I imagine there were three reactions to God parting the Red Sea. Each reaction says a lot about the relationship that person has with God.

the first reaction is of thankfulness and joy. Those people saw the waters parted, recognized God was providing and quickly ran through and accepted God's gift. Those people understood the power of God and had no doubt.

The second reaction is one of stunned awe. They stopped and marveled at what had happened, but they were so surprised that they didn't think to start running. Those people did not recognize that God's power was limitless. They were so busy trying to understand God's gift, they did not accept it.

The third reaction is one of fear and disbelief. Not reverent fear, but distrustful fear. They timidly approached the water and walked through, but constant eyed it with suspicion, waiting for it to come down over them. These people doubt the power of God and His love for them. They are always looking for a catch in God's love and because of that, they can never fully receive it.

How do I react to the work God does for me today? Do I doubt Him? Do I question His power? Or do I fully accept it with humility and thanksgiving? I need to make more of an effort to recognize that not only is God all-powerful, He loves me unconditionally and would never do anything to me outside of love.

Matthew 9:9 - "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collectors' booth; and He said to him, 'Follow me!' And he got up and followed Him."

Matthew was in the midst of work, in the midst of living his life, when Jesus came and called him. He was not concerned with what his friends would think, or what would happen to his job when he walked out. His earthly status was not as important as his spiritual status.

There are many things I do that I feel are necessary. It is important to have a job, as it is scriptural to be good stewards of our money. I need to work to provide for myself and pay off my debt. But do I rely on my job to allow me to do that or am I relying on the One who provides? If I lose my source of income, would I worry about where my next meal, next car payment will come from? More importantly, would I be willing to leave on my own volition or would it take a circumstance that forces me out? I have been in difficult situations with finances and have trusted in God. But I still have a hard time leaving when God says go.

Matthew had the privilege of having Jesus there and knowing for certain that it was His voice calling him. I must learn to recognize Jesus' voice so that I know when it is He who calls me.

Matthew 9:29 - "It shall be done to you according to your faith."

God answers the prayers of the righteous. The righteous shall live by faith (James 5:16, Romans 1:17). Our faith determines the measure of our blessing. If I have faith only enough to believe I will receive little, little will be given. But If I have faith enough to believe I will receive much, much will be given.

Based on Steve's sermon

Mark 10:17-27

The young man went to the right source. he wanted eternal life, and to feel full. Instead of going after greater riches or looking at others for comfort, he went to Jesus to find the answers.

The man calls Jesus "good teacher." He recognizes the authority of Jesus as God.

vs. 17 - Jesus was about to leave town. The man did not delay, but ran up to Him and knelt before Him. even though he was a wealthy ruler, he humbled himself before Jesus.

It's one thing to know the commandments (vs 18-19, btu this man has kept them all from his youth. He had a great dedication to serving God. Salvation always is achieved by doing. We must obey (Hebrews 5). We must make an effort to keep Jesus' commandments. If we are ambivalent about the commands of Jesus, we are not serious about our love for Him.

Jesus was willing to tell the man the truth and risk him walking away because He loved him. Far too often we take offense when people reject the gospel. We take it personally, and want to find a way to make it seem more appealing.

Faith in God is an amazing, and difficult, thing. We put our faith in other people or in other things because we have experienced them, or witnessed them to be true. We know that people have flown in planes and survived, therefore we know it's safe. We've sat on chairs before, therefore we trust similarly structured objects to also hold our weight when we sit on them. We've seen others display their love for us, therefore we trust that that love will continue. Yet there is nothing concrete we can use to explain our faith in God. We have His word, but that relies on faith that it is truly inspired. We have answered prayers, but that depends on faith that it truly was God's work and not just chance.

1 Peter 1:8 - "And though you have not seen Him, love Him."
James 1:6 - "But he must ask in faith, without any doubting."

Faith in God is a constant, active thing. it's not a lackadaisical second thought, but requires determination to declare that although I cannot see, I believe. And not only believe, I love. This is not phileo love, which says that I am fond of God. But is agapeo, the verb form of agape. Do I truly have a brotherly, benevolent love toward God, or is it just an appreciative fondness?

Hebrews 1:1,6 - "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists, and the He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Faith, once accepted, can be freeing. It is not necessary to know God before we can receive salvation, it is only necessary to accept that He can offer salvation, and admit we need it. In fact, before we are saved, it is impossible to know God, because we do not have the spirit of God. "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. " (1 Corinthians 2:11). When we are saved, the Spirit of God dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Spirit teaches us (Luke 12:12, John 14:26). The Spirit reveals God's wisdom. (1 Corinthians 2:6-10)

Put your love to the test

James 1:1-12

John MacArthur says that things are put to test "with the purpose of discovering that person's nature or that thing's quality." Cars, furniture, bridges and other such things are tested before being released to the public in order to prove they can stand up to the task for which it was created. Software programs are tested for errors. Food is tested to see if it lacks anything. In the same way, our trials and tests are used to prove that what we have is sufficient, or to find what areas need to be improved.

vs. 2 - The word for "consider" can also be translated "evaluate." It is not natural for us to rejoice in trials, but it is necessary. This is something we must train ourselves to do - make a conscious effort to face trials with joy.

vs. 3 - "testing" can also be translated "proving."

vs 4. - "perfect" - in regard to spiritual maturity; "complete" lit. "all portions whole."

vs. 12 - "approved" lit "passed the test."

A crown was not just reserved for royalty. In ancient Greek athletic events they would put a wreath on the head of the victor - the crown symbolizes a reward. Here it is the reward of eternal life.

Notes from Tuesday study

Philippians 4:1-7

Paul calls the church his beloved, and his joy and crown.

- They have the same joy, thus making his joy complete.

- Do I consider others in the church to be a joy or a burden?

  * How do others affect me?

- Two words for "crown"

  * diadem - crown of royalty

  * stefanos - crown a victor wears. This is the word Paul used.

  * The church is his reward for victory - He finds strength in them.

How do I paint the picture of my relationship with the church? Are they my strength?

In verse 2, Euodia and Syntyche are not like-minded and are at odds. Paul urges them in verse 3 to bring about correction. Galatians 6:1 - Restore each other gently.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - We are either complete in the same mind, or we are divided.

Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all men --> It is active and takes effort on our part.

Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord! our joy is found in God. Despite our circumstances, we should be full of joy because of God. 

vs. 5 - Gentle spirit, forbearing spirit - we must continue to strive in our gentleness and humility. If we rejoice always, it will be evident to everyone that we have joy.

vs. 6 "Anxious" - apply deep thought to something, which causes division in your mind. Everywhere else in the Bible it refers to the way we think. By not trusting God, we cause a division among ourselves.

The anchor holds in spite of the storm

Matthew 14:22-31

Peter had the faith to step out into the storm to go to Jesus. And although he became distracted by the wind and faltered, when he fixed his focus back on Jesus, he was safe again.

Lately I have been too afraid to take the initial step out of the boat. I am afraid to go to Jesus because of the difficulty surrounding my journey to reach Him. I would rather stay on the unsteady boat than find comfort in the arms of my Savior. He kept Peter safe, even when he began to drown. He will keep me safe whenever I focus on Him.

Being in the water probably wasn't high on Peter's list of places to be. But at that moment it was better than any place else he could have ever wanted to be, since he was with Jesus.

This is something I understand, but is it something I believe? Am I ready to be in a miserable place, knowing that Jesus is holding me in His arms, or would I prefer to keep Him at a distance, so I could remain in a more comfortable place (by human standards)?

"Lord, I do believe. Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24) I do not have a lack of belief. I believe that Jesus is the Christ, and He has the power to save my soul. I believe that God loves me, despite my imperfections, and wants to have a relationship with me. I believe that through Him all things can be done, and I wil not lack in anything. But I still, at times, have a crisis of faith. I do not always have faith that God will do and take care of the other things. God promises food and shelter. Beyond that, none of His promises are physical. And it is often the physical that I desire. And they do not seem like bad desires. I do not seek wealth or fame or status or anything that glorifies myself. I long for a family and people to love who will love me back. But do I long for that more than I long for a right relationship with God? Am I trying to settle for what I think is best when God has something better in store for me if I am patient?

Hebrews 13:5 - Being content with what you have.

Philippians 4:11 - "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in."

Paul did not want, yet God supplied. My wants are spiritual - love, encouragement, strength, support. Yet the way I wish to receive them may not be the way God chooses to reveal them to me.

These things I want from God, yet what am I doing for Him? I sit and mope as I long for the things I want instead of going out and making the most of my time without them. I am so worried about the future and so caught up in the past that I can not live in the present. "Forgetting what lies behind... " (Philippians 3:13). Do I have so little faith that God will bring about good things in my life that I feel the ned to hold on to former good things? And as I look ahead, my hope is built on the things I think should be, which is still a measure of faith, but it is only partial, conditional faith.

Based on Sunday class

Acts 23:12-21

In an attempt to uphold the integrity of the Law, the 40 Jews were willing to desecrate the Law in order to stop Paul. They took the oath of fasting, and instead of focusing on God, they focus on killing Paul. Do I make up my mind and do things my way, for my purpose, instead of focusing on God and His will? The Jews' zeal was based on upholding God's law, but that was only used as a surface excuse, they had given up seeking God's will and began to seek their own. 

Although Jesus had promised Paul that he would make it to Rome, when his nephew came to him with news of the plot, he sent his nephew to tell the news to the Commander. Just because we have a promise from God, it does not mean we sit back and not participate in the events of our life.

Notes from bible study in Maryland

There is no one greater than God. Therefore, He gives His oath and swears by Himself. This makes His promises as great as He is.

There is no need for us to go outside God's word. We can not make suppositions and assumptions about the will of God. Any ideas we may have about what may be are inferior to what really is.

1. God can not lie - Hebrews 6:18

- Anything that falsifies the Word is not from God.

2. God knows all things - Hebrews 4:13

- Anything that implies God does not know something is against doctrine.

3. God's Word is truth - John 17:17

- God can not be wrong.

Because of these things, we can believe God's promises. Only on Him can we place our trust. Only by His Word and His Word only can we discover sound doctrine.

The Jews demanded the release of Barabbas, and that Jesus be crucified. They would rather have a murderer among them than the Author of the universe, the One who had the power to save them and who loved them. How many times do I choose that which is lesser over the One who is greatest? How often do I choose death over life?

Jesus' blood cleanses me from all my sin. I do not deserve it, yet I act as though I do. When I ask for forgiveness do I recognize that God grants it because He loves me, and not for anything I've done to deserve it? Am I thankful and humble that He is willing to pardon my impurities? How often am I like the pardoned servant, who refused to forgive His fellow servant, but instead focus on the impurities of others?

Fall on me with Your love

1 Peter 3:13-17

Beginning in 1 Peter 2:11, Peter instructs the brothers on how to conduct themselves in a godly manner. The brothers he's writing to are facing persecution from Nero, the Jews and probably from other sources. Yet, in verse 3:13, Peter asks them who can harm them if they are zealous for what is good. Jesus told His disciples not to fear the one who can destroy the flesh, but the one who has the power to cast the soul into hell. In fact, many of the instructions given in these verses come straight from the lessons Peter heard from Jesus. Verse 14 is a direct parallel to Matthew 5:10

Sanctify - set apart

If Christ is set apart from all else, that leaves no room for anything else to be Lord in their hearts. Their hope and faith should be built on nothing else. And it should not be blind faith. They should know why they have a hope in Christ.

Inspired by Drew's sermon

Transformation of Faith

1 John 2:7-8

We do not know how Jesus interacted with His family and friends, but we can assume He was consistent in the way He interacted with the world. Jesus was gentle and compassionate, and looked out for others above Himself. Are we willing to be this way with our brothers? Our primary way of interacting with each other is through teasing and criticizing. And while this may have been an acceptable method of showing affection in grade school, those who are of Christ should treat each other in a more respectful way. And what of our time? Do we consider our time our own? Or are we willing to stop and help a brother whenever he is in need? Jesus tried to go off on his own after he heard Lazarus had died. But the crowd followed Him and asked for Him to teach them. Jesus did not say "sorry, I'm too sad. I just want to be alone now." he satisfied their needs, and once everyone else was satisfied, He thought about Himself.

Notes from Tuesday study

Paul longs to preach the gospel in Rome. When he finally makes it there, it is because he was arrested in Jerusalem and shipped to Rome to appear before Caesar.

Although these were not the most ideal situations, it brought about good for the gospel (Philippians 1:12) and the word of Christ spread everywhere, even to the praetorian guard (Philippians 1:13), whom he probably would not have been able to preach to had he come to Rome on his own.

When God changes my plans, how do I react? Am I open enough to the will of God that I see the good in my circumstances or do I sit and sulk because things aren't going my way?

Where is my focus? If my focus is on God, I will always see the good, and there will be no time to dwell on the bad.

Paul was unable to control the circumstances of those trying to distress him (Philippians 1:15-20). Yet he could control whether or not he let the instance get him down. He chose to see the good that happened, despite the fact that men's hearts were wrong. Paul recognized that this was something that could get him down (deliverance, vs. 19). He chose to overcome that.

Paul's focus was always on the church. Even though he desired to be with Christ, he also wanted to go on for the sake of the church. Am I willing to put my own desires (even if they focus on Christ) aside for the good of the church?

I do not love.

I can give directions to Jen and hope she makes it to her destination, but that is not love, only the desire to love.

I can say to Darla "anytime you need me, I'll be there!", but that is not love, only the potential to love.

God is love.

God is I AM.

Love is constant.

Love is active.

Love is not a disposition.

Love is not a warm fuzzy.

It is far beyond me.

I can not understand it.

And because I can not understand, I can not participate.

I do not love.

Love as Love

This is something that's been on my mind for awhile, but I was unable to put into words. I'm still not sure I can do so, but I feel like thinking about it, and so while I think about it, I'm going to write about it.

I'm not going to bother with the love of family, or the love of friends, or even the love of lovers. Everyone knows those, or at least thinks about those pretty frequently. My concern is of agape love, the love of God, the love that exemplifiers of Christ display, the self-sacrificing love, the love that has the power to heal all hurts. It's the love that sets Christians apart from the world. It's the love that, when lacking, makes Christians hypocrites.

It is the one continual aspect of Christianity that is dependent on others. Your faith is a matter between you and God. Your time of prayer and bible study are often private times with you and God. But, while your love for God is your own, the method of displaying such love requires others. "Beloved, let us love one another. For love is of God, and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8. I love the book of 1 John. But I'll get back to that.

I suppose I will limit my conversation about love even more, and refer only to the love of fellow believers in Christ. Next to our love for God, this is where it all begins. If we can not love each other, how can we love the world? How can we show the world what God's love is? As true followers of Christ, we are not just souls with like minds. We are not just family. We are one. In chapter 12 of his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul discusses the workings of the church as a body. He does it on other places, too, but I especially like it when he talks of it here, because he describes how each part is needed, he goes on to say "But God has so composed the body... so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:24b-26) Romans 12:15 tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep." The rejoicing part is easy, right? After all, everyone likes to celebrate. Well, except perhaps those who don't feel they have much to rejoice about. Or those who think the person who is rejoicing doesn't deserve it. In the same way, who wants to suffer with someone when you have so many other happy things you could concentrate on? Sadly, the Scripture doesn't put a disclaimer that absolves us when the situation is not convenient.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look out not only for your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. And being found in appearance of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:3-8. Jesus. What He did; that is true love. Putting our needs, our wants, our happiness before others; that is not love. And as Paul so eloquently puts it, the things we do outside of love we do because we are selfish and vain. And likewise, we are selfish and vain because we do not love.

More verses about love:
"Since you have, in obedience to the truth, purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart." - 1 Peter 1:22
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Romans 12:9
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10
"Therefore, [because your souls are purified, you are obedient to the truth and you have been born again], putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander..." 1 Peter 2:1

I include the verse in 1 Peter 2 because it is said just two sentences after the verse in 1 Peter 1. This verse describes anti-love. Also, it is interesting to note that the word "sincere" in Romans 12:9, in which I quoted the NIV, is translated "without hypocrisy" in the NASB. See? Anti-love.

A thing I have come to realize about love is that not only are we to give it, but we are also to receive it. The disciples relied on the church to provide for their physical needs while they provided for the church's physical needs. In this way, the church was also able to show love. We can not serve if others are unwilling to be served, or if there is no service to do. Now, this is not a license to allow everyone to serve you, as that would be selfish. But at the same time we need to be able to say "although it is not necessary, I will allow you to help me, because I know you love me." That was a really difficult lesson for me to learn.

Back to 1 John. 1 John 2:10-11 say "The one who loves his brother abides in the Light, and there is no cause for stumble in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes." There is no gray area with God. We are either in the Light or we are in darkness. This is shown numerous times in the Bible. So, in the same way, if we do not love our brother, we hate him. There is no ambivalence, or slight disdain. Anything we do to our brother that is not an act of love is an act of hatred. And for that we shall be held accountable in the end.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6. Loving everyone all the time can be wearying, especially when the love is not reciprocated. It is important to remember that love is not always about giving people what they want, and in fact, is best expressed by denying people of their wants. And gently rebuking their behavior, if they are Christian, which is what I have been talking about. Let us not forget that our direction always comes from God. But even still, some times it's easier to give in than to do what is right. Yet Galatians 6:9 says "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

All of this has been to examine myself inasmuch as it is to teach anyone else. A few verses earlier in Galatians 6, Paul says "Each one test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else." There are times when the world wants to tell me I'm wrong- for wanting to serve others, for scorning selfishness, and for wanting to love. But there is only one standard upon which to measure my actions. And although I fall very short of perfection so much of the time, I will continue to do what I can, and always strive to do better. Because that is all I can do. And it is all I expect of anyone who cares to call themselves my brother or sister in Christ.

Inspired by Steve's sermon

1 Timothy 1:12-17

New Beginnings

New beginnings are not only advised, they are required with God. We must be born again, of the Spirit (John 3).

Am I willing to look at others and recognize their change? Or do I hold their old selves against them? Saul is a great example of someone who made a drastic life change after encountering Christ. After accepting Christ, he was a new creature. Although he had persecuted the church, the disciples were able to recognize his change and accept him as one of them. I need to be able to do this with others. I need to accept that God's power is limitless and even the worst of sinners can be given a new beginning.

Starting over requires repentance. Is our obligation to ask for forgiveness limited to God, or are we also obligated to each other? Is it enough to change, or must we make amends with those we have hurt?

When we recognize that people need a new beginning, we are obligated to make them aware of their sin. If we see that a new beginning is needed, yet do not attempt to set that in motion, we stand in the way of what God wants from others. Jesus sent Saul to Ananias instead of explaining Himself what Saul needed to do. God uses us to bring about others to a right relationship with Him.

Notes on Sunday AM class

Acts 19:19 - Those who practiced sorcery came together publicly to burn their books. While they were not commanded to destroy their books, it was the only thing they could do in order to be truly repentant.

Sometimes it is necessary to rid ourselves of physical things in order to repent. Other times we need only to change our attitude. If our problem is lack of patience, or anger with our brother, the solution is not to kick him out of the house, but to humble ourselves and work through our differences.

Whether getting rid of things or attitudes, repentance requires a sacrifice. We must be willing to give up something when we desire to change.

Inspired by Drew's sermon

Judas sought out Jesus' enemies to betray Him. he was chosen by Jesus to have great power, he was there to witness the miracles, to listen to all of the parables and their meanings, and he was there when Peter proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ. Yet somsething in him allowed himself to seek personal gain and betray Him, whatever his reasoning. He felt that doing so was more valuable to him than obeying Jesus.

What is most valuable to me? Is it my favor among others, or my financial status, or my professional experience? Or is it my relationship with God? Do the things I do place more emphasis on self, and place them above God's importance in my life?

Inspired by Steve's sermon

As Isaiah did in chapter 6, we come to worship not for ourselves, but to fellowship in the presence of the Lord of Hosts. Church service is not for us, for us to get something out of. We are here to worship and through that we will be blessed.

The word "worship" used in the New Testament implies a physical act. It is not enough for us to just be here. We must actively participate and engage our minds. Then we are worshipping in Spirit.

We come to service to encourage one another. Hebrews 10:23-25. To stimulate one another, we must move them to action, to do what we are convicted to do.

"They were continually devoting themselves..." (Acts 2:42) literally, constantly attending all exercises. The early church was there for each other at all times, taking every opportunity to serve one another.

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee

Laban became greedy and began to treat Jacob poorly. He grew to covet the prosperity he received after Jacob worked for him, and took advantage of Jacob's hard work. From the moment he tricked Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel, Laban tried to take whatever he could from Jacob without giving anything in return. Never did he see him as a son, only as a means of making a profit.

Yet despite all of his efforts, God still blessed Jacob and gave him much. When he fled to Canaan with what had been decided as his wages, he had much, even though Laban had tried to take it all away from him. Jacob served Laban even while being mistreated, and God rewarded Jacob while taking from Laban what he tried so hard to hold on to.

Often times people see us for less than what we are. They look at how we can better their lives, and do not take into account the needs of our own life. Yet we are not to repay their inconsiderate attitude with one of our own. Just as Jacob had committed to serving Laban, so we have a commitment to God to server others. We can not let the bad things others do make us into bad people. Romans 12:17-21 tells us that we should not return evil for evil, and that God is the one who will enact vengeance. Just as Laban lost his daughters and his cattle, so God will repay as He sees fit. We need to be as Jacob was and wait for God's blessing.

Beloved, let us love one another.

"As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and not a lie, and just as it has been taught you, abide in Him." - 1 John 2:27

Truth can not be learned from a bible study. It can't be taught through discussion, listening to sermons will not give you the truth. We can only receive the truth from the Spirit. So why do we evangelize? To give people the knowledge and direction to find the truth. Why do we study with each other? Because we have the truth, and now we must help each other grow and remain in the truth. It is important for others to be involved in our spiritual walk, to lead us, to strengthen us, and to keep us accountable. But ultimately, people can not save us. Only through discovering the truth and keeping the commands (1 John 2:5) can we be perfected.

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." - 1 John 3:16

Jesus laid down His life by sacrificing and dying on the cross. yet the death was not what was important, it was the sacrifice. If Jesus had died through the plan of men, it would not have been enough. But His death was through the plan of God, that He may take upon Himself the burden of man so that we would not have to struggle with them anymore. We lay down our lives for others by doing the same, sacrificing ourselves and taking upon their burdens. it is rare that it would benefit anyone by dying for them. But we can take on their financial or emotional or even physical burdens, in order to alleviate the burden from them. This is how we fulfill God's command and show love.