Soul Repair

Doctors can replace your knee, kidney, heart and many other body parts but not your soul. Our soul is from God and is eternal and can not be replaced.......but it can be repaired. Sin damages our soul. God sent Jesus to live a sinless life and allowed him to be sacrificed on the Cross to repair the soul of fallen man. How about coming to bible study tonight and let's see how God can restore your soul to new condition.

9-23-2015      Luke 12:11-12

S.       11 and when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

O.      Holy direction when on trial.

A.      I can depend on the Holy Spirit to direct my defense when I stand accused. I must keep my life as: a proper environment for the Holy Spirit.

P.       Father in Heaven; give me direction, give me courage and give me Grace as I depend on you as my life source. Amen.

Happy

Happy is the man whose God is the Lord! I am happy, happy as a man, happy as a husband, happy as a father, grandfather, great grandfather, I'm just happy in every way. Not that temporary, situational happy that comes and goes. I am soul happy, from the inside out, complete and satisfied. I am a blessed man. I have been made whole through Jesus and our relationship......therefore I am happy!

S.O.A.P.

12-23-2014    Mark 14:43-52

S.       43 And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.44 And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.45 And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.47And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.48 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me?49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled.50 And they all forsook him, and fled.51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

O.      Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss and all the disciples forsake Jesus.

A.      A kiss is a token of love. True love can never betray, ridicule, abandon or vanish. I will learn true love and because of that love I will follow Jesus. I will follow in good times and bad, in times of plenty and times of want, in health and sickness I will live my love.

P.       Father; Fill me so full of your love that I may spill out that love to all I meet today. May people see you, in me, today! Amen.

Wilderness

9-8-2014         Mark 1:12-13

S.       12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

O.      Jesus is tempted by satan in the wilderness. Mark does not give any details of the temptation but notes the wild beasts and Angels being present.

A.      Temptation comes to every life. Being tempted is not a sin but giving in to temptation is. This world is a wilderness full of wild beasts and temptation to sin is everywhere. We must hold fast to the knowledge that Jesus overcame temptation as an example for us to follow.

P.       Father: lead me not into temptation but deliver me from this evil world. Amen.

Ordinary Days?

8-26-2014           Acts 27:1-8

S.       1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

O.      Paul’s final leg of his journey to Rome begins under Julius, a understanding and fair, centurion.

A.      These were long weary days of difficult travel. Changing ships often, uncomfortable lodgings and many schedule disruptions. No great miracles or events are mentioned, just ordinary life and struggles. We must face days like these often and keep our faith strong and our joy intact. God is the God of the ordinary day just as he is in the day of miracles.

P.       Father; Keep me strong and encouraged through the ordinary days of life. Help me to show your joy to others and be an example of a happy servant. Amen.

Spirit led

7-21-2014      Acts 21:1-13

S.       1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

O.      Paul is on his final journey to Jerusalem where he will be arrested and sent to Rome. He visits with followers of the Christian way as he makes this trip. In most places the Spirit reveals the up-coming difficulty for Paul. Paul declares his faith to all.

A.      The Holy Spirit will prepare our heart for the work of Christ. Why do we try to do this work without the leadership of the Holy Spirit? We must rely completely, trust completely and obey completely the Spirit, lest our labor be in vain and our life a waste.

P.       Father; I empty myself before you this day and I surrender my mind, soul and heart to your perfect will. Fill me with your spirit. Reveal your plan for this day and I will obey. Use me Lord to gather souls. Amen.  

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Miracles

4-22-2014           Acts 5:12-16

S.            12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

O.           Sings and wonders help many people believe in Jesus. Healing seems to be the prominent miracle.

A.           I will seek to be used by God in the same ways.

P.            Father; I acknowledge you as the true source of all miracles. Please use me in these gifts. Amen.

Holy Ghost

4-11-2014           Acts 2:37-41

S.            37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

O.           Peter’s preaching revealed the sin of Israel so deeply that the people ask for direction. Peter said “Repent” and be “Baptized” and they too could enjoy the “Gift” of the Holy Ghost. Peter also made it clear that this “Gift” will be available to “All” believers, forever. It must have been a big crowd because three thousand people responded and joined the disciples.

A.           My preaching must be like the preaching of Peter…….not the same words……not the same text…..not the same pattern…..but, the same SPIRIT! Every day our life preaches a sermon. Make your “Sermon” one worth hearing (or seeing). BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST!

P.            Father; thank you for my filling……I ask to be always FULL, full of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Peter's First Sermon

4-6-2014              Acts 2:12-21

S.            12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

O.           Peter begins his first sermon; defending his brethren against wrong accusations, declaring Joel’s prophesy to be fulfilled and describing the “end of days”. Peter also opens the way to God to “whosoever” through Jesus, The Christ.

A.           Applying these scriptures will require a lifelong effort. I am one of the “whosoever” and very thankful for that. I am filled with the Holy Ghost (1968) and thankful for that. I must be living evidence of these two gifts in a lost and dying world. There is an “end of days” coming and I must be ready, prepare others to be ready, while never breaking fellowship with God.

P.            Father; you fill me with joy, peace and love: I am grateful. Speak to the world through me. I surrender all that I am to you. Amen.           

TONGUES

4-5-2014              Acts 2:5-11

S.            5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

O.           The tongues spoken were actual languages (unlearned) from all around the world. The message, of the tongues, is telling people about God and his wonderful works. All this is coming from Galilaeans, a very small place of very common people.

A.           The filling of believers with the Holy Ghost spreads the message of God.

P.            Father; keep me full of the Holy Ghost, I have a message to share, and I want to share it with as many as I can.                       Amen.

The Grave

3-26-2014           Matthew 27:55-61

S.            55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

O.           Important women are witness to the death of Jesus. His body is placed in the tomb of a friend and follower then closed with a great stone.

A.           What was it like to witness this horrible execution? How did these disciples face their loss? Their world was turned inside out in less than one day. The healing, teaching, caring, loving leader of their faith was dead and buried. Shock, fear and un-belief must have overwhelmed them all. They gathered with each other to face an extremely uncertain future. I must keep my faith strong in terrible times of testing. I must assemble with other believers for their help and support.

P.            Father; I will never face the tests and trials that those first disciples went through because that work was finished on the cross. In my time of testing, please, send me brothers and sisters that will support, lead and love me through to victory. Bless the workers in your field with strength and courage. Send me to hurting souls….I know pain……and I know you. Amen.        

Who-so-ever

3-25-2014           Matthew 27:51-54

S.            51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

O.           The temple veil of separation is now split wide open. This gives “whosoever” entrance into the Holy of Holies. Graves are open, giving up the saints and a Roman Centurion declares Jesus to be the Son of God.

A.           I will declare Jesus as the Son of God, Lord of Lords, King of Kings and as my Savior. I will inform everyone possible of the Veil being removed and how anyone may enter into the Holiest place……and meet Jesus.

P.            Father; lead me to the people that are ready and need to hear about your love. Give me wisdom to speak your message in power and love. Amen.

Forsaken by God!

3-24-2014           Matthew 27:45-50

S.            45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

O.           Darkness covered the earth as Jesus was dying. As God turned away from Jesus he was completely alone on the cross, alone, dying to pay the ransom for my soul. Jesus cries out in agony, and dies.

A.           I will never let myself forget the Cross where a sinless man died to redeem me. I deserve to be punished for all the wrong, the bad and the sin of my life. Jesus took the path to the cross and took my place there. All I need to do is ask Jesus, in faith…..believing, to forgive me my sin, abandon my sin (practice it never again) and live my life as the Holy Spirit directs. This is a reasonable requirement……..when standing and looking at the cross.

P.            Father; thank you for sending Jesus, thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to reveal my sin to me and thank you for wanting me as your son. Guide my mind and my heart that I may live a life pleasing to you. Amen.      

Who am I today?

Should I change who I am to fit the occasion or should I remain steadfast where I am. I see and hear many folks as they struggle through this question. Here inside the church we kick the idea around every Sunday. The church has been wearing a very unfair label for centuries. You know the one I refer to; Hypocrite!  I am sure that there are hypocritical tendencies in us all and that from time to time we let them out. I prefer to use other words and ideas to deal with this continuing battle.

The most difficult development in one's life is discovering who you are. Are you friendly or mean, happy or sad, open or closed, good or bad. This list could go on forever. Trouble is, life never stops putting us into situations that require us to "live out" who we are, to speak or act in an acceptable manner. The old adage "when in Rome" seems to be the current norm.

I get into trouble because I deal with many different groups of folks on a regular basis. Each group expects me to agree with them and participate in their activities. This is where I start looking into myself and deciding "who I am". I struggle through the options and check off the consequences of my choices and "take a stand," however, I am so limited in my knowledge and experience I often take the wrong position.

Then it happens! Slap! On goes the label and another hypocrite is crowned.

 I don't like this word. I see many Christians stop trying to live for God because of this word and how it is used. How many times are we allowed to fail (sin), repent and start anew. I don't think that God has a finite number attached to this idea. Oh if I could be like God in this area of my being. If I could find it within myself to give folks as many chances as they need and keep on loving them and NEVER stick on some label. Better still, if I could give myself room to learn and grow... forgive myself, restart and become a better Christian.

"CHRISTIAN" is not a label, or idea, or heritage. Christian is a being, being in CHRIST and him being in you. When I look into the mirror I don't see enough of Christ. There is this guy; working, thinking, planing about himself. Self-centered, egotistical (in a hansom sort of way), confused and stubborn. Yet it is this guy that God sent his son to die on a cross for. I spend too much time and effort in the quest to answer the question "who am I". The secret is found in discovering who Jesus is, changing our focus from us to him, relying on his knowledge and experience to face the challenges of life.    

Me and my putty car.