Peace With God
Sin causes separation from God and we can't overcome sin. We can do our best to be obedient to God, to live in a righteous & honorable manner, but we will still never overcome sin. Apart from our faith in the life, the death & the resurrection of Jesus, nothing that we do on our own can bring us into unity with God. Jesus is the sole conqueror of sin & death. It is by the grace of God the Father, that Jesus came to this world to bring peace between us & God. It is by the love & obedience of Jesus, that he went to the cross on our behalf.
Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
CHRISTmas
CHRISTmas
Christmas Hope
From Merriam-Webster Online dictionary:
hope \ˈhōp\ verb
to cherish a desire with anticipation-to desire with expectation of obtainment-to expect with confidence: trust synonyms see expect
wish \ˈwish\ verb
to have a desire for (as something unattainable)-to give expression to as a wish bid -to give form to (a wish)-to express a wish for-to request in the form of a wish-to desire (a person or thing)-to be as specified-to confer (something unwanted) on someone-to have a desire want
We often use the word, 'wish' during the Christmas season-probably more than any other time of the year. Whether we are making our Christmas 'Wish List', or wishing friends & family a Merry Christmas--wishes abound this time of year. Is it wrong to wish? Or to wish someone a Merry Christmas? No--of course not! But the thing about 'wishes' is, they are not grounded in faith. Looking strictly at the definitions of the words themselves, it's clear that we don't have to believe that our wishes will come true. They sometimes represent the unattainable.
On the other hand, hope is founded on faith. Hope is the expectation of some outcome--confident in the result--expected & trusted. Our Savior came to rescue us so that we may spend eternity with our God. There's hope in that! It's not a wish or something unattainable-it's not just a desire for something. It's an outcome we can be confident in, that we can trust, if we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and we confess-repent-be baptized & live in obedience to Him.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." -Col 1:15-23
CHRISTmas
The Shepherds and the Angels
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."
Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
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Love, Inc.
Mission and Core Values
Our mission is to mobilize the Church to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ.
We are Christian. Everything we think, say, and do is in the name of Christ.
Prayer is an integral part of who we are.
We follow Christ's example of valuing the poor and needy.
We value unity of the Body of Christ.
We value transformation in the lives of people and communities.
We value churches living out the two great commandments to love God and love their neighbors. We value building Christ-like relationships.
We value the connectedness of the Love INC movement.
We model excellence.
We value continually maturing in our capacity to meet people's needs.
Lebanon Christian Church is one of the many church parteners with Love, Inc. which is fairly new to Boone County. The focus of this mission is to help the body of Christ serve the community in an efficient & unified way. Churches come together to aid those with a variety of needs in the community, and each church or individuals within that church, use their talents & resources. In this way, a broader range of services can be offered-and there will be less duplication of services. In other words, one church might be a center for furniture needs, another for food, another for clothing.
There are opportunities to serve Love, Inc. in so many ways--please visit the website for more information. Our contact at LCC is Larry Branstetter-who will be happy to help you get plugged in!
Here is the website: http://www.loveinc.org/affiliates/affiliate-locations/
Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
The Damou Christian Mission is an important part of this community and at the heart of the mission are the school and church. Our enrollment has grown to more than 800 students from preschool through high school. Our students learn the fundamentals of math, science, as well as several language classes. All students are taught the stories of the Bible, the life of Christ, and Christian morality. Life skills and trades are also taught including farming and word working. The Mission provides much more to the people of Jacmel, Haiti than simply a school.
We touch the lives of people of all ages, offering an elderly care and an infant feeding program. The bakery helps us provide the students with a decent meal every day and helps generate income to keep our mission alive. We hope to add an orphanage and a vocational school in the future too.
Perhaps most importantly is that the Damou Christian mission brings the message of Jesus Christ to the people and gives them an opportunity to explore and express their spirituality. We offer worship services weekly, which are always well attended.
Lebanon Christian Church has a close relationship with Damou, and missionary, Tina Isenhower. We've had many opportunities to take groups on short-term mission trips to Haiti, so many people have a very personal connection to this mission. Not only do we support Damou on a monthly basis, but several ABF classes and church members sponsor children. For more information on Damou, you can visit the website at www.damou.org
Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
Polish Christian MinistriesOUR PURPOSE:To aid in the establishing and strengthening of local churches after the pattern of the New Testament, particularly in the country of Poland.
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minister in their own communities. They often encounter local religious leaders that are hostile to their message. They assist in literacy programs and teach English as a second language. Prior to their work in Portugal, Dick and Sarah learned to speak the Portuguese language fluently while they were on the mission field in Brazil. They are also fairly well known , Elgin Texas, since Dick regularly preached at the Christian Church there while attending UT Austin, working on his Doctoral degree. You can see more information on this website: http://swccaustin.org/page.aspx?id=82804Getting to Know Our Missions/MIssionaries
Lebanon Christian Church supports 3 Christian Colleges. In this way, we help to equip & train those who are planning to go into ministry, missions, teaching, counseling and other careers in which a Christian education background is important.
Cincinnati Christian University
Besides giving you an outstanding Biblical education, CCU provides you with the skills you need to be successful in the real world.
Outstanding academic programs give you the knowledge base for professional careers. Internships provide hands on training in ministry, missions and education. Professors and staff are always willing to give students mentoring and career support to send them into the workplace with confidence.
For more information: http://www.ccuniversity.edu/
Johnson Bible College
Founded in 1893, Johnson Bible College is the second oldest continuing Bible College in America. While having a long and rich heritage, God recently blessed JBC with some of the most dramatic growth and expansion in the College’s history. President Emeritus David Eubanks recently said, “I believe the best days of Johnson Bible College are ahead.”
Growth and ExpansionIn the fall of 2007 enrollment reached 901, nearly doubling in the last ten years. A record number of students are also graduating with 191 receiving degrees in the class of 2007.
For more information: http://www.jbc.edu/college/
Lincoln Christian College
Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is a Christian higher education community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world (see Mission and Values below). Founded in 1944, Lincoln has grown to an annual enrollment of more than 1,200 with more than 5,000 graduates serving in every state in this country and in more than seventy other countries worldwide.
Students enjoy an intimate campus environment with a student/faculty ratio of less than 14:1, with the safety and security that small town American provides, while at the same time studying with faculty and staff who have a global heart and a passion for the world in all its diversity. Opportunities for service—from nearby neighborhoods to international settings—abound at Lincoln, where the focus is on service learning.
For more information: http://www.lccs.edu/
Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
International Disaster Emergency Services
The purpose of IDES is to bring glory to God by bringing help and hope to our hurting world. Among independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, the work of IDES is unique -- the one source our churches and missionaries consistently turn to for help. We welcome you to our web pages. Please visit the site often, get to know us, and partner with us in this great ministry of benevolent evangelism.
IDES is a unique way to help those who have been faced with catastrophic circumstances, such as natural disasters. Funds can be donated to IDES in general, as LCC does through our monthly support, or for specific areas of the world/relief operations. First & foremost, the focus is evangelism-which is accomplished by helping to meet the physical needs of people. This can include hunger or medical relief, disaster aid, and community development.
One thing that is interesting about just how connected our missionaries are, IDES has actually helped Damou Christian Mission (another mission we support) with hunger relief. IDES is an Indiana-based mission, that serves people around the world. For more information on IDES and their current projects, you can visit the website at http://ides.org/index.php
Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
Niños de México is a non-profit mission organization directly supported by churches and individuals throughout the United States and Canada.
THE NEED
Lebanon Christian Church supports Ninos de Mexico, but also some of our ABF classes sponsor children from Ninos. If you are interested in more information about the ministry of Ninos, you can visit their website at:
Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries
Christian Missionary Fellowship
This is a mission that is focused on spreading the gospel, through many different strategies. There are church planting, education, business, community development and medical components to their ministry. CMF has missionaries all over the world. We support CMF Ivory Coast, where the Gable are missionaries.
Andy & Stephanie Gable are CMF International missionaries to Ivory Coast. Committed to transforming lives with the love of Christ, they are a part of a missionary team caring for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS and teaching prevention and community awareness. Andy takes part in the outreach and church development among the Djoula Muslims. He also oversees the church planting & leadership training among the Agni and Attie people groups.
Lebanon Christian church currently supports CMF-and they were also our highlighted mission during VBS. Andy & Stephanie and thier children are currently here with us, on furlough. They plan to return to the Ivory Coast early this coming year, provided they receive all of the financial support they will need to do so. You may have had the opportunity to hear from them in a Sunday school class or ABF visit, but if not-Andy will be speaking during one of the Faith Promise services.
You can visit the CMF website at: http://www.cmfi.org/aboutus.html
Or, the Gable's website at: http://www.gablesinivorycoast.blogspot.com/
Global trends demand attention, presenting opportunities and challenges for missions. Our response to this rapidly changing world is to find powerful ways to fulfill the still valid command make disciples.Church Planting/ DisciplingCross-cultural church planting is at the very heart of CMF’s ministry as it has been from the beginning. As people hear the Gospel and respond to it, churches are planted. Leaders are discipled, trained, and sent out. Then a chain reaction begins among their own people that reaches across their nation and out to the world.
International Campus MinistryOne out of every 5 people in the world is between the ages of 15 and 24. These young people are universally connected ... the barriers between countries, political structures, ethnic groups, social classes, and occupations are coming down. But they are lost without knowing Jesus Christ, and their future determines the future of our world. These students are in need of Christian relationships and community. Medical Just as Jesus met felt needs during His ministry, it is obvious that the Good News is not good news until it resonates in the physical needs of a person’s life. Disease, physical debilitation, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, injury, birth, death, and a host of other illnesses present opportunities for demonstrating God’s love in a most personal and precious way.BusinessMany countries have closed their doors to missionaries and traditional mission methods for political or religious or social reasons. CMF has found that professionals are the key for entry -- whether short-term or long-term. They are invited by many governments to bring their skills and expertise to meet needs in those countries. These professionals become a working witness to God’s grace in the world’s marketplaces where there is no witness. EducationOne definition of a teacher is “one who provides knowledge, skill, and attitude development; a master or mentor who leads through insight, modeling, and the encouragement of others.” Although CMF’s missionaries would fill this definition in one respect or another, there are many fields that need those who would be called “teacher.”Community DevelopmentCMF seeks to minister to the whole person no matter what the economic status. Our vision is to establish holistic ministries that intentionally address the critical needs of the poor -- both urban and rural -- throughout the world. Our desire is that the poor experience economic, physical, social, and most importantly, spiritual transformation.
CMI Ivory Coast website: http://www.cmfi.org/ivorycoast.html
Andy & Stephanie's webpage: http://www.gablesinivorycoast.blogspot.com/
Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries
Hanging Rock Christian Assembly was organized to teach the Good News revealed by God through Jesus Christ. It is believed that the teaching of these principles will lead to a desire to become one of His followers. The camp affords recreation and spiritual adventure in a Christian atmosphere.
Hanging Rock Christian Camp is a non-denominational camp. We use no other word than that inspired by the Holy Spirit and recorded in the Bible. We believe that baptism is essential to salvation. We do not discriminate against anyone because of race, or religious background. Our programs are designed to teach people about the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ revealed through the scriptures. Our purpose is that through the teachings and by the examples set by the faculty and the staff that people will want to seek Jesus Christ for their personal Lord and Savior.
Lebanon Christian Church has a long-standing relationship with Hanging Rock. It's provided a life-changing experience for so many of our young people. It's a place where our kids can go & be with other Christian kids, and deepen their faith & develop friendships through the many camp activities. We've also had adult & family camps in which some of our LCC families have participated over the years. For more about Hanging Rock, visit their website at: http://www.hangingrock.org/Default.htm Hanging Rock is located in western Indiana, in West Lebanon.
There are also pictures on the site, including the 2008 Summer Group Picture led by Jason Sell
Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries
The mission of Life Centers is to affirm the value of life by providing a network of care to those experiencing pregnancy-related crisis and by compassionately presenting Biblical truth resulting in changed lives to the glory of God.
With centers in central Indiana, including right here in Lebanon, this ministry assists women (& families) who find themselves in a situation of unplanned pregnancy. They share with these women, both Biblically & medically accurate information-to assist them in carrying thier pregnancies to term. They share the Gospel with them-they follow up & keep in touch with them throughout the pregnancy. In this way, they are able to give these women the emotional support they need, and offer practical advice, seeking solutions to problems that they encounter along the way. All services they offer are free of charge to their clients.
There are many opportunities to serve in this ministry aside from financial gifts. Because they are local, volunteering is a real possibility if you feel led in this way. They offer training courses for people to become counselors or crisis line personnel, but they also can use other administrative support. And of course, as with all of our missions, prayer!
You may visit this website at: https://www.lifecenters.com/index.php
Or for more information:
Boone County Pregnancy Center
1404 N Lebanon StreetLebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-8179
(765) 482-3306 Client Line
Administration Office: (317) 280-2635
Get to Know Our Missions/Missionaries
Get to know our Missions/Missionaries
Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism
FAME seeks to lead people to Christ and meet real physical needs by partnering with other mission organizations to deliver a unique combination of medical mission services providing:
Desperately needed medical facilities, Life saving and sustaining medicines and medical supplies, Hands-on care through medically focused short-term mission teams.
Get to know our Missions/Missionaries
Lebanon Christian Church has partnered with the Caring Center for several years. For more information about the Caring Center, you can visit their website at http://www.thecaringcenter.net/index.shtml The Caring Center currently is in need of donations! If you can provide canned goods, non-perishables, personal items, cleaning supplies, etc. you may bring them to the church & drop them off in the cubbies outside the old sancutary. Or, you may take them directly to the Caring Center. Thank you!
Project Help (now known as The Caring Center) has evolved from a group of volunteers who provided a crisis line to "help" troubled individuals into a multi-program, not-for-profit organization now serving hundreds of needy families and thousands of individuals annually through the dedication of scores of volunteers. Today the Caring Center is the umbrella organization for four programs helping the needy of Boone County. These programs are The Caring Center, Transitional Housing, Community Garden, and Life Skills.
As the programs offered by The Caring Center have evolved, the organization has also grown and developed. Starting with a few dedicated, compassionate volunteers in the early 1980's, The Caring Center is now overseen by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director charged with supervising these programs and coordinating the caring work of our many volunteers.
The Numbers:
The U.S Census Bureau currently reports that more then 800 children in Boone County are living below the poverty line, including 285 families in the Lebanon Community School System. Lebanon Community Schools estimate that 30% of the children eligible for Free and Reduced lunches are experiencing homelessness (conservatively estimated at 55 children). Also, Stats Indiana reports a 100% increase in the last decade of the number of families eligible for food stamps.
Boone County population (53,526), persons under the age of 18, 25.8%. 1,907 are on the "Free and Reduced lunch program."
Sword of the Spirit
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything,
to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."
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The following was preached on April 19th, 1891 by Charles Spurgeon(1834-1892)
The Helmet of Salvation
Ephesians 6:11-18
"Put on the whole armor of God,so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood & flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."
Satan focuses his attacks on people's minds. He can not make us sin so he tries to persuade us into sin. This gives him a foothold in our minds that he can work on. He tries to make the foothold bigger and bigger and grow it into a stronghold in a person's mind.
Sins generally are rooted in one or more of the following, all of which exist in the mind of a person:
Fear
Lust
Anger
Pride
The helmet of salvation is the protection God gives us for our mind. As Christians, our salvation has been bought and paid for in-full; forgiven and forgotten completely.
The helmet of salvation also gives us the courage to continue to ask God for his forgiveness for our sins and believe His word that they are indeed forgiven. Satan is the accuser - he will accuse you of everything you have ever done in your life over and over again if he can get you to accept his accusations. Revelation 12:10
When we do sin, we need to realize it, go immediately to God and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. We need to forgive others completely for their sins in order to be able to receive forgiveness from God. Then we need to pray for the strength of the Lord to repent from our sins-so we do not do them anymore.
The act of putting on the helmet of salvation protects your head and mind. It reaffirms your relationship with Jesus and also gives you courage because you ARE saved and ARE going to heaven. The helmet of salvation also gives your mind a protected place to rest in Jesus so you can let Him fight your battles!
Please continue to pray for our church family; for protection, for wisdom & guidance, and for continued spritual growth.
Put On the Full Armor of God
Sheild of Faith
Roman soldiers used a protective marching shield, about 2 ft wide & 4 ft tall to protect themselves against arrows & missiles. This sheild was most effective when it is used with others. The sheilds were actually made so that they interlocked along the sides. We are more effective together, than individually too. When we are vulnerable, the faith of others surrounds & protects us, helping to guard us.
Before it was used it was dipped in water, because it was usually covered with leather or animal skin and sometimes linen. The water helped to extinguish flames from enemy arrows. The sheild prevents suffering & death. It prevents not only being 'cut' by an arrow, but also from being burned. The breastplate covers the heart & vital parts of the body, but without the sheild of faith, there is not full protection from attack.
The faith that will extinguish the flaming arrows of the devil is an active living faith in Jesus. It’s complete confidence and perfect trust in Jesus for daily guidance and strength. We can't depend on our own strength-for we will surely fail. Our only defense is trusting in Jesus our Lord & Savior.
What are your fiery arrows? Temptations that present themselves at your weakest moments? Lies? Thoughts that are not in line with God's character? Doubts about your salvation, or your Savior? Doubt about what God's will is for you? Unwillingness to submit yourself wholly to God?
Faith is very powerful in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 says it give us the ability to be certain of what we cannot see. But to have this certainty we must trust in what we do have and that is God’s word. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes though hearing the message of Christ. So that means we must make ourselves available to the message whether it is during a worship service, in a small group bible study, or studying the scriptures alone.
We can trust in God’s many promises, but in order to trust in them we must know them. One thing is for certain; we will never have all the answers this side of death so our faith must be strong. But remember, faith is part of God’s plan. He doesn’t want you to know everything, he wants you to trust and rely on Him. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please Him without it. So hear the Word and strengthen your faith and please God!
Pray this week that God will lead you & guide you, and that you will have the faith to trust in His promises for you. Ask God to reveal His wisdom & will in the Word as you study it. Ask God to help you trust in Him alone.
Please continue to pray for protection, guidance & spiritual growth for our church family.
Put on the Full Armor of God
Feet Fitted With Readiness
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
The shoes or boots of a Roman soldier where no ordinary shoes, and they were not made for running. They were designed to help the soldier keep his footing during battle. They were made of leather-no surprise there-but they had soles that consisted of several layers of leather, into which several 'hob nails' were incorporated. These metal spikes extended at least 1/2 " if not up to more than an inch. The purpose was to help the soldier keep his feet planted firmly into the ground, and not be moved. These were not 'flight' shoes, these were 'fight' shoes!
The gospel of peace, the Truth that Christ left us in His Word, is our readiness-and how we fight our enemy. This is what keeps our feet firmly planted-ready for battle with the already-defeated enemy. Our faith is rooted in the gospel message, that Christ was born, lived, died & was resurrected for the forgiveness of our sins. If we accept this Truth and surrender our lives to him, we have already won against the enemy-don't let him fool you into thinking otherwise!
Take the gospel of peace with you wherever you go. Bitterness brings trouble, but peace brings forgiveness and grace.
"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Heb 12:14-15
"Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:18
"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15
Peace will protect you by guarding your emotions, especially the emotion of anger. Sow peace instead of trouble and Satan will struggle in finding a way to attack you.
Pray this week that God would reveal His peace in you. Ask Him to help you stay grounded in your faith, so you can stand against any attack-and not be moved. Pray that He will use you to spread His gospel of peace, through the thoughts, words & actions in your life.
Please continue to lift up our church family in prayer for protection, for spiritual growth & for continued strength, wisdom & guidance as we seek to obey His will & spread His message to our community and our world.
Put on the Full Armor of God
In battle, a breastplate protects the vital organs-including the heart. Our heart is where our emotions reside, and our emotions are often used by the the enemy. The righteousness of Christ protects our heart from the enemy's attacks, sheiding us from the damage that can be done by doubt, fear, anger, sadness, bitterness. The breastplate of righteousness is what allows us to stand in the presence of God (our sins covered by the sacrifice at the cross), and to go boldly into battle with the enemy. We are protected from the accusations of our past sins, accusations that we are unworthy, or that we are somehow not 'good enough' Christians.
Righteousness comes only by our accepting Jesus as our Savior. Apart from him, we can not acheive righteousness. Though righteousness is not earned by us, we must allow it to become part of us, working in cooperation with God & His will.
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1Peter 2:24
Jesus gave us authority. The devil may have power, but he has no authority over your life, unless you give up your authority (given by Christ when you accept Him as your Savior) to him.
Pray this week that God would reveal His righteousness in you. Ask Him for forgiveness for unconfessed sin, which prevents you from experiencing this righteousness, leaving you vulnerable to attack by the enemy. Seek His guidance & will for your life, so that your thoughts, deeds & actions become more like those of Christ every day.
Put on the Whole Armor of God
Soldiers in battle wore belts to hold their other garments in place, so they did not stumble. The belt also held their weapons. The belt of truth is what holds all of the other items in your spiritual defense in place. When your belt is on, and your garments are held in place, you are ready for battle. A loosened belt signifies you are at rest, and not ready for battle. Your guard is down.
Truth is in the mind & in the heart.
Mind:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." -1Peter 1:13-15
Heart:
'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall', but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.' -1 Peter 1:22-25
Pray this week that God would open your mind & your heart to His Truth. Pray for the strength & persistence in prayer, that your relationship with the Father, the Spirit & the Son will deepen. This is the lifeline that gives us all the hope, the joy & the confidence that God is with us, He loves us, He has great plans for us, and wants to bless us.
Ask God to guide your thoughts, your actions & your words-so that you can set your heart & mind on what He wants for your life.
Lift up our church family in prayer, praying in particular for protection & spiritual growth.
Above all, worship & praise Him with all your heart-expecting the blessings He has in store for you.
One Week to Live
This week, we'll look at Jesus' last week on earth and see how he spent his final earthly days in the knowledge of what was to come. We've included some scripture references, thoughts, and ideas for prayer for you to enjoy alone or with your family. Let us reflect, learn and pray together as a church family as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday.
To read the Holy Scriptures, just click on the links provided.
The following sections entitled "Jesus' day" for each day contain text taken directly from Seven Days to Live by Bill Hybels .
Saturday before Palm Sunday
"The weekend before his death, Jesus stayed at the home of three of his closest friends in the small town of Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. These people weren't among his 12 disciples; they were personal friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus chose to spend his last days of freedom with them." - Bill Hybels
Holy Scriptures
John 12:1-11
Psalm 34
Thought
First, Lazarus is reclining at the table, perhaps just chatting with Jesus. Lazarus, not too long before this day, was raised from the dead by a broken-hearted and weeping Jesus after being dead three whole days. These were close friends! Next, Martha is hard at work, making the place comfortable for her Lord and for all of those in his presence. She is happy to please and serve. We find Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, anointing him in an actual and prophetic way, not holding back any love. Mary worships whole heartedly and is unreserved for he who is worthy. Then there is beloved John, who eventually journaled this event, admiring, loving and noticing the intense beauty and glory of the moment. Clearly every thought and action of these four are naturally and lovingly focused on their friend and Messiah. Their lives equaled worship for Jesus. The only one not worshiping is Judas. Judas sits criticizing the worshipers, calling the beautiful act of Mary a waste.
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)
Jesus' Day
"On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.
Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East." - Bill Hybels
Thought
Still today people have different ideas about who Jesus was and is. Some think he is distant or demanding while others think he is stiff or dry. Drawing close to Jesus means coming close enough to compare our own ideas of him with God's holy truth. It means that we may have to admit that we don't know him as well as we'd like. If we get close enough, our own limited ideas and notions based on our view will be blown away by the absolute truth of God's amazing plan and unbelievable saving grace. Jesus will always be more wonderful, more capable and more gracious than we can allow ourselves to believe.
Monday
"On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before." - Bill Hybels
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:12-19, Luke 19:45-48
Isaiah 56:6-8
Thought
" 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
One historical commentary notes that money changing in the temple, basically exchanging currencies, was normal, but was only sanctioned strictly for temple-related activities. Clearly, there were activities going on inside the temple that had no place there. The scriptures say that the crowds hung on Jesus' every word, the Truth, which may mean that they knew all along something was out of place.
Jesus brought focus into the temple.
Consider those things for which you have not sought out guidance in his word; ask God's gracious forgiveness for substituting your own solutions for his truth. Consider whether there is anything going on in relation to your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, that has no place there; ask God's willing forgiveness.
Pray for our church to be a people of the Word.
Tuesday
"Jesus taught from early morning till late at night. When the sun went down on Tuesday, his earthly teaching was done.
As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. In those final moments before his teaching ministry came to an end, he told his listeners, in essence, "You have one life. That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only life God's given you; do something noble and great with it.
Jesus also spoke about the day of reckoning. The closest our society comes to that is tax day—April 15—a financial day of reckoning! But Jesus referred to the day when all moral accounts will be settled." - Bill Hybels
Matthew 21:18 - 26:5, Mark 11:20-13:36,
Luke 20:1-21:38, John 12:20-50
Thought
Give me faith enough to not doubt (Matt. 21:21)
and help me to do what my Father wants. (Matt. 21:31)
I acknowledge you as the capstone (Matt. 21:42)
and believe that you are the God of the living. (Matt. 22:32)
Help me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind (Matt 22:37)
and to know the scriptures well enough to defend what I believe.
Humble me, so that I may be exalted. Humble me. (Matt. 23:12)
Keep me from being deceived by anyone (Matt. 24:4-5)
and help me to keep watch for your return. (Matt. 24:42)
Give me guidance to be faithful with what you have given me (Matt. 21:14-30)
and the eyes to see the needs among us.
Let me not forget that in serving my brothers, I am serving you. (Matt. 25:35-40)
All that I have, I give to you (Mark 12:44)
Thank you for your teachings recorded in the Word. Thank you for leaving us with challenging words of guidance and hope.