Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Monday, December 3, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: Our Struggle With Authority
In talking about authority, it requires us to delve into a few other aspects which are brought out quite well in a book entitled "Purpose and Power of Authority" by Myles Munroe. In this book, it states four points:
Once we understand and begin walking in the authority God has given us, we can see how it should be "natural" - in other words, as He designed it to be.
In his book, Mr. Munroe related a story about his encounter with the authority of the shark. The shark's natural habitat is water ... it can swim quite well, one could say "expertly". The water is the shark's natural domain and realm - it has authority in that water. Its teeth, created to be capable of tearing flesh, are also part of its authority structure. When Mr. Munroe, or any creature for that matter, enters the domain of the shark, it is required to submit to the shark's authority.
Let's take the four points above and relate it to the shark. God (the Author) created the shark to live in the water to swim and eat (authorization). The shark, not questioning this at all, is merely being real (authentic). All of this equates to the shark functioning as God had designed it (authority).
There is "real" authority and "fake" authority. Our struggle with authority is often based on the "fake" authority. We don't like it, we challenge it, we see it for what it is: not real. What we need to realize is that God created things to operate within a "real" authority structure. What happens is that we, humans, pollute it. Our encounters with authority can take many forms - from "titles" and our environment, to our experiences (both good and bad). Our discussion highlighted the good and the bad and we concluded with a quote from Mr. Munroe's book:
"Genuine authority creates an environment for people to think, to dream, to discover and refine their gifts and talents, to build others up, and to develop themselves fully."
This is the kind of authority God implemented. This is the kind of authority that we will take the next few weeks to unpack further.
- Author: related to the origin of your gifts and power
- Authorization: permission and right to carry out your assignment
- Authenticity: to be who you are created to be, to fulfill what you are designed to fulfill, to do what you are destined to do
- Authority: the right and power to be who you were created to be
Once we understand and begin walking in the authority God has given us, we can see how it should be "natural" - in other words, as He designed it to be.
In his book, Mr. Munroe related a story about his encounter with the authority of the shark. The shark's natural habitat is water ... it can swim quite well, one could say "expertly". The water is the shark's natural domain and realm - it has authority in that water. Its teeth, created to be capable of tearing flesh, are also part of its authority structure. When Mr. Munroe, or any creature for that matter, enters the domain of the shark, it is required to submit to the shark's authority.
Let's take the four points above and relate it to the shark. God (the Author) created the shark to live in the water to swim and eat (authorization). The shark, not questioning this at all, is merely being real (authentic). All of this equates to the shark functioning as God had designed it (authority).
There is "real" authority and "fake" authority. Our struggle with authority is often based on the "fake" authority. We don't like it, we challenge it, we see it for what it is: not real. What we need to realize is that God created things to operate within a "real" authority structure. What happens is that we, humans, pollute it. Our encounters with authority can take many forms - from "titles" and our environment, to our experiences (both good and bad). Our discussion highlighted the good and the bad and we concluded with a quote from Mr. Munroe's book:
"Genuine authority creates an environment for people to think, to dream, to discover and refine their gifts and talents, to build others up, and to develop themselves fully."
This is the kind of authority God implemented. This is the kind of authority that we will take the next few weeks to unpack further.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: As It Was ...
This week we talked about the original plan God had when He created things. His design expected that humans would be heirs and would reign over Creation with Him (Romans 8:17, Genesis 1:26, 2 Timothy 2:12). When we think about "how" He set things up according to Genesis 1, He created plants, animals, and humans to "produce after their own kind". In other words, He placed within the plant and animal and human the authority and power to "be" what He created us to "be". There is a failure on our part to understand what His original design was: to "be" delegated rulers over Creation, to have authority over a given aspect of our existence.
Where our failure can turn into gross misrepresentation is when we mistakenly think that we "rule" over other humans - that our authority means we are superior and others must bow to us. This results in a miserable condition that misses the mark of God's intention entirely. He wants us to operate according to His design - when we do that, we have all the power and authority we need to accomplish His assigned purpose for us as an individual.
God designed humans to rule with power and authority. Period. Not according to our will but His. He designed us to be "like" Him, in character (image) ... ruling over creation and bringing Him all the glory and honor. When Jesus talks about restoring the Kingdom of God, this takes us back to the state of "being" as it was in the beginning when God first set things up.
I've heard it stated that the Kingdom of God is "The state in which God is the complete and total Master." As humans, we can live and "be" this because of what Jesus did in full restoration through the Cross. Now, we just need to do it!
Where our failure can turn into gross misrepresentation is when we mistakenly think that we "rule" over other humans - that our authority means we are superior and others must bow to us. This results in a miserable condition that misses the mark of God's intention entirely. He wants us to operate according to His design - when we do that, we have all the power and authority we need to accomplish His assigned purpose for us as an individual.
God designed humans to rule with power and authority. Period. Not according to our will but His. He designed us to be "like" Him, in character (image) ... ruling over creation and bringing Him all the glory and honor. When Jesus talks about restoring the Kingdom of God, this takes us back to the state of "being" as it was in the beginning when God first set things up.
I've heard it stated that the Kingdom of God is "The state in which God is the complete and total Master." As humans, we can live and "be" this because of what Jesus did in full restoration through the Cross. Now, we just need to do it!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: Bad Assumption
Ok, we moved from "The Assignment" of the servants into reviewing the "Bad Assumption" of this week. Our case study was based in Acts 19:8-16 - the Seven Sons of Sceva. The Apostle Paul is in Ephesus and spent 2 years sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some believed, others didn't. Some folks went on to "act out" what they believed ... while others (the Seven Sons of Sceva) attempted to function the same. Here is where the "bad assumption" steps into the picture. When one takes on a power or authority which isn't theirs, they will eventually run into trouble.
Based on our group discussion, we covered some points from scripture and suppositions about what may have occurred. There were "incantations" used, perhaps the demon expulsion was a money maker, perhaps it was "smoke and mirrors". In the end, if there isn't an authenticity of authority, a person will fail.
We continued our discussion by doing a quick review of another Greek word - "dynamis" (G1411), or "release of power" - like dynamite. Of the many scriptural references which use this Greek word, here are a few highlights:
When we look specifically at the last reference above, the "denying" (Greek G720) indicates "not to accept" or to "refuse something that is offered". The whole discussion creates a spectrum for our review:
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"bad assumption" "refuse an offer"
You see, we don't want to be on either extreme of the spectrum above ... we want to be EXACTLY where God wants us and sees us according to Romans 12:3. Because, when we are exactly where God sees us, there is nothing that can stop us from doing His will and purpose for the assignment given to us!
Changing my thinking to match His ...
Based on our group discussion, we covered some points from scripture and suppositions about what may have occurred. There were "incantations" used, perhaps the demon expulsion was a money maker, perhaps it was "smoke and mirrors". In the end, if there isn't an authenticity of authority, a person will fail.
We continued our discussion by doing a quick review of another Greek word - "dynamis" (G1411), or "release of power" - like dynamite. Of the many scriptural references which use this Greek word, here are a few highlights:
- Gospels: Jesus acted/worked by dynamis
- Acts 1:8 - the Day of Pentecost - dynamis from the Holy Spirit
- 1 Corinthians - miracles (dynamis)
- 2 Corinthians - dynamis in clay containers
- 2 Timothy 1:7 - having a form of godliness, but, denying the dynamis
When we look specifically at the last reference above, the "denying" (Greek G720) indicates "not to accept" or to "refuse something that is offered". The whole discussion creates a spectrum for our review:
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
"bad assumption" "refuse an offer"
You see, we don't want to be on either extreme of the spectrum above ... we want to be EXACTLY where God wants us and sees us according to Romans 12:3. Because, when we are exactly where God sees us, there is nothing that can stop us from doing His will and purpose for the assignment given to us!
Changing my thinking to match His ...
Monday, October 22, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: The Assignment
After a quick review of a fuller definition behind "servant" (Greek G1401), we moved into "The Assignment" of a servant as it's referred to in the Luke 19:21-28 parable. The discussion covered many aspects of the parable from what a "talent" is (money, in this case) to what it is in relationship to the assignment given the servants. When we consider today how God calls us to our assignment, we must think beyond money, gifts, skills, abilities, etc. He created us for a very specific purpose and He equips, enables, promotes, supports, and guides us in that purpose. Are we listening and responding?
In the Luke parable, the servant given the single talent, chose to simply bury it. How does that align with the assignment given to the servants? Depending upon the translation used, the assignment ranged from "Put this money to work until I come back" and "Operate with this until I return" to "Invest this for me while I am gone". How ever you'd like to view it, the master basically said "DO SOMETHING WITH IT!" I'm convinced that if the servant had invested AND lost it, instead of burying it, he would have, at least, been commended by the master for the effort.
In many cases, we are "frozen" from action out of fear and that is the exact opposite of what the Word of God tells us (refer back to 2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is perhaps manifested in a lack of confidence, or that we might not do it "just" right, or that we will be rejected. That fear is where the enemy wants us to live ... so that we remain inactive and ineffective. God is calling His church out and up ... to higher levels from where we are at this time! He has seated us in Heavenly places and made us royal heirs, let's act like it!
From My Assignment Place ...
In the Luke parable, the servant given the single talent, chose to simply bury it. How does that align with the assignment given to the servants? Depending upon the translation used, the assignment ranged from "Put this money to work until I come back" and "Operate with this until I return" to "Invest this for me while I am gone". How ever you'd like to view it, the master basically said "DO SOMETHING WITH IT!" I'm convinced that if the servant had invested AND lost it, instead of burying it, he would have, at least, been commended by the master for the effort.
In many cases, we are "frozen" from action out of fear and that is the exact opposite of what the Word of God tells us (refer back to 2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is perhaps manifested in a lack of confidence, or that we might not do it "just" right, or that we will be rejected. That fear is where the enemy wants us to live ... so that we remain inactive and ineffective. God is calling His church out and up ... to higher levels from where we are at this time! He has seated us in Heavenly places and made us royal heirs, let's act like it!
From My Assignment Place ...
Monday, October 15, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: The Abuser and The Abused
So, it's sometimes hard to talk about abuse because there is thinking out there which would have us believe that we have somehow brought it upon ourselves - the association of guilt may keep us from discussing it frankly. I believe this very teaching is a form of abuse!! Read on. There are a variety of categories of abusive tactics:
Though there may be instances where we might precipitate abuse (note my qualifying with italics), I believe that it is rarer than "they" would like us to believe. I personally believe responsibility for abuse rests entirely upon the abuser and not the abused. When it comes to abuses of authority, I cannot think of a situation which stems from this great fallacy that we brought it upon ourselves (I am open to discuss this further). In the abuse of authority, it often uses the "identity" tactic listed above. It can take the form of racism, sexism, or ageism. It can also be used in relationship to physical appearance, intelligence, position, etc. Intimidation is often a tool used in the identity abuse tactic. Suffice it to say that abuse of any type is wrong. In the sense of abuse of authority, it taints us and warps the appropriate view and right definition of authority which God has designed into His creation.
As a group, we discussed where we fell on a scale of being under or over someone in authority. We also rated ourselves on a scale of being an abuser or one being abused within a worldly or spiritual setting. The discussion was interesting in that many placed themselves as being abused by another (both worldly and spiritually). Some placed themselves as the worldly abuser, however, most placed themselves in the neutral position on the topic of being a spiritual abuser. I find this promising ... we'll see, as we continue our journey, how appropriate this ranking is.
We finished out our main group discussion with exposure to the truer definition of what a "servant" is. According to the Greek (G1401), "A slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the other" (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament © 1992 by AMG International, Inc. Revised Edition, 1993). When viewed in a spiritual sense, the "will of the other" is the will of our Lord. We are NOT everybody's servant, we are the Lord's servant. However, in service to Him, He commands we serve others - according to His will. How does this relate to "abuse" and "authority"? Well, according to 2 Timothy 1:7, when we are intimidated into doing something (or to NOT do something), we need to pay VERY close attention as to who's authority we are serving - another person, or the Lord! This scripture encourages us to KNOW that we have The Spirit of Power, Love, Self-Discipline.
In His service ...
- emotional/psychological
- sexual
- physical
- financial
- identity
Though there may be instances where we might precipitate abuse (note my qualifying with italics), I believe that it is rarer than "they" would like us to believe. I personally believe responsibility for abuse rests entirely upon the abuser and not the abused. When it comes to abuses of authority, I cannot think of a situation which stems from this great fallacy that we brought it upon ourselves (I am open to discuss this further). In the abuse of authority, it often uses the "identity" tactic listed above. It can take the form of racism, sexism, or ageism. It can also be used in relationship to physical appearance, intelligence, position, etc. Intimidation is often a tool used in the identity abuse tactic. Suffice it to say that abuse of any type is wrong. In the sense of abuse of authority, it taints us and warps the appropriate view and right definition of authority which God has designed into His creation.
As a group, we discussed where we fell on a scale of being under or over someone in authority. We also rated ourselves on a scale of being an abuser or one being abused within a worldly or spiritual setting. The discussion was interesting in that many placed themselves as being abused by another (both worldly and spiritually). Some placed themselves as the worldly abuser, however, most placed themselves in the neutral position on the topic of being a spiritual abuser. I find this promising ... we'll see, as we continue our journey, how appropriate this ranking is.
We finished out our main group discussion with exposure to the truer definition of what a "servant" is. According to the Greek (G1401), "A slave, one who is in a permanent relation of servitude to another, his will being altogether consumed in the will of the other" (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament © 1992 by AMG International, Inc. Revised Edition, 1993). When viewed in a spiritual sense, the "will of the other" is the will of our Lord. We are NOT everybody's servant, we are the Lord's servant. However, in service to Him, He commands we serve others - according to His will. How does this relate to "abuse" and "authority"? Well, according to 2 Timothy 1:7, when we are intimidated into doing something (or to NOT do something), we need to pay VERY close attention as to who's authority we are serving - another person, or the Lord! This scripture encourages us to KNOW that we have The Spirit of Power, Love, Self-Discipline.
In His service ...
Monday, October 8, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: Susan and the Centurion
This was a VERY interesting meeting in that we covered quite a bit of material. Here are the highlights ... we did a case study of Susan Boyle and the various characteristics of her 2009 audition which launched her not only into the limelight, but, radically changed her world. That change took her on a very tumultuous journey where she suffered an emotional breakdown. Now, the underlying causes for the breakdown are likely numerous ... suffice it to say, that "something" rocked her world. Now, back to the case study ... some of the notable points raised in our case study discussion were:
Another person we looked at was the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The notable points from this discussion was that the centurion recognized authority. How? Because, he said that he is a man "under" authority and he in authority over others. Note the order of his own recognition - "under" was first. He stated that Jesus only had to "speak" the words and his servant would be healed. Jesus commended the centurion for his belief (v13).
As we continue this season, I encourage you to take the tidbits discovered and hold onto them as we use them to build our understanding on the authority God has given us to be what He designed us to be in His total Redemptive Plan to restore broken relationships with Him.
Until next time ...
- She has a God-given talent
- It gives hope (to her and others)
- It had the potential to change her "self-image"
- She could be viewed as an "object"
- She didn't know the outcome
Another person we looked at was the centurion in Matthew 8:5-13. The notable points from this discussion was that the centurion recognized authority. How? Because, he said that he is a man "under" authority and he in authority over others. Note the order of his own recognition - "under" was first. He stated that Jesus only had to "speak" the words and his servant would be healed. Jesus commended the centurion for his belief (v13).
As we continue this season, I encourage you to take the tidbits discovered and hold onto them as we use them to build our understanding on the authority God has given us to be what He designed us to be in His total Redemptive Plan to restore broken relationships with Him.
Until next time ...
Monday, October 1, 2012
Yoke of Exousia: Introduction
This season, Bible: Out Of The Box will be covering elements of the topic "Yoke of Exousia". One definition for the Greek word "exousia" is "authority". We'll be looking into the authority God has given you, the purposes of authority (both what you submit to as well as that which you hold), the abuses of authority, and the discovery and use of your authority. The "yoke" is in your partnership with Jesus as you take on His yoke according to Matthew 11:29. However, we will investigate more deeply what it means to take on the yoke of Jesus - it's more than we think!
Begins Monday, October 1, 2012
6:00pm-7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm-8:30pm Meeting
Update:
Quick update on our discussion for this meeting ... in our introduction we covered understanding the Greek for "exousia" (Strong's G1849). When looking at the KJV translation, the vast majority of the verses used "power" (nearly 70%) and most of the balance used "authority" (nearly 30%). When we look at the source of that power/authority, it comes from God (Romans 13:1 and Colossians 1:16). We then covered the misunderstanding that exists in that some believe that when one has responsibility and authority, that it makes them superior to others. In other words, authority = superiority. This is patently wrong. Finally, we viewed a YouTube video of Susan Boyle and her 2009 audition on Britain's Got Talent. We'll be doing a "case study" on Susan and her experience.
Blessings!!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Power Of Three: Foundation - Jericho March
It would seem appropriate when talking about laying foundations that the subject of "walls" would be included. So, this week we talked about the march around Jericho (Joshua 5:13-6:27). I didn't prepare any slides for us to review because I wanted to have us "dig" into this as a group to uncover the nuggets of Truth buried in the scripture just waiting for us. Here are some of the highlights from our excavation (BTW, yes, I purposely used as many puns as possible):
There is an overarching structure in how God chose to work with Joshua and the people of Israel:
Of all of the points we spent time on, there are three that I will write about here:
There was much dicussion about the size and construction of the city itself, the number of people marching around it, the composition and order of those people, and obviously, the end result of Jericho itself. I won't take the space to document that here as it's been covered in many different places and many different times. Suffice it to say, God is Great, He is Almighty, He is the same: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Hebrews 13:8).
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"... as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
-- Joshua 5:14 (NIV) --
There is an overarching structure in how God chose to work with Joshua and the people of Israel:
- Direction
- Action
- Reaction
Of all of the points we spent time on, there are three that I will write about here:
- Joshua 6:2 (MSG) "God spoke to Joshua, "Look sharp now. I've already given Jericho to you, along with its king and its crack troops." This is significant (as was brought out in our discussion) because God has done something and provided direction. The action is in response to that direction.
- The people of Israel were a terrifying force according to Rahab as recorded in Joshua 2:8-11 (NLT) "“I know the LORD has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror.”"
- Jericho is the first city taken after the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land. As such, God required it be given to Him as an offering, or first-fruits of the land. Note in Joshua 6:18-19 (NIV) "“But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury.”"
There was much dicussion about the size and construction of the city itself, the number of people marching around it, the composition and order of those people, and obviously, the end result of Jericho itself. I won't take the space to document that here as it's been covered in many different places and many different times. Suffice it to say, God is Great, He is Almighty, He is the same: Yesterday, Today, and Forever (Hebrews 13:8).
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"... as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come."
-- Joshua 5:14 (NIV) --
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Power Of Three: Foundation - Plagues Of Egypt
Continuing on with laying our foundation, we looked at the Plagues of Egypt this week. As we've discussed in regard to The Power Of Three: If you look for it, you'll find it! Now, I'm having a little bit of fun looking for it, so it wasn't any surprise to me when I found several as we reviewed the plagues. First, here are the slides we reviewed in depth:
We discovered a number of "triads" as we unwrapped the plagues, all while grouping the plagues into 3 sets of 3 each. The first series of plagues affected all the living, physical aspects of Egypt (animals, humans, plants) and they were borne out of other elements originally created by God (water, earth, air). Why? Because each of the plagues was a response to a "god" that stood in challenge to the Lord - He wanted everybody to know there is NO ONE like Him. He creates ... He destroys.
This left the final plague (death of the firstborn) standing all by itself in stark contrast. However, when we compare it to the full redemption found in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we realize it has to stand apart from the other plagues. Again, why? Because it was against the most important "god" Egypt had - Pharoah himself. As God has stated "That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Corinthians 1:29) ... except that which represents Him - Jesus (John 1:14).
In conclusion to this session, God is basically saying: I AM - end of story - forever.
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE ..."
-- Exodus 3:14 (AMP) --
We discovered a number of "triads" as we unwrapped the plagues, all while grouping the plagues into 3 sets of 3 each. The first series of plagues affected all the living, physical aspects of Egypt (animals, humans, plants) and they were borne out of other elements originally created by God (water, earth, air). Why? Because each of the plagues was a response to a "god" that stood in challenge to the Lord - He wanted everybody to know there is NO ONE like Him. He creates ... He destroys.
This left the final plague (death of the firstborn) standing all by itself in stark contrast. However, when we compare it to the full redemption found in the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we realize it has to stand apart from the other plagues. Again, why? Because it was against the most important "god" Egypt had - Pharoah himself. As God has stated "That no flesh should glory in his presence." (1 Corinthians 1:29) ... except that which represents Him - Jesus (John 1:14).
In conclusion to this session, God is basically saying: I AM - end of story - forever.
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"And God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE ..."
-- Exodus 3:14 (AMP) --
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Power Of Three: Foundation - The Commandments
We started laying a foundation of some of the basics in our faith. But, I'm thinking that even the basics gained new understanding for us when we delve into the essence of what they mean.
For example, when we do "real" digging into The Commandments of God for us, we find they can be grouped, categorized and then "simplified" into a point so concise, it defies argument. The point we focused on this week was "The Big Ten" written on stone by the finger of God and then given to Moses (Exodus 31:18).
The result of this process is this:
It simply places nine of the ten commandments into the two commandments Jesus spoke of: "Love God", "Love People" (Mat 22:35-40, Mar 12:28-31, Luk 10:25-28). However, then the Apostles John and Paul took it back to the One: "Love" (1 Joh 4:7-8, 1 Cor 14:1, Rom 13:8, Rom 5:5, Gal 5:22, 1 Cor 13:13).
What about the fourth commandment you ask? Well, it is summed up in the fulfillment of what Jesus did on the Cross: He became our Sabbath Rest (Mat 12:8, Mar 2:28, Luk 6:5, Heb 4:9-11). How much simplier can it be made?
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."
-- Psalm 119:129-131 (NLT) --
For example, when we do "real" digging into The Commandments of God for us, we find they can be grouped, categorized and then "simplified" into a point so concise, it defies argument. The point we focused on this week was "The Big Ten" written on stone by the finger of God and then given to Moses (Exodus 31:18).
The result of this process is this:
It simply places nine of the ten commandments into the two commandments Jesus spoke of: "Love God", "Love People" (Mat 22:35-40, Mar 12:28-31, Luk 10:25-28). However, then the Apostles John and Paul took it back to the One: "Love" (1 Joh 4:7-8, 1 Cor 14:1, Rom 13:8, Rom 5:5, Gal 5:22, 1 Cor 13:13).
What about the fourth commandment you ask? Well, it is summed up in the fulfillment of what Jesus did on the Cross: He became our Sabbath Rest (Mat 12:8, Mar 2:28, Luk 6:5, Heb 4:9-11). How much simplier can it be made?
I continue to look forward to where God is taking us in our journey - see you next week. Blessings!!
"Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand."
-- Psalm 119:129-131 (NLT) --
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Power Of Three: Introduction
For 02/06/2012:
This season, we will be covering elements of the topic "The Power Of Three". This is a rediscovery of what we've been taught, or perhaps, even new thinking from the scriptures of what God wants from us as He works in us. He has provided all that we need in order to accomplish His purpose. Yet, we don't often see that, let alone know it, in order to fulfill it.
As stated in Acts 17:25-26 (NIV), God determined the time and place we would live on this earth. We will be exploring what "The Power Of Three" means in light of where we find ourselves in this time and space of Eternity. Time, as we know and understand it, is coming to a close. God has a purpose for you which aids in accomplishing His redemptive plan of His creation. Are you ready to learn more about your role in the Eternal plan of God? Are you ready to be challenged in areas that you may have discounted or considered lost? Are you ready to allow God to change your way of thinking as to who you are in Jesus, what you can accomplish in Jesus, and who you influence in Jesus?
Blessings!!
"... Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."
-- Acts 17:25-26 (NIV) --
This season, we will be covering elements of the topic "The Power Of Three". This is a rediscovery of what we've been taught, or perhaps, even new thinking from the scriptures of what God wants from us as He works in us. He has provided all that we need in order to accomplish His purpose. Yet, we don't often see that, let alone know it, in order to fulfill it.
As stated in Acts 17:25-26 (NIV), God determined the time and place we would live on this earth. We will be exploring what "The Power Of Three" means in light of where we find ourselves in this time and space of Eternity. Time, as we know and understand it, is coming to a close. God has a purpose for you which aids in accomplishing His redemptive plan of His creation. Are you ready to learn more about your role in the Eternal plan of God? Are you ready to be challenged in areas that you may have discounted or considered lost? Are you ready to allow God to change your way of thinking as to who you are in Jesus, what you can accomplish in Jesus, and who you influence in Jesus?
Blessings!!
"... Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."
-- Acts 17:25-26 (NIV) --
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