THE GOSPEL MARK
(this is the last few paragraphs of my report)
In chapter 5 Jesus heals a man with not just one demon, but many. This story always speaks volumes to me because this man had been tormented with a whole crew of demons. And we find out that the name of these demons is legion when Jesus asks. I relate on a personal level with this miracle because God has delivered me from many demons, one of them being self- mutilation. In verse 5 it says ‘night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.’ I started cutting when I was twelve years old and the amount of torment I went through just increased as I got older and into drugs. The miracle here is that God does not just deliver, but he delivers entirely, fully, completely, and purposefully. This man was so healed and saved that he begged to stay with Jesus. In verse 18 we see that he was so transformed to the point where nothing else mattered but to BE with Jesus, to be close to Him, to be in relation with Him. And that is exactly how I feel since I have been transformed. The purpose of him being tormented day and night and then being set free by Jesus, was so that this man could now go tell the world what had been done for him. In verse 20 it says that he went on to proclaim what Jesus had done, and everyone marveled. There is purpose to the pain!
The last miracle that speaks to me today is in chapter 10. This is where Jesus heals the blind man, Bartimaeus. This man was homeless and probably hungry and sick, but what I find interesting is that he didn’t ask Jesus to give him a house or food. This man had such faith in Jesus that he asked for the miraculous! How many times do we ask God for rest and for help to pay the bills- but we do not ask God to heal our anxiety or disease. We do not ask God Him to show His glory and magnificence through miracles. We seem to focus on the materialistic needs, or wants and we shy away from asking for the supernatural. I believe God has a strong desire to revive our faith and to bring healing and to show us his heavy healing presence. It is simply up to us to choose to have this faith.
In concluding the study on Mark I notice the final command to us from Jesus is to ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’ The part where Jesus talks about those who believe will pick up serpents and drink deadly poison excites me. I think it is so daring to be a disciple of Christ. We are up against a legion of demons, but if we have faith, then we have the victory over any flaming dart. We are called to be warriors and over comers! We are called to fight! Once you meet Jesus and He saves you and speaks to you and delivers you, your life just begins. The difficulties that Christ will lead you to will open the doors of heavenly blessings if we obey His call. There is nothing easy about following Christ, but everything to gain. We have a command from the Lord to go out into all the earth and talk about Him. He says in the word that we who believe will cast out demons and heal the sick. God is waiting to perform miracles in the willing soldiers of Christ. He is calling us to the knowledge of the miraculous. We only need to obey the call and follow Jesus Christ no matter what the cost. He is our only hope.
Showing posts with label School Time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School Time. Show all posts
Monday, August 1, 2011
Monday, December 6, 2010
my first sermon!
Title- Called to Serve
Topic- Service
Theme- Why we Serve
Thesis- Scripture gives us several reasons for why we should serve God.
INTRO-
REASON #1 Command
Luke 10:2-3 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. GO! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
• I innocently believed the lies of the wolves in my life
• I was someone who had to be served on for most of my life…
• *talk about how people had to serve me* (addiction, hospitals, police, family)
• AND I WAS MISERABLE.
• *IT IS better to be a lamb than a wolf- lambs have a shepherd!- wolves are left by themselves. (lone wolf)
• God commands us to GO! **Not to Sit and Wait to be served.**
• If you are waiting to be served all your life- YOU WILL BE MISERABLE.
• God says to GO! And WORK!
REASON #2 Motivation (we need to be motivated)
James 13:14-15 “Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should DO as I have DONE for you.”
• I want to be like Jesus
• It is Jesus that Motivates me
• Motivate= to move!
• Sometimes we need a push to move, we need a MOTIVATOR
• *Push demonstration* 1-Hear about Jesus 2-Believe 3-Set Free!
• Jesus forgave me, died for me, and gave me A REASON TO LIVE!
• That has given me a Push!
• Jesus has Delivered me and set me Free! A PUSH!
REASON #3 Desire
John 4:31-35 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to DO the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest?” I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for the harvest.”
• Jesus states here that his FOOD- his nourishment- is to DO the work of God.
• Just like food is something we need and want, our service should be our DESIRE.
• When we take our mind off our fleshly desires and onto the desires of the Lord- we will WANT TO SERVE.
• It will become part of who we are.
• Because of my Salvation and Testimony- I DESIRE TO SERVE
• My Deep Desire is to Serve God in everything I do because I have been motivated by a Big Push from GOD!
• *Story at altar*
Because the Lord has saved me, and chosen me, because He loves me-
• I am MOTIVATED WITH DESIRE TO CARRY OUT THE COMMAND GIVEN TO ME BY GOD!
God states in:
Isaiah 41:9
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you, I said, “You are my servant. I have chosen you and have not neglected you. So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Topic- Service
Theme- Why we Serve
Thesis- Scripture gives us several reasons for why we should serve God.
INTRO-
REASON #1 Command
Luke 10:2-3 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. GO! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.”
• I innocently believed the lies of the wolves in my life
• I was someone who had to be served on for most of my life…
• *talk about how people had to serve me* (addiction, hospitals, police, family)
• AND I WAS MISERABLE.
• *IT IS better to be a lamb than a wolf- lambs have a shepherd!- wolves are left by themselves. (lone wolf)
• God commands us to GO! **Not to Sit and Wait to be served.**
• If you are waiting to be served all your life- YOU WILL BE MISERABLE.
• God says to GO! And WORK!
REASON #2 Motivation (we need to be motivated)
James 13:14-15 “Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should DO as I have DONE for you.”
• I want to be like Jesus
• It is Jesus that Motivates me
• Motivate= to move!
• Sometimes we need a push to move, we need a MOTIVATOR
• *Push demonstration* 1-Hear about Jesus 2-Believe 3-Set Free!
• Jesus forgave me, died for me, and gave me A REASON TO LIVE!
• That has given me a Push!
• Jesus has Delivered me and set me Free! A PUSH!
REASON #3 Desire
John 4:31-35 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to DO the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, “Four months more and then the harvest?” I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for the harvest.”
• Jesus states here that his FOOD- his nourishment- is to DO the work of God.
• Just like food is something we need and want, our service should be our DESIRE.
• When we take our mind off our fleshly desires and onto the desires of the Lord- we will WANT TO SERVE.
• It will become part of who we are.
• Because of my Salvation and Testimony- I DESIRE TO SERVE
• My Deep Desire is to Serve God in everything I do because I have been motivated by a Big Push from GOD!
• *Story at altar*
Because the Lord has saved me, and chosen me, because He loves me-
• I am MOTIVATED WITH DESIRE TO CARRY OUT THE COMMAND GIVEN TO ME BY GOD!
God states in:
Isaiah 41:9
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you, I said, “You are my servant. I have chosen you and have not neglected you. So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Monday, November 22, 2010
test anxiety
although people have this idea that i am really smart...
i do not think that i am,
simply because i have a hard time taking tests that intimidate me.
i dont feel very confident about these tests,
and not much time to study.
i will know that God has his hand on my life if i pass these tests!
i will keep u posted on how i do on them, i take them after Thanksgiving.
OH! Guess What!
i get to preach on the 30th at our Chapel Service, along with 2 other guys in the class.
please pray that i am given divine confidance and assurance.
i am excited!
Prostitute turned Preacher!
i do not think that i am,
simply because i have a hard time taking tests that intimidate me.
i dont feel very confident about these tests,
and not much time to study.
i will know that God has his hand on my life if i pass these tests!
i will keep u posted on how i do on them, i take them after Thanksgiving.
OH! Guess What!
i get to preach on the 30th at our Chapel Service, along with 2 other guys in the class.
please pray that i am given divine confidance and assurance.
i am excited!
Prostitute turned Preacher!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Colossians
The church of Colosse is located in ancient Rome, which is now Turkey. Epaphras planted this church in the small city around 60 A.D. There were problems of false teachings and deceptive influence within the church. These teachings are called syncretism; which combines ideas from other philosophies and religions. Paul is writing from prison to the Colossians to inform them that Christ is all they need. He is teaching the church about the salvation of Jesus and the fullness that is provided when living in Christ. Vs.2:9.
1:9-10 Spiritual wisdom and understanding leads to bearing fruit.
With spiritual wisdom comes the understanding that nothing of any worth is possible without Jesus. There is absolutely no good thing without Christ. Once a person accepts Christ as their savior and begins to absorb the love that God has for them, they then begin to bear fruits. These fruits include love and joy. Joy of the Lord is when someone is going through a trial in life, and is still producing goodness. The evidence of Christ is when someone is going through a storm, yet still produces fruit. Love is the definition of who Jesus is and why he came to save us.
2:3- In him lie all hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Wisdom and knowledge are “hidden treasures” of Christ. We do not know about this wisdom until we know Christ. Finding out who Christ is, involves reading and digesting the word of God, and letting it penetrate to the soul. I remember when I didn’t know who Jesus was, and therefore I was ignorant to his ultimate grace and love for me. When I discovered who Jesus was, it was like discovering a treasure that was meant just for me. My soul salvation lies completely in Christ. Proverbs 2:4-5 explains how seeking wisdom like you are seeking treasure will lead to understanding the love of Christ. If I am diligently seeking and pleasing God in all I do, then my life will become a living vessel for him to dwell in.
2:7- Let roots grow deep into Him; then overflow with thankfulness.
As we take care of our roots and our foundation, our perception of what exactly to be thankful for changes. Our roots should be planted firmly in the word of God. The more we are filled with Christ, the less the worldly desires and temptations will affect us. I used to be thankful for money and materials. Now that I have experienced the goodness of God, I am now forever grateful for salvation. I could never run out of things to be grateful for because I overflow with thankfulness at the joy of my salvation.
3:8- Rid yourself of anger, rage, and filthy language.
We are faced with the choice of how we behave. The people in Colosse have plenty to be angry about. They were being deceived and led astray by false teachings. The point Paul is trying to make is that these behaviors do not lead to fullness and joy. We must get rid of all anger and rage so that we can rely solely on the love of Jesus. If we have the love of Jesus, then we can love even the people who have led us astray. We can also forgive them and move on towards setting our hearts on things above (3:1). We can set our minds on heaven and not on earth.
4:2- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Paul instructs us to pray at all times to remain in the will of God. Being devoted to prayer is demonstrating the faith that we have that God hears us and will answer us. Prayer is a constant connection to Christ. We should watch for the faithfulness of God and always thank Him.
4:5- Live wisely, make most of every opportunity.
To me, living wisely is following the word of God. I choose to not depend on people or the world for my knowledge. I choose to follow Jesus and live an abundant life. I could choose to be foolish and follow the ways of the world, but that would lead to spiritual death. The command here is to make the most of every opportunity. That means living out my life to the fullest in Christ. It is to be joyful in all situations and love my brothers and sisters equally. Making the most of every opportunity is living my life on the sole purpose to serve Christ. Hallelujah! Christ fulfills every promise he has made to me.
In conclusion, the letter Paul wrote to the Colossians is based on living in the fullness of Christ. Paul emphasizes that we should let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (3:15). Christ should be the center and full attention of our lives. When we let go of our worldly desires and let Jesus take his rightful place within us, the miracle of salvation happens.
1:9-10 Spiritual wisdom and understanding leads to bearing fruit.
With spiritual wisdom comes the understanding that nothing of any worth is possible without Jesus. There is absolutely no good thing without Christ. Once a person accepts Christ as their savior and begins to absorb the love that God has for them, they then begin to bear fruits. These fruits include love and joy. Joy of the Lord is when someone is going through a trial in life, and is still producing goodness. The evidence of Christ is when someone is going through a storm, yet still produces fruit. Love is the definition of who Jesus is and why he came to save us.
2:3- In him lie all hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Wisdom and knowledge are “hidden treasures” of Christ. We do not know about this wisdom until we know Christ. Finding out who Christ is, involves reading and digesting the word of God, and letting it penetrate to the soul. I remember when I didn’t know who Jesus was, and therefore I was ignorant to his ultimate grace and love for me. When I discovered who Jesus was, it was like discovering a treasure that was meant just for me. My soul salvation lies completely in Christ. Proverbs 2:4-5 explains how seeking wisdom like you are seeking treasure will lead to understanding the love of Christ. If I am diligently seeking and pleasing God in all I do, then my life will become a living vessel for him to dwell in.
2:7- Let roots grow deep into Him; then overflow with thankfulness.
As we take care of our roots and our foundation, our perception of what exactly to be thankful for changes. Our roots should be planted firmly in the word of God. The more we are filled with Christ, the less the worldly desires and temptations will affect us. I used to be thankful for money and materials. Now that I have experienced the goodness of God, I am now forever grateful for salvation. I could never run out of things to be grateful for because I overflow with thankfulness at the joy of my salvation.
3:8- Rid yourself of anger, rage, and filthy language.
We are faced with the choice of how we behave. The people in Colosse have plenty to be angry about. They were being deceived and led astray by false teachings. The point Paul is trying to make is that these behaviors do not lead to fullness and joy. We must get rid of all anger and rage so that we can rely solely on the love of Jesus. If we have the love of Jesus, then we can love even the people who have led us astray. We can also forgive them and move on towards setting our hearts on things above (3:1). We can set our minds on heaven and not on earth.
4:2- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Paul instructs us to pray at all times to remain in the will of God. Being devoted to prayer is demonstrating the faith that we have that God hears us and will answer us. Prayer is a constant connection to Christ. We should watch for the faithfulness of God and always thank Him.
4:5- Live wisely, make most of every opportunity.
To me, living wisely is following the word of God. I choose to not depend on people or the world for my knowledge. I choose to follow Jesus and live an abundant life. I could choose to be foolish and follow the ways of the world, but that would lead to spiritual death. The command here is to make the most of every opportunity. That means living out my life to the fullest in Christ. It is to be joyful in all situations and love my brothers and sisters equally. Making the most of every opportunity is living my life on the sole purpose to serve Christ. Hallelujah! Christ fulfills every promise he has made to me.
In conclusion, the letter Paul wrote to the Colossians is based on living in the fullness of Christ. Paul emphasizes that we should let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (3:15). Christ should be the center and full attention of our lives. When we let go of our worldly desires and let Jesus take his rightful place within us, the miracle of salvation happens.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A part of my Philemon paper
The study bible says that Onesimus means “useful.” The whole situation of stealing and running away is useful in teaching about the love and forgiveness of Christ. Vs. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Paul talks about how useless Onesimus was when he stole and ran away from Philemon. Nothing good can come out of the act of stealing itself. But when we see where this action took Onesimus, we see that the act of stealing led Onesimus to run away because of his guilt and shame, to where he literally ran to his salvation. This basically says that our feelings of condemnation and disgust about ourselves will lead us on the road to forgiveness when we repent and run to Jesus.
Think of how useless Onesimus must have felt. When I was living in sin, I defiantly felt useless and miserable. I think that is why it is called- the Good News! When someone is feeling so bad and useless, there is no better news, than the Good News! How can you transform a bad person into a good one? By sharing of our faith and hope in the Lord, and all of that is Good! Onesimus, who was once useless, has become very useful. When Onesimus was corrected and heard the Gospel, he recognized his sin and repented. He now has heard the Gospel and has the ability to share how Christ saved him.
Vs. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Again, Paul emphasizes the goodness in Christ by sharing our faith. He is hoping that Philemon will take Onesimus back by humbling himself in the Lord. This will increase Paul’s faith in the Lord, when he sees Philemon forgive Onesimus. Actively sharing our faith means to forgive and love the people who have wronged us, and thus lead them to experience every good thing in Christ.
Think of how useless Onesimus must have felt. When I was living in sin, I defiantly felt useless and miserable. I think that is why it is called- the Good News! When someone is feeling so bad and useless, there is no better news, than the Good News! How can you transform a bad person into a good one? By sharing of our faith and hope in the Lord, and all of that is Good! Onesimus, who was once useless, has become very useful. When Onesimus was corrected and heard the Gospel, he recognized his sin and repented. He now has heard the Gospel and has the ability to share how Christ saved him.
Vs. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Again, Paul emphasizes the goodness in Christ by sharing our faith. He is hoping that Philemon will take Onesimus back by humbling himself in the Lord. This will increase Paul’s faith in the Lord, when he sees Philemon forgive Onesimus. Actively sharing our faith means to forgive and love the people who have wronged us, and thus lead them to experience every good thing in Christ.
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