Genesis 1-5: Temptation

On January 4, 2016January 23, 2016 By BrianIn OT Studies

Here are some questions to explore the theme of temptation in Genesis 1-5:

Describe the temptation in Genesis 3; compare to I John 2:15-17. What similarities do you find in your own temptations?

Describe the temptation in Genesis 4. When are you tempted in a similar way?

What did Cain need to do? Compare to I Corinthians 10:13.

How can we overcome temptation according to Matthew 4:1-11, 6:13, Galatians 5:16-23, and Titus 2:11-14? In one word?

Where did temptation come from in Genesis 3? In Genesis 4?

Compare the ways that Adam and Eve, Cain, and Lamech each respond to their sin. Is there a downward trend?

What are the consequences of sin in chapters 3, 4, & 5?

Reading the Bible in 4 Years

On January 4, 2016January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Bible Journey

This week our church begins a new Sunday School series with the plan to read and discuss our way through the entire Bible in four years. Each week we will focus on 4-6 chapters. Questions we will be asking each week include:

What observations do you make about this passage?
What do you learn about God?
What do you learn about people, sin, and our need of a Savior?
How does this passage point us to Jesus and salvation?
How do I need to apply this passage to my life?

In addition to those questions, we will be focusing on one theme from each week’s passage which I will post here each Monday. And I have written two reflections for each week that I will also be posting here.

If you don’t have a Bible reading plan, I invite you to join us. The schedule for the next four weeks:

January 4-10: Genesis 1-5
January 11-17: Genesis 6-11
January 18-24: Genesis 12-17
January 25-31: Genesis 18-23

New Year’s Collection

On December 26, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

It is time to ponder some new year’s resolutions! Here are some good posts as you reflect upon your life this past year, and how God might be leading you to grow in 2016:

Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year – Donald Whitney

One Big Tip to Make Your Resolutions Stick – Tim Challies

Striving for a More Intentional Life of Prayer – Erik Raymond

The Church Comes First – Nick Batzig

Star Wars Collection

On December 18, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Current Collection

The cultural event of the year has seemingly arrived, and it wouldn’t hurt to try to think about it through some Christian lenses. So here are some helpful posts to do just that.

Star Wars and the Ancient Religion – Peter Jones (Ligonier)
The appearance of a new episode of the Star Wars film series is an important moment for Christian witness. To be sure, we can shrug our shoulders, since Star Wars is old news. Or we can enthusiastically introduce our grandchildren to what we might think is a beloved, harmless yarn. Or we can—and should—discover in the series an occasion to sharpen our presentation of the gospel message and help our children and grandchildren, and anyone else who might be interested, to understand the culture in which they live.

The Irresistible Force of ‘Star Wars’: 3 Popular Approaches – Michael Svigel (TGC)
The Star Wars saga trades in universal themes of fall and depravity, struggle and conflict, sacrifice and redemption, heroism and hope. In this way, it sings truth to our souls. George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, drank deeply from the wells of human experience and incorporated themes that have repeatedly appeared in epic poems, plays, legends, myths, and religious beliefs of various cultures through millennia.

Be A Yoda, Not a Grinch – Marshall Segal (DG)
Inspired by the proximity to Christmas, I’m putting a light saber into the hands of the greedy Grinch and pitting him against the Star Wars hero of blockbuster past. In the end, the two may only have a green complexion in common, but comparing them really can be an exercise in treasuring the coming of Christ, and in living and serving more like him.

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:23

On December 16, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Together we are His body
Christ our exalted Head
Belov’d and cherished now are we
And by Him we are fed

Together we are His fullness
Filled with his grace, glory
His love, his pow-er, His presence
That Christ others might see

As His fullness now let us live
Show Christ in everything
His body blessed by all he gives
Let all rejoice and sing

(To the tune of “O God Our Help In Ages Past”)

Ministry Collection

On December 15, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ministry Moments

Here are some good posts for preachers:

5 Ways to Deepen Your Preaching – Gavin Ortlund (TGC)
Preaching is like a vast mountain, the top of which is hidden by clouds; and the higher I climb, the more it stretches up still higher above me.

6 Ways Not to Preach the Birth of Jesus – Steve Mathewson (TGC)
But there is another challenge awaiting preachers. The Gospel accounts of Jesus’s birth have been overlaid with centuries of exegetical misunderstandings and legendary elaborations.

That Vital Moment in Every Preacher’s Week – Erik Raymond
This is why one of the most important decisions that the preacher will make each week will come on Sunday night before he goes to sleep. He has to be able to go to close his eyes patiently trusting that God will work.

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:20-22

On December 9, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Jesus is far above all things
All powers, ev’ry name
He is the sovereign King of Kings
Forever He will reign
He is the sovereign King of Kings
Forever He will reign

So let us walk in peace today
Hope in our coming King
Submit in all we do and say
His praises ever sing
Submit in all we do and say
His praises ever sing

(To the tune of “All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name”)

Passion Points

On December 5, 2015January 23, 2016 By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

You Just Need To Obey – Steve Lawson (Ligonier)
For all true followers of Christ, obedience is never peripheral. At the heart of what it means to be a disciple of our Lord is living in loving devotion to God. But if such love is real, the acid test is obedience.

What Your Complaining Says About God – Philip Graham Ryken (Crossway)
It is really important to recognize that all of our complaining is ultimately directed against God, whether we mention him specifically in our complaints or not. All of our complaining goes to him; he is the great God. He is the one who exercises his sovereignty over whatever happens. So all of our complaints go right to the top.

Patience Is Not Optional for the Christian – Albert Mohler (Ligonier)
Patience is not optional for the Christian. The apostle Paul repeatedly commanded Christians to demonstrate patience to each other. In fact, this is a critical test of Christian authenticity. True Christian character, the very evidence of regeneration, is seen in authentic patience.

A Powerful Practice for Prayer – Tim Challies
There is one practice I find myself working on these days more than any other, and I think it may be the most important of them all. It is a simple one: Never resist the least urge to pray.