Recap of 12/12/2011:
Though there was a lot of material, we plowed our way through the comparison of Calvinism and Arminianism. We can see that it's not a simple matter of black/white, or yes/no, or right/wrong. However, God's Plan R itself is extremely simple: God' wants to spend Eternity with His creation. He has given each of us free will to make the choice as to be with Him or not.
For 12/19/2011:
In our last session this season we will talk more about the concept of "perfection" (or, as I like to refer to it: simply doing what the Father tells us to do and saying what the Father tells us to say). We get hung up sometimes on "symantics" and the base Truth is that God gives us all the things, at all times, that we need to do what He calls us to do (2 Corinthians 9:8). Other scriptures we will cover include: Hebrews 13:20-21 (MSG) and Romans 8:28-32. We are justified in Christ, we do have the righteousness of God in Christ, and we see God takes us through a process in this life of sanctification which results in us being exactly who He wants us to be.
In closing this season, I don't believe it's an issue of ability, or, "Can I?" - because God provides all we need via the Holy Spirit. Rather, it's an issue of "Will I?"
Blessings!!
P.S. We will begin the next season the first Monday in February 2012 - see you then!
"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me."
-- Philippians 3:12 (NLT) --
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Now, For Plan R (Part 2)
Recap of 12/05/2011:
Meeting at Mike and Cindy's house.
For 12/12/2011:
We are nearly completed with this series and it's been a pleasure learning with you! We will conclude the topic of Plan R this week. Plan R is that which God has set in place and stands in the gap of our failure with God's full redemptive power to bring about His ultimate purpose and pleasure. We will also take a brief look at Calvinism and Arminianism to learn more about how Plan R syncs with that comparison. I look forward to our time together! Blessings!!
"Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption."
-- Psalm 130:7 (NIV) --
Meeting at Mike and Cindy's house.
For 12/12/2011:
We are nearly completed with this series and it's been a pleasure learning with you! We will conclude the topic of Plan R this week. Plan R is that which God has set in place and stands in the gap of our failure with God's full redemptive power to bring about His ultimate purpose and pleasure. We will also take a brief look at Calvinism and Arminianism to learn more about how Plan R syncs with that comparison. I look forward to our time together! Blessings!!
"Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption."
-- Psalm 130:7 (NIV) --
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Special Social / Prayer Meeting
Recap of 11/28/2011:
We made quite a bit of headway into this week's topic ... however, we didn't complete it. So, we'll be concluding the Plan R topic next week!! Our highlights from this week circled around the emphasis on the place and plan the Christian has in Christ - when we need to have safety and how God provides that (Proverbs 18:10 and Deuteronomy 33:27). We then moved to the scripture of God's plan from before creation was ALL about redemption (Isaiah 46:10, Revelation 13:8, Hebrews 2:10, Acts 17:24-28, Ephesians 1:4). We finished our time together only scratching the surface of Joel 2:25 and Hosea 3. But, we will continue our exploration of this when we meet on the 12th!
For 12/05/2011:
Special Social / Prayer Meeting:
Meeting at Mike and Cindy's house - see email for details!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together ..."
-- Hebrews 10:24-25a --
We made quite a bit of headway into this week's topic ... however, we didn't complete it. So, we'll be concluding the Plan R topic next week!! Our highlights from this week circled around the emphasis on the place and plan the Christian has in Christ - when we need to have safety and how God provides that (Proverbs 18:10 and Deuteronomy 33:27). We then moved to the scripture of God's plan from before creation was ALL about redemption (Isaiah 46:10, Revelation 13:8, Hebrews 2:10, Acts 17:24-28, Ephesians 1:4). We finished our time together only scratching the surface of Joel 2:25 and Hosea 3. But, we will continue our exploration of this when we meet on the 12th!
For 12/05/2011:
Special Social / Prayer Meeting:
Meeting at Mike and Cindy's house - see email for details!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together ..."
-- Hebrews 10:24-25a --
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Now, For Plan R (Part 1)
Recap of 11/21/2011:
As we mentioned last week, Galatians 5:18 (MSG) states "... be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence". If we can latch onto this singular Truth we, partnered with Him, are unstoppable. Being Spirit led operates in grace and mercy and results in perfection because it relies on His strength to do His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). We attempted to cover Body Ministry and how we are each a member of the Body of Christ called to "be" according to His pleasure. Though we spent most of our time discussing this along the surface of the topic, we did manage to get into some of the details. The bottom line: we each are a member of the Body of Christ and have a place to "be" what God has created us to "be". There is nobody else who can "be" and take our place. Therein lies part of our potential struggle with fulfilling all that God has called us to. We may think ourselves as having failed many opportunities which are presented to us. As that may be, it doesn't negate the absolute fact the you are called to "be" and God will redeem all He has in eternity for you. Thus, the introduction of Plan R.
For 11/28/2011:
We will spend this week going into depth on Plan R that God had planned from before the foundations of creation. Yes, there is no Plan B (an alternate to us missing God's good, pleasing, and perfect will and having it met by another person), but, Plan R stands in the gap with God's full redemptive power to bring about His ultimate purpose and pleasure. Thank you Jesus for all that you've done to redeem us back into the family of our Heavenly Father, saved by your sacrifice on the cross, and now enabled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to "be" all that we can "be" in Christ (yes, perhaps the Army "borrowed" this principle, but, it's True, nonetheless).
"Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!"
-- Arthur Dimmesdale, pastor :: The Scarlet Letter --
As we mentioned last week, Galatians 5:18 (MSG) states "... be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence". If we can latch onto this singular Truth we, partnered with Him, are unstoppable. Being Spirit led operates in grace and mercy and results in perfection because it relies on His strength to do His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). We attempted to cover Body Ministry and how we are each a member of the Body of Christ called to "be" according to His pleasure. Though we spent most of our time discussing this along the surface of the topic, we did manage to get into some of the details. The bottom line: we each are a member of the Body of Christ and have a place to "be" what God has created us to "be". There is nobody else who can "be" and take our place. Therein lies part of our potential struggle with fulfilling all that God has called us to. We may think ourselves as having failed many opportunities which are presented to us. As that may be, it doesn't negate the absolute fact the you are called to "be" and God will redeem all He has in eternity for you. Thus, the introduction of Plan R.
For 11/28/2011:
We will spend this week going into depth on Plan R that God had planned from before the foundations of creation. Yes, there is no Plan B (an alternate to us missing God's good, pleasing, and perfect will and having it met by another person), but, Plan R stands in the gap with God's full redemptive power to bring about His ultimate purpose and pleasure. Thank you Jesus for all that you've done to redeem us back into the family of our Heavenly Father, saved by your sacrifice on the cross, and now enabled and empowered by the Holy Spirit to "be" all that we can "be" in Christ (yes, perhaps the Army "borrowed" this principle, but, it's True, nonetheless).
"Thou little knowest what a relief it is, after the torment of a seven years' cheat, to look into an eye that recognizes me for what I am!"
-- Arthur Dimmesdale, pastor :: The Scarlet Letter --
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: There Is NO Plan "B"! (Part 2)
Recap of 11/14/2011:
After reviewing the doubt factors (rocks, shallow soil, scorching sun, birds, and weeds discussed in Matthew 13:1-23) that pull us away from maxing out in full Truth, we reminded ourselves of the proclamation in Jeremiah 19:11 - God has a plan, a hope, a future for us. In other words, He has set out a course of prosperous work for us that will bring Him the highest glory. When we mistep that course we are taken on a tangent (digressing suddenly from one course of action or thought and turning to another - Dictionary.com), or deviation, which takes us away from that good, pleasing, perfect will of God spoken of in Romans 12:2. This is why there is an emphasis on the need to change the way we think.
Now, even though we might deviate from that "perfect" course, there isn't punishment or death in the Christ-follower's world. But, rather, grace and mercy. God is wanting us to return to Him - to repent, to turn away from sin (missing the mark of following His direction) and turn back to God. When that happens, He is ready, willing, and able to dispense grace and mercy. God's whole plan is redemptive and has been from the beginning of creation.
We started our review of body ministry, of which we are part as a member of the Body of Christ. We will pick up on this in our next session and move forward from there.
For 11/21/2011:
Wow, I am constantly amazed at how God chooses to work. I think He's going one direction and then He steps and beckons in another. He knows what's best for us. Galatians 5:18 (MSG) states "... be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence". If we can latch onto this singular Truth we, partnered with Him, are unstoppable. We will find our fulfillment of fruition, a state of being serene, and our pinnacle of purpose. The Law demands perfection and when perfection is missed, there awaits only punishment and death. Being Spirit led operates in grace and mercy and also results in perfection. Confused? Don't be ... because the former relies upon our strength and latter relies on His strength ... I trust our Father to shine His Light on this more as we continue.
The plan is to finish up on the topic of body ministry this week, touch upon the concept of pre-destination, move into "being" what He wants us to "be" (Acts 17:28 NIV), and introduce the concept of "Plan R". I look forward to the time with you all. Blessings!!
"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes --
After reviewing the doubt factors (rocks, shallow soil, scorching sun, birds, and weeds discussed in Matthew 13:1-23) that pull us away from maxing out in full Truth, we reminded ourselves of the proclamation in Jeremiah 19:11 - God has a plan, a hope, a future for us. In other words, He has set out a course of prosperous work for us that will bring Him the highest glory. When we mistep that course we are taken on a tangent (digressing suddenly from one course of action or thought and turning to another - Dictionary.com), or deviation, which takes us away from that good, pleasing, perfect will of God spoken of in Romans 12:2. This is why there is an emphasis on the need to change the way we think.
Now, even though we might deviate from that "perfect" course, there isn't punishment or death in the Christ-follower's world. But, rather, grace and mercy. God is wanting us to return to Him - to repent, to turn away from sin (missing the mark of following His direction) and turn back to God. When that happens, He is ready, willing, and able to dispense grace and mercy. God's whole plan is redemptive and has been from the beginning of creation.
We started our review of body ministry, of which we are part as a member of the Body of Christ. We will pick up on this in our next session and move forward from there.
For 11/21/2011:
Wow, I am constantly amazed at how God chooses to work. I think He's going one direction and then He steps and beckons in another. He knows what's best for us. Galatians 5:18 (MSG) states "... be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence". If we can latch onto this singular Truth we, partnered with Him, are unstoppable. We will find our fulfillment of fruition, a state of being serene, and our pinnacle of purpose. The Law demands perfection and when perfection is missed, there awaits only punishment and death. Being Spirit led operates in grace and mercy and also results in perfection. Confused? Don't be ... because the former relies upon our strength and latter relies on His strength ... I trust our Father to shine His Light on this more as we continue.
The plan is to finish up on the topic of body ministry this week, touch upon the concept of pre-destination, move into "being" what He wants us to "be" (Acts 17:28 NIV), and introduce the concept of "Plan R". I look forward to the time with you all. Blessings!!
"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes --
Monday, November 14, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: There Is NO Plan "B"! (Part 1)
Recap of 11/07/2011:
Meeting at Joe and Karen's house.
For 11/14/2011:
Prepare To Share:
As we approach this week's meeting, consider what God is calling you to stretch in your thinking when it comes to the doubt we allow into our daily lives in the form of the rocks, shallow soil, birds, and weeds according the the parable of the Sower and the Seed in Matthew 13:1-23.
The discussion will revolve around the points of our assignment, what we are created to "be", His giftings and skills, and the function we play in the Body of Christ in our daily lives.
"I love it when a plan comes together!"
-- Hannibal Smith - The A-Team --
Meeting at Joe and Karen's house.
For 11/14/2011:
Prepare To Share:
As we approach this week's meeting, consider what God is calling you to stretch in your thinking when it comes to the doubt we allow into our daily lives in the form of the rocks, shallow soil, birds, and weeds according the the parable of the Sower and the Seed in Matthew 13:1-23.
The discussion will revolve around the points of our assignment, what we are created to "be", His giftings and skills, and the function we play in the Body of Christ in our daily lives.
"I love it when a plan comes together!"
-- Hannibal Smith - The A-Team --
Monday, November 7, 2011
Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Special Social / Prayer Meeting
Recap of 10/31/2011:
After opening with some examples of "perspective" differentials, we continued our discussion on 2 Thessalonians 2:11 about The Truth versus The Lie and coupled that with Isaiah 5:20-21 (calling good as evil and vice versa) and James 1:8 (double-mindedness). Allowing even the slightest variation from the Truth is a Lie. God is challenging us to consider our own lives in light of this point. Jesus pinpointed the good, pleasing, perfect will of the Father (Romans 12:2) by the power of the Holy Spirit and God is calling us to that same level of living by the very same Holy Spirit living in us! This where our dialog got a little "rocky" as we reviewed the parable in Matthew 13:1-23 about the Sower and the Seed. We touched upon the reality of how the Truth Seed of God is doubted in our lives - likening it to seed falling on rocky or shallow soil, or having the Truth Seed carried away by the birds (thieves), or even the reality of Life Weeds choking the Truth Seed out of our daily walk. When we allow the rocks, shallow soil, birds, and weeds into our thinking, that is when Doubt begins to replace the Truth Seed. We will continue this topic in our meeting on 11/14 and I look forward to what God has in store for us as we stretch our thinking to align more with His. Remember, the basis of the mindset will influence how other thought dominos will fall in sequence. If the base is good, the other thinking will be good as well.
For 11/07/2011:
Special Social / Prayer Meeting:
Meeting at Joe and Karen's house - see email for details!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together ..."
-- Hebrews 10:24-25a --
After opening with some examples of "perspective" differentials, we continued our discussion on 2 Thessalonians 2:11 about The Truth versus The Lie and coupled that with Isaiah 5:20-21 (calling good as evil and vice versa) and James 1:8 (double-mindedness). Allowing even the slightest variation from the Truth is a Lie. God is challenging us to consider our own lives in light of this point. Jesus pinpointed the good, pleasing, perfect will of the Father (Romans 12:2) by the power of the Holy Spirit and God is calling us to that same level of living by the very same Holy Spirit living in us! This where our dialog got a little "rocky" as we reviewed the parable in Matthew 13:1-23 about the Sower and the Seed. We touched upon the reality of how the Truth Seed of God is doubted in our lives - likening it to seed falling on rocky or shallow soil, or having the Truth Seed carried away by the birds (thieves), or even the reality of Life Weeds choking the Truth Seed out of our daily walk. When we allow the rocks, shallow soil, birds, and weeds into our thinking, that is when Doubt begins to replace the Truth Seed. We will continue this topic in our meeting on 11/14 and I look forward to what God has in store for us as we stretch our thinking to align more with His. Remember, the basis of the mindset will influence how other thought dominos will fall in sequence. If the base is good, the other thinking will be good as well.
For 11/07/2011:
Special Social / Prayer Meeting:
Meeting at Joe and Karen's house - see email for details!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together ..."
-- Hebrews 10:24-25a --
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