The Beginning

Begin . . . start . . . commence . . . open . . . .       

   There's something refreshing and optimistic about these words, whether they refer to the dawn of a new day, the birth of a child, the prelude of a symphony, or the first miles of a family vacation. Free of problems and full of promise, beginnings stir hope and imaginative visions of the future.

     Genesis means "beginning" or "origin," and it unfolds the record of the beginning of the world, of human history, of family, of civilization, of salvation. It is the story of God's purpose and plan for his creation. As the book of beginnings, Genesis sets the stage for the entire Bible. It reveals the person and nature of God (Creator, Sustainer, Judge, Redeemer); the value and dignity of human beings (made in God's image, saved by grace, used by God in the world); the tragedy and consequences of sin (the fall, separation from God, judgement); and the promise and assurance of salvation (covenant, forgiveness, promised Messiah). Read Genesis and be encouraged! There is hope!! No matter how dark the world situation seems, God has a plan. No matter how insignificant or useless you feel, God loves you and wants to use you in his plan. No matter how sinful and separated from God you are, his salvation is available. Read Genesis . . . and hope!

     God. That's where Genesis begins. All at once we see him creating the world in a majestic display of power and purpose, culminating with a man and woman made like himself (1:26, 27). But before long, sin entered the world and Satan was unmasked. Bathed in innocence, creation was shattered by the fall (the willful disobedience of Adam and Eve). Fellowship with God was broken, and evil began weaving its destructive web. In rapid succession, we read how Adam and Eve were expelled from the beautiful garden, their first son turned murderer, and evil bred evil until God finally destroyed everyone on earth except a small family led by Noah, the only godly person left.

     As we come to Abraham on the plains of Canaan, we discover the beginning of God's covenant people and the broad strokes of his salvation plan: salvation comes by faith, Abraham's descendants will be God's people, and the Savior of the world will come through this chosen nation. The stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph which follow are more than interesting biographies. They emphasize the promises of God and the proof that he is faithful. The people we meet in Genesis are simple, ordinary people, yet through them, God did great things. These are vivid pictures of how God can, and does use all kinds of people to accomplish his good purposes . . . even people like you and I. 

Prayer for Today:

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. And you, yourself, pray in me. Amen.

Do Fathers Really Matter?

Read | Ephesians 5:22-6:4

A great deception is spreading in our culture. It’s the idea that fathers are irrelevant. This attitude is promoted on television, in movies, and throughout the media. Men are generally portrayed as shallow, self-absorbed, and ignorant. Because of her husband’s inadequacy, the mom is pictured as the one who comes to the rescue and wisely solves the family’s problems. Furthermore, the prevalence of divorce and the absence of men in the home have led many people in our society to consider fathers unnecessary.

But let us consider what the Lord says about men. After all, He created the family and established the roles for each member. First, God has designated that the husband is to be the head of the wife (Eph. 5:23). Next, He prescribed that children are to honor and obey their parents (6:1-2). This has nothing to do with value; He’s simply describing areas of responsibility. All people are valuable—and that includes fathers.

According to God’s Word, fathers are to be honored. Now, I know some of you did not experience the blessing of being raised in a home led by a godly man; however, this command isn't dependent upon the circumstances or the person. We are to honor our fathers because of the position given to them by God. Although our dads may have failed in many ways, we are still to treat them with respect.

Instead of taking your father for granted or finding fault, stop and recall the reasons you can be thankful for him.

Doubting Thomas

Bible Study: John 20:25-29:

So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

26 [a]After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been [b]shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then He *said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus *said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”

Thomas is an everyman. He hadn't yet seen the resurrected Jesus, though he’d heard, as you and I have heard, that Jesus had risen from the dead. Angry, hurt, and confused, he resisted believing the bewildering accounts of resurrection—accounts that came from trusted friends he had lived with for three years.

Thomas was no stranger to resurrection. With his own eyes, he’d seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead—and he had believed. But he had also personally seen Jesus crucified, and that’s when his dream of the kingdom died. Crucifixion seemed more powerful than resurrection, more final. Faith crumbled; hope was crushed.

Then Jesus appeared alive, and gently said, “Peace be with you,” offering Thomas all the proof he needed. The proof he personally needed. Resurrection, it turns out, was more permanent than death.

Face it: Believing in resurrection isn't easy no matter how many people tell you it happened. Jesus still has to bring us to belief, to give our hearts and minds and souls peace in faith. Without appearing physically to us, He gives us what we need in order to believe—what we ourselves need. And as He did with Thomas, Jesus seeks us out.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Think back to the first time you were told that Jesus had risen from the dead. What was your reaction? Did you find that information easy to believe or terribly difficult? Why?

2. Thomas had seen miracles; he’d witnessed many demonstrations of Jesus’ supernatural power. Yet the crucifixion shook his faith badly. Has anything ever shaken your faith to the core, even though you may previously have seen numerous works of God? What can you learn from Thomas’s experience?

3. In order to believe, Thomas needed something tangible—something special for him. The vast majority of Christians have never seen the resurrected Jesus, yet God gives us what we each need in order to believe. What did (or do) you need for faith to become real? How has Jesus revealed Himself to you? How do you still need Him to do so?

The Truth That Sets Us Free

Read | John 8:25-32:

"25 So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning. 26 I have much to say about you and much to judge, but he who sent me is true, and I declare to the world what I have heard from him.” 27 They did not understand that he had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. 29 And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” 30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.The Truth Will Set You Free31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”God desires the best for each of His children, but sometimes we become trapped in habits, thoughts, and negative emotions that interfere with His plans for us. However, Jesus offers us a way out. If we'll continue in His Word, we'll know the truth that sets us free from whatever is holding us in bondage."

To "continue" in the Word means to be consistently reading and applying it to our lives. Then we'll know what God says and be able to recognize the traps that threaten to ensnare us. What's more, we'll understand the benefits accompanying our salvation that enable us to stand firm in truth without being led astray. Those benefits include . . .

• Our position: Through faith in Christ, we've entered into a personal relationship with God. Now, as His children, we have ready access to His throne along with the assurance that He'll hear our prayers.

• Our provision: God gave the Bible to guide and encourage us in all situations.

• Our promises: By relying on the promises He has given us, we'll become partakers of God's nature and escape the world's corrupting influence (2 Pet. 1:4).

• Our protection: As we walk obediently with Christ, He strengthens and protects us so we won't fall into the traps of the evil One (2 Thess. 3:3).

The first step to living in freedom is to recognize any sins, attitudes, or negative emotions that are dominating your life. Then get grounded in the truth of Scripture and claim God's promises and provisions by faith. He's ready to deal with any type of bondage the moment you cry out to Him for help.

“The truth shall set you free”...and we are free indeed.  Without having the diligence to delve into the Word of God daily, we open ourselves to be ensnared, trapped, in bondage.  Unable to enjoy the promises of God, we fall in a state of lethargy, of indifference, of a sense of emptiness.  What a sad state of mind to miss out on a life of peace, joy and contentment brought by drawing close to the Lord each and everyday.  May we be wise in choosing what is best.

Our Risen Savior

1 Corinthians 15:12-19:

12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified [a]against God that He raised [b]Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Jesus' life, death, and resurrection form a solid foundation for our Christian faith. Scripture tells us that Jesus lived a perfect life—one without any sin. As the spotless Lamb of God, He willingly went to the cross and sacrificed Himself for us (1 Pet. 1:18-19). Christ bore our sins and endured our punishment so we might be reconciled to God.

The Savior's death was accepted by the Father as full payment for our sins, and it made a way for us to be at peace with Him (Rom. 5:1). Three days after the crucifixion, Jesus was raised from death to life. He had overcome the grave. In victory, He ascended into heaven and now sits at the Father's right hand.

Christ's death and resurrection are a picture of what happened at our salvation. Recognizing ourselves as sinners who could not pay for our own misdeeds, we expressed faith in our Savior. Then, "our old self was crucified with Him" (Rom. 6:6), and we were reborn spiritually. Because of His sacrifice, we were forgiven, reconciled to God, and adopted into His family. Heaven will be our eternal home.

Paul emphasized the importance of the resurrection to the Christian life. He explained that if it were not true, our faith would be in vain.

The risen Christ appeared to many people. He let Thomas touch Him to know that He was alive. After the Lord ascended into heaven, the Father sent His Holy Spirit to indwell believers and bear witness to the truth of the resurrection. Our faith is based on the secure foundation of a risen Savior.

A Biblical View of Government

By Dr. Charles Stanley

What perspective should Christians have towards human authority? Should believers pay taxes? The followers of Jesus wondered these very things in the first century. Let's look at what the Bible says about officials and other leaders.

A. The Lord ordains all authority.

Leaders rise to power only through the will of God. Daniel 2:21 says that the Lord "changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings." Read Daniel 5:1-31.

• What did both Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar have in common before God punished them?
• How did king Nebuchadnezzar's attitude change after his mind was restored to him?
• Why do you think God's judgment was more severe on Belshazzar than on his father?

We frequently attribute a political candidate's success to his or her ambition, education, campaign strategy, popularity, or financial backing. But no one is placed in public office apart from the will of God. Sometimes the Lord deliberately selects a person to accomplish His purposes. Other times, His permissive will grants people the leader they demand.

Israel insisted on having an earthly king. Read the story in 1 Samuel 8:4-20.

• What were some of the burdens a king would place on the people?

There will always be a cost associated with demanding the leader of our choice.

B. What respect is due to human authority?

Given that leaders don't always honor God with their choices, should Christians still respect their position of authority? In general, yes. Jesus Himself indicated that believers should be subject to secular authorities.

• Read Matthew 22:17-22. When the Jewish leaders tried to trick Jesus into sounding as if He was rebelling against Rome, how did He answer them?
• What does this indicate about whether or not believers should pay taxes?

The apostle Paul also affirmed the authority of the Roman government—a totalitarian dictatorship that often persecuted Christians and Jews.

• Read Romans 13:1-7. For what reasons are we to be in subjection to secular authorities (vv. 1-5)?
• According to verses 5-7, why should we pay taxes?

This passage includes more than just the governmental authorities; it can be expanded to include all those in leadership over us.

• List a few of the authorities over you, whether at home, work, or school.
• According to Romans 13:7, what do you owe these people?

However, there are times when believers must disobey human authority. If the law of the land contradicts clear biblical teaching, we are to obey God's Word instead.

• Explain why the apostles chose not to follow the instructions of the Jewish religious leaders in Acts 5:27-29.
• List a few circumstances under which you would be justified in choosing to disobey governmental or other human authority in order to obey God.

C. Leaders are accountable to God.

When you find yourselves subject to ungodly leaders, remember that everyone—including those in positions of authority—will one day answer to God (Rom 14:11-12).

• What are some reasons why we should we submit to leadership within the body of Christ (Heb. 13:17)?
• When anyone—including a leader––becomes prideful and arrogant, what does the Bible predict will result (Prov. 29:23)?

God rewards authority figures who humbly look to Him for strength, guidance, and wisdom. Those who are overconfident He will eventually humble and punish––if not in this life, then at the judgment.

D. We are called to pray for leaders.

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

• How does Paul instruct Timothy to speak to God about authorities?
• What will be the result?
• Do you faithfully pray for government officials and others in leadership? If not, what hinders you?

Here are some suggestions on how to intercede for elected officials. You can pray that they would:

1. Recognize their personal sinfulness and need for the cleansing power of Jesus Christ, if they aren't already saved.


2. Become aware of their inadequacy for the tasks before them, and pray for God's wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and courage.


3. Reject all counsel that violates the spiritual principles of Scripture, and be willing to trust divine guidance.


4. Resist the pressure of those who would mislead them or tempt them to violate their consciences and the will of God.


5. Work to reverse the cultural trends of humanism, which deifies man and dethrones God.


6. Ready themselves to abandon their political careers and personal ambitions if this is in the best interest of our country.


7. Rely upon the Word of God and prayer as their primary sources of strength and success.


8. Maintain dignity, honor, trustworthiness, and righteousness in their offices.


9. Strive to be good examples to the people of this land.


10. Remember that while they are in office, they are accountable to God for their attitudes, actions, and motives.
    
    

Closing: Whether we approve of their decisions or not, the authorities in our lives have been appointed by God. As long as their commands do not violate scriptural principles or our conscience, we have a responsibility to obey them. And no matter what, we are always called to honor and pray for our leaders.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of lifting up those in authority over me. Convict me when I criticize and complain instead of taking my concerns to You in prayer. Make me into a prayer warrior for this nation, so that believers may practice their faith peacefully. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc.

Hearing The Sermon Again

- Joe Stowell

A story is told about a man who preached an impressive sermon, seeking to be the pastor of a new church. Everybody loved it and voted for him to become their new pastor. They were a bit surprised, however, when he preached the same sermon his first Sunday there—and even more surprised when he preached it again the next week. After he preached the same sermon the third week in a row, the leaders met with him to find out what was going on. The pastor assured them, “I know what I’m doing. When you start living out this sermon, I’ll go on to my next one.”

Jesus’ sermons had a notably recurring theme. Not surprisingly, the King of kings wanted to be sure that the people understood what was required of them to be part of His kingdom. He came to announce a whole new world order that was totally out of step with life as it was usually lived. Themes such as forgiveness, servanthood, and unconditional mercy and grace were repeatedly on His lips.

Two thousand years later we find ourselves in need of the same message. As soon as we start repenting and living under the authority, reign, and rule of Jesus our King, we will experience benefit to our lives, glory to His name, and blessing to others.

The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day,
But it won’t help if we don’t read
And practice what its pages say.
—Sper

A sermon isn’t complete until it’s put into practice.
Remember in all you do this week to shine like the stars in the universe.

The Power of Prayer

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

In the sermon today at my church, the pastor talked about the power of prayer. He brought up a story which has stuck in my mind ever since.

In Japan, there is a pastor who goes around to different cities, villages and towns to preach the Gospel. He goes every year, with the same message. There is one extremely small town, and every year, they react in an extraordinary way. The pastor wanted to know why this small town is reacting in such a big way. He talked to the pastor of that town, and he didn't know. He talked to residents, he talked to philosophers. No one knew why that particular town reacted in that manner.

One day, the pastor received an invitation to preach in Sweden. He had never been there, and agreed to go. After he was done preaching, a little old Swedish lady came up to him and said, "I received this piece of paper from a missionary. I have never been to Japan, and I don't know anyone who is Japanese. Do you know this town?"

The pastor took the paper and read what was on it. There was only one word, and it was the name of the town in Japan that reacted in such a extraordinary way towards the Gospel. The lady said "I have been praying for this town every day since I got this piece of paper."
The pastor instantly knew why the town was so impacted by the Word of God. The power of prayer can do many things. It can heal terrible wounds, and it can change someone's heart.

Prayer is an invitation to God for him to Deliver us. Be sure to pray this week for others, and for yourself. Pray that God will bring peace and healing to the Boston marathon victims, and their families. Also, have compassion for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and his family, as he is a lamb lead astray.

Thank you, and have a wonderful week!

Be Holy. As God is Holy.

The one who chose you is Holy. So you should be holy in all that you do. It is written, "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Peter 1:15-16

  Why does God want us to be holy? Because that's what he has always intended. That's the way he made us.

  Did you know that when God first made us, we were holy? Adam and Eve were sinless. They were like God. But when they sinned, they fell from that high position. They lost their goodness and perfection. They became sinners.

  Ever since then, every person ever born is a sinner. He can only stop being a sinner and become a saint by trusting Christ and following him.
 
  God wants us to be like him. Why? So he can point to us whenever anyone asks and say, "That is what I'm like."

  God wants us to be little images of him, so that his universe is populated with people who love, give, sacrifice, care, and live in peace.


Make me holy, Lord, and help me to want to be holy, too.

In Jesus,
AMEN

It Must Come from the Heart

When you look for me with all your heart, you will find me.

Jeremiah 29:13

 What does it mean to seek God with "all your heart"?

The heart is the center of your spiritual being. It's the place where you think and feel and have motives and desires. It's the deepest part of your being. And it's the part God most wants us to share with him.
  
  
Why? Because our hearts are who we really are. When we give from the heart, we're giving from the deepest, most sincere, and most godly part of ourselves. The heart can't hide anythinging. It always tells the truth.



God wants our hearts because that's the part of us that is most like him. That's the part that talks to him and learns from him. That's the part that worships and loves him.                  


Are you seeking him with allnyour heart?  If not, why not?  And if so, have you found him?


Here's a prayer that you can pray:

Open my heart to your Word, Jesus,  that I might walk in your light.

In your name,
Amen.