Answered Prayer Requests:
Mom listens to Church talking
Ongoing Prayer Requests:
Job after UCLA
Evangelism to Family
Evangelism to Rich's Family + Justin Rayala + Greg (praise too)
Rich's Mother's Cancer
Evangelism to Ben
Relationships with SFBCers (praise too )
Personal Prayer Requests:
Cooking skills
Getting the ORL Job
Lust
Laziness - working & studying the Word
Fear - proclaim the Good News!
Purity - fighting lust
Smack talking - appropriateness
JPince - SG leading and preparation and people
++ Brad - Stephanie's Salvation & New girl relationship
++ Bryan
++ SFBC Group
++ Steven, Derek Tong (Hope EFC, Davis fellowship), JM (energy for show, janice, ministry)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Whenever I feel that I have sinned and desire to overcome that sin for the future, the devil at the same time comes to me and whispers, "How can you be a pardoned person and accepted with God while you still sin in this way?" If I listen to this I drop into despondency, and if I continued in that state I should fall into despair, and should commit sin more frequently than before; but God's grace comes in and says to my soul, "Thou hast sinned; but did not Christ come to save sinners? Thou art not saved because thou art righteous; for Christ died for the ungodly." And my faith says, "Though I have sinned, I have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and though I am guilty, yet by grace I am saved and I am a child of God still." And what then? Why the tears begin to flow and I say, "How could I ever sin against my God who has not been so good to me? Now I will overcome that sin," and I get strong to fight with sin through the conviction that I am God's child.
-Charles Spurgeon
-Charles Spurgeon
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong
p.57-59
Glorifying God in the Gray Areas
There are other principles but these are the ones I need to START applying:
Will this activity produce spiritual benefit?
Will this activity lead to spiritual bondage?
Will this activity further the gospel?
Will this activity violate my conscience? (Romans 14:23)
Is this good stewardship? (Ephesians 5:15, Prov 13:11, Psalm 90:12)
Is this immoral, even a little? (Ephesians 5:3-4)
A Match Made in e-Haven
Genesis 2:18 - Christian men & women COMPLEMENT each other, meaning there are differences
Compatibility:
Anatomical design = Genesis 2:14
Constitutional Makeup = 1 Peter 3:1-7
Sexual parts = Prov 18:22, 31:10
Roles = Eph 5:22-23
Biblical compatibilty is about complementary roles, not having the same interests nor being the same in every area
Dangers:
People lie online
No accountability from church / Confirmation principle
Commitment
Where Virtual Reality Meets Real Life
Am I staying immature & not picking up responsibilities to people / church / future family?
1 Cor 16:13 = Be a man
Am I being selfish by playing games?
Mark 12:30-31 & Mark 8:34
Again, will this enslave me?
Again, am I having an eternal perspective? Evangelism?
Ephesians 5:15-17 = making the best use of your time, because the days are evil
Parental Guidance Required
Parent's are good at physically caring with sanitizing hands + bandaids...can we say that about how we spiritually care for our children?
1. Make no provisions for the flesh = Romans 14:13
"We should not be entertained by the sins for which Christ died"
2. Again, make the best use of my time.
Be an example of doing #1 & #2.
Make nights a prime time for your FAMILY! And they they will want to give up tv.
American Idols
Glorifying God in the Gray Areas
There are other principles but these are the ones I need to START applying:
Will this activity produce spiritual benefit?
Will this activity lead to spiritual bondage?
Will this activity further the gospel?
Will this activity violate my conscience? (Romans 14:23)
Is this good stewardship? (Ephesians 5:15, Prov 13:11, Psalm 90:12)
Is this immoral, even a little? (Ephesians 5:3-4)
A Match Made in e-Haven
Genesis 2:18 - Christian men & women COMPLEMENT each other, meaning there are differences
Compatibility:
Anatomical design = Genesis 2:14
Constitutional Makeup = 1 Peter 3:1-7
Sexual parts = Prov 18:22, 31:10
Roles = Eph 5:22-23
Biblical compatibilty is about complementary roles, not having the same interests nor being the same in every area
Dangers:
People lie online
No accountability from church / Confirmation principle
Commitment
Where Virtual Reality Meets Real Life
Am I staying immature & not picking up responsibilities to people / church / future family?
1 Cor 16:13 = Be a man
Am I being selfish by playing games?
Mark 12:30-31 & Mark 8:34
Again, will this enslave me?
Again, am I having an eternal perspective? Evangelism?
Ephesians 5:15-17 = making the best use of your time, because the days are evil
Parental Guidance Required
Parent's are good at physically caring with sanitizing hands + bandaids...can we say that about how we spiritually care for our children?
1. Make no provisions for the flesh = Romans 14:13
"We should not be entertained by the sins for which Christ died"
2. Again, make the best use of my time.
Be an example of doing #1 & #2.
Make nights a prime time for your FAMILY! And they they will want to give up tv.
American Idols
Monday, May 25, 2009
New way of studying Bible:
Little flip outs
ch4,10
why did God make us?
for his glory...find a passage that includes ALL men not just the saved
why send to hell?
because it glorifies God...find a passage, not just what hell is for
illustration with "You meet a homeless person. You give him clothes, a haircut, wash him, and then give him plenty of money to find a job. He doesn't. Would you give him a second chance?" No
This is an awful illustration but find one.
Holy Spirit
Little flip outs
ch4,10
why did God make us?
for his glory...find a passage that includes ALL men not just the saved
why send to hell?
because it glorifies God...find a passage, not just what hell is for
illustration with "You meet a homeless person. You give him clothes, a haircut, wash him, and then give him plenty of money to find a job. He doesn't. Would you give him a second chance?" No
This is an awful illustration but find one.
Holy Spirit
Saturday, May 16, 2009
May 16, 2009
**Careful with words to Gabe
**Work at my prayer requests!
Romans 2:
God's judgment should always be mentioned with God's love & patience & desire for us to be saved. We don't repent out of fear, we repent because we know God's kindness & love.
When looking at others' sins & shortcomings, be reminded of my own need for Christ. I am not any-more deserving of salvation as a born-again Christian.
God loves us all equally, wants us all to be saved equally, and will not judge anyone differently. He is impartial.
Study of Women & Her meaning to God:
**Work at my prayer requests!
Romans 2:
God's judgment should always be mentioned with God's love & patience & desire for us to be saved. We don't repent out of fear, we repent because we know God's kindness & love.
When looking at others' sins & shortcomings, be reminded of my own need for Christ. I am not any-more deserving of salvation as a born-again Christian.
God loves us all equally, wants us all to be saved equally, and will not judge anyone differently. He is impartial.
Study of Women & Her meaning to God:
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009
Preach the Gospel to Yourself...you need to remember it
Can judge someone's salvation...must be able to explain what they're saved from (can they explain Gospel message)...do they obey God?...lastly, does their heart SEEK CHRIST as a lifestyle (they can still fail at times)
Money:
1 tim 6:6
hebrews 13
Romans Chapter 1:
Our responsibility is to proclaim Christ to ALL.
Being saved is more than knowing who God is; it is a relationship!
Emulating Paul, his prayers and ability to say "God be my witness"
Genesis Chapter 14-16:
Faith is righteousness NOT action
Our faith can waver...look at Abram's failing to continue believing in God's plan...continue refreshing my trust in God
Can judge someone's salvation...must be able to explain what they're saved from (can they explain Gospel message)...do they obey God?...lastly, does their heart SEEK CHRIST as a lifestyle (they can still fail at times)
Money:
1 tim 6:6
hebrews 13
Romans Chapter 1:
Our responsibility is to proclaim Christ to ALL.
Being saved is more than knowing who God is; it is a relationship!
Emulating Paul, his prayers and ability to say "God be my witness"
Genesis Chapter 14-16:
Faith is righteousness NOT action
Our faith can waver...look at Abram's failing to continue believing in God's plan...continue refreshing my trust in God
Friday, March 27, 2009
Humility - CJ Mahaney
General awesome quotes:
--If unconvicted of the weight of a sin, give it a Biblical definition
--Look for "must" in the Bible
--Live in light of death (share the gospel, honor parents, avoid fights)
--It's possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.
--Do not think that I am the "author" of my life...God is and He deserves all glory.
Part I (Humility & Pride contrasted):
**Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness.
Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word"
James 4:6 "God...gives grace to the humble". God helps those who humbles themselves not those who help themselves.
**Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him.
Proverbs 8:13 "I hate pride and arrogance"
Proverbs 16:5 "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished"
James 4:6 "God [ACTIVELY!!!!!] opposes the proud"
Greatness Redefined:
--Jesus does not forbid the desire and ambition to be great...he redirects the ambition in Mark 10:40-44 "whoever would be great among you MUST be your servant"
Greatness Demonstrated:
--Our Christian service exists only to draw attention to our crucified and risen Lord who was the example of service
(Ransom = payment for releasing from bondage, captivity)
--Apart from Christ's sacrifice, there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example--and made possible by the Savior's sacrifice.
As Each Day Begins:
--Make a list of my weaknesses and "strengths"
--Reflect on the wonder of the cross
Stand as close to the cross as possible...because it's harder to be arrogant if you're standing there
--Acknowledge dependence on God and your need for God
Sin doesn't wake up tired so I must go on the offensive...speak truth to self!
--Express thankfulness to God
If I'm ungrateful, I'm arrogant
--Practice the spiritual disciplines--prayer, Bible study, worship
--Memorize and mediate on Scripture (during commute time)
--Cast your caves upon Him (1 Peter 5:6-7)
As Each Day Ends:
--Reflect on the graces of today & give trust to God
Don't go on dreading the next day
--Receive the gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep.
I am not sufficient like God who never sleeps (Psalma 121:4)
For Special Focus:
--Study the attributes of God (infinite, omnipresent, self-sufficient)
--Study the doctrines of grace (election, calling, sanctification, perseverance)
--Study the doctrine of sin
--Be able to laugh at self
Identifying Evidences of Grace In Others:
--God is always at work in other people
--Use a Godly & eternal perspective to determine my attitude towards EVERYONE
--Study ways that the Holy Spirit works in others (lack of complaining under trials, growing them, saving them, convicting them)
--Still promote human responsibility so that God can work
--1 cor 1:8 & Philippians 2:12-13
--Be known as a grace pointer-outer not a problem pointer-outer
--Any correction requires one to see that person in a Godly manner, not a Alex-standard
Encouraging Others each and every day:
--Proverbs 18:21= Death and life are in the power of the tongue
--Eph. 4:29 = Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear
--Corrupting = Don't limit someone's growth, don't distract it
--Edify = not just polite but rather BUILD UP, enter their lives & discern how God is actively present & draw attention to it & celebrate it!
--Appropriate = What do they need now? Cousel? Exhortation? Warning? Comfort? Forgiveness?
--Hebrews 3:12 = exhort one another every day...that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
So we are to always help one another because sin is active continually
--Grace...everyone needs more of it and pray that God helps me know what kind of grace a person needs in that conversation...justifying grace (feeling guilty), sanctifying grace (struggling), comforting grace (trials), or sustaining grace (tired of trials).
--CORRECTION = implement the Gospel always!
Inviting and Pursuing Correction:
--You may know your heart but other people may understand it better
--Hebrews 3:12-13 = teaches us that community helps us understand ourselves
--Proverbs 12:15 = the way of a fool is right in hi own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice
--Recognize need for others
--Participate (confess sin and welcome correction)
--Have faith that God will use others to help my soul and sin
--James 1:22 = Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
Responding Humbly to Trials:
-Prayerful before God
-Wait on God
-Rejoice in God
--God-centered prayer (acknowledge his knowledge)
--Focus on salvation, not suffering (acknowledge & truly believe God will save while asking that He comes soon)
--Waiting is not resignation; waiting is an active trust in God
--Rejoice in the Lord
--Our suffering is NEVER AS GREAT OR AS SERIOUS AS OUR SINS' DESERVING PUNISHMENT
Last Chapter:
Be an example of humility (you'll fail)
Teach others to serve
Teach others to respect humility
Teacher others to realize fake "greatness"
--If unconvicted of the weight of a sin, give it a Biblical definition
--Look for "must" in the Bible
--Live in light of death (share the gospel, honor parents, avoid fights)
--It's possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.
--Do not think that I am the "author" of my life...God is and He deserves all glory.
Part I (Humility & Pride contrasted):
**Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness.
Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word"
James 4:6 "God...gives grace to the humble". God helps those who humbles themselves not those who help themselves.
**Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him.
Proverbs 8:13 "I hate pride and arrogance"
Proverbs 16:5 "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished"
James 4:6 "God [ACTIVELY!!!!!] opposes the proud"
Greatness Redefined:
--Jesus does not forbid the desire and ambition to be great...he redirects the ambition in Mark 10:40-44 "whoever would be great among you MUST be your servant"
Greatness Demonstrated:
--Our Christian service exists only to draw attention to our crucified and risen Lord who was the example of service
(Ransom = payment for releasing from bondage, captivity)
--Apart from Christ's sacrifice, there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example--and made possible by the Savior's sacrifice.
As Each Day Begins:
--Make a list of my weaknesses and "strengths"
--Reflect on the wonder of the cross
Stand as close to the cross as possible...because it's harder to be arrogant if you're standing there
--Acknowledge dependence on God and your need for God
Sin doesn't wake up tired so I must go on the offensive...speak truth to self!
--Express thankfulness to God
If I'm ungrateful, I'm arrogant
--Practice the spiritual disciplines--prayer, Bible study, worship
--Memorize and mediate on Scripture (during commute time)
--Cast your caves upon Him (1 Peter 5:6-7)
As Each Day Ends:
--Reflect on the graces of today & give trust to God
Don't go on dreading the next day
--Receive the gift of sleep from God and acknowledge His purpose for sleep.
I am not sufficient like God who never sleeps (Psalma 121:4)
For Special Focus:
--Study the attributes of God (infinite, omnipresent, self-sufficient)
--Study the doctrines of grace (election, calling, sanctification, perseverance)
--Study the doctrine of sin
--Be able to laugh at self
Identifying Evidences of Grace In Others:
--God is always at work in other people
--Use a Godly & eternal perspective to determine my attitude towards EVERYONE
--Study ways that the Holy Spirit works in others (lack of complaining under trials, growing them, saving them, convicting them)
--Still promote human responsibility so that God can work
--1 cor 1:8 & Philippians 2:12-13
--Be known as a grace pointer-outer not a problem pointer-outer
--Any correction requires one to see that person in a Godly manner, not a Alex-standard
Encouraging Others each and every day:
--Proverbs 18:21= Death and life are in the power of the tongue
--Eph. 4:29 = Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear
--Corrupting = Don't limit someone's growth, don't distract it
--Edify = not just polite but rather BUILD UP, enter their lives & discern how God is actively present & draw attention to it & celebrate it!
--Appropriate = What do they need now? Cousel? Exhortation? Warning? Comfort? Forgiveness?
--Hebrews 3:12 = exhort one another every day...that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
So we are to always help one another because sin is active continually
--Grace...everyone needs more of it and pray that God helps me know what kind of grace a person needs in that conversation...justifying grace (feeling guilty), sanctifying grace (struggling), comforting grace (trials), or sustaining grace (tired of trials).
--CORRECTION = implement the Gospel always!
Inviting and Pursuing Correction:
--You may know your heart but other people may understand it better
--Hebrews 3:12-13 = teaches us that community helps us understand ourselves
--Proverbs 12:15 = the way of a fool is right in hi own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice
--Recognize need for others
--Participate (confess sin and welcome correction)
--Have faith that God will use others to help my soul and sin
--James 1:22 = Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves
Responding Humbly to Trials:
-Prayerful before God
-Wait on God
-Rejoice in God
--God-centered prayer (acknowledge his knowledge)
--Focus on salvation, not suffering (acknowledge & truly believe God will save while asking that He comes soon)
--Waiting is not resignation; waiting is an active trust in God
--Rejoice in the Lord
--Our suffering is NEVER AS GREAT OR AS SERIOUS AS OUR SINS' DESERVING PUNISHMENT
Last Chapter:
Be an example of humility (you'll fail)
Teach others to serve
Teach others to respect humility
Teacher others to realize fake "greatness"
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