- Stop feeding into our emotions.
- Temptation is the fact of life. Jesus taught us when we are tempted; we won't give into the temptations.
- When u are hurting, we need to keep doing what is right no matter how we feel.= when u are hurting, you need to behave like you are not hurting.
- submit yourself to God and resist the devil, Then he will flee.
- form a new habit in spirit. Surrender yourself habitually to holy spirit
2011年5月20日 星期五
The war for man’s soul
2011年5月3日 星期二
The battlefield of the mind
- Bad relationship/bad things all starts with a thought.
- All our minds must be renewed by the word of God.
- Awareness -à take responsibility for our thought life à renewing our mind according the word of God
- I have feeling does not mean I am feeling.
- Pick up the negative thought and make constant conscious decision to replace the thought with the word of God.
- We can control our thought.
- Pray before doing everything other living on the negative thought of our mind.
- we have already had the weapon to pull down the stronghold of Satan. Ects the Word of God; praise and worship( think less and thank more) , prayer(pray before trying to do something) ,being obedient; when the deviul is attacking, one of the best thing u can do is being good to somebody else.
- Deceived mind produces a deceived life.
- Think about what you are thinking about.
2010年10月26日 星期二
church history
a model invented by N.T Wright english anglican bishop:
act1. creation
act2: fall (betrayal)
act3:israel
end of OT
act4: Jesus
act5: early church is simply scene1 of act5, the last scene is revelation..we are in the middle of scenes of act5
we are improving the final scenes of the final act
church history is all about God and His people
in church history we can learn:
learn from mistakes of the past
learn from the good
understand the present
appreciate the past
encouragement from triumphs
plan future directions
braoden understanding of people
Q: WHAT CAN WE KEEP AND WHAT CAN WE RECOGNIZE WAS ONLY SUITABLE FOR THAME?
Should church have power over the state?
timeline
creation->the fall (betrayal) -> noah -> abraham-> moses -> Joshua -> david -> exile (northern kingdom by assyria; southern kingdom by Babylon) -> persia -> greeks (alxander the great, split into Ptolemy and selueids; the greek culture , religion and language spread) -> Ptolemy appointed the high priest and it became a polotical thing instead of a spiritual thing from a family line -> heavey persecution (forced to eat pig, banned circumcision, scriptures, worship ects ) -> revolt by Maccadeus -> Hannukah and freedom established ( Pharisees and saducees who only concerned with political power) -> Romans ->Jesus
the mindset of Zealot who was inspired by Maccabes hero: if we overthrow Rome, God will come
the mindset of Pharisees : if we are holy enough, God will come
we are christian before we are part of a political party
Jesus founded the church but he did not organize it
Jesus only mentioned the church 3 times in gospels
early christians saw church as a servant of kingdom in a temporal world
early church service: breaking bread, apostles teaching, fellowship, prayer
some things were situational such as having to meet in homes
Background in Judaism
Jesus was a Jew - came as a "king of the jews"
His disciples were Jewish
Ministry was largely but not solely Jewish
Jews were apostles' first target with the Gospel
- Jews as target audience
Christians attended Jewish synagogues
68AD - Jewish revolt against the romans: destruction of the temple.
Christians did not fight with Jews; fled.
Re-organisation of Jewish life around the law.
Christianity moved to other cities.
Curses upon heretics added to Jewish liturgies
• Early church – players, environment, debates
o Players: Peter, Paul, John (Apostles), they died, all martyred except John
o Debates: circumcision, keeping the Law, Food allowed to eat, New Testament Canon because of heresies,
o Environment: Persecution, they met in people’s house, there was persecution because they didn’t go to festival, anti-social, thought to be incestuous, cannibals (drink the blood of Jesus, ate his body), Didn’t see Caesar as Lord, problem for the economy, persecuted by Jews because they were trying to change the Law. Anti-family, one wife. (Atheist, worshipped a God that doesn’t have an image)
o Heresy (debate): How and why did it began? Appeared after the apostle’s had died, people’s didn’t get the accurate definition of the gospel. i.e. Gnosticism( secret knowledge)
o Anything good came out of the heresy period? Yes, orthodoxy (Right beliefs) and the Canon. Also, questions and writings about Christ and the trinity.
the conversion of Constantine:
built numerous cathedrals
reimbursed church for damages
invited clergy to dine with him
sought to bring people into the church
active in church affairs
exempted clergy from taxation
called first ecumenical council-Nicea325
went from persecution -> toleration -> freedom -> obligation (under another emporer)
heresies; internal and external
internal heresies:
1. legalistic heresies( no salvation without circumcision);
2. philosophical heresies:
1)Gnosticism, from greek philosophy, matter is evil/spirit is good. Jesus only appeared to have a physical form, was more of a phantom. salvation is by secret knowledge gnosis. Gnostics produced gospels, considered heretical, did not meet criteria for canonicity ie. not written in the first century
2)Marcionism: child of satan, hated judaism and the OT and the God of the OT; believed God sent Jesus to deliver us from evil creation; setup his own criteria for scripture and church; got rid of OT and just used Luke and 10 of paul's letters; helped to cause the church to develope its canon
3. theological heresies:
1) Montanism: believed he was the spokesperson of the holy spirit / paraclete
2) Monarchianism: rejection of God as 3 personalities, jesus was man by righteous living
3) Sabelliunism: similar to above, there is one God who can manifest as one of three at any one time. one God, three masks
So... We have...
Council of Nicaea 325, presided over by constantine
apostles creed in the 2nd century
result of early heresises produced canon, according to certain criteria:
1. universal and consistently used by church
2. quoted by early fathers
3. of apostolic origin
4. communicate rule of faith
5. confirmeed by athanasius in 367
east has church and state combined
west was growing seperately with a leader growing in power
eastern council declared Bishop of constantinople equal to rome
Shift from theological interests to power interests, Pope Leo the 1st
452 Pope Leo comes to the aid of the Emporer and saved Rome from Attila the Hun
455 Pope Leo negotiates with invading Vandal army.
Assumed the title 'Pontifex Maximus' - high priest throughout the empire. Same as constantine and caesars of rome
Gregory the Great (590-604)
Not a bad pope
Cared for the poor, genuinely concerned for the spiritual condition of the people
Wrote 'pastoral rule'
Sent missionaries, including england.
Introduced penance, prayer to saints, relics, purgatory, eucharist not official till 1215, adoration of Mary, use of vestments.
Political and spiritual leader.
The pope politically on the level of kings
Monasticism
Scriptoriums, translating.
Withdrawal is a criticism.
Monks were missionaries
When we come up against something we don't like, we either fight or flee.
'White matyrs'
4th and 5th century monasticism movement swelled.
Important places of study, became educators and scholars. Became the first schools, hospitals, welfare system where societies didn't have one.
Benedictine, 529 - 'rule'
prons and corns: social justice, education, healing, scientific discoveries, preserve the scriptures but lifestyle was very difficult, tables given in class
• Charles Martel and what did he do?
o King of France
o If it wasn’t from him, he stopped the spread Islam
o Otherwise, Europe would be Islam
o Defeat infidels
o Grandson was Charlemagne
o He was called the ‘Hammer”.
o Stopping it
o Because of Charles Martel Europe isn’t Muslim and because of Charlemagne it is Christian.
• Charlemagne
o Grandson
o Cut off heads of 4000 people because they weren’t Christian.
o 768, King of France
o Killed thousands, enforced Christianity
o Spreading Christianity
o Crowned Roman emperor of Christian Europe by the Pope Leo 3rd
o Work with him to keep the Muslims out of Europe
o Set up a system of administration 'missi dominici' usually a bishop and a lay noble, church and state working together
o Set up schools in monastaries had to learn singing, arithmatic and grammar.
o Established currency and weights, brought europe out of the dark ages.
Eastern Orthodoxy
15 distinct churches mostly in eastern europe (eg russia, greece, macedonia, ukraine)
Icons - crucial
in churches and homes
Image is crucial: made is made in the image of God; he carries the icon of God withinhimself
Kind of like a portal.. A manifestation... It's not worshipped.
The Crusades
A series of wars across 200 years
1095-1291
Crusade - "taking the cross"
Shameful atrocities and suffering
Causes:
11th cent - seljuk turks / extreme muslims persecuting pilgrims; seized jerusalem from fellow peaceable muslims
* eastern emporer losing territory
Goals:
*win holy land back
*check the advance of islam and help eastern emporer
*ensure safety of christian pilgrims
*help breach the growing gap between east and west
*rescue jerusalem
Pope Urban II declared the first crusade
Possibly the most influential speech of the time
He inspired the crowd
"Take up their cross (sword)" because:
Alleged atrocities of the muslims
God wills it!
Rewards; spiritual and physical
Included nobles and peasants
1099 won back the holy city
The only 'successful' crusade
Atrocities againsts muslims and jews
70,000 muslims killed in the city, jews rounded up and burned in the synagogues
Rulership was also poor
- 2nd crusade
Difficult to defend from europe
*1147 called by Bernard of clairvaux, french mystic
*Led by king of france and germany
*No great victory
*2 years of fighting
- 3rd crusade
1187 Saladin retook jerusalem
1189 kings of germany, france and england, tried again.
Saladin - noble character... Tried to negotiate and avoid combat. Gave a horse to king richard when his horse fell in battle. Gave fruit and his doctor when richard was sick. Both tried to negotiate peace by offering their sisters in marriage.
Finally 3yr truce - access to Jerusalem for christian pilgrims
*not a victory though - cruasaders wanted to reconquer the whole land
- saladins deathbed quotes to his son.. Powerful and sounded very christian. Be a servant leader, don't shed blood, win the hearts of men with kindness and gentleness.
- 4th crusade
1202 by pope Innocent III
Mercenaries never reached Jerusalem
Ran out of money to pay for shipping costs
Attacked and sacked Zara
Pope excommunicated them
Attacked and plundered constantinople to pay for debts now owed dandelo in venice
No muslims died, only christians
Set up a latin empire
Plundered the church, wealth removed to venice
Didn't bother with Jerusalem
Lasted until 1261
Gap was further widened between east and west
- the childrens crusade
Thousands of children
1212 - 20,000-30,000 (led by Stephen of Cloyes).
En route they were betrayed and sold into slavery
Another 20,000 from germany (led by Nicholas) could not find transport in italy
- the fifth crusade
Hungarian king Andrew
Stalemate, 8yr truce signed
- sixth crusade
1229 frederick II, (emporer of germany anf italy) spoke six languages, excommunicated, secured jerusalem by diplomacy
- seventh crusade
Louis IX of france attacked Egypt in 1249, captured and ransomed
Edward of England - no lasting victory
1291 - islam took acre, last christian stronghold in the holy land
-----
Results:
Original goals never achieved.
Impact on trade, industry and culture
Architecture
Medicine
Education
Economy
Copied and learned new skills from the muslims, like glass making and combat. Cotton clothes, sugar in food.
The church - initially held with prestige but declined. Christian beliefs weakened by failures
Muslim attitude changed and became intolerant of diveristy
-
- Reformation
Background to the reformation
Pre-reformation reformers
Factors leading to the reformation
Immorality
Luxury
Political ambition (wanted wealth, power, titles and land)
Babylonian captivity of the papacy (1309-1377) (pope moved to france)., papal schism (1378-1417) (multiple popes in italy).
Renaissance and worldliness of the church
Other abuses of the clergy (buying and selling their positions)
Taxes
1517 Martin Luther protested
More books written on Luther than anyone else
Begin forwarded message:
Qualities of a reformer
5 qualities
Unshakeably strong convictions
Willing to discuss it
Resist intimidation
Be prepared for opposition
Wasn't afraid
Very articulate and calm, emotions under control yet passionate
Courage for justice and truth
Revelation about what you're reforming, what is the point or goal
The revelation is not just for yourself, can't be lazy
-
What would you be unwilling to recant in your vision of the church that you see.
The church that I see... Is like a warm hug. It's a family in the truest, purist sense, even though the people are broken, their Godly love takes relationship to a new level, where all are accepted and loved, where everyone knows someone and is loved by them, and no one is isolated.
Western theology
Legalistic style thinking
Salvation - payment/justification
Peter/papacy - jurisdictional law
Eastern theology
Incarnation of God and re-creation of man
Sin reduces man divine likeness
Salvation = restoration of full divine image
Rebirth, re-creation, trans-figuration
-
• Crusades – results
o Positive: weapons, trade, art, economy, we learn what not to do
o Negative:
• Reformation – who are the key people? What was accomplished?
o Key people: Mystics, Wycliff, Luther(justification by faith) , Calvin (sovereignity of God) , zginly – (What did they believe)?
o 90 out of the 95 thesis were adopted by catholic church
o protestant church is formed
o Bible translated into German
o Laws change
o Justification by faith
o Read to Bible for yourself
o Indulgences: buying favours in the church
o Corruption
o Why did the reformation began? Some of the teachings, trying to fund st-peter’s basilica.
o What causes it?
o What was the outcome?
act1. creation
act2: fall (betrayal)
act3:israel
end of OT
act4: Jesus
act5: early church is simply scene1 of act5, the last scene is revelation..we are in the middle of scenes of act5
we are improving the final scenes of the final act
church history is all about God and His people
in church history we can learn:
learn from mistakes of the past
learn from the good
understand the present
appreciate the past
encouragement from triumphs
plan future directions
braoden understanding of people
Q: WHAT CAN WE KEEP AND WHAT CAN WE RECOGNIZE WAS ONLY SUITABLE FOR THAME?
Should church have power over the state?
timeline
creation->the fall (betrayal) -> noah -> abraham-> moses -> Joshua -> david -> exile (northern kingdom by assyria; southern kingdom by Babylon) -> persia -> greeks (alxander the great, split into Ptolemy and selueids; the greek culture , religion and language spread) -> Ptolemy appointed the high priest and it became a polotical thing instead of a spiritual thing from a family line -> heavey persecution (forced to eat pig, banned circumcision, scriptures, worship ects ) -> revolt by Maccadeus -> Hannukah and freedom established ( Pharisees and saducees who only concerned with political power) -> Romans ->Jesus
the mindset of Zealot who was inspired by Maccabes hero: if we overthrow Rome, God will come
the mindset of Pharisees : if we are holy enough, God will come
we are christian before we are part of a political party
Jesus founded the church but he did not organize it
Jesus only mentioned the church 3 times in gospels
early christians saw church as a servant of kingdom in a temporal world
early church service: breaking bread, apostles teaching, fellowship, prayer
some things were situational such as having to meet in homes
Background in Judaism
Jesus was a Jew - came as a "king of the jews"
His disciples were Jewish
Ministry was largely but not solely Jewish
Jews were apostles' first target with the Gospel
- Jews as target audience
Christians attended Jewish synagogues
68AD - Jewish revolt against the romans: destruction of the temple.
Christians did not fight with Jews; fled.
Re-organisation of Jewish life around the law.
Christianity moved to other cities.
Curses upon heretics added to Jewish liturgies
• Early church – players, environment, debates
o Players: Peter, Paul, John (Apostles), they died, all martyred except John
o Debates: circumcision, keeping the Law, Food allowed to eat, New Testament Canon because of heresies,
o Environment: Persecution, they met in people’s house, there was persecution because they didn’t go to festival, anti-social, thought to be incestuous, cannibals (drink the blood of Jesus, ate his body), Didn’t see Caesar as Lord, problem for the economy, persecuted by Jews because they were trying to change the Law. Anti-family, one wife. (Atheist, worshipped a God that doesn’t have an image)
o Heresy (debate): How and why did it began? Appeared after the apostle’s had died, people’s didn’t get the accurate definition of the gospel. i.e. Gnosticism( secret knowledge)
o Anything good came out of the heresy period? Yes, orthodoxy (Right beliefs) and the Canon. Also, questions and writings about Christ and the trinity.
the conversion of Constantine:
built numerous cathedrals
reimbursed church for damages
invited clergy to dine with him
sought to bring people into the church
active in church affairs
exempted clergy from taxation
called first ecumenical council-Nicea325
went from persecution -> toleration -> freedom -> obligation (under another emporer)
heresies; internal and external
internal heresies:
1. legalistic heresies( no salvation without circumcision);
2. philosophical heresies:
1)Gnosticism, from greek philosophy, matter is evil/spirit is good. Jesus only appeared to have a physical form, was more of a phantom. salvation is by secret knowledge gnosis. Gnostics produced gospels, considered heretical, did not meet criteria for canonicity ie. not written in the first century
2)Marcionism: child of satan, hated judaism and the OT and the God of the OT; believed God sent Jesus to deliver us from evil creation; setup his own criteria for scripture and church; got rid of OT and just used Luke and 10 of paul's letters; helped to cause the church to develope its canon
3. theological heresies:
1) Montanism: believed he was the spokesperson of the holy spirit / paraclete
2) Monarchianism: rejection of God as 3 personalities, jesus was man by righteous living
3) Sabelliunism: similar to above, there is one God who can manifest as one of three at any one time. one God, three masks
So... We have...
Council of Nicaea 325, presided over by constantine
apostles creed in the 2nd century
result of early heresises produced canon, according to certain criteria:
1. universal and consistently used by church
2. quoted by early fathers
3. of apostolic origin
4. communicate rule of faith
5. confirmeed by athanasius in 367
east has church and state combined
west was growing seperately with a leader growing in power
eastern council declared Bishop of constantinople equal to rome
Shift from theological interests to power interests, Pope Leo the 1st
452 Pope Leo comes to the aid of the Emporer and saved Rome from Attila the Hun
455 Pope Leo negotiates with invading Vandal army.
Assumed the title 'Pontifex Maximus' - high priest throughout the empire. Same as constantine and caesars of rome
Gregory the Great (590-604)
Not a bad pope
Cared for the poor, genuinely concerned for the spiritual condition of the people
Wrote 'pastoral rule'
Sent missionaries, including england.
Introduced penance, prayer to saints, relics, purgatory, eucharist not official till 1215, adoration of Mary, use of vestments.
Political and spiritual leader.
The pope politically on the level of kings
Monasticism
Scriptoriums, translating.
Withdrawal is a criticism.
Monks were missionaries
When we come up against something we don't like, we either fight or flee.
'White matyrs'
4th and 5th century monasticism movement swelled.
Important places of study, became educators and scholars. Became the first schools, hospitals, welfare system where societies didn't have one.
Benedictine, 529 - 'rule'
prons and corns: social justice, education, healing, scientific discoveries, preserve the scriptures but lifestyle was very difficult, tables given in class
• Charles Martel and what did he do?
o King of France
o If it wasn’t from him, he stopped the spread Islam
o Otherwise, Europe would be Islam
o Defeat infidels
o Grandson was Charlemagne
o He was called the ‘Hammer”.
o Stopping it
o Because of Charles Martel Europe isn’t Muslim and because of Charlemagne it is Christian.
• Charlemagne
o Grandson
o Cut off heads of 4000 people because they weren’t Christian.
o 768, King of France
o Killed thousands, enforced Christianity
o Spreading Christianity
o Crowned Roman emperor of Christian Europe by the Pope Leo 3rd
o Work with him to keep the Muslims out of Europe
o Set up a system of administration 'missi dominici' usually a bishop and a lay noble, church and state working together
o Set up schools in monastaries had to learn singing, arithmatic and grammar.
o Established currency and weights, brought europe out of the dark ages.
Eastern Orthodoxy
15 distinct churches mostly in eastern europe (eg russia, greece, macedonia, ukraine)
Icons - crucial
in churches and homes
Image is crucial: made is made in the image of God; he carries the icon of God withinhimself
Kind of like a portal.. A manifestation... It's not worshipped.
The Crusades
A series of wars across 200 years
1095-1291
Crusade - "taking the cross"
Shameful atrocities and suffering
Causes:
11th cent - seljuk turks / extreme muslims persecuting pilgrims; seized jerusalem from fellow peaceable muslims
* eastern emporer losing territory
Goals:
*win holy land back
*check the advance of islam and help eastern emporer
*ensure safety of christian pilgrims
*help breach the growing gap between east and west
*rescue jerusalem
Pope Urban II declared the first crusade
Possibly the most influential speech of the time
He inspired the crowd
"Take up their cross (sword)" because:
Alleged atrocities of the muslims
God wills it!
Rewards; spiritual and physical
Included nobles and peasants
1099 won back the holy city
The only 'successful' crusade
Atrocities againsts muslims and jews
70,000 muslims killed in the city, jews rounded up and burned in the synagogues
Rulership was also poor
- 2nd crusade
Difficult to defend from europe
*1147 called by Bernard of clairvaux, french mystic
*Led by king of france and germany
*No great victory
*2 years of fighting
- 3rd crusade
1187 Saladin retook jerusalem
1189 kings of germany, france and england, tried again.
Saladin - noble character... Tried to negotiate and avoid combat. Gave a horse to king richard when his horse fell in battle. Gave fruit and his doctor when richard was sick. Both tried to negotiate peace by offering their sisters in marriage.
Finally 3yr truce - access to Jerusalem for christian pilgrims
*not a victory though - cruasaders wanted to reconquer the whole land
- saladins deathbed quotes to his son.. Powerful and sounded very christian. Be a servant leader, don't shed blood, win the hearts of men with kindness and gentleness.
- 4th crusade
1202 by pope Innocent III
Mercenaries never reached Jerusalem
Ran out of money to pay for shipping costs
Attacked and sacked Zara
Pope excommunicated them
Attacked and plundered constantinople to pay for debts now owed dandelo in venice
No muslims died, only christians
Set up a latin empire
Plundered the church, wealth removed to venice
Didn't bother with Jerusalem
Lasted until 1261
Gap was further widened between east and west
- the childrens crusade
Thousands of children
1212 - 20,000-30,000 (led by Stephen of Cloyes).
En route they were betrayed and sold into slavery
Another 20,000 from germany (led by Nicholas) could not find transport in italy
- the fifth crusade
Hungarian king Andrew
Stalemate, 8yr truce signed
- sixth crusade
1229 frederick II, (emporer of germany anf italy) spoke six languages, excommunicated, secured jerusalem by diplomacy
- seventh crusade
Louis IX of france attacked Egypt in 1249, captured and ransomed
Edward of England - no lasting victory
1291 - islam took acre, last christian stronghold in the holy land
-----
Results:
Original goals never achieved.
Impact on trade, industry and culture
Architecture
Medicine
Education
Economy
Copied and learned new skills from the muslims, like glass making and combat. Cotton clothes, sugar in food.
The church - initially held with prestige but declined. Christian beliefs weakened by failures
Muslim attitude changed and became intolerant of diveristy
-
- Reformation
Background to the reformation
Pre-reformation reformers
Factors leading to the reformation
Immorality
Luxury
Political ambition (wanted wealth, power, titles and land)
Babylonian captivity of the papacy (1309-1377) (pope moved to france)., papal schism (1378-1417) (multiple popes in italy).
Renaissance and worldliness of the church
Other abuses of the clergy (buying and selling their positions)
Taxes
1517 Martin Luther protested
More books written on Luther than anyone else
Begin forwarded message:
Qualities of a reformer
5 qualities
Unshakeably strong convictions
Willing to discuss it
Resist intimidation
Be prepared for opposition
Wasn't afraid
Very articulate and calm, emotions under control yet passionate
Courage for justice and truth
Revelation about what you're reforming, what is the point or goal
The revelation is not just for yourself, can't be lazy
-
What would you be unwilling to recant in your vision of the church that you see.
The church that I see... Is like a warm hug. It's a family in the truest, purist sense, even though the people are broken, their Godly love takes relationship to a new level, where all are accepted and loved, where everyone knows someone and is loved by them, and no one is isolated.
Western theology
Legalistic style thinking
Salvation - payment/justification
Peter/papacy - jurisdictional law
Eastern theology
Incarnation of God and re-creation of man
Sin reduces man divine likeness
Salvation = restoration of full divine image
Rebirth, re-creation, trans-figuration
-
• Crusades – results
o Positive: weapons, trade, art, economy, we learn what not to do
o Negative:
• Reformation – who are the key people? What was accomplished?
o Key people: Mystics, Wycliff, Luther(justification by faith) , Calvin (sovereignity of God) , zginly – (What did they believe)?
o 90 out of the 95 thesis were adopted by catholic church
o protestant church is formed
o Bible translated into German
o Laws change
o Justification by faith
o Read to Bible for yourself
o Indulgences: buying favours in the church
o Corruption
o Why did the reformation began? Some of the teachings, trying to fund st-peter’s basilica.
o What causes it?
o What was the outcome?
2010年10月15日 星期五
romans
Focusing on his grace and unfailinng love.we are created to be the likeness of his son.we are created to bring praise to him.we are a small puzzle to bring out the umage of jesus.we are equally loved and valued.we all share the same calling to be united to bring him glory.to bring the kingdom of heaven on earth.the onky difference is we have bern.assigned for differentiation function in the body of christ.we are cleansed to approach him in christ.
His spirit dwell inside of me so sin has no place in me anymore. I am dead to sin but arised to life in jesus.However my minds still need to be renrwed as it is used to sun against god.by reading the word of god my mind will be gradually renewrd. In his strength i no longer reign by sins.focus on his grace
His spirit dwell inside of me so sin has no place in me anymore. I am dead to sin but arised to life in jesus.However my minds still need to be renrwed as it is used to sun against god.by reading the word of god my mind will be gradually renewrd. In his strength i no longer reign by sins.focus on his grace
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2010年9月11日 星期六
Dealing with conflict - by Joel & Julia A'Belle 11/09/2010
Dealing with conflict - by Joel & Julia A'Belle 11/09/2010
How do I deal with conflict in my relationships? Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional. We must avoid our conflicts becoming combat (hostile). We know we've reached combat zone when you become a 'fire hose' spraying words or a 'wall' with strong things to say then hide behind. - I am involved - It's about what I want - But I'm not getting what I want James 4:1-3 (TNIV) What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? [2] You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. [3] When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (1) Agree to disagree, accept that others may have a different way of seeing things. Don't let the sun go down on your anger (combat). Acts 15:36-40 (TNIV) Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." [37] Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, [38] but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. [39] They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, [40] but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. Paul was commended by the brothers by the grace of the Lord. We want God's blessing on both parties. Arguments aren't always about the topic, but about how we feel. (2) Think before you speak. Proverbs 10:19 (TNIV) Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. Proverbs 18:2 (TNIV) Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (3) How do you confront the conflict? Confront just means to turn my face toward. Matthew 18:15-17 (TNIV) "If a brother or sister sins, go and point out the fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. [16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that `every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' [17] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. In any kind of conflict the objective is to win back the relationship with the person. Go privately (one on one), go quietly (with a third perspective), go submissively (with a church leader), go cautiously (go back on journey of trust again). (4) Pursue peace Romans 14:19 (TNIV) Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Jesus shows us the example by laying down his pride, stepping down from Godhood to live and die in our place, on our behalf, in order that we be reconciled to relationship with God. There's no power in pride, but there is power in humility. Pursue peace with God and with one another.
2010年8月20日 星期五
bible study note
Lk 16:15 He said to them, ou are the ones who justify yourselves b in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. c What is highly valued among men is detestable in God sight. -->
don;t i constantly justify my mistakes by shifting the blame to someone or something else? isn;t it always a big temptation for me? God is the God who looks into our hearts, even by justifying ourselves we are highly valued by the world but become detestable in God's sight, what is the point then? are we serving God or the world?
Pr 9:10 he fear of the LORD d is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One e is understanding. f -->
seeing and responding to life's situations from God's frame of reference
Phil 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy b to you soon, c that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Phil 2:20 I have no one else like him, d who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
Phil 2:21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, e not those of Jesus Christ.
Phil 2:22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father f he has served with me in the work of the gospel-->do we do what we are doing now for our own interest or interest of Jesus? devoting ourselves to sing beauitful worshiping songs, are we doing it to make us feel good or earnestly worship Him in our truth and spirit? do i constantly search my heart and clarify the motives of my deeds? are i really serving Jesus or in fact serving myself? how do i make sure that my motives are transparent and only for His cause??????
don;t i constantly justify my mistakes by shifting the blame to someone or something else? isn;t it always a big temptation for me? God is the God who looks into our hearts, even by justifying ourselves we are highly valued by the world but become detestable in God's sight, what is the point then? are we serving God or the world?
Pr 9:10 he fear of the LORD d is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One e is understanding. f -->
seeing and responding to life's situations from God's frame of reference
Phil 2:19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy b to you soon, c that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
Phil 2:20 I have no one else like him, d who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
Phil 2:21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, e not those of Jesus Christ.
Phil 2:22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father f he has served with me in the work of the gospel-->do we do what we are doing now for our own interest or interest of Jesus? devoting ourselves to sing beauitful worshiping songs, are we doing it to make us feel good or earnestly worship Him in our truth and spirit? do i constantly search my heart and clarify the motives of my deeds? are i really serving Jesus or in fact serving myself? how do i make sure that my motives are transparent and only for His cause??????
2010年8月15日 星期日
Overcoming Discouragement
Overcoming Discouragement
Sermon OutlineOvercoming Discouragement |
Charles F. Stanley
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-6
I. Introduction: Discouragement is a common response to the challenges of life. Even David, who experienced great spiritual triumphs, had tremendous emotional struggles. In Psalm 42:11, he wrote: “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” The king’s reaction must have been similar after Ziklag, his home at the time, was destroyed. David was able to find victory in that situation, in part because he knew how to overcome discouragement.
II. David’s Example: While David and his fellow warriors were away, the Amalekites raided their town, burned everything, and captured the women and children. In response, David “strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). In other words, he sought encouragement. He turned to God, who promised him victory if he would pursue the attackers (1 Sam. 30:8).
III. Discouragement is:
IV. The Causes of Discouragement
Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-6
I. Introduction: Discouragement is a common response to the challenges of life. Even David, who experienced great spiritual triumphs, had tremendous emotional struggles. In Psalm 42:11, he wrote: “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him.” The king’s reaction must have been similar after Ziklag, his home at the time, was destroyed. David was able to find victory in that situation, in part because he knew how to overcome discouragement.
II. David’s Example: While David and his fellow warriors were away, the Amalekites raided their town, burned everything, and captured the women and children. In response, David “strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Sam. 30:6). In other words, he sought encouragement. He turned to God, who promised him victory if he would pursue the attackers (1 Sam. 30:8).
III. Discouragement is:
A. Universal. Almost everyone has been dismayed at one time or another.
B. Recurring. You may overcome discouragement one week, only to face it again the next.
C. Contagious. Watch out for those who want to pull you down by indulging in negativity and self-pity.
D. Unpredictable. You never know when it will strike you or a loved one.
E. Temporary. It will pass if you respond correctly.
III. Discouragement differs from disappointment. When our expectations aren’t met, we feel disappointed. But discouragement, a feeling of despair and despondency, is a choice. We can choose to remain dejected or determine to work through our feelings and overcome them.IV. The Causes of Discouragement
A. Inability to please others
B. Physical or verbal abuse
C. Unanswered prayer
D. Lack of proper recognition
E. Strongholds
F. Financial pressure
G. Health problems
H. Unexplained adversity
I. Feelings of worthlessness
V. The Consequences of DiscouragementA. Divided attention—If you are discouraged, you may not be able to work wholeheartedly.
B. Placing blame—When you feel down, be careful not to dwell on the wrongs of others.
C. Anger and depression—Unless you address the inner roots of discouragement, you will never overcome negative feelings.
D. Estrangement—People push others away by constantly grumbling.
E. Loss of confidence—Every aspect of your life will suffer when you feel unsure of yourself.
F. Negative spirit—Don’t rehash painful events.
G. Unwise decisions—Discouragement can cloud your judgment. By working through your feelings first, you can then make a careful, godly decision.
H. Spiritual drift—Depression is fertile ground for seeds of doubt.
VI. The Cure for DiscouragementA. Pride. Some put their trust in themselves and pursue relationships, accomplishments, or possessions instead of a relationship with the Father.
1. Look within yourself. Ask, Why am I discouraged?
2. Look up. God has the ability to rescue you from harmful attitudes.
3. Look back. Don’t dwell on hurtful things in the past. Instead, think about God’s faithfulness to deliver you.
4. Look ahead. Focus on what the Lord is doing now in your life. Be encouraged by what He has planned for the future.
B. Have the right response. Responding correctly to discouragement involves several things.
1. Rest. Physical and emotional exhaustion often lead to discouragement.
2. Reorganize your life. In other words, evaluate your use of time, energy, and other resources. Make sure you’re doing the right things in the right way.
3. Resolve to trust God. Believe that He is in control (Ps. 103:19), loves you, and will never leave you (Heb. 13:5). He can turn adversity into something good.
4. Resist discouragement. Ask God to reveal the best response to difficulty. You will be amazed at the difference a positive attitude makes.
VII. Conclusion: Are you tired of being discouraged? You don’t have to stay that way. Whether or not the situation changes, you can experience joy, peace, and contentment. For the believer, circumstances don’t have to dictate emotions. Allow Scripture to permeate your mind and heart. Discouragement will lose its foothold, and you will become joyous and fruitful again.
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