I was blessed to come across Adrian Rogers' podcast the other day and have started receiving them on a regular basis. I would recommend subscribing if you have itunes.
I thought the passage he preached through was excellent and was very helpful in being able to explain salvation. Romans 10: 1-13
The title to his sermon was "The Simplicity of Salvation."
Dr. Rogers says, "Jesus came not as a great philosopher, educator, economist or social worker; Jesus came as Savior. Man's greatest need is to have our sins covered, forgiven, and to be reconciled to God."
So many times we, as preachers and communicators of the gospel, try to portray Christ as one of these aforementioned characters. Christ is Lord and Savior. It is quite simple so simple it is confusing to the intellectual. That is part of the mystery of salvation. While trying to put some form of science to Christ we must remember that Christ is the One who formed science. He is the creator and sustainer of all things visible and invisible.
Dr. Rogers points out that God desired for the religious to be saved. Religious being the Jews and Pharisees. Many people are religious. Religious wears with it many masks. Dr. Rogers put it somewhat this way in that if we were as righteous as the Pharisees our sanctuaries would be full on Sundays, tithing would be 100% and everyone would outwardly be very religious but inwardly very lost. Works do not bring salvation, works reveal salvation.
In conclusion, I must encourage you to listen to this sermon. Very good and easy to understand. Have a blessed day.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Launching Out to the Other Side
This month God has brought me to an idea driven through the book of Luke of "Launch." Each week we are looking into different aspects of launching out.
Last week we looked at Luke chapter 5 vs. 1-8. We can get six life lessons from this passage of scripture.
1. Being in the presence of the teaching of Christ is not enough. v.1,2
2. Being in the boat with Christ is not enough. v.3
3. Nothing is enough without Christ v.5a
4. Being obedient to Christ and his commands is enough v. 4,5b
5. Obedience to Christ brings more than enough v.6,7
6. Jesus Christ is enough v.8
The greatest point of this passage is that Jesus Christ and obedience to his will is primary for the believer.
This week we continued in the thought of "Launch" with Launching out to the other side. Many times we find ourselves in an A.D.D. kinda of state. We sometimes listen on the front end but never carry anything to completion. It is vitally important and eternally determining where Christ is in your life. As we look into God's word this week we see five points of what it takes to launch out to the other side.
1. Launching Out takes Christ being in the boat. v.22a
Number one we must realize that Christ comes into our boat. He changes everything. He comes into our lives and the positions change. Where was before is not where I am right now. I have to move over, step aside and get out of the way so Christ can come into my boat. Sometimes this makes me uncomfortable because my boat is small. My boat is my boat. My boat is controlled and directed by me. My boat is my boat until Christ steps in.
2. Launching Out takes Christ giving the direction. v.22b
We no longer have control. We no longer determine our boats path. We didn't really have much control before he came in anyway. We really had no idea why we were in the boat except that we were just making it day to day. Now, Christ steps in; He makes a statement or commands, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now, Christ is in the boat. Christ has made his command or request. Now, do we obey? What's on this other side anyway? What's makes him so knowledgeable about where to go? Let's look at it from this perspective. If I were in a high school or college marching band and I had no band instructor to layout beforehand where each instrument player were to walk or where each accessory were to be placed, would I have any clue as to where to go? How would I refrain from running all over my other band members? I wouldn't, because this is my path. I charted this for me, by me and for my joy. But, life is not about me or you, it is about Christ and his plan. Christ knew what was on the other side of the lake. Christ knew that he had a purpose to get to the other side with you and me and those disciples. Christ knows the direction for which all should go.
3. Launching Out takes Christ being our Refuge. v.23,24
Let me say that if you don't have somewhere to run before you run, you run aimlessly. If you are in danger and are running to get to a safe place but don't know of one, you run aimlessly but, if you know where to run when danger surrounds you, you run purposefully. You want to get where things are safe. You want to get to the one in whom you can be comforted, protected and kept from all harm. I can't help but think of the movie, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings." Frodo, Sam, Mary and Pippen are running from the Horsemen of Sauramon. Frodo has the ring and they jump over this small ledge and scurry underneath it. Underneath the lesge there are worms, snails, bugs, snakes, spiders and many other creepy crawlers but the primary one they are evading is the Horseman. They pull in tight to one another, trying not to breath, move or make a sound. The wraith gets off his horse and peers over the edge but to no avail does he see the frightened runners. He leaves, frustrated because in their refuge, they were safe. When Satan comes at us, much like the Horsemen or the storm, Christ is our refuge. BUT, if he is not in our boats, we have nothing to run to, we run aimlessly. When the disciples called on Christ to save them, He awoke and spoke and everything was alright.
4. Launching Out takes Christ's discipline. v.25a
It's interesting to note that Christ knew where he wanted them to go, he got into the boat and took a nap. Christ knew, as God, what was coming for his disciples. He knew that He had something important to accomplish on the other side. Sometimes, we forget who Christ is and what he has done and can do. Colossians tells us that through him, for him and by him all things were created both visible and invisible. We get so caught up in the visible that we forget the invisible qualities of Christ are beyond our finite minds. We lose sight, heart and faith from time to time because we take our eyes off the unseen, the eternal, and focus them on the seen, the perishing. Christ wants us to have superhuman vision that focuses on the unseen. Faith. For it is by grace, through FAITH, that you are saved...Where is your Faith?
5. Launching Out takes an awe-inspiring reality of Christ. v.25b
When was the last time you were just in awe over what Christ has done or was doing? I got to watch the beginning of the VT and Boise St. game the other night and man was I in awe of the uniforms both teams were wearing (I liked VT's better). I got on facebook and updated my status to reflect my awe of the uniforms. I sought out the nike pro combat uniforms webpage and posted a link of it on the facebook page. We need to have that same awe of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. He has done way more than any uniform or Alabama, Auburn or sports team has done or will do. Sometimes, we need to have a fear or God and ask, "Who can this be? For He commands the wind and the waves, and they obey him?" How marvelous and awesome! I like the song by David Phelps which sings, "Even the wind and the waves obey, why can't I? Why can't I? Where is my faith? Is it lost at sea? Lord help me to be, like the wind and the waves." Let us be like the wind and the waves, obedient to the Master of the sea. We must have Jesus Christ in our boats!
Reply or use as you see fit.
In Christ Alone,
Blake Prater
Last week we looked at Luke chapter 5 vs. 1-8. We can get six life lessons from this passage of scripture.
1. Being in the presence of the teaching of Christ is not enough. v.1,2
2. Being in the boat with Christ is not enough. v.3
3. Nothing is enough without Christ v.5a
4. Being obedient to Christ and his commands is enough v. 4,5b
5. Obedience to Christ brings more than enough v.6,7
6. Jesus Christ is enough v.8
The greatest point of this passage is that Jesus Christ and obedience to his will is primary for the believer.
This week we continued in the thought of "Launch" with Launching out to the other side. Many times we find ourselves in an A.D.D. kinda of state. We sometimes listen on the front end but never carry anything to completion. It is vitally important and eternally determining where Christ is in your life. As we look into God's word this week we see five points of what it takes to launch out to the other side.
1. Launching Out takes Christ being in the boat. v.22a
Number one we must realize that Christ comes into our boat. He changes everything. He comes into our lives and the positions change. Where was before is not where I am right now. I have to move over, step aside and get out of the way so Christ can come into my boat. Sometimes this makes me uncomfortable because my boat is small. My boat is my boat. My boat is controlled and directed by me. My boat is my boat until Christ steps in.
2. Launching Out takes Christ giving the direction. v.22b
We no longer have control. We no longer determine our boats path. We didn't really have much control before he came in anyway. We really had no idea why we were in the boat except that we were just making it day to day. Now, Christ steps in; He makes a statement or commands, "Let us cross over to the other side." Now, Christ is in the boat. Christ has made his command or request. Now, do we obey? What's on this other side anyway? What's makes him so knowledgeable about where to go? Let's look at it from this perspective. If I were in a high school or college marching band and I had no band instructor to layout beforehand where each instrument player were to walk or where each accessory were to be placed, would I have any clue as to where to go? How would I refrain from running all over my other band members? I wouldn't, because this is my path. I charted this for me, by me and for my joy. But, life is not about me or you, it is about Christ and his plan. Christ knew what was on the other side of the lake. Christ knew that he had a purpose to get to the other side with you and me and those disciples. Christ knows the direction for which all should go.
3. Launching Out takes Christ being our Refuge. v.23,24
Let me say that if you don't have somewhere to run before you run, you run aimlessly. If you are in danger and are running to get to a safe place but don't know of one, you run aimlessly but, if you know where to run when danger surrounds you, you run purposefully. You want to get where things are safe. You want to get to the one in whom you can be comforted, protected and kept from all harm. I can't help but think of the movie, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings." Frodo, Sam, Mary and Pippen are running from the Horsemen of Sauramon. Frodo has the ring and they jump over this small ledge and scurry underneath it. Underneath the lesge there are worms, snails, bugs, snakes, spiders and many other creepy crawlers but the primary one they are evading is the Horseman. They pull in tight to one another, trying not to breath, move or make a sound. The wraith gets off his horse and peers over the edge but to no avail does he see the frightened runners. He leaves, frustrated because in their refuge, they were safe. When Satan comes at us, much like the Horsemen or the storm, Christ is our refuge. BUT, if he is not in our boats, we have nothing to run to, we run aimlessly. When the disciples called on Christ to save them, He awoke and spoke and everything was alright.
4. Launching Out takes Christ's discipline. v.25a
It's interesting to note that Christ knew where he wanted them to go, he got into the boat and took a nap. Christ knew, as God, what was coming for his disciples. He knew that He had something important to accomplish on the other side. Sometimes, we forget who Christ is and what he has done and can do. Colossians tells us that through him, for him and by him all things were created both visible and invisible. We get so caught up in the visible that we forget the invisible qualities of Christ are beyond our finite minds. We lose sight, heart and faith from time to time because we take our eyes off the unseen, the eternal, and focus them on the seen, the perishing. Christ wants us to have superhuman vision that focuses on the unseen. Faith. For it is by grace, through FAITH, that you are saved...Where is your Faith?
5. Launching Out takes an awe-inspiring reality of Christ. v.25b
When was the last time you were just in awe over what Christ has done or was doing? I got to watch the beginning of the VT and Boise St. game the other night and man was I in awe of the uniforms both teams were wearing (I liked VT's better). I got on facebook and updated my status to reflect my awe of the uniforms. I sought out the nike pro combat uniforms webpage and posted a link of it on the facebook page. We need to have that same awe of Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. He has done way more than any uniform or Alabama, Auburn or sports team has done or will do. Sometimes, we need to have a fear or God and ask, "Who can this be? For He commands the wind and the waves, and they obey him?" How marvelous and awesome! I like the song by David Phelps which sings, "Even the wind and the waves obey, why can't I? Why can't I? Where is my faith? Is it lost at sea? Lord help me to be, like the wind and the waves." Let us be like the wind and the waves, obedient to the Master of the sea. We must have Jesus Christ in our boats!
Reply or use as you see fit.
In Christ Alone,
Blake Prater
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Useless Arguments = False Teachers
As we continued our Wednesday night Bible study through 2 Timothy we concluded the portion in which Paul challenges Timothy personally to where Paul challenges Timothy to challenge the congregation.
We moved from the thoughts of 2 Timothy 2:10-13 to 14-21.
If we die with Him, we live with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He will deny us and if we are faithless...He Remains Faithful.
I though about these scriptures for some time. Read it slowly and think about the promises and the faithfulness of God. Every one of these is a promise whether we want to accept it or not. It is wonderful to think of how if we die with Him we live with Him or if we endure we will reign but when it comes to denying him, He Will Deny Us. That is an eye-opening thought and truth. How often do we deny Christ not just as Lord and Savior but we deny Him the glory and honor because we do not take the opportunities to share, serve and go as he calls us to. Then, if we are faithless (not believing in Him, in his accomplished work in and through the cross, in Him as Sovereign and not trusting Him in all things) He Remains Faithful. I am reassured of this when I read Hebrews 6:16-19. God is faithful, so faithful that He cannot deny himself.
Paul then challenges Timothy to challenge the church.
Just like then we still have issues of people starting quarrels about words. Paul tells Timothy that all it does is start trouble, especially in the church. So Paul tells Timothy to tell the faithful men, whom he entrusted with Paul's teaching in the first chapter, to be diligent and study so he and the men may show themselves approved before the Lord.
When I am bring introduced to someone new or someone who is an important person, there are expectations of the one bring presented. In most situations one would shower, shave, put on some nice clothes or buy new ones, clean up the car (if riding in it), comb your hair or get a haircut, brush your teeth (which should be normal) and be on time. When we are presented before someone we want to give a very good first impression but the first impression should be who we are, not just a one-time polished up version. God desires us to be diligent (careful and industrious, prompt, earnest and making the effort) so we can come before Him unashamedly. We need to be pure in heart so we can come unashamedly and come accurately handling the word of truth. That means we don't take one verse and manipulate it to say what we want it to say. We must read and teach from context not from one verse. One verse teaching can become dangerous.
Paul continues with the challenge against empty talk. Paul says it will lead to further ungodliness. The phrasing here brings to my mind that there are times when we think things but do not say or act upon them. We may be thinking ungodly things but when we speaking on them it causes further ungodliness and affects more than just us and our relationship with God it affects others and their walk with God.
I thought the reference to that ungodly talk spreading like gangrene a very potent and accurate description of useless and empty chatter. Gangrene is the decay of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply. When someone is filling the church with something of than the lifeblood and truth of Jesus Christ it begins the "spiritual" formation of gangrene. Gangrene spreads, causes discoloration, gives a foul smell and causes a loss of feeling in the area. How true it is when this invades the body of Christ. False teaching spreads, it causes off-color remarks, the people are not longer a sweet savor in the nostril of the Lord and the people become apathetic or divisive.
So how do you treat gangrene? You amputate the body part, find and remove the dead tissue or improve the blood supply to the area among other things.
So, take this with you today. Evaluate teaching and compare it with God's word. Will people occasionally say the wrong things, yeah and it may be unintentional but we must encourage them and love them. Later on Paul tells us to gently correct those in opposition. Let's be gentle, loving, patient and kind.
To God be the Glory,
Blake Prater
We moved from the thoughts of 2 Timothy 2:10-13 to 14-21.
If we die with Him, we live with Him; if we endure, we will reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He will deny us and if we are faithless...He Remains Faithful.
I though about these scriptures for some time. Read it slowly and think about the promises and the faithfulness of God. Every one of these is a promise whether we want to accept it or not. It is wonderful to think of how if we die with Him we live with Him or if we endure we will reign but when it comes to denying him, He Will Deny Us. That is an eye-opening thought and truth. How often do we deny Christ not just as Lord and Savior but we deny Him the glory and honor because we do not take the opportunities to share, serve and go as he calls us to. Then, if we are faithless (not believing in Him, in his accomplished work in and through the cross, in Him as Sovereign and not trusting Him in all things) He Remains Faithful. I am reassured of this when I read Hebrews 6:16-19. God is faithful, so faithful that He cannot deny himself.
Paul then challenges Timothy to challenge the church.
Just like then we still have issues of people starting quarrels about words. Paul tells Timothy that all it does is start trouble, especially in the church. So Paul tells Timothy to tell the faithful men, whom he entrusted with Paul's teaching in the first chapter, to be diligent and study so he and the men may show themselves approved before the Lord.
When I am bring introduced to someone new or someone who is an important person, there are expectations of the one bring presented. In most situations one would shower, shave, put on some nice clothes or buy new ones, clean up the car (if riding in it), comb your hair or get a haircut, brush your teeth (which should be normal) and be on time. When we are presented before someone we want to give a very good first impression but the first impression should be who we are, not just a one-time polished up version. God desires us to be diligent (careful and industrious, prompt, earnest and making the effort) so we can come before Him unashamedly. We need to be pure in heart so we can come unashamedly and come accurately handling the word of truth. That means we don't take one verse and manipulate it to say what we want it to say. We must read and teach from context not from one verse. One verse teaching can become dangerous.
Paul continues with the challenge against empty talk. Paul says it will lead to further ungodliness. The phrasing here brings to my mind that there are times when we think things but do not say or act upon them. We may be thinking ungodly things but when we speaking on them it causes further ungodliness and affects more than just us and our relationship with God it affects others and their walk with God.
I thought the reference to that ungodly talk spreading like gangrene a very potent and accurate description of useless and empty chatter. Gangrene is the decay of body tissue due to a lack of blood supply. When someone is filling the church with something of than the lifeblood and truth of Jesus Christ it begins the "spiritual" formation of gangrene. Gangrene spreads, causes discoloration, gives a foul smell and causes a loss of feeling in the area. How true it is when this invades the body of Christ. False teaching spreads, it causes off-color remarks, the people are not longer a sweet savor in the nostril of the Lord and the people become apathetic or divisive.
So how do you treat gangrene? You amputate the body part, find and remove the dead tissue or improve the blood supply to the area among other things.
So, take this with you today. Evaluate teaching and compare it with God's word. Will people occasionally say the wrong things, yeah and it may be unintentional but we must encourage them and love them. Later on Paul tells us to gently correct those in opposition. Let's be gentle, loving, patient and kind.
To God be the Glory,
Blake Prater
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Selfishness or Selflessness
On Wednesday nights, with my young men, we have been studying 2 Timothy. We are brought to a place where Paul is expecting death and writing back to encourage Timothy to retain to sound teaching and defend the gospel.
How often do we think of others when we ourselves are struggling?
Would we take the time to hand-write a letter of encouragement to a brother that is being overwhelmed by a discouraging situation or person?
I think, if we are honest, we would not do those things because we are selfish people. We are a people, most of the time, that dominate their own minds with no intention of allowing anything to alter our personal desires. In most cases they are immediate gratification desires that work to please no one other than ourselves. We may tag Jesus on there to make ourselves feel good about the decision to which we took no time to pray or meditate over. I think this first chapter of 2 Timothy is a call to the people of God to quit looking at our own situation for a time and look at others and consider them. Just like Hebrews 10:23-25 states, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another all the more as we see the Day approaching. Philippians 2:4 also states, "Let each of you not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Paul writes to Timothy interested in him and in his ministry to the people in Ephesus.
How may times are we truly interested in other people's ministries?
An when we are, is the interest generated out of good intentions or out of selfishness?
Paul was sincerely and genuinely interested in Timothy's ministry as is revealed by Paul's referring to him as his "beloved son/child."
Paul reminds Timothy of his calling.
Paul commends Timothy's upbringing by his faithful grandmother and mother.
Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift.
Paul then dives off into a deep thought on the importance of not being ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed by:
1. Sharing in the sufferings
2. Knowing who saves and calls
3. Knowing salvation is not based on works
4. Knowing salvation is by God's purpose and grace
5. Knowing salvation is all through Jesus and his coming
6. Knowing Jesus abolished death, brought life and immortality
Paul then says because of his lack of shame, the manifest presence of God on earth and Jesus' calling on his life he has been appointed as preacher, apostle and teacher.
Paul even notes that this is why he suffers. Think of this, Paul was the man, to the Pharisees, when he was Saul. Saul was zealous to cast out, kill and throw in prison anyone who spoke or taught about Jesus then miraculously Jesus reveals himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and everything changes. Saul becomes Paul and begins sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.
Saul was the "LeBron James" of Pharisees!
Just think of the response... the Miami Heat! But really, he just totally swapped in a matter of moments, Saul is Paul and is telling about the greatness of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul suffered most definitely.
But Paul says, "I'm not ashamed". Paul says, "I know who I believe in!"
But Paul was also disowned by his own people. Paul says that all in Asia turned away from him as did two guys whose momma gave them terrible names, "Phygelus and Hermogenes." Paul was letting Timothy know, "Hey man, not everybody is going to understand what you are doing. Many may, in the beginning but when its not their way you will be able to see it."
Paul also encourages Timothy in that of the life of Onesiphorus. Paul says that "On" is a great man to be commended for his faithfulness, his eagerness, his helpfulness and his friendship.
To close, I think we all need to find that someone or be that someone who mentors in the discipleship of Christ. Paul took Timothy a young man whose Dad is understood as a non-believing Greek, and loved him, encouraged him, wrote to him and discipled him. Today, we too can be a Paul to a Timothy. Let's do it.
Blake Prater
How often do we think of others when we ourselves are struggling?
Would we take the time to hand-write a letter of encouragement to a brother that is being overwhelmed by a discouraging situation or person?
I think, if we are honest, we would not do those things because we are selfish people. We are a people, most of the time, that dominate their own minds with no intention of allowing anything to alter our personal desires. In most cases they are immediate gratification desires that work to please no one other than ourselves. We may tag Jesus on there to make ourselves feel good about the decision to which we took no time to pray or meditate over. I think this first chapter of 2 Timothy is a call to the people of God to quit looking at our own situation for a time and look at others and consider them. Just like Hebrews 10:23-25 states, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the gathering together as some are in the habit of doing but encouraging one another all the more as we see the Day approaching. Philippians 2:4 also states, "Let each of you not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Paul writes to Timothy interested in him and in his ministry to the people in Ephesus.
How may times are we truly interested in other people's ministries?
An when we are, is the interest generated out of good intentions or out of selfishness?
Paul was sincerely and genuinely interested in Timothy's ministry as is revealed by Paul's referring to him as his "beloved son/child."
Paul reminds Timothy of his calling.
Paul commends Timothy's upbringing by his faithful grandmother and mother.
Paul encourages Timothy to use his gift.
Paul then dives off into a deep thought on the importance of not being ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed by:
1. Sharing in the sufferings
2. Knowing who saves and calls
3. Knowing salvation is not based on works
4. Knowing salvation is by God's purpose and grace
5. Knowing salvation is all through Jesus and his coming
6. Knowing Jesus abolished death, brought life and immortality
Paul then says because of his lack of shame, the manifest presence of God on earth and Jesus' calling on his life he has been appointed as preacher, apostle and teacher.
Paul even notes that this is why he suffers. Think of this, Paul was the man, to the Pharisees, when he was Saul. Saul was zealous to cast out, kill and throw in prison anyone who spoke or taught about Jesus then miraculously Jesus reveals himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and everything changes. Saul becomes Paul and begins sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.
Saul was the "LeBron James" of Pharisees!
Just think of the response... the Miami Heat! But really, he just totally swapped in a matter of moments, Saul is Paul and is telling about the greatness of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul suffered most definitely.
But Paul says, "I'm not ashamed". Paul says, "I know who I believe in!"
But Paul was also disowned by his own people. Paul says that all in Asia turned away from him as did two guys whose momma gave them terrible names, "Phygelus and Hermogenes." Paul was letting Timothy know, "Hey man, not everybody is going to understand what you are doing. Many may, in the beginning but when its not their way you will be able to see it."
Paul also encourages Timothy in that of the life of Onesiphorus. Paul says that "On" is a great man to be commended for his faithfulness, his eagerness, his helpfulness and his friendship.
To close, I think we all need to find that someone or be that someone who mentors in the discipleship of Christ. Paul took Timothy a young man whose Dad is understood as a non-believing Greek, and loved him, encouraged him, wrote to him and discipled him. Today, we too can be a Paul to a Timothy. Let's do it.
Blake Prater
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Witnessing...
So, we go to camp and Tim challenges us to witness. To live Christ in our friendships, lifestyle and words and we should but who in the Bible can we look to to see a correct way?
Jesus, Peter, Stephen and Philip
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
I was reading my morning devotion aloud to my son, Brogan and asked him to define witness. I loved his response so much that I am using it in my teaching this Wednesday.
Brogan defined witness as: seeing it, experiencing it and telling it.
Profound from an 8yr. old.
1 John 1:1-3: That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the words of life - the life that was made manifest and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard, we proclaim also to you, so that, you may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Notice all the "seeing", "experiencing", and "telling" that was going on in these verses. This is to witness and be a witness.
Note and read these scripture accounts of witnessing:
Matthew 19:16-22
Acts 3
Acts 4
Acts 6:8,15; 7:1-53
Acts 8:4,5
You must understand, not everyone will receive salvation. Even people Jesus witnessed to did not follow him.
Some good tools for witnessing are:
The Way of the Master
The Roman Road
The Hand Witnessing Tool
May God Bless and Go with you,
Blake Prater
Jesus, Peter, Stephen and Philip
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
I was reading my morning devotion aloud to my son, Brogan and asked him to define witness. I loved his response so much that I am using it in my teaching this Wednesday.
Brogan defined witness as: seeing it, experiencing it and telling it.
Profound from an 8yr. old.
1 John 1:1-3: That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the words of life - the life that was made manifest and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us - that which we have seen and heard, we proclaim also to you, so that, you may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Notice all the "seeing", "experiencing", and "telling" that was going on in these verses. This is to witness and be a witness.
Note and read these scripture accounts of witnessing:
Matthew 19:16-22
Acts 3
Acts 4
Acts 6:8,15; 7:1-53
Acts 8:4,5
You must understand, not everyone will receive salvation. Even people Jesus witnessed to did not follow him.
Some good tools for witnessing are:
The Way of the Master
The Roman Road
The Hand Witnessing Tool
May God Bless and Go with you,
Blake Prater
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Good Friends and Balance
You know, as this semester closed at the Birmingham extension of New Orleans Baptist theological Seminary, I couldn't help but appreciate all the friendships I have made while attending. God has blessed me with men that are growing, struggling and learning right along with me. We all are in ministry to serve. We serve Jesus Christ, the church and evangelize our communities.
Many men of God are wanting to be better at serving their churches or the churches to which one day they will serve. We go each Monday, some Tuesday and Thursday, in search of knowledge to make us better equipped to serve those who need a servant. The growth in knowledge should never engross the growth in Christ. Before I get too off topic, thank you Josh Evans, Bill Crowder, Kenny Norris, Joshua Young and Matt Butts. You guys have made the experience of NOBTS much better due to your friendships.
Now, back to growth in knowledge in comparison in growth in Christ. I, we, must not be so engrossed in gaining knowledge of the scriptures that we forsake the application of the work of those scriptures. The joy and privilege of sharing the gospel is always more exciting than just studying the scriptures. But, we must first study the scriptures so we may share the gospel. A proper delight in scripture will lead to a proper telling of the scriptures. I am fearful that many will take this experience of seminary and look to it just as a propulsion to larger ministry opportunities. The entire higher education process in the Christian life should be to expound on the calling God has already given, grace us with more understanding of how to apply it and to connect us with other ministers so to encourage and build one another up.
Let us not allow our knowledge and wisdom to vacate our understanding and application of the Great Commission. Jesus did not call the disciples to the hill in Galilee to tell them to go get some books and read, study and sit but we commanded them to Go, disciple, baptize and teach. This gives a perfect balance of action and knowledge. Notice...action (Go), knowledge (disciple), baptize (action), and teach (knowledge). Let us continue forward in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Friends.
Many men of God are wanting to be better at serving their churches or the churches to which one day they will serve. We go each Monday, some Tuesday and Thursday, in search of knowledge to make us better equipped to serve those who need a servant. The growth in knowledge should never engross the growth in Christ. Before I get too off topic, thank you Josh Evans, Bill Crowder, Kenny Norris, Joshua Young and Matt Butts. You guys have made the experience of NOBTS much better due to your friendships.
Now, back to growth in knowledge in comparison in growth in Christ. I, we, must not be so engrossed in gaining knowledge of the scriptures that we forsake the application of the work of those scriptures. The joy and privilege of sharing the gospel is always more exciting than just studying the scriptures. But, we must first study the scriptures so we may share the gospel. A proper delight in scripture will lead to a proper telling of the scriptures. I am fearful that many will take this experience of seminary and look to it just as a propulsion to larger ministry opportunities. The entire higher education process in the Christian life should be to expound on the calling God has already given, grace us with more understanding of how to apply it and to connect us with other ministers so to encourage and build one another up.
Let us not allow our knowledge and wisdom to vacate our understanding and application of the Great Commission. Jesus did not call the disciples to the hill in Galilee to tell them to go get some books and read, study and sit but we commanded them to Go, disciple, baptize and teach. This gives a perfect balance of action and knowledge. Notice...action (Go), knowledge (disciple), baptize (action), and teach (knowledge). Let us continue forward in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thank you, Friends.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Christ is where he should be
The scripture in Hebrews 1:3b-4 states, "After making purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." This scripture gives the account of what Christ did and what came about because of that.
Christ made purification for sins. No one else. No angel or created being or creature could do what only God could do. Titus 2:13c-14 - Our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Purification was to redeem us, to purify us, to possess us so that we strive and desire to do the work of the Lord.
Hebrews 9:23-28 give us the clear understanding that Christ had to be sacrificed to purify all things. Christ is not sacrificed continually over and over as people come to repentance of sins. Christ died once for all. Jesus was the better sacrifice to which all things have been redeemed.
After making purification, Christ sat down at the right hand of God. He was exalted back to where he emptied himself from. He emptied or vacated the seat beside the Father. Did he cease being God? No. Attributes to which would have hindered or not allowed him to step into time were emptied. God stepped out of limitless to being limited. The second person of the trinity could not be at all places at times, in that brief span of history to which God became man.
Christ's sitting down does not mean inactivity. It is the sign of a completed work or task. Christ died once for all as stated in Hebrews 9. I used an illustration by asking one of my youth to help me move a monitor from the back of the stage to the front. When he was done, he sat back down is his chosen seat. Just like that illustration, the Father sent his Son to accomplish a task and when it was complete, he sat back down where he was before.
Hebrews 10:12-14 and Hebrews 12:1-2 also give account to Christ completing his work and sitting at the right hand of God.
Something interesting to note: there were no seats in the temple or tabernacles. The priest was to continually bring sacrifice after sacrifice, over and over again.
Next week, I will give an overview of the next passage of scripture, Hebrews 1:4-14, in which I will debunk the cult beliefs of the Jehovah Witnesses.
Study God's Word, it is living and active. Let it bring you to life and make you active.
Blake
Christ made purification for sins. No one else. No angel or created being or creature could do what only God could do. Titus 2:13c-14 - Our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Purification was to redeem us, to purify us, to possess us so that we strive and desire to do the work of the Lord.
Hebrews 9:23-28 give us the clear understanding that Christ had to be sacrificed to purify all things. Christ is not sacrificed continually over and over as people come to repentance of sins. Christ died once for all. Jesus was the better sacrifice to which all things have been redeemed.
After making purification, Christ sat down at the right hand of God. He was exalted back to where he emptied himself from. He emptied or vacated the seat beside the Father. Did he cease being God? No. Attributes to which would have hindered or not allowed him to step into time were emptied. God stepped out of limitless to being limited. The second person of the trinity could not be at all places at times, in that brief span of history to which God became man.
Christ's sitting down does not mean inactivity. It is the sign of a completed work or task. Christ died once for all as stated in Hebrews 9. I used an illustration by asking one of my youth to help me move a monitor from the back of the stage to the front. When he was done, he sat back down is his chosen seat. Just like that illustration, the Father sent his Son to accomplish a task and when it was complete, he sat back down where he was before.
Hebrews 10:12-14 and Hebrews 12:1-2 also give account to Christ completing his work and sitting at the right hand of God.
Something interesting to note: there were no seats in the temple or tabernacles. The priest was to continually bring sacrifice after sacrifice, over and over again.
Next week, I will give an overview of the next passage of scripture, Hebrews 1:4-14, in which I will debunk the cult beliefs of the Jehovah Witnesses.
Study God's Word, it is living and active. Let it bring you to life and make you active.
Blake
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Who is this Christ?
Hebrews starts like a Star Wars movie (ESV) with the words, "Long ago...God spoke to our fathers by prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." God used the agent of his word to speak in the past to the patriarchs and the prophets. God moved one step closer to humanity after the fall by sending his Son as the Great Communicator. Jesus speaks to us today, on an individual basis. No more of the priests going on our behalf but now Jesus is our high priest who entered into the Holy of holiest not created by the hands of man but more sanctified than those.
God appointed him the heir of all things. Christ will supersede all creation when his task of redemption is complete. This has taken place. The Old Testament gives an account in Psalm 2:6-8 of God speaking about what he was going to do for His Son. Revelation 5 gives the account of the heir taking the will of the Father and opening it. No one can open the will (the future desires and requests) of God except God.
The next phrase explaining Christ says that God created the world through Him. The word in the ESV, "world" is better translated, "the ages". This encompasses not just the physical earth but the responsibility of creating time, space, energy and matter. This Christ, Jesus Christ; Jesus of Nazareth, is the agent, heir and sustainer of all things in this age and the age to come. What a concept to grasp. Bless you and I encourage you to study God's word. It is living and active and it is God-breathed.
Parents: This is a short snippet of the Bible study of April 7th. I hope to update on Wed. mornings so please look for this and read for yourself and study along with your students.
I will try to create a rating system to rate the depth or comprehension of the subject taught very soon, and note that at the top of each blog.
Blake
God appointed him the heir of all things. Christ will supersede all creation when his task of redemption is complete. This has taken place. The Old Testament gives an account in Psalm 2:6-8 of God speaking about what he was going to do for His Son. Revelation 5 gives the account of the heir taking the will of the Father and opening it. No one can open the will (the future desires and requests) of God except God.
The next phrase explaining Christ says that God created the world through Him. The word in the ESV, "world" is better translated, "the ages". This encompasses not just the physical earth but the responsibility of creating time, space, energy and matter. This Christ, Jesus Christ; Jesus of Nazareth, is the agent, heir and sustainer of all things in this age and the age to come. What a concept to grasp. Bless you and I encourage you to study God's word. It is living and active and it is God-breathed.
Parents: This is a short snippet of the Bible study of April 7th. I hope to update on Wed. mornings so please look for this and read for yourself and study along with your students.
I will try to create a rating system to rate the depth or comprehension of the subject taught very soon, and note that at the top of each blog.
Blake
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A New Beginning
Let me say this is my first time to blog. I'm excited about a new avenue in which to keep parents informed and students engrossed in the ministry of Lift Student Ministry (Farmstead Student Ministry). This will also be a place of my thoughts, studies and exerts from Bible studies. I hope you will find this helpful and will follow along as we follow Christ together.
God Bless,
Blake
God Bless,
Blake
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