The Abrahamic Call and Covenent

Tonight we did something very different in our ministry. We set up a tent in our room and had the lesson inside it. Kind of a camp-in if you will. You should have seen the looks on your faces when you walked in and saw the tent and palm tress. It was worth all the extra work.
Why were we in a tent?
To remind us that Abram trusted God and left his home in Ur where he was surrounded by sin to follow God into the wilderness. He didn't know where he was going, or where he would end up, just that God had sent him.
What did we do in the tent?
We read several Bible verses from the assigned reading of Genesis chapters 12-31.

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Genesis 13:14-18
• Genesis 15:1-21
• Genesis 17:4-8
• Genesis 22:15-20
• Genesis 26:1-5
• Genesis 28:10-15

What did we learn?

• We learned that God is faithful and always keeps his promises. We still meet and our blessed by descendents of Abraham.
• We learned that Abram's name was changed to Abraham (adding the ah from Yahweh so his name now contains part of God's name as a reminder of the covenant.) The same happened with his wife Sarai changed to Sarah.
• We learned that we have a promise of eternal forgiveness of our Sins by the death of Jesus on the cross. A promise that God will not break.

God Never Leaves Us

Tonight we are going to look at the book of Judges. Joshua took over as a leader of the Israelite nation after Moses lead them out of Egypt. However, Joshua had no successor. After his death each tribe did their own thing.


There was

• No capital
• No government
• No unity

In the book of Judges we learn:

• When the people sinned against God, their enemies defeated them and ruled them.
• When in their distress they sought the Lord, He sent great leaders called judges who delivered them.
• God is always near His people, when they cried, He answered.
• God is always brooding (thinking or worrying persistently or moodily about; pondering) His disobedient children.
• He promises we will never leave us, nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)
• We see defeat on our part, but deliverance on God's part. (Romans 5:20)

Throughout the book of Judges we see God dealing with His own rebellious people whom He has crowned with His best blessings and upon whom He has lavished His tender love.  We find the patience of God and His constant readiness to respond to the least sign of penitence in His people.

• Judges 3:9,15
• Judges 4:3-7
• Judges 6:6-12
• Judges 10:15-16

My favorite judge is Othniel (Judges 3:7-10) because he calls the army to prayer before the battle.

"No one can do real service for his or her country who does not fear God and love righteousness more than country."

When we see an army in prayer, the Swiss at Morat, the Scots and Bannockburn, and McArther in the Philippines.  We have faith in their spirit and courage for they are feeling their dependence on God.

Louie Giglio How Great Is Our God Tour Full Video

I came across the full video today on YouTube and thought it would work much better than having 5 parts on the site.

“What Matters Most”

The Purpose Driven Life Week 16
“No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.” – I Corinthians 13:3
“Love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.” – 2 John 1:16

Because God is love, the most important thing he wants you to learn on earth is how to love.
“The whole Law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love others as you love yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14

God wants us to love everyone, but he is particularly concerned that we love others in his family. This is the second purpose for your life.

Peter says, “Show special love for God's people.” – 1 Peter 2:17

Paul echoes, “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” – Galations 6:10

Jesus said, “Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:35

God wants you to be in regular, close fellowship with other believers, irritating, imperfect, frustrating people, just like you.

The Best Use of Life is Love
Love is not a good part of your life; it's the most important part.
“Let love be your greatest aim.” – 1 Corinthians 13:3

(1) Life without love is really worthless. Four of the Ten commandments deal with relationship with God, and the other 6 deal with our relationships with people. Relationships matter most to God. – Matthew 22:37-40

(2) Love will last forever. “These three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13 When we are breathing our last breath, we never ask to see our things one last time, our biggest concern becomes our relationships, we should treat them the same way in life.

(3) We will be evaluated on our love. God measures spiritual maturity by the quality of our relationships. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:40 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6

MORNING PRAYER
God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people – because that's what life is all about. I don't want to waste this day.

The Best Expression of Love is Time
“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” – 1 John 3:18

The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention. Love concentrates so intently on another that you forget yourself at the moment.

Jesus modeled this: “Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.” – Ephesians 5:2

The Best Time to Love is Now
“Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.” – Galatians 6:10
“Use every chance you have for doing good.” – Ephesians 5:2
“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” – Proverbs 3:27

Point to Ponder
Life is all about love.


Verse to Remember
“The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'” – Galatians 5:14


Question to Consider
Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?

Louie Giglio How Great Is Our God Tour Part 2

Louie Giglio How Great Is Our God Tour Part 1

We began watching Louie Giglio's How Great is Our God Tour this week. Here is part 1 for those who missed it.

Formed for God's Family

The Purpose Driven Life Week 15 “Formed for God's Family”

“God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory.  He wanted to have many children share his glory.” – Hebrews 2:10

“So how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are!” – 1 John 3:1

“His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.  And this game him great pleasure.” Eph 1:5

It was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives, through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family. Jms 1:18

Every person was “created” by God, but not everyone is a “child” of God.

God “has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God's own family.” 1 Pet. 1:3, Rom. 8:15-16

“You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal 3:26

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of this plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God – some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth.”  Eph. 3:14-15

Benefits of Being in God's Family

The moment you were spiritually born into God's Family, you were given some astounding birthday gifts:  the family name, the family likeness, family privileges, family intimate access, and the family inheritance! (1 Jn 3:1,Rm 8:29, Gal 4:6-7, Rom 5:2, 1 Corn 3:23, Eph 3:12, 1 Pet 1:3-5, Rm 8:17) 

“Since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you.” Gal.4:7

“My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” – Phil 4:19

Here on earth we are given “the riches … of his grace … kindness … patience … glory … wisdom … power … and mercy.” (Eph 1:7, Rm 2:4, Rm 9:23, Rm 11:33, Eph 3:16, Eph 2:4)


“I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.” (Eph. 1:18)

• We get to be with God forever. (1 Thes. 5:10; 4:17)

• completely changed to be like Christ. (1 John 3:2, 2 Corn 3:18)

• freed from all pain, death, and suffering. (Rev. 21:4)

• rewarded and reassigned positions of service (Mk 9:41, Mk 10:30, 1 Corn 3:8, Heb 10:35, Matt 25:21,23)

• share in Christ's glory (Rom 8:17, Col 3:4, 2 Thes 2:14, 2 Tim 2:12, 1 Pet 5:1)

We are far richer than we realize.

“God has reserved a pricelesws inheritance for his children.  It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” (1 Pet 1:4)

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” (Col 3:23-24)

Life's Greatest Privilege 

“Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family.  That is why he isn't ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” (Heb 2:11)

Let that amazing truth sink in.

“[Jesus] pointed to his disiples and said, 'These are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!'” (Matt 12:49-50)

Point to Ponder
I was formed for God's family.
Verse to Remember
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” – Eph. 1:5
Question to Consider
How can I start treating other believers like members of my own family? 

Broken Tools

In tonights lesson we talked about tools.  One of the main points we talked about was that how God can use people of all different types.  We were each created for a special God given purpose.  Just like a hammer was created for pounding and pulling nails, a screwdriver for turning screws, and pliers for gripping and cutting things.  God has a purpose for us.

Sometimes we may have a hard time deciding what we were designed for, either because we don't know our gifts, like the tool below.

 

Sometimes it is because we think we can do everything.

  And sometimes we are rusty, broken, or damages and think that God can never use us.

All we really need to realize is that God designed us for a purpose, even with our brokenness.  All a rusty pair of pliers needs is a little oil, or in some cases a really good soaking in oil.  The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as oil.  We need to allow God to take us in his hands and apply his "oil" to our lives so that we can come out clean, new, and ready to be used.

The Winter Storm of 2011!!!!

Due to the poor road conditions and low temperatures we will not be having GECKOS and CREW456 tonight.  Please keep safe and warm and we will see you next week.

Becoming Best Friends with God

Since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of His Son while we were sill his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. – Romans 5:10

In the Garden

In Eden, Adam and Eve had the perfect relationship with God.  Exactly how God designed it and wanted it to be.  Unhindered by guilt or fear, they delighted in God, and He delighted in them.

Only a few people in the Old Testament had the privilege of friendship with God.  Moses, Abraham, David, Job, Enoch, and Noah.  Fear of God was much more common.

God wants to be your Friend

It may be hard to understand, but “He is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you.” – Exodus 34:14

Becoming a Best Friend of God

You will never grow a close relationship with God by just attending church, reading your bible every day, and praying before bed.  Friendship is built by sharing all your life experiences with him.

Point to Ponder

God wants to be my best friend.

Verse to Remember

“Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him.”
--Psalm 25:14

Question to Think About

What can I do to remind myself to think about God and talk to him more often throughout the day?

"The Heart of Worship"

The Heart of Worship is Surrender. We give ourselves to God, not out of fear or duty, but in love, “because he first loved us.”

After spending eleven chapters of the book of Romans explaining God's incredible grace to us, Poaul urges us to fully surrender our lives to God in Worship. Romans 12:1

True Worship – bringing God pleasure – happens when we give ourselves completely to God.

Three Things Block our Surrender.

1. fear – We overcome fear through trusting God and learning that he loves us. Love casts out all fear.
2. Pride – We don't like to admit that we are just creatures and not in charge of everything. The oldest temptation” “You will be like God” We desire to have complete control.
3. Confusion – We are confused in thinking that surrender is passive. God often calls surrendered people to battle for Him. It is far from passive.

The best way to live.

Everybody eventually surrenders to something or someone. If not to God, you will surrender to the opinions or expectations of others, to money, to resentment, to fear, or to your own pride, lusts, or ego.

Point to Ponder

The heart of worship is surrender.

Verse to Remember

“Surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes.”

--Romans 6:13

Question to Think About

What area of my life am I holding back from God?

The Hug Poem

Tonight in the CREW 456 room we had something a little different.  After our normal worship service I performed Bradley Hathaway's "The Hug Poem" and we followed it with a time of prayer in three groups.  At the end of the night we prayed for Blake as a group.  I found the night to be filled with touches from God.  I hope the kids got as much out of it as the staff did.

What Makes God Smile

The smile of God is the main goal of your life.

• Ephesians 5:10

So how do we find out. By the example of Noah:

• Genesis 6:8 – Noah was a pleasure to the Lord
• Genesis 6:9 – Noah loved God.

When we love him supremely

“God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back.”

• Hosea 6:6 – God wants a relationship over sacrifices.
• Matthew 22:37-38 – Love God with all your heart.

When we trust him completely – FAITH

“Trusting God completely means having faith that he knows what is est for your life.”

• Hebrews 11:7 – Noah acted in faith.
• Genesis 2:5-6 – Noah never saw rain before the flood.
• Psalm 147:11 – God takes pleasure in those who honor him.
• Hebrews 11:6 – We cannot please God without faith.

When we obey him with our whole heart.

“Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience.”

“Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussion”

“Wholehearted Obedience is done joyfully, with enthusiasm.”

• Genesis 6:22 – Noah did everything exactly as God commanded.
• Psalm 100:2 – obey Gladly
• Psalm 119:33 – David has the same attitude.
• James 2:24 – We please God by what we do,
• John 14:15 – If we love him we obey him.

When we praise and thank him continually.

“Worship works both ways. We enjoy what God has bdon for us, and when we express that enjoyment to God, it brings him joy – but it also increases our joy.”

• Genesis 8:20 – Noah offered a sacrifice of praise.
• Hebrews 13:15 – the sacrifice of praise
• Psalm 116:17 – the sacrifice of thanksgiving
• Psalm 69:30-31 – David praised God in Song
• Psalm 68:3 – The righteous are Glad and rejoice.

When we use our abilities.

“Every human activity, except sin, can be done for God's pleasure if you do it with an attitude of praise.”

“God especially enjoys watching you use your talents.”

• Genesis 9:1-3 – Be yourself, do what God designed you for.
• Psalm 37:23 – He delights in every detail of your life.
• Psalm 33:15 – He shaped us each, and now watches everything we do.
• Isaish 45:9 – Don't ask why?
• 1 Timothy 6:17 – God gives us everything to enjoy.
• Psalm 103:14 – He knows what to expect from us.
• 2 Corinthians 5:9 – Paul's goal was to please God
• Psalm 14:2 – God is looking for us to please him.

Point to Ponder

God smiles when I trust Him.

Verse to Remember

“The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust in his love.” – Psalm 147:11

Question to Think About

Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust him most?

Something To Think About . . .

THE SITUATION 

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes.

During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing.

He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.


About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar.  A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

 
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.


At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly.

The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.

This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.


At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously.  Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.

About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace.  The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over.  No one noticed and no one applauded.  There was no recognition at all.

 No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world.

He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.

Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.


This is a true story.  Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. 

This experiment raised several questions:

      *In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

      *If so, do we stop to appreciate it?

      *Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?


One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world,

playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made.

How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

Pledge to the Christian Flag -- 30 points

I pledge allegiance 

to the Christian Flag

and to the Savior 

for whose Kingdom it stands.

One Savior, crucified, risen, 

and coming again with life

and liberty to all who believe.

For more information about the Christian flag click here.

Pledge to the Bible -- 40 points

I pledge allegiance to the Bible,

God's Holy Word,

I will make it a

lamp unto my feet

and a light unto

my path and will hide its words

in my heart that I might not sin against God.

The Apostle's Creed -- 110 points

I believe in God, the Father almighty, 
creator of heaven and earth. 

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 
born of the Virgin Mary, 
suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, died, and was buried; 
he descended to the dead. 
On the third day he rose again; 
he ascended into heaven, 
he is seated at the right hand of the Father, 
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 
the holy catholic church, 
the communion of saints, 
the forgiveness of sins, 
the resurrection of the body, 
and the life everlasting. AMEN.

The Lord's Prayer -- 70 points

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Planned for God's Pleasure

“You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.” – Revelation 4:11

“The Lord takes pleasure in his people..”
Psalm 149:4

The moment you were born God was there waiting for you. He was smiling at your birth.

God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment.

Brining Joy to God is the number one purpose of your life.

You Teach It!!!!

Does God have emotions? What emotions can he feel?
Genesis 6:6        Exodus 20:5         Deuteronomy 32:36
Judges 2:20        1 Kings 10:9         1 Chronicles 16:27
Psalm 2:4           Psalm 5:5             Psalm 18:19
Psalm 35:27       Psalm 37:23         Psalm 103:13
Psalm 104:31     Ezekiel 5:13         1 John 4:16

What is Worship?
Ephesians 1:5     Psalm 147:11      John 4:23
Isaiah 29:13        Psalm 105:4       Psalm 113:3
Psalm 119:147    Psalm 5:3           Psalm 63:6
Psalm 119:62      Psalm 34:1         1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:23  Romans 12:1

Points to Ponder

I was planned for God's pleasure.

Verse to Remember

“The Lord takes pleasure in his people..” 

Psalm 149:4

Question to think about

What common task could I start doing as if I were doing it directly for Jesus?

Crew 456's room