Thursday, October 27, 2011

Matthew 22:34-46 The Greatest

Matthew 22:34-46

Read verse 37 again. This is a the greatest commandment. The core value. The guiding principle. People remembered that Jesus identified this one as the most important commandment.

Memorize it. Write it down - or, print the picture, above - and post it in the places where you are when you need be reminded of what comes first.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Inviting others to believe

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Compare these different versions of Verse 12:

We appealed to you, encouraged you, and pleaded with you to live lives worthy of the God who is calling you into his own kingdom and glory. (CEB)

...encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (NIV, 1984)

We begged, encouraged, and urged each of you to live in a way that would honor God. He is the one who chose you to share in his own kingdom and glory. (CEV)

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. (NLT)

...urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (NRSV)

Many people - including some whose faith is deep, find it difficult to talk to non-believers about Jesus. Telling the Thessalonians what he did, Paul gives Christians today a practical model for talking to someone about Christ. Sharing from your own, genuine experience of faith, you can

Appeal - Ask the person to tell you something about his/her life, celebrations, and challenges. Ask him/her to consider believing in Jesus. Introduce him/her to the reality of Christ's loving presence. Tell them about St. Philip's and invite them to come to Church with you so that s/he can see for her/himself the life of a community of believers;
Encourage - Affirm that s/he can - that we all have the ability and capacity to - believe. Assure from your experienced confidence of Christ's caring power that s/he can trust Jesus; and,
Urge - Share with her/him Christ's desire to be in the now, that Jesus is available now to share with her/him God's gracious, accepting love.

Questions

In what ways does this practical model help you in inviting others to believe in Jesus?
How can you incorporate into your conversation with friends? colleagues? persons with whom you have casual encounters?

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Psalm 73

This Psalm has a tender reference to God holding your hand. It would be easy to imagine that as an adult's hand grasping a child's. In the picture above, the hands holding each other are of an indeterminate age to remind us that God reaches to you when, where, and as you are.

Questions

In what situation do you need to allow yourself to feel God's comforting, guiding touch?
To whom will you reach out today?
Are you willing to hold his/her and at least for a moment?
What will you say to him/her about Jesus?

Monday, October 24, 2011

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Numbers 20:1-13 explains why Moses lived to only see - not to enter - the promised land:

¹² The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t trust me to show my holiness before the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I am giving them.” (CEB)

Believing in Jesus - trusting Christ - enables you to go the distance. Consistent, faithful trusting will also grow you to change your goals and destination points as you align your living with God's purposes.

[Picture credit: http://www.ratnermuseum.com/israelbiblemuseum/virtual/exodus/img0066.htm]

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Psalm 90

Dr. Schultz' sermon today is, "Understanding Eternity." Here's the key for the Sermon Notes:

Eternity matters because we live eternally in the here and now.

Zombies and Vampires are fictional; fun for Halloween.

Accepting that we live in Eternity sharpens our focus on today, and frees us from self-imposed limitations.

This week, I can live eternally by