Tuesday, September 20, 2011

FOR THE SON OF MAN HAS COME TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST

Matthew 18:11
["For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.]
NASB

Outline:
Based on Matthew 18:11 wherein it's theme is Jesus came to save the lost.

I. Those who have strayed because they are lost in their sin. (verses 12-14)

II. How to deal with those who have sinned because they are lost (verses 15-20)


Discipleship Group Discussion Questions

1. Read Matthew 18:12-14. (One of the most misinterpreted passage of scripture - it's about God, not pastors)
Based on this passage, we learn more about God's character and His love for us - that His love is Unconditional, Individual, and Emotional. How are you encouraged by learning more and more about God's character and who He truly is? What are the results of not knowing who God truly is, even if someone claims to be a Christian?

2. Read Matthew 18:15-17. (One of the most abused passage of scripture)
Various sins such as slander, gossip, and false accusations can be easily avoided by simply obeying what God said in Matthew 18:15-17. Why then is it difficult for many people to obey these clear instructions from Jesus? What are ways we can individually prevent this from happening? What will you do the next time someone unjustly whispers slander about someone else in your ear? How will you represent and glorify God in situations like this?

3. Read Matthew 18:18-20. (One of the most misquoted verses in the Bible - v.20)
Whether we like it or not, God does empower the Church Leadership with the unpopular responsibility of "Binding" and "Loosing." What happens when the church starts to disrespect the leadership and disregard their council, and in some cases, their correction and discipline? What are ways we can prevent this from happening? Why is it that some people will disregard correction and discipline?

Thursday, September 15, 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A MEMBER OF A LOCAL CHURCH

(preached on 9/11/11)

Have you ever heard the following statements before?

"Why should I go to and be a member of a Local Church?"

or,

“It really doesn’t matter whether I go to church. I have Christian friends, my Bible and Bible commentaries, and many church services on T.V. So why do I need a church?”

or,

"What is so wrong about Church Hopping? It gives me a chance to be a member of several churches!"

or,

"Yes, I'm still a member of that church.....even if I haven't been there for the last 4 months."


In my 16 years of pastoral ministry, I’ve heard these statements as well as various versions of these statements. The fact is, there are still many Christians who still don’t get it.

They think that they already have plenty of access to good Bible teaching, fellowship, and worship services through other means that involve occasional, little, or no human contact, with the conclusion that church membership is not required, or that it's just a nonessential option.

So what’s the big deal about the local church?

In the Bible, the Corinthian Church gives us great examples of why we should be a member of a local church and commit to it - no matter what trials may happen.

Well here are 12 reasons why we should go to and be members of a local Church based on the Corinthians letters.


1. Reminder of the Gospel
1 Corinthians 15:1-2

2. Baptism & the Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (see Romans 6:3-4)
1 Corinthians 11:23-26

3. Corporate Worship
1 Corinthians 14

4. Demonstration of the Holy Spirit's Power
1 Corinthians 2:4

5. Teaching and Mentoring
(various teaching throughout 1 & 2 Corinthians)

6. Accountability
1 Corinthians 12:20-21, 26

7. Church Unity and a Sense of Belonging
1 Corinthians 12:12

8. Application of Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:28-31

9. Family Life (marriage & singleness)
1 Corinthians 7

10. Tithing and Generosity
1 Corinthians 16:1-3
2 Corinthians 8:1-6

11. Correction, Discipline & Restoration
1 Corinthians 4:18-21
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
2 Corinthians 2:6-7

12. Shared Suffering and Encouragement
2 Corinthians 1:3-7


D Group Discussion Questions:

1. Please share your testimony of any of the twelve points above of how God blessed you in that area because of your commitment to a local church. (you can choose more than one).

2. What would you say to those who "Church Hop" without any real membership of any church, or to those who "occasionally" attend church?

3. What are some reasons why some people just can't stay in one church for very long? Pick out some reasons from the twelve points above that would cause this, and how is their spiritual growth stunted because of it?

Sunday, September 04, 2011

IDENTIFYING SOURCES OF TEMPTATION

In the Christian life we encounter many temptations, but all come from one or more of three sources: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Each has its own unique way of deceiving us in an attempt to impair our walk with the Lord. But if we can learn to identify and discern the characteristic traits of the things that threaten to ensnare us, then we can ready ourselves with the truth and stand firm against every temptation.

The World:
James 4:4. Competes with God for our loyalty and love.
1 John 2:16. Incites lusts and pride.
Luke 8:14. Chokes us with worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, making us spiritually unfruitful.
2 Timothy 4:10. Sidetracks us from faithful service to God.

The Flesh:
Romans 8:5-7. Infiltrates our minds with its ways and lusts.
Galatians 5:16-17. Sets its desires against the Spirit, urging us to satisfy ourselves.
Galatians 5:19-21. Produces the deeds of the flesh—immorality, idolatry, relational discord, and sinful self-indulgence.
Galatians 6:7-8. Promises pleasure but reaps a ruined life.

The Devil:
2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Masquerades as an angel of light.
John 8:44. Tries to fill our minds with his lies and get us to do what he wants.
Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-5. Distorts truth by mixing it with deception.
Matthew 4:5-7. Misuses Scripture to delude us.
1 Thessalonians 3:5-8. Tempts us to doubt and give up.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Gets a foothold in our lives through sins like unforgiveness and anger. (See also Ephesians 4:26-27.)
1 Peter 5:8-9. Is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour.


Unfortunately, there are Christians who do not grow in their Christian walk and whose lives do not change simply because they don't take personal responsibility for their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, every sin is blamed on something or someone else. For example, "It's not my fault, it's Satan's fault!" "I'm not to blame, it's the world!" "Hey, I was born a sinner, so it's really not my fault!" "It's his fault!" "It's her fault!" "It's their fault!"
(Remember: Who did Adam and Eve blame? Genesis 3:12-13)

Question: Who should we blame whenever we fall into sin?
Read the following Scripture: Romans 7:18-19; James 1:14; 2 Peter 1:4

Answer: Ourselves!

When we begin to truly humble ourselves, stop blaming others and take personal responsibility for our sins and repent of it, only then can we start to grow in the image of Christ.


Discipleship Group Reflections:

1. The World: In what ways has the world taken God’s rightful place in your heart or choked you with its pleasures and distractions? How can you live in this world without letting it corrupt your soul?

2. The Flesh: When you’re facing temptation, do you allow your fleshly desires or the Holy Spirit to have control? Give examples.

3. The Devil: Can you discern any ways Satan has influenced your life? How can you protect yourself against his deceptions and schemes?