MONDAY: YOU ARE FORGIVEN
The Black Plague which struck Europe in the 14th Century was one of the worse disasters in human history. Over i.5 million people died during this terrible period. People, desperate to find hope and relief, would try anything. One of the most extreme groups of people was the Flagellants. This fanatical sect sought God’s forgiveness and deliverance from the Plague by traveling in groups throughout towns and torturing their naked bodies by whipping each other with iron whips. Today we hear about the Flagellants and think, “how senseless. Didn’t they know that Jesus died for our sins so that we do not have to bear its punishment?” Yet many Christians are 21st Century Flagellants today. We may not physical beat ourselves over our sins but emotionally and mentally many of us continue to carry the guilt of son that was confessed, repented of and Christ died for. This week we want to look at how we can find relief from guilt of forgiven sin. I would like to recommend a You Tube presentation for you to watch. It is skit that shows God’s love for you. If you have the capability please watch it. It is found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvxWVHzEZ1w&mode=related&search=
What did the video above show you about God’s love for you? Write down your feelings about God in a short note to God.
FAITH STEP: Who can you share this video clip with? Make arrangements to do so this week.
TUESDAY: GOOD GUILT/BAD GUILT
Scripture clearly states that Jesus died to get rid of our guilt, yet many Christians are still haunted daily by guilt. We need to realize that not all guilt is bad. That there are two types of guilt. “Good guilt” is from the Holy Spirit. This guilt is short term and is used by God to lead us to repentance and to a relationship with Him. “Bad guilt” is from Satan. It is long term guilt. It comes when Satan beats us down with accusations, remorse and regrets from repented of sin that God has forgiven and forgotten along time ago. Let’s look at examples of both.
1. Read John 16:5-11. What does the Holy Spirit world of? What is the goal of the Holy Spirit’s conviction?
2. Read Revelation 12:10. Who is the “accuser of our brothers”? How has Satan used “false guilt” to discourage you in the past? What sins that God has already forgiven you for are still haunting you?
FAITH STEP: Take a piece of paper and write down the sins that you have already confessed but that Satan continues to accuse you of. Take that piece of paper and safely take a match and burn up the list. Now spend a few minutes thanking God for the forgiveness he has given you.
WEDNESDAY: GUILT FROM OTHERS
There is one other type of “bad or false guilt” we must deal with. Sometimes judgmental and unforgiving people will continue to load us down with guilt. In some cases they may be accurate, in that they are pointing their finger at a sin that we did commit but repented of. In other case they may be making false accusations. But we will always deal with people who will try to make us feel guilty. How are we to deal with these types of people?
1. What are some things that people accused Jesus of (Matthew 11:19)? Did he let these accusations stop Him from doing God’s will?
2. Read Galatians 1:10. Whose opinion should I be worried about?
FAITH STEP: If Jesus, the perfect Son of God could not please everybody, than I know I can’t please everyone either. My goal should be to please God and God alone. Who in your life is loading you down with false guilt? Pray for them by name asking God to help you love them and refuse to let their guilt rob you of God’s peace.
THURSDAY: LETTING GO OF THE PAST
1. Read 2 Samuel 11:1-27. List the sins that David committed in this chapter. How did God feel about David’s sins (11:27)?
2. Read 2 Samuel 12:1-13. How did David respond when confronted with the fact he sinned against God? What did God do with David’s sin (12:13)? What did David do to receive God’s forgiveness (12:13)?
3. Read 1 Kings 14:8. How did God later describe David? What does that show you about God’s forgiveness?
FAITH STEP: Please notice that even though David was completely forgiven, their was still consequences for his actions that had to be paid. For example, in today’s world a man who commits murder can be forgiven immediately but he will still have to serve his sentence. A person who misused his body with drugs for years cam be quickly forgiven but still suffer the physical consequences. The good news for a Christian is that God can use those consequences for His glory if we trust him and give them over to Him. The old adage “God never wastes a hurt” is true, even if the hurt is caused by our earlier sins. Ask God to help you use your consequences in ministry for his glory.
FRIDAY: FORGIVEN FOREVER
1. How did Paul describe his life before he met Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:9, Galatians 1:13, 1 Timothy 1:13)?
2. Read 1 Timothy 1:15-16. Paul seems to be telling his readers that I am the worse of all sinners. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done - I was worse and God forgave me. He will forgive you.
FAITH STEP: Read the following Scriptures and write down what God says he has done with your sins. Isaiah 1:18 Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:18-19.
SATURDAY: 1:8-2:2 THE POWER OF CONFESSION
1. How does one who believes he has never sinned nor does sin deceive himself?
2. John, writing to Christians, says we should confess (admit) our sins to God. What does God promise to do when we confess our sins?
3. What does purified mean to you? How does the fact that God purifies us from ALL unrighteousness make you feel?
4. When we do sin, who speaks to the Father on our behalf?
5. What type of sacrifice was Jesus for our sins? Look up a definition for the word “atone”.
FAITH STEP: The key to receiving God’s forgiveness is confessing our sins. Sometimes Christians deny their sins or rationalize them or blame others for them. Such game playing keeps us from enjoying God’s forgiveness. Read aloud I John 2:1 and claim the truth found there. As a child of God you are not guilty you are forgiven! Confess any unconfessed sins and realize that after confession if you are still carrying a burden of guilt – that that guilt is not from God but Satan. Write “I am forgiven” on a card and place it somewhere where you can be reminded everyday that you are free from the guilt of your sin.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
LEARNING TO LOVE
The Bible says the most important commands are “to love” (Mark 12:28-33). Jesus’ teachings on love were radical to a society that believed that their “neighbor” was people just like them and their enemies were anybody who was “not one of them”. Today, His teachings on love are still considered radical in a hateful, hurting world. This week we will take a brief unexhaustive look at what the Lord says about love.
MONDAY: LOVE ONE ANOTHER
1. Read John 13:34 – Why is this command new? (Compare with Leviticus 19:18).
2. How much does Jesus love you? (Romans 5:8, I John 3:16) What do these verses teach us about how we are to love each other? How can you “lay down your life for your fellow believers” (See 1 John 3:17)?
FAITH STEP: Who do you know this week that you can touch with the “love of Jesus”? Find one fellow Christian and help them in a practical way – before the week is over.
TUESDAY: GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU
I believe it is easier to love others when we recognize how much God loves us. Many people, believers and nonbelievers fail to experience God’s love. Today I want us to read some passages from God’s Word. After reading each verse write down one thing from that verse that shows you how much God loves you.
Psalm 48:9
Psalm 136:26
I John 4:9-10
Jeremiah 31:13
Ephesians 2:4-5
Romans 8:35-39
FAITH STEP: Where would you be without God’s love in your life? Spend a few minutes praising God for his love for you. Pick one of these verses to memorize this week
WEDNESDAY: LOVING OUR ENEMIES
When God talks about loving others the Greek word that is used is “agape”. It is a word that connotes unconditional selfless actions toward a person. It is not a feeling, it is a choice, it is a commitment to be kept in spite of your feelings. Agape loves does the right thing - the thing that is best for the other person – regardless of your feelings. Keeping that in mind, read Luke 6:27-36.
1. After reading I Corinthians 13:4-8 make a list on how you can love your enemies.
2. After reading Romans 12:17-21. What good deed can you do for your “enemy” (Person you don’t like or doesn’t like you)?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:8-9. How can you respond to your “enemies “curse” with a blessing?
FAITH STEP: Spend few minutes praying for your “enemies” (difficult people in your life) and asking God to help you reach out to them in love.
THURSDAY: LOVING OUR ENEMIES – Part 2
Re-read Luke 6:27-36. Are there limits to “turning one’s cheek” or letting one borrow from you”? (See John 18:23, Acts 22:22-29)
1. Jesus is using hyperbole to teach a life changing principle. Which of these statements are NOT what Jesus is teaching?
· Jesus wants his people to become perpetual victims.
· In a selfish world Jesus wants his disciples to be generous
· In a world that seeks revenge Jesus wants his disciples to offer forgiveness.
2. What two things does God promise to those who learn to love their enemies (verse 35)?
3. Who is to be our example when it comes to us being merciful?
FAITH STEP: Write down the name of a person in your life who needs mercy. What can you do this week to be merciful towards them?
FRIDAY: LOVING YOUR ENEMIES - Part 3
1. Read John 13:1-17. Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? (Verse 1)
2. What did Jesus know that the other disciple’s did not know (Verse 2, 10,11)
3. How do you think Judas felt when Jesus washed his feet?
FAITH STEP: In what relationship do you need to “wash feet” (meet a need through service) this weekend? Make plans and do it.
SATURDAY: GROWING IN LOVE
1. Read I Corinthians 13:4-8. Take a piece a paper and make 5 columns. In column one make a list of God’s characteristics of love found in our reading like this: I am patient, I am kind, I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud, I am not rude ,I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs, I do not delight in evil, I rejoice with the truth, I always protect, I always trust, I always hope, I always persevere, My love never fails.
At the top of column two write “With my family”, at the tope of column three write “at church”, at the top if column 4 write “at work” and at the top of column five write “with my enemies.” Now using a rating system of 1-10 (one being “I need a lot of help”, 10 being “I’m great at this”) rate your love in each area of your life. What areas do you need to improve on? Who can help you do that? Spend a few minutes in prayer seeking God’s help to be more loving.
MONDAY: LOVE ONE ANOTHER
1. Read John 13:34 – Why is this command new? (Compare with Leviticus 19:18).
2. How much does Jesus love you? (Romans 5:8, I John 3:16) What do these verses teach us about how we are to love each other? How can you “lay down your life for your fellow believers” (See 1 John 3:17)?
FAITH STEP: Who do you know this week that you can touch with the “love of Jesus”? Find one fellow Christian and help them in a practical way – before the week is over.
TUESDAY: GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU
I believe it is easier to love others when we recognize how much God loves us. Many people, believers and nonbelievers fail to experience God’s love. Today I want us to read some passages from God’s Word. After reading each verse write down one thing from that verse that shows you how much God loves you.
Psalm 48:9
Psalm 136:26
I John 4:9-10
Jeremiah 31:13
Ephesians 2:4-5
Romans 8:35-39
FAITH STEP: Where would you be without God’s love in your life? Spend a few minutes praising God for his love for you. Pick one of these verses to memorize this week
WEDNESDAY: LOVING OUR ENEMIES
When God talks about loving others the Greek word that is used is “agape”. It is a word that connotes unconditional selfless actions toward a person. It is not a feeling, it is a choice, it is a commitment to be kept in spite of your feelings. Agape loves does the right thing - the thing that is best for the other person – regardless of your feelings. Keeping that in mind, read Luke 6:27-36.
1. After reading I Corinthians 13:4-8 make a list on how you can love your enemies.
2. After reading Romans 12:17-21. What good deed can you do for your “enemy” (Person you don’t like or doesn’t like you)?
3. Read 1 Peter 3:8-9. How can you respond to your “enemies “curse” with a blessing?
FAITH STEP: Spend few minutes praying for your “enemies” (difficult people in your life) and asking God to help you reach out to them in love.
THURSDAY: LOVING OUR ENEMIES – Part 2
Re-read Luke 6:27-36. Are there limits to “turning one’s cheek” or letting one borrow from you”? (See John 18:23, Acts 22:22-29)
1. Jesus is using hyperbole to teach a life changing principle. Which of these statements are NOT what Jesus is teaching?
· Jesus wants his people to become perpetual victims.
· In a selfish world Jesus wants his disciples to be generous
· In a world that seeks revenge Jesus wants his disciples to offer forgiveness.
2. What two things does God promise to those who learn to love their enemies (verse 35)?
3. Who is to be our example when it comes to us being merciful?
FAITH STEP: Write down the name of a person in your life who needs mercy. What can you do this week to be merciful towards them?
FRIDAY: LOVING YOUR ENEMIES - Part 3
1. Read John 13:1-17. Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? (Verse 1)
2. What did Jesus know that the other disciple’s did not know (Verse 2, 10,11)
3. How do you think Judas felt when Jesus washed his feet?
FAITH STEP: In what relationship do you need to “wash feet” (meet a need through service) this weekend? Make plans and do it.
SATURDAY: GROWING IN LOVE
1. Read I Corinthians 13:4-8. Take a piece a paper and make 5 columns. In column one make a list of God’s characteristics of love found in our reading like this: I am patient, I am kind, I do not envy, I do not boast, I am not proud, I am not rude ,I am not self-seeking, I am not easily angered, I keep no record of wrongs, I do not delight in evil, I rejoice with the truth, I always protect, I always trust, I always hope, I always persevere, My love never fails.
At the top of column two write “With my family”, at the tope of column three write “at church”, at the top if column 4 write “at work” and at the top of column five write “with my enemies.” Now using a rating system of 1-10 (one being “I need a lot of help”, 10 being “I’m great at this”) rate your love in each area of your life. What areas do you need to improve on? Who can help you do that? Spend a few minutes in prayer seeking God’s help to be more loving.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
HOPE FOR HARD TIMES
The book of I Peter was written to God’s people who were beginning to experience persecution. Peter points to Jesus to encourage Christians to remain strong in the face if suffering, mistreatment, ridicule and death. This is in no way intended to be an exhaustive study of this letter – but a short journey to help you venture deeper into the truths found here.
MONDAY: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE (I Peter 1:1-3)
1. What two words/phrases does Peter use to describe the recipients of this letter? (1:1)
2. How does the fact that we are God’s “elect” (chosen people) help Christians keep hopeful when facing tough times?
3. How does the fact that we are “strangers in the world” help us cope with difficult times? (See Hebrew 11:13-16; Philippians 3:20)
As Christians we should strive to live with eternity in view. We are not physical beings having a spiritual existence, but we are spiritual beings having a brief physical experience while here on earth.
FAITH STEP: As a family or individually write down at least three things that you are looking forward to the most when you get to heaven. Keep that list handy so you can review it, especially when suffering.
TUESDAY: A LIVING HOPE (1:3-5)
1. In order to prepare his readers to be ready to withstand the suffering they are facing Peter reminds them of the living hope Christians have. “Living” shows us that this hope is not some sort of idle wish but it is something that is active and eternal – something we can count on daily.
2. What is the basis for our living hope? (See also I Corinthians 15:14,20,57)
3. How is this hope further described in 1:4? What three adjectives does Peter use to assure us that our hope (inheritance) is eternal and can be counted on?
4. Where is God keeping our inheritance?
5. According to verse 5 God also shields his children until we receive that inheritance. What are some ways God guard us in trials?
FAITH STEP: Peter wants to encourage his readers to focus their attention on the living hope and inheritance awaiting them in order to help them persevere in tough times here. Who do you know that needs to know about that hope. Write down their name and call them or send them a note today to encourage them by reminding them of the living hope we have in Christ.
WEDNESDAY: BE HOLY (1:13-16)
1. After focusing his readers’ attention to the hope they have in Christ and encouraging them to rejoice even in suffering because of that hope, Peter now tells them that the relationship they have with Christ should motivate them to live holy lives – even in suffering. Peter tells us to “prepare our minds for action”. What are three ways Peter says we can do this in verses 13-14?
2. As opposed to conforming to evil desires Peter want us, as obedient children, to imitate the Father. The motive for us being holy is our relationship with God – (“Be holy, because I am holy”). Look at I Peter 2:4-10. Peter describes God’s people as a “holy ________” (verse 5) and a “holy _________” (verse 9). In other words as Christians we are to live dedicated to God’s service.
FAITH STEPS: How can you be more holy at home? Work/School? Church? Make a list of area’s you need to improve in and spend some time in prayer asking God to help you “prepare your minds for action” in these areas.
THURSDAY: DEALING WITH MISTREATMENT (2:12-25)
1. Peter’s readers were undergoing government persecution. We may not experience that today but we do at times get overlooked for the promotion, cut from the team or mistreated by harsh bosses. How does God say we should act in these situations 1:13, 17, 21)?
2. What is to motivate us to suffer mistreatment like Jesus (2:12, 15)?
3. Who is our example in how to endure mistreatment?
4. Who are to trust when suffering (2:23)?
5. Are their ever any times where a Christian should take a stand for his/her rights? (See John 2:12-16; Acts 4:18-20) How do you determine what to do?
FAITH STEP: Make a list of the “authorities” in your life. How can you use verses 16-17 to better relate to them in a way that glorifies God?
FRIDAY: THE POWER OF HUMILITY (5:5-11)
1. Why does God tell us to clothe ourselves with humility (5:5)?
2. Verse 6 tells us to humble ourselves before God. In the context of the letter – Christian suffering – Peter is thus urging us to trust God even in the midst of suffering. Why? (1:6-7, 3:8-9, 4:12-13)?
3. According to verse 8 who incites persecution against the Christian? How are we to resist him (5:8,9)?
4. What does God promise to those who faithfully withstand the trials of this life (5:10)?
FAITH STEP: Read 1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6. Make a list of 10 things that are worrying you and a list of 10 things you are thankful for. . In prayer thank God for the blessings you have and then ask him to take over control of the things worrying you. Claim the peace promised after doing this.
SATURDAY: Take a few minutes to read all of 1 Peter. Find one command that you really need to focus on obeying, one promise that you can claim, one blessing to thank God for and one description of God that you wan to praise him for. Write these down on an index card and carry them with you this next week to review as you go through your daily routine.
MONDAY: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE (I Peter 1:1-3)
1. What two words/phrases does Peter use to describe the recipients of this letter? (1:1)
2. How does the fact that we are God’s “elect” (chosen people) help Christians keep hopeful when facing tough times?
3. How does the fact that we are “strangers in the world” help us cope with difficult times? (See Hebrew 11:13-16; Philippians 3:20)
As Christians we should strive to live with eternity in view. We are not physical beings having a spiritual existence, but we are spiritual beings having a brief physical experience while here on earth.
FAITH STEP: As a family or individually write down at least three things that you are looking forward to the most when you get to heaven. Keep that list handy so you can review it, especially when suffering.
TUESDAY: A LIVING HOPE (1:3-5)
1. In order to prepare his readers to be ready to withstand the suffering they are facing Peter reminds them of the living hope Christians have. “Living” shows us that this hope is not some sort of idle wish but it is something that is active and eternal – something we can count on daily.
2. What is the basis for our living hope? (See also I Corinthians 15:14,20,57)
3. How is this hope further described in 1:4? What three adjectives does Peter use to assure us that our hope (inheritance) is eternal and can be counted on?
4. Where is God keeping our inheritance?
5. According to verse 5 God also shields his children until we receive that inheritance. What are some ways God guard us in trials?
FAITH STEP: Peter wants to encourage his readers to focus their attention on the living hope and inheritance awaiting them in order to help them persevere in tough times here. Who do you know that needs to know about that hope. Write down their name and call them or send them a note today to encourage them by reminding them of the living hope we have in Christ.
WEDNESDAY: BE HOLY (1:13-16)
1. After focusing his readers’ attention to the hope they have in Christ and encouraging them to rejoice even in suffering because of that hope, Peter now tells them that the relationship they have with Christ should motivate them to live holy lives – even in suffering. Peter tells us to “prepare our minds for action”. What are three ways Peter says we can do this in verses 13-14?
2. As opposed to conforming to evil desires Peter want us, as obedient children, to imitate the Father. The motive for us being holy is our relationship with God – (“Be holy, because I am holy”). Look at I Peter 2:4-10. Peter describes God’s people as a “holy ________” (verse 5) and a “holy _________” (verse 9). In other words as Christians we are to live dedicated to God’s service.
FAITH STEPS: How can you be more holy at home? Work/School? Church? Make a list of area’s you need to improve in and spend some time in prayer asking God to help you “prepare your minds for action” in these areas.
THURSDAY: DEALING WITH MISTREATMENT (2:12-25)
1. Peter’s readers were undergoing government persecution. We may not experience that today but we do at times get overlooked for the promotion, cut from the team or mistreated by harsh bosses. How does God say we should act in these situations 1:13, 17, 21)?
2. What is to motivate us to suffer mistreatment like Jesus (2:12, 15)?
3. Who is our example in how to endure mistreatment?
4. Who are to trust when suffering (2:23)?
5. Are their ever any times where a Christian should take a stand for his/her rights? (See John 2:12-16; Acts 4:18-20) How do you determine what to do?
FAITH STEP: Make a list of the “authorities” in your life. How can you use verses 16-17 to better relate to them in a way that glorifies God?
FRIDAY: THE POWER OF HUMILITY (5:5-11)
1. Why does God tell us to clothe ourselves with humility (5:5)?
2. Verse 6 tells us to humble ourselves before God. In the context of the letter – Christian suffering – Peter is thus urging us to trust God even in the midst of suffering. Why? (1:6-7, 3:8-9, 4:12-13)?
3. According to verse 8 who incites persecution against the Christian? How are we to resist him (5:8,9)?
4. What does God promise to those who faithfully withstand the trials of this life (5:10)?
FAITH STEP: Read 1 Peter 5:7 and Philippians 4:6. Make a list of 10 things that are worrying you and a list of 10 things you are thankful for. . In prayer thank God for the blessings you have and then ask him to take over control of the things worrying you. Claim the peace promised after doing this.
SATURDAY: Take a few minutes to read all of 1 Peter. Find one command that you really need to focus on obeying, one promise that you can claim, one blessing to thank God for and one description of God that you wan to praise him for. Write these down on an index card and carry them with you this next week to review as you go through your daily routine.
Welcome to UpWords
Welcome to UpWords. For a long time I have desired to over a ministry for Stop 9 members (and others) where a weekly Bible Study guide can be offered to help believers spend a little time in the Word on a regular basis. I hope these lessons will be user friendly and easily adaptable for both personal and family devotional times. The goal is to have the studies correspond with subjects or Scriptures covered in our Sunday AM assembly. While I will not guarantee to have new material on a weekly basis – I hope to provide it on a regular basis. I hope this effort will help us all keep our focus upward to heaven through the use of “upwords” that will help us keep our eye on the prize. May God bless your spiritual journey.
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