The Church Is the Church!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived during a day when the Church faced challenges under the government of Nazis that we can scarcely imagine today.  While it would be great to say that the Church actually flourished in Germany in those days, it would not actually be true, because those were dark day for all of humanity as well as the Church.  In a real way, the Church was not up to the task.

So, today we are faced with challenging times, that while I do not believe that they are necessarily from God, I do believe that God can do great things in the midst of them with a Church that is ready to Be the Church.  Especially as we cannot, at this time, really be the Church within the walls of the Church, and therefore are compelled to imagine what the Church really is outside of the walls.  Outside the Walls, where the Church was always meant to be.

Bonhoeffer goes on to say, “It is a great comfort which Jesus gives to his church. ‘You confess, preach, bear witness to Me, and I alone will build where it pleases Me. Do not meddle in what is not your providence. Do what is given to you, and do it well, and you will have done enough… Live together in the forgiveness of your sins. Forgive each other every day from the bottom of your hearts.’”

And we are the Church when we exist, operate, minister, move, and are moved for others.  In these days, God has given you an unprecedented opportunity to simply exist as the Church, and you do that as close as your next door neighbor and all the way to the ends of the earth. 

So, you don’t have too look far, and you do not have to go far.  Just take the opportunity to show Jesus through acts of love, compassion, kindness and mercy right where you live.  You never know exactly what God has in store for you.

So, why not find out right now!  Dare to be the Church!

Pastor Brady

Beloved Let Us ………. One Another

Lesson 3: Mutual Submission

God's Word for Today! 1 Peter 5:5 (NKJV)

 "All of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

"God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

So, Let's Get Started!

When you hear the word “submit” what comes to mind?

What do you think about submitting to God?

We all realize that we should submit to God. We might not do it well and go our own way at times but we realize God is someone we should submit to.

What is it about God that makes us think submitting to Him would be the right thing to do?

 God is wiser and more powerful than we are

 Submitting to God is important because we know God loves us

Let's Look A Little Farther Into It!

Read  - Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)  & Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)
 

What about our need to submit to other people?  What does the Bible Say is our need to submit to other people.

Read – 1 Peter 5:5 & Ephesians 5:15-21 (NKJV)
 

Now that is a difficult teaching!

When you hear that, what reservations, complaints or concerns do you have about it?

This is one of those teachings that everyone has to do well in order for it to work at its maximum effectiveness. In other words, if just one or two people decide to “lord it over” everyone else and be a bully they break this command and make it harder on everyone else to obey what Paul wrote here.

That is why this is called “mutual” submission because it goes both ways.

Let’s talk about this in terms of making decisions that affect more than one person.

How can a church, a leadership or a family practice mutual submission in making decisions about their direction, their decisions, etc?

 Each person is considering what is best for the other

 This is not one person running the show and calling the shots while being unconcerned for everyone else.

What happens when the decision makers forget about what is best for those they lead?

What do you do when church leaders, group leaders or just other Christians make decisions you don’t like?

How do your actions show maturity or immaturity on your part?

Now, let’s look at Jesus. Jesus submitted to God in all things. In doing so, Jesus also submitted to other people.

How do you think Jesus showed submission to people?

 The cross

 His arrest and torture

Jesus was in submission to the Romans who tortured and killed him because he knew that submission is what God called for. Bottom line, submission to the Roman soldiers was submission to God’s plan.

Same is true for us. Submission to others is part of being pleasing to God.

Is there any other way that Jesus may have showed submission to others?

Do you think it was easier for Him that it would be for us?  Why / Why not?

Read Hebrews 13:17

How does submission show confidence in the one you submit to?

How does the Hebrew writer remind them that their leaders also have accountability and must also submit to a higher power?

What result does the Hebrew writer say happens when submission works the way it is supposed to work?

Putting It To Work!

Are there any areas of your life you feel God wants you to be more submissive?

If you are someone who has authority or is in charge of people, how do you find ways to be more mindful of the people you oversee?

If you are a parent, how do you allow your children to know their input is welcome and appreciated but that they still live under your authority?

How do you find this balance in marriage?

Class Steps

Questions

Who do you know that needs reached out to at this time?

What good things is God up to in regard to reaching people for Christ that we can celebrate?

Prayer time – prayers that God will encourage us to reach out and thanksgiving for progress made toward the people reached out to in the past.

Live More, Worry Less!

One of my favorite passages from Scripture is that which was penned by the writer of wisdom in Proverbs 25:28 (NIV).  It reads as follows:
"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

What we need to understand about that verse is that the wall of a fortified city were never intended to keep people in, but instead were intended to keep the enemy at bay on the outside of the walls, and prevent him wreaking destruction and death on those within the walls.  The walls were for protection from the attacks of the enemy.

 Self-control is like the placing of a wall that keeps the enemy at bay.  And there is perhaps nothing so needful in the Christian journey as a good dose of self-control.  A disciplined life has the tendency to slam the door in the face of the enemy of our souls, and protect us from the ravages of life, which so often leave us wounded and questioning along the roadside of life wondering what happened.

This is nowhere more true than in the financial arena of our lives.  So often, we just expect everything to spontaneously work out.  Our fore planning seldom goes beyond next week, and our self-control is sacrificed upon the altar of what I want or perceive that "I Need" right now.

Is it any wonder then that Financial Disaster strikes, and brings with it all of the attendant distress and stress?  Could it be remedied?  Can it be avoided?

The answer to that is yes.  Though we cannot avoid every difficult circumstance a setback, if we know that they are a possibility, then we can make appropriate plans to address those difficulties and setbacks.  And that is exactly why I, as your pastor, am offering an opportunity to you to attend the Financial Peace University class that I am teaching.  It has proven to be a tremendous tool and help to my family and I.  Therefore, I open the door for you also.

Here is the link to our class, https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1038380 , along with a quick video that offers valuable insight for you today.

Serving the King of Kings,

Pastor Brady

Spiritual BreakThroughs

Everybody Needs One,

But Not Everyone Gets One

2 Samuel 5:20 (NIV)
"As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me."

Understanding and Experiencing Repentance

What would you like to praise God for today?

                        Where did you see God at work this past week?

"We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 So, Let's Start!  What do we mean by Repentance?

                                                How can you know that true Repentance has occurred?

God's Good Word!      1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,

that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you

out of darkness into His marvelous light;

AS we begin this journey through spiritual breakthroughs, we need to first understand the profound importance of a repentant heart.  Sin and repentance are concepts that seem to go against the grain. Our individualistic society feeds off the thought that 'I' should focus on myself – and that 'truth' is simply what I believe and how dare anyone challenge that. But that smacks of a hardness of heart – whereas we are called to be softened and malleable in God's hands.  In order for us to experience spiritual breakthrough in our individual lives, families, churches, and nation we must come to God on his terms, and in response to His Word.

The psalmist tells us that, Psalm 51:17 (NKJV)

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise."

So, according to our scripture this morning, Our journey towards spiritual breakthrough begins with

I. The Acknowledgement of Sin.(read Ps. 51:1-6 )

 Background: Psalm 51 is an expression of David’s repentance forhis sins. He had committed adultery with Bathsheba. She became pregnant. He had her husband put in harm’s way so the husband was killed in battle. All the while trying to cover-up the affair. (2 Samuel 11:1-27)

  As you read this passage what do you discover about How does David feels?

Why is it good to experience genuine guilt (v.3)?

In verses 1 and 2, identify and contrast the 3 terms that describe God’s goodness and the 3 terms that describe David’s sin.

Mercy- Transgression             Lovingkindness – Iniquity            Tender Mercies - Sin

Since such sins are against others, what is the meaning of v. 4?

What does this show about the nature of sin?

How did David know that God would forgive Him?

How do we know God will forgive you?

(see 1 John 1:5-10)

II. Seek the Removal of Sin (read Psalms 51:7-9 )

Have you ever had a toothache so painful it resulted in the tooth’s being pulled or broken a bone you had to have set?

                    How did you handle the condition?

                             Did you take care of it yourself?

What lessons do we learn from this about handling our sin problem?

 Repentance is not our turning over a new leaf or making a resolution to do better. It involves coming to God to seek sin’s removal and receiving His forgiveness.

III. Trust God to Renew (read Psalms 51:10-12 )

 

In order for David’s conduct to change what had to happen within him?

 

In verse 10 David goes from talking about the removal of sin to the restoration of his relationship with God.

 Does God leave the Christian who sins against Him (Heb. 13:5)?

 How do the forgiveness of sin and restoring fellowship with God go together. (see Ro. 8:8-9)

Wrap up:  (read Psalms 51:15-17)

How do these verses describe humility and submission to God?

How does this depict a readiness to respond to God?

 Why does repentance need to be an ongoing attitude?

Prayer:  For one another

What A Day To Begin A Brand New Day

Paul Holderfield Sr.
"God wants my heart. Why? Must be for only one reason: He loves me. There's nothing else I have. Myself and my love and my heart. He doesn't need anything else I've got, except my heart and my love. 
If I give him all the money I have, He wouldn't be any richer!

I could give Him all the greatness I have, and He wouldn't be any greater!

I could give Him all the goodness I have and He wouldn't be any better!

I could give Him all my strength and He would be any stronger!

He loves me; He wants my heart. We must give Him our hearts. Christianity is not coming to church. Christianity is not preaching, playing, or singing or teaching Sunday School. Christianity is one thing – falling in love with Jesus Christ. That's all it is!"

(I Corinthians 13:1-8)

To give Him all that we are and have without surrendering to Him our hearts is to give Him nothing at all. 
What about it? What a day to start a brand new day!

Monday Morning Musings

Monday mornings can be hard!  Can I get a witness?

So, this morning I am sitting in my office and I pick up an old missionary book I had been planning on, and putting off reading about "Brother Paul"; Pastor Paul Holderfield Sr., the founding pastor of Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene.  As I was reading, I was about half way through when I was stopped by the Holy Spirit by a few simple words that surely helped put everything in perspective for this worn out Christ Follower on Monday morning.

Pastor Paul said,  "When I go to a garage to get my car fixed and the sign says 'Mechanic On Duty', I expect him to fix my car. If I go to a cabinet shop and it says 'Carpenter', I expect him to be a carpenter. When we hang out a sign that says we're a Christian, we are expected to conduct that kind of business and not other. What a responsibility we have to win those around us. We've got a mission field here in America; every many with Jesus Christ in his heart is a missionary, but everyone who doesn't have Jesus Christ in his heart is a mission field.  I can't go where I'm not and do what I can't; I've got to stay where I am and do what I can."

Every Christ-filled heart beats within the chest of a missionary.  Every Christless heart is a mission field waiting for the coming of the missionary.  

Isaiah 6:8 (NKJV)
"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

What say we go forth as KIngdom People into our world today and do what we can right where we are.  And don't worry, for God Himself with go with, and before us!

Be Blessed this day.

Pastor Brady

Power For Daily Living

Knowing What

Really Matters

Putting Things In Place

Power For Daily Living

(Ephesians 1:15-21; 3:14-21)

How can I live the life God wants me to live?

 What would you like to praise God for today?

                         Where did you see God at work this past week?

 "We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 So, Let's Start!   Do you sometimes find it a struggle to live the Christian Life Successfully?

                                                Why is it sometimes such a struggle?

                                                            What's the answer?

 God's Good Word!                              Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

 God's Good Word for Today!     Ephesians 1:15-21; 3:14-21

 I. Awareness of the Greatness of God’s Power (Ephesians 1:15-21)

Do you ever think that other Christians are more successful at living the Christian life than you are? How does that make you feel?
 

A.   In vv. 18 and 19, what three areas does Paul pray for the Ephesians to “be enlightened” and “know” more fully? 

B.   Although we may not be able to fully grasp the magnitude of God’s power, what does he say it is like (vv19,20)?

C.   God’s “incomparably great power” reversed the ultimate effect of sin (death) and raised Him from the dead and seated Him in heaven.

 How does it make you feel to know that same power is available to elevate believers to a new level of spiritual life?

D.   Why do you think Paul uses the phrase “the eyes of your heart”?

 Why didn’t he choose “head”, “brain” or “intellect”?

 II. True Inner Power     (Ephesians 3:14-19 (NKJV)

According to this prayer, what is God’s design/process in spiritually strengthening believers?

Through Who? Why is important that it be in our inner being?

   Does this happen by God’s initiative… what part might we play? How does faith fit in?

1.    How important does it appear that we be “rooted” and “established” in Christ’s love?

 What happens to plants that are not “rooted”… buildings that are not “established”?

2.    What is the difference between experiencing God’s love and knowing facts about His love?

 How have you experienced God’s power in your life?

 A.   How wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ? How is “out of His glorious riches” v.16 similar to what we discovered in chapter 1:19, “His incomparable great power”?

2. When we pray, what kinds of requests do we usually ask of Him?

 How might this model of prayer affect the way we pray for others / ourselves?

 III. Praise God for His Infinite Power       (Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)

 A.   What are some things that are immeasurable, e.g. water in the sea?

  How does it make you feel to know that God can do and desires to do more thanyou can imagine?

 1.    What does Paul’s “praise” affirm about God? Why do you think Paul was so assured and confident in making this grand expression?

 2.    Why is it important for us to include “praise” of God in our prayers?

Care and Prayer:  How can we help one another through prayer today?

  “I can’t, but You can.”  This prayer expresses that we cannot live the Christian life on our own and acknowledges that Christ can live His life through us. Is there an “I can’t” area you would like prayer for?

Knowing What Really Matters: Knowing and Experiencing God's Power

Knowing What

Really Matters

Putting Things In Place

Knowing & Experiencing God's Power

 (Ephesians 2:1-10)

How can I experience God’s life changing power?

What would you like to praise God for today?

                         Where did you see God at work this past week?

 "We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

So, Let's Start!                     What special gift have you received recently?

God's Good Word!                              Isaiah 40:25-26 (NKJV)

"To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?"

says the Holy One.

Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things,

Who brings out their host by number;

He calls them all by name,

By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power;

Not one is missing.

God's Good Word for Today!     Ephesians 2:1-10

I. Understanding The Need For God’s Power  Ephesians 2:1-3 (NKJV)                        

¹  And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
²  in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
³  among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

 1.    What phrases does Paul use in describing what the Christians in Ephesus were like before Christ?  Why do you think Paul reminded these people what their lives were like before Christ?

2.    How might your life “before Christ” compare to the descriptions Paul gives?  Why?
How does knowing that you have been saved from these things make you feel?

 II. How We Receive God’s Power Through Faith In Christ  Ephesians 2:4-9 (NKJV)

⁴  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
⁵  even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
⁶  and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
⁷  that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
⁸  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
⁹  not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 1.    From these verses, what was life for the Ephesians like after they began to follow Christ by faith?  What are some benefits of a life lived with Christ that you didn’t experience before you came to follow Christ?

2.    Is anyone “good enough” to earn salvation?

3.    What does it mean to respond in faith (v. 8)?   Why do you think some Christians feel obligated to work their way to God even after they have been given the gift of salvation through Christ?

4.    Why do you think people have difficulty understanding that salvation is a free gift?  Why might “salvation by works” look appealing to some?

 III. How We Apply God’s Power  Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
¹⁰  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

1.    Verses 8 – 9 tell us that works do not save us; what does verse 10 add to that truth?  Why should a Christian want to do good works?

2.    What is the significance of the phrase “prepared in advance for us to do”?  How does knowing you are God’s workmanship (i.e. His masterpiece!) make you feel?

Care & Prayer – How can we help you through prayer today?

·         Do you need to place your trust (faith) in Christ and receive the gift of salvation?

·         If you are saved, how might God be at work in your life?

·         Who are those you know that need Christ?

Knowing What Really Matters

Knowing What

Really Matters

Putting Things In Place

Setting Limits

Setting Boundaries For Spiritual Growth

"We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 So, Let's Start!  What is your biggest enemy in spending consistent time alone with God?

How can you overcome it? How necessary is that time?

God's Good Word!                              Psalm 46:1, 10 (NKJV)

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

God's Good Word for Today!     Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)
38  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.
39  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word.
40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
41  And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.
42  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

A. Walking Through The Word(Thinking it through)

Now, Both Mary and Martha loved Jesus.

How were Mary’s actions a form of “serving” Jesus?

     If you were on the scene that day,

who would you have identified as the "true" servant"

                                           Why?

If you were Martha, how would you have responded to Jesus’ words?

a)   flown off the handle

b)   thought to myself, “He doesn’t have to live with my sister”

c)   left the room and pouted

d)   accepted the correction, sat down with Mary and forgot about supper

According to this story, how would you describe the different personalities of Mary and Martha?

Is this a personality issue or a spiritual one? 

If personality, do we have a need to bring the "whole person" into subjection to Christ?

What are their strengths and weaknesses?

What was Jesus saying to Martha?

a)    she should be more like Mary

b)    she had her priorities messed up

c)    people are more important than housework

d)    “sitting at Jesus’ feet” is more important than anything else

B. Applying The Word(Putting It To Work)

In each of the following, which quality is more true of you?

a)    task or relational oriented

b)    work or quality-of-life oriented

c)    practical or ideal oriented

d)    uptight or laid-back

e)    physically or spiritually oriented

If Jesus dropped in on you, what might He point out that

distracts you from the really important things in life,

like spending time with Him?

Regarding giving to others, how often do you experience each of the following motivations - seldom, sometimes or frequently?

a)    to feel in control

b)    to feel needed

c)    to receive in return

d)    to get people to like me

e)    out of obligation

C. Bringing It Down (What Do I Need To Do Right Now?)

 In light of your answers to the last question, what course of action do you need to take?

a)    admit my need to change

b)    open my life more to God’s love

c)    keep in touch with my motivations

d)    set limits on what I do for others

e)    keep doing what I’m doing

Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV)

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

2016 Bible Reading Plan

Benton First Church

of the

Nazarene

2016

Bible Reading Planner

The word of God is living and active.

Sharper than any double-edged sword,

it penetrates even to dividing

soul and spirit, joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Heb 4:12-13(NIV)

Greetings in the Mighty Name of the Lord,

As you start this New Year, please remember that the Bible is a remarkable book, a revelation of God to all who would dare to read and believe.  It is not just any book, or another book; it is The Book!  Throughout its pages we see men and women who are confronted by the reality of a Creator God who not only knows them intimately, but also loves them infinitely.  The Word of God leaves us not untouched, but dares to transform all who would venture a journey through its sacred pages. 

Charles Colson, once a criminal and self-proclaimed reprobate, says of this remarkable book,

"The BIBLE -- banned, burned, beloved.  More widely read, more frequently attacked than any other book in history.  Generations of intellectuals have attempted to discredit it, dictators of every age have outlawed it and executed thosewho read it.  Yet soldiers carry it into battle believing it more powerful than their weapons.  Fragments of it smuggled into solitary prison cells have transformed ruthless killers into gentle saints"

Dare to Believe that God Himself has a transforming journey in mind for you this day.  Join us as we read through the Bible in a year, with a plan that includes Old & New Testament reading each and every day.

Enjoy the Journey!

Pastor Brady