Judges 1st Chapter verses 22 - 36 and Chapter 2 verses 1 - 5
Similar to the story of Jericho, the man who tells them the secret entrances to the city of Luz is spared with all of his family. He then goes on to found another city naming it Luz now that the Israelites renamed the newly conquered city Bethel.
We now hear that the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, Naphtali, Dan go in to take their lands but do not drive out all of the enemy. This was to be their land, given by God. God doesn't give half promises, he doesn't give and then take away, he doesn't promise something and not fulfill his promises. These tribes of Israel went in and did not follow the commandments of God. They would till this very day, pay for the fact that they did not complete their part of the promise.
Whenever we compromise with Satan, or compromise with the world, we are essentially saying that we don't fully believe in the promises of Christ and his resurrection. I have fallen short myself, but if we seek his forgiveness we can go on in Christ's name. Given this, there is a price to pay for sin after salvation. The children of Israel were delivered according to God's promise. The taking and dwelling of Canaan was their life for Christ so to speak. That which we sow, we shall also reap.
Hebrews 10:26 - 29
For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
These are not the most popular verses in Christianity; maybe they should be. We will pay for our sins committed after our 'knowledge of the truth'. Israel payed dearly for not listening to God's commands about taking and dwelling in the land of Canaan. Dwelling among the Canaanites was one thing, but then later taking their gods and their customs was quite another.
Judges 2: 1 - 5
Here comes and angel of the Lord to give a warning that is just in time if they heed the warning. Unfortunately they don't hold it to their hearts for long.
The angel commands them to make to covenants or alliances with these people; destroy their alters and serve only the true God that they now serve. We know that this warning was foretelling of what was to come and what was to be the next several hundred years of Israel's existence.
It is so with us, that if we make bargains, or live for the things of this world more than for God and his kingdom, the pleasures and vanities of this world will be our snares and thorns in our side.
Just as Israel wept, we should as well. God has given us a wonderful country, with wonderful opportunities to live a life for him and HIS purpose. We ought to weep and then serve him with fear and trembling; always heeding the warning unlike what happens in the rest of the book of Judges.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
4th Week April 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
Judges Chapter 1
The children of Israel find themselves for the first time without a leader that is either Moses, or someone associated with the exodus from Egypt. Moses is dead and now so is Joshua. We see that God is still with them and communicating with them. He is still instructing them to go and take the land that he promised them. He gave them specific instructions on what to do when they possessed a territory. We here that some of the tribes obeyed the commandments and others didn't. This would be a thorn in the side of Israel that continues to this day.
The tribes of Simeon and Judah go first to possess the land that God had promised them.They initially have great victory and then they run into Adoni-bezek. This was a king of some notoriety who had man other kings bow before him. After the the two tribes subdue him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes, rendering him unable to fight with a sword, or wrestle successfully with another man. This was a harsh time and he states that he is rewarded for the very things he did to other kings before him. This is truly and example of living by the sword and dying by the sword.
The tribes continue with great success burning the city that would some day be their capitol in Jerusalem. Then we come to one of the 'greats' of the leaders of Israel. Caleb makes a vow to marry off his daughter to whom ever can take Kirjath-sepher. This in part is a how we should view our Christian lives. We should strive the harder to conquer sin and spiritual wickedness because of the wonderful reward that awaits us in Heaven.
Caleb's daughter has favor with him and asks for a choice piece of land. I think pointing to the fact that our other halves truly are our better haves at times. More seriously though, we may want to tell someone about the joys of salvation and discover that someone dear to us may have a special favor with that person that can help convince them of the need of salvation. God showed favor to the Israelites, to Jacob, and to David over his brothers and so on. When he sent his son to die for our sins, he show special favor to us all.
Now comes the settlement of the Kenites. These were not all of the Kenite people, but the descendants of Moses' father in law. They followed Moses and the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness. Exodus 18 records Jethro's feelings toward Israel, their God and gives Moses some very sound advise. They go into the land of Canaan and take a portion in some of the better settled land of Canaan. It pays to be on God's side, many times you will get the overflowing of blessings he gives to others.
Later, the victories of Judah and Simeon fall a little short. We know because of the issues the Israelites have with the Philistines that they did not utterly clear out all of the coastal cities. Others were not defeated because of 'chariots of iron'. We know that God was able to deliver them out of Egypt and their army, past the walls of Jericho and so on. They fell short here, and it was not God's fault.
In next weeks lesson we'll try and finish the 1st chapter of Judges.
The children of Israel find themselves for the first time without a leader that is either Moses, or someone associated with the exodus from Egypt. Moses is dead and now so is Joshua. We see that God is still with them and communicating with them. He is still instructing them to go and take the land that he promised them. He gave them specific instructions on what to do when they possessed a territory. We here that some of the tribes obeyed the commandments and others didn't. This would be a thorn in the side of Israel that continues to this day.
The tribes of Simeon and Judah go first to possess the land that God had promised them.They initially have great victory and then they run into Adoni-bezek. This was a king of some notoriety who had man other kings bow before him. After the the two tribes subdue him, they cut off his thumbs and big toes, rendering him unable to fight with a sword, or wrestle successfully with another man. This was a harsh time and he states that he is rewarded for the very things he did to other kings before him. This is truly and example of living by the sword and dying by the sword.
The tribes continue with great success burning the city that would some day be their capitol in Jerusalem. Then we come to one of the 'greats' of the leaders of Israel. Caleb makes a vow to marry off his daughter to whom ever can take Kirjath-sepher. This in part is a how we should view our Christian lives. We should strive the harder to conquer sin and spiritual wickedness because of the wonderful reward that awaits us in Heaven.
Caleb's daughter has favor with him and asks for a choice piece of land. I think pointing to the fact that our other halves truly are our better haves at times. More seriously though, we may want to tell someone about the joys of salvation and discover that someone dear to us may have a special favor with that person that can help convince them of the need of salvation. God showed favor to the Israelites, to Jacob, and to David over his brothers and so on. When he sent his son to die for our sins, he show special favor to us all.
Now comes the settlement of the Kenites. These were not all of the Kenite people, but the descendants of Moses' father in law. They followed Moses and the Children of Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness. Exodus 18 records Jethro's feelings toward Israel, their God and gives Moses some very sound advise. They go into the land of Canaan and take a portion in some of the better settled land of Canaan. It pays to be on God's side, many times you will get the overflowing of blessings he gives to others.
Later, the victories of Judah and Simeon fall a little short. We know because of the issues the Israelites have with the Philistines that they did not utterly clear out all of the coastal cities. Others were not defeated because of 'chariots of iron'. We know that God was able to deliver them out of Egypt and their army, past the walls of Jericho and so on. They fell short here, and it was not God's fault.
In next weeks lesson we'll try and finish the 1st chapter of Judges.
Revival thought for week 18 of 2012
The revival is now just a week away. I'm excited and looking forward to see what God can do.
My thought this week comes from the 'Spindletop' oil well that started down in Texas at the turn of the last century. This oil well was so productive, that millions, if not billions of dollars were made from the oil that came out the the ground in that spot in Beaumont Texas. Three different Oil companies spawned from that ground. It is considered the birthplace of modern oil drilling.
My thought though is this. Several families owned different pieces of that ground. Some of them made a lot of money. Those people that owned that ground were millionaires but did not know it. They owned land that had billions of barrels of oil under it and they had only a little hint that it might be that way.
That is the same way with God. He does not save us and call us out of sin to be unproductive Christians. When he calls us out of sin, we have everything we need to be soul winners for Jesus Christ.
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
You can be a soul winner for Jesus Christ. He has made you and given you everything that you need to be a soul winner, you just have to put bring out of you what he put there through prayer and obedience. Then all of us can be soul winners. Our land needs a spiritual revival, and I believe it dwells within us to have one if we will put God first place and look to him for joy and happiness and leave lusts of this world behind.
My thought this week comes from the 'Spindletop' oil well that started down in Texas at the turn of the last century. This oil well was so productive, that millions, if not billions of dollars were made from the oil that came out the the ground in that spot in Beaumont Texas. Three different Oil companies spawned from that ground. It is considered the birthplace of modern oil drilling.
My thought though is this. Several families owned different pieces of that ground. Some of them made a lot of money. Those people that owned that ground were millionaires but did not know it. They owned land that had billions of barrels of oil under it and they had only a little hint that it might be that way.
That is the same way with God. He does not save us and call us out of sin to be unproductive Christians. When he calls us out of sin, we have everything we need to be soul winners for Jesus Christ.
Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
You can be a soul winner for Jesus Christ. He has made you and given you everything that you need to be a soul winner, you just have to put bring out of you what he put there through prayer and obedience. Then all of us can be soul winners. Our land needs a spiritual revival, and I believe it dwells within us to have one if we will put God first place and look to him for joy and happiness and leave lusts of this world behind.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Revival thought for week 17 of 2012
As we are now just over 2 weeks till our revival, I can feel the moving of the Holy Ghost. I am excited about what I see and hear at Church. Given that thought, it brings me to the verses below.
John 15: 12 - 14
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
People might believe what we tell them or what we say part of the time. People will, on the other hand, believe what we do 100% of the time. People might believe us when we tell them we love them or care about them and their well being. They will know we care about them when we actually show love and compassion toward our neighbors just as Christ did. They might question our motives at first, but actions cannot be hid.
James 2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
If we show Jesus we are his disciples by our actions, then we show our neighbors we love them the through the same way.
As the revival comes closer remember, we must be obedient and put our faith in actions to see God move in our lives and in our Church.
John 15: 12 - 14
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
People might believe what we tell them or what we say part of the time. People will, on the other hand, believe what we do 100% of the time. People might believe us when we tell them we love them or care about them and their well being. They will know we care about them when we actually show love and compassion toward our neighbors just as Christ did. They might question our motives at first, but actions cannot be hid.
James 2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
If we show Jesus we are his disciples by our actions, then we show our neighbors we love them the through the same way.
As the revival comes closer remember, we must be obedient and put our faith in actions to see God move in our lives and in our Church.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Revival thought for week 16 of 2012
How rich are you? How rich do you think you are or aren't? Yes, we are rich in grace, but that is not what I'm talking about.
50 percent of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day. 80 percent lives on less then $10 a day.
(I have read these facts in the book 'Weird' by Craig Groeschel. You can google the facts, but I haven't found a site that I am 100% satisfied with.
If you earn more than 39K a year, you are in the 1% of the top earners in the world. For the first time I realize that the verses in the bible that refer to the rich, and their possessions, does in fact pertain to me. It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:24
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
No wonder the churches across this country are not full. We don't need God. We have all the riches and our needs are fulfilled. We may not see ourselves as rich, we all know someone with more wealth than what we have, but we are the richest generation to ever exist on God's Earth.
Mark 4:19
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Imagine, that our riches and blessings in this country are blinding our eyes and choking out the word. Riches though, are fleeting, and will someday be gone, but take hope in this.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Regardless or our financial state, our salvation is permanent, and it is offered to all, rich or poor, small or great.
50 percent of the world lives on less than $2.50 a day. 80 percent lives on less then $10 a day.
(I have read these facts in the book 'Weird' by Craig Groeschel. You can google the facts, but I haven't found a site that I am 100% satisfied with.
If you earn more than 39K a year, you are in the 1% of the top earners in the world. For the first time I realize that the verses in the bible that refer to the rich, and their possessions, does in fact pertain to me. It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:24
And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
No wonder the churches across this country are not full. We don't need God. We have all the riches and our needs are fulfilled. We may not see ourselves as rich, we all know someone with more wealth than what we have, but we are the richest generation to ever exist on God's Earth.
Mark 4:19
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Imagine, that our riches and blessings in this country are blinding our eyes and choking out the word. Riches though, are fleeting, and will someday be gone, but take hope in this.
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Regardless or our financial state, our salvation is permanent, and it is offered to all, rich or poor, small or great.
3rd Week April 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
2 Timothy Chapter 4
Paul reminds Timothy, in what may have been his last penned letter. We don't know for a certainty, but it is definitely at the end of his life. Paul states something that many Christians have taken consolation in for thousands of years, and that is in the end, God and Lord Jesus Christ, will have the last say. He will be the final arbiter of every deed done and word spoken.
This can apply to all Christians, but here especially to those that are called to preach, that one should be instant in season and out of season. Ready to speak and spread the Gospel regardless of how you feel, or whether you are inclined to do so. Being ready at all times and not caught off guard by a lax moment to be able to judge and be judged according to God's word. Paul states that eventually people will not listen to the truth and believe any thing that comes along. It was so in that day and is definitely so now, not that there was ever a time that is started, just maybe a time of predominance over another time.
Being a Christian, and so is with being a minister, it is not easy. There will be hardships and heartaches, but there is a joy and comfort following after Jesus that the world cannot understand or enjoy while it sits in sin. Notice that Paul is sure that his time is come to an end. He doesn't state it with a surety, but he may have very good reason through the Holy Ghost and also by decree, of what awaits him soon. He does not brag but states the truth about his mission field for the Lord. He is as decorated an evangelist as ever walked the earth in the commission of God's work.
After all of this it is interesting to see the things that he writes about. The Bible and Paul's letters are not novels. They are real events that happened to real people and there are details about wrong doings, and simple things like items left in other places.
To be sure, the walk that Paul chose to take was lonely except for himself and the Lord on many occasions. That is where we will find ourselves, and this is written for our exhortation, at some time in our Christian journey.
It ends though, with no matter what has happened to Paul, that he urges the grace of God on his fellow followers.
Paul reminds Timothy, in what may have been his last penned letter. We don't know for a certainty, but it is definitely at the end of his life. Paul states something that many Christians have taken consolation in for thousands of years, and that is in the end, God and Lord Jesus Christ, will have the last say. He will be the final arbiter of every deed done and word spoken.
This can apply to all Christians, but here especially to those that are called to preach, that one should be instant in season and out of season. Ready to speak and spread the Gospel regardless of how you feel, or whether you are inclined to do so. Being ready at all times and not caught off guard by a lax moment to be able to judge and be judged according to God's word. Paul states that eventually people will not listen to the truth and believe any thing that comes along. It was so in that day and is definitely so now, not that there was ever a time that is started, just maybe a time of predominance over another time.
Being a Christian, and so is with being a minister, it is not easy. There will be hardships and heartaches, but there is a joy and comfort following after Jesus that the world cannot understand or enjoy while it sits in sin. Notice that Paul is sure that his time is come to an end. He doesn't state it with a surety, but he may have very good reason through the Holy Ghost and also by decree, of what awaits him soon. He does not brag but states the truth about his mission field for the Lord. He is as decorated an evangelist as ever walked the earth in the commission of God's work.
After all of this it is interesting to see the things that he writes about. The Bible and Paul's letters are not novels. They are real events that happened to real people and there are details about wrong doings, and simple things like items left in other places.
To be sure, the walk that Paul chose to take was lonely except for himself and the Lord on many occasions. That is where we will find ourselves, and this is written for our exhortation, at some time in our Christian journey.
It ends though, with no matter what has happened to Paul, that he urges the grace of God on his fellow followers.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
2nd Week April 2012 Adult Sunday School Lesson
2 Timothy Chapter 3
We know that the bible does not paint a pleasant pictures for the believer in the last days. We are to take comfort though that no matter what may come about, Christ will not leave us.
1 Kings 8: 56, 57
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
Paul talks of men who have nothing but their own pleasure to pursue, leaving God far from their conscience. Just as bad, but not as obvious will be those that say 'Jesus' but do not really believe or live the life or a Christian. We see this today, and I believe this does great damage to the cause of Christ. To say Jesus, but live as the devil.
When the bible or its authors use words like reprobate, we are to take head. The spreading of the Gospel with falsehood and lies is our mission. We are to have no part with those that would distort his Word. To falsify the Gospel through ignorance is one thing, but knowingly teaching contrary to God's Word is to reject the Holy Ghost.
We know that the life and the things endured by Paul were known of many people. His ministry was not hidden, but out in the open before many witnesses. We know that his testimony is true and that helps it carry the weight that it does, not forgetting the witness of the Holy Ghost.
Then he goes back to warning that those that start down the path of misleading people are bound to go further away from God and will become nothing but corrupt and cankered. He warns Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. When we are on the right path, when our purpose is for Christ, we know because of the Holy Ghost. It will reassure us that our journey is on the right path.
As he finishes this chapter, take heart in what Paul says about God's word. It is true, without error and good for our Christian walk. To follow the Word and be obedient is to walk a perfect life in Christ. Through his strength, and not our own.
We know that the bible does not paint a pleasant pictures for the believer in the last days. We are to take comfort though that no matter what may come about, Christ will not leave us.
1 Kings 8: 56, 57
Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:
Paul talks of men who have nothing but their own pleasure to pursue, leaving God far from their conscience. Just as bad, but not as obvious will be those that say 'Jesus' but do not really believe or live the life or a Christian. We see this today, and I believe this does great damage to the cause of Christ. To say Jesus, but live as the devil.
When the bible or its authors use words like reprobate, we are to take head. The spreading of the Gospel with falsehood and lies is our mission. We are to have no part with those that would distort his Word. To falsify the Gospel through ignorance is one thing, but knowingly teaching contrary to God's Word is to reject the Holy Ghost.
We know that the life and the things endured by Paul were known of many people. His ministry was not hidden, but out in the open before many witnesses. We know that his testimony is true and that helps it carry the weight that it does, not forgetting the witness of the Holy Ghost.
Then he goes back to warning that those that start down the path of misleading people are bound to go further away from God and will become nothing but corrupt and cankered. He warns Timothy to continue in the things he has learned. When we are on the right path, when our purpose is for Christ, we know because of the Holy Ghost. It will reassure us that our journey is on the right path.
As he finishes this chapter, take heart in what Paul says about God's word. It is true, without error and good for our Christian walk. To follow the Word and be obedient is to walk a perfect life in Christ. Through his strength, and not our own.
Revival thought for week 15 of 2012
Sometimes we get distracted by the task at hand and forget the ultimate goal.
Luke 10:38 - 42
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Do we ever get caught up in the doing and forget about the end. We are here to glorify God and spread the Gospel message. We can do and be distracted by many things, but make sure, that the things we spend the most time are the 'needful things' and the 'good part' that Christ spoke of, and not the distracting things.
The Church needs tithers, cleaners, cooks, washers, drivers, but when the altar call is made, the Church needs most of all prayers and obeyers.
Luke 10:38 - 42
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Do we ever get caught up in the doing and forget about the end. We are here to glorify God and spread the Gospel message. We can do and be distracted by many things, but make sure, that the things we spend the most time are the 'needful things' and the 'good part' that Christ spoke of, and not the distracting things.
The Church needs tithers, cleaners, cooks, washers, drivers, but when the altar call is made, the Church needs most of all prayers and obeyers.
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