Connecting (1) – Reality Check
This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Welcome Home: Connecting and Engaging People in Your Church.”
Our focus scripture is Titus 3:3-11.
Our lives should serve as a welcome mat into the church.
We, as Christians, must be careful that we do not become a click. We must ask ourselves, “Are we, as Christians, a welcoming body of believers to all who come to worship with us or seek salvation?” All Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS. Every one of us comes to JESUS by way of the cross. The ground is level at the cross because no person has an advantage over another person. We are all sinners saved by faith in JESUS and by HIS shed blood. HIS resurrection confirms that JESUS’ passion conquered both sin and eternal death.
The Apostle Paul had been under his first house arrest in Rome. He was released from house arrest and continued his missionary work. He took his Gentile coworker, Titus, with him and they evangelized the Island of Crete.
In Titus 1:4-5, we read “4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.”
We read how the Apostle Paul looked upon his relationship with Titus. We know that the Apostle Paul also looked upon Timothy as his son as well. The Apostle Paul wrote three letters about this same time, one to Titus and two to Timothy. But our focus is on the letter Paul wrote to Titus, which was written around 63 A.D. Paul wrote it to remind Titus of the needs he needed to address as he taught others:
– Qualifications necessary for elders, teachers.
– Describe the aspects of their new life in CHRIST
– Teach sound doctrine.
– Rebuke those in the church who were spreading false doctrine.
– Beware of false teachers.
All church bodies would be wise to do self-evaluations using the Bible as its authority to ensure it is being true to GOD’S Word.
I heard a story many years ago, which was told as a true event in the life of a young pilot who became an instructor of young pilots for the military. He emphasized to his class of cadets they were to always check their instruments when flying in bad weather. A young recruit asked him why he stressed it so much for them to depend upon checking their instruments.
He told them of an experience he had flying in bad weather. He thought his wing was drooping and he corrected it. He continued to correct what he thought was a drooping wing. His shoulder harness began to cut into his shoulder and he decided to check his instruments. When he did, he discovered that he was flying upside down and in the wrong direction.
Yes, there are times when we fly by the seat of our pants Spiritually. When we do we need to check to make certain we are headed in the right direction using instruments that are dependable and accurate, GOD’S Word.
Ministry is grounded in the Gospel of CHRIST.
Let’s read Titus 3:1-2: Saved in Order to Do Good
1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
The Apostle reminded Titus to keep in mind who he represented. We as Christians are to remember who we are as well. Christians are to be law abiding citizens and to teach fellow Christians to do the same.
Let’s read Titus 3:3-8a:
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying.
The Apostle Paul was reminding the Cretan Christians and Christians everywhere then and today what they had been before JESUS came into their lives and what they are in CHRIST. All Christians are to remember what they were before CHRIST became their Savior and LORD:
– We too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
What changed our natural unredeemed nature?
– But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
– 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
– 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
– 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
The term “the washing of regeneration” is the cleansing of a person from his or her sin by the shed blood of JESUS. When a person recognizes that he or she is a sinner and in need for sin to be dealt with in his or her life that is ground zero. What is the next step for that person to take? He or she acknowledges that he or she is a sinner and is in need of forgiveness. It is the shed blood of JESUS that atones for that person’s sin. It is personal and individual. At that instant that person’s sins are forgiven by GOD and that person in made righteous before GOD. That person is born-again into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth in that person’s spirit. Some may say, “Isn’t that all a person needs?” The answer is “NO!” if you seek to know GOD through your faith in JESUS and to serve HIM. When you receive JESUS as your Savior you have the possibility of getting to really know GOD and to obediently serve HIM and lead others to get to know HIM.
The next step is sanctification, which is the function of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The new Christian has already been cleansed of his or her sin and made Holy by the person’s faith in JESUS. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit Who is renewing the now born-again believer. Thus, “renewal by the Holy Spirit” describes the activity of the Holy Spirit in the life of every Christian. It is an ongoing process and it is a synonym for salvation. A Christian is saved from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death, the instant he or she accepts JESUS as his or her Savior. The washing of regeneration occurs at the instant of salvation. But renewal takes place over the life of every Christian. Every Christian has the freedom to choose the extent he or she allows the Holy Spirit to work in his or her life. The absolute joy of being a child of GOD is in getting to know GOD through obediently serving.
Why don’t Christians give free reign to the Holy Spirit in their lives?
Many Christians fear what GOD may ask them to do. Often, we feel that we may fail HIM or feel unworthy to serve HIM. Washing to remove the stains of life may take time but the cleansing blood of JESUS removes all of our sinful stains instantly but we remember. No person is worthy. Often, the greatest obstacle is the Christian forgiving him or herself. Every Christian is “justified” or made “as-if-we-had-never-sinned” by the shed blood of JESUS. It is the washing of regeneration by the shed blood of JESUS that cleanses the new believer from all sin. The washing of regeneration is Spiritual rebirth. JESUS told Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, a religious leader and a member of the Sanhedrin that he had to be born-again. Every person who has lived or will ever live has to be born-again through faith.
In the recent months we have had two greatgrandchildren born into our family. When they were born, they were equipped with all they needed to grow as a human but they had to be fed and cared for. Their parents didn’t tell them where their food was located or where their diapers were. They could take care of themselves. No! They would not survive. Their parents care for and nurture them. Their parents will continue to care and nurture them until they can care for themselves. That is what the Holy Spirit does for every “born-again” Christian. Our churches, religious organizations and fellow Christians help the new Christian to grow Spiritually.
When new Christians reject the Spiritual food offered to them, they do not develop as GOD intends. Fellow Christians, make certain that Christians in your care are being fed Spiritual food commiserate with their Spiritual needs. Paul expressed it best as recorded in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3:
1 Brothers, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ.
2 I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were not yet able to receive it. In fact, you are still not able,
3 because you are still fleshly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and living like ordinary people?
All Christians need to ask themselves, “Where are we on GOD’S Spiritual growth chart?” All parents are eager to boast where their child ranks of the human growth chart but where do we rank on GOD’S Spiritual growth chart? Why do we, as Christians not want to be in the top tier? Do we enjoy playing in the sand and building sand castles that will be dashed by the waves of life?
Paul summed up what he had written in verse 8a “This is a trustworthy saying” giving the idea that what he had written was common knowledge among the Christian community.
Christians must keep in their minds that they have not done anything to earn their salvation. Salvation is a free gift from GOD through faith in JESUS. Once Christians are Spiritually born into GOD’S family, they belong eternally to GOD. They are under HIS umbrella of grace. GOD’S Grace is eternal and it is GOD’S Grace that gets every Christian through the rough spots in his or her life. Once you are GOD’S child you are always GOD’S child. Yes, all Christians sin and we must confess our sins and seek GOD’S forgiveness and strength to continue obediently serving HIM. What if we do not?
The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse in 1 Corinthians 3:
9 For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it,
11 because no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid-that is, Jesus Christ.
12 If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.
14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.
16 Don’t you know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
17 If anyone ruins God’s sanctuary, God will ruin him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.
Pay attention to verses 14 and 15. A person does not lose his or her salvation but the materials used that are combustible will be consumed by fire. Build with the materials which will withstand the heavenly test by fire. How do we use the correct building materials? Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct your life.
Paul continued to instruct Titus as we read on —
Let’s read Titus 3:8b:
And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
These things are the things Paul had already written in his letter to Titus.
Paul wrote that, “These things (The things he had already written about) are excellent and profitable for every Christian (those who had trusted in GOD through faith in JESUS).”
Let’s read Titus 3:9-11:
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
Paul was instructing Titus and Timothy to not get into foolish controversies such as “genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law.” Such arguments will only prove to be unprofitable and useless. Those who want to engage in such controversies are not interested in Spiritual development but want to be divisive. After the second time they attempt to get into these controversies, stop having anything to do with them. In essence, you are wasting your time. Paul was saying two strikes and you are out.
There is just one way to salvation and that is placing your faith in JESUS. Ancestral lineage does not make a person acceptable to GOD. Just because you were born into a Christian family does not make you a Christian. Every person must come to the foot of the cross of JESUS and believe that JESUS alone paid, in full, the penalty for sin and in doing so HE conquered both sin and its consequence of eternal death. JESUS stated it best in John 14:6-7a:
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.
Do you know JESUS as your Savior? If not, now is your opportunity to ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. If you asked HIM, then thank HIM for saving your soul.
Satan is vying for your soul and he wants you to ask about things that have nothing to do with your salvation e.g. foolish controversies and others matters to divert you from seeing truth.
How will you know that JESUS is really in your life? The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:16:
16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Blessings!!!
posted by Bible Study | 11:21 AM | 0 comments
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2018
Bible Study – Nehemiah (6) – Praise – Nehemiah 8:9-12 and 12:27-31 – August 26, 2018
Bible Study – Nehemiah (6) – Praise – August 26, 2018
This is our sixth and final lesson entitled “Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service.”
Our focus scripture is Nehemiah 8:9-12; 12:27-31a.
Serving GOD includes celebrating HIS great work.
We come to the final lesson in Nehemiah rebuilding the wall which surrounded Jerusalem, restoring the gates to Jerusalem and restoring the Jewish people’s faith and hope in the one true GOD, YAWH.
Although these lessons have been focused on rebuilding the physical wall and gates surrounding Jerusalem, it is a graphic illustration of our attempts to rebuild our lives after Satan has invaded our lives.
We studied in our first lesson that Nehemiah confessed all of his sins, the sins of his father, his ancestral line and even the nation. It is vital that we have no unconfessed sin in our lives when we are seeking to obediently serve our LORD JESUS. This is accomplished in the “eyes of our hearts” as the Apostle Paul reveals in Ephesians 1: 18-20:
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength
20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
The most secret place in every person’s life is in the “eyes of his or her heart.” It is within every person’s heart where truth is revealed. That truth is that all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD. So how do you measure up? Not so well! What does a person need to do to change it? You cannot live a good enough life or give of your earthly possessions to earn your freedom from the consequences of sin, which is eternal death. So what is the answer? GOD did it for us because HE loves every person who ever has been or will be. The Apostle Paul reveals this free gift to all who will place their faith in JESUS The CHRIST in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21:
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:
19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21 God made him (JESUS) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.
JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, for the sins of every person who places his or her faith in HIS passion and resurrection. JESUS took on our cloak of sin and GOD placed upon each person who places his or her faith in JESUS, HIS cloak of sinless perfection, HIS righteousness.
When a person considers rebuilding his or her life, ground zero is faith in JESUS. Yes, a person must be willing to yield his or her life to the Holy Spirit and trust GOD to rebuild his or her life. Just as Nehemiah needed help, those who choose to rebuild need help as well. GOD goes before him or her to bring the things needed for restoration into the hands of the rebuilder. Satan will be active to discourage and whisper defeat. This is where our relationship with GOD is critical. “GOD has led me to walk this walk and HE will be with me every step of the journey. Defeat is not an option.” It will be difficult and hard but there will be victory because JESUS has defeated Satan and has won the battle for your soul. You have already won, it is a matter of claiming it.
Nehemiah had a cadre of people working to restore the wall. They had to pick up each stone from the rubble and decided whether or not to use that stone again in the wall. Those who are in the rebuilding process must carefully evaluate what they allow back into their lives. Rebuilding and restoring is slow arduous work. Many want GOD to sprinkle magic dust over them and instantly they have arrived. That is not how life works. Life requires sweat equity and often time and testing.
As we rebuild the walls in our lives, we may be tested to verify that they have been properly restored. If a flaw is revealed, we must deal with it. Here one must be careful. Let GOD do the testing when HE thinks you are ready.
We may get tested and pass. Does that mean we can brush up against the things we need to avoid? NO! DO NOT TEST THE THINGS FROM WHICH GOD HAS DELIVERED US! If we need to be tested, HE will do it in HIS timing.
We have seen in our study of Nehemiah that there were many enemies out to lure him away from the work GOD had planned for him to complete. Often, the same is true when we are working to rebuild our lives. We must stay focused upon that which GOD has called us to complete.
Nehemiah has completed the work GOD called him to accomplish. It took dedication, discernment, organizational skills, people skills and many more skills. Can you name others skills Nehemiah needed?
Who provided these skills?
When the work was completed did they just say, “Will what a good job we did?” Let’s explore!
Our lesson for last week provides the background for this week’s lesson. Give GOD the honor and praise to celebrate HIM.
Let’s read Nehemiah 8:9-12:
9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because your strength [comes from] rejoicing in the Lord.”
11 And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.”
12 Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them.
Why do you think the people were weeping as they heard the Word of GOD read? There are a number of possibilities:
2 Timothy 3:16:
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Hebrews 4:12:
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
GOD’S Word reaches into the “eyes of our hearts” to reveal our sin but also our salvation. When we see where we were and then see where we are because of the forgiveness and love of GOD, we are humbled and rejoice with humility, gratitude and unspeakable joy. Once we recognize GOD’S love for us it is time to rejoice.
Thus, the unspeakable joy of our celebration leads us to reach out to those who have not come to the banquet table of GOD. We who know the truth are to share the bounty of GOD with others in humility.
Time passed.
The people along with the religious and civil leaders had celebrated the completion of the wall but the wall and gates had not been dedicated to GOD. The book of the Law had been read and explained to them.
Before, we dedicate what has been accomplished by GOD, we who know the truth, must review our relationship with GOD.
It was time for the religious leaders to prepare themselves to represent GOD. This meant that the religious leaders had to go through the process of GOD ordained ritual cleansing. Then they would be prepared to lead the dedication of all the people, the officials, wall and gates to GOD.
The dedication was to honor and acknowledge the power and presence of GOD Who led them to complete what others had not been able to accomplish in 140 years.
Let’s read Nehemiah 12:27-31a:
27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sent for the Levites wherever they lived and brought them to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.
28 The singers gathered from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites,
29 from Beth-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for they had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem.
30 After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. [They had also purified the temple and all in the temple – 1 Chronicles 23:28 and 2 Chronicles 29:15-16.]
31 Then I (Nehemiah) brought the leaders of Judah up on top of the wall, and I appointed two large processions that gave thanks. One went to the right on the wall, toward the Dung Gate.
Nehemiah invited the leaders of Judah to join him on top of the wall. Then he had another group to come on top of the wall. This was a large group of choirs. He divided this large group of choirs into two groups. He sent one group in one direction on top of the wall and the other group in the opposite direction, on top of and around the wall.
Two large groups were on top of the wall. Archeological records reveal that the wall were about 9 feet wide. The two large groups on top of the wall demonstrated the strength and engineering of the wall.
We can only imagine the magnificent sounds coming from these two groups of choirs singing the praises to GOD.
When we restore the walls of our lives according to GOD’S plan and purpose, they are solid. It does not mean that the walls will not be challenged. It means the walls will hold.
When we are in right relationship with GOD and challenges come into our lives, that is when we seek GOD’S strength through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Our strength is within because our foundation is built upon the solid rock of JESUS.