Going Forward

Going Forward

Hebrews 6: Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; ² of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. ³ Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows.

 

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After learning my numbers, I was proud that I could count. But the next grade taught me addition and subtraction. Grades beyond taught me multiplication, division, percentages, arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus (or trigonometry), calculus, and differential equations (Thermal dynamic heat equations).

 

• I could not imagine sitting in a class to learn how to count.
• I struggled with the other lessons and some I failed.
• Once I finished learning one concept, it was on to the next.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, urges believers to “go forward” from the basic lesson of salvation of JESUS. He implies that there is more to learn about JESUS than, salvation, baptism, and the resurrection.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is far greater than eternal life.
• JESUS cares about the life I live now and the life I will live in eternity.
• JESUS is more complex that I think and I should learn about HIM daily.

 

“Does GOD even care?” is the question I have asked many times. I mean, when things seem to be going horribly wrong it, is tough to rely on the promise that I am saved for eternity. “What about this horrible situation?”  I would ask. GOD hears and addresses everything.

 

HE cares about my current life and the life beyond this life. HE knows what I am going through and has empathy through JESUS who was tempted in every way. HE cares about the large and small and is involved in every moment of my life. I am glad GOD cares about me holistically.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer use “go forward?”
• Have you ever learned the basics of something and found yourself in the basic class again?
• How did you feel?
• Will you “go forward from salvation, baptism, and the resurrection, and learn how GOD interacts with you daily so you can mature in faith today?

More Valuable Than Clothes

More Valuable Than Clothes

Hebrews 1: ¹⁰ He also said,
“You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth,
    and with your own hands you made the heavens.
¹¹ They will disappear, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like clothes.
¹² You will fold them up like a coat,
    and they will be changed like clothes.
But you are always the same,
    and your life never ends.”

 

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After purchasing a new suit, I felt pretty good about myself. But after wearing it only once, I noticed a seam open. I was enraged as I took the garment back to the suit shop. “I didn’t pay this kind of money to get low quality!” was the beginning of my rant. I continued with more words.

 

• I did not even know who I was talking to.
• I did not care that he or she had a relationship with CHRIST.
• I wore the new garment until it went out of style, and I never once thought of the salespeople.

 

As magnificent is the earth, it will one day be destroyed by the one who created it, according to what was revealed to Paul. “They will wear out like clothes” is the analogy to the moon, stars and planets we see and experience. Paul then points to something that is eternal, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD loves people far more than possessions.
• My focus on possessions can sometimes get in the way of GOD’s love for me and other people.
• I am loved eternally.

 

Having clothes and possessions is not a problem until they have me. I mean, when I get mad at people over lack of possessions, or dented or torn possessions, then I forget what GOD wants me to see, namely HIS love for him or her.

 

JESUS is eternal and so are those who believe in HIS salvation. Our life here on earth is temporary. All the titles, things and places will some day be destroyed. All that will remain will be you and me standing in front of GOD, accounting for our lives. I only hope my life is not squandered, rather it bear fruit for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use clothes as the example?
• Have you ever bought clothes that went out of style and felt like you needed more and more and more and more?
• Will you seek what is eternal, namely a relationship with CHRIST so HE can guide you to bring others to HIM today?

More Than Just Living

More Than Just Living

1 Thessalonians 4:¹ Finally, our friends, you learned from us how you should live in order to please God. This is, of course, the way you have been living. And now we beg and urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to do even more.

 

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After a hard week’s work, I sat down to get some rest. Suddenly the weekend was over and I had to get up and work hard again. I was doing what was expected of me, but felt there had to be more than “this” to life.

 

• I was simply making a living.
• I was not causing anyone any harm or trying to do wrong.
• I went to church, work and tended to my family, but felt something missing.

 

Paul Silas and Timothy modeled behaviors that were pleasing to GOD. Believers in JESUS saw their dedication and did the same. Their lives were focused on CHRIST. Then the writers gave a strange challenge to “do even more.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to model a life that is pleasing to HIM.
• Making disciples to follow JESUS should be my goal.
• Having others do more than I ever could Is GOD’s goal for me.

 

Leaders who want other people to act like him or her is not the best thing. I mean, leaders make mistakes and could cause others to do the same. Pointing our lives to JESUS is the goal. I may meet someone who just became aware of their belief in JESUS and may have some ideas on how to live. But this advice should be short lived.

 

GOD has gifted others to surpass any advice I could give. Who knows the great and wonderful things GOD has in store for you. I am glad HE wants me to have abundant life. I am also grateful you can do even more.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers were doing to live a life pleasing to GOD?
• Have you gotten stuck in the rut of just living?
• Will you step out on faith and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you to “do even more” than just living by seeking HIS Kingdom today?

More to Life

More to Life

Colossians 3: ⁵ You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). ⁶ Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. ⁷ At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them.

 

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No one told me that after “doing it” for the first time, I would constantly crave to “do it” again. Something was awakened inside me that was insatiable at times. We ogled and commented about body parts and soon it became part of my everyday speech.

 

• My life was dominated and it seemed innocent.
• I had given up on being “good” so I could have pleasure.
• I found a crowd who was also dominated by the same thing.

 

Paul says something extremely hard. “You must put to death” were the extreme words he used to get people to change their minds. He never said “sex is bad” or “don’t make a living.” He warns people about an attitude that dominates a person so much, that the well-being of others gets diminished.

 

My Observations

• GOD gives me another way to look at HIS people.
• GOD wants me to see all people as HIS child who HE cares for deeply.
• JESUS gave me a new life that does not have to be dominated by sin.

 

Just having an alternative is freeing. I mean, when I had no alternative but to do sin, life seemed hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out. HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside me so I could take every thought captive and make it obey CHRIST.

 

Am I successful at controlling “every” thought? No. BUT GOD is pleased that I know HIM. HE does forgive me when I am weak. Forgiveness of sin is not permission to sin. HE knows I will reap what I sow. HE gives me more to life to pursue, namely HIM. I am glad GOD forgives and provides another way to live.

 

Challenge

• What stands out to you from the writers words?
• Is there any area of your life that is dominated and possibly out of control?
• Do you feel too weak to handle it by yourself?
• Will you praise GOD that HE gives your life purpose and seek HIS kingdom as an alternative to whatever is dominating your life today?

So Much More

So Much More

Ephesians 3: ²⁰ To him who by means of his power working in us is able to do so much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of: ²¹ to God be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever! Amen.

 

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When I bought the car, I was excited. “I no longer have to take the bus” was my primary reason for being elated. When I had an accident which totaled the car, I realized I had no transportation to get to and from work. I also could not easily bring groceries home or not get wet as I walked to work in the rain.

 

• I could only see some things from a narrow perspective.
• I overlooked the usefulness of some things until those things were gone.
• I realized some things had more value than I originally understood.

 

Paul concludes his prayer by pointing to GOD. He explains that GOD is able to do so much more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He gives praise to GOD through CHRIST JESUS for all time!

 

My Observations

• GOD does not mind when I ask HIM for small things because HE is so much more.
• GOD knows that I cannot understand HIS power, but HE works in me anyway.
• GOD appreciates when I give HIM praise and when I recognize HE is bigger than my current situation.

 

Knowing that GOD is so much more, brings me hope. I mean, when I cannot see a way out and I am circled by difficulties, GOD makes a way for me and clears my path. HE has done this consistently, over and over and over again. Unfortunately I still doubt HIM.

 

HE forgives my doubt and works in me anyway. HE is bigger than my fears or worries. HE is the one who holds everything and will never forget me. I am grateful HE is larger than my imagination and I praise HIS greatness!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions requests in this part of the prayer?
• Have you ever limited GOD or doubted HIS love for you because of your circumstances?
• Will you see beyond your requests or circumstances and know GOD is so much more than you can ever imagine?

Raised From The Dead

Raised From The Dead

Ephesians 2: ⁴ But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, ⁵ that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.

 

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When I think of something that is dead, I see that it can no longer do anything it was meant to do. A dead plant cannot produce fruit. A dead battery cannot produce power. But what about a dead human?

 

• There were times when I thought I was not useful.
• There were times when I thought GOD was tired of me or ready to punish me.
• There were times when I thought I was dead to GOD because I sinned one time too many.

 

GOD’s mercy, love and grace are mentioned here by Paul. These overlooked items show that it was all GOD who did the saving and nothing humans could do to provoke HIM towards or away from HIS plan.

 

My Observations

• We were dead and could not produce fruit, BUT GOD saved us anyway.
• We were dead and were powerless to make an appeal to GOD to show how “good” we have been, yet HE brought us to life with CHRIST.
• We were dead and had nothing to give, nothing to offer and nothing to show, yet GOD’s grace saved us anyway.

 

Looking at our own power is problematic. I mean when I think I am doing well I may be doing extremely poorly in GOD’s eyes. When I think someone else is not doing well, he or she may be chosen by GOD in the middle of their sins.

 

GOD wants me to accept HIS mercy which is more than any sin I could do. HE also wants me to know HE loves me dearly and gave HIS only SON for me. HE sees my disobedience and still says “You are valuable to me” and shows me HIS grace. I am glad HE cares for all of us and I give my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What part do humans play in this verse?
• Can you feel GOD’s love in these words?
• Will you accept GOD’s love for you and know it is not your power that saved you rather it was HIS grace that is sufficient for you today?

More to Life

Mark ¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

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“Finally a real job” I thought to myself. I had enough of dumping cigarettes in the garbage and cleaning toilets! It wasn’t long into the job that I became restless. The job was repetitious and boring. “There has got to be more to life than this!”

• There were times when I wondered what my purpose was.
• There were times when I wondered what the existence of life meant.
• There were times when I wanted to do more and be more than what I was.

Purpose and meaning were two words that truly resonated with me. I mean if I was doing something were fruitless, I saw through it and desired to run in the opposite direction. What is meaningful?

• GOD said to me “I want you to come, follow ME.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL send you out to fish for people.”
• GOD said to me “There is no failure when I give you purpose.”

When GOD gives me something to do, it is part of HIS intricate plan. Nothing I do goes to waste. I may not see all the steps or components, but HIS plan is perfect. HE calls me into this perfect plan and gives me a higher calling. HE wants me to bring people back to HIM.

• Are you searching for meaning?
• Do you think your job or school is your sole purpose in life?
• Can you stop thinking you are at the end of your rope and allow GOD to use you for a greater purpose?