Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

Q&A#1: Verses for Reflection

On By BrianIn PASSION Catechism

Q: What is our primary purpose in life?
A: Our primary purpose in life is to love God and people, in response to His love for us, for the glory of God.

Verses To Reflect on Loving God for His Glory

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?
– Deuteronomy 10:12-13

You shall therefore love the Lord your God and keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always.
– Deuteronomy 11:1

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
– John 14:15

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
– Revelation 2:4

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
– I Corinthians 10:31

Questions To Ponder

What do these passages teach us about loving God?
How do you need to grow in your love for God?

Revelation Quote

On By BrianIn Revelation Quotes

RevQuotes

The primary theme is divine sovereignty, as the Lamb initiates the event, and in three of them the divine passive “was given” (6:2, 4, 8) controls the action. This means that the activities of the horsemen take place only as authorized by God.

– Grant Osborne on Revelation 6 in Revelation (BEC)

Reflections on Job 29-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Job remembers his life before when he was honored, and considers his life now when he is ridiculed.  Then he considers various sins he has not committed.

  • Lust and adultery – Job says that he has made a covenant with his eyes, and that his heart has not been enticed. Do you need to make a similar covenant?  In what ways are you guarding your eyes and heart?  In what ways do you need to?
  • Purpose of wealth – Job says he has used his wealth for good. He does not trust in his wealth (which is a good thing since his life demonstrates how quickly it can disappear).  He uses his wealth to help the poor and the traveler.  Are there ways you are trusting in your wealth?  How are you using your wealth to help others?

Job 29-35: Overcoming Sin and Discouragement

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(29-30) How does Job describe his life before his suffering began?

How does Job describe his life now?

Count the number of times Job uses the words “I,” “me,” and “my.”  What does this suggest to you about Job?  What do you think Job needs right now?

(31) List the sins that Job says he has avoided.

In what ways does our culture tempt us with these sins?

Are we serious about overcoming these sins?  Are there any of these sins that you need to repent of?

(32) How would you describe Elihu?

Elihu felt that he must enter the conversation and correct all the wrong thinking.  When are you tempted in this way?  What is needed to overcome?

(33) According to Elihu, what does God do to turn people from evil?  Do you think Elihu is right?

How must people respond to God’s drawing?

(34) What is Elihu’s argument in this chapter?  Where have you heard this before?

(34) What is Elihu’s point in v21-22?  How might this truth help us overcome sin and discouragement?

(35) What does God do for us in v10?  How would this help us to overcome discouragement?  Have you ever experienced this?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Be Patient with Your Slow Growth – Jon Bloom (DG)

Godliness is not your Personality – David Murray

Don’t Speak Up: On the Spiritual Discipline of Silence – Mark Dever (9 Marks)

Sunday is End-Times Warfare – Peyton Hill (FTC)

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day worshiping your great God with your local church!

Never Forget

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

LovingJesusMoreWe may not always be very impressed with the church. All too often, we get frustrated with other Christians. We are embarrassed by what they do, or fail to do. In fact, sometimes they are the hardest people in the world to love. But we should never forget that Jesus loves these people so much that he gave up his life for them.

– Phil Ryken in Loving Jesus More

Sermons Songs: Revelation 5:8-14

On By BrianIn Revelation Hymns

MusicNotes

All heaven worships ‘round the throne, Praise to the one true God
The Lamb receives praise as His own, For Jesus is our God
He is our Savior and our King, Humbly honor His name
Come praise Him with joyful singing, And His great worth proclaim

The Lamb who was slain is worthy, Proclaim His might, pow-er
His wealth and wisdom and glory, His blessing and honor
All creation joins in singing, To God and to the Lamb
Be glory, honor, and blessing, And might – amen, amen

To the tune of “We Sing the Greatness of Our God”

Reflections on Job 25-28

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Bildad continues his theme that man is not righteous before God.  Job continues to claim his righteousness.

  • God’s power – Job continues in chapter 26 what will become gigantic theme in the latter part of the book – God’s power over creation. Go outside again and ponder God’s power in his creation.
  • Wisdom – Job speaks of wisdom in chapter 28. Wisdom is of great value – greater than wealth.  Wisdom is found with God.  We are wise when we fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  For what situation do you need to seek wisdom from God?  Are you living wisely?

Q&A#1: Our Purpose

On By BrianIn PASSION Catechism

Q/A#1
Q: What is our primary purpose in life?
A: Our primary purpose in life is to love God and people, in response to His love for us, for the glory of God.

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
– Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV)

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
– Ephesians 5:2 (ESV)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
– Psalm 115:1 (ESV)