tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51774081971237707872024-03-20T00:11:55.162-07:00Thoughts By ScottScott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.comBlogger977125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-7815356910898378042017-04-05T08:49:00.000-07:002017-07-03T12:59:01.740-07:00God Expects His Children to Work<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztreukrrespWW4QblI4pXhaT4mnMjA6GIkNn0x0MkdbbgrMjwAfkadl64KFPsi-T9IBE7jOJibm6-iqe8UacmmI3GidKh7ImqSpmstPCbYXo8yK40p0xwnNxwGdwGGbNvd84PbEEBces/s1600/8552830144_3f878aff9e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztreukrrespWW4QblI4pXhaT4mnMjA6GIkNn0x0MkdbbgrMjwAfkadl64KFPsi-T9IBE7jOJibm6-iqe8UacmmI3GidKh7ImqSpmstPCbYXo8yK40p0xwnNxwGdwGGbNvd84PbEEBces/s320/8552830144_3f878aff9e_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Morshad Alam</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ought to have been April 3, 2017</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Matthew 21:28</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>This week we are looking at the parable of the two sons. In order to fully grasp this parable we must understand its context in the scheme of the chapter. The day before Jesus had entered into Jerusalem and cleaned out the temple of the money changers. On this day He arrives back in the temple, after having cursed the fig tree, and He is engaged into a conversation by the religious leaders. They ask Him by what authority He does what He does. He asks them a question in return regarding John the Baptist and they refuse to answer. It is on the hills of that conversation Jesus gives this parable which is about choice. He then tells another parable right after about the vineyard owner and his workers who kill the son. In that parable Jesus is, in essence, telling the religious leaders He knows what choice they have made and it is against Him. We have the same choices today. So, let us look over this week more fully into the parable of the two sons. Today we observe in the verse the Lord requires His children to work. Look what the father says to the son, “Son, go work . . . .” Beloved, if you are truly born again and belong to the Father because of the work of the Son, Jesus Christ, then you are called and commissioned to work and serve Him. You do, however, have free will and you can rebel against this relational harmony between parent and child and that is about what this parable addresses. The parable does not go into the pleasure and joy of the work, but I would like for just a moment to mention it. Our work for the Lord is not burdensome or heavy-laden. In fact, our work produces within us a great deal of satisfaction and joy. Our work also brings the Lord glory which He rightly deserves. Beloved, let me challenge you to choose service to your Father above. You will be amazed at the overflow of joy you experience in Him as a result.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. In what ways are you working for the Lord?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Does your work bring you satisfaction?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, thank You for me the opportunity to work. I have the privilege of serving You. All too often I do not see my labor as a blessing, but You often remind me of this truth and I am grateful. May my work ministry bring You glory. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-20674165704560114902017-03-31T13:13:00.001-07:002017-03-31T13:13:35.238-07:00Because of ONE THING, I am Hopeful<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTHTjgMuhfMKwDekAWJyQXW4YBHGxsssKcc81732pR6d5UNMqHH0cXKICDPe-Av6Lxy_Zik_gh5kOjiy-fTOciCLbqhX-PmrYc-J967XuZZ7gOG6esM5bgJDlP9a-AFzDdh59TcSVPA0/s1600/8043967495_367854b5c0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTHTjgMuhfMKwDekAWJyQXW4YBHGxsssKcc81732pR6d5UNMqHH0cXKICDPe-Av6Lxy_Zik_gh5kOjiy-fTOciCLbqhX-PmrYc-J967XuZZ7gOG6esM5bgJDlP9a-AFzDdh59TcSVPA0/s320/8043967495_367854b5c0_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Compassion Over Killing</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Psalm 27:11-14</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a level path Because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. <i>I would have despaired</i> unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>We conclude this week with one of my favorite sections in this psalm. In spite of all David has described in the preceding verses he has hope in his future. Reread his words again, “<i>I would have despaired</i> unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” Disparity would be a great word to describe a life which has no hope. David tells his reading audience he did not despair. He did have hope. He knew God would bring about goodness in his life while he was still in the land of the living. Beloved, for those of us in Christ Jesus, we have an even fuller understanding of what the land of the living really is. For David, he meant he would do see good days on this side of eternity and for us there is an aspect of this reality. For us in Christ Jesus, however, there is a bit of a nuance change. We know the real land of the living is with the Lord God. We, in Christ, will one day be with Him face to face. In that day, ALL will be good. As a result, we wait on the Lord. We are strong in Him and our hearts are encouraged by Him. How does all of the things we have written about this week come to pass? It comes to pass based on the ONE THING. This ONE THING is a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. Religion will not allow you to experience confidence, joy, companionship and hope. Other peoples relationship with Jesus will not give you these things either. You have to enter into this relationship by acknowledging you are a sinner and then to ask for Jesus to come into your life. If you will do this, then He promises to do so and you will experience the hope of better days in the true land of the living.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Are you hopeful about your future?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Do you know Jesus personally?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus. I now have a future and a hope. I long for the day in which we will be together face to face. I appreciate Your presence in the here and now until that day. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-30033985057381847282017-03-31T12:31:00.002-07:002017-03-31T12:31:50.939-07:00Because of ONE THING, I am Never Alone<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1EbI-i7zS-T4TcxnSv5raZBVuqPg87siCTmFqOffdI1b2nYnLJwDcl3utkercswXlqMDpu303HfNwJ64YK4prP0DXpPFyD0UD83uHn5ZwyjaPpBOP8wfI5YMGbWNvGFk-dtfAqp2K_o/s1600/32595135302_c4e6bd0b8d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1EbI-i7zS-T4TcxnSv5raZBVuqPg87siCTmFqOffdI1b2nYnLJwDcl3utkercswXlqMDpu303HfNwJ64YK4prP0DXpPFyD0UD83uHn5ZwyjaPpBOP8wfI5YMGbWNvGFk-dtfAqp2K_o/s320/32595135302_c4e6bd0b8d_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by John Getchel</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Psalm 27:7-10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, And be gracious to me and answer me. <i>When You said,</i> “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.” Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord will take me up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Once again we look at these verses this week and see the vulnerability and transparency of David. He is questioning his own faithfulness to God. Look at his words, “be gracious to me.” Still further he writes, “Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in <i>anger</i> [<i>italics mine</i>].” Still even further he penned, “Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation!” David realizes in his sin he needs a Savior. He does not, however, need a savior who apparently can leave him like a father or mother, but rather he needs a Savior who will take him up into His arms and be a comfort to him in the midst of his pain and suffering. The indication being that as unlikely as it is for an earthly father or mother to abandon and forsake their own children, it can still happen. With, God, however, He will never abandon nor forsake His own. Jesus echoes these thoughts when He tells us, “I am with you always even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).” There are times in our walk with the Lord in which we feel we are alone. The truth, however, is drastically different than our feelings. We can rest assured Jesus is always with us. He never leaves us alone. He is a constant companion in our lives. We just have to trust and believe this fact to be true. When we do, we are comforted greatly by His love and mercy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Are there times in which you feel you are alone?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Have you come to understand you are not alone?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, there are times I feel alone, but I know You are with me. Help me to rest in the truth of my situation and not in my feelings. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-77908514329414155302017-03-29T13:43:00.001-07:002017-03-29T13:43:46.160-07:00Because of ONE THING, I am Joyful<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n9wDPPAUP5ca7e5BTd57-BOxg7B_V1XiyjfnzKUf-A1SqiyWO9WVA9u4ypkqVeg1CvhHf9DarD2ZUA9r48INMJ3Yvwen52PT3NzqTdyr2kWkU_b4a3UocM54XLWEugQogdkgtiLK-Eo/s1600/8431303636_c02212dffb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4n9wDPPAUP5ca7e5BTd57-BOxg7B_V1XiyjfnzKUf-A1SqiyWO9WVA9u4ypkqVeg1CvhHf9DarD2ZUA9r48INMJ3Yvwen52PT3NzqTdyr2kWkU_b4a3UocM54XLWEugQogdkgtiLK-Eo/s320/8431303636_c02212dffb_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Holley Gerth</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Psalm 27:4-6</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Look at the heart of David as he petitions the Lord. He is asking the Lord to help Him to know Him. He is purposefully seeking the Lord and desiring to dwell with the Lord. He wants to meditate on the Lord. Notice what he desire the Lord to do for him in the midst of his personal relationship. He longs to be comforted by the Lord when he is experiencing trouble. He wants the Lord to conceal him in the tabernacle or dwelling place of the Lord. God will be his hiding place and in this difficult time, God will also be the One to lift him up. Because God does all of these works, David is able to say he shouts with joy and he sings praises to the Lord. Beloved, joy is not some external attribute. Joy is something the Lord places inside of His children. Joy does not mean we do not have trials and tribulations. In fact, I sense we are able to recognize the Lord’s ability to produce joy within us in our most difficult days. I will readily admit, I do not long for those days of difficulty. I am perfectly capable of experiencing joy in good times, but I appreciate the joy more in hard times. Joy, non the less, is the result of the one thing. A personal relationship with the Lord Jesus gives the believer joy and it is supernatural in nature.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Do you have the joy of the Lord residing within you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Do you long and seek after the Lord with all of who you are?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I do want to know You. I want a deep and intimate relationship with You. May I grow in Your grace and cultivate the disciplines in my life which help me know You more personally. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-28511287978266788392017-03-29T13:02:00.002-07:002017-03-29T13:02:55.027-07:00Because of ONE THING, I am Confident<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-45HwSoWNyG2odtpVixVmrjvYbH_pyvBj9lIQyrsg54C6nY4FNSZFVU_WHWBXhp8_j-CYnigm3cVGiqHjbHCSpxhy9CDNEyUVM0bT5jVpN2Mfgvl15oIOkvt_lsCOMevakXvsLPnOUsw/s1600/16241388115_fec39f427a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-45HwSoWNyG2odtpVixVmrjvYbH_pyvBj9lIQyrsg54C6nY4FNSZFVU_WHWBXhp8_j-CYnigm3cVGiqHjbHCSpxhy9CDNEyUVM0bT5jVpN2Mfgvl15oIOkvt_lsCOMevakXvsLPnOUsw/s320/16241388115_fec39f427a_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chris & Karen Highland</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Psalm 27:1-3</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In <i>spite of</i> this I shall be confident.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>In verse four, which we will get to tomorrow, David says the words, “one thing.” I titled the sermon Sunday, <i>One Thing</i>, and obviously verse four is where I derived the title. I explained to the congregation if we had this one thing, then we would also have four traits in our lives. The first trait is found in today’s verses and it is confidence. Notice David is not Pollyanna in his view of life or his situation. He uses the words evildoers, devour, adversaries, enemies, host, and war. All of these things are rising up against David, and yet, he says he will not fear and he shall be confident. Why is he able to be fearless and confident? The answer is because the Lord is his light and salvation. The Lord is his defense. I wonder what happens when we face fear and dread. Do we throw our hands up in the air and quit? Do we run away? Do we hide? Do we allow all of our insecurities to incapacitate us with the ability to press on for Jesus? Beloved, if we know God personally and are in an abiding love relationship with Him, then we can also face whatever circumstance with power and victory in Christ Jesus.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Would an outside observer describe you as being a confident or insecure type of person?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. How would you evaluate your life?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, many times I am insecure in my leadership, but You have called me to influence those around me. Let me do so in Your strength and power. May I be found faithful in the midst of my insecurities. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-20311192767184760682017-03-24T13:23:00.000-07:002017-03-24T13:23:06.069-07:00Proclamation to Men is Obedience to Christ<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3tNcv2sc5YkNUG9-aJc9jWggDaztUh6yIobkg8rRFero2ixVFa3iZDaBnjA76cQ6XFnvKpKDFtu7PU0Jx99DlwUetdY0ECEeKCO-nwLb1I1e9p-AGz8KRFsS_G9mYqgSBwF4ZxEqBcw/s1600/4298276660_cdb5479e33_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3tNcv2sc5YkNUG9-aJc9jWggDaztUh6yIobkg8rRFero2ixVFa3iZDaBnjA76cQ6XFnvKpKDFtu7PU0Jx99DlwUetdY0ECEeKCO-nwLb1I1e9p-AGz8KRFsS_G9mYqgSBwF4ZxEqBcw/s320/4298276660_cdb5479e33_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by brett jordan</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>2 Corinthians 5:14-15</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>We conclude this week with the idea of our proclamation to men is obedience to Christ. Look at the verses with me. Paul writes, “For the love of Christ <i>controls</i> us.” He continues, “they who live might<i> no longer </i>live for themselves.” The emphasis of these two statements is we are obedient to Jesus. He controls our lives. Our desire is no longer for ourselves, but for Him. We ought to want to please Him with all of who we are. His work has put my old self to death. I am dead <i>in</i> Christ. I did not, however, remain dead. I rose again <i>in</i> Him. Because of this new life I am compelled out of gratitude and love to obey the Lord Jesus. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments (John 14:15).” In my sermon Sunday I talked about how many in the church are practical atheists. In a conversation with such a person they would tell you they love Jesus. They would even say they have received Him as Lord and Savior. They would be good church going people. They would not, however, have life changing fruit to display as evidence of their love for Jesus. When He commissioned them, they would not obey. They would live for themselves and would quench the Holy Spirit from controlling their lives. Beloved, I believe this practical atheism is the reason 93% of all churches are stagnant or plateaued. It is this practical atheism which explains why 95% of church attenders have never led a person to Jesus Christ. Let me challenge you to strive for intimacy with Jesus. I say this because what I know to be true about Jesus is He has an amazing way of changing who we are to honor Him. The more you know Him the more you will desire to obey Him. Pursue Him with a reckless abandon and be in awe of His presence and power. <br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Are you obedient to the Father?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. What evidence is there of your obedience?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, forgive me when I walk in rebellion of Your commands. Strengthen me to display my love for You in real and profound ways. Let my life bring You glory. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-32199287949458220382017-03-23T10:32:00.001-07:002017-03-23T10:32:16.640-07:00Presence among Men is Flexible<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYAoLxfyXSo16GsaF3t3Q4W1sGKnBHnwlyPmVoeVtktKQ7CKqQY7Vesv_Fep2q4K_dAutZxx-0R6togtxA-vMdudzzUdb3apnfdd6h_SFUc-5pRcuDySK3XSn3TFLGEYp5CTsz1jdye4/s1600/1490660182_2e2fe15e7f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYAoLxfyXSo16GsaF3t3Q4W1sGKnBHnwlyPmVoeVtktKQ7CKqQY7Vesv_Fep2q4K_dAutZxx-0R6togtxA-vMdudzzUdb3apnfdd6h_SFUc-5pRcuDySK3XSn3TFLGEYp5CTsz1jdye4/s320/1490660182_2e2fe15e7f_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by sabreguy29</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>2 Corinthians 5:13</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>In today’s verse we discover a third truth about our ministry to people. This truth is we need to be flexible in the hands of the Lord God. Notice with me in the verse Paul states if he is beside himself, then it is for God. In other words, this is like king David’s comment to his wife when he said, “I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes (2 Sa 6:22).” In essence David and Paul are telling us there are times we worship and express our faith as if the Lord God is an audience of one. He is always our focus, but there are times He would have us to let go of our inhibitions and surrender ourselves totally to Him with a reckless abandon. When we live with this unhindered devotion many people will say we are out of our minds or as Paul wrote, “beside ourselves.” People are not always receptive to religious zeal, but there are times in which God calls us to this kind of vulnerability with Him. Paul went on to write in today’s verse, “if we are of sound mind, it is for you.” Now this thought is when we are more reserved and logical in our approach to faith. We are more diplomatic in our conversations and we use more intellectual and logical means of persuasion rather than emotional and spiritual. When we portray Christ in this manner we are doing so for the purpose of winning lost people to Jesus and that is why Paul says, “it is for you.” Beloved, the key, whether we are beside ourselves or of sound mind, is to be centered on the Lord Jesus. Let Him be the One guiding you to actions of exuberance or reservation. Realize the goal is to bring the Lord glory by our actions of obedience.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Are you flexible in your approach to ministering to other people?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. What techniques or styles have you used to share Jesus with others?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, help me to be flexible in Your hands. Let me display my faith as You would have me in various situations and conversations. I want to be pliable in Your hands. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-52661576561494500242017-03-21T09:25:00.000-07:002017-03-21T09:25:15.266-07:00Power before Men Resides in the Heart<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCRnVPy2xfIiQmZ5OdBCKOCkGbFABsnnx8XFcDmjOsEcSczK21IQE4AVQG8AUVNZx3-E76t8NTGVlcqWFY1ZVK6nvvToe2IA2_zk6HiDTNSpFcF6vs_0yBInre1HycQ2-iBUlDIvrnMY/s1600/94128769_6dd413b168_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCRnVPy2xfIiQmZ5OdBCKOCkGbFABsnnx8XFcDmjOsEcSczK21IQE4AVQG8AUVNZx3-E76t8NTGVlcqWFY1ZVK6nvvToe2IA2_zk6HiDTNSpFcF6vs_0yBInre1HycQ2-iBUlDIvrnMY/s320/94128769_6dd413b168_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by John</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>2 Corinthians 5:12</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are not again commending ourselves to you but <i>are</i> giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have <i>an answer</i> for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Yesterday we learned our ability to persuade men begins with an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus. Today, we learn our power to live a transformed life resides in our heart. In other words, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus rose from the dead and conquered sin and death. He then ascending into heaven and God promised to send His Holy Spirit to dwell inside the hearts of anyone who would call on the name of Jesus to be saved. Upon our reception of Jesus, our lives are changed because of His residing presence in our hearts. The problem, however, comes to light in today’s verse. For far too many church attenders in the United States, we desire moral rectitude more than spiritual transformation. Look at the verse with me for a moment. It reads, “. . . so that you will have <i>an answer</i> for those who take pride in appearance. . . .” In our western church culture we desire for people act rightly even if it means they go to hell. We want them to have behavioral and ethical changes, but honestly do not really care about heart change. This truth gets played out Sunday after Sunday with the conversations congregants have with each other as well as with the pastoral staff. We are far to easily angered about issues of irrelevance than we are about the eternal condition of a soul. Before our even worship service a congregant came to me and told me about listening to Steve Brown with Key Life Ministries. Steve Brown said Jesus tells us to catch them and then He will clean them. Brown was using a fishing metaphor. Unfortunately, for us, we want them to get cleaned up first then we will catch them and take them to Jesus. Beloved the reason is because we are more concerned about appearances than we are genuine heart change. Real power comes from heart transformation, not behavioral modification. Let us trust Jesus to do what only He can do to make us powerful and eternally changed.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Do you focus more on behavioral modification or authentic spiritual life change?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Are you experiencing the transforming power of transformation because of the Lord’s work within your heart?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, transform me to live in the power of Your grace and presence. I need You to move in my life to such an extent that it is obvious I am Yours and You are mine. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-11817771811294175742017-03-20T10:29:00.002-07:002017-03-20T10:29:23.301-07:00Persuasion of Men Begins with the Lord<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiEoYS4sW6jEM2KY7IGTpnWspQ-SI0dTHnRmcKxcmO-CYLDo2ZJu3uVkaVR6FgzXnHgIUxT-B-sPjaruOYFWAgBetgIDcCx0VyxLG8mJN7qri_bpsENpH6mvoILVLwd___5ZVSpn7Jko/s1600/27905720280_4def8d5561_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiEoYS4sW6jEM2KY7IGTpnWspQ-SI0dTHnRmcKxcmO-CYLDo2ZJu3uVkaVR6FgzXnHgIUxT-B-sPjaruOYFWAgBetgIDcCx0VyxLG8mJN7qri_bpsENpH6mvoILVLwd___5ZVSpn7Jko/s320/27905720280_4def8d5561_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1490030793210_23402" style="color: #212124; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">howtostartablogonline.net/legal</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>2 Corinthians 5:11</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Insights: </b>In today’s verse we see the phrase, “we persuade men.” It was from these three words I titled this weeks sermon <i>Ministry to Men</i>. I am using this word men in a universal sense. It could be men or women. It is referencing humanity at large. In today’s verse we see our persuasive ability actually begins with the Lord God Himself. Notice the verse states we fear the Lord. This fear is the kind of fear Solomon wrote about in the book of Proverbs when he stated, “The fear of the L</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; line-height: normal;">ORD</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> is the beginning of wisdom.” I contend, at some point, we followers of Jesus lost this reverential fear of God. We take Him for granted and then wonder why they Lord is not working in the midst of our lives. Let’s skip the “we persuade men” phrase once again and move to the manifestation aspects of this verse. Notice we are first made manifest to God and then to the consciences of others. Manifest means to make known or evidential. We can see and observe something that is made manifest because it has been pulled out and revealed. When we are discussing being made manifest to God then we are alluding to our usefulness to Him and His kingdom. This idea is found in Paul’s other writings when he discusses vessels for noble and common purposes. Our manifestation before the Lord allows us to be noble vessels which are useful to His kingdom. We also become useful and manifest to others because we are useful to the Lord. He equips us, because we have wisdom from our fear of Him and we are useful because we are made manifest to Him. With this equipping having taken place we are then able to persuade men of the truth regarding the gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ. I write all of this in order to say, our persuasion of men begins with the Lord. Beloved, let us cultivate our relationship with Jesus and let us be in awe of what He will do in and through us to persuade others of the truth regarding His saving work.<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Do you fear the Lord God?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Would others characterize your life as being useful to the Lord God in terms of your service to Him?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I all too often fall short in my service and obedience to You. I know at the end of the day it is because of a relational disconnect on my part. Help me to be manifest to You, and therefore, useful to Your kingdom. Grow me in Your grace so I can truly persuade men regarding their need for a Savior. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-29237424615812339402017-03-16T05:49:00.003-07:002017-03-16T05:49:57.990-07:00The Forth Type of Person is the Person Who is a Genuine Believer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzE2Eug5HJlZG9pcDznRAP6qKUYrsGy6lZRo4e1InBlASzzG905MWV4FmXvMOnL4vtTI2CVagsnZnsiZBxWzJ98VHkcKd2U585Acsvn7lBq0_vQHGWK_XjFjaSIUdPk-UhPqy9pqfbUo/s1600/28030818001_6eb52c0208_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzE2Eug5HJlZG9pcDznRAP6qKUYrsGy6lZRo4e1InBlASzzG905MWV4FmXvMOnL4vtTI2CVagsnZnsiZBxWzJ98VHkcKd2U585Acsvn7lBq0_vQHGWK_XjFjaSIUdPk-UhPqy9pqfbUo/s320/28030818001_6eb52c0208_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by timchallies</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Mark 4:20</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>We conclude this weeks <i>Thoughts by Scott</i> with the fourth type of person. As a review, you will recall the first type was the person who immediately rejected the gospel. The second type of person was the one who thought the gospel was just too hard. The third type of person was just too busy. The forth type of person is a genuine believer. The first three types of people were not authentically born again. They were never truly saved. They may have attended church now and then, but they were never truly His. This forth type of person, however, truly does belong to Jesus. Their lives are sold out to Him. They really have been bought with a price and are no longer their own. Their gratitude for their salvation is utter devotion to the One who saved them, Jesus Christ. These new creatures have one distinguishing characteristic and that is fruit. In other words, true saved people bear fruit in their lives. Notice from the verse they are not required to bear equal amounts of fruit, but fruit bearing is an evidence of conversion. There are those who have been spiritually gifted by the Holy Spirit as evangelist. These type of people bear a hundredfold crop of new believers. If, however, you have not been gifted by the Lord in this fashion, you are not given a pass. You are also called to bear fruit. You ought to desire to bear fruit. Your crop may be only thirty or sixty fold, but a crop ought to be produced non-the-less. I hope and pray you are really born again. I pray if you are really born again that you desire to surrender yourself to the Lordship of Jesus and let Him work in and through you to bear fruit. May your life bring Him glory as you serve and share Jesus with others. May you yield a very large crop of new converts for His kingdom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you truly entered into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Does your life bear fruit of genuine conversion?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I know I am Yours. I have fruit which has come to be as a result of my devotion to You. Yet, Lord, I want even more fruit. Increase my faith and let me be bold for You. Let me have more opportunity to share the gospel with those in need of Jesus. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-64286154714300395692017-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:002017-03-15T08:42:54.035-07:00The Third Type of Person is the Person Who Says, "I'm Too Busy"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboLTFgdOY3HdXIDfsZOnsTNBf3jTTXGmP6ZLYyqt5miKLgMtKmB1-IqpeVHnnGUzw0YJ9V1GvOG4ju4Vw9pIz7rVk_j8balCmeKYrKDW9FPBc0N_50I5-4uXRhMoylQCQHdAFmUWZ9qc/s1600/7532448412_657f90e7d8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboLTFgdOY3HdXIDfsZOnsTNBf3jTTXGmP6ZLYyqt5miKLgMtKmB1-IqpeVHnnGUzw0YJ9V1GvOG4ju4Vw9pIz7rVk_j8balCmeKYrKDW9FPBc0N_50I5-4uXRhMoylQCQHdAFmUWZ9qc/s320/7532448412_657f90e7d8_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Eric</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Mark 4:18-19</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Today we look at the third type of person. You will recall the first type of person was hostile to the gospel and immediately rejected it. The second type of person was the one who found the gospel too hard. They did not endure through the persecution because they did not have authentic faith with which to begin. The third type of person is the one who is too busy. They are being pulled in a thousand directions, and as a result, the Lord is discarded. These people would not say they did not love the Lord, but their actions would prove the Lord was of no real importance to them. Beloved, these people are nice people. They attend church every now and then. They are just so involved in other activities that corporate worship is a secondary issue for them. I want you to understand, however, just like yesterday, these people are not born again. They have never truly given their lives over to the Lord Jesus. They have never really encountered Him and His life changing grace. I also want to remind you, just like yesterday, we must never stop sharing the gospel with this type of person. The reason we continue to share is because our hope and prayer is they will one day receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you are one who has often been distracted by the worries of this world, the deceitfulness of its riches and the desire for other things, then let me encourage you to evaluate eternity. This world will pass away and then we will experience either eternity with Jesus or eternal pain in the Lake of Fire. What you do with Jesus will determine in which location you end up dwelling. Nothing on this side of eternity is worth the sacrifice of being eternally separated from God’s love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Do you feel like you are being pulled in a thousand directions?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. In the midst of all these options, where does the Lord God fit?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, people are being bombarded by all kinds of choices in their lives. As a result, many reject You, O Lord. I pray You would soften their hearts and help them to seek You and to know You. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-26570662996311670762017-03-14T11:31:00.002-07:002017-03-14T11:31:58.754-07:00The Second Type of Person is the Person Who Says, "It's Too Hard"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZfRO6K3UFlYQ-WdLiO1kU6KEL-9zix6xNC6oImto_ulR-eD_6dWmmtHpoBz3Dfv_93nJWF6dMczCKwB9BDD3e2_SkFK6A9BRIwXf-AYhM66pCH4jXxxY6-LtyXvrGR6g6uljmIvylP0/s1600/220684031_1fbb9ee8e3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZfRO6K3UFlYQ-WdLiO1kU6KEL-9zix6xNC6oImto_ulR-eD_6dWmmtHpoBz3Dfv_93nJWF6dMczCKwB9BDD3e2_SkFK6A9BRIwXf-AYhM66pCH4jXxxY6-LtyXvrGR6g6uljmIvylP0/s320/220684031_1fbb9ee8e3_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Andrea Chiu</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Mark 4:16-17</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky <i>places,</i> who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no <i>firm</i> root in themselves, but are <i>only</i> temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Today we look at the second type of person. You will recall the first type of person was hostile to the gospel and immediately rejected it. Today we see a second type of person who appears to want the gospel, but after a little bit of time, they turn away. The reason they turn away is because walking in faith with Jesus is hard. In fact, it is a lot harder than the person bargained. People at work start to make fun of them. Their friends stop hanging out with them. Persecution and affliction for their faith starts to increase. As a result, they reject the gospel. Now, I want to make it absolutely clear at this point that the person never actually encountered Jesus as Savior and Lord. This person was not born again. This person never really came into saving faith with Jesus. This type of person may have visited a church for a season, but they were never really Jesus’. If they had been, then they never would have walked away. The apostle John speaks of this person and says they never were a part of us (1 John 2:19). This passage does not negate the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Rather, it supports it by establishing the reality that true biblical conversion is the standard by which we observe and witness salvation. People can play the religious game and act spiritual for a time, but their true faith will eventually bear its real fruit. If one is of Jesus, then Jesus fruit will be evidenced. If one is lost, then lost fruit will be evidenced. One who finds faith to hard will display the fruit of quitting. They will walk away from the One whom they never truly knew. Beloved, be mindful not all who “pray a prayer” are truly born again and don’t let this truth hinder you from sharing your faith.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you ever experienced something that you thought was just too hard to handle?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. In that moment, did you press on or did you quit?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, in this world there are all kinds of challenges. Lord, help me to walk in Your grace and live victorious in Jesus. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-36396989188287568052017-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:002017-03-13T19:22:02.481-07:00The First Type of Person is the Person of Immediate Rejection<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3LSSuxUs7wO1V2gkhid501CQdMjl0AhA1Q9nslAEbXJiyxv1sgCUVCuu9kzYqkZCi-T7XpfZX2ptCXqBkDTBcrWygc9PVn2VHjX7bXTqrKiXxT9k7ouh5n_2H7EwNRui-m0OiR4iQaE/s1600/476027925_08e4bf5bb0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3LSSuxUs7wO1V2gkhid501CQdMjl0AhA1Q9nslAEbXJiyxv1sgCUVCuu9kzYqkZCi-T7XpfZX2ptCXqBkDTBcrWygc9PVn2VHjX7bXTqrKiXxT9k7ouh5n_2H7EwNRui-m0OiR4iQaE/s320/476027925_08e4bf5bb0_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Carsten Tolkmit</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Mark 4:13-15</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">And He *said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? “The sower sows the word. “These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>These week we are going to examine the four types of people found in the parable of the sower found in Mark chapter four. The first type of person is the one most of us think we will encounter when we share the gospel. It is this type of person that sometimes causes us to experience fear, and as a result, we sometimes cower and do not share our faith. Beloved, several years ago Thom Rainer wrote a book titled <i>The Unchurched Next Door</i>. In this book he shared that of all their research only five percent of people fell into this category of hostility toward the gospel. Yet, Satan, has convinced us the majority of our encounters will be with this type of person. The reason I surmise this type of person is found in today’s verses is because of the immediacy of the removal of the seed. Notice Satan immediately comes into this type of person and takes the word which has been sown in them. It is my contention that the speed at which Satan swoops in is an indication of this persons hard heartedness toward the Lord. It is, therefore, not a far stretch to assume this person is hostile to the gospel. There is something I want you to notice regarding this situation. The seed was still sown into this person. In other words, we need to share Jesus with them even if they are hostile to the gospel. We need to share Jesus with them even if they assault us. We need to share Jesus with them because Jesus loves them. He died for their sins and He does not wish for them to perish and spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. So, we must share, even if they respond with immediate rejection of the gospel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you ever shared your faith and had someone respond with immediate rejection of the gospel?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. If the first question has happened to you, then how did you respond?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, help me to love those who are hostile to the gospel. Help my heart to feel what You feel when they reject the good news. Help me to see them as You see them and to understand Your love for them better. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-19236870624658550422017-03-10T10:47:00.000-08:002017-03-10T10:47:50.364-08:00Humanity is Capable of Being Saved<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0CxHsYC4dfkV74haLMjicZZAIrDXdUQhjRR6yosSdyVMLdNNvRqCu-T2QyDbg_YcfsanwzT288QNz2Aw5rRIlsR2w7d2U92jp_G4YqJQMXveYaQnHDUbeY2P49iKUSeEaNbkZmAaN-c/s1600/122363284_4717769fcb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0CxHsYC4dfkV74haLMjicZZAIrDXdUQhjRR6yosSdyVMLdNNvRqCu-T2QyDbg_YcfsanwzT288QNz2Aw5rRIlsR2w7d2U92jp_G4YqJQMXveYaQnHDUbeY2P49iKUSeEaNbkZmAaN-c/s320/122363284_4717769fcb_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Drew Mackie</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Matthew 18:11-14</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">[“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.] “What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? “If it turns out that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. “So it is not <i>the</i> will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>We close this weeks <i>Thoughts by Scott</i> with one last thought regarding humanity. That thought is all of humanity is capable of being saved. Jesus came to this earth and died on a cross to pay the necessary payment for the sins of the world. You are included and I am included in those sins. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Yet, while we were still sinners, Christ Jesus died for us. I want you to notice the determination of the Lord Jesus from today’s verses. There are ninety-nine sheep who have followed after the Lord and you would think the Shepherd would be happy with that kind of percentage. The passage, however, reveals Jesus’ heart is for 100% success. He desires for no one to die and spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. As a result, He goes and looks for the stray sheep until He finds it. Beloved, I wonder why we do not live with this kind of urgency and persistence. People can be saved. Their salvation will not be a result of us saving them, but it will be a result of us telling them about the One who actually does the saving, the Lord Jesus. Let me encourage you to share your faith. Tell people the good news of the gospel, which is Jesus loves them. He died for their sin. He will save them. All they have to do is pray and ask Him to come into their lives and they will be saved. Let us preach Christ boldly and fervently.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you entered into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Do you even recognize your need for a Savior?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, it is my prayer for Your Spirit to draw on the hearts of all people. If someone has not entered into a relationship with You, I pray You would convict their hearts to the point of repentance and obedience. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-63347529819890847862017-03-09T07:25:00.001-08:002017-03-09T07:25:14.295-08:00Humanity is Often Times a Stumbling Block<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOxKi00AI5Z2X1c1jniFxlSeaiM4sSgAXIQGeWRuXoJKmIXyvEGKM1uLui4QxRIGc-jlsEw-zJ0B_Tx6DL5AGS5e8X9p-zecl4VAXVXv5RtHNPXfnO9iOBM3NgCbYDnoVQQt20E65evM/s1600/8697450198_95c3256c65_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOxKi00AI5Z2X1c1jniFxlSeaiM4sSgAXIQGeWRuXoJKmIXyvEGKM1uLui4QxRIGc-jlsEw-zJ0B_Tx6DL5AGS5e8X9p-zecl4VAXVXv5RtHNPXfnO9iOBM3NgCbYDnoVQQt20E65evM/s320/8697450198_95c3256c65_z.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by torbakhopper</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Matthew 18:7-10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Woe to the world because of <i>its</i> stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire. “If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>The third truth regarding humanity is we are at times a stumbling block to those around us. I have written on this idea before, but I believe if is appropriate to address it again. I don’t think people wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “I hope I can trip someone up today and knock the faith right out of them.” Unfortunately, because sin does reside in our fallen nature, we do cause people to stumble and we don’t even mean to at times. Beloved, let me point out the seriousness of sin and the stumbling block it can be toward others. Jesus tells us in today’s verses to deal with our sin as drastically as possible. He is obviously using hyperbole, but the seriousness of sin is being presented. As a way of example, let me use drinking alcohol. Is drinking alcohol a sin? The answer is no. Is drinking too much alcohol a sin? The answer is yes. In our culture, however, most lost people think it is inappropriate for Christians to drink. So, when they see one who confesses to be a follower of Jesus in the local bar having a drink, they say to themselves “Why should I change my life, Jesus has not helped him/her from still getting drunk and living a life of sin?” In that moment, we have become a stumbling block. Let me encourage you to evaluate your decisions through the lens of the gospel and do all you can to not become a stumbling block to someone else.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you ever been a stumbling block to someone?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Has someone ever been a stumbling block to you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I have never liked when someone’s actions have caused me to stumble in my faith. I like it even less when I discover I have made someone else stumble in their faith. Lord, help me to live life fully dependent on You and to recognize the truth regarding the state of humanity. With this understanding equip me to see them as You see them and may I not become a stumbling block to them. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-91411050794718338102017-03-07T06:58:00.002-08:002017-03-07T06:58:57.886-08:00Humanity is Capable of Simplicity<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI93IKXxKm8Vphf_k0h9wOJTsZeoT_9OqO1eag_oJL5YgTosd39jpAWI1G57rCZl1RyONWaNq-tPqA7AQLytwYGIq-WufrDFhnoLFYUIEld_7irn9uKjxuCNquTWxloDbW6tvwbgq_aw/s1600/3085229060_5edb1aac00_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdI93IKXxKm8Vphf_k0h9wOJTsZeoT_9OqO1eag_oJL5YgTosd39jpAWI1G57rCZl1RyONWaNq-tPqA7AQLytwYGIq-WufrDFhnoLFYUIEld_7irn9uKjxuCNquTWxloDbW6tvwbgq_aw/s1600/3085229060_5edb1aac00_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Annia316</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Matthew 18:2-6</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Yesterday we learned we often times are self-serving. Today, we turn to a more positive note and look at the capability of all humanity to be more simplistic. I use this word simplistic in a positive manner. I think we over analyze much in this world. In fact, there are times we become stifled because of the paralysis of analysis that sets in on us. Jesus’ disciples asked who was going to be the greatest in His kingdom. Jesus responds with the visual illustration of a child. He called a child to Himself and begins to explain that the greatest in His kingdom are those who humble themselves like a little child. Children have an innate ability to trust others. I joke around with my children a lot. I will tell them fancifully crazy things and my youngest will say to her mother, “Is Papí playing?” My story is outlandish enough she thinks something is not quite right, but it is coming from her Papí and she trusts me. She takes my statements simplistically and honestly on the onset. It is only after thinking through what I have said does she question my statements. My point is she naturally trusts me. God calls us to Him and asks us to trust Him. The difference, God never plays a joke on our emotions, trust or sentiment. He is always trustworthy and we can approach Him with a simple trust and faith. If we will live life in this fashion, we will do much better in our faith journey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. Have you come to a simple saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. When you look at life, do you over complicate things?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, in my selfishness, I often times overcomplicate life issues. The truth of the matter is You offer us a more simplistic life of love, joy and peace. We find a hope in You, but often times do not live in this hope because we think it is too simple. Lord, soften my heart to trust You. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-27674938008733485402017-03-06T05:59:00.001-08:002017-03-06T05:59:45.698-08:00Humanity is Often Times Self-Serving<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsII_T2VXGhYsJ0SgEP2JMUAzP_tUqiZcT3HqvleVUtcI-tmkD9Av6EyaJu_Yf_iGnQvQrdBw9dKixNo7nSJEMNL2gFBQAjsy-mOn3olUZxa2HlA5qaJpmB68iEnITjiTVAhgC6_U90Wg/s1600/king-of-the-hill-childrens-game.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsII_T2VXGhYsJ0SgEP2JMUAzP_tUqiZcT3HqvleVUtcI-tmkD9Av6EyaJu_Yf_iGnQvQrdBw9dKixNo7nSJEMNL2gFBQAjsy-mOn3olUZxa2HlA5qaJpmB68iEnITjiTVAhgC6_U90Wg/s320/king-of-the-hill-childrens-game.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unknown Photographer</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Matthew 18:1</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Today’s verse really takes us back to the Garden of Eden in some ways. At the root of Adam and Eve’s fall was their prideful desire to be God. They wanted to be the greatest and be served rather than to serve. With this foundation, it is no wonder the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him, more than once I might add, who the greatest in His kingdom was to be. They are not asking this question with altruistic means. Rather, they are doing it as a comparison game to find out who is the winner. Peter could look at Bart and say, “I am better than him,” but John could say to Peter, “Ya, but I am the one whom He loves.” This question reveals their hearts desire for one-ups-menship. Beloved, if we are truly honest, then we are the same way. We are all individuals who want to be on top and not at the bottom. I love the fact these stories are in the Bible because it shows the truth of humanities depraved and self-seeking motivations. The Scriptures, however, give us hope. The rest of the week we will discuss this hope in further detail. Until then, let me encourage you to start thinking less often about yourself. In other words, don’t become the center of your universe. Start thinking more about the Lord Jesus and let Him become the true center of all things. You will be amazed at the peace you will experience when you stop being self-serving. May the Lord bless you this day as you live life from the perspective of service to others instead of to yourself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Is your life characterized more by self-interest or in the betterment of others?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Why do you think the human race battles so much with self-serves?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I am a selfish person, but I do not desire to be. Continue Your transforming work in my life and help me to walk in Your grace. May I become a better servant of others than I presently am. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-14354726058611583502017-03-03T10:16:00.002-08:002017-03-03T10:16:31.184-08:00God's Strength through Us Molds Us into Dependent Followers Who Love the Church<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhInE9XwyJCavV7_eTdj3AjTANDytXOBBaqZs6Sg4ImmU8f4xjB3FypssuSB6WHpLnbOqzoIayDFgI3FVyKrlsPcjTbEzDo8WLYDVU25H722Jx2Xj6eej0AklUNxcNHO9auciwOsE7XY/s1600/3248555561_96c57ffe9e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhInE9XwyJCavV7_eTdj3AjTANDytXOBBaqZs6Sg4ImmU8f4xjB3FypssuSB6WHpLnbOqzoIayDFgI3FVyKrlsPcjTbEzDo8WLYDVU25H722Jx2Xj6eej0AklUNxcNHO9auciwOsE7XY/s320/3248555561_96c57ffe9e_z.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Stepheney</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Ephesians 4:15-16</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all <i>aspects</i> into Him who is the head, <i>even</i> Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>We conclude this week with a better understanding from where our strength comes. You will recall yesterday we discussed how we grew in our knowledge of the Lord, and as a result, we were able to discern the truth from the lies dispensed in this world. With this increased strength we learn in verse fifteen the true source behind this strength. We learn our knowledge we have gained only becomes truly powerful when we have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. In other words, when we are fully dependent on Christ and not our increased knowledge do we really experience victory. This ability leads to one last item regarding the church. Because we are dependent on the Lord, we begin to live and acts like Him. Now remember, He died for the church. He is protective of the church. The reason Jesus bears these kind of traits toward the church is because He loves the church. When we have gone through this entire process, what happens to us is we start to see this world differently. We then are transformed to such an extent we are able to love the church as well. These individuals are not just nameless faces in the worship service. If they have been born again, then they are your brothers and sisters. You ought to love them and serve them. When you live life like that you are truly displaying your belief in the wholeness of the church. Let us, the church, truly be centered around Jesus and be recipients of His amazing grace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. In what ways do you display your dependency on the Lord?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. How would you describe your love for the church?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, help me to be more dependent on You and increase my love for Your bride, the church, as well. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-8674400812256435482017-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:002017-03-02T10:08:42.725-08:00God's Growth in Us Makes Us Strong<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMReACnfF4y8JtDaZCsQ7vbHRxN9ycafEr1yYpfIfQMBexamMf1kKcweGrm97MtoK21evAjcXsBJYHj2R7lCTj0os2WPn-R0-HoGGC64SrMhzvf22Fpwos7F7kiXqxluJhfhQGnePIsy8/s1600/3173303193_5d6199831c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMReACnfF4y8JtDaZCsQ7vbHRxN9ycafEr1yYpfIfQMBexamMf1kKcweGrm97MtoK21evAjcXsBJYHj2R7lCTj0os2WPn-R0-HoGGC64SrMhzvf22Fpwos7F7kiXqxluJhfhQGnePIsy8/s320/3173303193_5d6199831c_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Carlos Varela</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Ephesians 4:14</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Yesterday we learned we grow because of God’s work in us. As a result of our growth we are able to accomplish what verse fourteen tells us about our life in Christ. We become strong in our growth and are able to discern the truth from the falsities surrounding us in this world. Notice from our verse we are described as being mature. I derive this concept of maturity because we are no longer children. Children are wonderful, but they have not grown up enough to see the larger perspective to their immediate choices. Only a mature person is capable of looking past the choice of the decision. Paul then uses a second illustration which pertains to seamanship. He states the strong person who has grown in the Lord is not tossed by the waves which are created by every wind of doctrine. Beloved, the reason cults exist is because of this singular issue. A Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon does not wake up in the morning saying to themselves, “What a glorious day, I get the opportunity to lead someone down a path toward hell because of my doctrine which is false.” These individuals are some of the finest citizens, employers, employees and friends you will ever meet. Their future, however, is destined to hell unless they come to the truth of the gospel and truly meet Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The third illustration Paul gives is that of a charlatan. This third example is truly of one who is intentional about their deceptive strategy. They are crafty and tricky men and they scheme on the pain and suffering of others. The believer who is strong in the Lord, however, does not have to fear any of these illustrations. They are not blindly innocent and therefore led astray. They are not confused by doctrine and therefore led astray. They are not tricked by evil men and therefore led astray. No, for this kind of believer they are strong and their strength comes from the Lord. Beloved, let us be strong as we grow in our relationship with Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Are you able to discern the truth from a lie regarding spiritual matters?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. What is your plan for grown in the Lord to make you strong in Him?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for letting me grow in strength and to have the ability to discern the truth from the false doctrines which are tossed about in this world. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-26659094071115946732017-03-01T10:38:00.001-08:002017-03-01T10:38:45.779-08:00God's Work is to Unify and Grow Us<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigktWqrYiP3FwMdI1xWZfeOePcYIaa3VVCj4NR1SVvNd08W2qvGI2auTCjtz4sUix1aK9b12qn_BDkzyIy3Fr_eyRv1IqQtU_vxzYAHAMlp9giWG94MMAwNGpUPsf8GA8UddOwN1Cy26k/s1600/184176137_ef344b5fd4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigktWqrYiP3FwMdI1xWZfeOePcYIaa3VVCj4NR1SVvNd08W2qvGI2auTCjtz4sUix1aK9b12qn_BDkzyIy3Fr_eyRv1IqQtU_vxzYAHAMlp9giWG94MMAwNGpUPsf8GA8UddOwN1Cy26k/s320/184176137_ef344b5fd4_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Derek Baird</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Ephesians 4:13</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>The reason we have been equipped to work is so we, as the body of Christ, might become unified in faith. In other words, we walk toward glory with the same unified purpose. If we are walking in this fashion we will be better equipped to impact this world for the Lord. The key to our unity, however, is the relational dynamic we have in the Lord Jesus. Notice in the verse we are to attain the knowledge of the Son, and as a result, become mature people. This attainment is because we have grown in our relationship with Jesus. So, the argumentation goes like this: We grow in our relationship with Jesus and because we know Him better we start to act and think like Him more. As we act and think like Him more, the more we see the world as He sees the world. Our perceptions change and we become more compassionate and loving. With this increased compassion and love we are able to be more capable of relinquishing our own personal desires. With this letting go of personal gains we are able to work with others better and this better cooperation leads to unity. Beloved, let me challenge you to humble yourself before the Lord and let Him draw on your heart. Let Him do a transforming work in your life and bring us to complete unity as the body of Christ. May such a life change bring the Lord glory and honor. Let us praise His name in unity and love. Let us know Him even better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Would you consider yourself to be in unity with the vision of your church?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Are you growing in your relationship with the Lord and are you trusting Him more each day?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, too often I find myself working against unity and in rebellion to You. Soften my heart and heal my transgressions. Mold and make me into a true son/daughter of the King and may Your reign be fully unified on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">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 <i>Thoughts by Scott</i>, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.<i> </i> Thank you.</span></span></div>
Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-32087372560271693682017-02-28T06:07:00.001-08:002017-02-28T06:07:12.739-08:00God's Gifts Enable the Church to Work<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy2kWmx6qGvWcVL7ygWGfmopjQ7Zz_bF-0O4ANShom93QzsFaK9TRh_ZZTVFHhqJ4TppsGIJZNRfNpef5GUP59kwMgItgrAFR2G9cgYYrv8iYjnSZMYjRDryFhCG61sHSXwlF0_u1veQ/s1600/458547930_48eee475d8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOy2kWmx6qGvWcVL7ygWGfmopjQ7Zz_bF-0O4ANShom93QzsFaK9TRh_ZZTVFHhqJ4TppsGIJZNRfNpef5GUP59kwMgItgrAFR2G9cgYYrv8iYjnSZMYjRDryFhCG61sHSXwlF0_u1veQ/s320/458547930_48eee475d8_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jasper Visser</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Ephesians 4:12</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>I loved my father while he was alive on this planet. I miss him still as days have turned into years since his home going. I mention him because he and my mother instilled within in me and my brothers a lifelong attribute of being workers. Each of us work long hours and when we get home the work often times does not stop. As I evaluate the world, I find this singular characteristic is becoming harder and harder to find. People do not have the same drive to work and sacrifice as in history past. This truth is also just as real within the organism we call the church. I look back at my early years and it was the men of the church who sacrificed their time in order to do many of the building projects. Today, we would rather take up an offering and let a contractor do the work. I fear this pattern has also crept into other areas of church life. We want our children to have great programs, but we do not want to work in those departments. As a result, we have overworked volunteers who get themselves burned out and they stop teaching effectively and then they quit. At some point we also started using lines like, “That’s what we pay the pastor for.” Beloved, look at the verse today. The reason the Lord gives us gifts is so the body of Christ could be equipped for the <i>work</i> of service. We are to work in order to build up the body of Christ. Take a few moments to evaluate your life and work in the church. It is my prayer you are a worker and not a pew warmer. It is my hope you would desire to grow in maturity to be a faithfully committed follower of Jesus who works to make the body stronger. Paul tells us in Colossians 3:23 to do whatever we do as unto the Lord. Let our work point others to Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Would those around you classify you as being a worker?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Do you find pleasure in working?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, there are times it is difficult to work, but You are the One who designed and created work. You have enabled me to work and for this reality I am grateful. May my work honor You. Amen.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-49321469852911731552017-02-27T12:08:00.001-08:002017-02-27T12:08:11.862-08:00God Equips the Church with Gifts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXGADOLkExPDCx5QcnE0ukGvhLN2WEypSoZT_x54tW8qTCS-maFFxqGizIHhuzYXbENGCE4BilSgCqPbnmmz5BnYtMgpjDcxev0us8FFvYvbLzz0lJ_JENtwFaI9-nnQvJo5tRWzVeo8/s1600/3481089366_95c3a1baef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXGADOLkExPDCx5QcnE0ukGvhLN2WEypSoZT_x54tW8qTCS-maFFxqGizIHhuzYXbENGCE4BilSgCqPbnmmz5BnYtMgpjDcxev0us8FFvYvbLzz0lJ_JENtwFaI9-nnQvJo5tRWzVeo8/s320/3481089366_95c3a1baef_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Antony Theobald</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Ephesians 4:11</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">And He gave some <i>as</i> apostles, and some <i>as</i> prophets, and some <i>as</i> evangelists, and some <i>as</i> pastors and teachers,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>There are four passages in the New Testament that discuss spiritual gifts. Those passages are Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. Every one of these passages are preceded or followed by a section on love. In other words, we are to use our spiritual gift mix in love and not personal pride. In today’s verse we see the Lord Himself is the One who appoints the gifts people have. In today’s verse we see it is the Lord who assigns some to be apostles. He also calls others to be prophets. Still He sets a part evangelists. As if these were not enough, He also administers others to be pastors and even more to be teachers. The point I desire to make in today’s <i>Thoughts by Scott</i> is God Himself is the One who gives the gifts. To further elaborate on this concept, the gift is the Holy Spirit Himself. He manifests Himself in these various ways, but He Himself is the gift. Considering the Holy Spirit is the gift, we know from Ephesians 1:13-14 that all who come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ are sealed with the Holy Spirit. All believers are given the Holy Spirit and He then uses those believers to work and serve the purposes of God the Father. There are tools out there which can be useful to help you assess what your spiritual gift mix is and I would encourage you to take those assessments. At the same time, however, do not say something like, “I don’t have to witness because I did not receive the gift of evangelism.” You did receive the gift of evangelism because the Holy Spirit dwells within you and He is the dispenser of the gifts. Is it possible evangelism is not your primary gift? The answer would be a resounding, “yes.” But to make excuses why you can’t serve based on gift mix is ludicrous and unbiblical. Let us serve the Lord in the way in which He equipped us and bring Him honor and glory.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Do you know what your spiritual gift mix is?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Do you understand the Holy Spirit <i>is</i> the gift?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit and thank You for having Him manifest Himself in my life the way He does. May I be a blessing to the body and a lost world as a result of His work in me. Amen.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-52243446087698128252017-02-27T11:37:00.003-08:002017-02-27T11:37:48.611-08:00You WILL Live Forever Because He is IN You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIChHviC2UdxLDqdB_TTEdRv72zxA0MmqYesd7vxOyWhHldlJj0kdbM-Clu2PrWDsvO-UyYvZ9n3-E2m3_rPDPy3uGEjSH9zynbdpyu65bUXUQ1GiNpseXI6obqiJ9gbrIpHIka0zg9SE/s1600/3692808570_9e7df4745a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIChHviC2UdxLDqdB_TTEdRv72zxA0MmqYesd7vxOyWhHldlJj0kdbM-Clu2PrWDsvO-UyYvZ9n3-E2m3_rPDPy3uGEjSH9zynbdpyu65bUXUQ1GiNpseXI6obqiJ9gbrIpHIka0zg9SE/s320/3692808570_9e7df4745a_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Charles Meeks</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This blog ought to have been February 23, 2017</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Romans 8:11</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Today’s verse talks a lot about raising people from the dead. This resurrection is another way of saying one has eternal life. Our bodies are mortal and as a result they will die an earthly death. We, however, will rise again with an eternal body that will never die. This resurrection is a result of Jesus’ very own resurrection. He rose as the first fruit from the grave and we all are subsequent recipients of such a grace. This truth of our resurrection does play into yesterday’s subject. We are able to live life with a reckless abandon because we know this world is not our real life. We dwell here for a time, but will be resurrected to a glorified body which will reside with Jesus forever. This knowledge gives us the courage to look at the temporal life in which we live with a different set of eyes. We are able to let go of inhibitions and fears. We are able to speak with anyone because we fear no man. What is the absolute worst thing a man can do to another man? If he takes this believer’s life, then what concern is that to the believer? The believer knows he/she will be resurrected to an eternal glory with Jesus and are deeply satisfied in this reality. Beloved, my hope is you long for the day of your eternal renewal in Jesus. It is my prayer we see Him soon. May our lives bring Him honor and glory as we live obediently for Him as we wait for our eternal resurrection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Does the realization you have eternal life give you great joy?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Have you ever received Jesus as Lord and Savior so that you will have eternal life?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, thank You for the eternal life You have given to me through Your Son, Jesus. I am eternally secure because of Your work and am so grateful. Thank You again for saving me. Amen.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-88262598898143974642017-02-27T11:06:00.001-08:002017-02-27T11:06:15.341-08:00You NOW Live Because He is IN You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TTLvZiGZtYKKpOg_Wp4JMnOxdsZwzPDpY_xVp9j4oj-SXbb-zIWBHu4X9WPB4X1Q3AFqmQ5eBbo2ziNogBd4b3AsrZaIZ5CNyOzUMcqrVLsn3nEc_vjE2f11XFmEbTlgWLcA5-inTtU/s1600/4067157314_44db711f8e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TTLvZiGZtYKKpOg_Wp4JMnOxdsZwzPDpY_xVp9j4oj-SXbb-zIWBHu4X9WPB4X1Q3AFqmQ5eBbo2ziNogBd4b3AsrZaIZ5CNyOzUMcqrVLsn3nEc_vjE2f11XFmEbTlgWLcA5-inTtU/s320/4067157314_44db711f8e_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Steven Depolo</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This blog ought to have been February 22, 2017</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Romans 8:10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>Verse ten is vital for us to understand who we are in the Lord Jesus. It is a spiritual conversation and a conversation which lost people find difficult to comprehend. Their difficulty comes in the fact they are not alive. Here is where it gets weird for the lost person. They are breathing and moving and display animation. As a result, they would argue they are alive. We who have born again understand the true nature of life and realize they are nothing more than a corpse. Granted, they are a breathing, moving and walking corpse, but they are still dead. For the lost person, then, it is difficult to grasp how they can be dead when they are clearly alive. The distinction comes down to the spiritual life. Our body is dead because of sin is what verse ten tells us. We, who are in Christ Jesus, however, are alive because of His righteousness which has been given to us. Our righteousness is not our own. It is the Lord’s and He gives it to us. When He gives us life, He tells us this life is full and abundant. Beloved, it is my prayer you are living life with this kind of abundance. I hope you firmly and clearly recognize your real life is found in Jesus and not in this mortal body of clay which will die and pass away. Live life from the perspective of His righteousness being given to you. Let His power and life in you point others to His life changing grace and mercy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Do you live life to the full or abundance in the Lord?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Are you fully aware of your life in Christ Jesus and the power of such a life?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, I now live because You have given me life. I am capable of living victoriously in this world because of Your sacrificial work. I praise and exalt You for Your loving character which desires to set captives free from death and brought into life in You. Amen.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5177408197123770787.post-35670414905987063432017-02-21T07:43:00.000-08:002017-02-21T07:43:05.030-08:00God's Spirit Lives IN You<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenwdFHOELe_iSzPx49jPEXb_u-nzMlwFpIU2LFeJ3ajsisvETtAw2bImtMKiOuOOlJLIdicTaLPMaVoJbjJBTwnydZw_Vup68oSDVqWtvGZaKjzVvd9oSTpsIBEpJYlZq-glB5Do7gHM/s1600/5791933540_1a0ec2ecfb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenwdFHOELe_iSzPx49jPEXb_u-nzMlwFpIU2LFeJ3ajsisvETtAw2bImtMKiOuOOlJLIdicTaLPMaVoJbjJBTwnydZw_Vup68oSDVqWtvGZaKjzVvd9oSTpsIBEpJYlZq-glB5Do7gHM/s1600/5791933540_1a0ec2ecfb_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Waiting For The Word</td></tr>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scripture: </b>Romans 8:9</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insights: </b>This week in our Believe series we learned about how our identity is in Christ. I opened up the sermon with the telling of a story of a man who was the son of a country preacher and a prayer warrior mom. He had many siblings and he was very intelligent. He became well educated and even taught for a time. Later he was sent to the America’s as a missionary in the Georgian colony. On his return voyager to England a horrific storm blew up in the Atlantic and this man was terrified. He was absolutely scared out of his mind that he would die. Yet, on this ship, there were some Moravian Brethren who were calm and at ease in the midst of the storm. They prayed and worshipped God and were content if the ship were to go down. After the ship made port in England, this man went and spoke with one of these Moravians and a friendship was birthed. Not long after this event, this teacher, preacher, and missionary went to a revival service. He went reluctantly, but he did go and while there he encountered Jesus for the very first time and in his journal he wrote, “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” He was now alive IN Christ Jesus. His entire identity was changed. God’s Spirit came upon him and John Wesley was not the same man from that time until his death. Tomorrow, I will share more about John Wesley and this identity we have in Christ Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Questions</b>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. Does the Holy Spirit dwell in you?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. Do you realize you can be religious, but lost?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b>: Father, help me to understand that my identity is truly in Christ Jesus, and as a result, I am sealed with the Holy Spirit who lives in me. Amen.</span></span></div>
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Scott Tharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375926753826580913noreply@blogger.com0