This week’s memory verse for our Master Life discipleship study (Life Way Publishing) is Matt 5:23-24, which speaks of being reconciled to someone who is offended with you before leaving your gift at the altar.
How can we be reconciled when someone will not admit that they are offended, and will not own any part of their behavior in a negative way?
When we are reconciled to God, we must admit our sinful condition, while accepting His unconditional love. Does this pattern not also serve us in our relationships with others?
How can we relate to a brother or sister who—in their mind, attitude, and words—has never done anything wrong in their life?
What is our responsibility here as pertains to reconciliation?
Is there a time or place in our experience when we can just walk away from someone and leave them to their own devices?
www.practicalbibleteaching.com
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Keep Them B.U.S.Y.
SATAN'S MEETING: (Read, even if you're busy)
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior.
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."
The devil continued, "This is what I want you to do:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. more
Discussion:
Have you been trapped by the B.U.S.Y. lifestyle?
How?
Describe what you could do or have done to get out of it.
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Savior.
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."
The devil continued, "This is what I want you to do:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. more
Discussion:
Have you been trapped by the B.U.S.Y. lifestyle?
How?
Describe what you could do or have done to get out of it.
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Possibility of Perfection
Matt. 5:48 Be perfect therefore, as your your heavenly Father is perfect. (NIV)
This appears to be an imperative from Jesus. He tells us to be perfect.
This follows on the heels of all the statements He made that elaborated on what was commonly thought. "You have heard it said...but I say..." He is telling us to be different than the norm.
How hard that is for many Christians!
That little connector word "as" could mean either "to the same degree" or "because He is."
To my mind, it doesn't make much difference. He began millenia ago by telling the Israelites that they were to be holy, because He is holy. I'm not convinced that the God who changes not (Mal. 3:6) has changed.
We seem to have a problem with that word "PERFECT." I get the impression that we are scared to death of it, because of its implications.
What do you think.
I will be continuing this topic for the next few days.
Thank you for supporting our site at http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
This appears to be an imperative from Jesus. He tells us to be perfect.
This follows on the heels of all the statements He made that elaborated on what was commonly thought. "You have heard it said...but I say..." He is telling us to be different than the norm.
How hard that is for many Christians!
That little connector word "as" could mean either "to the same degree" or "because He is."
To my mind, it doesn't make much difference. He began millenia ago by telling the Israelites that they were to be holy, because He is holy. I'm not convinced that the God who changes not (Mal. 3:6) has changed.
We seem to have a problem with that word "PERFECT." I get the impression that we are scared to death of it, because of its implications.
What do you think.
I will be continuing this topic for the next few days.
Thank you for supporting our site at http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Oprah's Spirituality
Subject: Oprah joins false prophets Bible warned about
This came to me via e-mail, and I went and checked it out. The article can be read at http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm or "Oprah and Friends" to teach course on New Age Christ
Jesus Christ being reinvented, redefined, and blasphemed and, this false New-Age Christ teaching is about to make huge inroads into the world, with the help of the queen of television talk shows, Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah Winfrey, beginning January 1, 2008, on her daily radio program will offer a year-long course on the New Age Christ , in a lesson a day and completely cover the 365 lessons from the Course in Miracles "Workbook."
Listeners will be encouraged to buy A Course in Miracles for the year-long course, and an audio version, recited by Richard (John Boy Walton) Thomas will be available on compact disc. Those who finish the Course will have a wholly redefined spiritual mindset-a New Age worldview that include the beliefs that there is no sin, no evil, no devil. A Course in Miracles teaches its students to rethink everything they believe about God and life, and, bluntly states: "This is a course in mind training" and is dedicated to "thought reversal."
The Course in Miracles -in reality-is the truth of the Bible turned upside down.
Oprah told her television audience that Williamson's book (sic This is not Williamson's book: Marianne Williamson is using this book for the radio program--Dale), A Course in Miracles was one of her favorite books, and that she had already bought a thousand copies and would be handing them out to everyone in her studio audience. Oprah's endorsement skyrocketed Williamson's book to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
A Course in Miracles is allegedly a "new revelation" from "Jesus" to help humanity work through these troubled times. This "Jesus"-who bears no doctrinal resemblance to the Bible's Jesus Christ-began delivering channeled teachings in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology, Helen Schucman.
One day Schucman heard an "inner voice" stating, "This is a course in miracles. Please take notes." For seven years she diligently took spiritual dictation from this voice that described himself as "Jesus."
Here are some quotes from the "Jesus" voice of A Course in Miracles :
"There is no sin . . . "
A "slain Christ has no meaning."
"The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey."
"Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.'"
"The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."
"The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself."
"The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation."
Popular author Wayne Dyer told his PBS television audience that the "brilliant writing" of A Course in Miracles would produce more peace in the world.
The Course in Miracles-based book, Forgiveness, continues to be sold in Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral bookstore as Schuller prepares to host a January 17-19, 2008, "Rethink Conference" at his Crystal Cathedral.
2 Timothy 3 1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What do you think?
You can listen to the radio program on your computer by clicking on
http://www2.oprah.com/xm/mwilliamson/mwilliamson_main.jhtml
and then clicking the schedule guide and clicking on Marianne Williamson.
As always, thank you for supporting this site. Tell others about it.
This came to me via e-mail, and I went and checked it out. The article can be read at http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/007/smith-oprah.htm or "Oprah and Friends" to teach course on New Age Christ
Jesus Christ being reinvented, redefined, and blasphemed and, this false New-Age Christ teaching is about to make huge inroads into the world, with the help of the queen of television talk shows, Oprah Winfrey.
Oprah Winfrey, beginning January 1, 2008, on her daily radio program will offer a year-long course on the New Age Christ , in a lesson a day and completely cover the 365 lessons from the Course in Miracles "Workbook."
Listeners will be encouraged to buy A Course in Miracles for the year-long course, and an audio version, recited by Richard (John Boy Walton) Thomas will be available on compact disc. Those who finish the Course will have a wholly redefined spiritual mindset-a New Age worldview that include the beliefs that there is no sin, no evil, no devil. A Course in Miracles teaches its students to rethink everything they believe about God and life, and, bluntly states: "This is a course in mind training" and is dedicated to "thought reversal."
The Course in Miracles -in reality-is the truth of the Bible turned upside down.
Oprah told her television audience that Williamson's book (sic This is not Williamson's book: Marianne Williamson is using this book for the radio program--Dale), A Course in Miracles was one of her favorite books, and that she had already bought a thousand copies and would be handing them out to everyone in her studio audience. Oprah's endorsement skyrocketed Williamson's book to the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
A Course in Miracles is allegedly a "new revelation" from "Jesus" to help humanity work through these troubled times. This "Jesus"-who bears no doctrinal resemblance to the Bible's Jesus Christ-began delivering channeled teachings in 1965 to a Columbia University Professor of Medical Psychology, Helen Schucman.
One day Schucman heard an "inner voice" stating, "This is a course in miracles. Please take notes." For seven years she diligently took spiritual dictation from this voice that described himself as "Jesus."
Here are some quotes from the "Jesus" voice of A Course in Miracles :
"There is no sin . . . "
A "slain Christ has no meaning."
"The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey."
"Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.'"
"The Name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."
"The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself."
"The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation."
Popular author Wayne Dyer told his PBS television audience that the "brilliant writing" of A Course in Miracles would produce more peace in the world.
The Course in Miracles-based book, Forgiveness, continues to be sold in Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral bookstore as Schuller prepares to host a January 17-19, 2008, "Rethink Conference" at his Crystal Cathedral.
2 Timothy 3 1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What do you think?
You can listen to the radio program on your computer by clicking on
http://www2.oprah.com/xm/mwilliamson/mwilliamson_main.jhtml
and then clicking the schedule guide and clicking on Marianne Williamson.
As always, thank you for supporting this site. Tell others about it.
Monday, February 18, 2008
A Bible Reading Plan
Read the Bible FOR a Year,
DON'T Read the Bible IN a Year
As Christians, we believe the Bible is The Word of God. It is God’s word to us. Most churches state in their creed that the Bible is their standard for faith and morals. Paul writes to Timothy that the Bible is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Timothy 3:16 KJV)
The “man of God” that Paul refers to is firstly, one who is a minister to God’s people; and, secondly, anyone who wants to follow the Lord. We are all to be completely “furnished unto all good works.” The Bible gives us the necessary instructions for how to do that.
Being able to read the Bible for one’s own pleasure, profit, and growth is a privilege we relinquish at great peril. Yet, there are many today (2007) who no longer take the time to read the Book of Books. Of those who do, precious few know how to read with understanding. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is able to overcome our ignorance if our heart is pure. (Matt. 5:8)
We should study the Bible for at least three reasons:
1. To know what it says
2. To know what it says about Jesus
3. To know what it says to me.
The first reason is simply to become familiar with the text itself. There are 66 books in the Bible, and each one of them was written for a different purpose. Some contain historical data; others contain wisdom sayings, others contain prophetic utterances. However, every single one of the 66 books has something to say about Jesus, either prophetically or historically.
The second reason takes us beyond the mere reading of the words on the pages. It requires understanding to know how the particular book relates to anything about Jesus. Often, that understanding can only come from someone helping us to understand. (See Acts 8:30-31)
Thirdly, we should study the Bible to know what God says to each of us. It is more important to know what God is saying to me than it is to know what God is saying about others. Yet, this is the most common outcome of Bible study today—using the Bible to prove that so-and-so shouldn’t be doing such-and-such.
God has something important to say to you today. One of the ways He will do that is through your continual reading and application of His Word.
Reading is important. Reading with understanding is more important.
In the same way that Phillip asked the Ethiopian, “Do you understand what you read?”, so I ask you, “Do you understand what you read?” more>>>
The Lord is after the quality of a changed life, not how many words one can read in a year. Quality—not quantity. That is the Lord’s desire. Make it your desire also.
Discussion:
Are you one who got lost trying to read the whole Bible in a year?
Tell us about your experience.
Did you read the Bible in a year?
Tell us about your experience.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Blogging
I am new to blogging, and I have discovered that some of you who are posting comments (Thank you very much!!) are as green as I am. So, I have spent this morning on the "Help" page of Blogger learning some new things.
I have changed the "Comments" to open in a new window. At the bottom of that window, you will see some boxes to check. One of them is to send me an e-mail when you post a comment. That is up to you. I will see them faster if you do, because I do not spend all day at the blog site.
I have also taken away the "Moderate Comments" aspect. Your comments no longer go through me first; they go immediately to the blog. I am not able to edit them or to choose whether to post your comments.
If you find a "Post" that intrigues you enough to comment, you might want to send that particular "Post" along to a friend on your list. Click on the white envelope icon at the bottom of the particular post you are interested in. Each "Post" has its own set of icons, links, and comments. So pay particular attention.
Because of the timing of the server, and our different locations around the world, your comment may not always appear in an exact order that would make following the thread of conversation easily identified. Therefore, it would benefit all readers if you would refer to the particular comment that you are addressing. Since many of you have chosen to use "Anonymous" as your ID, it is not possible to just say, "I disagree with anonymous..." It would be better if you referred to the particular statement you are commenting on.
You can do this easily by highlighting the piece of text from their comment, pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard, then moving into your comment area and pressing Ctrl+V. The text will appear where you have your cursor.
Those of you who have more experience with blogging could help us out today by posting your comments on how we can make our experiences more meaningful.
Tell us about your blogging experience, whether you are a newbie like me, or an old-timer on the blog scene.
I have changed the "Comments" to open in a new window. At the bottom of that window, you will see some boxes to check. One of them is to send me an e-mail when you post a comment. That is up to you. I will see them faster if you do, because I do not spend all day at the blog site.
I have also taken away the "Moderate Comments" aspect. Your comments no longer go through me first; they go immediately to the blog. I am not able to edit them or to choose whether to post your comments.
If you find a "Post" that intrigues you enough to comment, you might want to send that particular "Post" along to a friend on your list. Click on the white envelope icon at the bottom of the particular post you are interested in. Each "Post" has its own set of icons, links, and comments. So pay particular attention.
Because of the timing of the server, and our different locations around the world, your comment may not always appear in an exact order that would make following the thread of conversation easily identified. Therefore, it would benefit all readers if you would refer to the particular comment that you are addressing. Since many of you have chosen to use "Anonymous" as your ID, it is not possible to just say, "I disagree with anonymous..." It would be better if you referred to the particular statement you are commenting on.
You can do this easily by highlighting the piece of text from their comment, pressing Ctrl+C on your keyboard, then moving into your comment area and pressing Ctrl+V. The text will appear where you have your cursor.
Those of you who have more experience with blogging could help us out today by posting your comments on how we can make our experiences more meaningful.
Tell us about your blogging experience, whether you are a newbie like me, or an old-timer on the blog scene.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Witnessing
How do you share your faith?
We have been learning about how to share the faith during our Wednesday night Bible Study. We have talked about sharing with family members, neighbors, those we work with, and with strangers.
The result has been that many in our group have committed to sharing their faith whenever they get a chance. Some are even making the opportunity where none seems to exist! One, who is not able to attend regularly due to work schedule, has been told by the supervisor not to 'preach.'
Our pastor has gone into his neighborhood knocking on doors. He's invited some to join us for our Sunday night home group, and we've met new people in that.
Our youth pastor teaches in a public school, and is constantly sharing Christ with the kids. The Youth Group at the church is busting out the walls of their space.
Things are getting stirred up within the kingdom of darkness in our area!!
It doesn't have to be "unique" or different or "awe-inspiring." Just tell us how it works for you.
Who knows? Your story just may be the key that unlocks the door for someone to begin sharing.
I am now allowing immediate posting without moderation. Your comments will show up immediately when you publish it.
Thank you for sharing.
Dale
http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
We have been learning about how to share the faith during our Wednesday night Bible Study. We have talked about sharing with family members, neighbors, those we work with, and with strangers.
The result has been that many in our group have committed to sharing their faith whenever they get a chance. Some are even making the opportunity where none seems to exist! One, who is not able to attend regularly due to work schedule, has been told by the supervisor not to 'preach.'
Our pastor has gone into his neighborhood knocking on doors. He's invited some to join us for our Sunday night home group, and we've met new people in that.
Our youth pastor teaches in a public school, and is constantly sharing Christ with the kids. The Youth Group at the church is busting out the walls of their space.
Things are getting stirred up within the kingdom of darkness in our area!!
Do you have a testimony about sharing your faith?
It doesn't have to be "unique" or different or "awe-inspiring." Just tell us how it works for you.
Who knows? Your story just may be the key that unlocks the door for someone to begin sharing.
I am now allowing immediate posting without moderation. Your comments will show up immediately when you publish it.
Thank you for sharing.
Dale
http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What is the Question?
Today is Post Your Question day.
What is your question? Post it here and read what others may have to say in response.
We may take some of those questions for future discussion.
Do you have a question about something in the Bible?
Do you have a question about how we should live?
Do you have a question about our society?
Anyone is free to post their question, and all are free to respond.
What is the Spirit saying to the Church?
We reserve the right to edit or delete any comment or question that demeans, disparages, or otherwise disgraces another person.
www.practicalbibleteaching.com
What is your question? Post it here and read what others may have to say in response.
We may take some of those questions for future discussion.
Do you have a question about something in the Bible?
Do you have a question about how we should live?
Do you have a question about our society?
Anyone is free to post their question, and all are free to respond.
What is the Spirit saying to the Church?
We reserve the right to edit or delete any comment or question that demeans, disparages, or otherwise disgraces another person.
www.practicalbibleteaching.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Faith or Fear
It has been my observation for years that many Christians make their message of none effect because of the life they live. While they proclaim that FAITH is their message, their lives proclaim that FEAR is their motivation. They do things based on some fear of something that "might happen."
When asked about their action, I usually get something along the lines of, "God gave us common sense," or, "Well, you have to be careful."
I have no problem with caution or common sense.
My problem is with the fear that masquerades as caution.
If we tell people that we have faith in the Lord, yet most everything we do is based on fear, how can we expect people to believe us? Just "believing in Jesus" is not the complete faith that we are to live. It must permeate our lives.
QUESTIONS: WHEN DOES CAUTION BLUR INTO FEAR? HOW DOES FAITH FIT IN WITH AN EXERCISE IN CAUTION?
Your comments will definitely help all of us to understand this phenomenom of an apparent dichotomy within the believing community.
When asked about their action, I usually get something along the lines of, "God gave us common sense," or, "Well, you have to be careful."
I have no problem with caution or common sense.
My problem is with the fear that masquerades as caution.
If we tell people that we have faith in the Lord, yet most everything we do is based on fear, how can we expect people to believe us? Just "believing in Jesus" is not the complete faith that we are to live. It must permeate our lives.
QUESTIONS: WHEN DOES CAUTION BLUR INTO FEAR? HOW DOES FAITH FIT IN WITH AN EXERCISE IN CAUTION?
Your comments will definitely help all of us to understand this phenomenom of an apparent dichotomy within the believing community.
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Unjust Steward Lk 16:1-12
In Sunday's class, we were presented with a question from Lk. 16:1-12 that we were not able to answer.
Why was this steward commended by the Lord?
I do not as yet have a solid answer, but these thoughts from Matthew Henry, may shed some light.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD. 16:1-12
Whatever we have, the property of it is God's; we have only the use of it, according to the direction of our great Lord, and for his honour. This steward wasted his lord's goods. And we are all liable to the same charge; we have not made due improvement of what God has trusted us with. The steward cannot deny it; he must make up his accounts, and be gone. This may teach us that death will come, and deprive us of the opportunities we now have. The steward will make friends of his lord's debtors or tenants, by striking off a considerable part of their debt to his lord. The lord referred to in this parable commended not the fraud, but the policy of the steward. In that respect alone is it so noticed. Worldly men, in the choice of their object, are foolish; but in their activity, and perseverance, they are often wiser than believers. The unjust steward is not set before us as an example in cheating his master, or to justify any dishonesty, but to point out the careful ways of worldly men. It would be well if the children of light would learn wisdom from the men of the world, and would as earnestly pursue their better object. The true riches signify spiritual blessings; and if a man spends upon himself, or hoards up what God has trusted to him, as to outward things, what evidence can he have, that he is an heir of God through Christ? The riches of this world are deceitful and uncertain. Let us be convinced that those are truly rich, and very rich, who are rich in faith, and rich toward God, rich in Christ, in the promises; let us then lay up our treasure in heaven, and expect our portion from thence. —Matthew Henry Concise
Why was this steward commended by the Lord?
I do not as yet have a solid answer, but these thoughts from Matthew Henry, may shed some light.
THE PARABLE OF THE UNJUST STEWARD. 16:1-12
Whatever we have, the property of it is God's; we have only the use of it, according to the direction of our great Lord, and for his honour. This steward wasted his lord's goods. And we are all liable to the same charge; we have not made due improvement of what God has trusted us with. The steward cannot deny it; he must make up his accounts, and be gone. This may teach us that death will come, and deprive us of the opportunities we now have. The steward will make friends of his lord's debtors or tenants, by striking off a considerable part of their debt to his lord. The lord referred to in this parable commended not the fraud, but the policy of the steward. In that respect alone is it so noticed. Worldly men, in the choice of their object, are foolish; but in their activity, and perseverance, they are often wiser than believers. The unjust steward is not set before us as an example in cheating his master, or to justify any dishonesty, but to point out the careful ways of worldly men. It would be well if the children of light would learn wisdom from the men of the world, and would as earnestly pursue their better object. The true riches signify spiritual blessings; and if a man spends upon himself, or hoards up what God has trusted to him, as to outward things, what evidence can he have, that he is an heir of God through Christ? The riches of this world are deceitful and uncertain. Let us be convinced that those are truly rich, and very rich, who are rich in faith, and rich toward God, rich in Christ, in the promises; let us then lay up our treasure in heaven, and expect our portion from thence. —Matthew Henry Concise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
