Grow from the Doctrine You have Heard, Part 2

Photo by Hans Splinter

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:14

Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

Insights: Today, we look at the final two aspects of growing through the doctrines that we've heard. The first point for today is the word guard. Noticed Paul is telling Timothy to guard the treasure which has been entrusted to him. This treasure is more than just his salvation, it is the doctrinal truths by which we live our lives as Christ followers. All too often we have a theology that is an inch deep in a mile wide. The reality, however, ought to be we are not just wide in reaching people, but we are deep in our understanding of the Word of God. All too often, I hear people say it's okay for me to believe one thing and for them to believe another, but the truth is doctrine matters. What we believe about the core tenets of our faith are vital to our walk with Jesus. Unfortunately, too many of those sitting in our church pews do not truly understand and know the core doctrines of our faith. Let me encourage you to study the Bible in order know the core doctrines. After you know them, then guard them because they are indeed a treasure. I want you to notice the last point as well in this verse. Notice with me that it is through the power of the Holy Spirit we are able to guard the treasures of the doctrines we have. Our guarding is not based upon my intellectual assent or pursuit, but on the Holy Spirit administering in me the ability to defendant the faith. Let us not become arrogant in our own self-sufficiency, but let us daily be dependent upon the Holy Spirit for our strength and power. Beloved, if you will live life from this perspective, you will be amazed at the confidence with which you will be able to live life. There has been a theme throughout this entire week and that theme has been growth. Let us grow in our walk with the Lord God.

Questions:

 1. Have you ever had to defend your faith in regard to the core doctrines of Christianity?

 2. On whom do you trust for power when you defend the gospel, the Holy Spirit or yourself?

Prayer: Father, I praise You for sealing me with the Holy Spirit.  Thank You that He leads and guides me.  He enables me to defend the doctrines of our faith.  He is truly the source of any power I may possess here on earth.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Grow from the Doctrine You have Heard, Part 1

Photo by Maria Teresa Ambrosi

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13

Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

Insights: Today and tomorrow we will be looking at how we grow from the doctrines we have studied and heard. In today's verse we see Paul telling Timothy to retain the standard. This standard is the Bible. In other words, God has given us His Word and we adhere to it. As we adhere to this Word we are indeed retaining the standard. The only way we can know the standard is by reading the Bible. Beloved, let me challenge you to spend time daily in God's Word. The more time you invest in the Bible, the more you will know the Father. The second aspect to this growing from the doctrines we have studied and heard is actually listen to preaching. Paul told Timothy to retain the standard of words which he had heard from Paul. We in the 21st century are some of the most fortunate individuals of all time. The reason we are so fortunate is because of technology. Every week there are literally hundreds of thousands of sermons uploaded onto the Internet. As a result, we can literally be fed from godly men and women every day. I personally listen to Alastair Begg every single day Monday through Friday. His words inspire me and challenge me, and I hope I am a better Christian as a result of his teaching. Beloved, let me encourage you to also listen to godly preaching on the radio, or through podcasts, or actually in worship services. There is no excuse to not be hearing solid biblical exposition in our modern day technological society. My prayer is your faith will indeed grow as you learn the doctrines from the Scriptures. May there truly be godly men and women in your life to speak words of truth to you from the Scriptures. I then pray you will also be one who speaks words of life into other people. May God be brought glory because of your faithfulness.

Questions:

1. Do you daily spend time in the Bible?

2. How often do you listen to solid biblical exposition of the Bible?

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving me Your Word, the Bible.  Thank You for equipping so many godly men and women who have preached the Bible in such a fashion as to help me understand Your Word even better.  May I be found faithful to Your Word and as a communicator for Your glory.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Grow from the Faith You have Experienced

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Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Insights: Over the past two days we have observed how we grow in faith as we observe the example of others. Our faith does not just grow from observing others, but we also have our faith grow because of our very own experiences. In today's verse we observe four areas in which we have experienced faith grow in our lives. The first one actually is the same as the first example of observing others and that is that we suffer for the gospel. The second aspect of our experience deals with our ability to not be ashamed of the gospel. The reason we are not ashamed of the gospel is because we know Jesus. This knowledge of Jesus is the third part of our experiences. When I say we know Him I am not talking about an intellectual pursuit. I am, rather, talking about an intimacy of knowledge. In other words, because I have spent time with Him, I know Him. This knowledge is very relational and it is not based on rules of conduct. To one who does not have a relationship with Jesus, this type of knowledge is foolishness to them. These people who do not have a relationship do not have the capacity to understand the faith we have in our Savior, Jesus. The last part of this experiential knowledge comes from the fact that we can trust in Jesus' power. Notice with me in today's verse that it is Jesus who guards or keeps our soul for eternity. We have entrusted our very lives to Him and as result we are convinced He is able to bring us to His heavenly home. So are eternal security is not dependent upon our faithfulness, but upon His and because He is trustworthy we can have full confidence and hope in our future glory with Him. Beloved, I pray you have experienced Jesus in this kind of fashion. May your faith grow daily as you pursue intimacy with the Savior.

Questions:

1. Are you ashamed of the gospel?

2. Do you authentically know Jesus?

Prayer: Father, I am grateful I know You.  May my relationship with You ever be before me and a world who observes my life.  My I hold fast to the power of Jesus who guards my eternity and grant me grace to share Your love.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Grow from the Example of Others, Part 2

Photo by Glenn Euloth

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:10-11

It has now been made known through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has destroyed death. Because of the good news, he has brought life out into the light. That life never dies.  I was appointed to announce the good news. I was appointed to be an apostle and a teacher.

Insights: The next two examples Paul gave to Timothy was the way in which he lived a victorious life because of Jesus’ work.  In other words, Jesus destroyed death.  He brought life to those who were dead in their trespasses and sin.  Paul was trying to help Timothy understand the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.  He gives us life.  He gives us strength.  He gives us peace.  He gives us victory.  He is our all in all.  He is our sufficiency to live through the day.  He is our Savior.  As a result of all He did for us, then we have no other option than to follow the example of Paul.  We must grow in His grace and because of His life transforming work in us, we are compelled to announce the good news to everyone.  Jesus is the only way one gets to heaven and because He is the only way, we must love the world around us and tell others about His great mercy and grace.  We need to help the world understand that apart from Jesus they will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.  They will be in eternal torment and in pain.  Beloved, let us follow the example of Paul.  Let us walk valiantly in this world because of the victorious work of Jesus.  Let us then proclaim this victory to everyone out of the gratitude we have for His redemptive work.  He has forgiven us such a great debt, how can we not share His love with others.  Let us be found faithfully living out of His victory when He returns to take His children home.

Questions:

1. Do you feel confidence in knowing Jesus is your victory over sin and death?

2. To whom are you sharing the gospel?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the victory Your Son has given to me.  Grant me the boldness to share His victory to others as I preach and teach the gospel.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Grow from the Example of Others, Part 1

Photo by National Museum of American History Smithsonian Institution

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:8-9

So don’t be ashamed to give witness about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, join with me as I suffer for the good news. God’s power will help us do that.  God has saved us. He has chosen us to live a holy life. It wasn’t because of anything we have done. It was because of his own purpose and grace. Through Christ Jesus, God gave us that grace even before time began.

Insights: This week we are going to look at three ways in which we grow through motivation.  Today and tomorrow we are going to look at how we grow through the example of others.  Wednesday we will look at how we grow from the faith we have experienced personally.  Thursday and Friday we will learn about how we grow through the doctrines we have been taught.  Today, specifically, we learn from these two verses that we have fellow believers who have suffered for the gospel.  Paul is presently in prison for sharing the gospel and Paul is telling Timothy to not be ashamed of him for being in prison.  The reason is because his imprisonment is due to his obedience to proclaiming the gospel.  Paul has this kind of confidence because of the salvation with which he was called.  In other words, because his salvation is dependent on Jesus and Jesus only, he is confident in his salvation.  We, as outside observers, can see this life change in others and then we can begin to live our lives in that kind of faith as well.  Beloved, let me encourage you to find individuals with whom you can model your life.  Learn from their faithfulness and then live your life in the same way and become an example for others around you.

Questions:

1. Are you prepared to grow in your faith through suffering?

2. Does the security that your salvation is dependent on the work of Jesus comfort you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the godly examples You have placed in my life.  May my life grow into such a life that I might be an example for others as well. Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Respond Wisely to the Lord

Photo by Chris Jackson

Scripture: Luke 10:36-37

“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?”  And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”

Insights: Today we receive our final verses from the Samaritan parable. At the end of the parable Jesus asks the lawyer a question. After the lawyer answers correctly, Jesus tells him to go and do the same. The ending of the story implies a choice. We can either choose wisely by obeying the Father and showing mercy toward people or we can choose foolishly and be self centered in our focus. In many ways this kind of decision faces all people, whether a believer or a nonbeliever. In other words, are we going to treat our neighbors as we would have them to treat us or are we going to use them for our own advantages? It may appear we are getting ahead when we use people for our own advantages, but in the end we will truly learn the futility of such a way of life. Beloved, let me encourage you to choose wisely for the Lord. Treat people with compassion and mercy. Strive to live in unity especially among your brothers and sisters in Jesus. Let your example be a light in this dark world. It is my prayer the lost world will see the distinction in you and wonder why you are showing mercy and compassion. My prayer further is also that they will ask you the question as to why you are different. When that moment comes, I pray you are ready to share the hope of your salvation in Jesus Christ.

Questions:

1. What are some examples of times in which you have chosen to follow the Lord wisely?

2. What are some examples in which you failed to follow the Lord wisely?

Prayer: Father, my life is full of examples of foolish choices.  There are even a few examples of wise choices.  In the end, I have needed You to guide me out of my foolish endeavors, as well as, direct me in my wise opportunities.  Grant me Your peace regarding the decisions in front of me.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Ministry for the Lord is Costly

Photo by Cheryl Colan

Scripture: Luke 10:33-35

“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.  “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’

Insights: In today’s versus we are introduced to the Samaritan. You need to understand Samaritans were considered to be the worst class citizen possible. The reason was because they were Jews whose ancestral parents had intermarried with the Assyrians. As a result, “good” Jews looked down upon these Samaritans. Yet, in our story, it is the Samaritan who shows compassion. It is not enough, however, only to have compassion. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are called to go further. This extra work will often times result in a personal cost to us. When I use the word cost, I am not only referencing financial expenses. Sometimes the cost involves relationships or time. The point being, is that true ministry will cost us something. In the case of the Samaritan, it cost him time, resources, and money. Beloved, let me encourage you to count the cost in your service to Jesus. It is also my prayer that after having counted the cost you will have determined what ever the price is, it is worth it.  I would also encourage you to be like this Samaritan in today's story. Go through this world with your eyes open and when you see someone in need of compassion, display it to them. In living life this way you will exemplify the character of Christ and bring Him glory.

Questions:

1. What price have you had to pay for the cause of Jesus Christ?

2. Upon reflection, would you characterize the cost worth the end goal and why?

Prayer: Father, it is my prayer I may identify myself with Paul and say I have lived my life as a drink offering poured out for You.  May every drop of my life point to Your Son Jesus.  I thank You for Your offering to let me partner with You in Your work.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Prioritize Your Life Properly

Photo by Peter Reed

Scripture: Luke 10:30-32

Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.  “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

Insights: Today’s verses start the parable of the Good Samaritan.  In these first few verses we observe lives and the prioritization these individuals place on people and things.  Notice we have a priestly class which comes out of Aaron’s descendants (also a part of the the tribe of Levi) and a Levitical descendant as well.  The priestly class served as the mediators between God and man.  The Levitical line were the ones responsible for every other aspect of temple worship.  In other words, these individuals sang in the choir.  They were responsible for the fire wood.  They were responsible for the order, cleanliness and maintenance of the temple.  Both of these individuals were to be representative of people in a right relationship with God.  If these individuals truly had prioritized their lives, then they would have stopped and shown mercy to the Samaritan man.  What actually happened was two men too busy to show compassion.  Some believe they were probably on their way to the temple for a worship service, but were running late.  These individuals may have felt to stop would have hindered the worship service.  In fact, the priest would not have been able to serve as an intercessor if he had touched the man because he would have been considered to be unclean.  He would have had to stay out of the worship service for a period of time and he may have rationalized his avoidance of the injured man.  Beloved, the point is that whatever excuse these men made, they were wrong for not having proper priorities.  This Samaritan’s life was worth far more than their excuses.  This day, let us be mindful of God’s activities in this world and let us prioritize our lives in such a way God is brought honor.

Questions:

1. Have you ever prioritized your life by writing down your key areas of focus and emphasis?

2. If you have done this exercise, what did you learn about yourself?

Prayer: Father, forgive me when I do not make you the proper priority in my life.  Help me to live life from a Christ-centered perspective and may my right relationship with You impact all of my other relationships.    Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

Recognize God's Work in the World

Photo by Irmeli Aro

Scripture: Luke 10:25-29

And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?”  And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”  And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”  But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Insights: As readers of Thoughts by Scott you know my life has been highly influenced by Henry Blackaby’s material Experiencing God. And this week's first point comes straight from that material.  The point is God is at work in the world and we need to recognize His activity. Let me set the scene before we look at the verses today. At the beginning of this chapter Jesus sends out his seventy followers in order to tell people He is coming. After He and His followers meet back up there's this brief interchange of the followers talking about the authority they have in Jesus name. These followers did their job well and many people came to hear Jesus. One of those men that came was a lawyer and it is my assumption he recognized God's activity in Jesus's life. The opportunity arises for him to ask Jesus how one could have eternal life.  I realize verse twenty-five uses the word “test”, but I do not think this lawyer is antagonistic toward Jesus. Rather, I think he is a genuine seeker based on his answer he gives at this point in the story and the concluding answer he gives after the parable. It is my presupposition this man has heard Jesus’ followers proclaiming the things of Jesus and has seen the miraculous work these followers had done. As a result, when he hears Jesus’ teaching he is even more convinced Jesus has the words of eternal life. In other words, he recognizes God's activity in the world and is now making an adjustment to join his life to God's work. Beloved, we need to do the same.

Questions:

1. When was the last time you recognize God's work in the midst of your life?

2. In that moment, how did you respond to God's activity?

Prayer: Father, thank You for always working in this world. Open my eyes to be able to recognize Your activity and then grant me the courage to join You in Your work.  Amen.

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.

First Responder Remembrance 5K Run/Walk

Today is September 1!!!  In less than two weeks we will be hosting our First Responder Remembrance 5K run/walk.  The reason for the run/walk is to remember and to honor our first responders. Fifteen years ago on September 11 the United States experienced a terror attack in multiple locations in our country. Many first responders gave their lives that day in order to save others.  Fifteen years later these brave men and women are still risking their lives every day. As a result, First Baptist Church of Bowling Green is hosting this 5K run/walk in remembrance of our first responders. All the proceeds from this event we'll be going to the four first responder organizations of Hardy County. Those organizations are the Bowling Green Police Department, the Wauchula Police Department, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hardee County Fire and Rescue Department.

I would like to take a moment to challenge you to participate in this event. There are a couple of ways in which you can become involved. Firstly, you could actually sign up to be a runner or a walker in the event. Secondly, you could actually be a sponsor of the event. Even though at this point we cannot put your logo on any of our material, we would still like you to give financial support to our first responders of Hardee county.  There’s literally no amount that is too small. Every bit of the profits will go to these four organizations as a way of acknowledging their work and the sacrifices they make for our community.

Personally I think it is absolutely vital we share with our law enforcement and fire personnel that we appreciate them and respect the work they do. Would you please rally around this event and show your support for these organizations. If you'd like more information, please feel free to call the church office at 863-375-2253. We thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile community event. One less thing I wish to ask of you and that is to go and share this event to as many people as possible from now until the race.

For more information regarding this race please visit our Facebook page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/events/698398003633292/

If you have found this blog to be helpful, please forward it in Facebook or retweet it in Twitter.  I would also appreciate if you would tell your friends to read this blog.  As always, if you have a comment you would like to make regarding this Thoughts by Scott, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.  Thank you.