tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44002060086047891792024-02-20T11:37:59.589-08:00Project EzraDedicated to the Public Reading of the BibleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01978469378943098559noreply@blogger.comBlogger264125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-72457254890262641042018-05-24T13:15:00.000-07:002018-05-24T13:15:52.939-07:00Sermon on the Mount Saturday 2018<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Project Ezra! This is short notice (life has
been very busy), but I’d like to encourage you to join us in the reading the
Gospel in public this weekend for Sermon on the Mount Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with Mission Good Friday, and future
readings, this reading will be focused around a holiday, in this case Memorial
Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend should be great for
finding local events where people will be out in public, which means more
people to hear the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The basic are
this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Invite a few friends to join you in taking to the streets
sometime during the holiday weekend</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Choose a spot with good foot traffic, or where people gather</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Climb up on a bench, box, ladder, or something else that elevates you</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and share the truth of the gospel</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Be ready with tracts and Bibles for the follow-up conversations that follow!</i></b><br />
<br />
There are lots of different places you could go for this reading. A local
park, particularly one with picnic tables (which are very likely to be used
this weekend), a downtown shopping area (lots of sales going on), or near
sporting events or parades are all excellent places to read the word.
Find a spot that allows many people to hear, but try to avoid blocking foot
traffic or setting up right in the middle of someone's event. The message
of the gospel is offensive enough to many people. We don't want our
personal behavior to add to that offense.<br />
<br />
The Sermon on the Mount is one of those passages in scripture that I believe
provides very easy jumping-off points into the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read it almost weekly in my own outreaches.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for those of you who are new to this
type of outreach, here are a few ideas of where to start:</div>
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You can read the text front-to-back or stop mid-reading to
expand on themes in the text.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
read through, you can point out of few points when you are done and then share
a basic Gospel presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or you can
hit those points mid-reading. If you do make stops in the middle, make sure you
give the basics of the Gospel when you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is easy to get put five or six mini-presentations into the reading
that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It might also be helpful to
briefly remind people of what you are reading as you go, or as you start back
up after expanding on a passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
people will not stay and listen the whole time, so this is important to prevent
confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want people to know why
you are there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll try to post of video
of me doing this for future reference, after this weekend’s outreach.</div>
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<br />
Matthew 5:15-16 - Let your light shine before men. This can be used to
explain why you are sharing the message in the open air, that those hearing may
praise your Father in heaven.<br />
<br />
Matthew 5:20-48 - There are many opportunities here to point out specific sins
that many, if not all, of us are guilty of, and the fact that we cannot meet
God's standard of goodness. The most difficult, of course, is verse 48,
where we are told that we are to be perfect. None of us come close.<br />
<br />
Matthew 6:1-8 - This is good for showing the difference between true faith and
religious hypocrisy, which is very common in our day. Draw the contrast
between a said faith, and a real faith.<br />
<br />
Matthew 6:19-21, 24 - Talk about laying up treasure in heaven rather than on
earth. Most of our society is striving after material and earthly
success, things that will burn away on the Day of Judgment.<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:1-5 - You could choose to discuss the difference between the
hypocritical judgment discussed here, and sharing the truth of God's law, and
the dangerous position of those who deny Him. This is often characterized
as judgment, when it is not.<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:13-14 - Contract the narrow and the wide gates. Most people in
our society will claim that all faiths believe basically the same thing, though
they obviously don't. This is a good way to illustrate this.<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:15-23 - This would be an excellent section to use as a follow-up from
the previous passage. There are many false prophets, and many false
believers, in the world. How can you truly know if you are in right
standing with God?<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:24-27 - If people are trusting in religious works or ceremonies, in
their own goodness, or in the idea that God will forgive all sin, they are
building their house on sand. The only sure foundation for our lives and
for peace with God is the shed blood of Jesus Christ.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope these ideas are helpful, and I look forward to
hearing your testimonies, and seeing your pictures and videos. When you
share your experiences, it encourages others to participate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a missionary, people often look at me and
think of someone specially gifted, even if that is not the case (I’m just
another guy trying to follow God’s calling for me). But when they see someone who’s
just an average person like them, it encourages them more. So please do share! Have
a great weekend, and may God bless your efforts as you bring His gospel to the
streets!<br />
<br />
<br />
All for His glory, <br />
Dan</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-53378867362638802682018-03-22T16:41:00.000-07:002018-03-22T16:41:23.187-07:00Mission Good Friday 2018 Suggested Gospel Springboards <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hello Project Ezra! Easter
is a bit over a week away, and it’s time to start thinking and praying more deeply
about our Easter reading, if you are planning to participate.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It’s also time to pick your day, and to
contact people to join you, if you haven’t already done so. Many people will be
thinking about Easter through the holiday weekend, so any day is appropriate. I
will actually be doing my reading this weekend, since I’m going to visit family
next week. But very few people will be thinking about the death and
resurrection of Christ, the true meaning of Easter. That's why we will be
going to the streets, to share that message with many who will not hear it
otherwise. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 26 through 28 is the Easter story, so it is the passage
we have chosen for this reading. If you are an experienced open-air preacher,
you will likely be able to find multiple starting points for good gospel
presentations. For those of you will less experience, here are some things to
consider when using this, or any, passage of scripture for
evangelism: </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What the passage says and doesn't say </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- Some preachers (open-air or otherwise), will
try to force the entire message of the gospel into any passage they read. That
is not handling the Biblical text rightly. What you should try to do is to
look at the passage and see what it's focus is. Some will cover aspects of sin
or judgment, some will talk about God's mercy, or grace, or goodness, some will
recount details of the life of Christ, and almost all will have something to
tell us about the nature of God. Try to read the passage with an eye to the
original intent of the author, and find the place that point has in a Biblical
gospel presentation. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 1.55pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Nature of God </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- The gospel is what it is because of who God
is. Jesus came to die because God is both perfectly just and perfectly loving,
and both truths of His nature had to be perfectly satisfied. A good idea is to
contrast God's nature with ours and explain the dilemma this causes. I would
recommend <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXOWyjB7d24">THIS</a> video
to give you a good starting point. Then explain the solution. Consider these
thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is good, and we are not. What must a good God do with people
like us? </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is a good judge and we are guilty
criminals. What must a good judge do with criminals like us? If He is a good
judge, He must insure that justice is
satisfied. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What if someone paid the fine and satisfied justice so we could
go free? What if that someone were God Himself? God
demonstrated His love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is a good and loving God. But because He is just,
He cannot ignore sin. Instead, He paid for it on the cross.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 1.55pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be sure you cover the basics </span></i></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- Every gospel presentation, and every
open-air preaching session, will be different. This is due to the change
in the scriptures used, the audience, the location/situation, and even the
convictions of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer at the time.
But regardless of the situation, we want to make sure that we cover the basics
of the gospel. A general outline is below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 1.55pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God created this world perfect</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But mankind, out of pride, chose to rebel and
fell into sin</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God cursed the world as punishment, and now all
men are born sinners, in rebellion against their creator</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">USE THE LAW (BE SPECIFIC) TO BRING CONVICTION
OF SIN<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because of our rebellion, we are deserving of
God's justice</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The scriptures tell us
that justice will be carried out in a very real place called Hell</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But because God is not only a just judge, but
also a loving Father, He made a way for justice to be satisfied, so we would
not have to go to Hell</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus Christ, God the Son, humbled Himself and
came to earth</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He lived the perfect life that none of us did,
and then died a perfect death on a Roman cross</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the cross, all
God's anger and wrath toward sin was poured out on Him, so it would not have to
be poured out on us.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then He rose on the
third day, as He had prophesied He would, and after appearing to His disciples,
ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He now sits as both
judge, and advocate, and if we will turn from our sins and to the one true
savior, trusting in Him alone to save us, then the price of our sins will be
satisfied, we will be seen as righteous before God, and we will be free.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then we will spend
eternity in loving relationship and worship of God, as we were designed to do.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pray that this is
helpful, and I look forward to hearing how your readings went. If
you need something more particular (perhaps something you could just read
through) let me know, and I’ll see what I can do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God bless you, and have a great Easter
weekend!!</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All for His glory,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan B.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-50587661790518378122018-02-19T17:09:00.000-08:002018-02-19T17:10:28.268-08:00Mission Good Friday 2018 - Relaunch and Guidelines<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
Hello Project Ezra! As we attempt to
re-launch Project Ezra, there could not be a more appropriate date. The original project, called Mission Good
Friday, was organized by Tony Miano in 2009.
Now, nearly nine years later, and after a couple years off, I’ll be
giving it another go. Rather than doing
an event every week, as we did for a number of years, I’ll be posting just for
major holidays where there are likely to be people out in public, so there should
be more opportunities to share the Gospel. Many people were encouraged in the
past through the project, and a number of people open-air preached for the
first time after being encouraged by Project Ezra. I hope it will be as much of an encouragement
now as it was then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
Some of you are probably hearing about this
for the first time and are wondering what Project Ezra about. The
idea is simple. We suggest a passage of scripture, along with some ideas
on how you can use that passage to transition into the message of
the gospel. You can choose to use that passage or pick your
own. Then you invite your friends and church family to join you.
People around the country (and often several other countries) do the
same. Then you pick a spot in a public area with good foot traffic, climb
up onto a bench, box, ladder or stool, and read the passage aloud. If
there are several in your group, you can split the passage up and each read a
section. If you have people on your team with experience in sharing the
gospel, they can do so, either one-on-one with those who stop to listen, or
aloud from the box. And then we see what God does. Sometimes people will stop and listen. Sometimes
they will hear as they walk by. And sometimes
they will stop and talk. Regardless of
which happens, God’s name will be lifted up and glorified, and people will hear
the good news. By His grace, it will encourage
you and other believers, and you will be planting and watering seeds that God may
use to bring people to Himself. So be
sure to pray that God’s Spirit will fill you and empower you as you
share, and that He will convict and change the hearts of those listening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
The suggested reading will be Matthew 26
through 28, and I will post some suggestions for springboarding into a Gospel
presentation soon. You can use this
passage or choose your own. However, there are a few important guidelines: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Stick to the essentials.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The GOSPEL is the power of God unto salvation,
and that is what we want to preach.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There are many other good, important subjects (end times, Arminianism vs.
Calvinism, spiritual gifts, politics/conspiracy theories, etc.) that should be
discussed, but should not be center stage. They are great for discussions
between believers but should NOT distract from the basic Gospel message.</span></li>
<li>When you pick a passage, look for essential
truths, which relate to the Gospel to focus on.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Things like the nature of God, the nature of man (created, sinful,
prideful, etc.), the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the means of
salvation are excellent.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Be careful how
you use a text.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t twist it into
saying something it doesn’t. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It might be
wise to check your study Bible notes, or a respected commentary or two, to make
sure you are on the right track.</span></li>
<li>Don’t use language and expressions only Christians
will understand.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Part of the goal is to
reach unbelievers, so use words and expressions that are common.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you have to use theological language,
explain your terms, simply.</span></li>
<li>Don’t try to sound eloquent, or preachy.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t try to use big words to impress
people.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This is NOT about you!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s about glorifying God through His
Gospel.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">He needs to be central, not you. </span></li>
<li>Remember gentleness and respect, both in your
prepared words, and in your responses if anyone comments or stops to talk.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Don't get angry of frustrated if someone
tries to shout you down or shame you into stopping.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Keep going, and trust God for the details.</span></li>
<li>PRAY!! This is spiritual warfare, so go in
with your armor on.<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I can not emphasize
this enough.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Without the presence of the
Spirit, this will not work.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Give it to God
before, during, and after.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
I will be posting more ideas and encouragement
as we get closer. If you have any questions,
feel free to send me a private message.
Thanks<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
Dan Beaudoin<o:p></o:p></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-67881578397638509842014-06-30T23:16:00.001-07:002014-06-30T23:16:13.877-07:00First John on July 4th, 2014<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b>Hello Project Ezra!</b> It’s time for our next reading,
First John on July 4<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 4<sup>th</sup>
is Friday, so there is still time to talk to your friends and church family
about you in participating in this year’s reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can participate anytime this weekend,
though Thursday or Friday will probably be the best days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to spend the evening of the 4<sup>th</sup>
with your family, look for a local picnic, parade, or the like, and go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They make perfect venues for reading and
open-air preaching.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1<sup>st</sup> John is five chapters long, and the chapters
are not very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>its a good book for
dividing up, so if you bring someone along, even if they may not have been
planning to read, encourage them to do so anyway. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also got an amazing amount passages that
are good transitions into the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
one of my favorite books to read from before I open-air preach, particularly
since it deals so directly with those who falsely profess Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I meet someone who states that they are
a Christian, but I have questions due to their behavior, this is the book I
recommend they read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A false believer will
have a hard time getting through 1 John without being seriously convicted, so
use that to your advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Press people
on the passages regarding false conversion, and encourage them to take out
their own Bibles when they get home, and read it for themselves.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you invite a friend or two to join you, recommend that
they visit our Facebook page below, and let us know where they will be
participating, and who they will be joining. The group has been very slow of
late, and I would like to post an outreach report this year, so if you are able
to provide pictures, video, or a written testimony, please send them to me or
post them on the event page, which is now up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Project Ezra on Facebook:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/103701805742/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/103701805742/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mission Good Friday 2014: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1522845594605869/?source=1">https://www.facebook.com/events/1522845594605869/?source=1</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few suggestions for gospel springboards that I have
shared in past years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use one of
these, combine them, or use your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
more than anything, please be sure to spend time in prayer and in study of the
scriptures to prepare yourself, intellectually and spiritually, to share the
gospel in a way that honors and glorifies God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t forget, we are just the vehicle that caries the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By God’s grace we have the incredible
privilege of being used for His purposes, and of seeing His power in
operation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the work is not ours,
it’s His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please be sure to post your location on the event wall, so
we know where you will be reading and so others can be praying for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God be glorified in your obedience!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
1 John 1:1-4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words of life, being
manifest through Christ Jesus, with the Apostles as eyewitnesses</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 1:5-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking
in the light, confessing our sin, and being cleansed by the blood of
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we say we have not sinned,
His word is not in us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 2: 1-2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus
Christ, the propitiation for our sins.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 2:3-6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking
in obedience out of love for Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 2:15-17<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not
love the world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world passing away
along with its desires</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 2:18-28<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Antichrists, the deceivers who deny the Father and the Son</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 3:4-10<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
practices of sin and righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
fruit of true repentance and faith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 4:1-6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Test the
spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit of God and the
spirit of error</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 4:7-12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
love of God made manifest through us in Christ Jesus</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 5:1-5<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
born of God overcoming the world</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 John 6:6-12<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
testimony of God concerning His son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
who has the Son has life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-66481910206758475672014-05-21T22:25:00.002-07:002014-05-21T22:25:20.121-07:00Sermon on the Mount Saturday 2014<br />
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sermon
on the Mount Saturday 2014</span></b>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello Project Ezra! It’s
almost time for this year’s Sermon on the Mount Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It kind of snuck up on me this year (again),
but I will still be reading the Sermon on the Mount this Friday and Saturday
outside a local anime convention, and pray you all will participate in your
neighborhood, and invite your believing friends to participate as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission is this:<br />
<b><i><br />
Invite a few friends to join you in taking to the streets this Saturday</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Choose a spot with good foot traffic, or where people gather</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Climb up on a bench, box, ladder, or something else that elevates you</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), and share the truth of the gospel</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
Be ready with tracts and Bibles for the follow-up conversations that follow!</i></b><br />
<br />
There are lots of different places you could go for this reading. A local
park, particularly one with picnic tables (which are very likely to be used
this weekend), a downtown shopping area (lots of sales going on), or near
sporting events or parades are all excellent places to read the word.
Find a spot that allows many people to hear, but try to avoid blocking foot
traffic or setting up right in the middle of someone's event. The message
of the gospel is offensive enough. We don't want our personal behavior to
add to the offense.<br />
<br />
The Sermon on the Mount is one of those passages in scripture that I believe
provides very easy jumping-off points into the gospel, and I would suggest that
you read through the Sermon on the Mount, and spend some time considering what
you should focus on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be posting
some suggested springboard as well in the next day or two, but there is no
substitute for spending time in prayer and meditation on the God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider reading through it once or twice a
day, as part of your devotional time, and praying for God’s leading.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you will be participating, be
sure to join our Facebook event (see below), and pass it on to your believing friends
through social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to
hearing what God does through you this weekend.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All for His glory,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/285090721672436/?context=create&source=49">https://www.facebook.com/events/285090721672436/?context=create&source=49</a>Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-3941044030585118642014-04-18T11:48:00.002-07:002014-04-18T11:48:53.754-07:00Mission Good Friday Suggested Gospel Springboards <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello Project Ezra! It's time to
start our readings for this year's Mission Good Friday. Though today is the
official day, any day surrounding the Easter holiday will work just fine.
People will be thinking about Easter this weekend, but very few will be thinking
about the death and resurrection of Christ, the true meaning of Easter. That's
why we will be going to the streets, to share that message with many who will
not hear it otherwise. Please pray that God will work in a powerful way, and
that hearts will be changed and souls saved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew
26 through 28 is the Easter story, so it is the passage we have chosen for this
reading. If you are an experienced open-air preacher, you will likely be able
to find multiple points of entry into a good gospel presentation. For those of
you will less experience, here are some things to consider when using this, or
any, passage of scripture for evangelism: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>What the passage says and doesn't say </b></i>- Some pastors, and
some open air preachers, will try to shoe-horn the entire message of the gospel
into any passage they read. If you do so, you are not handling the Bible
rightly. What you should try to do, if the message is not explicit, is to look
at the passage and see what it's focus is. Some will cover aspects of sin or
judgment, some will talk about God's mercy, or grace, or goodness, some will
recount details of the life of Christ, and almost all will have something to
tell us about the nature of God. Try to read the passage with an eye to the
original intent of the author, and find the place that point has in a Biblical
gospel presentation. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>The Nature of God </b></i>- The gospel is what it is because of who
God is. His nature and character is why Jesus came to die and rise again. A
good idea is to contrast our nature with God's, and explain why that is a
problem. Then explain the solution. Consider these: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is good, and we are not. What must a good God do with
people like us? </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is a good judge and we are guilty criminals. What must
a good judge do with criminals like us? If He is a good judge, He must insure
that justice is
satisfied. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What if someone paid the fine and satisfied justice so we
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is a good and loving God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But because He is just, He cannot ignore
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>Be sure you cover the basics </b></i>- Every gospel presentation,
and every open-air preaching session, will be different. This is due to
the change in the scriptures used, the audience, the location/situation, and
even the convictions of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer at that
time. But regardless of the situation, we want to make sure that we cover
the basics of the gospel. A general outline is below.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But mankind, out of pride, chose to
rebel and fell into sin </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now, all men are born sinners, in
rebellion against their creator </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And because of our rebellion, we are
deserving of God's justice </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The scriptures tell us that justice
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But because God is not only a just
judge, but also a loving Father, He made a way for justice to be satisfied, so
we would not have to go to Hell </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus Christ, God the Son, humbled
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He lived the perfect life that none of
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the cross, all God's anger and
wrath toward sin was poured out on Him, so it would not have to be poured out
on us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then He rose on the third day, as He
had prophesied He would, and after appearing to His disciples, ascended to the
right hand of the Father in heaven. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 71.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He now sits as both judge, and
advocate, and if we will turn from our sins and to the free gift of grace
offered by our one true savior, then the price of our sins will be satisfied,
we will be seen as righteous before God, and we will be free. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 71.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then we will spend eternity in
loving relationship and worship of God, as we were designed to do. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pray that this is helpful, and I
look forward to hearing how your readings went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God bless, and have a great Easter weekend!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All for His glory,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan B.</span></div>
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<![endif]--><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></span>Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-43580433442299224932014-04-12T14:53:00.004-07:002014-04-12T14:53:27.566-07:00Mission Good Friday 2014<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX132079579" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX132079579" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Hello Project Ezra! I know the group has been dormant for a while, but we are</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> now</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> approaching the 6</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> anniversary of Mission Good Friday, the event that started Project Ezra, so it’s time t</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">o get going again. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX132079579" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX132079579" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">So what is Project Ezra about? </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">The idea is simple. We suggest a pa</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">ssage of scripture</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">, along with some ideas on how you can use that passage to transition into the</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> message of the</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">
gospel. You can choose to use that passage, or pick your own. Then
you invite your friends and church family to join you. People around
the country (and often several other countries) do the same. Then you
pick a spot in a public area with good foot traffic, climb up onto a
bench, box, ladder or stool, and read the passage aloud. If there are
several in your group, you can split the passage up and each read a
section. If you have people on your team with experience in sharing the
gospel, they can do so, either one-on-one with those who stop to
listen, or aloud from the box. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">And most of all, pray that</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> God’</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">s Spirit will</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;"> fill you and empower you as you share, and that He will convict and change the hearts of those listening.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX132079579" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX132079579" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Mission Good Friday, 2009, was the first Project Ezra event. Evangelist Tony </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SpellingError SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Miano</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">
invited others to join him in reading Matthew 26 through 28 on Good
Friday. He posted the idea as an event on Facebook, and hundreds of
people responded, going to the streets to share the good news </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">of the death and resurrection of Christ. Several other events follow</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">ed, and then, for a number of years, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Project Ezra was a weekly event, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">with leaders </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">taking
a different passage each week from one of the Bible book lists used in
Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System (which I highly recommend, by the
way). After a while interest waned, and life and church commitments
made it difficult to write weekly. However, many people have been
encouraged by the project, and many street preachers stepped onto the
box for the first time as part of Project Ezra. So we are asking you to
join us, not only in participating and inviting your friends, but in
praying that God will continue to use the group to encourage others to
share their faith.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX132079579" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">This
event's suggested reading is the true Easter story, told in Matthew 26
through 28, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Easter
is just over a week away, and the holiday is on many people’s minds.
But most have no idea what Easter is really about. They think of candy,
the Easter Bunny, or maybe of getting an extra day off work. But few
will </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">realize
that the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ is the
celebration of the greatest gift, the greatest act of love and mercy
that the world has ever known. Will you open your mouth to tell them?
Will you step out of your comfort zone, and encourage others to do the
same, in the hope that some will be drawn to salvation? We pray that
you will. Join us next weekend as Project Ezra goes out to share the
truth of Salvation through Christ.</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Check out our Facebook event here:</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">https://www.facebook.com/events/1401963423412379/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Hope to hear of your experiences and see your pictures. Praying God will be glorified and you will be encouraged.</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">All for His glory,</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX132079579"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX132079579" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX132079579" style="background-color: inherit;">Dan B.</span></span>Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-80894983119143181122013-12-20T22:00:00.000-08:002013-12-20T22:00:14.262-08:00True Gift of Christmas 2013 - A Project Ezra Event<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hello all!
I’d like to ask you, and encourage you, to join us for our next Project Ezra
reading event, this year’s True Gift of Christmas reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you not aware, Project Ezra is a
group dedicated to sharing the gospel through the public reading of
scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since we are doing our
readings less frequently now, I’m very excited for this reading, which has
traditionally been one of our best attended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again, we will be heading out to read the Christmas story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most towns and cities have a park, or square,
or some common area or special event where people gather to celebrate Christmas
(or “The Holidays.”)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal is to
gather a group of friends and church family members, a few stacks of tracts and
Bibles, and to find a spot where people can gather and listen to the story of
the birth of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, here are our
guidelines:<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">First, choose a public
area near a popular Christmas event. This could be a fair, a parade, outside
your local mall on a weekend, or any other place that draws groups of people.
You know your area, so pick a place you would want to visit with your friends
and family. <br />
<br />
Second, get together a group of like-minded believers to participate with you.
This is the ideal time to get additional people involved, since the reading
will be long and can be easily divided up. Call Christian friends and family,
and see about announcing it in church on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t get a group together, then there’s
nothing wrong with going by yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just be wise about time and location.<br />
<br />
Bring a small ladder or box to stand on, and consider making a sign stating the
name of our group and what you will be reading for listeners who arrive
mid-reading. You may or may not use amplification, depending on personal
preference and local laws.<br />
<br />
Be sure to spend time in prayer as a group before you start!<br />
<br />
Read the Christmas story. The suggested passages, in order, are John
1:1-18, Luke 1:1-80; Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-38, and Matthew 2:1-23.
Consider picking one translation that everyone will read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a requirement, but can help the
reading flow more smoothly. You also might want to consider printing the
reading in larger type and putting in into a binder that can be handed from one
participant to another, or bringing a large-print Bible. You can get the whole
reading here:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-18;%20Luke%201:1-80;%20Matthew%201:18-25;%20Luke%202:1-38;%20Matthew%202:1-23&version=ESV"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201:1-18;%20Luke%201:1-80;%20Matthew%201:18-25;%20Luke%202:1-38;%20Matthew%202:1-23&version=ESV</span></a></span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The link leads to Bible Gateway, and you can either just
print it online, or cut and paste it to a document program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular link is for ESV, but all you
have to do is go to the top of the page, and you can select you Bible version
of choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will change to the whole
passage to that version.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If you will be out in the evening, be
sure to consider the lighting level too. You may need a reading light.<br />
<br />
If you have a more experienced open-air preacher in your group (or even if you
don’t) consider following the reading with a simple gospel presentation<br />
<br />
Make sure you have plenty of tracts and bibles to hand out!</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When should
you do your reading?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anytime between now
and New Years is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People will still
be in the Christmas spirit, the decorations will still be up, so there will
still be a</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The official
Facebook event is up here: </span><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1434195403465494/?context=create">https://www.facebook.com/events/1434195403465494/?context=create</a>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">and we are putting this note to
our blog as so you have someplace to send your friends for more info. Please
let us know your thoughts, be sure to RSVP the event. We look forward to
lots of pictures, video, and stories!<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All for His glory,<br />
Dan</span></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-39100166886106033752013-11-28T09:10:00.003-08:002013-11-28T09:10:46.177-08:00Black Friday Suggested Readings/Verses - Acts 17<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="usercontent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></u></b></span><span class="usercontent"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello Project Ezra, and for
those in the States, Happy Thanksgiving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also hope and pray that many of you are
getting prepared to head out tonight or tomorrow morning to share the gospel
with the Black Friday crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those
of you who have not chosen to brave the crowds to snap up that really cheap
Christmas present or latest TV/Computer/Game System/Smart Phone, Black Friday
is by far the busiest shopping day of the year, and the evening/morning crowds
at your local Walmart or Best Buy can provide a good opportunity to share the
gospel through tracting or open-air preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do be careful, since some of the crowds will be on private property, and
some late night shoppers can be cranky (DON’T go alone), but don’t miss the opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Millions will be out, many of them seeking to
further support their idolatrous, me-centered lifestyle, and desperately in
need of Christ,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the only true source of
meaning and purpose.</span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have used Acts 17 as our Black
Friday/Thanksgiving suggested reading in the past, and it is still a great
choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While those at the Areopagus
spent their time looking for new ideas and beliefs, many in our day spend their
lives looking for the newest fashion, the newest electronic device, or one of a
host of other things that promise fulfillment that they cannot and never will
satisfy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are really very much
alike, below the surface, so this passage provides a great message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also included a couple other passages,
which you may want to use in place of (or more likely along with) Acts 17,
which address some of the same issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may also want to include several passages regarding being thankful
to God for what we have already received, and particularly for the greatest
gift of all, salvation through the blood of Christ.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ll be heading out for Black Friday
myself soon (I work in the retail industry, and don’t have an option), and I
look forward to hearing your testimonies and seeing your videos and pictures
when I get back, sometime tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
be praying for the outreach, and God willing, will be heading out Saturday
evening to share with and preach to those visiting a local Christmas
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be praying for all of you,
and would appreciate your prayers as well, for Black Friday and the outreach as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May God be glorified as His word
is preached!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All for His glory,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
in Athens</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now while Paul was waiting for them
at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full
of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons,
and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. Some of
the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said,
“What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher
of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. And
they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this
new teaching is that you are presenting? For you bring some strange things to
our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” Now all the
Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing
except telling or hearing something new.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So Paul, standing in the midst of
the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very
religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I
found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore
you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and
everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made
by man,<sup> </sup>nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed
anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the
earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling
place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and
find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,<sup> </sup>for</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“‘In him we live and move and have
our being’;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">as even some of your own poets have
said,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being then God's offspring, we ought
not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image
formed by the art and imagination of man. <sup> </sup>The times of
ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because
he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man
whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him
from the dead.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="line"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proverbs
30:7-9</span></b></span><span class="line"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Two things I ask of you;</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span class="ln-indent">deny them not to me before I die:</span><br />
<span class="line">Remove far from me falsehood and lying;</span><br />
<span class="ln-indent">give me neither poverty nor riches;</span><br />
<span class="ln-indent">feed me with the food that is needful for me,</span><br />
<span class="line">lest I be full and deny you</span><br />
<span class="ln-indent">and say, “Who is the </span><span class="divine-name">Lord</span><span class="ln-indent">?”</span><br />
<span class="line">or lest I be poor and steal</span><br />
<span class="ln-indent">and profane the name of God.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="ln-indent"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew
6:19-34</span></b></span><span class="ln-indent"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth, where moth and rust<sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/6.htm#footnotese"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a></sup> destroy and where thieves break in and steal,<b><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></b>but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in
and steal.<b><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></b>For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The eye is the
lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of
light,<b><u><span style="color: blue;"> </span></u></b>but if your eye is bad,
your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness,
how great is the darkness!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No one can serve two masters, for
either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the
one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.<sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/matthew/6.htm#footnotesf"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore I tell you, do not be
anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about
your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more
than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor
gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more
value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his
span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of
the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even
Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so
clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown
into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore
do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or
‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your
heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore do not be anxious about
tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is
its own trouble.</span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-55922010654013482692013-11-21T11:37:00.004-08:002013-11-21T11:38:30.576-08:00Thanksgiving/Black Friday 2013 & Project Ezra Holiday Plans<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><b>Hello Project Ezra!</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s been a few weeks now, and I hope you are all doing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those who did not read our most recent
post, the project is undergoing some renovation and re-thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due a variety of factors, Tony Miano and I
have been talking over changing the format and frequency of posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are still considering exactly what that
will look like, but for now we will likely be doing a smaller number of more
focused reading, particularly around days and seasons where they can have the
largest impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the original
format of the project, so we will likely move back in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <i> <b>A list of suggested holidays is below</b></i>, and we would love your feedback. These are primarily US holidays, so we would particularly like feedback from those overseas, and more information on holidays where you are, so we can work on integrating them as much as possible. </span>However, nothing is final, and we are still
talking about and praying about the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your prayers would be very much appreciated as well.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Next week is the official start of the holiday shopping
season here in the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those
abroad, next Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, followed by Black Friday, by far the
biggest shopping day of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
haven’t been out on Black Friday before (I certainly wouldn’t be if I didn’t
work in the retail industry), people will be out in droves, many from the early
hours of the morning until late in the evening, trying to get the best deals on
their Christmas gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malls will be
packed, shopping districts will be packed, and the heavy vehicle and foot
traffic means plenty of opportunities to pass out tracts and preach the
gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would encourage you not to go alone (people
who have been up all night can get a little tense), so this is the perfect time
to gather some friends and members of your church body, and make a short-term
missions trip out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Even if you can't make it on Friday, the whole weekend with be a shopping frenzy, so find a different time if you have to, but be sure to get our there! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i><b>I'll be posting some suggested passages for the reading this weekend</b>,</i> so be looking for those. Be sure to take a look at and sign up for our <b><i>Facebook Event </i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/730396566987652/?context=create" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>, if you are on Facebook, and share with your friends. Also, when you do sign up, let us know where you will be participating. I will be putting together a participation map, which I will be sharing on the event page. And finally, if you would like to be part of our event prayer team, please let me know. I will have a separate list for our prayer team, hopefully with more specific information and updates.</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />Thanks again for joining us. I'm looking forward to your event reports, pictures, and videos. May God be glorified!</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />All for His glory,</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Dan</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><u><b>Suggested Project Ezra Events for the Next Year</b></u></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">November 28th/29th Thanksgiving/Black Friday </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">December 25th Christmas</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">January 31st Chinese New Year </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">February 14th Valentines Day</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">March 17th St. Patrick's Day</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">April 20th Easter Sunday</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">May 5th Cinco De Mayo</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">May 25th Memorial Day</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">July 4th Independence Day (US)</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">September 1st Labor Day</span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">October 31st Halloween</span></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-2526324884383984522013-11-12T12:45:00.002-08:002013-11-12T12:45:54.644-08:00Reworking Project EzraHello all! You may have noticed, if you follow this blog regularly (and I hope you do), that there have been no posts for the last couple weeks. My apologies for those who were looking for them. Don't worry, Project Ezra is not going away. However, due to a number of factors (decreased readership, additional ministry responsibilities, etc.), we are looking at reworking the project, so that we can still encourage others in preaching the gospel from the word, while meeting other obligations. We are still planning to have posts for Black Friday/Thanksgiving and for Christmas, so please be looking for those. We will also be posting soon to let you know what changes, if any, we will to our weekly posts going forward. We covet your prayers, and your feedback, as we look at what the Lord would have us do with this ministry in the future. Thanks!<br />
<br />
Dan Beaudoin<br />
Project Ezra AdministratorDan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-61976977770131500332013-10-26T06:50:00.001-07:002013-10-26T06:50:23.908-07:00Luke 16 – Lazarus – Law and Prophets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week’s suggested reading is the story of the rich man and Lazarus,
from Luke 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also another example
of a story that is so appropriate for sharing the gospel that I can’t believe I
haven’t used it in my outreach more often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a wonderful, compact description of the truth of hell and real
issue in man’s disbelief, that of the suppressing of God’s truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve shared many times with others I’ve
helped to mentor in public evangelism that disbelief is never an intellectual
problem, but a moral and spiritual one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certainly there are those out there who have unanswered questions, and
if those questions are sincere (many are not), we should be willing to take the
time to answer those questions, or to look for the answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as is made clear is this week’s passage,
if they do not believe Moses and the Prophets (primarily the moral law and our
conscience, and fulfilled prophecy), they will not believe even if someone
rises from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many people will ask questions and claim lack of proof simply
to try to shut Christians up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they
can stump you, or confuse you, or catch you in what they think is a logical
mistake, it will help encourage them in their disbelief, and they will think
they are smarter than you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is that
pride that is the foundation for much of people’s denial of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t let it get to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, it’s not your job to convince
somebody of the truth of God’s word, or to save them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your job, and my job, is simply to be
faithful to the calling God has given us, and God is glorified and honored in
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should study to show ourselves
approved (2 Tim 2:15), and present the truth as clearly and plainly as we can, trusting
that the Holy Spirit will do the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it is only through a change by the Spirit of God that anyone will
come to true salvation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray this outline is a blessing, and that the Spirit will
bring many to true faith this weekend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND THE PROJECT</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ LUKE 16</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the story of a rich man, and a poor man, but it’s
not really about money</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a story about eternity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During life the rich man had all that he wanted, but nothing
that really mattered</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the poor man had nothing of earthly value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No money, no health, and no help.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when they walked off into eternity, things changed
dramatically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to share a few truths, that I pray, by God’s grace,
will change you dramatically.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, hell is a real place, and it is terrible beyond
comprehension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a place of fire and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rich man was in such agony, that he
begged for a single drop of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one should want to go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to go there, and I don’t want
you to go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is part of why we are here tonight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, there will be no second chance after this life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the rich man saw Lazarus, there was a wide gulf
separating them, which could not be crossed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether that picture was figurative or literal, the message is
clear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As scripture says, it is appointed unto men once to die, and
after that the judgment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Third, you will not be able to claim ignorance, or lack of
evidence, on that final day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though God is not obligated to prove His existence of power
to us, He has still chosen to provide us with evidence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Prophets foretold many truths about Jesus Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They told us what family He would come from, where He would
be born, where He would live, that he would be betrayed, and the details of
that betrayal, that He would die for sin, how He would die, and even that His
garments would be gambled for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(IT WOULD BE WISE TO
MAKE A LIST OF PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN JESUS TO KEEP IN YOUR BIBLE WHEN YOU GO
OUT TO SHARE THE GOSPEL).</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Law also shows us the truth of God’s existence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible tells us that God writes His law on our hearts,
and our conscience bears witness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every one of us has a conscience, and a knowledge of right
and wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though we may try to suppress God’s truth because of our
unrighteousness and desire to sin and go our own way (Romans 1:18-23), in the
end we will be without excuse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you examine yourself in light of God’s moral law, you
will find this to be true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider the 10 Commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though God says much more in His law, the
Commandments are a good litmus test, an over-arching view of God’s expectations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GO THROUGH THE MORAL
LAW TO BRING CONVICTION OF SIN</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
So we see that there is an
eternal punishment waiting for those that rebel against God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
We see that all of us deserve to
go there, and that we can no claim ignorance as an excuse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
And we see that there will be no
way of escape, and no second chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
So what should we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
Though we know we are guilty, is
there a way our case can be dismissed, so we can go free?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
There is a way, one way, and it
is through the man who told us this story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
Jesus Christ, who lived almost
2000 years ago, was more than a wise man, or a teller of stories.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
He not only told the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the answer to the story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
Jesus lives a life like no other
person in history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lived a life of
perfection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
He could live that life because
He was God in human flesh, who came to earth for our sake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
By the power of the Spirit, He
lived in obedience to God, taught the people, worked many miracles, and then
suffered and died.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
When He died on the cross, God
laid all our sin, all our iniquity, on Him, and punished Him in our place
(Isaiah 53).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 308.25pt;">
Then, as He has prophesied, He
rose again from the dead, proving His power over<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Then He ascended into
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then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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But if you turn from your sinful, selfish life, and turn to
the Savior, Jesus Christ, trusting in Him alone, then His blood will be the
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If you have not done that, if you are denying God and
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Life is short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None
of us is promised a tomorrow.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Turn to Christ today, and live, while you still have time.</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-44778004396457402982013-10-18T14:26:00.000-07:002013-10-18T14:26:06.691-07:00Acts 20:17-38 - Hard Truths <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Hello Project Ezra! This week's
suggested reading is from Acts 20, and deals with the struggles Paul had in the
sharing of the gospel and planting churches. We sometimes talk about
persecution in the church, but for the most part, what we call persecution is
nothing more than discomfort or inconvenience. The attacks Paul dealt
with were real persecution, and to make matters worse, he was preaching a
difficult message. The message of the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ seemed crazy to many of the people of Paul's day. Think
about what he was saying, and how you would react. A</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> carpenter from a
out-of-the-way</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> town was not only a prophet, but God in human flesh? And this
man lived a perfect life, died a criminal's death, and then rose from the
dead? And now trusting in Him is the only way to peace with God?
Really??</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span>
<br />
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">What we need to remember, when we are sharing
the gospel, is that our message is difficult too. Not only do we have the
same issues as Paul, but we are sharing a message of a God of justice and
wrath, who can only be appeased through terrible punishment. God's
justice was not foreign to the Jews, as it is to most in our culture, though
they thought that justice would be reserved for their enemies. They were
also expecting a deliver</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">er, a savior, though when He came, He was much
different than they expected as well. Most people you</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> know probably </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">think they can</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> save them</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">selves. T</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">he truths that were
foundational to Jewish</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> culture are</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> almost completely foreign to ours. We
only need ourselves. We act as our own gods, whether we acknowledge it or
not. And that makes our message very difficult to hear.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">That is why we must depend on the power of the
Gospel. We share hard truths, with love and compassion, but without
compromise, because it is through that Gospel, by the power of the Holy Spirit,
that God has chosen to draw people to Himself. Accommodating the message
to the culture changes the message and robs it of its power. We are to be
heralds, not negotiators. And though we must always act with respect and
love to those we want to reach, we need to trust in God to change hearts and
minds. I pray that this weekend hearts and minds will be changed as you
are faithful to share His message, in its fullness.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">All for His glory,</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Dan</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">
</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="eop"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">INTRODUCTION</span></b></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">READ ACTS 20</span></b></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">TALK ABOUT WHY WE ARE THERE</span></b></span></span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> - the glory of God and the salvation of those
who are there</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I pray that, like Paul, I will not shrink from
the declaring the whole counsel of God, as long as I may finish my course, and
testify to the gospel of the grace of God.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">The </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">gospel</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> of grace</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> is this:</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God created this world perfect</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But mankind, out of pride, chose to rebel and
fell into sin</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Now, a</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">ll men are born sinners, in rebellion against
their creator</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">And because of our rebellion, we are deserving
of God's justice</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">The scriptures tell us that justice will be
carried out in a very real place called Hell</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But because God is not only a just judge, but
also a loving Father, He made a way for justice to be </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">satisfied, so we would
not have to go to Hell</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Jesus Christ, God the Son, humbled Himself and
came to earth</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-indent: 36.75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He lived the perfect life that none of us did,
and then died a perfect death on a Roman cross</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">And on the cross, all God's anger and wrath
toward sin was poured out on Him, so it would not have to be poured out on us.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Then He rose on the third day, as He had
prophesied He would, and after appearing to His disciples, ascended to the
right hand of the Father in heaven.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He now sits as both judge, and advocate</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">, and i</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">f we </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">will </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">turn from our sins and to
the free gift of grace offered by our one true savior, then the price of our
sins will be satisfied, </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">we will be seen as righteous before God, </span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">and we will be free.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .75pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Then we will spend eternity in loving
relationship and worship of God, as we were designed to do.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">My life has no value in comparison to the
greatness of th</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">is</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> message</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">, and the truth</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> of God's grace.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I pray that</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">, like Paul and the early disciples, that</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> I will not cease to
admonish you night and day, even with tears.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I know that t</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">hese truths</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> can be hard to accept, though they are not
hard to understand.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But the</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> truth</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> of our sin before God is real, and we all
know it</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God has written His law on our hearts, and our
consciences bear witness (</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">Romans 2</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">), so we know this to be true.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">GIVE EXAMPLES OF SIN FROM GOD'S LAW TO BRING
CONVICTION</span></b></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">You are a sinner, like I am, worthy of nothing
by hell and God's wrath</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">This is a hard truth that many churches, and
pastors, will not teach.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Some will lighten the message, with little or
no emphasis on sin, or wrath</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">They will tell you God is not angry, though
the Bible tells us many times that He is</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">(IT WOULD BE WISE TO HAVE VERSES TO SUPPORT
THIS READY, IF YOU ARE CHALLENGED. Proverbs 6:10-19, Psalm 7:11, 5:4-6,
11:5</span></b></span><b><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">)</span></span></b></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Some with just try to make you feel good about
yourself, so you can live your best life now.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But they often ignore the truth of the world
to come.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">If they do, know that they care more about
your friendship, your acceptance, or your money, than they do about you, and
preachers that bring nothing but comfort may also be bringing a curse upon you.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Scripture calls them wolves in sheep's
clothing (Matthew 7:15)</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">They are t</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">eachers who tickle itching ears, preaching a
comfortable message that causes you to wander from the truth, and into
mythology (2 Timothy 4:3-4)</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But they do not help you. They exploit
you, and m</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">ake merchandise out of you (2 Peter 2) for their own selfish reasons.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But thought the truth of sin, death, and hell
is hard, there is good news.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God does not minimize sin, or ignore sin, or
accept sin. </span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But through the blood of Jesus Christ on the
cross, 2000 years ago, he paid for sin.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He came to earth, God in human flesh, lived a
perfect life, and then died a perfect death, as payment for sin.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Now He has risen from the dead, proving who He
was, and reigns in heaven.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">If we trust in Him, in Jesus Christ alone, to
save us through His shed blood, than we will be saved.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">To many of you they may sound like nothing
more than foolishness.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Scripture tells us that the word of the cross
is foolishness to those who are perishing</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">So if this sounds like foolishness to you, you
have reason to fear.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I would challenge you to read the Bible for
yourself, and see what it says</span></span><span><span style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">OFFER FREE BIBLES IF YOU HAVE THEM AVAILABLE.</span></b></span><b><span><span style="background-color: inherit;"> For unbelievers, I
generally suggest John. For professing believers, I suggest John and 1
John.</span></span></b></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I pray that you will consider these things. </span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in your
mind and heart, and bring you to a knowledge of Himself, so that you may be
saved.</span></span></span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span><span style="background-color: inherit;"><span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Please, do not delay. Call out to God,
and be saved, while He has given you time.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"></span></span><br />
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-6432977749130875712013-10-11T14:07:00.003-07:002013-10-11T14:07:46.510-07:00Isaiah 25<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks so much for being part of our group, and following this
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that it will continue to be
an encouragement to you, as many of you have been to me.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the near future (details still to be determined), there
will be a bit of a change in the project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The most notable change is that someone else will be contributing to our
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to additional responsibilities
I’m taking on at church, I can’t devote as much time to the weekly posts, so I
have asked for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is
that one of the people who will be taking up the slack in Tony Miano, who
founded this group!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a great
blessing to have Tony participating again, and I’m sure his posts will
encourage and edify you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may also
have other long-time participants writing for the blog going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned for more!</div>
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<br /></div>
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This week, our suggested chapter is Isaiah 25.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a powerful passage, which highlights
the foolishness of trusting in human power, and the wisdom of trusting in
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also talks about the great
comfort there is in trusting in God’s goodness and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray it is a blessing to you, and will have
an impact on those who hear it preached.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory,<br />
Dan</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND THE PROJECT</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ ISAIAH 25</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As this chapter tells us, the Lord God, the God of the
Bible, is a shelter, and a comfort, to those who trust in Him</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In chapter 25, Isaiah says “O Lord, you are my God; I will
exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans
formed of old, faithful and sure.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He calls God a stronghold to the poor and to the needy in
distress, and a shelter from the storm</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have also seen that, and know it to be true.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is great comfort and peace in who God is, and in
knowing Him.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God does not only bring peace and comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also a God who brings judgment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah also says “He made the city a heap, the fortified
city a ruin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore strong peoples
will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The God of the Bible is a good God, loving and
faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he is also fearful to
those who trust in their own strength, or who turn to false gods</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are told the breath of the ruthless is like a storm
against a wall, like heat in a dry place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is powerless and impotent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah says as heat by the shade of a cloud, so the song of
the ruthless is put down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He says the hand of the Lord will rest on this mountain, and
Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a
dunghill</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also says “the Lord will lay low his pompous pride,
together with the skill of his hands.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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And the high fortifications of his walls he will bring down,
lay low, and cast to the ground, to the dust.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All the strength of men, all the edifices they build to
exalt and protect themselves, will be cast down, and ground to powder, before
God’s strength.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where have you placed your trust?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you trusting in your own strength, and denying God’s
existence?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If so, you are only lying to yourself</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our hearts, we all know that God exists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 1 tells us “<span class="selected">For </span>the wrath
of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of
men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. <span class="verse-num">19 </span>For
what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
<span class="verse-num">20 </span>For his invisible attributes, namely, his
eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the
creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without
excuse. <span class="verse-num">21 </span>For although they knew God, they
did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their
thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. <span class="verse-num">22 </span>Claiming
to be wise, they became fools, <span class="verse-num">23 </span>and
exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and
birds and animals and creeping things.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all know God exists, and only through suppressing that
truth can we deny it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you trusting in your own goodness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think God will let you into heaven
because you have tried your best, or are better than your neighbor, or spouse? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think you will get in because you go to
church, or give money, or help the poor?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture tells us in Romans 2 that “the work of the law is
written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their
conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though we try to ignore it, and deny it, we all know when we
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our conscience bears witness to our
sin, and our sin separates us from relationship with God, and brings us under
His judgment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 3:23 tells us all have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have, and so have you.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look at yourself in the mirror of God’s law, which was given
to us to show us ourselves in truth.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s law tells us we should not lie (VERSE).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we have all lied, including me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s law tells us we should not steal, but every one of us
is a thief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you have stolen
something small, whether it is a pen or pencil, an answer on a test, music
downloaded from the internet, or 15 minutes on a timecard that you did not
work, it still makes you a thief, just like me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you used God’s name in disgust, or in place of a curse
word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have used Jesus’ name as an
expression of surprise, or said OMG, you have blasphemed God’s name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God tells us in Exodus 20 that He will not
hold him guiltless who misuses His name.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you looked with lust at someone who is not your husband
or wife?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter
5 that even a lustful look is adultery in His eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truly, every one of us has broken God’s law, and is worthy
of His judgment.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="selected">Ephesians 2 says, “And you were </span>dead
in the trespasses and sins <span class="verse-num">2 </span>in which you
once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the
power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—<span class="verse-num">3 </span>among whom we all once lived in the passions of
our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by
nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That wrath will be carried out in a very real place called
hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a place of fire and darkness
and pain, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there is no escape from hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will last through eternity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the same passage that tells us we are children of wrath,
also says that there are those who will escape that wrath, by an act of God’s
grace</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="verse-num">It says “4 </span>But God, being
rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, <span class="verse-num">5 </span>even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us
alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—<span class="verse-num">6 </span>and
raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ
Jesus, <span class="verse-num">7 </span>so that in the coming ages he might
show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus. <span class="verse-num">8 </span>For by grace you have been saved
through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, <span class="verse-num">9 </span>not a result of works, so that no one may boast. <span class="verse-num">10 </span>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in
them.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you will humble yourself before God, turning from your
sins and trusting in Jesus Christ alone, you can be saved by the gift of God’s
grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That grace was provided through the death of Jesus Christ, God
the Son, on a Roman cross 2000 years ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus came to earth, and lived the perfect life we were
called to live, but never could. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he was crucified, and when He was on the cross He was
crushed under the wrath of the Father.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah 53 tells us that it pleased the Father to crush Him,
for our sake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<span class="text">he was pierced for our transgressions;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">he was
crushed for our iniquities;</span><br />
<span class="text">upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text">and
with his wounds we are healed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">He died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They three days later, He rose again from the dead, proving who He was,
and proving His power over death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">Now he sits at God’s right hand as ruler
and judge, but also as our advocate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">If we trust in Him, and in Him alone, then
on the day of judgment, we will be seen as pure in His sight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">If you are here today, and are not trusting
in Him, I plead with you to turn to Him while He has given you time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text">Turn to Christ, and live!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when you do, you will be able to declare,
along with the prophet Isaiah:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe
away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people he will take away
from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, that He
might save us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the Lord; we have
waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in His salvation!</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-73127351047481390512013-10-04T16:55:00.001-07:002013-10-04T16:55:35.082-07:00Lamentations 3:1-40<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
week our suggested reading is Lamentations 3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have actually looked at it once before, a couple years ago, but it’s
a great chapter, so I decided to suggest it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the questions, or objections, that I
hear most frequently regarding the Christian faith, and the existence of God,
is the problem of suffering and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is addressed head-on in Lamentations 3, but Jeremiah’s reaction is
the opposite of what we generally see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though he struggles with suffering, it drives him back to God, rather
than away from Him. He goes back to the truth of who God is, His nature and
character, and that gives him comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a great lesson, and we as believers should do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But more, we should impress this truth on
non-believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have said many times,
in answer to unbelievers when sharing the gospel, that I do not believe in and
trust in God because I understand everything He does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust in Him because He has shown himself
to be trust-worthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know God is sovereign,
that His plans and thoughts are higher than mine, and that He will work all
things together for good for those who trust in Him and are called according to
His purpose (Romans 8:28), and I have seen that truth work itself out in my
life and the lives of those around me many, many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that today, that truth will be
encouraging to you, and transformative for those who don’t know Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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All for His glory,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND PROJECT EZRA</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ LAMENTATIONS 3</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This book is believed to have been written by Jeremiah,
sometimes called the weeping prophet</div>
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<br /></div>
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The book is a collection of poems, expressing his grief over
the fall of Jerusalem</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jeremiah lived through that fall, and suffered greatly
because of it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And in Lamentations he cries out to God to deliver him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He says God had besieged and enveloped him with bitterness
and tribulation</div>
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<br /></div>
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He says that God had allowed him to dwell in darkness</div>
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<br /></div>
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Have you ever felt that way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you felt that if there is a God, that He has abandoned you?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe your own suffering, or the suffering of someone close
to you, has caused to reject God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It may even have caused you to hate God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For some it is difficult to believe through suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But don’t despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider who God is.</div>
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<br /></div>
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God is the God of all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knows all, and is sovereign over all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing happens in His world without a purpose, not even your
struggle and suffering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This chapter asks “Who has spoken and it came to pass,
unless the Lord has commanded it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes it is those struggles, and our desperation, that
cause us to look to Him, and realize our greatest need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And our greatest need, the thing we should most look for, is
God’s mercy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Gospel of Luke, some of Jesus’ followers told him
about some men from Galilee who’s blood a Roman ruler had mixed with their
sacrifices.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They seemed to assume that those men had suffered because of
something they had done. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Jesus said: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
"Do you think that these
Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they
suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all
likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed
them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived
in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise
perish."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We often don’t know why God allows suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But if we look at ourselves in the mirror of His law, and
see ourselves in truth, we will see that any struggles we have are far less
than we deserve.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s law shows us that we are guilty sinners, deserving of
God’s wrath</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GO THROUGH THE LAW TO
BRING CONVICTION OF SIN</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are all guilty, and deserving of God’s wrath.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And because God is just, and holy, His wrath will be
satisfied.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He will not leave the guilty unpunished (VERSE), but will
insure every sin is paid for</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is the reason Hell was created.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the fire, and darkness, and pain of hell, past and future
sin will be paid for</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they don’t have to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t have to suffer for your sins in hell</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lamentations 3 says though He cause grief, He will have
compassion according to the abundance of His steadfast love</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also tells us that the steadfast love of the Lord never
ceases; His mercies never come to an end</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ offers us mercy through His blood, shed on a cross,
so that we would not have to shed ours</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Christ died, His suffering paid our debt, so that if we
repent, we will not perish, and if we trust in Him, we will go free. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you done that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If not, I plead with you to do so today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This chapter asks:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Why should a living man complain, a
man, about the punishment of his sins?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Let us test and examine our ways,
and return to the Lord!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Return to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look to Him to save you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust in
His goodness, and His life-giving sacrifice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your suffering has great purpose, if it causes you to look
to Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Psalm 126:5 says that those who sow in tears shall reap with
shouts of joy! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And for His children, there is a day when he will wipe away
every <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">tear</span></strong> from their eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The book of Revelation says death shall be no more, neither
shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things
have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn from your sin and to your savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust in Christ alone and you will be saved!</div>
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<br /></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-82557336629079086732013-09-27T14:49:00.005-07:002013-09-27T14:49:50.957-07:00Proverbs 14 - The Way That Seems Right Which Leads to Death<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX105449844" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Proverbs 14</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX105449844" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Hello Project Ezra! My apologies for missing last week’s post. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Last weekend was </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SpellingError SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Norcal</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">
Fire, our local evangelism conference, which I help to run, and I was
indeed running for most of the week, trying to make final arrangement</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">s</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> and make sure no detail was forgotten. By God’s grace, it went very well. The preaching from Tony </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SpellingError SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Miano</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">
(who founded this group), Andrew Rappaport from Striving for Eternity,
and Matt Slick from CARM was excellent, and many people were blessed and
encouraged. The sermons will be available soon, and I would encourage
you to check out the Q and A session I did with the speakers here: </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCX105449844" href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9231302483" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCX105449844" style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9231302483</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">It was a lot of fun to do, and there were many good subjects regarding evangelism that were addressed</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">This week’s outline is below. The recommended chapter is Proverbs 14, and I have</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> focused on verse 14, which says “</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">” </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> This is perfect description of the behavior of a large part of modern society. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> The outline points this out, and gives several examples of how our society's view of right and wrong are contrary to God's wor</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">d</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.
I would encourage you to search the scriptures, consider the news, the
entertainment industry, etc., and come up with your own additional
examples</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">, and s</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">hare them with the group if you would like.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Thanks
for being part of Project Ezra. I pray this outline is a blessing to
you, and convicting to those who hear the gospel preached.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">All for His glory,</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Dan </span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">INTRODUCTION</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">READ PROVERBS 14</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Proverbs 14 tells us</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">, among many other wise statements,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">There may be few other passages of scripture t</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">hat I can think of which</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> describe our society better</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Our society in </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">general,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> and each of us in particular, are in nearly constant rebellion against God</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">, and His word.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">We call evil good, and good</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> evil. (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SpellingError SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">isaiah</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> 5:20</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">) </span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">We marginalize God’s law, or deny His existence all together.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">But in our hearts, we know that God exists, and that He has spoken</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">God’s law is written on our </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">hearts,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> and our consciences bear witness (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Romans 2:15</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">) when we sin against Him</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Yet</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> this</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> society of rebels not only accepts many of those sins, but celebrates them.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">We
celebrate moral relativism, saying that everyone should be allowed to
define their own morality. Yet scripture says there is only one
lawgiver and judge, Jesus Christ (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">James 4:12</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">). When we define our own morality, we commit idolatry, attempting to usurp God’s authority</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">We celebrate Religious pluralism, and the idea that we should all coexist. Yet scripture tells us that God is a jealous God (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Deuteronomy 6:15</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">), that sacrifices offered to false gods are really offered to demons (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">1 Corinthians 10:20</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">), and calls </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">worship of any but the true God spiritual adultery.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">We
celebrate sexual freedom, claiming that our bodies are ours to do with
as we please. But God created sex, just as He created everything else,
with a purpose. When we reject th</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">at purpose, through pre-marital or</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> extra-marital</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> sex</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">, homosexuality, ped</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">ophilia, or any other</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> sinful act</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> or thought</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">, we blaspheme God and </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">spiritual as well as </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">commit adultery.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">CONSIDER GOD'S LAW AND COME UP WITH ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES. SHARE THEM ON THE </span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX105449844" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 48px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">GROUP FACEBOOK PAGE IF YOU THINK APPROPRIATE.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">In all these we break God’s law, and rebel against Him, earning His wrath.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">In fact, scripture tells us we are all, by nature, children or wrath (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Ephesians 2:3</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">)</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Every one of us deserves death and fiery hell as punishment for our sins against God.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">God, who is just, will see that justice is satisfied, and that every sin is paid completely.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">But the same passage that tells us that we are by nature Children of wrath</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> also has good news.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX105449844" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">It tells us of a God who is also loving, and merciful</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> (Ephesians 2:4-7).</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">It tells us of a God who gave us the immeasurable riches of His grace through Jesus Christ.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX105449844" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, was the one man in history who lives as God had commanded.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">He lived the perfect life we could never live, and then died the criminal’s death we deserved.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">He
rose on the third day, proving His power over death, proving who He
claimed to be, and is now seated at God’s right hand, as our advocate.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Now, if we will trust in Him, if we will, in humility, turn from sin and trust in His sacrifice for us, then we will be saved.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">Fix your eyes on Christ, my friend. Trust in Him alone!</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">There is no other name under heaven by which you must be saved</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> (Acts 4:12)</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">. There is no other hope in </span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">heaven or on earth.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">If you do not trust in Jesus as God, you will die in your sins</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;"> (John 8:24)</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX105449844" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">If you reject His sacrifice as payment for your sins, you will spend eternity paying for them yourself.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br />
<span class="TextRun SCX105449844" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX105449844" style="background-color: inherit;">So turn to Christ today, and live!</span></span>Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-58865636167494956822013-09-13T06:51:00.000-07:002013-09-13T06:51:07.266-07:00Psalm 116 - Purpose and Thanksgiving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Project Ezra! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pray that you are having a blessed week, and are looking forward to sharing God’s
amazing message of grace this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our suggested reading for this week is Psalm 116, which is a prayer of
thanksgiving for deliverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s an
encouragement for me, because even though understanding of the law and bringing
people to conviction over their sins is vital, it’s too easy, for me at least,
to swing to far in that direction and to forget to praise and thank God for His
grace toward me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legalism is always a
danger, and leads us to an idolatrous attitude where we see ourselves in control
and our obedience as the deciding factor in our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that the way to avoid going down
that path is to rejoice in the grace we have been given, and to spend time
praising God, first for our salvation, and secondly for the changing of our
hearts and minds that demonstrates that our salvation in secure. </div>
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In our outline, we will be talking about the source of
comfort and peace for the unbeliever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
truth, there is no peace for them, since true peace only comes from a right
relationship with God, and that’s what we want to point out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our hearts we know we have sinned and
deserve judgment, but those outside Christ try to fill space with everything
other than Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to call them to
abandon those worldly pursuits and come to Christ instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they will be able to give God praise for
the gift of salvation, as the Psalm writer did.</div>
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I pray this is an encouragement, and that through your faithfulness
to God’s call, that many will hear His word proclaimed today.</div>
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All for His glory, </div>
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Dan</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCTION</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ PSALM 116</b></div>
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I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my pleas
for mercy</div>
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Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful</div>
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<br /></div>
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You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our gracious God is the source of our salvation and comfort,
and true peace is only found in Him</div>
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<br /></div>
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Is He your source of comfort?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is He a source of fear, or hatred or
loathing?</div>
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<br /></div>
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What are you trying to find comfort in?</div>
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Are you searching for comfort in Money?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fame?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Education?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Success?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Physical pleasure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Entertainment?</div>
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None of these will ever satisfy you, because they are not
what you were designed for.</div>
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Your existence is not an accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were beautifully designed with a purpose.</div>
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You were designed to glorify and have fellowship with God
(Ephesians 1, 1 Corinthians 10:31)</div>
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But we often search for comfort, peace, and fulfillment
outside God, to maintain our own autonomy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We want to be free, free to make our own choices and chart
our own path. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to be our own
gods.</div>
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We rebel against God, even against His goodness, because we
think we know ourselves better than He does.</div>
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But God is our creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knows our design and our purpose.</div>
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When we break His law and deny His rule over our lives, we
rebel against our design and purpose.</div>
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We will never find true peace in rebellion against God, only
His righteous judgment.</div>
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We all deserve God’s judgment for our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sins are moral crimes, acts of rebellion
against who He is, and what He has told us to do.</div>
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God will judge us for our lying, because He is a God of
truth.</div>
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He will judge us for stealing or coveting, because God has
graciously given us all we need, and we have no right to demand more.</div>
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God will judge for lust and adultery, because He is a
faithful God, and our relationships are meant to mirror His faithfulness.</div>
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He will judge those who murder, whether in deed or in
hateful thoughts, because all life belongs to Him, and we have no right,
outside of His righteous laws, to take that life.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And in all these things we set ourselves up as higher than
Him, and wiser than Him, and commit idolatry by trying to make ourselves god in
His place.</div>
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We are all, by nature, rebels against our king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all, by nature children of wrath (Ephesians
2).</div>
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But our king is merciful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though we deserve death for our rebellion, He will deliver our souls
from death, if we will humble ourselves and trust in Him.</div>
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2000 years ago Jesus Christ, God in human form, came to
earth to suffer, die, and rose again so our souls could be delivered.</div>
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Jesus willingly went to a Roman Cross to that justice could
be satisfied (Colossians 2)</div>
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Our God is a just and righteous God, who told us that He
would not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34)</div>
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So Jesus took that guilt, our guilt, and bore it.</div>
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Isaiah 53 tells us:</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">But he was pierced for our transgressions; </span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">he was crushed for our iniquities;</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">upon him was the chastisement that brought us
peace,</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and with his wounds we are healed.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All we like sheep have gone astray;</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">we have turned—every one—to his own way;</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and the Lord has laid on him</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5-6, ESV)</span></div>
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God provided a payment for sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through repentance toward sin and trust in
Christ alone, we can be made right with Him.</div>
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Through Jesus sacrifice, we can find true peace, and a
restored relationship with our creator.</div>
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What will you do with that truth?</div>
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Will you turn to Christ and live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or will you remain in your sins and receive the
judgment you deserve in hell.</div>
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There is no second chance, and there is no alternate
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All other God’s are false, and all
other means of reconciliation are lies from Satan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Turn to Christ today, and you, like the Psalm writer, will
be able to come before your God, not in fear, but in worship and praise,
lifting up His name in thanksgiving.</div>
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What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?</div>
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I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of
the Lord</div>
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I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His
people</div>
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I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call
on the name of the Lord</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-62516119657618996642013-09-06T11:43:00.004-07:002013-09-06T11:43:59.528-07:00Job 9 - Our Sovereign God<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">One of the most vital aspects of God’s character, yet at the same
time often the most misunderstood, if not downright vilified, is the concept of
God’s sovereignty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea that God
not only created everything, but controls everything and dictates how we should
act, is repugnant to the natural man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Christians, we know that God’s sovereignty is truly a gift, not a curse, but
those outside of Christ, because of their fallen nature, cannot get past their
desire for freedom (so called) and autonomy to see who God truly is, and what a
blessing it is to be His bond-slave.</span></span>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I don’t believe there is any message that is so clearly presented
in the book of Job than the message that God is sovereign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is very clearly the point of God’s questioning of Job in the final
chapters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even as early as chapter
9, this week’s suggested reading, it is clear that Job understands something of
that truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, he is not rejoicing
in God’s sovereignty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is complaining
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t understand what God
is doing, he knows he has no recourse, and he’s frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have spent any time
sharing the gospel on the street, you have heard similar complaints, and likely have talked to people who have walked away from church when things in their lives have gone wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem of pain and suffering can be one
of the most difficult questions to deal with, for believers and unbelievers alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when God brings you to
a deeper understanding of what His sovereignty means, it turns from a source of frustration to an amazing blessing
and a joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God has allowed pain and
difficulty, but He has also promised that He will wipe away every tear from
those who are trusting in Him, and bring them into His kingdom.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="indent line" id="p19138008_09-1">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">So this week I encourage you, as you are reading, to challenge
others, and yourself, regarding the sovereignty of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Present a God that is sovereign in His power
over His creation, and in His judgment of His creation’s disobedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, present a God who is sovereign in
salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our God is mighty to save,
and as Psalm 138 tells us, t</span></span><span class="selected">he </span><span class="small-caps">Lord</span><span class=""> will </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps57.2%3BPp1.6/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">fulfill his purpose for you, and He will not forsake </span><a class="cf" href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ps100.3/"><span class=""></span></a><span class="">the work of His hands.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
All for His glory,<br />
Dan<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="normaltextrun"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">INTRODUCTION </span></b></span><span class="eop"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">READ JOB 9</span></b></span><span class="eop"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">In Job 9, Job asks questions and makes statements about who God is,
and what He is like</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">They are questions that ought to make us pause and think.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Stop and listen for a moment, and you will see how these truths impact you</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Job asks "Can a man be in the right before God? Who can
contend with Him?"</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Then Job talks about what God is like, about His power.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Job says that God removes mountains, and overturns them in His anger</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He says that He shakes the earth out of its place</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He commands the sun and it does not rise, and He seals up the stars</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Job tells us God made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades. These
are star clusters and constellations we still recognize today.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He says God passes by, but we do not see Him, that He moves but we
do not perceive Him.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He ask<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>if God snatches away,
who will turn Him back? Who will say "What are you doing?"</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">And Job reminds us that God is not a man that we might answer Him,
and there is no arbiter between us.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">This whole passage emphasizes a message that is at the heart of the
book of Job, and indeed the entire Bible</span></span>.</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">It is a message Job understood in part, but not fully, until the
end of the book. And it is a lessen all of us need to learn, or to
understand better.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">That truth is that God is sovereign</span></span>.</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">When we say God is sovereign we mean that He has the authority and
ability to do what He desires with His creation. </span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">It means nothing happens in this universe unless He either causes
it, or allows it.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">1 Chronicles 29:11 says "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and
the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the
heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are
exalted as head above all."</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Psalm 115:3 tells us "Our God is in the heavens; he does all
that he pleases."</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">The idea of a sovereign God is a wonderful thing when He is a God
who will take our side, and be our support</span></span>.</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But we get much more uncomfortable when He becomes our ruler, one
who dictates what is right and punishes what is wrong.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">We don't want someone to control us. We want to believe we
can and should control our own lives.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">It is that desire that drove Adam and Even to sin in Eden, and it
is that desire that drives us to deny or rebel against God today. </span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">It come from a desire for autonomy, and ultimately, from pride.</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 6.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But we are not our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
belong to God, and He has made His power and authority clear, in the world
around us, and within us.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="normaltextrun"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God has revealed Himself to us in His creation</span></span><span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Psalm 19 tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God, and
the skies proclaim the work of His hands</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Romans 1 also tells us that what can be known about God is plain to
those who deny Him, because He has made it plain to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For His invisible attributes, He eternal
power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from the
things that have been made, so they are without excuse.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God has also revealed Himself in His word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">2 Peter 1 tells us how men spoke from God as they were carried
along by the Holy Spirit</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">2 Timothy 3 reminds us that all scripture is breathed out by God</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But even if you disagree with these truths, you cannot escape the
law God has written on your heart</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Our conscience is God’s internal witness to His existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know you are wrong when you break His
law, even if you try to suppress it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
feel guilt when you sin, because you know you are guilty.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">We will all stand in judgment before God one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may not have thought much about that, or
you may have thought that was OK, since God sees your heart and knows your good
intentions.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But God does know your heart, and that’s not a good thing</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Consider the 10 Commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You would probably agree with many of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a moment of reflection will show you that
even those you agree with, you have not kept.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">GOD THROUGH A FEW OF
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS, TO SHOW PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE BROKEN GOD’S LAW AND ARE
GUILTY BEFORE HIM.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ told His followers to be
perfect, as His Father was perfect.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">All of us have fallen far short of perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of us are guilty of breaking God’s law.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Guilty criminals like us deserve to be punished, and the punishment
we deserve for our rebellion against the God of the universe, is eternity in
Hell.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">In Hell, those who have rejected God and broken His law will suffer
in a place of fire and darkness and pain, paying the price for their past and
continued hatred of God.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But though we deserve pain and punishment, God, who is not only
sovereign but loving and merciful, made a way of escape.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">We could not satisfy our sin debt, so Jesus Christ, God the Son,
satisfied it for us on a Roman Cross.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">When Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago, He lived the perfect life
we never could, and then died a perfect death.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">He nailed Himself, and our sins, to the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there, justice was satisfied.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Then He rose from the dead, ascended, and now sits at God’s right hand.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Now, if you turn away from your sins and put your trust in Christ alone,
you will still stand before God one day.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">But when you do, God will no longer look at your sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, He will look at His own Son, and see
His perfection credited to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Only through that gift of grace, only through that perfect life,
substitutionary death, and representation before God on judgment day, can you
escape the Hell you deserve.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I deserve Hell, but I won’t go there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I will spend eternity in heaven, but not because I’m good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I will spend eternity in heaven because GOD is good, and because
Jesus Christ died to save me.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Are you trusting in Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you trusting in the only way to salvation?</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">If you are not, please, turn to Christ and live.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">God is sovereign, and God is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Humble yourself, throw yourself on His mercy, and He will save you.</span></span></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">And because God is sovereign, He will keep you, and you too will
have the joy of knowing God, and spending eternity in loving worship of Him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="eop"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Then you can say, as Paul did in his letter to the Philippians,</span></span> that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ!</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-55036891432306362452013-08-30T07:02:00.002-07:002013-08-30T07:02:49.668-07:002 Thessalonians 1 - Jesus Christ the Judge<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week our suggested reading is from 2 Thessalonians chapter 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul encourages those in the church he
planted, and then reminds them of the Day of Judgment, and the wrath that Jesus
Christ will bring on those who have rejected Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a Jesus that most people don’t like
to think about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often Jesus is thought
of as kind and meek, in contrast to the angry, wrathful God of the Old
Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is just one of many
passages that demonstrated that is not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is our savior, but He is also
judge to those who remain in their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We want people to see all of who Jesus Christ is, so that they will
repent of their sins and trust in Him, rather than remaining in their sins,
unworried, believing God is all love, and that they have no justice to be
concerned with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that God will be
with you in your outreach this weekend, and that souls will be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory,<br />
Dan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND THE PROJECT</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ 2 THESSALONIANS
1</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many of the books in the New Testament were not written as
books, but as letters</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 31.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 31.5pt;">
The Apostle Paul, likely the
greatest missionary the world has ever known, wrote many letters to churches he
had planted, to instruct and encourage them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Thessalonians is one of those letters, written to a church
in the city of Thessalonica</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul starts by letting them know he has been boasting to the
other churches about their endurance under persecution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He then reminds them that God will eventually bring them
relief, and judge those who have been attacking them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He talks about the day of final judgment, and his
description is sobering.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He describes Jesus Christ coming in power, with an army of
angels at His side.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Jesus is not the meek and mild man many have imagined
Him to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This Jesus comes in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He comes not only to judge those who chose not to obey His
message.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The passage says He comes also to judge those who do not
know Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ignorance will be no excuse before God, on that final day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All those who fall under God’s judgment will be punished
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horror of that judgment is
beyond human comprehension.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does that shock you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Does it bother you to think about spending eternity separated from God’s
goodness, and under the full weight of His wrath, in a place called hell?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The idea of Hell should bother you, but for a different reason
then it probably does.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It probably bothers you because you think it is unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should bother you because you know in your
heart that it is what you deserve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you look at yourself in light of God’s law with a tender
heart, you will not see it as unfair or arbitrary.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When looked at through the mirror of God’s law, we see that
punishment as it truly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see it as
justice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When is that last time you compared yourself to God’s law,
in light of God’s perfect holiness?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Habakkuk 1 says “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you
cannot tolerate wrongdoing.”</div>
<div class="line1">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yet we have
done evil in God’s site</span></div>
<div class="line1">
<br /></div>
<div class="line1">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Exodus 34
tells us that you will not leave the guilty unpunished.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet we are guilty before Him</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>GO THROUGH THE LAW OF GOD (10 Commandments) TO BRING
CONVICTION OF SIN</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we are not here to condemn you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your condemnation comes from God, not us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 3 tells us:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Whoever believes in him (Jesus) is
not <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">condemned</span></strong>,
but whoever does not believe is <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">condemned</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">already</span></strong>,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we are here because we wish for you what Paul wished for
the church in Thessalonica</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We pray that God may make you worthy of His calling, that
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of us are truly worthy of God’s calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by His power, our lives can be changed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Biblical salvation is not something we choose to do, but
something God does in us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ezekiel 36 describes it like this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I will sprinkle clean water on you,
and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I
will cleanse you. <span data-verse="26">And I will give you a new heart,
and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone
from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. </span><span data-verse="27">And I
will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be
careful to obey my rules.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what happens when someone is born again, when they
repent of their sins and trust in Christ alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repentance is a change in direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It means turning away from sin, from those
things that God hates and commands us to stay away from, and turning our eyes
to Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We must trust in Jesus Christ alone, because only He paid
the penalty for sin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2000 Years ago Jesus, God in human form, came to earth and
lived the perfect life we could never live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then He willingly went to a Roman cross, and died a horrible
bloody death, so that our moral crimes could be paid for, and we could go free.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now He sits at the Father’s right hand as our advocate, our
lawyer for the Day of Judgment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of His sacrifice, all those who turn from their sin
and trust in Him alone will be seen as clean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christians are right before God not because they are good,
but because of the perfect goodness of Jesus Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only if we are clothed in Jesus Christ’s righteousness, only
if His perfection has covered our sin, can we enter heaven.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So put your trust in Christ today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humble yourself and cry out to Him, and He
will save you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>PLEAD WITH PEOPLE TO TURN TO CHRIST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU MAY WANT TO REVIEW THE BASICS OF THE
GOSPEL MESSAGE AGAIN, WHEN CALLING PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE.</b></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-86264030791438115272013-08-23T06:37:00.002-07:002013-08-23T06:37:21.984-07:00Romans 2 – God’s Kindness, Our Rebellion<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hello Project
Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week the suggested reading is
Romans chapter 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came across it
during my daily Bible reading, and I can’t imagine why I didn’t chose to use
the chapter sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful
chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has many great springboards
into the gospel, but this week we will be focusing on verses 4 and 5, on God’s
goodness and patience that is meant to lead us to repentance, but that we are
instead storing up wrath for ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also changed the focus of the use of the law, looking at our sins
against God for the perspective of several of the 10 commandments. Though we
sin against others, I was reminded again that our sins are ultimately against
God, and when we consider that truth our sins take on a greater weight, a
weight that I hope will be felt by those who hear the reading this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks for being part of the project, and may
God bless your time of outreach this weekend.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">All for His
glory, <br />
Dan</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">INTRO</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">READ ROMANS 2</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do you
presume on the riches of God's kindness and patience, not knowing that His
kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?<br />
<br />
Because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for the day
of wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. <br />
<br />
Have you ever considered God's kindness toward you?<br />
<br />
Have you ever considered how patient God has been with you?<br />
<br />
Whether you would consider yourself a Christian or not, you know in your heart
that there is a God.<br />
<br />
And if you listen to your conscience for more than a minute, you will realize
that God has every reason to be unspeakably angry with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet, He has held back His judgment.<br />
<br />
We were created with a purpose, but each of us has acted in rebellion against
that purpose<br />
<br />
We are here for a reason, but in our hands that reason has been twisted and
distorted, or simply ignored.<br />
<br />
We were created for the glory of God, and for relationship with Him<br />
<br />
But instead we try to avoid Him, and attempt to steal His glory for ourselves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">When we talk about sin, we usually think about bad things we
have done to other people</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I often talk to people about God's law, and how every one of
us has broken that law in regards to other people.</span></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">But in Psalm 51, David says “</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Against you, you
only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be
justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. (Psalm 51:4, ESV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">That tells us that all our sins are primarily against God,
and against other people only secondarily</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">If that is true, our sins are much more serious than most of
us think</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">Take a moment to compare your behavior with God's law, and
how that behavior relates to Him</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
<br />
We put ourselves uppermost in our own thoughts, when He should be, and so break
the first commandments<br />
<br />
We create gods in our own image, idols which we can control<br />
<br />
In doing so we lie about who God is, to ourselves and others<br />
<br />
We covet God’s sovereignty, claiming God’s power as our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And rather
than giving glory to God for who He is, we steal that glory for ourselves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Finally, we
are unfaithful to the one who gave us life, and called us to relationship with
Him</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even the
smallest sin is infinitely sinful against an infinitely holy and perfect
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But our sins have been anything but
small.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our rebellion
has been against the Lord of the universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are guilty of treason against the one who holds creation in a palm of
His hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Indeed, as
Hebrews 10 says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living
God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Romans 2
tells us, those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, will receive wrath and fury from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is exactly what each of us deserves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God’s wrath
and fury will be carried out in hell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Those who
find themselves there will spend all eternity paying the price for their sin
and rebellion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But though
God is just in punishing those who break His law, He takes no pleasure in it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He takes
pleasure when they turn to Him, and live</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Some would
argue that the fact that evil still exists means God is imaginary, or impotent</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Instead, it
shows that He is patient, and kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">His patience
and kindness is meant to lead us to repentance, and to faith in Jesus Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2000 years
ago a man was born in an out-of-the-way corner of the Roman Empire</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That man,
Jesus of Nazareth, was more than a Jewish teacher.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was more
than a healer, or a worker of miracles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He was God in
the flesh, perfect in every way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And after
living a perfect life for 33 years, he went to a Roman cross and willingly laid
down His life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He became the
perfect sacrifice for sin, satisfying God’s perfect justice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Then He rose
again, proving His power over death, and ascended to God’s right hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now those who
turn away from their sin and rebellion, and turn to Him, trusting in His
perfect sacrifice alone to save them, are made right with God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Those who
follow Christ will stand in heaven not based on their own goodness, but on the
goodness of Jesus Christ, the God-man, the savior of the world!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">He is the
king of kings, and the lord of lord</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have you made
your peace with the king?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or will His
wrath be revealed to you on the final day?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Don’t be
foolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t cling to your pride and
lose soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Humble
yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn from your sin and to the
savior</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Repent and
trust in Him today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn to Christ and
live!!</span></div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-84900513202669506962013-08-16T13:53:00.001-07:002013-08-16T13:53:53.994-07:00Genesis 15 <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Hello Project Ezra! </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">This week’s reading is Genesis 15, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">
we will be addressing several aspects of God's character that we see in
this chapter. One claim that is often made, and sometimes even by
professing believers, is that the God of the Old Testament and the God
of the New Testament are radically different</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">, with the God of the Old Testament being harsh and angry, and the God of the New Testament being loving and merciful</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">But if you really read the Old and New Testament through, you will see clearly that is not the case. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Though
it is certainly true that some of the ways God has chosen to deal with
His people is different under the New Covenant, that has nothing to do
with God's character or nature, but rather will the progression of God's
plan and fulfillment of His promises over time. God</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">has not chosen to reveal Himself and His purposes all at once</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">,
but gradually over time. So this week we will be encouraging people to
take a step back, so they can see God revealing His sovereignty,
fulfilling His promises, and showing us that He is trustworthy through
the story of Abraham</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">. And ultimately, we pray that they will also see His mercy and grace provided through the cross.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">All for His glory, </span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX216845124"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Dan</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">INTRO</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">READ GENESIS</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">BRIEF INTRO TO TEXT – </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">You might want to give a brief introduction to the passage. Talk about </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Abram </span><span class="SpellingError SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">vs</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> Abraham, </span><span class="SpellingError SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Issac</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> and Jacob, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">how their decedents </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">became nation of Israel, etc.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">In order to truly understand this passage, you need to understand some things about who God is</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">First, our God is a Sovereign God. That means he is in complete control over all time and eternity</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">All that happens in this world, in this universe only happens because He either causes, or allows is</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Psalm 115 tell us “</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">”</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">And Ephesians 1 reminds</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> us</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> again</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> that it is He who works all things after the counsel of His will</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">God had a plan from the beginning of time, and that plan continues today</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He knew the history of creation</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> from Adam and Eve to the final judgment</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> before you</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> or I were born, and He knows </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">ou</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">r</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> future as well.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">It was because He knew </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Abraham's future that He could tell him what his descendants would do, hundreds of years later.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">It
was because he knew the future that He prophesied the exodus to Egypt,
and even that Abraham's descendants would be there 400 years, which they
were.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">It was because of His perfect knowledge that He could promise</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> to bless Abraham's descendants and bring them into the promised land, which He did</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">This shows us that God is a God of promise</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">His actions are not random or arbitrary</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He has a plan, and His promises are based on that plan</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">And God's plan can</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">not be thwarted by any power in heaven or on earth</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">In Isaiah 46 He says “</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">for I am God, and there is no other;</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">I am God, and there is none like me,</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX216845124"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">declaring the end from the beginning</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">and from ancient times things not yet done,</span></span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="SCX216845124"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">and I will accomplish all my purpose,’</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He promised Abraham that his heir would be his own son, and he was, even though Abraham and his wife were too old for children</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He promised to give the land of </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Canaan</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> to his descendants, which He did, though many hundreds of years later.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He even promised, from the time of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the garden</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">
(Genesis 3), and through the prophets (Isaiah 7, Isaiah 53), to bring a
savior through Abraham’s family, which He did in Jesus Christ</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Because God is Sovereign and can control all things, and because God keeps the promises He makes, we can </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">also </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">see that God is trustworthy</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Abram did not know or understand everything God has planned, but he trusted Him, and that faith was rewarded.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Like Abraham, and many of the great men of scripture, we will never see all the details on this side of eternity</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">God may or may not choose to reveal what He has planned for you</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">r life</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">But you can trust God, that what He has commanded, and where He has placed you, and what He has directed for you, is good.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Do you believe that? </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Do you believe that God is good, and has a good plan for you? </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Many people don’t.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Many
people look at the world around them, and see reasons to believe God is
not trustworthy, is not good, or even does not exist.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">But we all know in our hearts that He does</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Times New Roman,Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Ecclesiastes 3:11</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Times New Roman,Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> tells us God has put eternity into the hearts of men</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Times New Roman,Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Romans 1 says this: </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">For
the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">19 </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">20 </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">For
his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature,
have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">[</span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCX216845124" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%201&version=ESV" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCX216845124" style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">g</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">]</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">21 </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">For
although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to
him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts
were darkened.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">22 </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Claiming to be wise, they became fools,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit; vertical-align: super;">23 </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">And
the second chapter of Romans reminds us that the work of the law is
written on our hearts, and our consciences bear witness, so that we are
without excuse.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">GO THROUGH THE LAW TO BRING THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">The truth is that </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">God is Just, and we are guilty</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">B</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">ecause of our guilt, we deserve His justice, His punishment</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">And
His punishment will be carried out in a very real place called Hell, a
place of fire, and darkness, and eternal pain and despair</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">But though Hell is what we all deserve, we do not have to go there</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">God is </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">not only just righteous, but also </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">good</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">, and patient, and kind</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He is a Go</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">d </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">who </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">is merciful and gracious</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Mercy is not getting what you deserve. In our case, that means we do not receive the justice we deserve</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Grace
is receiving what we don't deserve. We receive God's love and all His
good gifts and blessings. And one day, we will even spend eternity with
Him!</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">But
God's mercy and grace did not come cheap. Justice still needed to be
satisfied, because God always acts consistently with His justice as well
as His mercy.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX216845124" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">So God did not ignore our sins. He paid for them.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Jesus Christ, God the Son, for whom and throu</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">gh whom all things exist</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">, humbled Himself and came to live among His creation</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">He lived the perfect life we could never live. Though He was a man, and was tempte</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">d in every way as we are (Hebrews 4)</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">, He never sinned once.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Then He went to a cross and was killed, a perfect sacrifice, slaughter</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">ed to put away sin</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Isaiah 53 even tells us that it pleased the Father to crush Him, for the sake of our sin</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Then, three days later, as He has prophesied He wou</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">ld, He rose again from the dead</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Now, because of that sacrifice, because He paid our debt, we can go free!</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">We are told that freedom is received through repentance, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">and believing the gospel</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">That means you must abandon your sin, and trust in Christ</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">, and in Him alone, to save you</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">And when you do, God will change your he</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">art, and you will be born again</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">The
Bible says you will be made a new creature. It tells us God will
remove your heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh, one that
loves Him and desires to please Him</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX216845124" style="background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI',Tahoma,Verdana,'Sans-Serif'; font-size: 6pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">So trust in the sovereign God of the universe, that He will save those who trust in Him, as He has promised</span></span><span class="EOP SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<span class="TextRun SCX216845124" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX216845124" style="background-color: inherit;">Turn to Christ today, and be saved!</span></span>Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-9883862317528283892013-08-09T06:46:00.002-07:002013-08-09T06:46:56.774-07:00John 1 - The Lamb of God<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This week’s reading is John chapter 1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was surprised when I realized that I had not used this chapter in the
past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 1 is one of my “go to”
chapters when I am open-air preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since I rarely if ever start an open air presentation without reading
scripture, there are a few chapters I always have ready, such as 1 John 1,
Isaiah 53, Ephesians 2, and this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John 1 has so much to say about who Christ is, and the world is so often
in denial about who he is (or just take it for granted without really
considering what it means), that it is one of the best foundations to build
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing I did not include in this particular outline
is additional scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the
passage can stand on its own, I would encourage you to spend time memorizing
scripture dealing with the gospel if you plan to share it regularly (as every
Christian should).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will ground and
strengthen your gospel presentation, allowing you to keep the focus on God’s
word, where it belongs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So spend some
time looking up key verses and integrating them into the message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even want to keep a notebook, so
that you can make note of relevant passages while doing your daily Bible
study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have done so for several years
now, and it’s been a great blessing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for being part of Project Ezra, and I pray that
blesses your efforts this weekend!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND PROJECT EZRA</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ JOHN 1</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book of John is one of the gospels, the accounts of
Jesus’ life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In chapter 1 we are introduced to who Jesus Christ is, and
why He came to earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chapter presents many powerful truths about the Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is said to be the Word, the speaking of God, God’s
representation of Himself to us, full of grace and truth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are told He was in the beginning, and that the world was
created through Him</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are also told that He became flesh, taking on a human
body and living here on earth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The chapter tells us that He was rejected by men, and
history certainly bears that out</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But most importantly, it tells us that all who receive Him,
who believed in His name, have the right to become children of God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is amazing to think that God would become man and walk
among us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is hard to image the being that created everything that
exists taking part in His creation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what a gift and privilege it must be to become one of
His children!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then, later in the chapter, it gives Him a stranger
title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It calls Him a lamb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus Christ is called the Lamb of God, who takes away the
sin of the world!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what does it mean that He is a lamb?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what does that have to do with sin?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the Old Testament, during the history of Israel, the
Jewish nation ended up as slaves to Pharaoh, in Egypt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And after many warnings in the form of miracles and plagues,
God warned Pharaoh, through His servant Moses, that He would kill every first
born son in the country, of both people and livestock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Make no mistake my friends, God is a loving God, but He is
also a God of justice and wrath.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When God was preparing to kill the first born, He commanded
the Israelites to slaughter a lamb, and mark their doorposts with its blood, so
that the Angel of Death would pass them by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Israelites did this, and were delivered from Egypt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the following years the nation of Israel celebrated the
Passover, where they remembered God’s mercy and deliverance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both in the Passover, and later in the temple sacrifices,
the nation of Israel presented sacrifices, often a perfect lamb, at God’s
command, to show His covering of their sins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God also gave His law, so that they would be aware of their
sins, and look to His coming deliverance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like those of the nation of Israel, we are all law-breakers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture tells us God has written His law on our hearts,
and our conscience bears witness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It also tells us that God’s existence is clear us in what He
has made, and that we are without excuse</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our conscience within and creation without clearly shows us
that God exists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you deny that truth,
then you are simply lying to yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that is exactly what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We deceive ourselves so we can live the way
we want</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We deceive ourselves and cling to our sin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GO THROUGH SOME OF THE COMMANDMENTS TO BRING CONVICTION OF
SIN</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We, like Israel, have no excuse for denying God’s existence,
or His goodness to us, or denying our own sin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But just as God was merciful to Israel time and time again,
He has been merciful to us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He provided a sacrifice, a perfect sacrifice, so that our
sin could be dealt with</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the perfect sacrifice of the Lamb of God did not merely cover
sin, but wiped it out completely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a cross on Calvary, nearly 2000 years ago, God the Son
bled and died so that our sin could be atoned for</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then He rose again to stand for us at heaven’s throne, our
advocate before the judgment seat</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that those who turn from their sin and trust in Him will
be saved, and spend eternity in heaven with Him, instead of receiving the
judgment they deserve</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a gift we did not earn, and don’t deserve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is a gift we all desperately need.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without the sacrifice of the Lamb of God for our sin, we
will spend eternity in Hell, under the weight of God’s justice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But through Christ’s sacrifice that justice has been
satisfied</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So don’t be foolish, as the Israelites, and put your trust
in other things</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Human power or wisdom will not help you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wealth cannot save you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship of false gods will only bring greater
wrath</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truth in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trust in His death and resurrection as your only means of salvation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn to Him today, and be saved!</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-84824059393289248832013-08-02T07:07:00.001-07:002013-08-02T07:07:29.528-07:00Acts 4 – We Cannot Help But Speak<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pray you are all doing well today, and that you will be able to join us in
sharing God’s truth through the reading of His word this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week’s suggested reading is Acts 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outline is shorter than usual, and the
normal section regarding the law has been left open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would encourage you to send some time in
consideration and prayer regarding how you can share the law in humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we can never compromise on God’s law,
or our rebellion against it, we need to be careful not to come across as self-righteous
and hypocritical, which sadly what many expect from professing Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray this outline is a blessing, and look
forward to hearing your testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND THE PROJECT</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ ACTS 4</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As God’s word says, there is salvation in no one else, for
there is no other name under heaven by which you must be saved than the name of
Jesus Christ!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It may seem odd to many of you that someone would go to a
public place and raise their voice to tell others about what they believe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this is considered by many to be politically
incorrect, or even offensive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But just like the disciples, we cannot but speak of what we
have seen and heard</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In fact, it would be disobedient and hateful not to preach
the truth of what God has done in Jesus Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disobedient because God has called all his people to go and
make disciples of all nations, to tell them the good news about Jesus Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hateful because there is nothing that could be more hateful
than seeing someone in deadly peril, knowing you could warn them or save them,
and turning your back on them</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And indeed, without Christ, you are in great danger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we are not here out of hate or anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are here because we care about you and
want to see you saved!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the only way you can be saved is through faith in Jesus
Christ, and in Him alone.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But why Jesus Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why is it only through Him though you can be saved?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is because only through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the
cross can our sin be paid for</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 3 says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory
of God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means you and me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I look at myself in light of God’s law, I know that to
be true</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">USE THE LAW IN
SELF-REFLECTION – ONE OF THE GREATEST TOOLS WE CAN USE ON THE STREET (IF IT’S
DONE WITH HONESTY AND NOT JUST FOR EFFECT) IS HUMILITY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’VE HEARD IT SAID THAT WE SHOULD PREACH THE
GOSPEL TO OURSELVES EVERY DAY, AND I BELIEVE THAT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO PARTICULARLY WITH A TOUGH CROWD, OR IN A
ONE-ON-ONE WITH A DIFFICULT PERSON OR A FAMILY MEMBER, TALK ABOUT HOW YOU CAME
TO REALIZE YOUR OWN SIN THROUGH GOD’S LAW.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN AND WILL STILL BRING CONVICTION, EVEN IF YOUR
STATEMENTS ARE NOT AIMED AT THEM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO GO
THROUGH THE COMMANDMENTS AND LIST YOUR OWN SINS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT SHOULD BE DIFFICULT AND CONVICTING TO YOU
TOO, AND THAT’S OK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OFTEN, A BIT OF
VULNERABILITY CAN BREAK DOWN BARRIERS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>JUST BE SURE YOU ARE APPROPRIATE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>THE FOCUS MUST NOT BE HOW BAD YOU WERE, BUT HOW GOOD GOD IS.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking at ourselves in light of God’s law can be difficult,
and painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have all broken God’s
law, and rebelled against Him more times than we can count.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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And because of our rebellion, we deserve God’s justice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We deserve hell as the right punishment for
our crimes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But His law is not meant to drive us to despair</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is meant to drive us to savior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For Galatians 3 tells us the law was our guardian until
Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though we could not keep the law, Jesus Christ, God in human
flesh, kept it perfectly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our creator humbled Himself and came to live among His
creation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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His life was perfectly lived, and His death on the cross was
the perfect sacrifice for sin, a sacrifice that once, for all, took the penalty
for our sin.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 10 says that Jesus offered for all time a single
sacrifice for sin, and then sat down at the Father’s right hand</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now if we will come to Him, if we will trust in Him, and in
His sacrifice for sin, then we will be washed clean</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah says that though are sins are like scarlet, He will
make them white as snow, and Psalm 103 says He will remove our sin from us as
far as the east is from the west.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So come to Christ, and have your sins washed away</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trust in Him and be clean</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Repent of your sin, and turn to Christ, and you will have
true peace with God, a peace that is beyond </div>
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all understanding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn to Christ today and live!</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-77868896800758967752013-07-26T14:22:00.000-07:002013-07-26T14:22:12.181-07:00Jeremiah 18 - The Potter and the Clay<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hello Project Ezra!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pray this week is going well for you, and that you will have the opportunity
and privilege of joining us for outreach this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our suggested reading is Jeremiah 18, and our
focus is on the sovereignty of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is one of the Biblical passages that refer to God as the potter and
us as the clay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an apt description,
but one that we fight against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
source of much of man’s sinful attitude is pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men want control and autonomy, so the idea
of God’s sovereignty, His absolute authority over every aspect of our lives,
frustrates and angers them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by the
power of the Holy Spirit that pride can be broken, and even the most rebellious
heart can be remade by God to love and serve Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> pray that God
works through our preaching this weekend to bring hearts to Him.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All for His glory,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dan</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF
AND THE PROJECT</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ JEREMIAH 18</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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The God of the Bible is sovereign</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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What that means, simply, is that as creator and sustainer of
all that exists, He is in complete control</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything that happens on this earth God either allows, or
directly causes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing surprises Him, and nothing can stop Him</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this chapter Jeremiah compares God to a potter, shaping a
clay vessel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If the clay goes out of shape, the potter simply reworks it
into something else, as it seems good to Him</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, the analogy breaks down, as all analogies do,
since God does not make mistakes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the principle remains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are the creation, God is the creator, and He has the right, and the
ability, to do whatever He wants with us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This God who owns us is a good and patient God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us in this chapter, and in others,
that if those deserving of His justice repent of their sin against Him that He
we relent of the disaster He intended for them </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we are by nature rebellious against God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would rather go our own way</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We cry, as in verse 12, ‘That is in vain!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will follow our own plans, and will every
one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our nature is that of rebellion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible says the same of human nature in
other places as well</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Genesis 8 tells us that the intention of man's heart is <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">evil</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>from his <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">youth</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ephesians 2 tells us that we are by nature children of
wrath, like the rest of mankind</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Romans 3 says even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It tells us:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
None is righteous, no, not one; <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/11">11</a> no
one understands; no one seeks for God. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/12">12</a> All
have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not
even one." <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/13">13</a>
"Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive."
"The venom of asps is under their lips." <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/14">14</a>
"Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/15">15</a>
"Their feet are swift to shed blood; <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/16">16</a> in
their paths are ruin and misery, <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/17">17</a> and
the way of peace they have not known." <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/rom/chapters/3/verses/18">18</a>
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may think that this doesn’t describe you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may claim that you are not a rebel
against God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God says those that love Him keep His commandments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you kept His commandments?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GO THROUGH THE LAW TO BRING CONVICTION OF SIN</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In truth, we are all guilty before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if God is a good God, and a righteous judge,
what must </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He do with people like us?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scripture asks rhetorically, will not the judge of all the
earth do right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course He will!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A perfect judge means perfect justice, and perfect justice,
and perfect justice means we are in trouble</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hebrews 10 tells us </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/26">26</a> For
if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth,
there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/27">27</a> but
a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the
adversaries. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/28">28</a>
Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of
two or three witnesses. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/29">29</a> How
much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has
trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant
by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/30">30</a> For
we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again,
"The Lord will judge his people." <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/heb/chapters/10/verses/31">31</a> It
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hell is a real place, and terrible beyond human
understanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those who go there will not enjoy unlimited sin, as some
seem to think</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They will never enjoy anything again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All enjoyment comes from God, even if we use
it wrongly</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Hell we will be forever separated from all God’s
goodness, and will be under the weight of His anger and wrath for all eternity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you don’t have to suffer for your sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, because of His great grace and love, has
provided an escape</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though God is the potter, and we are nothing but clay,
though we can offer nothing to Him, still He cares for us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He cares enough that He sent His only son, Jesus Christ, to
be the sacrifice and payment for our sin</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Colossians 1 says of Jesus:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/col/chapters/1/verses/15">15</a> He
is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/col/chapters/1/verses/16">16</a> For
by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created
through him and for him. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/col/chapters/1/verses/17">17</a> And
he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/phi/chapters/2/verses/6">6</a> who,
though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be
grasped, <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/phi/chapters/2/verses/7">7</a>
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the
likeness of men. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/phi/chapters/2/verses/8">8</a> And
being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point
of death, even death on a cross.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
Jesus Christ, for whom and through
whom all things exist, humbled Himself, came to earth, and died on a cross for
our sin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
Then He rose again on the third
day, defeating sin and death, and proving who He was</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
Now He offers salvation to all
those who will repent and trust in Him alone for their salvation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
The Bible talks about being born
again, and that is what happens when we trust in Christ and are saved</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
Salvation is not just a decision
that we make to do better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens
when God makes a supernatural change in our very nature</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Ezekiel 36 describes it this way:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/eze/chapters/36/verses/25">25</a> I
will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your
uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/eze/chapters/36/verses/26"><span data-verse="26">26</span></a> And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will
put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give
you a heart of flesh. <a href="http://mybible.com/bibles/esv/books/eze/chapters/36/verses/27"><span data-verse="27">27</span></a> And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk
in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
Only through Jesus’ sacrifice as
payment, and through this work of the potter, reshaping you for His purposes,
will anyone be born again</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
God is a good God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is mighty to save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will save you today, if you call out to
Him in humility, and in repentance</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 117.0pt;">
He will make you a new creation,
and will separate your sins from you as far as the east is from the west<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tomorrow is not promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The rest of today is not even promised</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Any one of us could step out of this life and into
eternity at any time</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
While God has given you time, turn to Him and be saved!</div>
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4400206008604789179.post-39572370285174385792013-07-19T14:35:00.000-07:002013-07-19T14:35:09.283-07:002 Kings 1 - Idolotry<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<br />
Hello Project Ezra! My apologies for the re-post last week. I was headed out
for a much-needed vacation, and didn’t have time to write a full post. I got
home last night, and I pray that this post will be a blessing, even if it’s a
bit shorter.<br />
<br />
The suggested reading for this week is 2 Kings 1, and the focus of the
reading is idolatry. It amazes me how many people I meet on the street who not
only engage in idolatry, but don’t think that God has a problem with it. Your
average man or woman seems largely ignorant of God’s clear commands in this
area, because usually they are. It’s not that God’s command against idolatry is
hidden in His word, or hard to discern, but that people simply don’t want to
accept it. They want a God who bends to their will, not the other way around.
God’s word and commands are, from a worldly perspective, inconvenient, and most
people would rather compromise than struggle. As evangelist Leonard Ravenhill
said, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been tried,
found difficult and rejected.” And he is right. <br />
<br />
So our goal in this week’s reading is two-fold. First, we want to lay out
the truth of what idolatry is and what the Bible says about those who practice
it. And secondly, as is always the case, we want to call people to turn from
their idolatry and turn to the true Christ. Belief in false gods is false hope,
that can only lead to disappointment in this life, and suffering and Hell in
the next. Let’s pray that God will work powerfully in the hearts of those who
hear the word this week, and that souls will be brought to salvation. <br />
<br />
All for His glory, <br />
Dan <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(If
this is too detailed, or if you have been participating for a while, consider
re-writing this in outline form, with just a few words per line as cues, and
use your own words rather than mine. It will help you grow as a street
preacher) </i></b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND THE PROJECT </b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">READ 2 KINGS 1 </b><br />
<br />
For many thousands of years, God has announced His will to mankind through
His prophets <br />
<br />
Though we are not prophets as Elijah was, we are still here as messengers of
God <br />
<br />
We, and all Christians, have been called to be heralds, to proclaim God’s
word <br />
<br />
We preach the truth of God’s word to glorify Him, and in hope that you may
hear, and turn to Him <br />
<br />
God word to His people in this passage is on the subject of idolatry <br />
<br />
Idolatry is treating anything or anyone, or even any idea, as more important
than God <br />
Romans 1 says: <br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
21For although they knew God, they did not honor
him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and
their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man
and birds and animals and creeping things. </div>
<br />
God’s word says idolatry is not a matter of ignorance, but an act of
rebellion. <br />
<br />
In fact, it is an act of rebellion we have all engaged in. <br />
<br />
Examine yourself, as God’s word tells us to, and you will see that this is
the case. <br />
<br />
If you have followed a faith or a world view that denies to the truth of the
Biblical God, then you have committed idolatry. <br />
<br />
If you have bowed down before a picture, or before a statue or image of
wood, or stone, or metal, you have committed idolatry. <br />
<br />
If you have followed a religion contrary to God’s word, such as Islam,
Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, the Jehovah’s Witness faith, Christian Science,
Roman Catholicism, or even Atheism, you have committed idolatry. <br />
<div style="margin-left: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NOTE: Each of these faiths (and yes, even
Atheism is based a faith-based world view) has its own set of issues that can
be addressed. In your area, there may be one of more of these faith systems
that are more prominent, and you may want to focus on those. Obviously, you may
be challenged by a believer in one of these systems, and may be asked to
respond to an objection you don’t have an answer to. That’s OK. If you don’t
know the answer, say so, and offer to stay in touch with the objector and find
the answer for them. Most often the other person in bluffing, and just wants to
shut you up, but if they do want follow-up, and you have to do research, it
will likely be of benefit to both of you. Remember, God is true, and there is
no question you need to be scared of. </i></b></div>
<br />
If you have cared more about your job, your reputation, your legacy, the
pursuit of pleasure or money, or even your family, more that you care about
God, then you have committed idolatry <br />
<br />
If you have done none of these things, but have imagined a God who is all
love and no justice, one who will ignore sin and let everyone into heaven, then
you have committed idolatry. <br />
<br />
Even if you have lived a life of self-denial and discipline, doing your best
to follow God’s word, but are trusting in your own good works to get you into
heaven, you are still committing idolatry. You have put yourself in God’s
place, intent on saving yourself, when only He can save you. <br />
<br />
Idolatry is not a small thing, though we tend to treat it as such. It is an
offense against God. <br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 10 tells us that worship given to idols is really worship
given to demons. <br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 6 tells us that idolaters will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
<br />
<br />
If idolatry is sin, which it is, and we have all committed it, which we
have, then we all have a problem. <br />
<br />
We are guilty before God. <br />
<br />
Every one of us is a criminal in light of God’s law, and guilty criminals
deserve justice. <br />
<br />
God is a just judge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
Ecclesiastes 12 tells us God <span class="text">will bring every deed into
judgment, with<sup value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-17538d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">
</sup>every secret thing, whether good or evil.</span><br />
<br />
Exodus 34 tells us He will not leave the guilty unpunished. <br />
<br />
The punishment God has prepared for the guilty is called hell <br />
<br />
In Hell all who remain in their guilt and their sin will be separated from
all God’s good blessings, and will be forever under the weight of His wrath. <br />
<br />
Hell is a place of fire, and of darkness, and of pain, and no one should
ever want to go there (Revelation 20). <br />
<br />
But though all men are guilty, that guilt can be taken away. <br />
<br />
In fact, we are told that for some, God separates them from their sin as far
as the east is from the west (Psalm 103) <br />
<br />
Those who are freed from their sin are those who have repented, and trusted
in Christ alone. <br />
<br />
Jesus Christ, God the Son, came to earth 2000 years ago, so that men could
be free from their sin. <br />
<br />
He lived a perfect life, a life none of us could live, and then died as the
perfect and final sacrifice for sin. <br />
<br />
Hebrews 9 says “<span class="text">But as it is, he has appeared once for all at
the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.</span>”<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1 tells us that we have been ransomed by the blood of Jesus, the
Lamb of God<br />
<br />
Romans 5 also tells us we have been reconciled to God by the death of His
Son, and saved through His life!<br />
<br />
But He did not stay dead. He rose on the third day, and now sits at the
Father’s right hand, as our advocate for the Day of Judgment, if we will
repent. <br />
<br />
Repentance is turning from sin, and turning to Christ. <br />
<br />
It is a realization of the depth of your sin, through the working of the
Holy Spirit, and a change of direction and allegiance. <br />
<br />
By God’s power, your heart is changed, and you begin to hate your sin, and
love your savior. <br />
<br />
Ezekiel 36 tells us that God can take a heart of stone, and make it a heart
of flesh.<br />
<br />
God is mighty to save, and if you trust in Him alone to save you, He will!<br />
<br />
So turn from your idols, and turn to Him today, while He has given you time.
<br />
<br />
Life if short, and none of us are promised a tomorrow. <br />
<br />
So turn to Jesus Christ today, and be saved!<br />
Dan Beaudoinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08894350169008055588noreply@blogger.com0