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?

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.

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?

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?

The Reason For Everything

“Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.” – Romans 11:36

“The LORD has made everything for his own purposes.”
Proverbs 16:4

Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.
When everything in creation fulfills its purpose, it brings glory to God.
Jesus will give you everything you need to live for him.

You Teach It!

What is the Glory of God?

• The essence of his nature.
• The weight of his importance.
• The radiance of his splendor.
• The demonstration of the power.
• The atmosphere of his presence.

Where is the Glory of God?

• Ps 19:1 – The heavens declare it.
• Gen 3:8 – Garden of Eden
• Ex. 33:18-23 – to Moses
• 1 kings 7:51 – tabernacle
• 1 kings 8:10-13 – temple
• Eph 2:21-22 – Jesus
• 2 Corn 4:6-7 – Church
• Exodus 40:34 – cloud
• Psalms 29:1 – thunder
• Isaiah 6:3-4 – smoke
• Isaiah 60:1 – brilliant light
• Luke 2:9 – brilliant light
• Rev 21:23 – the light of heaven
• Exodus 24:17 – consuming fire
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus
• 2 Corn 4:6 – in our hearts
• Jn 1:14 – full of grace and truth
• 1 Chron 16:24 – among nations

How can I bring glory to God?

• Worshiping him
• loving others
• becoming like Christ
• Serving others
• Telling other about Him

Point to Ponder

It's all for Him.

Verse to Remember

“For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory”
Romans 11:3

Question to Think About

Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

Life is a Temporary Assignment

LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.”
--Psalm 39:4

The Bible is full of verses that talk about the shortness of life on earth.

Life is described as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, a wisp of smoke.

We will be looking at a lot of verses tonight so get your Bibles ready.

Job 8:9                       Psalms 39:4
Psalm 119:19             I Peter 1:17
Phil. 3:19-20              James 4:4
II Corn. 5:20              I Peter 2:11
I Corn. 7:31               II Corn. 4:18
John 16:33                 John 16:20
John 15:18-19            Hebrews 11:13
Hebrews 11:16


To make the best use of your life, you must never forget.

• Compared with eternity, life is extremely short.
• Earth is only a temporary residences.

Real believers realize that “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.” – C.S. Lewis

Point to Ponder

This World is not my home.

Verse to Remember

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

– II Corinthians 4:18

Question to think about

How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

What is CREW 456?

Creating Radically Equipped Warriors

OUR CREATION

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

– II Corinthians 5:17

OUR RADICAL EQUIPMENT

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation upon his head. – Isaiah 59:17

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. – Ephesians 6:13-18

OUR BATTLE

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” – II Corinthians 10:4-6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:10-12

Point to Ponder

Prepare for the Battles of life.

Verse to Remember

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. – Ephesians 6:10

Questions to Think About

• 
  
  How can I be better prepared for the spiritual battles in life?