Number 2: Summer Thoughts -- Acts of Worship do they exist and are they "Separate and Apart?"

Learning More About Worship

Where did the idea of "separate and apart" with reference to "acts of worship" come from? 

After 350 AD, churches began to separate acts of worship (Masses) into segments or "sacraments", the Lord's Supper being one of those segments. This practice did NOT originate with either Christ or the Apostles.

This Blog Post will attempt to answer the following questions: 

(1) Has there ever been a Scriptural basis for lists of worship items that were "separate and apart"? 

(2) Are there Biblical texts that designate separate acts of worship? 

Only ONE verse speaks to "act of worship" and this verse is Romans 12:1

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your supreme spiritual act of worship.

NO OTHER verse separates worship into "acts". Why not? Keep reading.....

(3) Are acts of worship "separate and apart" from other acts of worship? 

(4) Did human tradition create a check list for "acts of worship" because we felt a need to accomplish certain tasks in order to be pleasing to God? 

(5) Did God ever separate worship into a list of  "acts"? 

If we are truly honest, *list checking* has never been what God intended from us in place of first fruits of praise and worship.


(6) Is the Lord Supper separate from prayer, singing, giving, serving, or admonishment? 

If your answer is "yes", then we need to take a walk through Scripture. Because we are going to find that Christ instituted the Lord's Supper with prayer, singing, giving, and admonishment!  Let's look at God's Word.


Historical Context

In Exodus 12:15-27, the Passover, which the Lord rededicated in His new Kingdom, was instituted with unleavened bread, bidder herbs, and Holy Assemblies which included tefilahs (prayers), singing, bowing low in worship, words of remembrance, and offerings (Exodus 23:15). In fact, a man was not to approach Passover "empty handed" or without an offering to God. 

In Deuteronomy 16, God commands men to appear before the Lord 3 times a year: during the Feast of Passover, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Booths. In all three of these feasts men were to "rejoice" and "every man was to give as he was able according to the blessing of the Lord..." (Deut 16:1617).

In Deuteronomy 12:1-12, during re-dedication and worship to God, the feasts were celebrated with burnt offerings, tithes, and contributions from their hands. They were to rejoice fully before the Lord. This is a holistic worship...whole-hearted, whole-body, whole-spirit, all in or nothing-at-all worship. God has never accepted less. He deserves nothing less than fully integrated, fully sacrificial, fully dedicated worship. 

In Leviticus 23:5-15, families where to bring their first fruits, offerings, to the Lord during the Passover celebration. 

Passover was a feast of integrated celebration which included all these expressions of honor: assembling, giving, rejoicing, singing, praying, and admonishment.


We see that Jesus maintained the integration of the Passover Feast with prayers, hymns, admonishment, service, and giving (Matthew 26:25-30). In John 13:26-29, giving was still a part of the Passover (instituted as the Lord's Supper). This is apparent as the disciples clearly "assumed" Judas was sent by Jesus to distribute their offerings to the poor. They did not suspect him of betrayal because he held their offerings. 

The "last supper" gathering included Jesus serving his disciples in the washing of feet, praying, feasting, singing, and giving. None of these were cited as "separate acts" of worship. This phrase is clearly not a part of Scripture.

The New Testament never sectioned off "acts of worship". This practice began in the apostate church sometime after 350 A.D. Do we want to follow Christ or follow traditions of men?


Instead of trying to dissect the worship by extracting certain acts as "separate and apart", let us strive to unify the worship as a total experience of praise, honor, sharing, admonishing, communing, and service while remembering the sacrifice of Christ during the Lord's celebration feast. This integrated worship experience is a response to the Grace that has been shown us through His sacrifice. Let us not approach this feast "empty handed". Let us bring our hearts, minds, bodies, souls, spirits, emotions, talents, supplications, praise, and resources to the throne of God by giving Him honor in all these things.

To separate the Lord's Supper from other so called "acts of worship" (non-Biblical term) has no basis in Scripture. To separate is to lose the holistic nature of worship. Since it is not Biblical to separate worship into irrelevant and relevant parts, this practice has a tendency to convey erroneous messages to the worshiper. 

For instance:

Are we "finished communing with The Lord" once the last cup is passed? Really? Finished? Is that why some folks feel like they MUST come for the Lord's Supper, but can forsake the rest?

Vain worship is exemplified by a set of rites, ritualistic acts, and/or ceremonies checked off as if the very act of accomplishing them is enough. True worship, in spirit and in truth, requires the totality of heart, mind, and soul dedicated to adoring God throughout the entirety of our assemblies and our daily living. Is God satisfied with anything less?


To better understand that the assembled worship experience is not a set of isolated "acts" but instead a forum to present ourselves wholly and completely to sacrifice and service, we should look more deeply into the Greek words for worship.  


Since the English Bible has only 10,000 words and the original Greek text incorporates over 50,000 words, it improves our understanding when we search Scripture using the original text. Instead of seeing the Scriptures like a black & white TV-- in low resolution, we are able to see the Scriptures in High Definition with bold colors when we examine a few Greek words.

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SIDE NOTE: The bitter herbs which was the "sop" Judas dipped his bread in with Christ (Matthew 26:23 ) represented the bitterness of bondage and betrayal. This was the last time bitter herbs were used. Christ did not give the bitter herbs a place in His new Kingdom. Once the betrayal was accomplished by Judas, the bitter herbs were no longer included or relevant. Christ went to the cross "joyfully" (Hebrews 12:2 ) so that  His Supper became a Thanksgiving Feast (Eucharist - 1 Cor 10).

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Let us look at "Worship" in the Original Greek so we can better understand the enormity, the all-inclusiveness of worship instead of the exclusiveness (separate and apart issue). To do this, we need to become familiar with the Greek words used for Worship in our New Testament. 

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NOTE: We will NOT look at words for worship which were used in the "negative" sense. Such as:

 threskos thrace'-kos probably from the base of 2360; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:--religious


This term was used to chastise hypocrites for their vain ceremonies and rituals (Acts 18:13) . God is not interested in ceremony and ritual. He has called us into relationship.

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True Worship includes:

(1) communion with God. Communion does not end when the last cup is collected into the Lord's Supper trays. Communion means to "drawing near" to God. This is the "spirit" of worship.


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proserchomai pros-er'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2064 (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto). This is the heart of worship.


(2) a celebration, a feast, a joyful expression of our appreciation to God. "Eucharist" is the Greek word for "Thanksgiving Feast". This is the attitude of worship.


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): eucharistia yoo-khar-is-tee'-ah from 2170; gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship):--thankfulness, (giving of) thanks(-giving).


(3) praise, honor, glory, and whole-hearted sincere dedication of your time, energy, resources, heart, mind, body, spirit, & soul, (self) to the Lord. This is the holistic nature of worship. 


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): doxa dox'-ah from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship. This is the response in worship.

(4) applaud, adore, praise, bowing down, prostrating, humbling self

In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proskuneo pros-koo-neh'-o from 4314 and a probable derivative of 2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):--worship. This is the position of worship
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): therapeuo ther-ap-yoo'-o from the same as 2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God),  
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): sebasma seb'-as-mah from 4573; something adored, i.e. an object of worship (god, altar, etc):--devotion, that is worshipped. This is why we worship.
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): psallo psal'-lo probably strengthened from psao (to rub or touch the surface; compare 5597); to twitch or twang, i.e. to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes):--make melody, sing (psalms). This is expression in worship.


(5) Voluntary and unrestrained 
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon):  ethelothreskeia eth-el-oth-race-ki'-ah from 2309 and 2356; voluntary; will worship. This is the motive in worship. 
 
(7) seeking God because of a desire and craving
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): ekzeteo ek-zay-teh'-o from 1537 and 2212; to search out, i.e. (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by Hebraism) worship:--en- (re-)quire, seek after (carefully, diligently). This is the emotion of worship.
 
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): zeteo dzay-teh'-o of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God),


(8) testimony and witnessing about what God has done for you and calling upon Him in prayer


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): epikaleomai ep-ee-kal-eh'-om-ahee middle voice from 1909 and 2564; to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):--appeal (unto), call (on, upon) This is exemplified in worship.


(9) an assembly.


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): episunagoge ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay' from 1996; a complete collection; especially a Christian meeting (for worship):--assembling (gathering) together. This is the community in worship.


(10) showing respect, honor


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): eusebeo yoo-seb-eh'-o from 2152; to be pious, i.e. (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support):--show piety, worship This is the result of worship.


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): latreia lat-ri'-ah from 3000; ministration of God, i.e. worship:--(divine) service


(11) showing charity through service


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): leitourgeo li-toorg-eh'-o from 3011; to be a public servant, i.e. (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve):--minister. This is the result of worship.


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): latreuo lat-ryoo'-o from latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per).


(12) communicating, praying, supplication


In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer. This is the privilege in worship.

When we take all these definitions together we see that communion and assembly worship entail praise, prayer, giving, service, charity, and much more. 


ARE THERE Really ONLY 5 ACTS OF WORSHIP?

5-FINGER SERMONS: 

How & why did 5-Finger Sermons originate?


Back in the day when folks did not own their own Bible, were not Bible literate, in fact, not literate at all, circuit-riding preachers came around occasionally to deliver the Word of God. To help these folks remember God's word, they created the 5-finger sermon; easy to remember and easy to follow.


The 5-finger sermons were NOT the whole truth. We don't just have to "hear, believe, repent, give a singular confession, and be baptized".  We don't just have to "sing, pray, give, partake of the Lord's Supper, and hear a sermon". We can do all these things and NOT be pleasing to God.  These sermons were merely "aids" to the truth.


It is true that if we were the circuit-riding preachers we might have come up with the same sermon ideas when considering our audience. However,  these messages should not become catechisms. The 5-finger sermons were not preached by the Apostles and they should not be held onto as "all truth".  As literate Christians, we should long for more substantial studies in God's Word.


21st CENTURY: "To whom much is given, much will be required."


In a day and time when just about everyone is literate; when multiple Bibles are in our homes; when online lexicons, concordances, Bible references and Bible study materials are available to us at the click of mouse; when our world has become so complicated and stressful; and our spiritual lives are under constant and increasing attack, it is not possible to think that the 5-finger sermons will satisfy the spiritual cravings of this generation.


It is time for the church to chew on the "meat" of the Word and grow in knowledge and understanding beyond sermons designed to assist those who were much less informed. It is time for the church to GROW in wisdom and relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time for the church to be much better equipped for the times in which we now live.


When we come together in assembly here are just a few of the One Another "acts" we are charged to do: (Note that these are not "One-to-all-others" acts.)

• Romans 15:14  And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.


• Romans 16:16  Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.


• 1 Corinthians 14:25  as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

• Galatians 5:13  For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.


• Ephesians 4:32  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you


• Galatians 6:2  Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.


• Ephesians 5:19  speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;


• Colossians 3:13  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.


• Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.


• 1 Thessalonians 4:9  Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;


• 1 Thessalonians 4:18  Therefore comfort one another with these words.


• 1 Thessalonians 5:11  Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.


• 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;


• Hebrews 10:24  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,


• James 5:16  Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.


• 1 Peter 1:22  Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,


• 1 Peter 4:9  Be hospitable to one another without complaint.


• 1 Peter 4:10  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.


• 1 John 1:7  but if 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.


• 1 John 4:7   Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.


• Romans 15:30  Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,


James 5:13  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.


These "one another" Scriptures refer to each Christian one to another. They do not refer to what is done by a single member, but all members. Do WE give opportunity each time we come together for each Christian to follow these commands?

On a Side Note: The early church fathers wrote that the assembly of the saints was for the primary purpose of remembering the Lord through His Feast. All "acts of worship" were expressions of thanksgiving during this Feast. That WAS the purpose of the service according to the Didache (writings of early fathers). We have slowly moved away from that priority. The modern-day priority has become more about a focus on who and what the preacher is all about. This was never intended by Christ. 

We find the Apostle Paul staying 7 days with church folk in places such as Troas, Tyre, and Puteoli in order to worship with them by the breaking bread.

If, indeed, the Lord's Supper is the main reason we assemble for worship, is there any reason to separate it or to "end it" as in the statement, "we have now completed the Lord's Supper"? Our worship and communion with God should be integrated into the entire worship assembly of praise and remembrance as exemplified in the New Testament.  

Let us grow up and mature in our understanding of God's integrated worship assembly and help us all to grow up in integrating worship into our daily lives. 

At the Foot of the Cross: Number 1 Summer Thoughts

Acknowledge Him in All your Ways

If we truly acknowledge Him in all our ways....does that leave instances out where we do not acknowledge Him?



Summer is a time to relax, reinvigorate, and recreate for many folks. But for me, it is time of reflection and self-examination. Being an administrator and teacher, summer time is less hectic and gives me the opportunity to evaluate how the school year went and to plan for improvement in fall.

Christians too must go through an improvement cycle of reflection, self-examination, mediation, and planned improvement with the help of God to direct an ever-closer walk with Him. This cycle is not repeated from year to year, but rather from day to day.


Only through close examination of each day will we see our own weaknesses in light of our Savior’s example. Only through daily reflection can we realize how greatly God blesses us in each moment of our day. Without this type of daily retrospection, we live our lives as if we are in control thus making ourselves the “god” of our own universe.

 Last week we studied chapter 9 of Absolute Surrender and witnessed how careless we can become when we speak about our accomplishments, our programs, our own efforts, and our plans, even if they are actions meant to please the Lord. If our speech does not acknowledge God as the strength and the source of all power through which all things are held together, “through whom we live and breath and have our very being”, then we glorify God less than the Greek poets to whom this phrase was given credit (Acts 17:28).


Who are we? We are nothing. Who is our God? He is Everything. Our programs, announcements, acknowledgements, planned events, practices, accomplishments, and identity have significance only through our relationship to the Lord. We are slaves. We are humble servants owned by the Living God. May our words reflect who we are….not catechisms of what our minds profess to believe, but relational truths of Who we believe in.


Proclaiming what we do or have done will not win others to Christ. Proclaiming what Christ is doing through us, brings both glory to God and shines the Light to those in Darkness.



My heart hurts when I see a missed opportunity to “glorify Christ in my body” (1 Corinthians 6:20) and as a result glorify myself. As desciples of Christ, our decisions should be based entirely upon pleasing God. “In word or deed do all in the Name of the Lord.” I often fail Christ daily by making decisions without considering whether that decision will further the Kingdom. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto to you.” These are not just statements in Scriptures to fill space. God really does want to be first in our lives.

Let's test our biblical IQ:


How many times does Scripture tell us HOW to get INTO Christ?

Only twice: Galatians 3:26-27 and Romans 6:3-11, and yet we would all agree that the concept is found throughout Scripture. We as a religious body take these two Scriptures to be the foundation of becoming one with Christ. Only twice and yet so very fundamental to our understanding of salvation.




Sometimes I think we praise the splinter and ignore the whole plank.

Exercise:

• Find examples of favorite verses which are often quoted.

• Now find vital sections which are often ignore.

 Spend time this week meditating on the following Scriptures. I think God is really serious about this. What do you think? What ARE our “other gods"?

 1. Exodus 20:3  “ You shall have no other gods before Me.


Exodus 20:2-4 (in Context) Exodus 20 (Whole Chapter)


2. Exodus 20:23 "You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.


Exodus 20:22-24 (in Context) Exodus 20 (Whole Chapter)


3. Exodus 23:13 "Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.


Exodus 23:12-14 (in Context) Exodus 23 (Whole Chapter)


4. Deuteronomy 5:7 ‘ You shall have no other gods before Me.


Deuteronomy 5:6-8 (in Context) Deuteronomy 5 (Whole Chapter)


5. Deuteronomy 6:14 "You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you,


Deuteronomy 6:13-15 (in Context) Deuteronomy 6 (Whole Chapter)


6. Deuteronomy 11:16 "Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and that you do not turn away and serve other gods and worship them.


Deuteronomy 11:15-17 (in Context) Deuteronomy 11 (Whole Chapter)


7. Deuteronomy 11:28 "and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.


Deuteronomy 11:27-29 (in Context) Deuteronomy 11 (Whole Chapter)


8. Deuteronomy 13:2 "and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, ‘ Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,’


Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (in Context) Deuteronomy 13 (Whole Chapter)


9. Deuteronomy 13:6 “ If your brother, your mother’s son, or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your friend who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, ‘ Let us go and serve other gods’ (whom neither you nor your fathers have known,


Deuteronomy 13:5-7 (in Context) Deuteronomy 13 (Whole Chapter)


10. Deuteronomy 13:13 "some worthless men have gone out from among you and have seduced the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘ Let us go and serve other gods’ (whom you have not known),


Deuteronomy 13:12-14 (in Context) Deuteronomy


11. Deuteronomy 17:3 "and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun or the moon or any of the heavenly host, which I have not commanded,


Deuteronomy 17:2-4 (in Context) Deuteronomy 17 (Whole Chapter)


12. Deuteronomy 18:20 "But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’


Deuteronomy 18:19-21 (in Context) Deuteronomy 18 (Whole Chapter)


13. Deuteronomy 28:14 "and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.


Deuteronomy 28:13-15 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter)


14. Deuteronomy 28:36 "The LORD will bring you and your king, whom you set over you, to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone.


Deuteronomy 28:35-37 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter)


15. Deuteronomy 28:64 "Moreover, the LORD will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known.


Deuteronomy 28:63-65 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter)


16. Deuteronomy 29:26 "They went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they have not known and whom He had not allotted to them.


Deuteronomy 29:25-27 (in Context) Deuteronomy 29 (Whole Chapter)


17. Deuteronomy 30:17 'But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them,


Deuteronomy 30:16-18 (in Context) Deuteronomy 30 (Whole Chapter)


18. Judges 2:17 "Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of the LORD; they did not do as their fathers.


Judges 2:16-18 (in Context) Judges 2 (Whole Chapter)


19. Judges 2:19 "But it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them and bow down to them; they did not abandon their practices or their stubborn ways.


Judges 2:18-20 (in Context) Judges 2 (Whole Chapter)


20. Judges 10:13 "Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will no longer deliver you.


Judges 10:12-14 (in Context) Judges 10 (Whole Chapter)


21. 1 Samuel 26:19 "Now therefore, please let my lord the king listen to the words of his servant. If the LORD has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering; but if it is men, cursed are they before the LORD, for they have driven me out today so that I would have no attachment with the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’


1 Samuel 26:18-20 (in Context) 1 Samuel 26 (Whole Chapter)


22. 1 Kings 9:6 “ But if you or your sons indeed turn away from following Me, and do not keep My commandments and My statutes which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them,


1 Kings 9:5-7 (in Context) 1 Kings 9 (Whole Chapter)


23. 1 Kings 11:4 "For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away after other gods; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been.


1 Kings 11:3-5 (in Context) 1 Kings 11 (Whole Chapter)


24. 1 Kings 11:10 "and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods; but he did not observe what the LORD had commanded.


1 Kings 11:9-11 (in Context) 1 Kings 11 (Whole Chapter)


25. 2 Kings 5:17 "Naaman said, “If not, please let your servant at least be given two mules’ load of earth; for your servant will no longer offer burnt offering nor will he sacrifice to other gods, but to the LORD.


2 Kings 5:16-18 (in Context) 2 Kings 5 (Whole Chapter)


26. 2 Kings 17:7 "[ Why Israel Fell ] Now this came about because the sons of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them up from the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and they had feared other gods


2 Kings 17:6-8 (in Context) 2 Kings 17 (Whole Chapter)


27. 2 Kings 17:35 "with whom the LORD made a covenant and commanded them, saying, “ You shall not fear other gods, nor bow down yourselves to them nor serve them nor sacrifice to them.


2 Kings 17:34-36 (in Context) 2 Kings 17 (Whole Chapter)


28. 2 Kings 17:37 "The statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment which He wrote for you, you shall observe to do forever; and you shall not fear other gods.


2 Kings 17:36-38 (in Context) 2 Kings 17 (Whole Chapter)


29. 2 Kings 17:38 "The covenant that I have made with you, you shall not forget, nor shall you fear other gods.


2 Kings 17:37-39 (in Context) 2 Kings 17 (Whole Chapter)


30. 2 Kings 22:17 "Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath burns against this place, and it shall not be quenched.”’


2 Kings 22:16-18 (in Context) 2 Kings 22 (Whole Chapter)


31. 2 Chronicles 13:9 "Have you not driven out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests like the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams, even he may become a priest of what are no gods.


2 Chronicles 13:8-10 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 13 (Whole Chapter)


32. 2 Chronicles 34:25 "Because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place and it shall not be quenched.”’


2 Chronicles 34:24-26 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 34 (Whole Chapter)


33. Jeremiah 7:6 "you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin,


Jeremiah 7:5-7 (in Context) Jeremiah 7 (Whole Chapter)


34. Jeremiah 7:9 "Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known,


Jeremiah 7:8-10 (in Context) Jeremiah 7 (Whole Chapter)


35. Jeremiah 16:11 "Then you are to say to them, ‘It is because your forefathers have forsaken Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and have followed other gods and served them and bowed down to them; but Me they have forsaken and have not kept My law.


Jeremiah 16:10-12 (in Context) Jeremiah 16 (Whole Chapter)


36. Jeremiah 16:13 "So I will hurl you out of this land into the land which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers; and there you will serve other gods day and night, for I will grant you no favor.’


Jeremiah 16:12-14 (in Context) Jeremiah 16 (Whole Chapter)


37. Jeremiah 19:4 "Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods, that neither they nor their forefathers nor the kings of Judah had ever known, and because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent


Jeremiah 19:3-5 (in Context) Jeremiah 19 (Whole Chapter)


38. Jeremiah 25:6 "and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands, and I will do you no harm.’


Jeremiah 25:5-7 (in Context) Jeremiah 25 (Whole Chapter)


39. Jeremiah 35:15 "Also I have sent to you all My servants the prophets, sending them again and again, saying: ‘ Turn now every man from his evil way and amend your deeds, and do not go after other gods to worship them. Then you will dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your forefathers; but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me.


Jeremiah 35:14-16 (in Context) Jeremiah 35 (Whole Chapter)


40. Jeremiah 44:3 "because of their wickedness which they committed so as to provoke Me to anger by continuing to burn sacrifices and to serve other gods whom they had not known, neither they, you, nor your fathers.


Jeremiah 44:2-4 (in Context) Jeremiah 44 (Whole Chapter)


41. Jeremiah 44:5 "But they did not listen or incline their ears to turn from their wickedness, so as not to burn sacrifices to other gods.


Jeremiah 44:4-6 (in Context) Jeremiah 44 (Whole Chapter)


42. Daniel 11:37 "He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all.


Daniel 11:36-38 (in Context) Daniel 11 (Whole Chapter


43. Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.


Matthew 6:32-34 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)


44. Matthew 13:45 "[ A Costly Pearl ] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls,


Matthew 13:44-46 (in Context) Matthew 13 (Whole Chapter)


45. Luke 12:31 "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.


Luke 12:30-32 (in Context) Luke 12 (Whole Chapter)


46. Matthew 10:39 "He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.


Matthew 10:38-40 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter)


47. Matthew 16:25 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.


Matthew 16:24-26 (in Context) Matthew 16 (Whole Chapter)


48. Mark 8:35 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.


Mark 8:34-36 (in Context) Mark 8 (Whole Chapter)


49. Luke 9:24 "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.


Luke 9:23-25 (in Context) Luke 9 (Whole Chapter)


50. Luke 17:33 "Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.


Luke 17:32-34 (in Context) Luke 17 (Whole Chapter)


51. John 12:25 "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.


John 12:24-26 (in Context) John 12 (Whole Chapter)


52. Matthew 10:38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.


Matthew 10:37-39 (in Context) Matthew 10 (Whole Chapter)


53. Matthew 16:24 "[ Discipleship Is Costly ] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.


Matthew 16:23-25 (in Context) Matthew 16 (Whole Chapter)


54. Mark 8:34 "And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.


Mark 8:33-35 (in Context) Mark 8 (Whole Chapter)


55. Luke 9:23 "And He was saying to them all, “ If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.


Luke 9:22-24 (in Context) Luke 9 (Whole Chapter


Make a list of your "gods", "idols", "images" that you have become accustomed to promoting instead of the Living God.

The scary thing is how lightly we often take the above passages and how defensive we are about other passages, especially those which deal with the essentiality of baptism or attendance in the assembly. Are the above Scriptures just as essential?


“You cannot be my disciple” if you do not deny self, take up your cross, and walk in the same path as I walk. That seems pretty essential!


We KNOW that we have given God the priority in our lives if we “do all in the Name of the Lord", do all for His Kingdom, do all as an expression of the Light.

I, personally, am still struggling because I am still making my own decisions, setting my own priorities, making "me" the center of my day instead of God. I am still struggling with using my lips daily to give Him the glory in all things, to be thankful in all things, and to share the Light to all those with whom I meet and with whom I share a part of my day.

I am still struggling….to allow the Spirit of God to fill me, mold me, and make me after His will instead of my will. I am still struggling. I pray that we can agree to unite in this struggle together.

Acknowledge Him in All your Ways. If we truly acknowledge Him in all our ways....does that leave instance out where we do not acknowledge Him?

----FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION---------------------------
We must slay "self" and glorify Christ in our flesh. If our flesh is too busy pleasing self, then we have missed the mark. No one can glorify God in the flesh unless he/she has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 12:3; Galatians 5:16; Hebrews 10:16). Putting it another way….we KNOW we HAVE the Spirit of God if we glorify God in our flesh by acknowledging Him in all that we do: in word and in deed. We know we have the Spirit if we reflect the Light to the world.

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Found this video on YouTube and thought I would ask you what you thought. Will we shine the Light or hide it? What future is facing your children? Grandchildren? This video is not meant to scare you, but to involve you in the solution! The fields are white unto harvest. Christ needs willing workers.

 REFLECTION: How many times does God tell us to make Him the priority of our existence? Without exception?

LESSON 9: TRANSCENDING: A Blessing IN CHRIST

LIFE in the VINE as a BRANCH

Being in the Vine - Chapter 9: Absolute Surrender-- means that all our efforts, strength, emotions, menality, and desires are tied to our relationship with Christ. Our daily walk, decisions, and service gain their strength and wisdom by being directly connected to Christ. Dependence on the Vine brings us in direct access to the Father through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:16-18). Being “in the Vine” means communing with Jesus in absolute dependence. He is the one doing the work and we are allowing Him to work in us. We must understand that we are "nothing" and that we have nothing that was not given to us except by the power of God. We depend totally upon God's power to accomplish anything and all things.

Apart from Christ we can do nothing. John 15:5

  

If you truly believe that Christ exerts all the power and strength in any situation, then how might you re-word these statements to demonstrate your faith:

  

(1) We are so excited about how many people attended worship this week.
Example: We are so excited to see how God has brought so many people to attend the worship this week.

(2) We have planned to build a new building for our benevolence center.
Example: God has given the opportunity and the means to build a new building for our benevolence center. We have prayed and He has answered our prayers in this matter.

(3) The missionaries in China have baptized six new converts.
Example: The Lord has expanded His Kingdom with the new births of six new converts in China. The missionaries have been blessed by God in being lead to those whose hearts were touched by His Gospel.

(4) Our collection this week went over budget and we will be sending more money to the missions field.
Example: The Lord has empowered us to send more funding to the missions field through His faithful grace and blessings which exceeded our feeble efforts to budget for His cause.

(5) Our preacher gave us a great sermon this morning.
Example: Our preacher was led by the Spirit to reveal exactly what my heart needed to hear.

(6) The LTC team as gotten off to a great start working with our youth.
Example: God has begun a great work with our youth. The LTC team, has been strengthened and given a great opportunity by God to lead our youth in a closer walk with Christ.

(7) Boy! We sure do have a lot of talent in this congregation.
Example: The Lord has gifted this congregation with members who have grown in their talents and service the the power of the Spirit.

"Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways, and He will direct your paths" If we forget to acknowledge Him in ALL our ways, we will be always directing our own paths....which leads to distruction.

TRANSCENDING requires that we look at everything in a new perspective (with spiritual eyes). This lesson will investigate how we arrive at this new perspective.

DEFINITION:

The term "transcending" in the context of this lesson will be used to mean "to rising above". To transcend in a spiritual sense means to "see beyond" the earthly context and to have enlightened eyes for the eternal consequences events or circumstances. To rise above these "externals" requires a spiritual maturity that we all should strive to attain. Living the Christian life is not possible under your own power. Growing into the likeness of Christ does not take human effort alone. The Holy Spirit works within us to guide us and give us wisdom so that we can participate in this world, yet be unencumbered by this world. The Holy Spirit will produce fruit in the willing heart.

Transcending through the power of Christ allows each "branch" to manifest the glory of Christ. We are not waiting until Judgment Day to enjoy the joy of the Heavenly Life. It is present in His people now because our life is rooted in Christ, the living, heavenly Vine. (Ephesians 1:3). Transcending means close fellowship and communion with Christ, abiding in Christ, and depending on Christ is a necessity of our daily life. Quiet fellowship and quality time with the Vine keeps the connection between our Lord and ourselves vibrant and full of spiritual enlightenment. We can see the difference between living in the Will of God versus asking God's blessings while we live our own will.

Transcending involves see our lives as a "branch":

• Absolute Surrender - total disposal to the will of God
• Being in complete harmony with the Vine
• Growing as a branch because of the Vine
• Bearing fruit to glorify the Vine
• Relying completely upon the Vine

"Apart from me you can do nothing"

How can we TRANSCEND the earthly influence and RISE ABOVE the cares and temptations of this world?

Jesus is our example. The better we understand His walk on this earth, the better we will understand the challenges we face as Christians. How much do we really understand Christ’s earthly day-to-day journey? How did He approach His day? His problems? His mission? His challenges? If we are truly disciples of Christ (those who are willing to walk the same path that He walked), then we must take time to study and absorb His methods and teachings.

You may have heard a coach say, "Attitude is Everything!" Scripture agrees. Philippians 2:5 -8"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" What was Christ's attitude?

"(He) emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. "

 Do you still want to be a disciple of Christ?

Since we are to have the same attitude as Christ, lets study the word “attitude” and see what it really entails.

What is an "Attitude"?

 ATTITUDE (according to dictionary.com): manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, especially of the mind

Simply stated, an attitude is a "FILTER" through which we see the world, people, or situations. We all have "filters". We all take in information and process it and then determine how we will fit that information into our "schema", or our perception, or mind map, of the world.

We all see things just a little differently and we all react to things differently. This difference is due to our "filters". Past experiences, knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, choices we make, and peer pressure all play a role in how we maintain our "filters". An attitude is the manifestation of our biases/filters.

 We say people have “bad attitudes” if they are pessimistic, condescending, or oppositional. We often wonder why people act in certain ways which are “difficult” for others to tolerate. When people express “bad attitudes” they are secretly disclosing the fact that they have “chosen” to “react” against certain expectations. Your “attitude”, then is your choice. Because attitude is a choice, Paul can request us to “have the attitude of Christ”.

How can we gain Christ’s attitude?

To be like Christ is to KNOW Him: value, imitate, and allow the Spirit to brand (circumcise) His characteristics on our hearts. To have Christ’s attitude, we must lose our own filters/biases which hamper our growth. Personal filters are responsible for the way we devalue some types of people and value others. They are responsible for the way we take in information and pervert it to suit our own tastes. Filters are responsible for hardening our hearts to the cries of the poor and abused. They are responsible for darkening our eyes and closing our ears.

 Here is an easy example to demonstrate how filters work. When Jesus performed miracles, some religious leaders called Him Beelzebub while others called Him the Messiah. How could the same event cause two different perceptions? The answer is “filters/attitudes”. The same sun that melts butter hardens clay. The same Lord who healed the sick and whose name was praised by Israel on the day we call “Palm Sunday” was crucified by this same crowd within the same week. What changed?

 Filters enter our psyche by way of our mind and then take up residence in our hearts. This is why Paul tells us to “guard our hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7). Attitudes begin in our minds and end up in our hearts. A tragedy in one family may break a marriage apart while it may strengthen the marriage bond in another family. What is the difference? Filters/Attitudes. God has given us a very special blessing through which we can view the world. It is the “mind of Christ”.

 1 Corinthians 2:12-16: 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,

13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.

The Spirit that God has given us, wants to reveal to us the mind of Christ and to wipe away the filters that our carnal nature places in our way. Christ gives us freedom from filters, biases, hatred, malicious attitudes, and behaviors. Our freedom in Christ allows us to remove all prejudices so that we are free to serve all men in all places at all times.

 Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

 Harmful filters which we often utilize are “labels”. Usually when we label people we judge them as less worthy of our attention. Labels more than likely hurt and harm: “Lazy, Worthless, Nosey, Conservative, Liberal, Stupid, etc.” These labels tend to dismiss people as being unworthy of our consideration. Christ died to remove labels. The Christian does not have the opportunity to “label” others while serving as the hands and feet of Christ.

Matthew 5:22: "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing (Racca),' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”

 Our attitude towards others reflects whether the Spirit is melting or hardening our hearts. When we TRANSCEND, we leave behind labels, worries, bitterness, hurt, disappointments, and cares that keep us tied to the carnal nature.

 View Video: UP3.WMV

HELPING OTHERS TRANSCEND Through TRANSFORMING SPEECH

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.

 I Peter 2: 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Christ used Transforming Speech with his Apostles. He called his disciples “sanctified”, “I am the vine &; you are the branches”. He gave them meaning in their lives. He helped to define their character and their goals.

 John 6:68 “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal Life. And we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God”.

Peter gained his very definition of existence through Christ. Because Christ had entrusted Peter with purpose- a transforming mission.

POINTS FOR PARENTS:

Children need to be spoken to using Transforming Speech.

 • Parents must speak lovingly and expectantly to children. Patiently with mercy you must let children know that you love them always. But reconfirm the fact that God sees them as holy. Tell them………You are holy. Be holy as your Heavenly Father is holy. You are God’s own possession. Live a life that will glorify God. You are pure in God’s eyes. Live a life of purity for God. Communicate to children WHO THEY ARE. They are loved by God, precious to God, a child of God.

• Parents need to instill in their children a FUTURE: You are special. You have a special mission for God. Children need direction. All children are lost when it comes to understanding the future. You can give them security by continually reminding them that they have a future …. As a servant of God. Begin this process when they are very young. Give them a mission. Ask them to define the mission by listening to their hearts when God speaks through His word.

• Children need GOALS. When they are small you encourage them to take a step…then two steps… then to walk across the room. Children also need spiritual goals. They need to be gently guided through each step of spiritual growth. I find that parents everywhere encourage walking….but often lack the initiative to encourage those spiritual steps in spiritual growth and service.

• Children need confidence. Praise and acknowledge their Faith. When a child expresses faith, exhibits faith as a behavior, when a child volunteers to pray, or expresses Christian characteristics….parents need to be sensitive and alert to acknowledge and praise faith. Christ praised those who exhibited faith.

 Luke 7: 9 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude that was following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith."

 We praise children for school work, for sports, for musical talents. They recognize how we respond and see through our reactions the need to perform and receive praise. Do we express the same excitement over their spiritual growth? Do we send the message to our children that our expectations for becoming more like Christ is the MOST important issue in our homes?

• Children need blessings. All through our Old Testaments & even in the New Testament. Every father or mother gave their child a blessing.

• Genesis 27:28, Isaac blesses Jacob.

• Genesis 49:28 Jacob blesses his 12 sons

• Deut. 33:1 Moses blesses all the sons of Israel

• Luke 1:40f Elizabeth blesses Mary & the baby she is carrying

• Luke 1:68 Zacharias blesses his child, John the Baptist

• Luke 2:29 Simeon blesses the baby Jesus

• Luke 2:36 Anna also blesses the baby Jesus

What does it mean to “bless” your children. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving over them. Touch your children and thank God for them. Let them know that they are special and that you expect special and wonderful things from them. Children need concrete words from you.

  

When you "Rise Above", you become a witness to the world concerning your faith, courage, and values. Rising Above will require you to “Step Out in Faith” – To go where you have not been, to do what you have not done, to step where you cannot see ... trusting in the Calling of God.

  

View Video: FAITH3.avi (from Indiana Jones series)

  

Transcending through Christ gives us new eyes, new ears, new mind, and a new heart.

Paul explains how this happens in the Philippians letter.

Philippians 2:

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

--------------

Where is Paul when he writes this letter?

Paul’s admonishments include:

• Always be Humble

 • Always Glorify Christ

• Always Rejoice

Philippians 3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view 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,

 9and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

 10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 15Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

 18For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

20For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

--------------

Paul is telling us:

• continuously rejoice.

 • recognize that we may have a fulfilling life in Christ while on this earth.

• Heaven is not some grand retirement plan that we suffer for all our lives so we can go there when we die

• he never desired to "Go to Heaven when he died". What did he ALWAYS desire?

• our life on this earth can be rewarding, fulfilling, and truly full of joy and blessings.

 • stay focused on what really matters and to count everything else as “rubbish”

• press on, exert effort to attain goals through Jesus Christ

• grow in our relationship (knowing) of Jesus Christ

• continually being transformed by God’s power

  

Philippians 4

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

19And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

 ------------

Paul tells us how to

• guard our hearts and minds

 • how to have joy and rise above

• how to transcend through the God of peace and joy

Paul teaches us how to Rise Above Gut Reactions:

 Whatever you chew on, you will spew up! How to stop a “gut reaction?”…think on things above.

My Prayer for you:

May God grant you the desire to cultivate a dependence on Christ and confidence in His power to tranfer and transform you. May your heart submit to the Holy Spirit in child-like dependence and confident expectation of transcending to new spiritual heights. May you patiently wait on God, expecting the blessings of hope, joy, and wisdom. May you proactively commit yourself to a relationship with Christ that glorifies Him in all things. And may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds.

Lesson 8: The Proactive Heart of Jesus

PROACTIVE HEART:

Christ is a living example of how to set our minds "on things above" and our hearts "on the Kingdom first". Studying the life of Christ we see that nothing deterred Him from His goal, going to the cross. He was never deterred even though:

•  His closest friends misunderstood Him
• The religious right opposed Him
• The hypocrites accused Him
• His disciples deserted Him
• The courts accused Him
• The Romans beat Him
• His Jewish brethren betrayed Him
• The crowd called out to crucify Him
• and His Heavenly Father turned His face on Him

Jesus' proactive heart kept His path to the cross the focus of His life. No matter what happened externally in His life, Jesus was going to the cross. He was going to fulfill His Father's will. He was going to die for the very folks who misunderstood Him and abused Him.

REACTIVE HEART:

External situations often determine how we as Christians "react" instead of "pro-act". A proactive person with a proactive heart for God determines the correct course to follow and lets nothing deter them from their committed path. A reactive person waits for external circumstances to determine how they will act. The reactive heart is "tossed to and fro by every wind" (Ephesians 4:14; James 1:6). The reactive heart, like a pin-ball machine, turns against any obstacle and heads in a different direction.

People who are easily "offended" (off-ended like a train off its tracks) are folks with "reactive hearts". Our example in Christ is very clear. No matter what others do or say, no matter what circumstances in life confront us we, as Christ must stay true to our calling.

OUR CALLING:
Christians must be committed disciples that are:

• Not easily offended by brethren
• Not dissuaded or turned away from serving God by any internal or external force or event
• Not easily discouraged or depressed about in WHOM they believe.
• Committed to their "Calling", Higher Purpose (reflecting the Light to the World)
• Prepared to prioritize their lives around growing more and more into the image of Christ
• Dedicated to promoting the Kingdom in all areas of their influence.

A proactive heart is one that keeps examining itself to align itself with the will of God. As Christians mature, they recognize different areas in their lives that need to be adjusted as they grow more and more into the image of Christ. These adjustments continue throughout a person’s lifetime.

What effort on our part does the Lord require for us to accomplish our higher calling? Man's purpose is to glorify God in our bodies, our flesh (1 Corinthians 6:20). We do this by allowing the Spirit to produce fruit in us. (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience) Submitting to the Spirit shapes us more and more into the image of Christ. Submitting REQUIRES effort on our part! We must fight against our own fleshly nature and surrender (absolute surrender) to the promptings of the Spirit. To KNOW the will of God in our lives, we must take quality time to LISTEN & RESPOND. The Spirit will add these fruits to our lives if we are WILLING.

 Let's use the following hierarchy as a guide to growing in the Lord:

PRIORITIZING to BECOME MORE like CHRIST

LET's see what we have attended to by responding to the following:

• Where would you go for home improvement supplies?
• What types of diet plans are you aware of? List as many as you can.
• What types of home gym equipment items can you name?

We attend to things that deal with our physical bodies and surroundings.

Have you ever heard of Osteogenesis Imperfecta? It is a disease that affects people who live in extreme poverty. Since we do not live in extreme poverty, we probably do not "attend" to information concerning Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Just as we do not know about Osteogenesis Imperfecta and just as we have never probably cared about researching it or its particular symptoms or manifestations, so too many people have never bothered to research or study the Word of God. This lack of interest may to due to several factors. What might these be?

• Were not raised in a Christian home
• Were not aware that the Bible was more than a few fairy tales
• Were not comfortable with the language
• Were not motivated by other Christians
• and many more reasons the world has not "attended" to the Gospel.

In order to start a journey to become more like Christ, the first step must be "being aware" that there is something to "attend to", something to become aware of. There may have been a news story about Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but even if there were a news story, you did not pay much attention to it. After all there are soooooo many things to listen to. Some things are bound to get lost in the overflow of media information. In the Dark Ages there was not enough information about God's Word. Today, the Devil's new approach to confusing the world by giving them tooooooooooo much information. Too much information makes it difficult for people to glean what is important to "attend to" or vital to their salvation. This is where the Christian comes into play. We are the messengers who can draw people to attend to what is vital for their souls.

STEP ONE:

1. RECEIVING (ATTENDING):

   A. Awareness: 

• I Tim 4:16 "Pay close attention 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."
• Hebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
• 2 Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

EXAMPLE: You mother calls you to dinner while you are watching TV....do you even hear her? The Gospel is being preached over the entire earth...are most people paying attention? What message is God trying to give you...but you aren't paying attention? (APPLICATION: Meditation NOT just study ---"The Lord IS my shepherd")

SELF EXAMINATION:
Perhaps it is time in your life as a Christian that you pay attention to becoming more hospitable, or more loving, or more benevolent. What area of your life needs attention so that you can grow to be more like Christ? Are you paying attention to what God is trying to reveal to you through His Spirit?

   B. Willingness-- Hearing and willing to listen. "Ye have ears, but you do not hear." (Isaiah 6:10); A willing heart is the beginning of understanding. There are over 32 Scriptures which describe people who cannot hear or see what is right in front of them because they have hard hearts and are unwilling to hear.

   C. Controlled or Selected Attention: Willing to selectively hear and concentrate on what God is revealing. 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. You might even attend to the message on your "own" time.

EXAMPLES:  Dripping water, a bird's song, a car engine. Eventually, you no longer notice these noises if they are constantly a part of your environment.

APPLICATION: If God's Word is something that you are willing to hear, then you will spend your "own" time meditating on it. You are willing to select it as place to put your attention even during your leisure time. No one will have to "make" you glean from God's Word. You will "pant" for His Word in all willingness.

So the Spirit has given you a message that you have attended to and are willing to keep in your mind and heart. Now what?

In order to grow more into the image of Christ, listening or attending is only the beginning. The next step is to "respond appropriately". If someone yells, "fire" in a theatre, you will probably hear it, but do you do anything about what you hear? You show your "faith" in the individual communicating, "fire" by responding appropriately to his message.

STEP TWO

2. RESPONDING: (Exhibit a NEW behavior)

   A. Acquiescence: Believing...one is touched by the message and responds to it with feeling, emotion, and mental affirmation. Acts 2:37 "Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?"

The heart MUST respond to the message. If the Spirit is telling you that you need to grow in love, then you must acquiesce in your heart.

   B. Willingness: 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" (James 1:12).

   C. Satisfaction: 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 a sense of well-being.

Philippians 2:17 "But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all."


Colssians 1:24 "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions."

APPLICATION: Even if your response to the call of God results in suffering, this step will need to demonstrate some type of satisfaction or gladness as the result of the action or the action may never be repeated.

When new Christians come to the Lord, there MUST be rejoicing and satisfaction in this response. If there is no satisfaction in the new life they have chosen, they will soon walk a different path.

If you decide that you need to be more hospitable and you respond by having more folks into your home to share the Light, even if things did not go well, you need to feel joy because you are accomplishing growth in this area of your character.


STEP THREE: When one realizes the need to change then responds to that information by attempting new behaviors and can rejoice at the outcome of those behaviors, then something very special begins to happen.
The person begins to "value" and place priority on those behaviors.

EXAMPLE: When a young boy first plays T-Ball and attempts to hit the ball, he can often end up frustrated and unhappy until he succeeds in hitting the ball where he wants it to go. As the boy becomes more and more accomplished in the task of hitting the ball, he spends more time thinking and planning how he will become a great ball play one day. His goals change. His skills change. He likes the applause of the crowd and gains satisfaction from his new identity as a "ball player". He "values" his involvement in his baseball team and his abilities on the field.

3. VALUING: (Exhibits actions that are characteristic of true INVOLVEMENT)

   A. Acceptance: 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.

   B. Preference: 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.

Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor"

APPLICATION: When you begin to "prefer" growing into the image of Christ, you choose the activities which are in tune with the new value you are trying to imitate. You prefer to work in the benevolence center instead of going to the movies. You prefer to worship God instead of sleeping in. You prefer to work for LTC instead of going fishing. You prefeences show what you value.

Philippians 3:8: "More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing (epignosis) 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"

  C. Commitment: 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. Commitment implies faithfulness. You will be faithful to your commitment.

STEP FOUR
4. ORGANIZATION: (Value Clarification - Prioritize) A proactive person on the path to becoming more like Christ, will seek to organize their lives in such a way as to give God quality time to do His work in their heart. They will set goals and "press on" to those goals. It does take some effort on our part to stay on the path that God has for us.

   A. Conceptualization: Your life is defined by the way you prioritize your affairs. You organize your life around the new value system.

EXAMPLES: All your friends know that you will be at church on Sunday instead of in a bar.

There are people who organize their lives around hunting. If the season is open, they will not be available for any work of the church. There are people who organize their lives around baseball, dance or music lessons, or vacations.

What is God calling you to organize your life around? Are you listening? Responding? Committed?
   B. Organization: You define your life, schedule, finances, spare time, and friendships around the activities that represent your new values. "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness" (Matthew 6:33)


STEP FIVE
5. CHARACTERIZATION: (Consistently acting in agreement with value )

2 Corinthians 3:19 "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."

Romans 8:29" For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren

2 Corinthians 9:10-15: 10Now He who supplies seed (alpha) to the sower and bread (omega) for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,
14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!


   A. Generalized Set: You have a set of values (Christ-like characteristics) that are predictable and holistic. There are no values in the set that conflict with any other values in your "set". You are not caring and mean. You do not serve two masters. The set of characteristics that define your life are not hypocritical (two-faced) by nature.

   B. Value Complex: Your life is so ethically and completely aligned with the value set that you become the very representative of the set of values.

EXAMPLE: Someone might say, "When I think of caring, I think of Irene She is the very essence of caring."

Who do you think of as caring? What name comes to mind?
Who do you think of as benevolent? What name comes to mind?
What do people associate with your name? What characteristics come to mind?
What characteristics do you still need to grow in?

As you come to characterize one of Christ's traits, you will find that you need to grow in another trait. This is the life-long pursuit of the Christian with a proactive heart....growing into the image of Christ.

Educators often use hierarchies to determine growth. In matters of the intellect, they use Bloom's taxonomy for the Cognitive Domain. The Affective Domain refers to matters of the heart. To learn how we can grow in our efforts to have a more Proactive Heart, we need to understand how we can prioritize (have goals for) growing more like Christ.

The KEY to a PROACTIVE HEART:

Hearing (Attending), Believing (Commiting), Repenting & Being Baptized (Responding),  Continually Confessing (Valuing), Being Faithful (Organizing), Growing in His Image: Sanctification (Characterization).

Questions to Ask:
Does it benefit the Kingdom?
Does it please God?
Does it make the angels rejoice?

HOMEWORK:
Chapter 7: Absolute Surrender
Define the following words: righteousness, glory.