DIY God

Through general revelation God makes Himself known to everyone.  Humanity suppresses and perverts the truths that God makes clear.  Everyone is wired to worship God.  God shows that He is worthy of worship through nature, providential care, and humanity’s conscience.  God gives general revelation so that humanity will see Him and give Him the worship that He deserves, but all have ignored His general revelation by not giving God His deserved honor.  Instead of worshipping God, humanity ignores conscience and looks to find things in nature to worship.

Despite all of this, God redeems.  That is why I love God.

Defining the Church

It is important to wrestle with the definition of what constitutes the church.  Is online church sufficient to meet a believer’s need that is fulfilled in the church?  How connected should we be to other churches?  Our definition of the local and universal church will shape our actions and the actions of the churches we are members of.

The church is universally comprised of those saved by grace through faith.  It is the fellowship of all united in Christ throughout space and time.  The written Word of God is central, since it is the source of its mission and foundation of faith.  The local church is a group of believers located in one place and time with the expressed purpose of worshipping God, serving one another, and spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth.  They are led by Spirit-directed pastors, served by deacons, and everyone exercises Spirit-given gifts for the benefit of believers and the world.

Does anyone have any suggestions for improvements for it?  I’m open for suggestions.

 

Phinehas: The Coolest Bible Story Never Heard

Don’t skip passages of Scripture; you’ll miss out on some good stuff.  I still remember the shock of stumbling across this obscure passage in the Old Testament.  I had never heard this in Sunday School.  For some reason this one didn’t make it to the flannelgraph.  I’m not sure why; it would have piqued the interest of all the young boys in my class.

The spiritual heritage of Phinehas is amazing.  His grandpa was Aaron, which meant his great uncle was Moses.  He was definitely in the family of God-loving people.  His dad was the high priest.  So I imagine that Phinehas was the epitome of a P.K.  Phinehas loved God passionately, so much so that he speared a man and woman out of a godly jealousy.  I don’t want to give away all of the details, so be sure to read the whole thing in Numbers 25. The story ends with the dissuaded wrath of God because of Phinehas’ action.  Do you love God enough to spear some sinners?

I hope any SS teachers consider this as a topic for your class.  I’m sure you could make your own cutout for your flannelgraph.  I also have some craft ideas if you need help.

What Propels You?

The motivation that catapults you to action is as important as the action itself. Christians are to be motivated by the love received from our Savior.  1 John 4:19 is so awesome because it explains that we aren’t the first to move in our relationship with Christ.  No one is worthy of His love.  No one causes Christ to love.  Christ is the initiator.  His love precedes any love that comes from us.  Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Paul urges us in Romans 12:1 to offer our bodies as living sacrifices.  We are to do this in view of God’s mercy.  God didn’t give us what we deserve.  Because God has mercy on us, then we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices.  God first loved us.

How Christians Should Date

Loving the Unlovable

Miracles

Memorize Scripture

Radical Love

Finish this week’s study of love by exercising one intentional act of love to someone that doesn’t deserve it.

Here is a link to  a sermon I preached at my church.  I’m still new to preaching at “BIG CHURCH” since I’m a lowly youth pastor.  I hope you the message useful.

“Radical Love”

Love Propels

1 John 4:7-21

Our love doesn’t originate from ourselves; it comes from God.  We are to be known for the love we have for each other.  If we say that we love God, we will love others. We love others because God loved us.  Loving others is the reaction to God’s love for us.

How does God show us His love?

Since Christians are to imitate Christ, how are we to love others?

What does it mean to “live” in love (vs .16)?

Why is it impossible to love God and hate someone?

Romans 12:1-2

It should be easy to give when we consider the gift that has been freely given to us.  The undeserved mercy we receive from God pushes us to give mercy to others, whether they deserve it or not.

What is a living sacrifice?

How is being a living sacrifice an act of worship?

Who is someone you need to start loving the way Christ loves you?