Blake's Take

Subtle Changes?

2012-01-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

Every-so-often I am brought to a point in which something bothers me until I say or write something about it; I am at that point now.

In Sunday school we talked about purity vs sensuality this past week and I brought up how sin has distorted our use of certain things originally created for good.

There are many things such as the internet, phones, and money but more specifically I'm thinking about plastic surgery and make-up. Plastic surgery was created for severe injuries to help in the recovery of a normal life for military or civilians injured due to war directly or indirectly. Here is a link to a more precise account: http://www.aboardcertifiedplasticsurgeonresource.com/plastic_surgery/history.html.

But today, plastic surgery is to "fix" what naturally isn't right. This has bothered me for years. I have also noticed a commercial which is ridiculous to have on Christian radio that states, "we don't create beauty, we reveal it." Really?! Reveal beauty through surgery? Beauty isn't revealed by a scalpel and and a surgeon, it's revealed by God both inwardly and outwardly. Today's young ladies are being enticed to have this "work" done to "reveal" their beauty. I've heard it said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and I would thoroughly agree with that! Look around at people married or in relationships. Some people do not look like they should go together but by God's great power, they see beauty in one another!

Let me tell you what creates a more bothersome feeling within me. When a young man or young woman has had, let's say, a nose-job, breast implants, tummy tuck, botox or other physical altering procedure done, how will they have any idea what their child is going to look like? I know their love should not be based on the child's looks. I get that, but how will he/she know if the other had not been cheating on the other? These changes that men and women are getting are not truthful. How can people say their love is whole if the people themselves are not?

On top of that issue, is the issue of makeup. My daughter has become interested in putting on some makeup and it gets on my nerves. My daughter is beautiful without any enhancements, if you will. I see so many young ladies putting on, some to the extent of caking on, makeup to impress other young men. Is this necessary? No. One thing that I love about my wife and actually made her more attractive was the fact she did not have to wear makeup to be beautiful.

Another problem with extreme makeup, along with extreme tanning, is the aging that looks to take place. I have seen young ladies who are 13 look as if they are 18 to 20 because of the extreme use of makeup. My soul is wrenched by the fact that these young ladies desire to look older to get older guys to like them. The problem is, they older guys don't like them, they lust them. So dangerous are these young ladies to themselves, their futures and their future spouses.

Dads, we have got to get a hold on this now. This is not the responsibility of Mom. Mom is not a guy, or should not be! Dads, we know the mind of men. We must defend our daughters in our homes and teach them who they are in Christ, not who they are in makeup. I'm sorry but when I see a young lady all caked up in makeup you will not hear me say, "How beautiful."

I'll say how beautiful when they are baptized, dress with modesty and have self-respect, pray in the midst of their peers, surrender to ministry and when they are dressed in white for their godly husband. That's beautiful.

So to conclude this thought, subtle changes may not be so subtle later in life. I encourage all young ladies to think about who you are in Christ before becoming who you think you should be in makeup. Don't get physical changes because God has created you the way he intended. God loves you how he created you and if it is God's will for you to marry, men also, God has set apart a person for you. Pray and pray more so you may know the will and plans of God.

In Christ,
Blake Prater

Junior Journey

2012-01-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

Junior Journey January 15, 2012 Lift Student Ministry

As you begin your journey into your senior year, you will be making decisions that will impact your coming future; looking into what God desires of you is vital to who you are and what you are to become.

Many times decisions on the future depends heavily on aspirations of greatness accomplished or realized through salary, material things or praise but your future must depend on Christ’s calling upon your life. A calling is not always a vocational ministry position; we are all called by Christ unto salvation but some are set apart to the service of the Lord.

My desire for this Junior Journey is to investigate God’s will for your lives. To prompt you to tap into Jesus’ thoughts and plans for you and see where you are in your journey.

We will work together over the next several months to prepare and challenge one another as you progress forward to your senior year. Just as birthdays do not equate to maturity neither does years after conversion mean growth in Christ and this Journey is to spark, reinvigorate or strengthen your walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Let’s read Luke 24:13-35: The Road to Emmaus

Now let’s break this down in terms of how to take the next step into leadership!

1. vv. 13-14 – Leaders talk about Jesus and his life with one another.

a. I want you to get with one person in the room to talk with about Jesus over this time of Journey.

2. v. 15 – Jesus draws near to leaders who know him and he has a plan for.

a. I want you to thoroughly read through the gospels; taking notes on each chapter.

3. v. 16 – Leaders, at different times, must listen to Christ without seeing him.

a. Take 15 minutes daily to be in your room with no electronics or music and talk to and listen for God.

4. v. 17 – Leaders will be held accountable about their knowledge of the King!

a. Be prepared for questions through text from me about what you are reading! I want responses!

5. vv. 18-24 – Leaders must believe even when everything seems unbelievable!

a. Thoroughly pray over your future. (Senior year, Sharing opportunities, college, marriage)

6. vv. 25-27 – Leaders listen to Jesus and learn.

a. Commit to attending events that challenge and build your walk with Christ. (Mission trips, weekend trips, D-Now, etc.)

7. vv. 28-29 – Leaders will desire to know more about Christ and to spend more time with Christ.

a. Commit to add at least 5 minutes monthly to your Bible study time.

8. vv. 30-31 – Leaders must understand that faith shouldn’t have to have physical revelation to believe.

a. Commit to intentionally seeking God’s unseen power and pray to recognize it!

9. vv. 32-35 – Leaders will share that Christ has been with them and has opened their eyes!!

a. Commit to share the gospel with at least 1 person per month while you are on this Journey.

I hope you found this helpful and please, if you did, implement it into your student ministry! God has been good to give to me, the least I can do is share it!! Isn't that what we are suppose to do with our Testimony and Jesus?!

Blake Prater

Student Minister of Farmstead Baptist Church

Lift Student Ministry

About this worrying thing...

2011-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

I heard a gentleman speak this morning about worry and how it is a sin because of how it takes the sovereignty of God out of the equation. He had some great illustrations, points, and stories but as I was reading along in my Bible something profound stood out to me. The way the bible is broken into chapter and verse must be realized as not the inspired Word of God. The Word is inspired and 100% accurate but sometimes the numbering seems a little off. Let me explain.

If you notice Philippians 4:5 it states, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." By reading this alone, one can come to the conclusion that because the Lord is at hand, you need to make your gentleness be known but I believe the numbering system throws this scripture out of context. If verse 6 were to begin with the latter part of verse 5, see how things would make more sense, "The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything..." You see, this puts the issue of anxiety to rest because the Lord is at hand. Also, because He is at hand, you can make your requests known because He is so close.

We must remember that as children of God we have a relationship with God that is so close. We must remove anything that hinders the closeness of the relationship. When we pray and supplicate with thanksgiving, in the presence of God, how awesome is it to know that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.

His guarding is not from a distance or with corruptible things but with Jesus Christ the eternal, living Bread of Life. That peace of God that comes through praying and being near to God really cannot be fathomed. It's beyond explanation. The speaker from this morning did a great job expounding on this point. It's not that we haven't experienced it; it's that the experience is unexplainable.

Maybe this is the context to which Paul was writing in that through our prayers and being near to God reveals a gentleness do to peace. People who are anxious or worry tend to be very uptight creating tension, the opposite of gentleness.

By knowing the Lord is at hand, praying to Him with thanksgiving and knowing your hearts are guarded by Jesus Christ; your gentleness will be known to all men. Then may your works, done out of peace and love not guilt or worry, be seen by man and they glorify your Father in heaven.

The Lord is at Hand.

Sharing your faith or leading people to Jesus?

2011-08-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

As of late I have come to realize that these two statements, "Sharing your faith" and "Leading people to Jesus" are similar but not the same.

Sharing your faith is sharing what Christ has done in you to create faith. What Christ has done in you should be what is commonly known as a "testimony." This is a giving of the experience in which Jesus Christ was brought into your life by preaching, teaching or testimony of another then God through the work of the Holy Spirit convicted you of sin and you confessed that sin, repented (turned away from) that sin, and surrendered your heart to Jesus for Him to be Lord. Your testimony is the account of where you were, how you were and where you were going - to - where you are, how you are and where you are going. Coupled that with scripture of who Christ is and what He has done and THAT is sharing your faith.

Leading people to Jesus may very well have the previous encapsulated within it but I would say leading people to Jesus, is primarily focusing on their opportunity to confess, repent and surrender. This takes place through clear and precise combing through the Bible to use its power to persuade men to come to Christ. Paul says, "knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." Paul is to talking to the church at Corinth in the 2 letter chapter 5 verse 11. Paul is referring to the work we are called to do. We are called to persuade men because of their frail, fragile and hell bound lives. Throughout the first 4 verses of the chapter Paul is speaking of the body, "the tabernacle." In the next 4 verses Paul is speaking of the Spirit in spite of the body and in verses 9 and 10 Paul is speaking of the "labor" we must do for the Lord regardless of the physical or spiritual.

To me, this clearly points to Paul encouraging us to get off our pride, self-centered, lazy and depressed states and serve or labor for the Lord. The Terror of the Lord should cause us to persuade men.

There is a two-fold reason for leading people to Jesus: 1. The Terror of the Lord on the soul that rejects salvation and 2. The Terror of the Lord on the soul who, although saved, does not labor for the Lord. Our love for God should compel our love for people. Our love for God should compel our attitude toward telling. In no situation does the Christian have any excuse for not laboring to lead people to Jesus.

The rest of 2 Corinthians 5 speaks very clearly to this very thought. I encourage you to take up the sword of Truth and read for yourself the plans and purposes of God for this world, you and His kingdom.

Grace and Peace,
Blake Prater

A Guide to Correct Citizenship: Philippians 3:20-4:1

2011-04-18T13:10:00.000-07:00

20 For our citizenship is in heaven (Break 1), from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Break 2) 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, (Break 3) according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Break 4) 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. (Break 5)

Students give one thing they are proud of as a US citizen.

Show video clip.

Oath of Citizenship in America - I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.^[1]

References:
Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Hebrews 11:8-10; 13-16 - 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God… 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Define Citizenship – the act of becoming a member of a nation by birth or naturalization.

Break 1

What is your response to your citizenship being in heaven?

How do you become a citizen of Heaven? John 1:12-13 – but as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Listen to Hebrews 11:8-10; 13-16

How would you describe the United States?

How would you describe Heaven?

Revelation 3:3-6 – The throne room - 3 And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.

Break 2

Paul speaks of where Savior comes from and that is heaven.

It is much like how when a president goes and visits the American embassy in another country. The Ambassadors are there awaiting the visit and accomplishing the tasks to which they were commissioned to do by the president and the country. Paul says in Ephesians 6:20 that he is an ambassador in chains. We are commissioned by God, you know, Matthew 28 the great commission, to accomplish the task in another country much like in 1 Peter 2:11-12 - 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Our citizenship is given by no other than Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 – there is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Break 3

With his coming everything will change.

Break 4

How will that change take place, by his workings. Do you know what those workings were, his life, death and resurrection? Are you living like citizens of Heaven? Are you a citizen of Heaven

A Guide to Correct Gain: Philippians 3:12-19

2011-04-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (Break 1)

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Break 2)

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Break 3)

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things. (Break 4)

Break 1

Have a race outside. The runners are racing toward one person holding prizes. Along the race path are words that are sins everyone struggles with.

Q. Before the race did you: check out the path before you? Check out what was in your way while in the race? Check out what was in your way after the race?

Q. When do we truly want to see what is in our path? – After the race, especially if we lose. If we win, it doesn’t matter what was in the way because we have won and the prize has been attained and our eyes are focused on the end prize.

Listen to this quote: “You and I live in an age when only a rare minority of individuals desire to spend their lives in pursuit of objectives which are bigger than they are. In our age, for most people, when they die, it will be as though they never lived.” – Rusty Rustenbach

“Press on” carries both a hunting and athletic sense. Like, stalking prey with an unrelentlessness or to run as to gain a victory; out to win.

Break 2

Paul refers back to the elders, deacons and Saints at Philippi as brethren. This is a loving endearment.

Paul recognizes his shortcomings at this point.

Paul recognizes his past but refuses to live in it.

Paul recognizes his future and reaches for it.

Because of Paul’s recognition, he presses toward the goal…

The goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Break 3

Therefore is a conjunction. Because of what was just said, this is the outcome.

Therefore…let us have this mind…nevertheless…let us walk by the same rule and let us be of the same mind.

So, what’s in the middle?

As many as are mature…and if in anything think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Andrew Harris: What does a mature runner look like?

Andrew Harris: What is the contrast of an immature and a mature runner?

When Paul wrote to the Brethren he wanted them to recognize the true runners and the walkers.

Paul said that God would reveal it to them about who were walkers among them.

Paul’s statement of “nevertheless” reveals a desire that even if you do know who may or may not be running a true race, you are to run yours by walking in the same rule and thinking by the same mind.

Break 4

Again, Paul refers to them as brethren but calls for people to join him.

Paul knew he was not perfect, that he had not attained yet called people to follow him; will you do the same? Do you have a group of fellow believers who you could tell people, “join in following us for a pattern” of how to run for Christ?

Paul refers to those who walk and in this sense means, “having no eye or vision for the future or God’s will.”

Earlier Paul referred to “walking by the same rule.” That did not mean a slow pace, it meant there a pattern or following.

Those who walk are labeled by Paul as enemies of the cross of Christ. Think on your life today, at school, with your parents; in the car or on the van ride here, is your “walk” giving “friendly fire” to Christ?

Paul says those that are enemies of the cross of Christ set their mind on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-17

Are you running the race for the prize of the upward call of Christ or are you walking the road to destruction keeping your eyes on earthly things?

A Guide to Correct Loss: Philippians 3:1-11

2011-03-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Pass out note cards. Students are to write one known thing about the person on the right of them and give to the person on the left of them to read.

Philippians 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. (Break 1)
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. (Break 2)
7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
(Break 3)

Break 1

When you think of dogs, what comes to mind? Well, Jews used to refer to Gentiles as dogs. Dogs were scavengers much like with think of raccoons, coyotes and other non-domesticated animals that run in packs and eat whatever they may find and make messes. These “dogs” were filthy and unclean unlike our dogs of today that are dressed even some with accessories. Paul is referring to Jews as dogs, not the gentiles. This is a complete switch.

When you think of evildoers, what comes to mind? I think of Megamind or the Green Goblin.

What do you think “mutilate the flesh” means? This actually refers to circumcision. To give a little context, Circumcision by definition is the act of removing foreskin. Most male children have this done today.

Benefits of physical circumcision:
1 Some older men can develop cancer - about 1 in 1000 - fairly rare, but tragic if you or your son are in that small statistic. Infant circumcision gives almost 100% protection, and young adult circumcision also gives a large degree of protection.

2 Cancer of the cervix in women is due to the Human Papilloma Virus. It thrives under and on the foreskin from where it can be transmitted during intercourse. An article in the British Medical Journal in April 2002 suggested that at least 20% of cancer of the cervix would be avoided if all men were circumcised. Surely that alone makes it worth doing?

3 Protection against HIV and AIDS. Another British Medical Journal article in May 2000 suggested that circumcised men are 8 times less likely to contract the HIV virus. (It is very important here to say that the risk is still far too high - this applies also to preventing cancer of the cervix in women who have several partners.)

A BBC television program in November 2000 showed two Ugandan tribes across the valley from one another. One practiced circumcision and had very little AIDS, whereas, it was common in the other tribe, who then also started circumcising. This program showed how the infection thrived in the lining of the foreskin, making it much easier to pass on.

4 As with HIV, so some protection exists against other sexually transmitted infections. Accordingly, if a condom splits or comes off, there is some protection for the couple. However, the only safe sex is to stick to one partner or abstain.

So, why tell you these things when you are students? Let me give you a biblical understanding. In our lives we have pride in which we hide other sins. These sins may not be visible immediately, they may not even be recognized as sin or we have not thoroughly cleansed ourselves. The truth is; we cannot purify ourselves. God is the one who purifies and removes the sin from our lives. God spiritually circumcises our old nature from our new self. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17

So let’s get to the understanding of correct loss. Why would Paul be so adamant against physical circumcision that the Judaizers were pushing for? Anything added to Sola Gracia, Sola Fida, Sola Christus (Grace alone, Faith Alone, Christ alone) is incorrect. These Jews were saying and making people physically identify as Jews before claiming Christ.

How does this apply to students in 2011?

There is nothing, NOTHING needed prior to Christ’s calling of you. There is no other means needed for salvation other than faith in and repentance to Christ Jesus and the grace he bestows. Anyone who says different is a type of Judaizer.

Break 2

Now, we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit… John 4:23-24
Why say this, and use this reference. The conversation between Christ and the woman at the well was heavily saturated in the traditions and the physical.

Instead of concentrating on the physical, “rejoice in the Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.”
What are you rejoicing in? What accomplishments do you have that “define” you? Are you defined only by your athletic, musical or drama accomplishments? Who are you known as?

Student on the left then reads the card aloud. 2^nd step of the beginning activity.

Let’s read verses 4-6. Do you think Paul had a right to boast?

Do you think you have a right to boast about what was on that paper?

Break 3

Now, all these things we have spoken from the note cards, I want you to wad them up and throw them at me (from your seats). 3^rd step of the beginning activity.

Why wad them up and throw them away?

Let’s read verses 7-11

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Can you say that about what was on these papers?

Can you release and let go; can you lose your old self?

Can you say, “Indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…”

Paul even went one step forward to say he counts all his gains as rubbish. That means they like feces, excrement and bodily waste. His gains, his education, his prior life before Christ!

Why do we look back as though our past life is a long lost friend whom we desire to meet again someday? Why!?

“and be found in him.” Here we reference 2 Cor. 5:17.

Verse nine confirms “Sola Fida and Sola Christus.”

Verse 10 points to three things Paul desires and we should as well:

1. Know Christ

2. Know his Power

3. Know his sufferings

The good news is that those who suffer with and for Christ will attain the resurrection from the dead.

We must lose all to gain all. We must die to become alive. We must accept to be accepted.

A Guide to Correct Service: Philippians 2:12-18

2011-03-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (Break 1) work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
(Break 2)

14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, (Break 3) among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life,
(Break 4) so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. (Break 5)

17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me. (Break 6)

Break 1

Therefore…this is a conjunction that means in consequence of that; as a result.

My Beloved, who is this? Deacons and elders and saints in Philippi.

Does this next line seem familiar? Not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence. This thought is copied from Philippians 1:27.

Break 2

Let’s note the therefore again but this time with the comma’s. (Write out ch.2:9-11,12 and accentuate the punctuation.) Our understanding of “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” is because you must do it understanding that one day, whether saved or not, you will bow before Jesus as Lord and you will confess that Jesus is Lord, maybe not as Lord of your life but that Jesus is Lord of All.

Paul then writes that “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” So our work, if directed to please Christ, is the work of Christ because we without Christ cannot work out our salvation alone.

God’s good pleasure is not something that naturally we desire. We desire self. We desire our good pleasure but through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the work of God wills and does the will of God.

Break 3

How should we do all things? Without complaining and disputing.

Why should we not complain and dispute? So that you and I may become blameless and harmless, children of God.

What is the benefit of becoming blameless and harmless? We have no fault before a crooked and perverse generation.

Break 4

What will come from this lifestyle? You and I will shine like lights in the world. (Shine like the Stars)

What will be in the faces of other students as your shining like stars? It will be the fact that you hold to the word of Life, the Gospel.

Break 5

What are the benefits to leaders/people who have poured into you and I?
1. They can rejoice;
Why can those people/leaders rejoice?
2. Because mine and your lives shine like stars and it reveals those people/leaders have not run or labored in vain.

Break 6

“Yes,…,I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Now, this is regardless of situation or circumstance that Paul reveals his admiration of those at Philippi.

Now, let’s look inside the commas, “If I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith.” Paul gives a powerful illustration. Have you ever had someone just use you? Have you ever had someone show no appreciation of what you have done?

Have you ever used Jesus? Have you used Farmstead Baptist? Have you used your Sunday School teachers, pastor or even me? Let me say this…you live the life of a follower of Christ, I will be glad and rejoice with you all because we are all called to serve. I know ministers use the phrase, “I was called to the ministry” but that is incorrect; ministers are set apart for bi-vocational or vocational ministry. Everyone is called to serve.

I am pouring my life into this ministry, this church and you guys. I rejoice if you are walking with Christ and I should do so no matter how you treat me, although if you treat me bad then you might want to check your service.

You, just as me, should be pouring out your life in service to God and rejoice and be glad alongside me. Let’s rejoice together, let’s serve together and let’s expand the Kingdom of God together!

A Guide to Correct Humility: Philippians 2:5-11

2011-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. (Break 1)

8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (Break 2)

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Break 3)

Break 1 – Humility of Mind Modeled (Intellectual humility to someone else)

· Notice that Paul has used the word “Let” 4 times in the last 8 verses.

o Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 1:27

o Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or deceit. 2:3

o Let each of you look out not only to his own interests. 2:4

o Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. 2:5

· The point being is that you must surrender humbly to God and his desires for your life.

· Now Christ is being defined to reveal the mind we should have:

o He was in the form of God – Form means the true and exact nature of something, possessing all the characteristics and qualities of something.

o Did not consider his “heavenly existence or divine life-style” as something to be “selfishly” maintained.

o No Reputation is revealing how he was to come. As the Omnipresent and Omnipotent King he obviously would have come in glory and splendor and pomp but Christ came in “to serve not to be served.” Christ came in humbly being born in a manger, surrounded not by golden walls and spotless floors but by thatch walls and hay-strewn flooring.

Break 2 – Humility of Body Modeled (Physical humility to someone else)

· Christ’s Bodily humility is defined:

o He was in the form of a bondservant – bond-unites servant – one that is hired to perform household duties for another

o He came in the likeness of men – being like, picture; copy. This means he was to participate on the level of life like you and I. He was not outside the struggles and temptations of life or the growth and maturity of mankind’s life.

o He found himself in the appearance of man – It wasn’t just an internal likeness but an external likeness. When Jesus looked into a mirror, he appeared as a man of Jewish descent. He was of dark-complexion, had physical features like that of a middle-eastern man.

o So incarnation means God who as spirit, takes upon himself a physical body so that he has fingers and toes and he blows his nose and goes to the bathroom. And not to be disrespectful to Jesus, but he takes on a human body. And what he’s saying here is that in becoming a man, Jesus is the most humble man who has ever lived, because Jesus is God – become a man. Creator entered into creation. Timeless eternal enters into time. Omni present, everywhere, enters into a place. Seated on a throne chooses to be born in a barn. Surrounded by angels in glory comes to be disrespected, mocked and abused by sinners. Living in heaven comes to live in poverty on the earth, and to suffer is the man of sorrows. And what he is saying is that in that, Jesus is the most humble person who has or will ever live. - Mark Driscoll

· So because of his mental and physical form Jesus did these things:

o He humbled himself

o Became Obedient (even to death, death on the cross)

o Now in saying this, we are not saying that Jesus ceased to be God when he became a man. Rather what he said here is that he set aside his rights and he set aside the use of his divine attributes. Doesn’t mean he didn’t possess them. He didn’t access them continually. While on the earth, Jesus was still God. He was worshiped as God. He declared himself to be God, and he forgave sin, which only God can do. So Jesus, while on the earth, was God. But God does not grow and change, and so Jesus set aside his divine attribute of immutability so that he could grow from a little baby, to a boy, to a man. God is omniscient. He’s all knowing. Jesus set aside that attribute so that he would learn to read and write as we do. That Jesus Christ humbly lived a fully human life while still being God, still having the right to be worshiped as God, still having the attributes of God, but humbled himself choosing instead to live with us, like us, without the sin. This doesn’t mean that Jesus lost anything when he became a human being. - Mark Driscoll

o Augustine, the church father, says that he maintained his divinity as God and he added to it humanity, or he became a human being. - Mark Driscoll

o Romans 5:8, says it this way – “God demonstrates his love for us in this while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God left glory and came humbly. God left his throne and was born in a barn. God left being worshiped by angels continually to be disrespected by stiff-necked, stubborn, unrepentant, self-righteous, proud people, like me, continually. And how did I – how did we respond to God? We murdered him. That’s how proud we are. Not only that, Jesus, who is God, allowed me, allowed us, to murder him. That’s how humble he is. And in dying, he is so humble that he died for me that I might have salvation and love and reconciliation with God who made me. - Mark Driscoll

Break 3 – Exaltation of Christ Modeled (Not self and by someone else)

Here is another conjunction – Therefore –

This is what God did for Christ where we just were looking at what Christ did for us.

What did God do for Christ because of his humility? What will God do for our humility?

· He exalted him – We are Co-heirs with Christ

· Gave him a name above every name -

o What happens with this name?

§ Every knee will bow – Whose knees?

· Those in heaven

· Those on earth

· Those under the earth

§ Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord – Whose Tongue?

· Those in heaven

· Those on earth

· Those under the earth

o Why will these things happen at the name of Jesus?

§ To bring glory to God the Father!

A Guide to Correct Unity: Philippians 2:1-4

2011-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Break 1)

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem (Verbally Encourage) others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Break 2)

Break 1

Now, there is a conjunction at the beginning of this section so we must look back and see what it says.

Read Philippians 1:27-30.

So because of this, we move into this thought.

“If there is any consolation in Christ…” v.1

Consolation = an act of comfort or cheer

Does Christ show any comfort or cheer? Have you ever experienced Jesus’ comfort and cheer?

How does that feel? Explain.

Comfort = relief from distress – “If love has relieved your distress…”

Fellowship = state of association or state of being a pair – “If your partnership with the Spirit means anything…”

Affection = fond feeling

Mercy = kindness, power to forgive – “If any fond feeling or kindness or power to forgive…”

Let me read out of the Message Bible: Philippians 2:1-4

The knot that holds the two – FULFILL MY JOY! V.2

How do we fulfill a minister’s joy?

1. Be like-minded

2. Have the same love

3. Be in like-agreement and like-intention

What do these three things reveal about a body of believers? They are united.

Break 2

Beyond fulfilling a minister’s joy, how do we fulfill God’s Joy in Us?

1. Motivated in Unity v.3a

a. Reference Colossians 3:15,17

2. Speak for Unity v.3b

a. Reference 1 Timothy 1:3-7

3. Move in Unity v.4

a. Reference Hebrews 10:23-25

b. Read it again this time from the Message!
So what should we be united in doing?

i. Encouraging love

ii. Helping out

iii. Not avoiding worship

iv. Spurring one another on

A Guide to Correct Living: Conduct

2011-02-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, (Break 1) so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (Break 2) 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. (Break 3) 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. (Break 4)

Break 1 & 2 – Reasons you should have actions/conduct worthy of the gospel.

Who else or what else is worthy of your conduct or actions? No one is worthy of our conduct except Christ Jesus. When we live for him our conduct will be more than adequate for anyone but to what do we live to be worthy of? The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to walk “worthy of the gospel of Christ?” It means that we live a life that represents a Savior who gave up all so that we may have life.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter a day; by the deeds that you do and the words that you say.
Men read what you write, whether faithful or true; just what is the gospel according to you?
- Source unknown

If I were to check your facebook, song lists on your itunes or ipod, your favorite movies or artists would it reflect conduct or actions that are “worthy of the gospel of Christ?”
What is the gospel according to _________ (you) ?

Break 2 – Your conduct should unite you with other believers

How are you acting away from those that might hold you accountable? This is the true reflection of the inner man/woman. If you put on a front when people around you, you might want to repent or even evaluate your salvation. If you are working hard at deceiving man how much harder are you, in vain, trying to deceive Christ?

Are your actions revealing a desire to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel?

Let me ask you, if someone were to be explaining you to me, would words such as faithful, united, encouraging, loving or compassionate be spoken? Or would words be: divisive, mean, inconsiderate, hateful, or is a gossip?

My desire for this student ministry and for you as individuals is that what I hear about you is what Paul desired to hear of the saints in Ephesus and the bishops and deacons. That of having: One Spirit, One Mind for the One Faith in the gospel of Christ Jesus.

One Spirit means unity of desires which ties together last week’s study and next week’s.

One Mind means unity of plans of how to accomplish the furtherance of faith in the gospel.

Break 3 –Your conduct should reveal a lack of fear of your adversaries

What does it mean to you, if you fear something?

Doesn’t fear reveal that you believe that something could hurt you, beat you, humiliate you or overcome you? Christ did not give us a spirit of timidity/fear. He gave us a spirit of boldness/power. Christ said to his disciples and to us, "These things I have spoken unto you, that you in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD." There is no reason to fear your adversaries! Christ is within you and HE has overcome the world. The World cannot hurt you!

Scripture says that your lack of fear is “to them a proof of perdition.” What does that mean?
Perdition means ruin, loss or waste

Your conduct worthy of the gospel is a waste to the unbeliever but for you it is to your salvation. It is accredited to not creating it. Your conduct is a product of your salvation not the production of it.

Break 4 – Results of conducting yourself worthy of the gospel and not fearing your enemies.

Now let’s think about this, it has been granted (gifted) to you…

1. To Believe in Him

2. To Suffer for Him

References are John 16:33 – You will have tribulations; and 2 Timothy 3:12 – Yes, all that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

I usually don't give things to people I know is going to make life hard but Christ's economy is not the same. My mind is not the mind of Christ. I must surrender to His will and way. His gift to us is the ability to believe in God and to suffer for his name. Have you opened your gift?

Maybe you are struggling because the devil and your adversaries are seeing conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ. Is that what they are seeing?

You need to realize the gospel that you are writing. Are you writing a gospel that is only worthy of the true gospel:
when someone is looking?
when there is no adversary to intimidate you?
when there is no persecution to try you?

Don’t live in fear. Live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace, Blake Prater

A Guide to Correct Living: Desires Phil. 1:19-26

2011-02-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

This was last night's Bible Study. I thought it went very well.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. (Break 1)

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. (Break 2)

25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (Break 3)

Break 1
What is “this?” – Paul’s present sufferings at the hands of the believer’s and government.

What will help deliver him from these things? The believer’s prayers and the Spirit’s supply.

When was the last time you prayed for a fellow believer who you knew was struggling?
Let’s stop right now and pray for someone you know is struggling.

Paul’s hope (desire) was revealed in two ways:

1. That he would not be ashamed. (Paul’s heritage (what he leaves behind))

2. That Christ would be magnified in his body. (Paul’s actions while being in temptations and trials)

“Does Christ need to be magnified? After all, how can a mere human being ever magnify the Son of God? Well, the stars are much bigger than the telescope, and yet the telescope magnifies them and brings them closer. The believer’s body is to be a telescope that brings Jesus Christ close to people. To the average person, Christ is a misty figure in history who lived centuries ago. But as the unsaved watch the believer go through a crisis, they can see Jesus magnified and brought much closer.”– Warren Wiersbe

“The believer’s body is a ‘lens’ that makes a ‘little Christ’ look very big, and a ‘distant Christ’ come very close.” – Warren Wiersbe

Our lives should magnify God whether we are alive or dead. How do you want to be remembered?

Break 2

What s something you are passionate (have a strong desire) about?

Would this desire be enough to stay alive for? Would it be enough to die for?

Now, put it into this sentence: But if I am to live on for ______, this would mean _________ for me.

What would be the benefit for you, others, or Christ if you chose this?

Break 3

Now, are you confident in your greatest desire? Are you sure this is what would drive you?

Now, let’s change gears for the ending.

Would you being present here be any better for someone or would you being in heaven be better for someone?

Would you be in heaven? Remember, Paul is contemplating this because he is in jail awaiting a sentence on a life or death conviction.

Are you walking with Christ in such a way that people desire you to come to them?

A Guide to Correct Living: Preach the Word Phil. 1:12-18

2011-02-17T13:41:00.000-08:00

This is from two weeks ago on Wednesday Night. The first week I had no typed notes, just hand written.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me (Break 1) have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; (Break 2) 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Break 3)

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. (Break 4) 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Break 5)

Break 1:

Who was Paul talking to? Brethren (the saints at Philippi, overseers and deacons)

What has happened to Paul? He’s imprisoned. Acts 21-28 give account of all that Paul had went through: imprisonment, harassment, threats against his life, shipwreck and false accusations.

Our own trials fail in comparison to Paul’s but we do face trials, most of which are inward. We struggle within ourselves of importance, adequateness, and fear. These are not marks of ones who are empowered by the Spirit but are led by the Devil. The Holy Spirit is powerful and not fearful. If we have Christ, we are powerful and can overcome trials through the power of Christ in us.

Break 2:

The Furtherance of the gospel? What does that mean?

How can trials further the gospel?

When the gospel progresses through trials to who is this revealed and to what does it reveal? It is revealed to the Palace Guard and everyone else. To what does it reveal? It reveals that the chains that Paul bears are those of being in Christ.

Reference: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away and behold, all things are new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

When people hear your speech or see your life, do they see someone whose “chains are in Christ?”

Break 3

Why is it that most and not all of these brethren, are more bold to speak?

Where do you fall? Are you of the most? Or the others?

Many things give us boldness to speak.

Let’s look at a few examples:

1. 2009 Alabama wins National Championship…Alabama fans become extremely bold

2. 2010 Auburn wins National Championship… Auburn fans become extremely bold

Now, most of us in here can say that we did become bolder in speaking up about our teams after such impressive seasons and victories. Now, Think of Jesus!! Jesus didn’t win a game for a season but defeated death, hell and the grave for an eternity!! Where is our boldness?!? We Must Preach the Word!!

Break 4

2 Types of Preachers: 1. Selfish Preacher 2. Selfless Preacher

1. Selfish Preachers: Preach out of…

a. Envy – 5355 – phtonos (fthon’-os) – jealousy.
Ref: Romans 1:29; 1 Tim. 6:4; Titus 3:3; James 4:5

b. Strife – 2054 – eris – quarrels
Ref: Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Timothy 6:4

c. Selfish Ambition

2. Selfless Preachers: Preach out of…

a. Good will – 2107 – eudokia (yoo-dok-ee-ah) – purpose
Ref: Luke 2:14

b. Love – 26 – agape – affection
Ref: John 5:42; John 13:35; Romans 5:5

Break 5

So, what do you do about these two types of Preachers? Rejoice!!

Why would you rejoice? What should keep someone from stopping them?

Are they theologically preaching something wrong? Are they teaching against the apostles teachings or Christ’s teachings?

Paul recognizes their hearts intent but God’s Word is God’s Word regardless of the tool being used to distribute it or the motive in which that tool is distributing it. It is the Word of God.

Now, if it were being twisted and abused; yes, stop it but if it is an inward problem with the speaker and not the outward proclamation, let them continue.

Preach Christ! Do not preach you, or anything else; Preach Christ!

Salvation

2010-10-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Launching Out to the Other Side

2010-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

Useless Arguments = False Teachers

2010-07-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

Selfishness or Selflessness

2010-07-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

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

Witnessing...

2010-06-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

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

Good Friends and Balance

2010-05-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Christ is where he should be

2010-04-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

Who is this Christ?

2010-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

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

A New Beginning

2010-04-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

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