Bible Study - Matthew 8

Read Matthew 8

I have been learning a lot about the power of having my own relationship with God, and not just basing my spiritual walk by the words of those around me. As important as it is to take council in others, it is more important that we take the time to grow our personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. 

I am encouraging you today, take some time to meditate on this passage and see what God would have you see.

Notes Sunday, June 1st

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

• The more you know the Bible, the more you know God. The better you know God. Trying to live without the Bible is like trying to paint with a screwdriver. 

Romans 10:17 

• Since the Bible is the word of Christ, who is God, then it is through the Bible that we know God. If we know God we can listen to Him, and know what He has promised us in life. 
• If you know the promises of God, you can stand on them. 
• If you don't know God you will make assumptions and have no promises to stand on.

Romans 7:24-29

• When God gives us primises we can stand on them like the wise mans house on the rock.

1 Peter 1:22-24

• Everything changes, but God's will will never change. It abides forever.

Psalms 18:2

Hebrews 6:19-20

• Gods word is our stronghold, our anchor. 
• God is likened to a rock at least 59 times in the Bible. 

If your life is dependant on never having trouble, you will be miserable.

The world needs people who can weather through the storm. 

People who god without God fall apart in every storm.

Your life has to be founded on the Word, not listening to your pastor. Yes, it is good to listen and learn from others, but your faith has to be your own, not someone elses.

Your faith has to be in Christ. The word Christian means Little Christ so as we go through our lives we are to be Christ to those around us. The way we learn who Christ was, is by reading the Bible. 

Reading the Bible is also one way that God talks to us. Just give Him a chance.

 

Bible Study - Matthew 5

Read Matthew 5

There are so many different points that I could make here. But I will keep it simple. Our natural reaction
when someone insults us, or asks something of us, is to push back or ask for something back. I caught myself doing this just yesterday. But Jesus tells us to give more than what was asked of us. Jesus tells us that when someone is mistreated, we are to help them up. When someone is rejected we are to accept them. And all these things we are to do in love.

Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We are here to create a culture of honor, and respect. We are here to be the body of Christ. And Christ is God; 

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
We are here to be love to those without love. To show them that they have worth, and that someone cares.
Do Something: Show someone love and respect when the world says they don't deserve it. Encourage those around you find their identity in Christ, not things of this world.

Bible Study - Acts 25

Read Acts 25

It is crazy the things that people will dispute. As Christians it is important to hold our ground, and stand up for what we believe.

If someone has a legitimate problem with something we have done. Let them say so, but do not fight back in harshness. Instead speak clam, and in a tone of love. If it is for God that trial comes to you, do not be afraid, for He is with you.

Be bold in what you do and say, but do not try to overwhelm people, or try to force love into them. For they will submit out of utter fear, rather than love. That is no good equation for success.

Bible Study - Acts 9

Saul is transformed into Paul. Saul was Satan’s greatest advocate at the time. Saul of Tarsus was a schooled Jew, and believed that God had called him to destroy the Christians however, it was quite the opposite. Saul, of all people God had to chose from, not one of us would have said it would be Saul. But his transformation is one of the greatest testaments to the love of our Father. If God was able to turn the prosecutor Saul into the apostle Paul, how much more can He turn the drug addict, or the abuser, next door to a disciple?

It all begins with an act of Love. While Jesus was here, he spent his time with the sinners, and the thieves showing them love and acceptance. The word ‘christian’ means ‘little Christ’ which means that we act as Jesus did. Brothers and Sisters, humble yourself, and love on the unloveable.