Parents in Diapers

A National Crisis: The Parent Who Never Grows Up.

It's sad. I was in Walmart today and there was this young family behind me. i could not help but hearing allot of fussing and I assumed it was just a group of high school students. When I turned around it was two middle aged adults fighting with their 8 and 4 year old.

Then as I walked around the store past the toy isle I noticed parents yelling at their kids telling them to get off the shelves, stop whining, and the popular "you better listen to me!" Yet what I found the most ironic was that in the midst of parents yelling at their children for not communicating properly most of the parents were mindlessly browsing their phones, complaining at store clerks and fighting with their spouses.

It is said that children are only a reflection of the parents who raise them. If the parents who raise them have themselves never graduate out of the playpen how can the kids be expected to fair any better? This reveals a deeper issue which plagues human society; if life is truly so short and we are spend and increasing amount of time consumed by our own selfishness, waiting well into our mid-life to mature, we limit our effectiveness.

In effect the enemy of our soul seeks to distract us from the whole duty of man, fear God and keep his commands. Yet what is far worse is that we not only fall into the pit of our own selfishness, we drag the youth of this generation in behind us. If parents desire for their children to grow up to become capable fully functioning adults it is time they grow up and become fully functional adults.

Today parents try to be an older sibling and not parents, dictators and not mentors, politicians and not parents. It seems there are many who are more considered with social media than with the media viewed by their children. Parents who refuse to say no or provide discipline via the paddle out of fear of damaging the child's self confidence have themselves never left the playpen.

If newborn babies are such a blessing why do parents view toddlers and teenagers as a curse? Why does that euphoric feeling fade with the first diaper? Why do the parents default to being the child? The best leaders always lead by example. Parents are among the most important leaders of a healthy society. Therefore I challenge all of us parents to rise to the challenge and be the best possible parent we can be!  

WILL YOU JOIN ME?

Is God Dead?

This was the question asked by the front cover of times magazine, April 08, 1966. 

"Is God dead? It is a question that tantalizes both believers, who perhaps secretly fear that he is, and atheists, who possibly suspect that the answer is no." This is how the opening paragraph of times magazine read. 

The question posed to me, if an outsider looks at modern Christianity would they find evidence that God is not dead? As I Spent time in prayer asking God to show me what message to bring to His church, I felt God whisper to my heart, "Am I dead?" Afterwords I began to ponder the fact that if God truly is alive than how does our life and tradition reflect the truth of His existence. Is God dead to me, to us, to our tradition? Do I reflect the image of a living God? Or do I broadcast my own dead nature?

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Is our God dead?

Than why do we dress and act as if it were a funeral? 

Why do we walk around with half hunched shoulders and faces filled with gloom?

Where is your Prince of peace? Oh where is your God of love? 

I have searched the faces of many and I find no divine reflection.

I searched many a church and have found few filled with heartfelt praise.

Is your God Dead?

Has your devotion turned to duty?

Does a fire still burn within or have our souls been filled with ashes?

Have our lamps run out of oil or has the supplier ceased production?

Is our God Dead?

When did church become a dread?

If in your religion you find no satisfaction,

it is not God who is dead, instead it's your tradition.

If God is not dead than I must be.

Searching For Refuge In a Perilous World

Take a moment to listen to this song by Kari Jobe while you read. God used this song to help my family through a rough season.

Searching For Refuge

1 Samuel 22:1-5

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.

10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing

11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalms 34:8-18 (NASB)

Is there anywhere we can find safety? Is there any relief from the relenting attacks of life? There are certain points in life that it seems that we can't get anything right. There are moments in my life that are not easy at all. At times my heart can be the most unsteady of all. At times I wish life could easier. Why is it that I can succeed at all the things that don't matter, but when it comes to the most important things in my life I struggle so much. Often times when I look at my life from the outside it seems to be all neat yet I know that on the inside it can be so messy. I find the man whom I strive to be is not the man that I am. Sometimes it just hurts so much when I see that my heart is so unsteady. For I must find refuge in the arms of my God and Saviour. At times I feel much like David, a wounded refugee fleeing frantically to find refuge. Let us examine together the beauty of God's refuge offered to those who search for it.

In this instalment of the saga of smelly shepherd boy from Bethlehem, we find David now living as a refugee. Our hero is now living cutoff from his nation and king who he saved coutless times. He is now a wanted man, exiled searching for refuge. The beloved hero of Isreal is consideredto be an outlaw and a rebel. It was during these times that God begin to mld david into the great leader and the "man after his heart" David would become. There are several pictures that are important for us to see here in this story.

I. The Portayal Of Salvation 1 Samuel 22:1-2

1. It is a uniqe contrast between the Cave of Adullam and the shelter of the cross.
   The cave like salvation in Christ provides:
   1. shelter, protection, and cover from all outside forces.
   2. rest and comfort from a long journey.
      1. Just as the cool shade, and water provides rest for the body
      2. the cross provides rivers of living water for the weary soul.
   3. a starting point for a new journey
2. David's "motley crew" illistrates those who flee to Christ for refuge.
   1. The Types of people that flee to Christ
      1. People in distress (confined, disabled)
      2. People in debt (because of sin)
      3. People unhappy with thier life
      4. People who were burdened down
   2. The outgrowth of those people
      1. They are despised and few
         1. "You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Mark 13:13 (NASB)
         2. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matt 7:14 (NASB)
      2. The "kingdom belongs to them" Matthew 5:3-12

II. The Necessity Of The Wilderness 1 Samuel 22:3-6

1. Wandering through the wildreness teaches us to trust in God rather than man.
1. We can see David faith beginning to regain strength
2. David takes the counsel of the phrophet gad to leave the fortress and go into the forest.
3. If it were me I would have trouble leaving the shelter of the cave and running into the open of the forest.
2. Wandering in the wilderness strengthens your resolve to live for the Lord.
1. This is not the first time God has taken some one through the wilderness.
2. The shadows prove that there is sunshine.
3. 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NASB)

So I call to you today, do you have pain? Do you have scars, and shame from past regrets? Does your life seem to not go the way that is easy? Can you relate with my struggle to balance the good and the broken? Are you loaded down by the weight of your struggles? I know I find it hard to put my faith into practice in the deepest recesses of my heart. Deep down I have pain I have scars I need someone to steady my restless heart. Let us call this morning upon the calmer of our storms, the healer of our scars, and the God who can steady our restless hearts. Come find refuge in the arms of the Lord your God. For the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe. Are you in need a safe place to land? Jesus is calling to us all today, 28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls.30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matt 11:28-30 (NASB) Will you come fall into his arms and let him heal your busted heart?

When Is It Okay To Kill Babies?

Seriously at what point are you alright killing a baby?

the popular arguments are:

"When someone cannot take care of the baby"

"When the baby is a result of something bad"

"When the baby is not convenient"

"When the mother doesn't want to take care of a child"

If a mother made this statements as a defense for killing her 3 moth old she would be looked at as a monster. If a mother makes the same statements about her baby 3 months after conception she would be considered justified? Why?

More babies have died since Barack Obama took office in 2008 alone than Jews that died in the holocaust.

Since Roe v. Wade over 500 Million babies have because of utter selfishness.

The holocaust and abortions were both supported by the population of their countries. Abortion like the holocaust is legal and "justified" by the government. 

Was Hitler a good man?

If you were given a gun and were able to shot Hitler before the deadly holocaust would you take him out? 

If you had the knowledge of how Hitler would live his life and you were his mothers doctor befor

e she gave birth would you have killed him?

If you were present during the brutal live burials of millions of Jews and an officer held a gun to your head and said bury them would you do it?

Would you shoot them if you were told to do it? 

Would you take a life to save your own?

DO YOU VALUE HUMAN LIFE?

When is it alright to kill a baby? 

Is it right to allow someone to murder because it is there CHOICE?

The Holocaust was legal in Germany, but know one says, "you can't judge him, he was doing what he felt was right, it was his CHOICE"

Just because it is legal for women to kill babies doesn't make it right!

Real Health Care Reform

So I got to thinking about Health Care Reform.

Our president has been pushing this ridiculous health care bill that requires religious groups to purchase free abortions/birth control for female employees. This violates religious freedom and is a train wreck for the economy. I got to thinking about the dangers of our welfare system and how that only in american can a person be rewarded for lazy, irresponsible behavior. So here is what I think real health care reform should look like. Tell me what you think.

1. Remove all federal funds for payment of out-of-wedlock births.
   This means putting guidelines on medicaid that would place the financial burden of payment upon the father/ mother, or parents of the mother. this alone would save roughly 10-15 billion annually
2. No federal funding for birth control
   If the federal government discontinued funding for birth control and abortions it would put the burden of responsibility back on the parents to take responsibility for there own actions. 
3. Treat medical coverage as a long term loan not a hand out
   If people looked at federal assistance as a long term loan rather than a free handout it would great change the approach to receiving it.Not all programs should be this way but certainly payment for welfare to out of wedlock/teen moms.
4. Federally funded abstinence programs.
   This would greatly reduce the cost of health care, std risk, and other financial and social factors.
   

These adjustments alone would save in the neighborhood of $1 trillion dollars annually. In addition to producing more fiscally responsible citizens. 

Here are the facts:

Current trends indicate that by the year 2015… one of every two American babies will be born to a single mother, and illegitimacy will surpass divorce as the main cause of fatherlessness.” Jennifer Marshall, Sanctioning Illegitimacy: Our National Character is at Stake, Family Research Council. 3/28/97

• Nearly 40% of all births in the United States were to unmarried women in 2007. In 1980, that rate was only 18.4%. Stephanie J. Ventura, “Changing Patterns of Nonmarital Childbearing in the United States.” National Center for Health Statistics, May 2009.
• In 2007, there were 1,714,643 births to unmarried women, an increase of 26% since 2002. Ventura, “Changing Patterns of Nonmarital Childbearing in the United States.” National Center for Health Statistics. May 2009.
• Almost half (48%) of all nonmarital first births are to teen parents. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy, Out-of-Wedlock Births, Healthy Relationships and Marriage.” 2006.
• Two years after the birth of an unplanned child, about one third of mothers living with the father have ended the relationship, compared to only 7% of married mothers. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. “Briefly…Unplanned Pregnancy Among 20-Somethings: The Full Story.” May 2008.

Welfare

• In 2004, teen childbearing in Tennessee cost taxpayers at least $181 million. Between 1991 and 2004, this cost totalled $3.3 billion. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “By the Numbers: The Public Costs of Teen Childbearing in Tennessee.” November 2006. 
• Nationally, the healthcare costs alone to the children of teen mothers (Medicaid and SCHIP) is nearly $2 billion each year. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy and Other Health Issues.” 2006
• In the United States, about 72% of births to teen mothers are financed by Medicaid. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy and Other Health Issues.” 2006
• 53 percent of the cost of AFDC, food stamps, and Medicaid is attributed to households begun by teen births. Kathleen Sylvester, “Preventable Calamity: Rolling Back Teen Pregnancy,” Progressive Policy Institute Policy Report, No. 22 Nov. 1994
• It is estimated that illegitimate births cost taxpayers $2.2 billion in welfare and food stamps each year. Rebecca Maynard, Kids Having Kids
• 80 percent of teenage mothers end up in poverty and reliant on welfare. Maynard, Kids Having Kids
• Approximately 30 percent of all welfare recipients start because they have an out-of-wedlock birth. Michael Tanner, CATO Congressional Testimony, March 9, 1995
• Half of unwed teen mothers go on welfare within a year of the child’s birth. Within five years 77 percent of these mothers are still on welfare. Michael Tanner, CATO Congressional Testimony, March 9, 1995
• More than 75% of unmarried teen mothers began receiving welfare support within five years of the birth of their first child. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Preganancy. “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy, Poverty, and Income Disparity.” 2006.
• More than half of all mothers on welfare had their first child as a teenager. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Preganancy. “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy, Poverty, and Income Disparity.” 2006.
• 84% of the health care costs for infants of mothers aged 18-19 are provided through public programs. 75% of the health care costs for preschool-aged children of mothers younger than 18 are provided through public programs. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. “Why it Matters: Teen Pregnancy and Other Health Issues.” 2006.

http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_contraceptive_serv.html

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/births.htm

http://firstthings.org/page/research/out-of-wedlock-pregnancy-fact-sheet

In Whom Do You Trust

In Whom Do You Trust

Proverbs 3:5-7
1 Samuel 18-21

Today there are a number of groups that seek to remove the phrase, "In God we trust" from every symbol of the American culture. They see to remove the mark of Christianity from every area, past present or future, from the American way of life. It is our god-given responsibility to take a firm stand for those values which we hold near and dear. I want to encourage every Christian of voting age to get out and vote. did you know that if every evangelical got out to vote this year I voted together on the issues that it would sway the results by a margin of 15-20%. The evangelical voting bloc could easily make up more than 15million. Seeing how in 2010 only 90 million total got out to vote we can make a profound impact.
I know it's not a popular topic for a pastor to get political. I know I'm treading on dangerous water. I challenge you to ask yourself, who would Jesus vote for? Would it not violate your Christian values to vote for a arrogant, baby slaying, anti-Christian individual for any public office? I care little if they offer all kinds of change, and seem to have a good economic plan, if there morals are wrong than they will certainly not get my vote. Watch carefully who you chose to vote for because the choices they make if elected by your vote our the choice that you enabled them to make. As Christians we must not, nor shall we allow such vial practices to take place such as the violation of religious freedom by a health care law which requires churches and other Christian groups to purchase abortions that violate their beliefs. Our current president has even gone as far to say that churches must not decrement between male or female when considering a candidate for a pastoral role. I urge you rise up and remove those from offices which seek only to bring further shame to our nation. According to a recent poll 65 percent of democrats support gay marriage while less than 25% of republicans support it.
The question is in the midst of this uncertain world we live in, In whom do you trust?

Will you place your trust in man, yourself or in God. He is the one who will never disappoint.

Let us take a look this morning the people in whom David placed his trust...

I. David Trust In the Lord 1 Samuel 18

1. By Popularity vv. 18:1-11
   1. The way in which we respond to praise and alkaloids reveals our character.
   2. The same praise that seemingly humbled avid infuriated King Saul.
   3. Luke 6:26 (NASB) "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.
   4. Prov 27:21 (NASB) The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.
2. Through unfulfilled dreams vv. 18:12-16
   1. Commitment through demotion
      1. verse 5 tells us that avid was the head of Saul's personal bodyguards, but now we see that he has been demoted to only being over 1,000 men.
      2. Yet this did not change David! Even when he was treated unfairly and lost the dream job of a lifetime he maintained humility, and integrity.
      3. It only strengthened David in the eyes of the people and with God.
   2. Humility through disappointment
      1. Saul promised David his daughter Merab Lit. "compensation, or substitute." in a similar way as Laban who used trickery against Jacob.
      2. Later Saul took back this promise and gave her to another man. Yet David didn't respond the same way I would have. David remained humble through disappointment. I would have given him a piece of my mind and taken all my buddies to get her back.

II. David Trusts in Man 1 Samuel 19

Here we see David's faith in the lord begin to weaken. He turns from trusting in God to fight His battles to trusting in man's provision.

1. David trusts in Jonathan (vv. 1-10)
   1. Rather than trusting God to change the heart of Saul he devised a scheme with Jonathan to ensure his temporary safety.
      1. Words mean little where there has been no heart change.
      2. often times we as Christians settle for hearing the right words spoken. Be it when a lost person accepts Christ or when commitments are made.
   2. Words of the mouth mean little if not reinforced by the thoughts of the heart.
2. David Trusts in Michal (vv. 11-17)
   1. Michal who loved David dearly was offered to David not out of a benevolent heart but as a snare to him.
      1. Here we see that she was not a snare at all rather she was a lifesaver unto David.
   2. Yet the question that lurks in my mind is, what was a idol doing in their bedroom. How had David allowed a symbol of idolatry creep into his bedroom/
      1. David now relies on Michal to fabricate a lie in order for him to run. Could David not have stood up to the king as unto the giant?
3. David Trust In Samuel (vv. 18-24)
   1. This was a wise move on David's part.
   2. In our times of distress we would be wise to take the example of David ad run to a strong spiritual counselor.
      1. Samuel defeated Saul not with weapons, words, household idols, or lies. Samuel relied upon the Spirit Of God to fight this battle.
      2. David and us would do well to learn from this course of action.

III. David Trust in Himself 1 Samuel 20-21

1. David Trusts in His Wit (chap. 20)
   1. David and Jonathan made an oath and together fabricated a lie to tell the king. However clever it may have been it was a lie none the less.
   2. As a result of this lie Jonathan was nearly killed.
   3. Yet I do not know that I would have had the boldness to stand before the man who has tried to kill me multiple times.
   4. To cover ourself is our knee-jerk reaction. How much better it would have been for these two to have prayed together rather than device a lie
2. David lied to Ahimelech the priest (21:1-9)
   1. David may have had the best of intentions running to the temple
      1. yet good motives don't justify a lie.
      2. David claimed to be on business for the king
   2. Because of his lie it resulted in the death of hundreds of men women and children.
      1. How have our dishonest actions effected those around us?
3. David fled to the Enemy
   1. David has now reached a all time low in his faith. Because he was so fearful of man he fell into a snare. one that could have been the end of him
   2. David now was camping with the very enemy whom he had destroyed time and time again. Yet in order to be allowed safety he had to pretend to be a madman.
   3. "Oh what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive"

How sad it is to see how quickly we as people of faith can become people griped by fear and unbelief. Anytime we get short sided, in a hurry, trust people, and trust in our own plans rather than trust in God before long everything will fall to pieces around us. When we walk out from underneath God's umbrella of grace and provision we open ourself up to numerous unforeseen consequences. I urge you all to walk in God's grace daily, there are some of you who may have not lived honestly with some people. There are certain individuals who aren't in church today because of dishonest relationships in the past. If you have offended someone seek out reconciliation. Trust in God's provision don't wait until they come to you go to them.

Will you trust in God alone today?

Building Healthy Relationship Series part 1

Building Healthy Relationship Series

Wednesday Night Homegroup

Part 1: Thanksgiving and Prayer - Philemon 1:1-7
_________________________________________________________________Topics: Encouragement, Friendship, Prayer, Relationships, Slavery, Thankfulness, Words

"Doctrinal rightness and rightness of ecclesiastical position are important, but only as a starting point to go on into a living relationship and not as ends in themselves" ~ Francis Shaffer

"God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are." ~ Billy Graham

Philemon, the recipient of this letter,was a prominent member of the church at Colosse, which met in his house. Paul wrote this short letter to Philemon probably at the same time as he wrote Colossians, 60-62 AD. It was probably sent to Colosse, Philemon’s home, along with the letter to the Colossians. This letter is a specimen of the highest wisdom as to the manner in which Christians ought to manage social affairs on more exalted principles. We can learn many lessons of love, forgiveness, and christian character despite mistreatment. This book is key in the study of building strong relationships.

Open It

1. What role have someone’s words of encouragement played in your life?
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2. How much of what is said to you each week at work and home is negative or positive?
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Explore It

4. What two godly qualities did Paul desire for his readers? (1:3)
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5. How did Paul pray for his audience? (1:6)
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6. What had Philemon done for the other Christians in the region? (1:7)
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Get It

7. What are the subjects or concerns you most often address in your prayers?
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8. How can compliments and encouragement influence someone’s life?
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9. How does it help a person to pray for him or her?
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Apply It

10. Who in your life needs a word of compliment or encouragement at this time?
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11. Make a list of several people you need to pray for this week?
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Love Grown Cold: Study Of Malachi

Feel free to use this study if you want the study/student guide message me and I'll send it to you. God Bless.

Love Grown Cold: Study Of Malachi

"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold." Matthew 24:12

Teaching Guide Part 1 (Malachi 1:1-9)

Open It

1. What unique relationship do you treasure?

2. When you are displeased about something, how do you express yourself?

3. When have you felt taken for granted or treated with disrespect?

Overview/Commentary

Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament is a discouraging document. The days of Ezra and Nehemiah were past, and no imprint seemed to be left on the people of Judah. Again we find them sliding down toward sin and spiritual apathy, trapped in the old patterns, but now completely indifferent to Malachi's call for another fresh start.

We as people must be reconciled not only to God but to one another, "or else I will come and strike the land with a curse" (Malachi 4:6). Reading this book, the last testimony to the men and women of the return, a peculiar realization grows. God's people have lost their vision of God, and of their own future.

This is important for us to grasp, because the principle applies to us as well as to Israel. We too are forced to live with imperfection—our own imperfection as well as that of those around us! It is so easy to become discouraged when we try and try again, and still seem to fail.

When we lose sight of our destiny, and when we fail to grasp the reality of growth, our motivation to live for God begins to die. This is what happened to the people of Judah in Malachi's day. They had looked inward, lost sight of the destiny ahead, and abandoned hope for personal growth and change.

Malachi's book is organized around a series of seven sarcastic questions posed by the people of God in response to God's words to them. These questions show a definite rejection of the divine viewpoint; they show how far Judah's loss of a sense of destiny had caused them to drift spiritually.

In looking at these questions, it is easy to see some of our own attitudes reflected. In God's response we can hear His call, inviting us to turn our steps again toward our destiny.

I. Prepare

Jot down where you personally want to be in 10 years.
Have each of your group members jot down, and then share, where each wants to be in 10 years. See the "Link to Life 1" explanation.

● Link to Life 1:

Prepare your group for a study of Malachi by "dreaming." Ask each member to jot down where he or she wants to be in 10 years. Explain that "where you want to be" should include all one's goals—personal, financial, and especially spiritual—the kind of person you want to be.

After each has jotted down his or her dream, share these in groups of four or five.

Then explain that what we find in Malachi is a definition of what can keep an individual or a people from realizing its dreams of growth and change.

II. Explore

Love lost (Malachi 1:1-5)

4. What did God claim for Israel? (1:2)

5. What was the judgment of Edom? (1:3-5)

The Book of Malachi begins with an affirmation: " 'I have loved you,' says the Lord" (Malachi 1:2). What a starting point in our relationship with God! It is not that we loved God. He loved us and, acting in love, He delivered His people.Yet the people of Malachi's day replied with a plaintive whine: "How have You loved us?" It is as though a child, used to plenty, complains because he's been denied some new toy. With all the evidence of history and with all their present prosperity, Judah could still claim to be uncertain of God's love!

God's answer is to point to the fact that He chose their ancestor Jacob over his twin Esau (who was the ancestor of the people who even then surrounded Judah). God's love was demonstrated primarily in that He chose to establish a relationship with His people; love draws us to Himself.

The phrase, "Esau I have hated" (Malachi 1:3), bothers many. It seems best to understand this expression not as a statement of feeling or attitude but as a legal term. In that day a father used this terminology in legally designating one son to inherit his possessions while decisively rejecting the claim of another. By custom such a rejected son really was loved. And he was given resources to make his own way. But the legally "loved" son inherited.

God has shown His love for us in that He has chosen us to inherit all that He has and is, for we are His people, and He is our God.

Honor denied (Malachi 1:6-9)

6. What was God’s complaint against Israel? (1:6-14)

7. How were the priests implicated in contemptible worship practices? (1:8-10)

God's complaint against Judah is that, though He has called this people into a relationship with Himself, the people have refused to honor Him. This goes beyond disrespect; they have despised God's name (Malachi 1:6). As the prophet pointed out, a son honors his father—and God had been a Father to Judah. A servant shows respect to his master; and God was rightly called "Lord" and "Master" by His people. Why then was God treated in Judah as unimportant?

The people of Judah react to this charge with another caustic reply. You can almost hear the tone of outraged innocence. "How have we despised Your name?"

In answer God simply pointed to the mildewed bread on His temple's altar; to the ill and injured animals offered as sacrifices. Why, these people were offering to God what they would never dare to present to a human governor!

IV. Get It

8. Israel was guilty of giving God leftovers. In what way do we sometimes give God leftovers in our worship? in our finances? in our time?
9. How does God deal with you when you give Him less than your best?

V. Apply It

Do the chart study suggested in "Link to Life 2". Working as a group, define the issue involved; look at how the underlying attitude of the people was expressed in their acts, and suggest ways this attitude might be expressed in our day.

This chart study will provide a mastery of the material in Malachi, and serve as a solid foundation for application.

Link to Life 2: Youth / Adult

To reach personal spiritual goals—and other healthy goals that can be achieved only through God's blessing—we need to avoid the attitudes and actions that we see revealed in Malachi.

Lead your group in a chart study of this book, looking together at each section of the book as discussed in the commentary.

As you look at each section, first identify the issue that Malachi dealt with. Then look at the patterns of thought and behavior that revealed the attitude of the people of his day toward this issue.

Finally, in the third column of the chart, jot down modern parallels. What contemporary attitudes and acts would show that we have become lukewarm, as did the Jews of Malachi's day?

Chart: Malachi Study Chart

Issue	Judah's pattern	Modern patterns

Look at the chart, and transform the negatives into positives.

10. What attitudes or actions can you change to show honor to the Lord?

That is, suggest how a person can grow in commitment to the Lord. For instance, the people of Malachi's day ignored God's love as expressed in His choice of their nation. We can remember God's love, expressed in Jesus, who has loved and saved us. Or note that the people of Malachi's day withheld their best from God. We can give Him our best.

Back To The Basics: Gen 1

STUDY OF GENESIS CHAPTER ONE

First we will look at the person of the creator. 
A. Christ Is the Creator (Colossians 1:15-17). Genesis is all about Jesus. Matthew 1:1 tells us Genesis is the book of the generations of Jesus. Genesis records the acts and personality of Christ in the Beginning and before the beginning. Genesis is know as the book of generations, origins and beginnings. Genesis is a Greek word which is translated generations in Matthew chapter 1. It means “beginnings” or “origins”  Genesis is a name taken from the Greek, and signifies "the book of generation or production;" it is properly so called, as containing an account of the origin of all things. There is no other history so old. There is nothing in the most ancient book which exists that contradicts it; while many things recorded by the oldest heathen writers, or to be traced in the customs of different nations, confirm what is related in the book of Genesis. 
The Hebrew name for God used in Gen. 1 is ʾelōhîm.ʾ— Is the Hebrew name for God that links Him with creation. The root word is El which means "mighty, strong, and prominent".  This word is used in a plural in one sense yet singular in another. We see that all the members of the God head are addressed in this one word ʾelōhîm.  This form shows the plurality of the Godhead represented in one form or deity. When Paul say Christ is "the image of the invisible God" in Colossians 1:15 He made it clear that Jesus is God. In fact this statement means "an exact representation and revelation:. In addition Jesus Himself said, "if any man has seen Me, He has seen the Father" (John 14:9). It is only in Jesus and through Jesus that we can see the invisible God. Since no mere creature can reveal God, in fact Jesus must be God.
Christ existed before creation. (15).The term firstborn of all creation has nothing to do with time, rather it has everything to do with prominence, might, and strength. It fits the description of God in Genesis 1:1. Firstborn was a titled used to signify "first importance, or first rank". Just as Solomon was not born the first of David's sons, yet was called the firstborn. In the same way Christ is sovereign over all things. He was not created, 
Christ created all things (16). All things were created by him. 
John 1:1-5 In this passage John Says that the "Word" was in the beginning, was with God, and was God. The "Word" comes from the Greek word Logos. In This passage John echoes Genesis (Gen 1:1), but whereas Genesis refers to God's activity at the beginning of creation, here we learn of a being who existed before creation took place. In the beginning the Word already was. 
So we actually start before the beginning, outside of space and time in eternity. If we want to understand who Jesus is, John says, we must begin with the relationship shared between the Father and the Son "before the world began" (Jn 17:5, 24). This relationship is the central revelation of this Gospel and the key to understanding all that Jesus says and does. The first verse is very carefully constructed to refer to the personal distinctness yet the essential oneness of the Word with God. To be with God means the Word is distinct from him. The word with comes from the Greek word (pros) in a context like this is used to indicate personal relationship, not mere proximity (cf. Mk 6:3). But he also was God; that is, there is an identity of being between them. 

B. God is a creative designer who is actively involved in creation

In the beginning God...
This statement confounds the minds of many and refutes the arguments of many in one short sentence. Before anything ever was God was. This refutes the atheist who says there is no God; The agnostic who claim it is impossible to know God; The polytheist who worship many gods; the pantheist who claim that "all nature" is god; the materialist who claims that matter is eternal and not created the fatalist who teaches that there is no divine plan behind creation and history.
We do not need to prove God's existence. His existence is self evident, in that creation must have a creator. The burden of proof lies with those who accuse that He does not exist. it is much harder to prove something doesn't exist than to prove the existence of someone or thing.
God created heaven and earth.
In this chapter alone we see the clear personality of our Creator God. We can see His creativity, purpose, and design. He did not create mass of space gas and allow it to combust and create the marvelous galaxy we have today. Science disproves the theory of the Big Bang. If evolution is correct than why does Neptune spin backwards and on it's side. I feel God threw some things into creation to upset the plans of those who doubt.
Here is something interesting to note the complete working of God and his design. In this chapter of 31 verses we can see God working (ie speaking, seeing, naming, blessing, or creating) 31 times. Another point of interest, of all the things God creates he blessed man more than any other creation.

Back To The Basics: Study Of Genesis (INTRO)

Introduction

Each and everyone of us have at one point been curious about our family history. Some time ago I began looking into the history of my family. I’m not sure what it is about studying your family history that is so intriguing. Perhaps it’s the stories you learn, the place your family has gone, or the characters you discover. We all have a unique story, family history, and memories. Inside each of us I’m sure there is a desire to learn more about who we really are.




I remember the excitement I felt when I was able to trace my lineage back to the 1600s and laughed as I couldn’t pronounce the names of my relatives. It has long been an interest of mine to hear the many sides to the stories of the past. When I was a little boy I would sit on Father’s lap and beg him to tell me stories of his younger days. I enjoyed sifting through the black and whit photos of my grandparents looking at the people they were. Learning about the world that my ancestors grew up in was to me among the most fascinating discoveries. One day I sat in my great grandparents kitchen listing for hours as they told me their story of survival love and beginnings during the Great depression. 
Learning from history can be one of the most important ventures of our lives. Classical American Philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” It is vital we learn from the failures, mistakes, and successes of those who have gone before us. To get a picture of where you are going, we ought to look at where we have been. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “there is nothing new under the sun… whatever has been shall be again… There is nothing new under the sun.” In other words we ought to examine the lives of those who have gone before us follow in the footsteps of those who began a great work and carry it out. On the other hand, we ought to take heed that our steps don’t fall to closely to those who have walked down a slippery slope of destruction. 
That is what this book is all about, learning from those who have gone before us. In a way the book of Genesis is the story of the generations of our family. It is the story of how it all began. There are stories of heartache, failures, successes, love, and faith all found in the pages of these great book. We read vivid descriptions of  the greatness and glory of our Creator. We read firsthand accounts of God’s concern, involvement, and creativity. In the first chapter God reveals to us his personality, creation, and plan for the new creation. 

Becoming The Person God Is Looking For 1 Samuel 16

Sunday Morning Message June 24th 

When Mike Kollin, a graduate of Auburn University, was linebacker for the Miami Dolphins his former college coach, Shug Jordan, asked him if he would do some recruiting for him. Mike said, "Sure, coach. What kind of player are you looking for?" The coach said, "Well, Mike, you know there’s that fellow, you knock him down, he just stays down?" Mike said, "We don’t want him, do we, coach?" "No, that’s right. Then there’s that fellow, you knock him down and he gets up, but you knock him down again and he stays down." Mike answered, "We don’t want him either, do we, coach?" Coach said, "No, but Mike, there’s a fellow, you knock him down, he gets up. Knock him down, he gets up. Knock him down, he gets up. Knock him down, he gets up." Mike said, "That’s the guy we want, isn't it, coach?" The coach answered, "No, we don’t want him either. I want you to find that guy who’s knocking everybody down. That’s the guy we want!"

God is doing some scouting of His own today. The Bible tells us
2 Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…”

God is searching your heart out what will He find?

I. God is searching for moldable people 1 Sam 16:1-5

• God isn't looking for someone to tell him what needs to be done.
• God is not looking for hardheaded individuals that are determined to run the show.
• He is seeking for obedience over sacrifice.
• If you aren't here willing to submit to God's plan than move over.
• If the only thing that is keeping you going to church is it's right or your love for the church than your wrong. Hard headed and need to let god thumb you a few times to soften you up
• HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO SIT HERE AND PLAY CHURCH?
• IT"S TIME FOR US ALL TO GET OF THE LAZY PEW!!!!!
• If you don't like the word of GOD If you can't handle the truth than you may as well leave. When you have your own universe than you can run it how you see fit. Until then either change or get out of the way! You aren't happy with church than either change your attitude or change you place of residence but don't stand in God's way!

II. God doesn't choose by merit. 1 Sam 16:6-11

• Just cause you have been handed a degree doesn't qualify you to lead in the church.
• You may be the most able teacher but the worst leader
• If The Bible says for the men to rise up than we are to rise up. If the Bible says that women are not to teach over men, Than that by golly is what we ought to be following! I don't care if you are a teacher in the eyes of the world that don't make you called to break God's command.
• When God says, that we need to be giving of our time and money to do the work of the kingdom. We best be doing that!!!!!
• You may be an influential person in the community, or been a member here since you were 2 but that don't qualify you to be a deacon, or to demand your way. If God says it we do it and we don't complain. We either get on board with God or not. He don't need a bunch of hard-headed Church folk telling Him how He should run the place.
• You may look the part but that doesn't mean that you have the heart!

III. God is Searching for Servant Leaders 1Sam 16:12

A. GOD BUILDS A SERVANT-LEADER IN SOLITUDE

It was on the lonely hills of Judea, with a flock of sheep for his companions; the starry sky as his cathedral; and the vast expanse of nature as his classroom that David learned some of the most valuable and basic lessons of life. He learned how to be alone with God and with himself. Away from the distractions and noise of others, David learned how to hear the voice of God. David learned how to commune with God. David learned how to worship the Lord. David learned how to be at peace with himself. There is no value that can be placed on those kinds of lessons. They are priceless!

B. GOD BUILDS A SERVANT-LEADER IN SECRECY (v.18)

Before David would ever sit on the throne and rule the nation of Israel; he would first spend countless hours alone, unacknowledged and unappreciated. Day after Day David spent his time with his father¡¦s sheep on the lonely hills of Judea. There, David learned to be faithful to his responsibilities, even though no one else was watching. He learned obedience. He learned humility. He learned to be watchful. He learned lessons in the secret places that he could have never learned in the places of prominence. He was trained in the classroom of obscurity; and when he finally received the attention and applause of others; it did not go to his head, because he had learned the lesson that he had no one to please but the Lord.

C. GOD BUILDS A SERVANT-LEADER IN SAMENESS (vs. 11,19, 17:15)

There can be little doubt that day blended into day as David went about the monotony of keeping his Father¡¦s sheep. Countless days, endless routines, the same things day in and day out. This is what marked the life of David. But, it was in the monotonous routine of life that David learned to be a man of God. It was there, alone one those mountains, doing the same things day after day that David learned the priceless lessons of faithfulness. David applied himself to the task of giving his best during the mundane times of life. Then, when God promoted him, he did not have to learn to be faithful; he already knew how. He did not have to learn responsibility; he had already learned that lesson. God used the unending monotony of the routine to shape David for greater things.

It’s time to get off the lazy pew!

God is never done using us and we are never big enough to be able to tell God the way life, church, or anything needs to be!

Let’s stop just showing up! Let’s start showing out!

The Middle Ground: Living Between The Extremes

The Middle Ground

Living Between The Extremes

Arminianism, Calvinism, and the Truth.

Introduction

The issue of God's sovereignty is one of the foundational principles of the Christian life. Furthermore your view of salvation, redemption, sanctification, and God's sovereignty and grace will shape your view of every area of life and theology. It is in light of this stark reality that I have chosen to study and pen my thoughts on these issues. I have had countless people in my church and those I have met ask me my thoughts on Calvinism and Arminianism. I will never forget one phone call I received from a dear friend and church member. I was preparing for a youth service and he called and asked if I had a minuet, he had a “quick” question. He then proceeded to ask about my thoughts on Calvinism. After a quick chuckle I gave the most brief run through of my position.

After that call and few other casual conversations it became apparent to me that this should become one of my next writings. The answer to these questions is not a short one by any stretch of the imagination. It is hard for me to gravitate toward one extreme or another. As one of my mentors and former pastor told me that it is not either one or the other rather it is a both and situation. I tend to agree with certain points in both schools of thought, and I tend to disagree with about as many.

I realize because of the nature of my more moderate view, I will draw criticism from both sides of the issue. Nonetheless, I feel it important to set the record straight on my standpoint. Some say they are students of Calvin other of Arminius. I am neither a Calvinist nor am I an Armenian, I am a Christ follower. We live in a world of extremities. When a man runs of one side of a cliff his opponents will run off the other to prove a point. Which lives those of us who don't seek to take that deathly plunge with a choice to make. Are we going to follow suit or stay the course set before us. It is my desire to go back to scripture and find the truth. There is no need to reinvent a wheel that already has been working for centuries. 

I invite you to join me on my long journey as we look at the study of soteriology, theology dealing with salvation especially as effected by Jesus Christ. Let's think critically of both Calvinism and Arminianism and find where in the middle is the middle ground, the solid ground. Because I for one don't want to dive of a cliff. I seek to live in moderation in all aspects of my life, faith, and theology. Just as Paul told the church in Philippians 4:5 “let your moderation be know of all men” (KJV). Thank you for joining me as we discover the middle ground in or faith. May God bless you as you read and study with me.  

Fathers Day Message Outline: Where have all the good men gone?

Where Have All The Good Men Gone?

1 Samuel 15:1-23

Lessons from the life and fall of Saul

Introduction

A. Give us a King! - the demand of Israel in I Sam.8

1. Saul was their choice, and he became their conquering hero
2. But Saul later became the King who threw away his crown
3. The Bleating sheep on the slopes of Mt. Carmel signalled the end of the Reign of the first King of Israel

B. It was a case of three strikes and you're out

1. I Sam.13 - He became impatient and offered an empty sacrifice for His own benefit
2. I Sam.14 - His greed and arrogance put his son in danger
3. I Sam.15 - He was disobedient in not destroying the Amalekites. He covered up his sin instead of confessing it.

I. Great Dad's Know Sin Is Serious

A. Saul treated sin very lightly

1. Not only did he make excuses and blame others, but never truly repents
2. He SEEMS to repent, but it was all talk and no action
3. Not once is Saul broken hearted about his sins and shortcomings

B. We must be careful not to make the same mistake

1. The wages of sin is death - Rom.6:23
2. Jesus Christ died a cruel death on the cross because of sin
3. When we minimize sin, we also make little of what Jesus did, and why
4. Sin is serious, in the life of both saint and sinner - die unforgiven - destiny is Hell!

II. Great Dad's Guard their Hearts Psalms 1

A. Saul did not fail immediately

1. In fact at the beginning of his reign he was a very humble man
2. But soon pride and envy took over, and he hated David.
3. His decline is seen in the visit to the Witch of Endor - I Sam.28

B. Sin Corrupts Godly Leaders (It's a slow fade)

Saul started as a fearless ruler, He was the hero they called for. He Ended as a cynically depressed maniac who turned his back on God

1. Leaders who walk with wicked men are influenced by their corruption
2. Sin slows our walk until we stand in sin and stop walking with God
3. Eventually the man caught in sin will be consumed by it. It becomes his identity.

III. Great Dad's Walk In Integrity

A. Saul was a double minded man unstable in all his ways - Jas.1:8

1. Saying rather than doing, making excuses rather than confession, offering sacrifices rather than obedience, reputation rather than
character. More concerned about his will than God’s.
2. Reputation is what men think we are - character is what you are in the dark - alone, no one watching (Except God!)

3. Great Dad's don't make excuses for their wrongdoing.

B. David was a man of integrity

1. Psa.78:70-72
2. David was a man of single hearted devotion.
3. A man after God’s own heart. Each time he sinned he sought God’s Face and Forgiveness.Psa.32:3-5 is another example.
4. We would do well to remember that "He that covereth his sin shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth & forsaketh them shall have mercy" Prov.28:13

IV. Great Dad's Are Obedient and Humble

A. Consider how much God did for Saul

1. Anointed and empowered him as the first King of Israel
2. Blessed him and gave him great responsibilities
3. But Saul would not submit to God’s will, instead he would offer a sacrifice 15:22-23 rather than obey God fully.

B. Trust and obey for there is no other way!

1. Our success in life will be dependent on our obedience to God.

2. Our prayers will be answered, God will help and guide us
3. But when we live a lie, or harbor unconfessed sin, misery will follow
4. Look at the Prodigal son - when was he happy? Lk.15

V. Great Dad's Build Up Spiritual Homes

A. Saul never built anything - except an altar to himself
B. King David was always building his spiritual life - look at his psalms.
C. God’s will is for us to Grow I Pet.2:2

1. Build up ourselves in the most holy faith - Jude v.20 thru the Word of
God, prayer, fellowship with other Christians
2. Build up others - Heb.10:24-25 "provoke unto love & good works"
3. Build up the Church through winning the lost to Christ.

D. If we do these things, we shall never fall - II Pet.1:11-12

CONCLUSION

• We must be careful to hear and heed these important lessons
• Do you wish to go from ordinary to great?
• recognize the seriousness of sin
• guard your heart
• Walk in integrity
• Be obedient and humble
• Build up spiritual homes
• What happened to Saul can easily happen to us too.
• We must deal with sin or it will deal with us!
• Come to Christ who is the total answer for sin - I John 2:1-2 "If any man we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world"