? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What
if He leads you where you don’t want to go? Are you willing to surrender to Him
no matter where He wants to take you? This is a life-long journey you have
committed to….putting to death the flesh and putting on the fruit of the
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cannot love God and gratify
the desires of the flesh. Submitting to the Spirit means giving in, being
molded, transformed, and opposing the former desires. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Too
often we worry about how we might look to others rather than how we are failing
God. Remember, love casts out all fear and so let us pray for greater love
towards God and for our fellow man. We talk easily about whom we love. Dear
Lord, help us to love you more, to be thankful for our salvation, and to always
present praise to the only ONE to whom it is due. May we ONLY be “proud” of how
you work (dunamis) through our weaknesses and of how you have gifted us with
the power of the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6:14&version=NASB"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Galatians
6:14</span></span></b></a><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But
may it never be that I would <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">boast</span>,
except in the <span class="stwlink1"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #366388;">cross</span></span></span> of our Lord </span></b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=boast+cross&qs_version=NASB"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Jesus Christ</span></span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">MULTIPLY<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/45157619?api=1&player_id=video-3" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
</span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/45162451">Disciple Making: Fruit of Being a Christian</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/gomultiply">Multiply</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Disciples multiply.
This is a clear sign of discipleship!</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">But
did you know that Christ made provisions for disciples to multiply?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(1) Christ made them a community of believers
to support each other. They were taught together, prayed together, trained by example together,
and fellowshipped with one another.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(2) Christ
never sent them out by themselves<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(3) Christ
used a method of encouragements and training called “debriefing” which helped
his disciples to learn from each other and to learn how to do a better
representation of Christ in the future. After being sent out, they returned to
their Mentor and excitedly discussed how things had gone.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(4) Christ modeled for them. He witnessed to
them and in front of them. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(5) Christ
demonstrated compassion and love. He served those he met along the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(6) Christ, on occasion, handed out some harsh
admonishments to those who should have known better<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(7) Christ
promised his disciples the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them along the
way as they obeyed His command to multiply<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Disciples
are no different today. They need these same seven attributes to be developed
within the community of faith in which they participate</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep
asking, “Who do You, oh Lord, want me to love for YOU today?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Dr Rousseauhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11022272499309390357noreply@blogger.com0