All Glory to God

Ted Williams

2011-01-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/amplifier/51933/golden-voiced-homeless-man-captivates-internet/

Philippians Chapter 3: Joy in Knowing Christ

2010-10-13T21:06:00.001-07:00

Warm-Up Questions:

How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you?

What would be the hardest thing for you to give up for Jesus? Why?

Philippians 3

No Confidence in the Flesh

¹Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

²Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. ³For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

⁷But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

According to Verse 1, what are we supposed to do?

According to Verse 2, we are to watch out for "dogs". Who do think are these "dogs"? How would you describe these "dogs"? Isa 56:10

What are Paul's reasons for boasting in Verses 4-6?

circumcised on the eighth day
1. as a Jewish boy, born into a Jewish home, I was circumcised on the eighth day; that is, "I received circumcision long before any of you in Philippi had even heard about Christ and the gospel."
of the people of Israel
1. Here is the crucial item. What the Judaizers hope to achieve by Gentile circumcision is to bring them into the privileges of belonging to God's ancient people, "Israel's race." Paul had been given this privilege by birth.
of the tribe of Benjamin
1. The reason for this one is almost certainly for effect. Gentiles could become members only of Israel; Paul's membership was of a kind whereby he could trace his family origins. He belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, that favored tribe from which came Saul, Israel's first king, of whom he is namesake; the tribe blessed by Moses as "the beloved of the LORD . . . whom the LORD loves [and who] rests between his shoulders" (Deut 33:12), in whose territory sat the Holy City itself. They were also notable because they alone had joined Judah in loyalty to the Davidic covenant. It is not difficult to hear a ring of pride in this little reminder, which then calls for the next designation.
a Hebrew of Hebrews
1. This is the "swing" term, summing up the preceding three and setting the stage for the final three. Hebrews appears to be a term Jews used of themselves, especially in the Diaspora in contrast to Gentiles. Paul was in every way a "Hebrew, born of pure Hebrew stock."
in regard to the law, a Pharisee
1. This is in keeping with the data recorded in Acts 23:6-9 and 26:5 and with Paul's own word in Galatians 1:14, that he had advanced in Judaism far beyond his contemporaries, being "extremely zealous for the traditions of [his] ancestors." The reason for mentioning this feature of his history is at least threefold: (1) It defines his relationship to the law in a very specific way, as belonging to the Jewish sect devoted to its study and codification. (2) Any Jewish Christians who came to Philippi to promote circumcision on the part of Gentiles would most likely also belong to this sect (cf. Mt 23:15 and Acts 15:5). (3) It gives the framework for understanding the next two items.
as for zeal, persecuting the church
1. Paul was not just your everyday, run-of-the-mill Pharisee. Emulating prophetic zeal for God, he had demonstrated his own most surely by his untiring dedication to stamping out the nascent Christian movement, probably related to his conviction that God had especially cursed Jesus by having him hanged (Gal 3:13; Deut 21:23). In their own way his Judaizing opponents are also persecuting the church; but Paul surpasses them even here. In light of his and the Philippians' present suffering for Christ, the fact that he himself once stood on the other side on this issue suggests a bit of irony as well. How easy it is for the religious to confuse zeal for their own cause with zeal for God, which explains both the bombing of abortion clinics and the confusion of "the American way of life" with the gospel.
as for righteousness in the law, faultless
1. The key to the present usage lies at three points--the term righteousness, the qualifier "in the law" (NIV legalistic) and the word faultless--which together indicate that he is referring to Torah observance understood as observable conduct.

According to Verses 7-8, what are all of Paul's accomplishments when compared to Christ? Why do you think Paul feels this way? Do you think this helps Paul "rejoice"?

Pressing on Toward the Goal

¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What is Paul pressing on to pursue? What is the prize?

¹⁵All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

How does Paul describe spiritual maturity in the above passage?
Compare this passage to I Corinthians 13:11-13.

¹⁷Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. ¹⁸For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. ²⁰But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Think of what Paul gave up. He considered all he had or accomplished, rubbish. Why did he think that? Because he fully experienced Christ. Are we fully experiencing Christ? Salvation is not a "Get Out of Hell" Card we can to use after we die. We are to live out our salvation as Paul previously stated in Chapter 2.

2:12-13: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

It's not about you. It's about Him.

Battle BC: Moses Death Chase

2010-09-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

Battle BC: Joshua Epic Slaughter

2010-09-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4

PART 5

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 2

2010-08-28T15:15:00.001-07:00

JOY IN SERVING

Warm-Up Questions:

When you were a child, who was the one person you wanted to grow up to be like? Why?

Who would you like to emulate now? Why?

Did you list different persons in Question 1 and 2? Why do you think that is?

"IMMITATION is the sincerest form of FLATTERY."

What is the most difficult thing to emulate? Why? Humility

Philippians 2

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Christ is our manual
⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, servant = doulos

being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

According to Verse 2, how can we make Paul's joy complete?

Why do you think we need encouragement from others? Shouldn't we be focused on our ministry and our personal relationship with God?

Whose attitude should we be imitating according to Verse 5?

What makes it so difficult to imitate Christ's attitude?

Selfish desires. Me first attitude.
Pride. We don't want to be looked down upon. We don't want to be perceived as being frail or weak.

HUMILITY: Level 5 Leader (18 companies who had lasted more than 100+ years)

Mark 10:32-45

(Mega / Great vs. Deacons / Servants)

(Proto / First vs. Doulos / Slave)

doulos slave: a person without advantages, rights or privileges.

What is the one area you would like to become more like Christ?

Now that you've identified an area, how will you ask God to help you be more like Christ in that particular area?

Prayer
Confession to God
Confession to brothers & sisters in Christ
Strive towards the goal God has set for you in that area
Ask for encouragement and guidance from brothers and sisters in Christ (accountability)
Repeat Steps 1-5

Humility To-Do List for this Week:

Give a gift of money to someone who is less fortunate
Write a note of encouragement to someone who you know is hurting
Offer to help accomplish a task at church
Sit next to someone you normally would not sit next to during lunch (at school or church) and get to know them better
Generously and genuinely thank someone (for a kind deed, grocery worker, waiter/waitress, parking attendant, etc…)

Shining as Stars

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

¹⁴Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe ¹⁶as you hold out^[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. ¹⁷But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

What are two things in Verse 12 that show Paul's intimacy with the Philippians?
Obeyed in Paul's presence. 2) Obeyed much more in Paul's absence.
- Obedience = respect (remember…..sincerest form of flattery is imitation)
- Is it easier to obey/imitate someone in their presence or in their absence?
- Highest form of respect we can give God is to emulate Christ even when we can't see Him.

According to Paul in Verse 15, what kind of world did Christians in Philippi live in?

Crooked and depraved generation (a dark world)

Sound familiar? Is our world similar to the world Paul is describing to the Philippians? How so? Do you think it's a darker world? Why or why not?

What is Paul referring to in Verse 17 when he says, "I am being poured out"?

It is a reference to the word for Eucharist. A word we associate with communion and the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

As Christ poured himself out for us, he set the ultimate example for us to give our bodies and lived to others.

Top Uses for Light

Used to see (in darkness, brightens even more)
It detects (identifies things/people, obstacles, intruders, It's me!)
It guides / Marks Destinations (pathway, prevents you from being lost, gets you back on track, lighthouse)
Nurtures (Vitamin D form Sun, plants need Sun)
Energy Source

How do you see yourself being a light in a "dark" world?
What is one way you can pour yourself out to bless someone around you?

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. ²¹For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. ²⁴And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. ²⁶For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, ³⁰because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.

What were Paul's feelings towards Timothy (Verses 19-22)?

Paul has no one else like him.

Timothy takes genuine interest in your welfare.

Timothy has proven himself.

Timothy and his father had served with Paul in the work of the gospel.

What were some qualities of Epaphroditus?

My brother

Fellow worker

Fellow soldier

Your messenger

Was sent to care for Paul's needs

He was DISTRESSED because Philippians had heard he was ill

Almost died for the work of Christ

We were never called to live alone. Paul would have been miserable without these relationships; as would we. We are wired for relationships (friendships, relationships, marriage, etc…)
- Genesis 2:18
- Ecclesiastes 4:10
- Proverbs 27:17

How can isolation be dangerous?

We must not be fooled into thinking that we are connected relationally through email, text messaging, cell phone, and Facebook. Could these be tools the devil is using to keep us isolated? Could these be tools the devil is using to keep us from growing? (remember….as iron sharpens iron)

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 6) - Evangelism

2010-08-17T17:16:00.001-07:00

Friday 8/13/2010 @ 7:30pm

EVANGELISM – "You were made for a mission" – Rick Warren

John 17:18 Jesus Prayed, "In the same way that you [God] gave me a mission in the world, I give them [my followers] a mission in the world."

Luke 15:10 ¹⁰In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Celebrate what God has done for you by sending Jesus. Celebrate by inviting others to join you party and share the good news.

According to Rick Warren, when discussing the activities of your small group within your church, it not about looking at what we've done, but what we have started.

1 Corinthians 3:9
⁹For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
Warren said to think about is anybody going to be in heaven because of you? (Although my answer would be No. People get to heaven because of Jesus. However, Jesus is the direct technique, and we are the indirect technique; we're like a catalyst, readily to be used by God. It is a humbling experience to be summoned by God to perform a task because He is all powerful, there is nothing impossible for Him but yet he chose us so that we may walk the same path as Jesus and be empowered by His Spirit.)

Story Passage:

Luke 5:17-26 Jesus Heals a Paralytic

¹⁷One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. ¹⁸Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. ¹⁹When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof
and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

²⁰When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

²¹The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

²²Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? ²³Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk'? ²⁴But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralyzed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." ²⁵Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. ²⁶Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

This passage gave a guideline of the 4 keys to fulfilling God's Mission of the World.

We, as human beings, are prone to sickness, sins, are paralyzed in many ways, not just physically but also spiritually. Those who are paralyzed are the ones who need the most encouragement and guidance so that they may come to Jesus.

Principle of COMPASSION

"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care"
How did the men in the story showed compassion to the paralytic man? (v.18)
Romans 15:2
²Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Colossian 4:3 ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
- Pray for SOFTEN YOUR HEART
- Pray for OPPORTUNITIES to invite others
- Pray for SOFTEN THEIR HEART

Principle of FAITH

How did Jesus feel towards the men and what did He do? (v.20)
Hebrews 7:25
²⁵Therefore he is able to save completelythose who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Principle of ACTION

A lot of people in life are paralyzed by guilt, fear, anger; make the most out of every opportunity to offer a hand to these people.
You had to both tell and show to be a witness of Christ.
Be proactive. Example is to invite a friend during Easter service. Suggest one friend and pray for them.
Luke 14:23 ²³"Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and make them come in, so that my house will be full.

Principle of PERSISTANT

How did the men showed the persistency when they could not find their way through the crowd? (v.19)
2 Peter 3:9
⁹The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Keep watering the seed that you have sow in the name of Christ Jesus
Be ready to share with gentleness
Meet the needs of people in your life
Pray for open doors and open hearts of non-believers consistently

Suggested readings from: Purpose Driven Life for the Graduates

The Importance of your MISSION

Continuation of Jesus' mission on earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Ezekiel 3:18)
Your mission is a wonderful privilege (2 Corinthians 5:18,20, 6:1)
Telling others how they can have eternal life (Act 4:12)
Your mission has eternal significance (John 9:4)
Your mission gives your life meaning (Acts 20:24)
God's timetable for history's conclusion (Matthew 24:14,36; Act 1:7-8, 20:24)

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 1

2010-08-12T11:29:00.001-07:00

JOY in Suffering

SUNDAY 8/8/2010

Getting to know each other question:

What is your dream job?
- Kenny – Pharmacist
- Thao – Dentist
- Bethany – Thinking about Hygienist
- David – Sport Agent
- Philip – Employer/Manager
- Byoung – Business consultant
- Katie – Dermatologist
- Sammy – Plastic Surgeon
- Gina – Missionary Pharmacist (I think)
- Esther – Photographer
- Jamie – Business
- Anh – Missionary Dentist

Warm-Up Questions:

If you could travel anywhere with all expenses paid, where would you go and why? Describe a typical day on the trip.

Katie: France, Europe, fell in love with culture
Esther: Holland, bike-riding
Philip: Hawaii, relaxing
Anh: Africa, Vietnam (in the country-side area), third world countries – because there I find peace, authenticity, pure appreciation, free of technology just being out in the fields.
Typical day would be out in the fields, learning about farming, what people do on a daily basis. Sharing aspiration and dreams. Playing with the kids, telling them stories from the bible, do art and crafts with them, exhorting their dreams, taking pictures of them, and then give it to them. Start a project together. Offer free dental service to them.
What activity, hobby, or events gives you happiness or joy?

Getting to know people, listening to stories, people guiding me along and teaching me how to do something, people sharing their passion with me.
What would be the worse type of suffering for you? How do you respond when faced with pain and difficulty?

Abandonment, being away from my love ones, feeling unwanted.

Philippians 1:

¹Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

²Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
How does Paul refer to himself and Timothy?
Fill in the BLANK: "I am a ____________ of Christ."
(Student, disciple, follower, slave, child)

Whatever your answer is, think about how you can live up to that title.

What is stopping people from becoming Christian? ( No Hope, Cult, Sacrifices, Jesus is not the only way to God, Inferior, Hypocrisy)
How can we explain to people about Hypocrisy?
- Might be that those people aren't really true Christian
- Everyone is a hypocrite. But true Christian will be more aware of this and strive to better themselves
- We have higher standards to live up to. God has high expectation for us.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
With what Attitude does Paul Pray?
How would you describe your prayers life? Is your attitude like Paul's when you pray? (My prayer life is in practice, I'm a little timid right now but I want it to be a second nature when I pray.)

⁷It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. ⁸God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Paul speaks of God's grace. How would you define grace? What part does grace play in servant hood? (Undeserving gift, kindness, favor, president's pardon, pass-on kindness, He forgives all we forgives all)

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
What is Paul's prayer for the Christians in Philippi?
Why do we need love, knowledge, and insight? How do they help us live and respond to God? (Motivation)

Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
¹²Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guardand to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Paul was thrown into prison for his faith, yet he seems full of faith and joy. What do you think was his secret to live in the fullness of God while in chains? (Prayers, Fulfilling God's work, meaningful life)
How did Paul's imprisonment advance the work of the kingdom? (Encouraging to others, shows faith, and dedication)
Why do you think Christianity and suffering seem to go hand in hand? (Help us walk with Jesus, sympathizing with others, God is stretching us by continuing to add on the weights gradually and training us to lift the bigger weights in our life)

PRAYERS:
Pastor's Florida anniversary Trip (safety, well rest), Sammy's last week of summer school (finish strong), Anh's Board Exam (Good Result), Jamie's Art history Final on Monday (focus and finish strong)

SUNDAY 8/15/2010

Getting to know each other question:

Waiting for next session (to be written…)

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
What are good and bad motivations for preaching about Jesus?
Are there preachers who turns you off? Why?Are there people that turn you off when talking about the gospel or give you spiritual advice? Reffer to verse 18!!!
Who saved you? The Gospel message or the person who evangelized to you? People do not save; God does! Are we worthier to give advice or share the Gospel as another?

²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
What are Paul's concerns for the present and the future?
Do you see this happening now in today's society? In our church? In your life?

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel ²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
What is Paul's view of living for Christ?
In what situation can you best serve God? In your suffering or while on a dream vaccation? How can we serve God in all circumstances? The challenge is to serve God in all circumstances (in best of time as well as worst of time).

Prayers:

Vinh's safe return home from his trip. Cornerstone Ministry's Speaker was offered a position in California so he is praying for God's guidance. Christabelle's DAT exam. Melanie's (Esther's friend who used to attend our church) DAT exam.

PVBC: 40 Days Driven Purpose (Week 5) - Ministry

2010-08-09T15:01:00.001-07:00

Friday 8/6/2010 @ 7:30pm

MINISTRY:

You were shaped for serving God

You were put on earth to make a contribution. You weren't created just to consume resources---to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life. -Rick Warren

Memory verse:

1 Peter 4:10
¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Story Passage:

Luke 10:30-37 ³⁰In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³²So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two silver coins^[a] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

³⁶"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

³⁷The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

I. Three Attitudes toward People in Need

Keep my DISTANCE
Curious but UNINVOLVED
Get close enough to CARE

II. 4 Steps to Serving On Purpose

1. START SEEING the needs of people around me

1 Corinthians 10:24
²⁴Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

2. SYMPATHIZE with people's pain

2 Corinthians 1:4
⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

3. SEIZE the moment and meet the need

Proverbs 3:27-28 ²⁷Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. ²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"—when you now have it with you.

4. SPEND whatever it takes

Galatians 6:10
¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

III. S.H.A.P.E

From Purpose Driven Selected Thoughts & Scriptures for the Graduates – By Rick Warren

S – Spiritual Gifts: Special gifts given by the Holy Spirit so you can help build up the church
H – Heart: Special passions, things that you feel strongly about, to drive you to service
A – Abilities: Natural talents built into you from birth
P – Personality: Your uniqueness–what makes you different from everyone else
E – Experiences: Situation and circumstances you face that help you empathize with others

Cornerstone Ministry: Week 4 - Trinity in Forgiveness

2010-08-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

Trinity in Forgiveness

--------------------
DT (The DTS student who led all these studies) prompted us to ask this question: "Is God Sufficient For ALL my Needs?" - Continue praying and convicting yourself until you get a sincere yes. "If God takes away everything, can we say my God is sufficient for me, rather than making God an add-on for us."

(This brings me back to my one of woman bible study lessons in CMDA. Often times we're rushing through life to find quick answers and not embracing every moment of life. We are really taking our lives for granted. Whatever God put in front of us, we say, now that I am here, where do you want me to go, but we should ask God, now that I am here, how can I best serve you.)

We, as human beings, desire forgiveness. When we wrong someone, we want them to forgive us quickly but yet when the opposite happens, we are slow to forgive. We want to linger on that sense of power, control, and authority over the other person.

Let us not confuse forgiveness with forgetting the transgression. (It was also said that we do not throw pearls to pigs, or give what is holy to dogs Mathew 7:6)

I. WHY DO WE NEED FORGIVENESS

Two Theories for the Original Sin:

Representative of Adam

Realistic theory - We're all in Adam

[Roman 5:12-19] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— (13) for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

(15) But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man,d how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (16) Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. (17) For if, by the trespass of the one man, deathf reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in lifeg through the one man, Jesus Christ.

(18) Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men,h so also the result of one act of righteousness was justificationi that brings lifej for all men. (19) For just as through the disobedience of the one mank the many were made sinners, so also through the obediencem of the one man the many will be made righteous.

II. TRINITY IN FORGIVENESS REQUIRED FOUR ELEMENTS

Roman 5:8 But God demonstrates his own Love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1. Action:

2. Love:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
1 John 4:10 "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

3. Steady State:

4. Sacrifice:

Matthew 27:46 "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Referencing Verses for when you're feeling condemnation by the enemy.

Psalms 103:11-12 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

Ways to receive forgiveness

For Believers: via Confessions to restore fellowship with God

For Non-Believers: via Accept Christ for salvation

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
Romans 10:9-13 That if you confessl with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believen in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of alls and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 4) - Discipleship

2010-08-03T15:23:00.001-07:00

Friday Night Bible Study June 30, 2010 @ 7:30pm

DISCIPLESHIP – WE ARE MADE TO BE LIKE HIM

Philippians 2:5-8 ⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in very natureGod, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Memory Verse:
Philippians 2:8

How does God train you to be more Christ-like? –

Through a Partnership

GOD'S PART	OUR PART
Working IN	Working OUT
Bible	Choose to cooperate with God's plan
Holy Spirit	Depend on God's Spirit
Circumstances	Respond Christ-like to Circumstances

GOD's PART

BIBLE

2 Timothy 3:16-17
¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Romans 10:17 ¹⁷Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ
God's Will is ALWAYS FOUND in God's Word
God's Will will NEVER CONTRADICT God's Word

HOLY SPIRIT

2 Peter 1:3
³His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

2 Corinthians 3:8 ⁸will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?
HOW to change – By his WORDS
The POWER to change – by the HOLY SPIRT.

CIRCUMSTANCES

Romans 8:28-29 ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
God cares more about your CHARACTER than your COMFORT
God cares more about your HOLINESS than your HAPPINESS

OUR PART

CHOOSE WHAT YOU THINK

Proverbs 4:23
²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Ephesians 4:23
²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
Think à Feel à Act
Begins with mind-transformation: replace old ways of thinking with God's truth by repentance
Shear will power seldom last but rather create tension and stress. You're fighting to change but yet fall back to your old ways. That is because you're trying to control your own life. Change your automatic pilot in your life by letting Jesus have that seat

Psalm 119:9-11 ⁹ How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. ¹⁰ I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. ¹¹ I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

DEPEND ON GOD'S SPIRIT

John 15:4-5⁴Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Depend on God for everything through PRAYERS.

RESPOND TO CIRCUMSTANCES

James 1:2-4 ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
"You cannot change the cards that you are dealt but only how you play the hands" - from The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

EXERCISE:

In what way does working out your Faith similar to the physical working out? (For me it's exhausted at first, but after I get into a habit of it, I feel good, and I get 'in shape', as in I have it together)
How can we distinguish between working out our faith and not to work for our salvation?
Ephesians 2:8-9
⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.
Philippians 2:12 ¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,
Fill out this chart below. List the 5 categories and create a plan on how to sharpen your purposeful life. (These are just my examples). I focus on the being part of myself. You can choose to focus on possibilities for projects that can help strengthen your 5 purposes for God.

HOW CAN I	POSIBILITIES (BE)	ACTION PLAN (DO)
WORSHIP (Live for God's Pleasure)	LIVE IN PURITY, CLEAN THOUGHTS, FEEL THE OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD	Keep a Book of prayers – Constant prayers, No self-indulgence
FELLOWSHIP (Deepen my relationship with others)	CHARISMATIC, ENERGETIC, KIND, HOSPITABLE	Smile, ask how people are doing and LISTEN, Mutual encouragements, honoring, and accountability.
DISCIPLESHIP (Be more Christ-like)	HUMBLE, DISCIPLINE, OBEDIENT, SUBMISSIVE	Read Bible, write notes
MINISTRY (Serve God)	ORGANIZE, WISE, MERCIFUL	Write notes, review class materials, help out with church activities
EVANGELISM (Share my faith Regularly)	CONFIDENT, BOLD, SPIRITUAL, APOLOGETIC	Toastmasters, be knowledgeable about the Bible, study it well and be equipped.

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 2) - Worship

2010-07-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

WORSHIP

You were planned for God’s pleasure

“God did not create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight.”-Rick Warren

Memory Verse:

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

How Do We Live a Lifestyle of Worship?

Romans 12:1-2 Living Sacrifices

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies
as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1. The principle of DEDICATION. (V.1)

Worship is VOLUNTARY dedication of your life to God. We live for God not out of OBLIGATION, but out of GRATITUDE.
Worship is PRACTICAL dedication of your life to God.

1 Cor 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who
is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were
bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Worship is COMPLETE dedication of your life to God.

2. The Principle of INSULATION. (V.2a)

3.The Principle of TRANSFORMATION. (V.2b)

Psalm 16:8-9 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at
my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue
rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

Three Reasons We Should Live For God’s Pleasure

Living a life of worship is God’s GOOD WILL for you.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Living a life of worship is God’s PLEASING WILL for you.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Living a life of worship is God’s PERFECT WILL for you.

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 3) - Fellowship

2010-07-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

July 23, 2010

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven Week 3

FELLOWSHIP

1 Timothy 3:14-15 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, (15) if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household , which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Memory Verse:

Roman 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

You were form for God's Family and there are 2 parts to this

Love your God with all your heart = Worship

Love your neighbor as yourself = Fellowship

There is more than just believing in God but also belonging in God's family, committing to one another. God IS Love. We need a place to practice loving one another, and that is the Church.

BUILDING BLOCKS OF GENUINE FELLOWSHIP

Roman 12:9-16: (9) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. (11) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (12) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (13) Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

(14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Authenticity (Ro 12:9)

Hebrew 4:12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Courteous (Ro 12:10)

Titus 3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Mutuality (Ro12:12)

Mutual Encouragement - 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25

Mutual Honoring (Ro 4:10) - Pass a sheet around with your name on it and each of us will write one nice thing about you until the paper returns to you

Mutual Accountability - Having a spiritual partner to keep you in check.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

Hospitality (Ro 12:13)

Eat together --> more relax --> comfort --> breakdown barriers.
Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
Unity (Ro 12:16)

1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Reading Assignments Roman 8:28-38

In The Name of Jesus

2010-07-25T12:26:00.001-07:00

In the Name of Jesus – Reflections on Christian Leadership
by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Scriptures to Read

Mathew 4:1-11
The Temptation of Jesus
John21:15-19 Peter's call to be a Shepherd

Excerpt from the book p.62 "The leadership about which Jesus speaks is of a radically different kind from the world. It is a servant leadership – to use Robert Greenleaf's term - in which the leader is a vulnerable servant who needs the people as much as they need their leader. "

The Temptation

The Discipline

From being Relevant to --------------------------------------------Prayers

Jesus' 1^st Temptation: "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

To be Relevant

Competent
Rational, proof it!

The Question: Do you love me?

Unlimited Love
Unconditional Love

Contemplative Prayer

Union with God in Prayers

From Popularity to ---------------------------------------------------Ministry

Jesus' 2^nd Temptation: "throw yourself from the parapet of the temple and let the angels catch you and carry you in their arms"

To be Spectacular

Stand-out
I do things my way, by myself
Heroism

The Task: Feed my Sheep

No one man task
Team work

Confession & Forgiveness

Communal & mutual ministry
Take sin to the light, isolate it, and be incarnated

From Leading to -----------------------------------------------------Being Led

Jesus' 3^rd temptation: "I will give you all the kingdoms of this world in their splendor,"

To be Powerful

Desire to control complex situations, confused emotions, and anxious mind
EASIER TO
- Be God than to love God (Genesis 3:5)
- control people than to Love people
- Own life than to love life
Jesus asks" Do you love me?" We answer "Can we sit at your right hand and your left hand in your kingdom." (Mathew20:21)

The Challenge: "Somebody else will take you"

Jesus' vision for maturity: It is the ability of willingness to be led where you would rather not go

Theological Reflection

Thinking with the mind of Christ
Agape Love à Seek to understand how God acts throughout human's history.
Be theologians who knows the heart of God and are trained intellectually and spiritually.

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 1) - Introduction

2010-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Friday, July 09, 2010
PVBC: Introduction to 40 days Purpose Driven Life

Each week, we will be talking about the 5 main purposes that God has for us:

Worship
Discipleship
Fellowship
Ministry
Evangelism

Memorize Verse:

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advanced for us to do.”

Questions: What I am to do on Earth? What do you want God to do for you in the next 40 days?
Example answers: Discipline, Responsible, passionate, energize, lively, appreciated, respectful of my time & resources

Why do we exist?
Negative effects for not knowing why: (Ecclesiastes Chapter 1)

Tiresome (Ecclesiastes 1:5-8) – Autopilot, running on a treadmill
Unfulfilling (Ecclesiastes 1:8-9) – Moving to the next things, Flipping channels
Uncontrollable (Ecclesiastes 1:15) – Try to fit in, mold yourself into someone else to please the others, “trying too hard”

Two options (routes) for people who don’t know their purpose:
A. Make up their purpose – hobbies, sports, career, creating a legacy
B. Discover what God says is their purpose – Seek the Creator

Positive effects for knowing our purpose: (Philippians 3:12-14)

Focus – not be so distracted. Light focus --> Fire -->Laser --> cut through steel --> cure cancer.
Simplified – prioritized, where you should invest your life, your time and energy. Helps you be at the presence. Don’t get stuck in the past or be worried about the future
Motivation (Jeremiah 29:11) – Give us hope knowing that His plan is good for us. Develop perseverance.
Eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11) – Life on Earth is a preparation for eternity. It is a trial run for us.

Two questions will be asked when your day come:
a. What do you do with my son Jesus Christ?
b. What do you do with what I gave you?

What does it means to be a follower of Jesus? – God if you there, & you care, let me know it, open up our minds to know you.

Cornerstone Ministry: Week 2 - Trinity in Creation

2010-07-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

Cornerstone Ministry Week 2:

The Trinity in Creation

1. Intentionality
• Genesis 1:3-20 “Let there be…”
• Genesis 1:26 “Let US…” – God is deliberating with the Spirit.
• Genesis 2:7 The LORD formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. “Form”= Yatsar (in Hebrew) = artistic genius of a potter. You are God’s masterpiece. (Psalm 139:13,15,16)
o Unformed substance = human embryo
o Inward parts = kidney = seat of emotion & human affections
o Don’t compare yourself to others such as “I wish I was taller.”
o The way He made you is perfect for His glory.

2. Functionality
• Unity b/t mind & body
• Image function to express, Not to depict
• Possess Life of One being represented
• Represent the presence the One presented
• F(x) as ruler of place of deity

3. Purpose
• Cultural mandates. Genesis 1:28 – God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful & increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.
• Fill the earth. Procreate – general principle (with exception of celibacy)
• Rule creation as a Benevolent King
o 1 King 5:15-16 Solomon had seventy thousand carriers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hill, as well as thirty-three hundred foremen who supervised the project and directed the workmen.
o Idea of ruler-ship is not destructive or exploitative
o Strive to give your life first to God, then to other the more fulfilling you are. If you want joy, purpose, lose your life.

4. Plurality
• Genesis 1:27 "...Male and Female he created them."
• Fellowship and community requires plurality of people. Live in the realm of people. To reflect the image of God requires plurality of people.

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2nd week was good. I like the outline on the points of creation. Although looking back at my notes, I didn’t get much on Jesus and the Holy Spirit in regards to creation. I’m still in questions about Fellowship. How can we differentiate between fellowship and just hanging out and party? Or does it really matter? Or any socializing occasion is good? Maybe the intention behind the act of socializing makes it good or bad. May be it is the idea of how can you reflect God when you are socializing with people, like when my classmates and friends taking the time to explain a new game to me, or teaching me a how to play a new sport, or recommended to me what food to eat, places to go, books to read.

Cornerstone Ministry: Week 1 - Trinity in Faith

2010-06-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

April 3o, 2010

Notes I took from the first week of Cornerstone Ministry.
Every Wednesday Evening 8pm @ Vietnamese Faith Baptist Church
11312 Shiloh Road, Dallas, TX 75228

To Glorify God Forever

Becoming equipped Teachers - Accurately handle God's Word
Praying without ceasing - acknowledge the omnipresence of God (1 Thessalonians5:16-18)
Expressing life through praising God
Proclaiming Him to the lost (Not just missionary work but also to your next door neighbor)

"Most important thought you ever think is about God because it determined the dimension of the existence of your life." (I'm not sure if I quote it right)

In today society, we seek for guidelines to solve our problems. Follow these steps and your problems will be solved. (ex: 40days to Purpose Driven Life). There isn't a lot of emphasis on understanding of the Trinity. People tend to avoid sensitive subjects.

TOPIC: Why is the Trinity important to your Faith?

Salvation - Merciful vs. Righteousness. How can God practice full righteousness with being merciful? If He is fully merciful and forgiving, how can that be righteous? The reconciliation is in Christ Jesus.

2Cor 5:18 Now everything is from God, who reconcile us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Christ takes in all the hostility of the world and exchange that with friendship.

Worship - by reference (who God is) and by intimacy (we call Him Father because we received the Holly Spirit)

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful & righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Fellowship/Community - We are called to live out, enjoy endure with other people.

Genesis 2:18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is like him."

The 1st "not good" to God.

------------------------------------
I enjoy the Bible Study, it was very articulate and organize. the presenter is a Dallas Theological Seminary student and he is looking forward to ask some professors from the school to speak to us.

Spiritual Gift: Mercy

2010-03-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Gift Analysis: http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis

Mathew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Mathew 5:44-45 – but I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you. So that you may be like your father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

When our values are violated, we react; it’s like a defense mechanism. We want to justify ourselves. There are times when we threaded on the past issues because we hated the situation so much. The costs for all of these is our happiness because we’re letting the hatred, sin, and pride, kidnapped us away from being at the present, from being a loving person that Jesus has guided us to be.

Luke 24:15 – Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

Sometimes we do get caught up in thinking that people are making personal attack on us when really it’s more of a miscommunication, or a socializing issue. Even when it is a personal attack, you want to treat it as not, and the issue will resolve itself. Because for every action, there’s a reaction, but if there’s no reaction, the action will nullify itself.

Mathew 6:12 – Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
Mathew 18:21-35 – Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Col. 3:12-14 – Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.

Love people for who they are rather than love them because of who you made them to be and then condemned them for not meeting your expectations. Reconcile your relationships by comming to God.

Henri Nouwen:
God's mercy is greater than our sins. There is an awareness of sin that does not lead to God but rather to self-preoccupation. Our temptation is to be so impressed by our sins and failings and so overwhelmed by our lack of generosity that we get stuck in a paralyzing guilt. It is the guilt that says: "I am too sinful to deserve God's mercy." It is the guilt that leads to introspection instead of directing our eyes to God. It is the guilt that has become an idol and therefore a form of pride. Lent is the time to bread down this idol and to direct our attention to our loving Lord. The question is: "Are we like Judas, who was so overcome by his sin that he could not believe in God's mercy any longer and hanged himself, or are we like Peter who returned to his Lord with repentance and cried bitterly for his sins?" The season of Lent, during which winter and spring struggle with each other for dominance, helps us in a special way to cry out for God's mercy.

Titus 3:5 – He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit

When you mourn, the Holy Spirit comes out and prompt you with answers because Jesus said “blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” So after the tears, I realized that, Jesus had sacrificed, it’s already done, it’s a gift. And because of Jesus that people begin to have mercy on one another. Because He made the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE so that there will be no more “an eye for an eye,” no more vengeance, no more debts.

Sandra Glahn – Mocha on the Mount
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are perfect, and I am not! I fall so far short of Your standard. So I throw myself on Your mercy, Lord. Thank You that You promise to give grace to the humble. I’m helpless, Lord, and I need Your grace! You say that You oppose the proud – help me never to think my own righteousness is worth anything but manure compared with the surpassing richness of Jesus’ righteousness credited to my account. Thank You that Your son loved His enemies – of whom I was one before You reached down in mercy and called me Your own. Make my life a constant offering of gratitude for all You have done for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Sower & Reaper

2010-03-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

John 4:34-38

(34) “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. (35) Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest”?

How often do we make excuses? I couldn't pay attention in class anymore because of the lighting, the professor didn’t explain the concepts clearly enough, I was too tired, hungry, and sleepy? I did it all the time and I gave in to satisfy my body or to justify my action. I’m hungry; I’ll eat first, and do the work later. I’m sleepy; I’ll take a nap and study later.

It was very close to the test day that my mind would get alert enough to focus on the work. Well, imagine that we have this motivation/drive every minute every hour by letting God’s Will be our food and hungering for Him to feed our minds with strength.

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. (36) Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.

Don’t you see that resources are all provided to you if only you are willing to open your eyes? Yet you are too busy looking and searching elsewhere for what has already been there. Do you go search for your glasses and then you realized that they’re right on top of your head? These are constant battles in my head as I critique myself.

(37) Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. (38) Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

All our professors have done the hard work. They gathered all materials, have been through the experiences so that you don’t have to go through them. All you have to do is accept this gift. Reap the benefits of knowledge and previous experiences rather than having to sow them yourselves.

When you sow/evangelize the Gospel into the hearts of others, don't worry yourself too much about the reaping. “You just do the work and leave the rest to God.” This I often heard people say but today was when I received more clarification. You sow and the Lord will breathe the growth and the experience onto the individual so that they may see.

I am in witness that many of my Christian friends have planted the seed in me. A lot of times I don’t fully grasp the concept but one day God allow me to reap and I was able to understand what my friends were trying to show me, about the Holy Spirit, about my Creator, about my Savior, and about the joy of being closer and closer to Him.

Dear Father,
I thank you those who have sow Your words into me. Thank you for Your guidance, patience, nurture, and Your breath of life. May Your will be done through me. I pray for competency when sowing Your words into others. I pray that you open my eyes to the reaping that are intended for me so that I may transform into my fullest being according to Your plan. Forgive my foolishness as I encounter my decisions. Prompt me with righteous prayers so that I may be closer to Your image, healed & whole, and ready to be returned to You. To glorify You, I pray. Amen.

All Glory to God

Ted Williams

Philippians Chapter 3: Joy in Knowing Christ

Philippians 3

No Confidence in the Flesh

Pressing on Toward the Goal

Battle BC: Moses Death Chase

Battle BC: Joshua Epic Slaughter

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 2

JOY IN SERVING

Warm-Up Questions:

Philippians 2

Humility To-Do List for this Week:

Give a gift of money to someone who is less fortunate

Write a note of encouragement to someone who you know is hurting

Offer to help accomplish a task at church

Sit next to someone you normally would not sit next to during lunch (at school or church) and get to know them better

Generously and genuinely thank someone (for a kind deed, grocery worker, waiter/waitress, parking attendant, etc…)

Shining as Stars

How do you see yourself being a light in a "dark" world?

What is one way you can pour yourself out to bless someone around you?

Timothy and Epaphroditus

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 6) - Evangelism

This passage gave a guideline of the 4 keys to fulfilling God's Mission of the World.

Principle of COMPASSION

Principle of FAITH

Principle of ACTION

Principle of PERSISTANT

The Importance of your MISSION

Continuation of Jesus' mission on earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Ezekiel 3:18)

Your mission is a wonderful privilege (2 Corinthians 5:18,20, 6:1)

Telling others how they can have eternal life (Act 4:12)

Your mission has eternal significance (John 9:4)

Your mission gives your life meaning (Acts 20:24)

God's timetable for history's conclusion (Matthew 24:14,36; Act 1:7-8, 20:24)

PVBC: Sunday School Philippians Chapter 1

JOY in Suffering

Getting to know each other question:

Warm-Up Questions:

Philippians 1:

Getting to know each other question:

PVBC: 40 Days Driven Purpose (Week 5) - Ministry

MINISTRY:

I. Three Attitudes toward People in Need

II. 4 Steps to Serving On Purpose

1. START SEEING the needs of people around me

2. SYMPATHIZE with people's pain

3. SEIZE the moment and meet the need

4. SPEND whatever it takes

III. S.H.A.P.E

Cornerstone Ministry: Week 4 - Trinity in Forgiveness

I. WHY DO WE NEED FORGIVENESS

II. TRINITY IN FORGIVENESS REQUIRED FOUR ELEMENTS

1. Action:

2. Love:

3. Steady State:

4. Sacrifice:

Referencing Verses for when you're feeling condemnation by the enemy.

Ways to receive forgiveness

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 4) - Discipleship

How does God train you to be more Christ-like? –

Through a Partnership

GOD'S PART

OUR PART

GOD's PART

BIBLE

HOLY SPIRIT

CIRCUMSTANCES

OUR PART

CHOOSE WHAT YOU THINK

DEPEND ON GOD'S SPIRIT

RESPOND TO CIRCUMSTANCES

EXERCISE:

PVBC: 40 Days Purpose Driven (Week 2) - Worship

WORSHIP

How Do We Live a Lifestyle of Worship?

1. The principle of DEDICATION. (V.1)

2. The Principle of INSULATION. (V.2a)

3.The Principle of TRANSFORMATION. (V.2b)

Three Reasons We Should Live For God’s Pleasure