GRACE CHANGES YOUR CAREER PATH

                               GRACE CHANGES YOUR CAREER PATH

     “While we look not at the things which are seen,

         but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen

            are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

                          ~ 2 Corinthians 4:18~

1. Evaluate: What is Your Career Path?

a. What are you working for? Why do you wake up in the morning? – 1 John 2:15-16

b. 1) “I don’t know”; 2) Ambitious “every day to the fullest”; 3) American dreamers

c. No new thing under the sun to pursue in our fourscore – Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, Psalms 90:10

d. We plan our lives til death… but death is not the end – Hebrews 9:27

e. What do you plan to do in eternity?... harps, divine lay-z-boy, go to church?

2. Your Career Path as an Ambassador

Ø  Did you know that non matter your earthly vocation, you have a career path that transcends your mortal status? You are an Ambassador. This is the job title you did not earn.

a. If you are saved, eternity has already begun.

b. Resume: Your are not much without Christ.

·        “All come short …” is not giving up, it is opening your eyes -           Romans 3:10, 3:23

·        You are dead, with a burial plot – Romans 6:1-3, Romans 8:9-10, Galatians 2:20

·        You are bought with a price, and have hope – 1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 5:8

c. Occupation: Ambassador, saint, minister, Christ’s servant – 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

·        Walk worthy of your vocation! - Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:9-11

·        We are to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery –     Ephesians 3:9-11

·        Paul never said, “Christ sent me to make tents.” – Acts 18:3

d. Office: Presently evil - Gal 1:4; body that sins – Romans 7:24; God’s temple –

   1 Corinthians 3:16

e. Hours: night shift … and day shift – 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 3:10, you’re already late - Ephesians 5:16

f. Time off: Rejoice in the Lord; old man is dead - Rom 6:3, life is in Christ – Colossians 3:3

g. Benefits: Eternal life: Rom 6:23; spiritual blessings: Ephesians 1:3; wisdom, rewards

h. Job review: By Christ – Romans 14:12; til then by the Bible, church, others – 2 Timothy 4:2

·        Advancement: Rewards: 1 Corinthians 3:14; positions: 2 Timothy 2:12; raises: 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

·        Promotion to glory when you die – Romans 8:16-19, Philippians 1:21

j. Education: Study on your own – 2 Timothy 2:15; the Spirit teaches – 1 Corinthians 2:12

·        Your training begins now – Ephesians 2:10, Titus 2:11-15

3. Day by Day as an Ambassador

a. Climbing the spiritual career ladder is strength – Colossians 1:9-11, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

b. Your fruit changes, because strength is not in worldly success, but spiritual success

c. To the clueless: Living a content, quiet, and peaceful live is good, but,… 1 Timothy 2:1-4

·        You already have a career path, learn the job, take on the identity.

d. To the ambitious: Life is not dull, but we will be accountable to the Lord.

·        Life is not for temp experience, but for the glory of God – Ephesians 1:6, 2 Corinthians 4:15

e. To dreamers who “play the game”: Your work is in danger of disappearing:                                                                                                             1 Corinthians 3:13

·        Our profession is as the Lord’s ambassador – 1 Timothy 6:6-12

·        It is time to get untangled from this life’s affairs – 2 Timothy 2:1-4

·        Ministry work is not only for gray hairs and “career” ministers –

 2 Timothy 4:5

This outline was borrowed from Graceambassadors.com and has been tailored for this specific lesson.

Visit graceambassadors.com or thegracelifeplace.blogspot.com for more free resources.

Understanding the Message, Ministry, and Miracles of Jesus Matthew 05

Understanding the Message, Ministry, and Miracles of Jesus

Matthew 4:12-25

1. Message of Jesus (4:17)

- The promise to King David of an everlasting kingdom- 2 Samuel 7:16, Psalms 89:34-37

- The promise of a king and a kingdom in Israel for salvation – Jeremiah 23:5-6

- The gospel of the kingdom = the kingdom is at hand – Matthew 3:1-2, 4:17, 10:5-7

- They preached the gospel of the kingdom - Luke 9:1,6

-They were not preaching the gospel of the cross – Luke 18:31-34

- Covenant to Abraham: through Israel the nations would be blessed -Genesis 22:17-18

- The 12 were told to go to Israel first – Matthew 10:5, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8

2. Ministry of Jesus (4:19-20)

-His followers followed on foot, not with their lives, or on Facebook – Matthew 14:13

- Following Jesus meant leaving their nets - Matthew 4:19-22, Luke 5:10

-Jesus had an entourage, and multitudes literally following him – Matthew 8:1, 8:10

- Jesus followed other people, and the disciples followed Jesus  Matthew 9:19

-People wanted to literally follow him into a literal kingdom – Luke 15:57-62

- Following him meant forsaking family, career, money – Luke 14:25-33, Matthew 19:21

3. Miracles of Jesus (4:23-24)

- The powers were not new - Mathew 10:1, 5-8; Exodus 4:1-7

-The powers were prophesied – Joel 2:28; Jeremiah 31:34 (John 14:26; 1 John 2:27)

-They were signs - Mark 16:17-20  sign of kingdom come - Luke 10:9

• Jesus heals because it was prophesied – Luke 7:18-22;
• Believe me for the works sake - John 5:36; 10:25; 14:11
• Kingdom of God is come - Matthew 12:28; Luke 9:2, 10:8-9

-The powers were for use in the tribulation/kingdom – Revelation 8:10-11; 9:3; John 14:12

- Paul’s powers were for a sign to unbelieving Israel – 2 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 15:18-19

4. Message and Ministry of Today

-The gospel of the kingdom is not our gospel of grace which was given to Paul

- Christ has made Paul our pattern of the gospel and ministry – 1 Timothy 1:16

- Paul’s pattern is the Lord’s pattern today - 1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9

- Our pattern is by preaching the faith of Christ, not by sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7

-We do not need miracles or special gifts when we have the complete word of God to study and apply.

The gospel of the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) is the message we trust for our salvation in the dispensation of grace.

Grace Changes Marriage

Grace Changes Marriage (Audio)

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Grace Changes Marriage

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto

his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak

concerning Christ and the church.”

Ephesians 5:31-32

1. What is Marriage?

• A biblical definition of marriage, along with marital advice, can be tough to find, but Genesis 2:24 is a good place to start.
• Godly instituted marriage is between one man and one woman.
• The law described marriage as a covenantal contract that reflected the relationship God had with Israel  Jeremiah 31:32, Isaiah 54:5
• The law said who you could and could not marry Leviticus 21:7, Deuteronomy 7:3-4
• It was a contract, and so divorce was a recourse Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 5:27,
  19:3-10
  Marriage is a covenant that, if broken, has consequences Malachi 2:14-15
• Prior to the mystery, first revealed to Paul, there was yet to be a complete picture of God’s intention with creating the “marriage union.”

2. Grace Redefines Marriage

• We now know that marriage is a picture of us, as believers, in the body of Christ and of how we are to operate with and relate to God, being in the body. Ephesians 5:22-33
• Marriage is an extension of our ambassadorship; everything we do in Christ’s body is a picture of who we now are in Christ, even if we are giving a false picture.
• People do not always read their bibles, but people constantly read people who say they read their bibles. We have a goal set before us to walk our “new man” position in Christ with integrity, knowing full well of our instruction.

3. Grace Changes Why You Marry

• It is important to be practical in choosing the one you will marry, but it is even more important to be doctrinal.
• Many marry for self-fulfillment, status and fairytales, but marriage is more than a ticket to another destination.
• It has been said that “Marriage is hard work,” but it also needs to be understood that marriage, if done God’s way, is a daily opportunity and challenge to work out and practice our temporal/earthly, yet spiritual, roles as ambassadors for Christ. Your spouse knows the “real you.” Make sure your testimony matches up with the one he or she would offer when it comes to who you are.
• 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 gives a whole list of truths for marriage and remarriage
• All of Paul’s epistles give a picture of who you are in Christ and who you should join yourself to in marriage, life, and even church. There is doctrine that should drive our choices, not just emotion and cultural influence.

4. Grace Changes How You Operate in Marriage

• There are enough churches, radio shows and ministries offering seminars and book titles on sex, passion, and marriage counseling. Along with church advice, there is a whole system of worldly guidance on who to marry, why to marry, and how to get along once you are married. Grace offers a Dispensational Perspective:
•  Husband has always been the head, but Christ has not always been  Ephesians 1:22
• Learning about marriage from mystery doctrines 1 Corinthians 11:3
• One person operating out of obedience and reverence brings salvation Philippians 2:6-8
• One person operating by love/grace can provide reconciliation  Romans 5:8
• Together you are one in Christ, by grace and not by the law  Ephesians 2:13-15
•  It operates by love, grace, submission, without condition - not performance
•  Grace gives what is not deserved and does the work freely  Romans 3:24, 8:32
• Grace crucifies the old man and reckons him dead Galatians 2:20, 5:24, Romans 6:11
• We think of the other better than ourselves, not selfish Philippians 2:2-4, 2:20-21
•  You are not your own anymore, you are Christ’s  1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 5:21

Correction: at 5:06 in the audio, I said that part of Israel was saved, but yet keeping the commandments. I misspoke there; Israel, more specifically the remnant, were awaiting salvation (blotting out of sins). See Acts 3:19-21. Sorry for the confusion, if that caught you off guard.

Temptation and the Wisdom of God Matthew 04

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Temptation and the Wisdom of God(Audio)

Temptation and the wisdom of God

Matthew 4:1-11

1. What is Temptation

• Tempting = not to sin, but to provoke, to test his word.
  Numbers 21:4-6, Exodus 17:2-3
• Questioning God’s Word is sin; this is where faith really takes its place.
• The fallen world is full of lust and pride: money, power, pleasure  1 John 2:15-17
• Temptation = an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way
• Temptation does not come from God – James 1:13-15
• Religion, in the dispensation of grace, is an attempt to “add” to/question the Word of God; adding works to grace. Romans 4:5

     2.  The Temptation of Christ

• Why was Jesus tempted?
                  -He was “led” by the Spirit; in the flesh, but still God; preparation time to be a high priest Hebrews 2:16-18
                  -He was trumping Satan; the first Adam failed, but the second Adam was sinless 1 Corinthians 15:22,45
                  -He was fulfilling prophecy as a Shepherd Psalm 23, Hebrews 4:15
• What 3 avenues did Satan take to tempt Christ?
  -Physical Satisfaction (Lust of the Flesh)
  -Testing God’s Promises (Twisting of Scripture)
  -Offering a Way Out of Suffering (Dispensational Override)

   3.  Temptation of a Nation

• 1. Endure to the end – Mark 13:13
• 2. It is impossible - Hebrews 6:4-6
• 3. No more forgiveness - Hebrews 10:24-27
• 4. Come again unto salvation - Hebrews 9:27-28
• 5. Grace in the end - 1 Peter 1:5,13
• Temptation of the remnant, past and future, is a possible termination of covenant rights and eternal damnation.

     4. Temptation of the Body

• 1. To him that worketh not – Romans 4:5
• 2. Now the atonement – Romans 5:11
• 3. Crucified with Christ – dead to the law - Galatians 2:17-20
• Temptation of the Body of Christ is a struggle we face, but a dilemma that Christ has overcome on our behalf.
• Christ died for us while we were sinners Romans 5:8
• We now hold the positions of Saints and Ambassadors 1 Corinthians 5:17-21
• There is still a war between flesh and Spirit within us Galatians 5:17, Romans 7
• We handle sin by having our mind, moment by moment, renewed and reminded who we are now in Christ; we are dead to sin; we have power not to sin Romans 6:11
   
  We are not sinless, but we can sin less.

Old Man's Arrogance vs. New Man's Boldness

It goes without saying that we live in a culture that is overly conscious of self-esteem and social status. Personal relationships revolving around life events and quality time has been traded in for twitter accounts and how many status likes can be obtained. It is no wonder why it is a cultural shock when individuals with a controversial viewpoint makes a bold statement that opposes the "popular" opinion. Not to say that the goal of Christianity is to trump every popular opinion,  but there is without a doubt within the biblical blueprint for the local church, a function of standing for truth. There is, within Christianity as a whole, the warpath of a faithful soldier, but there is a smaller group within so called "Christianity" that is distinct due to their commitment to rightly divide the word of truth.

Mid-Acts Dispensationalism is a term, within most minds, that either causes a blank stare because of never having heard the term or a cringe because of that name brings up the popular entitlement of heresy. Most individuals form their opinions , in spiritual and material matters, based on what they've heard from men or women with credentials. When it comes to Mid-Acts or any other doctrinal holding, it is of necessity to understand that men's credentials do not compete with God's Word.

(Romans 3:4) "...Let God be true and every man a liar..."

A man or woman who rightly divides is an individual who possesses a spiritual axe. A problem that is very evident within the "grace movement" is the fact that many rightly dividers do not understand why he or she, by way of understanding God's Word without confusion,  has been issued this "spiritual axe." This tool we have is not to be used to chop at the knees of those who "oppose themselves," but is rather for the use of persuading and chopping down religious strongholds within the minds that presently exist in today's Christendom.

(2 Timothy 2:25) "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"

Due to Paul's dialogue in Romans 7 and his explanation of the flesh vs. Spirit battle in Galatians 5, we should be very aware that even in our spiritual pursuits, their is always a possibility of a fleshly influx of the old man's character to show up in the new man's approach. Boldness that comes from assurance in Christ can easily be traded in for arrogance that exists because of the flesh we still war against. We know from Galatians 6:14 that our boasting is to be solely in the glory of the cross. There is a tendency with in all saved individuals conversations to confuse this boasting privilege with arrogant selfishness.

The point of pointing out these differences is a challenge to myself and other brothers and sisters who rightly divide to remember where our confidence comes from. We do not boast in our flesh, past or personal strengths; See Philippians 3. We, who know how to study our bibles, should not be driven to boisterously point out everyoneelse's mistakes for the purpose of self gratification. From Romans 15 and Galatians 6, we know that we have the duty to help, raise up, and restore the weaker brother.

As ambassadors of Christ, we must remember who and what we represent. Taking on Paul’s admonition to Timothy,  we must remember that a soldier cannot concern himself with this world,  but instead strive to please the "One" who has enlisted him. Hence, this is the purpose of right division;  notice the "approved" goal in bible study from 2 Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself APPROVED unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(emphasis is mine)

So Mid-Acts friends, be careful in conversation not to confuse prideful arrogance with rightful boasting in the cross.

-Alan

Grace Changes Everything

Grace Changes Everything (Audio)
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Grace Changes Everything

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which

ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Introduction

·         God’s grace is beyond full comprehension; the majority of a lifetime of being saved is not even skimming the surface of God’s marvelous grace and mercy.

·         Although God’s grace, without a doubt, is wonderful, it is the downfall of many who understand right division to allow salvation to be the place that grace stops making changes.

·         We know that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and we are kept by grace (Ephesians 1:13), but we need to understand that grace is involved in and impacts more than just salvation.

 

What Grace is Not

·         Grace is not a free license to sin- Romans 6:1-7, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

·         Grace is not a reason not to change- Roman 12:1-2, Colossians 3:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, Ephesians 4:1

·         Grace is not a reason to settle- 2 Timothy 2:4, Philippians 3:13-14

·         Grace is not a reason to be lazy- 2 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 2 Timothy 2:15

·         Grace is not a reason to be puffed up or greedy- Romans 15:1-3, Galatians 6:1,                1 Corinthians 8:1, Romans 12:16, Ephesians 4:32

·         Grace is not a reason to grow stagnate- 2 Timothy 2:2,24, Titus 2

GRACE CHANGES:

Sanctification

Marriages

Relationships   

Attitude Toward Lost

Work Ethic

 Bible Study

Church

Respect of Authority

Forgiveness

Humility

Anger

Patience

Choices

Conversation

Point of View

Arguments

 

 

 

An Old Testament Baptist Mathew 04

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An Old Testament Baptist

Matthew 3:1-17

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

Mark 1:4

1. John’s Ministry (1-6)

· “those days…” What days? Old Testament days>>> Israel is in a covenant with God; God is beginning to prep Israel for the coming of their new covenant. Hebrews 8:8-10

· Who is John “the Baptist?” (Not the startup of a “Christian” denomination) He was prophesied to come, according to Isaiah. Matthew 3:3 He was the greatest man ever born, according to Jesus. Matthew 11:11

· What was the message John was preaching? –“Israel, repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.” Sound familiar? Acts 2:38

· John was filling the position of a priest, yet he did not dress, eat, or perform as a “normal priest.” Camel’s hair for clothes, locusts for lunch, and not performing in the temple was “weird.” It got some attention, even by the “religious” class.

2. John’s Baptism (7-12)

· What is baptism? There is more than one kind, and it is not always water. Baptism, in itself, is a word that simply means “to immerse” and/or “to identify.” Each identification or baptism, in the bible, has 3 Parts. In John’s case:

- 1.)A baptizer (John)  -2.)A substance (water)  -3.)A purpose (remission of sins)

· Repentance, Good Fruit, and Water Baptism were the three things John was emphasizing to his audience, but to what end? He was “preparing the way of the Lord.” Jesus was coming.

· He was warning Israel, chastising the “religious,” and was preaching the kingdom come, while reminding the entire nation of Israel that it was to be priests unto the Lord (Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 61:6). –The importance of their baptism was for repentance, but he was also preparing them to fulfill their prophesied role; a nation of priests.

3. Baptizing Jesus (13-17)

· John knew that Jesus was sinless; he knew Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus has no sin… Why did Jesus insist on being baptized by a sinner? The answer: “to fulfill all righteousness.” How?

· Jesus was baptized for two reasons: 1.) To justify John’s ministry (Luke 7:29) 2.) To make Himself know to Israel.

· Through participation in the water baptism of sinful Israel, Jesus identified Himself with Israel looking for a kingdom come, and then presented Himself as the One who would fulfill all righteousness.

· The baptism of Jesus was the unveiling of Immanuel to Israel.

4. Our Baptism

· Many in today’s church, in some form, try to imitate the baptisms mentioned in this passage.

· “Baptism for the remission of sins” “to fulfill all righteousness” “following in the Lord’s footsteps”

· The most classic, denominational, misuse of the passage is “not for remission, but (Greek word “eis” vs. English word, “for”) ‘because’ of remission of sins.” Look at verse 11 for some clarification. No one can change “unto” to mean “because of.”

· In the Body of Christ, today, there is only one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5) It is not water. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

· Our baptism is one that none of the “gospel of the kingdom” believers ever experienced. Our baptism has a different function than theirs. Luke 12:50 vs. Romans 6:3-4

 

John, Jesus, and Peter: Repent and be Water Baptized

Paul: Believe the gospel of God’s grace(1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 4:25) and you are baptized into the body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:13)

John- Repent, ne baptized, the Messiah is coming.    Jesus-Repent, be baptized, I am the Messiah.

Peter-Repent, be baptized, you killed the Messiah.

Paul- Trust what Christ has done and you will be baptized, by the Holy Spirit, in to the body of Christ.

 

We need to know about the ministry of John, the baptism of Jesus, and the preaching of the kingdom, but we also need to be able, by right division, to understand that we, as the body of Christ, were not even in the picture yet when John came preaching repentance.