LOVE AND JUSTICE Lars Wilhelmsson
|
|
- Emmeline Gilbert
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 1 LOVE AND JUSTICE Lars Wilhelmsson Love without justice is a Christian impossibility, and can only be practiced by those who have divorced religion from life, who dismiss a concern for justice as politics and who fear social change much more than they fear God. 1 --Alan Paton The ship of the law cannot change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless until they change their mind and heart. 2 --Reinhold Niebuhr Systems by which the rich are made richer, and the poor poorer, should find no favor among people professing to fear God and hate covetousness. 3 Jesus told His prospective followers in no uncertain terms: --Lucretia Mott Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple. The twelve apostles took His words to heart and did this literally! Simon and Andrew left their nets and followed him. James and John left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. Matthew (Levi) got up and followed him, leaving behind his tax-collector s booth and work. Similarly, Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler to sell all his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor and then follow Him. And so Peter blurted out: We have left everything to follow you! Does this mean that Jesus expects all His followers to give up everything in order to follow him? After all, the apostles did it. And the rich young man was challenged to do it. But is this injunction a universal rule? Jesus did say that we should Store our treasure in heaven not on earth (Mt 6:19-21). Put devotion to God s rule and righteousness above material things (v. 33).
2 2 Beware of greed (Lk 12:15). Beware of the love of money (16:14). 6:24). Jesus therefore warned that it is impossible to serve God and money simultaneously (Mt Yet He did not tell all his followers to get rid of all their possessions. Joseph of Arimathea is described both as a rich man and as a disciple of Jesus who gave his tomb for Jesus burial (Mt 27:57-61; Mk 15:43-47; Lk 24:50-52). Riches and spirituality are evidently not incompatible. Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax-collector, promised both to pay back to people four times what he had taken, and to give half of his possessions to the poor. This still presumably meant that he kept the other half, apart from what he paid back to his victims. Yet Jesus said that salvation had been given him. When Jesus said that no one could be his disciple unless he both renounced all his possessions and hated his parents and other relatives, we shall need to understand both these verbs as dramatic figures of speech. We are not to hate our parents literally, nor we necessarily to renounce all our possessions literally. What we are called to is to put Jesus Christ first, above even our family and our property. THE OLD TESTAMENT ERA For centuries before Jesus, the Jewish people practiced almsgiving. Most of us think of alms as small donations to charity. Anyone on a tour of a cathedral have seen baskets on pedestals near the entrance marked Alms for the Poor. The impression is that an alm is pocket change, a tiny bit of surplus that you can spare for the poor. In Israel, almsgiving was a symbolic way of affirming the covenant that God made with Israel whose aim was partly for everyone in the community to be free from anxiety concerning daily survival. The Book of Deuteronomy states, There will... be no one in need among you because (God ) is sure to bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you as a possession to occupy, if you only will obey the Lord you God by diligently observing his entire commandment that I command you today (Dt 15:4-5). Remembrance is one of the essential commandments God gave to Israel. They were to remember the experience of slavery and how God acted in behalf of the Israelites. This meant that Israel would remember what it was like to be in need and to act in covenant with the needy:
3 3 Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land (v. 11). Even when the people had money members of the community would often barter and make direct use of their possessions. The farmers were to leave food in the fields for the poor to glean. Every seven years, debts were to be remitted, and slaves were to be freed. People gave alms then, not from their pocket change or surplus, but from the food, material or money they could have used to support their own households. All the members were joined together in solidarity. The plight of everyone was felt by each individual. Thus almsgiving was a symbolic commitment to the community. THE NEW TESTAMENT ERA Much of Israel s almsgiving was in the form of money only by the time of Jesus. To give alms was a practical way to help the poor. It was a common practice for people to give alms at the temple. In one area of the temple, they had collection plates built like big trumpets where people would place their alms in the larger open ends of the trumpets. Then the servants of the temple would collect the alms and give them to the poor. Thus almsgiving was a systemic way of redistributing wealth so that all could live in security. In New Testament times almsgiving was one of the three acts of righteousness (Mt. 6:1). The other two acts were prayer (Mt 6:5-15) and fasting (vv ). Therefore Jesus presumes that His followers will give alms: So whenever you give alms... (Mt 6:2; see also vv. 3-4). Just as Jesus does not exhort His followers to give alms, He assumes that we will do so as an expression of our identity as those who are loved of God. In this text, the word reward is probably a synonym for blessing. This means that those who give ostentatiously have limited their blessing to the acclamation that they receive from other people (vv. 2-3).. Whether an alm is money or something else, what is important to keep in mind is that it is an expression of mercy. The Lenten season reminds us that Jesus blood is the alm that reveals the depth of God s love to mankind. By giving alms we honor God by helping other people and thereby kindle the memory of God s mercies for us all. Jesus noticed and commented on the gift of a poor widow. (Mk 12: 42-43) and directed His servants to go out to seek the poor and the handicapped to bring them to share in the gospel banquet (Lk 14:13,21). In the early church there was special concern for the poor.
4 4 The church at Jerusalem shared generously to provide the needs of the poor (Lk 4:34-35). The church at Antioch warned of the coming famine and sent relief to the poor Christians in Jerusalem (Ac 11:29-30). When James and Peter and John expressed the unity of the church of Jerusalem with the Gentile mission of Paul and Barnabas, the one thing they urged was that they should always remember the poor, which, Paul says, he was eager to do (Gal 2:9-10). Paul was so eager to help the poor that he planned and worked for more than a year to encourage the churches of the four provinces to give most generously for a gift to the needy in the mother church back in Jerusalem. (1 Co 16:1-4; 2 Co 9:1-5) James and John in their epistles, show similar concern (Jas 2:5-6; 1 Jn 3:17). The gospel for the poor must be preached. But if it is preached in words alone, it will fail. Little children, John writes, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth (1 Jn 3:18). Kind words alone are empty (Jas 2:15-16). If we are to do His will, we must follow Him who gave Himself: Though He was rich, rich beyond all comprehension, yet for our sake He became poor, so that by His poverty we might become rich (2 Co 8:9). This meant being often without a bed (Lk 9:58), without a home (Jn 1:11) and without a meal (Mk 6:31). It meant giving Himself in love, in sacrifice, even to the point of dying on a cross--a despicable death (Php 2:8). Are His followers above their Master? Or is their calling to identify with the poor, the needy, the vulnerable? THE CHURCH One of Christ s major antidotes to poverty was to establish the church. Poverty in part is a product of unjust economic relationships, whereas the church is a community dedicated to promoting just and caring relationships. The New Testament churches met the needs of the poor and worked to eradicate poverty among their members, not as an occasional program, but as part of their normal routine. And they did. Luke points out that the first Christian community in Jerusalem had everything in common, that no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, that they shared everything they had and gave to anyone as he had need (Ac 4:32). As a consequence there were no needy persons among them (v. 34).
5 5 Is Luke saying this communal life should be practiced by every church? Yes and no! Yes, in the sense that the early Spirit-filled believers so loved and cared for one another that they eliminated poverty within their fellowship. But no in that he is not advocating the common ownership of goods. Unlike the Essene groups, especially in their central community at Qumran, where this was obligatory with every new member entering the order handing over his property, the Christians selling and sharing were neither universal nor compulsory. This is clear from the fact that some believers still had houses in which they met. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was not that they were selfish to withhold some of their property, but that they were deceitful to pretend they had given it all. Peter said to Ananias: Didn t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn t the money at your disposal? (Ac 5:4) The Bible affirms that people, including Christians, have a right to property at the same time that it commands and encourages voluntary giving. While both the example and the teaching of the early church challenge us to renounce materialism with its greed, covetousness and luxurious lifestyle and to care sacrificially for the poor, they do not establish the case that all Christians must actually become poor. And the rich man in the parable of Jesus found himself in hell not because of his wealth but because of selfish, indulgent, hard heart which made him neglect Lazarus, the beggar at his gate who was starving (Lk 16:19-26). However, this does not mean that it is possible for affluent Christians to stay rich, in the sense of not making any changes in one s economic lifestyle. A life of extravagance is a violation of caring for the poor. Either we keep our mammon or God. We must always choose between the two. We can t have it both ways. Consider Paul s instruction to Timothy regarding rich people: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life ( 1 Ti 5:17-19) Just as the church cannot lightly tolerate sin among its members, so also it cannot tolerate poverty within itself. And just as Christians spearhead the battle against sin in the world, so must we spearhead the battle against poverty. It s not either/or but both/and.
EVERYTHING IN COMMON. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 30, 2018, 10:30 AM. Scripture Texts: Acts 4:32-37
EVERYTHING IN COMMON. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church September 30, 2018, 10:30 AM Scripture Texts: Acts 4:32-37 Introduction. The book of Acts was written by Luke. Dr. Luke, a
More informationWeek 7, Acts 4:32 5:11 Hook
Week 7, Acts 4:32 5:11 Hook Main point: The Gospel creates communities marked by unity, generosity and honesty. Historic Event: In his 1516 book Utopia, Sir Thomas More coined the titular term. Since More
More informationRedistributing Wealth, is it what Jesus taught?
Redistributing Wealth, is it what Jesus taught? By Dianne D. McDonnell The idea of redistributing wealth leaps at us from speeches and recent policies. Some public figures are voicing that this concept
More informationSermon : When Opportunity Knocks Page 1
Sermon : When Opportunity Knocks Page 1 When Opportunity Knocks Text : Luke 12: 15-21 ; Acts 4: 36 5:11 S#1. A. Jesus calls us as we are, but tells us we must become different. S#2. John 3: 3 Jesus answered
More informationALSM FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY By HAROLD HARSTVEDT. ALMS - compassion towards the poor - mercy
ALSM FOR THE POOR AND NEEDY By HAROLD HARSTVEDT ALMS - compassion towards the poor - mercy OLD TESTAMENT POOR - afflicted - humble - lowly - needy NEW TESTAMENT POOR - beggar - pauper - destitute POOR
More informationMoral Compass. Wealth & Death
And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Acts 4:32-5:11
International Bible Lessons Commentary Acts 4:32-5:11 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 13, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday
More informationSeven General Commands
Seven General Commands Repent, Believe the Good News, Receive the Holy Spirit o Mark 1:15 and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. o John
More information2. kickstarterhd_background.jpg
1. 2. kickstarterhd_background.jpg Jan 3 - Kickstart Faith Jan 10 - Kickstart Hope Jan 17 - Kickstart Love Jan 24 - Kickstart Generosity name your step and follow Jesus share your step and encourage others
More informationCommand and Character of Christ Lay Up Treasures Thriftiness vs. Extravagance
Command 13 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mt 6:19-24) Command in Bibilical
More informationGreat Events of the New Testament
Great Events of the New Testament Lesson #45 Who is My Neighbor? Family / Teacher Notes For Sunday, October 29, 2017 Read Luke 10:25-37 In Lk. 10:25 a man stood up to put Jesus to the test. The man was
More informationPoverty and Prosperity from the New Testament March 15, 2015
Poverty and Prosperity from the New Testament March 15, 2015 I. What the New Testament has to say about poverty and being poor. A. Two Greek words "hustereo" It means means "lack, or to come behind, or
More informationMATERIAL TEMPTATIONS (Matthew 4:1-11) 4. So as he did with Jesus, we can expect the devil to tempt us with material things.
MATERIAL TEMPTATIONS (Matthew 4:1-11) 4. So as he did with Jesus, we can expect the devil to tempt us with material things. A. In the 1 st & 3 rd temptations, the devil used material things to lure Jesus
More informationPRIMACY OF PETER. Here Luke records that Jesus told all of the apostles that Satan wanted them but He prayed especially for Peter.
# 3 PRIMACY OF PETER Besides having his name changed from Simon to Peter, receiving the keys to the kingdom of heaven and given the authority to bind and to loose, there is other scriptural evidence showing
More informationThe applause of men. T. S. Eliot wrote, The last temptation is the greatest treason - to do the right deed for the very wrong reason.
The applause of men T. S. Eliot wrote, The last temptation is the greatest treason - to do the right deed for the very wrong reason. It is not difficult to find people in the Bible who did the right deed
More informationStudies of the King & His Kingdom
Studies of the King & His Kingdom Mastering the Basics Lesson 4 The Cost of Discipleship Jesus call was a call to discipleship. The word disciple(s) is used 273 times in the New Testament. The word Christian(s)
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New International Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School
More information1. Money is not evil. 2. Money Cannot Satisfy
Money Matters Money Matters More than any other city, London is a city built on money. It has been one of the world s greatest trading cities for the past two thousand years. That s why it s good news
More informationNew Testament Benevolence
Individual Benevolence New Testament Benevolence 3/9/2014 The New Testament emphasizes the need for individual benevolence (Matt. 5:43-48; 25:35-40; Luke 10:30-37; Acts 9:36-39; 20:34-35; 1 Cor. 16:15;
More informationDiocese of Salt Lake City Stewardship Day. June 15, Stewardship Themes in Luke s Gospel
Diocese of Salt Lake City Stewardship Day June 15, 2013 Stewardship Themes in Luke s Gospel I. The new paradigm for Christians in Luke s gospel is stewardship. II. Who was Luke? A Gentile. Author of Luke-Acts,
More informationJesus's Teachings: a summary of the Kingdom of God by Brad Allen
Jesus's Teachings: a summary of the Kingdom of God by Brad Allen Two thousand years later, Jesus's words and teachings are unique, insightful, and boldly speak of things larger than us. During his three
More informationStep 3. Complete Surrender. 16 Twelve Steps In Christ
16 Twelve Steps In Christ Notes: We completely surrender our lives to Christ, asking Him to take control. Covenant Because we know that we cannot manage our lives, we must believe in Jesus Christ and trust
More informationThe Other Side of the Story. The Rich Man and Lazarus. This past Wednesday I played monopoly with my granddaughters Sky and Shea
The Other Side of the Story The Rich Man and Lazarus Opening: This past Wednesday I played monopoly with my granddaughters Sky and Shea I was playing Sky was building an empire - she cleaned my clock Shea
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27
International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 New Revised Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School
More informationSOME OF THE FALSE DOCTRINES THAT CHURCHES MUST CONFRONT TODAY. 1. The false teaching that salvation is by grace plus works
The following are some of the major false doctrines that are a particular danger to Biblebelieving churches in our day and a concise biblical refutation of them. We use the following to train our church
More informationThe Model of Christian Giving
Macedonian Giving 8:1-6 Session 8 - Chapters 8 & 9 The Model of Christian Giving Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in
More informationHere in Mark's gospel, Jesus proclaims the good news in a powerful way. It's an missional message with three parts to it:
The First Disciples Encounter Jesus Mark 1:14-20 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. The time has come, he said. The kingdom of God is near. Repent
More informationBuilding Your Faith for Prosperity May 3, 2015
Building Your Faith for Prosperity May 3, 2015 I. Our good heavenly Father Our perception or understanding of the nature of God will determine our level of faith in His ability or desire to help us. When
More informationBody & Soul. God s Economy
God has, in fact, written two books, not just one. Of course, we are all familiar with the first book he wrote, namely Scripture. But he has written a second book called creation. Body & Soul God s Economy
More informationSacrifice Out of Poverty
Sacrifice Out of Poverty Day Twenty-Three: Lessons from the Widow with Two Mites Mark 12:41-43; Luke 21:1-4 but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on (Mk. 12:43). Wow. Let
More informationFruit Of The Spirit. Love (I Co 13:1-11)
Page 1 Love (I Co 13:1-11) INTRODUCTION 1. Good Evening a. Greeting 2. Series of lessons on the "Fruit Of The Spirit." a. Last week we had the introductory material for this series. b. Today we are going
More informationTHE PURPOSE OF PROSPERITY April 19, 2015
THE PURPOSE OF PROSPERITY April 19, 2015 Biblical prosperity has two purposes. 1. God wants to bless His children and meet their needs. 2. The Lord wants to give you an abundance so you can share it with
More informationFirst Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey
First Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey Be Generous 2017 by First Baptist Church Woodstock. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible. New King
More informationFINANCIAL FAITH A 40-DAY BIBLE STUDY SERIES
FINANCIAL FAITH A 40-DAY BIBLE STUDY SERIES INTRODUCTION I have come to the conviction that God owns everything and that all that I have is exactly what he entrusted to me as a steward or manager. What
More informationLevi and Zacchaeus the Money Men. Luke Luke
Levi and Zacchaeus the Money Men Luke 5.27-32 Luke 19.1-10 The Feast in the House of Levi Veronese 1573 The Feast in the House of Levi Veronese 1573 The Calling of St Matthew Caravaggio 1599 The Calling
More information07/01/18 The Life Shaping Choice Between Generosity and Greed Acts Pastor Doug Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church
07/01/18 The Life Shaping Choice Between Generosity and Greed Acts 4.32-5.11 Pastor Doug Scalise, Brewster Baptist Church The words generosity and greed both begin with the letter g, but that s about all
More informationFoundations of Catholic Social Teaching Directed Reading Worksheet Chapter 6: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Name Date Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching Directed Reading Worksheet Chapter 6: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Directions: Read through the chapter and fill in the missing information. All
More informationCELEBRATE JUBILEE. June 17, 2012 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
June 17, 2012 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON CELEBRATE JUBILEE MINISTRY INVOCATION Almighty God: Prepare us for all that we are going to have to experience today and this week. Help us to know better and to
More informationJohn s Evidence Is Sufficient To Produce Saving Faith
Introduction John The Gospel of Unbelief Although Jesus did many miracles, why did the majority of people in His day choose not to believe in Him? John wrote to convince people to believe that Jesus is
More informationProper 20 Year C 2013 Frazelle COTC 9, 11:15, 5:15
Proper 20 Year C 2013 Frazelle COTC 9, 11:15, 5:15 Buying Friends Jesus said, Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it is gone they may receive you into the eternal homes.
More informationBenevolent Priorities and Actions of Individual Christians and The Local Church. What Is Benevolence?
Benevolent Priorities and Actions of Individual Christians and The Local Church Wrong beliefs lead to misplaced priorities and wrong actions in benevolence Benevolent Priorities and Actions of Individual
More informationInternational Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
International Bible Lessons Commentary Amos 5:10-27 English Standard Version International Bible Lessons Sunday, June 14, 2015 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School
More informationLesson 10: What Do You Have? Personal Inventory Activity
Lesson 10: What Do You Have? Personal Inventory Activity Read the story of the Widow and Oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7. Elisha asks the widow What do you have? Nothing is the widow s quick and frantic response.
More informationFINANCIAL QUIET TIMES
FINANCIAL QUIET TIMES Edited by The GBCOC Borrowed from The Los Angeles Church of Christ Day 1 YOUR GOD AND YOUR MONEY I. Parable of the Shrewd Manager- Luke 16:1-15 A. God expects us to be honest yet
More informationWesley United Methodist Church September 25, 2016 Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31 Title: I Don t Want to Miss What Matters
Wesley United Methodist Church September 25, 2016 Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31 Title: I Don t Want to Miss What Matters Many of you know that several years ago I went through a time when I could
More informationPope Francis 2017 Lenten Message Theme: "The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift".
The Newsletter of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice Issue 23, February 2017 Pope Francis 2017 Lenten Message Theme: "The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift". At the basis of everything is
More informationToday, as we conclude our series on The Treasure Principle, I want to talk with you about what I call "THE PRINCIPLE OF THE HEART".
The Principle of the Heart Pastor Dennis Rouse November 15-16, 2014 [INTRODUCTION]: Matthew 6:19-24 NKJ Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break
More informationJames. How to Live the Christian Life! Living with Money. James 5:1-6. Message #10 of 12 S672. Sermon given on January 17, 2016
James How to Live the Christian Life! Living with Money James 5:1-6 Message #10 of 12 S672 Sermon given on January 17, 2016 Sunday Morning Service Pastor Rick Lancaster Living with Money James 5:1-6 Opening
More informationDOES ACTS 2-5 TEACH SOCIALISM?
DOES ACTS 2-5 TEACH SOCIALISM? Art Lindsley, PhD Two articles on The Washington Post On Faith blog explicitly state that Christianity is socialist and anticapitalist. The central argument given by both
More informationJust look to Jesus and don t idolize riches
Just look to Jesus and don t idolize riches James 5:1-8 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
More informationThe Bible on Poverty
The Bible on Poverty Leviticus 19:15 You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. Proverbs 29:7
More informationStore Up Treasures in Heaven, Where Thieves Do Not Break in and Steal
Store Up Treasures in Heaven, Where Thieves Do Not Break in and Steal Matthew 6: 19-24 DIG: How did the Pharisees and Torah-teachers misinterpret Deuteronomy 28? What alternatives does Jesus propose with
More informationTO BUILD A GOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
TO BUILD A GOOD CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY 1 Timothy 5:1-25 Key Verse: 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
More informationCHRISTIAN COMMUNAL LIVING Part 2
Rev. Troy Lynn Pritt July 11, 2010 Page 1 CHRISTIAN COMMUNAL LIVING Part 2 Christian communal living did not survive as an integral part of the Christian church. It did reappear in other forms at various
More informationLuke 6:20-26 Sooner or Later
Luke 6:20-26 Sooner or Later A quick survey of the bookshelves of Barnes and Noble or a quick search on Amazon.com will bring to view a seemingly endless number of books on how to live well. We are obsessed
More informationTHE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Exodus 20:1-17 Key Verses: 20:2,3
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Exodus 20:1-17 Key Verses: 20:2,3 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me." STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Read
More informationI. A Surprising Focus of the Bible
Money, Possessions, and Eternity Lesson #1: Why is Money So Important to God? He who has God and everything has no more than he who has God alone. C.S. Lewis Jesus Christ said more about money than about
More informationFrom Matthew s Point of View A journey through the Gospel of Matthew
From Matthew s Point of View A journey through the Gospel of Matthew Session Seven The Sermon on the Mount part 2 Prayer Doing Good Without Recognition - Matthew 6:1-4 Be careful not to practice your righteousness
More informationProverbs at a Glance
Proverbs at a Glance Preamble 1:1 7 Prologue: The importance of wisdom 1:8 9:18 Proverbial Collections 10:1 31:9 Proverbs of Solomon I 10:1 22:16 Sayings of the Wise I 22:17 24:22 Sayings of the Wise II
More informationThe Good Samaritan. Introduction.
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.lockman.org) The Good Samaritan
More informationFIGHT FOR WHO I AM. I am the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13). I have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Ro 5:1). I am the light of the world (Mt 5:14).
I am the salt of the earth (Mt 5:13). I am the light of the world (Mt 5:14). What I say in faith without doubt I get (Mk 11:23--24). I ask and receive; I seek and find; I knock and the door is opened unto
More informationFirst Things First or Choosing the Most Important Things by Bill Scheidler
First Things First or Choosing the Most Important Things by Bill Scheidler Introduction This morning we want to talk about priorities. The word priority refers to something that is seen as more important
More informationLUKE AND THE MISSION OF JESUS (4) JESUS AND THE EXCLUDED Luke 5:27-32 Jeffrey S. Carlson March 17, 2019
LUKE AND THE MISSION OF JESUS (4) JESUS AND THE EXCLUDED Luke 5:27-32 Jeffrey S. Carlson March 17, 2019 SCRIPTURE After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and
More informationThe Spiritually-Gifted Giver
The Spiritually-Gifted Giver - 1 - Sunday, August 27, 2017 The Spiritually-Gifted Giver (A Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Text: Romans 12:1-8 Lectionary Texts: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124;
More informationHebrews 6: Stanly Community Church
Faith in Jesus Christ is all that can save you from hell. But what does saving faith look like? It is more than simply claiming Christianity and participating in religious activity, no matter how biblical
More informationFRIENDSHIP PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CHILDREN S MINISTRY CURRICULUM THE GOSPEL STORY BIBLE (Marty Machowski)
Less 20 Story 98 Less 21 Story 99 Less 22 Story 100 Less 23 Story 101 Less 24 Story 102 Less 25 Story 103 1/7 1/14 1/21 1/28 2/4 2/11 Jesus Calms the Storm Jesus can quiet the wind and the waves because
More informationBIBLICAL PROSPERITY AND GENEROSITY. (ch 10 from The Purple Book Biblical Foundations for Building Strong Disciples by Rice Broocks and Steve Surrel)
BIBLICAL PROSPERITY AND GENEROSITY (ch 10 from The Purple Book Biblical Foundations for Building Strong Disciples by Rice Broocks and Steve Surrel) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap
More informationGlobal Good News Literature. Basic Christianity
Basic Christianity 1 "16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete,
More informationThe Breath of Almighty God
The Breath of Almighty God (Copyright 1truth1law.com 2017) One of the hidden mysteries of Almighty God is how His Spirit works throughout His creation. To begin with, many people have assumed that the
More informationFall Heeding Jesus call to discipleship, adults will evaluate their commitment to following Christ whatever the cost.
Scope and Sequence for Adult 2014 2015 Fall 2016 Session 1 Sept. 4, 2016 Proper 18 Luke 14:25 33 Session 2 Sept. 11, 2016 Proper 19 Luke 15:1 10 Session 3 Sept. 18, 2016 Proper 20 Luke 16:1 13 Session
More informationSaving Faith or Works Salvation?
January 12, 2003 Vista, California Saving Faith or Works Salvation? There is no other way that John the Baptist said what he said in Jn 3:36 than the way he meant it. He said it the way he meant it and
More informationRight. on the. Money. By Pastor Dennis Keating. Wisdom from the Word Ministries
Right on the Money By Pastor Dennis Keating Wisdom from the Word Ministries Emmanuel Faith Community Church 639 E. 17th Avenue, Escondido, CA 92025 760-745-2541 www.efcc.org 1 Right on the Money is based
More information(1 Timothy 6:11) But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11-21 New International Version February 25, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, February 25, 2018, is from 1 Timothy 6:11-21. Questions for
More informationGod s Blueprint For The Family Money Management
God s Blueprint For The Family Money Management Following Jesus and following the law of love will affect how you relate to one another as husband and wife. Last week we looked at the moral and social
More informationWHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Luke 16: ! What happens when we die?
Introduction: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Luke 16:19-31 1.! What happens when we die?! a.! Do we simply cease to exist when we stop breathing?! b.! Has God revealed anything about life immediately after
More informationLuke 16: THE RICH MAN CONFRONTS LAZARUS I. His conduct is sinful II. His end is awful III. His excuse is foolish INTRODUCTION
Luke 16:19-31 THE RICH MAN CONFRONTS LAZARUS I. His conduct is sinful II. His end is awful III. His excuse is foolish INTRODUCTION Someone writes in answer to the question who are the hungry: Statistics
More informationTHE POOR AND NEEDY OLD TESTAMENT POOR
THE POOR AND NEEDY OLD TESTAMENT POOR - afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor NEW TESTAMENT POOR - beggar - pauper - destitute - poor By HAROLD HARSTVEDT WHY ARE THERE SO MANY POOR PEOPLE? 1 SAMUEL 2:7
More informationQuestions and Answers on the Eucharist
Questions and Answers on the Eucharist Pennsylvania Conference of Catholic Bishops 1999 - Present by Adoremus All rights reserved. http://www.adoremus.org Why is the Eucharist so important to the Church?
More informationAltar & Prayer Ministry Training Lesson 12 - Salvation
Altar & Prayer Ministry Training Lesson 12 - Salvation Why is Salvation necessary? God s Original Plan God had a plan. In the beginning Adam and Eve had fellowship with God. At the fall of mankind in the
More informationSeek First the Kingdom of God by Mitch Kuhn
Seek First the Kingdom of God by Mitch Kuhn We ve all heard these verses and understand that God must come first in our lives, but what does that mean? (Mat 6:33 NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God
More information13 September Sharing All Things. Bible Background ACTS 4:32 5:11 Printed Text ACTS 4:34 5:10 Devotional Reading ISAIAH 1:15 18.
13 September 2015 Sharing All Things Bible Background ACTS 4:32 5:11 Printed Text ACTS 4:34 5:10 Devotional Reading ISAIAH 1:15 18 Aim For Change By the end of the lesson, we will: UNDERSTAND the sacrifices
More informationGRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE. Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love
GRADE 7 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NOTES UNIT 1: GOD REVEALS A PLAN OF LOVE Lesson # 1: The Bible Reveals God s Saving Love General Objective: To examine how God reveals a Plan of Love in the Old Testament Specific
More informationLife for Show or Service
Life for Show or Service Mark 12:38-44 READ 38 In His teaching He was saying: "Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief
More informationLESSON FOUR The Epistles: How do I Apply Them?
A Brief Review LESSON FOUR The Epistles: How do I Apply Them? We continue our study of the proper interpretation of epistles by building upon the foundation of careful exegesis and bringing the truth to
More information1. The believer is commanded to lend money without interest to those in need.
1 LENDING AND BORROWING MONEY LENDING MONEY 1. The believer is commanded to lend money without interest to those in need. Leviticus 25:35-37 If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty
More informationThere are two tests of a true disciple: wealth and poverty.
apttoteach.org There are two tests of a true disciple: wealth and poverty. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Lesson #13 The Tithe 04/07/2019 1 How to read the Old Testament Some common mistakes Christian churches make
More informationSunday The Greatness Of Humility Matthew 18:1-4; John 3:3
1 The Book Of Matthew: Lesson 9 Idols Of The Soul Memory Text: At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1) Setting The Stage: I
More informationBAPTISM AND "WORKS" Ephesians 2:8-9. (by George Battey)
BAPTISM AND "WORKS" (by George Battey) Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. It
More informationMeeting With Christ THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL. The danger of greed. Luke 12:13-21
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE PARABLE OF THE RICH
More informationFINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP according to equality. Proverbs 3:9-10
Financial stewardship 1 FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP according to equality Key question What is the Scripture s teaching on financial giving? Key text Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from
More informationReview two by two. (15) Romans 10:17. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
KINGDOM. LESSON 35 1 PRAYER Group leader. Pray for God s guidance through his Spirit, for awareness of his presence and for listening to his voice. Commit your group and this lesson about preaching God
More informationGod s ways are not our ways This lesson is repeated today Sirach shows to an important distinction in our world There is a difference between Justice
God s ways are not our ways This lesson is repeated today Sirach shows to an important distinction in our world There is a difference between Justice and fairness Fairness is a human trait We see things
More information13, 2015 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON SHARING ALL THINGS MINISTRY INVOCATION O
September 13, 2015 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON SHARING ALL THINGS MINISTRY INVOCATION O God: We give thanks to You for the manifold blessings to us. You did not have to bless us but You did. We shall remain
More informationThe Words of Jesus Series Lord of the Sabbath Calling Four Disciples, Attending a Party, and Sabbath Questions
The Words of Jesus Series Lord of the Sabbath Calling Four Disciples, Attending a Party, and Sabbath Questions Course Text: Luke 5&6; Matthew 4 & 9; Mark 1 & 2) Outline Lesson 1 - Calling of Four Disciples
More informationWhen Riches and Righteousness Lead to Sadness Luke 18:18-30
Community Group Discussion Leader s Guide When Riches and Righteousness Lead to Sadness Luke 18:18-30 Study Helps and Application Discussion 1: Lessons for Belief How hard is it to fit a camel through
More informationNevertheless, of Those That Chew the Cud or Have Cloven Hooves, You Shall Not Eat
Nevertheless, of Those That Chew the Cud or Have Cloven Hooves, You Shall Not Eat (Copyright 1truth1law.com 2014) There Is Nothing Unclean of Itself (Rom. 14:14). Nevertheless, of Those That Chew the Cud
More informationEagle United Methodist Church Mission Statement
Eagle United Methodist Church Mission Statement The mission of Eagle United Methodist Church is to Grow Disciples for Jesus Christ. We very purposefully chose the word grow as opposed to the word make.
More informationLESSON 1 JESUS HEALS THE MAN AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA
Review New Testament 5 LESSON 13 SUNDAY MORNING New Testament 5 Part 2: Jesus Last Week POINTS TO EMPHASIZE: 1. Review N.T.5 Bible Fact Cards (provided under N.T.5 Bible Facts on curriculum Web site) 2.
More informationDISCUSSION GUIDE #UNSTUCK #UNSTUCK IN YOUR FINANCES (PROVERBS 3:9-10) FEBRUARY 1, 2015
#UNSTUCK #UNSTUCK IN YOUR FINANCES (PROVERBS 3:9-10) FEBRUARY 1, 2015 PREPARATION > Spend the week studying Proverbs 10:4-5; 3:9-10; 22:26-27; and 1 Timothy 6:6-8. Consult the commentary provided and any
More informationThe Prodigal Son Luke 15:1-2, Before we start, I have some questions for you: In this parable, who does the younger son
I. Introduction: The Prodigal Son Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 Before we start, I have some questions for you: In this parable, who does the younger son March 29, 2009 represent? Sinners (tax collectors) How about
More information