Missionary Renegade: A New Beginning with Greg Laurie for The Week of Monday, 4 November 2013 ~ Upcoming Programs

Sunday, November 3, 2013

A New Beginning with Greg Laurie for The Week of Monday, 4 November 2013 ~ Upcoming Programs

WHAT IS SALVATION?

Romans 5:1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah; 2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Messiah died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die. 8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God’s wrath through him. 10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.

11 Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. 12 Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come. 15 But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Yeshua the Messiah, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification. 17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Yeshua the Messiah. 18 So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous. 20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly; 21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Yeshua the Messiah our Lord.(Messianic WEB)

God offers us something that is of greater value than millions of dollars. It is called salvation. For some it is unclaimed. For others it is unused. And for many of us it is unappreciated. Do we really grasp—really understand—what salvation is?

PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES

1. Salvation is regeneration. When you put your faith in Christ he makes you a new creation. You have passed from darkness to light.

2. Salvation is justification. Justification means that your sins are forgiven and forgotten. But in addition, justification means that Christ’s righteousness has been put into your account.

3. Salvation is reconciliation. Peace with God. Salvation restores close communion and open access to God.

4. Salvation is adoption. When you accept God’s salvation you become His child through adoption. God understands his children, takes care of his children, and loves to bless his children.

RELEVANT REMINDERS

Here are six self-examination tests concerning the fruit of your salvation. If you are a Christian:

You should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (1 John 4:15).
You obey the commands of Christ (1 John 5:3).
You love and obey God’s Word (1 John 2:5).

• You will be miserable when you sin (1 John 3:9).

You keep yourself from the devil (1 John 5:18).

• You love other Christians (1 John 5:1).

Salvation covers your past, present, and future. If you have accepted His salvation, He has saved you from spiritual death, is saving you from the power of sin, and will save you from future judgment.

APPLICABLE ACTIONS

The Bible tells us to work out our salvation. Not work for our salvation, but work it out. It is like working in a mine—discovering its treasures and bringing them out. Are you letting God’s salvation affect the way you live and think?

~~~

MONDAY, 4 November 2013

What is Salvation? — III

When we come to Christ for salvation, we know our sin is removed and eternal life is ours. But Pastor Greg Laurie says there's something more . . . and it's big! Take a close look at salvation, and whether our life bears evidence that it's real.

~~~

CAN YOU LOSE YOUR SALVATION?

Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people. 3 Satan entered into Judah, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve. 4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them. 5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude. 7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 8 He sent Peter and Yochanan, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”

9 They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”

10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Tell the master of the house, ‘The Rabbi says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”

13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve emissaries. 15 He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.” 17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among yourselves, 18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until God’s Kingdom comes.”

19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.” 20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!”

23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. 29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”*

33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”

35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?”

They said, “Nothing.”

36 Then he said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’✡ For that which concerns me has an end.”

38 They said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.”

He said to them, “That is enough.”

39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. 40 When he was at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.”

41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judah, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Yeshua to kiss him. 48 But Yeshua said to him, “Judah, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 But Yeshua answered, “Let me at least do this”—and he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Yeshua said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, “This man also was with him.”

57 He denied Yeshua, saying, “Woman, I don’t know him.”

58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, “You also are one of them!”

But Peter answered, “Man, I am not!”

59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”

60 But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” 62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

63 The men who held Yeshua mocked him and beat him. 64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?” 65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying, 67 “If you are the Messiah, tell us.”

But he said to them, “If I tell you, you won’t believe, 68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go. 69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”

70 They all said, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He said to them, “You say it, because I am.”

71 They said, “Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!”(Messianic WEB)

When a person becomes a Christian they are saved and they are safe. Romans 8:38 tells us that nothing can separate a Christian from the love of God. But God does not save people against their will. And certain phrases that we find in scripture, such as “departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12) or “falling from your own steadfastness” (2 Peter 3:17) cause us to wonder if a Christian can walk away from God’s saving grace.

So, can you lose your salvation? I don’t know. I think the more important question in response is “Why would you want to push the envelope?” Some people want to be sure of heaven, but live on the edge of hell. Instead of asking if a person can lose their salvation, maybe we should be asking if that person was ever really a Christian to begin with.

Any of us can fall away from the Lord—can backslide—if precautions aren’t taken. But a true Christian will always come back to the Lord after going astray. We can learn a lesson from Peter’s famous fall by examining some of his mistakes:

PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES

1. Peter was self-confident. Peter boasted that where everyone else might be made to stumble, he never would. The Bible warns, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). An unguarded strength is a double-weakness.

2. Peter followed at a distance (Luke 22:54). He was still following, but half-heartedly. There are many people today who follow Jesus noncommittally—from a distance.

3. Peter was hanging out with the wrong people. Instead of being with the other disciples or by Jesus’ side, Peter warmed himself by the fire in the courtyard of Caiaphas. Like Peter, when you hang around the wrong people in the wrong places, you end up doing the wrong things.

RELEVANT REMINDERS

Christ is at the right hand of God and He is interceding for us (Romans 8:34). If it were not for the intervention and intercession of Christ, none of us would make it.

APPLICABLE ACTIONS

• Have you left an area of your life unguarded because you feel it to be spiritually strong? Take heed, lest it prove a double weakness.

• Are you noncommittal and half-hearted in your relationship with Jesus? Don’t follow at a distance.

• Are you hanging out in the wrong places or with the wrong people? If so, it is only a matter of time before you do the wrong things.

~~~

TUESDAY, 5 November 2013

Can You Lose Your Salvation? — II

Luke 22: 31 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”*

33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”(Messianic WEB)

How can we make sure we stay on track in our daily walk with Jesus Christ? Pastor Greg Laurie provides some practical help. We'll learn the importance of three words: remember, repent and repeat.

~~~

WEDNESDAY, 6 November 2013

Can You Lose Your Salvation? — I

33 He said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34 He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.”(Messianic WEB)

Everyone has ups and downs in their walk of faith. But it begs the question, can we stray so far that we lose our salvation? Pastor Greg Laurie tackles that important question as he continues his series "Essentials: What Every Christian Needs to Know.

~~~

HOW TO KNOW THE WILL OF GOD

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. 4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; 11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 contributing to the needs of the holy ones; given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19 Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” ✡ 20 Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”✡

21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.(Messianic WEB)

As Christians, we don’t believe in chance; we believe in providence. We don’t live by feeling; we live by faith. We know that we are not random victims of circumstance, but that God has a specific plan and purpose for each us.

Here’s something to think about: God wants to lead us even more than we want to be led. He wants to speak to us even more than we want to be spoken to. As friends of God, He wants to reveal His secrets to us.

But how do we know the will of God? Here are some guidelines when you are considering a specific situation.

PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES

1. Make sure it is in line with God’s Word. The Bible says that His Word is a light to our path. God’s will for you will never contradict the principles found in Scripture.

2. Ask God to confirm what you believe to be His will. The Lord will open doors and confirm things through circumstances, if you are stepping in the right direction.

3. There should be a peace and a joy about it. Something might be Biblically sound and doors may appear to be open, but discernment also plays a role. When you are in the will of God, there is peace and joy as a result.

4. Remember God’s timing. Sometimes we have the right idea, but our timing is off and we simply need to wait.

RELEVANT REMINDERS

Like children, what we think is best is not always really best. God’s will is good and He wants to reveal it to us. We need to say, like Samuel, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

APPLICABLE ACTIONS

Place your everyday life before God as an offering. You cannot be led by His will if you are too concerned with your own. Present your body as a living sacrifice. Your mind, your heart, your tongue, your hands and feet—offer very aspect as a sacrifice to Him. And don’t let this world squeeze you into its mold, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That’s how you prove God’s good, acceptable and perfect will.

~~~

THURSDAY, 7 November 2013

How to Know the Will of God — I

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”✡

21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.(Messianic WEB)

Following God's will is important, and yet uncovering God's will can be a challenge. Would you like some help? Pastor Greg Laurie brings a message called "How to Know the Will of God." It's a practical study of God's Word.

~~~

FRIDAY, 8 November 2013

How to Know the Will of God — II

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”✡

21 Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.(Messianic WEB)

When we come to one of life's big decisions, we want to know God's will, we want to know which way we should go. Pastor Greg Laurie helps us uncover God's will by opening the cover on God's Book. It's a look at the way God directs His people.

~~~~~~~

Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie

P.O. Box 4000

Riverside, CA 92514-4000 United States

Phone: 1-800-821-3300

~~~~~~~

Missionary Renegade

Sunday, November 3, 2013

A New Beginning with Greg Laurie for The Week of Monday, 4 November 2013 ~ Upcoming Programs

No comments:

Post a Comment