Scott LaPierre Ministries

Second Corinthians 7:10 says, "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." At different times people defend Judas, minimize his actions, and even claim he was a believer. It always relates to him bringing back the money saying he sinned, and showing sorrow over what he did. The problem is that Scripture discusses two types of sorrow: godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, while worldly sorrow produces death. Judas committed suicide because he experienced so much sorrow. He shows us how not to deal with sorrow, and what we should do with sorrow instead. Judas teaches an important lesson. Feeling bad about what we’ve done, experiencing sorrow - even feeling bad enough to commit suicide - doesn’t mean repentance has taken place. https://youtu.be/lgvONG7ZNUY "Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, but sorrow of the world produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Feeling bad isn't repentance. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceFamily Worship Guide for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceSermon Notes for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow RepentanceLesson 1: we underestimate the consequences of our sin.Lesson 2: feeling bad isn't repentance.Lesson 3: godly sorrow leads to Christ. Sermon Lessons for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Lesson 1: ____ __________________________ the consequences of sin (Matt 27:3-4; Jer 2:19). Lesson 2: ______________ ______ isn’t repentance (2 Cor 7:10). Lesson 3: Godly sorrow __________ to ____________ (Luke 13:1-3). Family Worship Guide for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Day 1: Matt 27:3-5, Jer 2:19, Pro 5:22 and discuss: What was the outcome of Judas’ betrayal that caused him remorse? What are some wrong choices you made still hoping for a favorable outcome? Can we ever go back and undo what was done? What does Jeremiah teach regarding the consequences of our sins? How does Proverbs describe the effects of the consequences of sin? Day 2: Read 2 Cor 7:10, Matt 27:5, Psa 51:4, and discuss: What is the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow? Who is the offender most concerned about when he experiences Godly sorrow? Who is the offender most concerned about when he experiences worldly sorrow? What kind of sorrow did Judas display? Why is it important to discern who we are most concerned about being impacted by our sin? How will this help determine what kind of sorrow we are experiencing? Day 3: Luke 13:1-5, Isa 59:2, Isa 55:7, and discuss: Referencing Luke 13:1-3, how can the events of the pandemic serve as a reminder about our need to repent of sin? What separates us from God? What promise is given to the one who forsakes his sin and turns to God? How should this motivate us to be quick to repent? Sermon Notes for Sorrow of the World Produces Death, but Godly Sorrow Repentance Please stand and open your Bibles to Matthew 27 to read verses 1-10… Matthew 27:1 When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to [a]Pontius Pilate the governor. Judas Hangs Himself 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord directed me.” You may be seated. Let me give you the background to this message… Last Sunday we looked at the potter and the Clay in Jeremiah 18. The Jews were hard and stiff in the Potter’s hands, so they became a vessel that was only good to be discarded…and God discarded them in Babylon. I told you the New Testament contains a discarded vessel, and that’s Judas. On Wednesday night we looked at the verses in Jeremiah – that Matthew just mentioned – that prophesy of Judas being that discarded vessel. We finished w/ this verse… Acts 1:18 [Judas] purchased [the potter’s field] with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his

In Isaiah 64:8 God says, "I am the potter; you are the clay." The potter and the clay in Jeremiah 18 is an object lesson God used to teach this truth. Read part of this chapter from Enduring Trials God’s Way to learn how God is shaping us. Table of ContentsThe Potter, the Clay, and the WheelThe Potter Works the Clay Until It "Seems Good to Him"The "Hands" the Potter Uses to Shape UsWhen Clay Becomes Hard and Stiff in the Potter's HandsJudas—A Broken VesselGod's Sovereignty and Man's Free Will https://youtu.be/3qVB805qBo0 We Are the Clay and You Our Potter is similar to the 5th message I deliver at Enduring Trials God’s Way Conferences. Since God is sovereign, including over the trials we experience, to reject trials is to reject His will for us. The Potter and the Clay is an object lesson God used to teach this truth to His people: The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. Jeremiah 18:1-3 More than likely Jeremiah had passed the potter’s house many times in his lifetime, but now God told him to pay a visit. The Potter, the Clay, and the Wheel We are the clay, and You our potter;And all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8b As Jeremiah watched the potter work, he learned how we should respond to God’s work in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul called us “earthen vessels.” This is fitting since God “formed [us] of the dust of the ground” (Genesis 2:7a). When experiencing trials, probably more than any other time, we recognize the fragile nature of our “clay” bodies. Job especially noticed this during his suffering: “Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?” (Job 10:9; see also Job 4:19). Job asked God to consider how weak his body was, in the hope it would lead Him to ease his trials. We can feel like this during trials too, wondering if God is aware of our feebleness: “Does He know how weak I am, and this suffering feels like more than I can handle?” As this account reveals, the Potter is completely familiar with the clay, and He knows best how to handle it. Clay is a cheap material that remains worthless until it is in the hands of a skillful potter who can make it into something valuable. The clay is not attractive in itself, but when the hands of the potter touch it, and the thought of the potter is brought to bear upon it, and the plan of the potter is worked out in it and through it, then there is a real transformation. J. Wilbur Chapman The potter sat before two parallel stone wheels joined by a shaft. He turned the bottom wheel with his feet and worked the clay on the top wheel. The clay sat on the wheel as it turned around and around, picturing the way our lives feel at times. Solomon described the repetitiveness: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The potter controls the wheel like God controls the circumstances of our lives: And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! Jeremiah 18:4-6 The Potter Works the Clay Until It "Seems Good to Him" The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, and the word for “marred” is shachath. It means “destroyed or corrupted.” It is the same word for “ruin” in Jeremiah 13:7 that describes the “profitable for nothing” sash. Since clay was cheap, when a vessel was marred or ruined, potters threw it out and started over. Although, the potter Jeremiah watched worked patiently on the same piece of clay until it became a vessel that “seemed good to [him].” Paul said we can be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). We might feel marred, disfigured, or flawed, but instead of discarding us, God can reshape us “into another vessel” that is precious and valuable. The Hebrew word for potter is yatsar, and over half the times it occurs in the Old Testament, it is translated as “form,” “fashion,” or “make.” For example, it is the word God used when commissioning Jeremiah: “Before I formed (yatsar) you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). As God formed Jeremiah, He will form our lives. As the potter had power over the clay, so God has power over our circumstances. Vessels have a purpose, and God fashions us to fulfill our purpose since “we are His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). The "Hands" the Potter Uses to Shape Us The potter’s hands shaped the clay,

There are wonderful examples of God's mercy in the Bible. Below are a few. You might be familiar with most of them, but did you know that even Job serves as an example of God being "very merciful" (James 5:11)? Read on to find out why. https://youtu.be/tUYPswVYKGo In this sermon I discuss examples of God's mercy in the Bible. Table of Contents1. Manasseh, King of Judah2. Ahab, King of Israel3. The Ninevites4. The Prodigal Son5. Those Crucifying Jesus6. JobFirst, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Blessed JobSecond, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Put Restrictions on SatanThird, God's Mercy Was Shown by not Killing JobFourth, God's Mercy Was Shown Through the "End [God] Intended"Speaking of God "What Is Right"Discussion Questions to Answer in the Comments Section 1. Manasseh, King of Judah Manasseh was the wickedest king of Judah. It seemed like there was no false god he did not worship and no command he did not break. He even sacrificed his own sons to Molech. God punished him by taking him into captivity: Now when he was in affliction, he implored the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 God not only forgave Manasseh, He even restored him as king. 2. Ahab, King of Israel Ahab was the wickedest king of Israel. Consider his description: There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) 1 Kings 21:25-26 Ahab was so evil God couldn’t even compare anyone with him. God sent Elijah to tell Ahab that he would be punished for his sin: When Ahab heard [Elijah's] words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:27-29 Ahab’s humility is not very impressive. He only humbled himself because he learned he was going to be judged. It doesn’t even look like repentance. "Dejectedly," means he felt sorry for himself. But God still relented of the judgment He was going to bring against him. 3. The Ninevites Some of the evilest people in the Old Testament. When they repented, God spared them. This made Jonah so angry that he wanted to die, but God rebuked him: Should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left?” Jonah 4:11 4. The Prodigal Son This parable reveals the heart of God the Father: The son arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20 5. Those Crucifying Jesus When He was crucified, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Luke 23:34 6. Job Are you surprised to see this example? You shouldn't be based on this verse: You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:11 If someone said, “Show me an example of God being compassionate and merciful,” you wouldn't point to Job. Trials can make God look cruel and unmerciful. We tend to think if God was compassionate and merciful, He wouldn't let people suffer. But James 5:11 says that even with Job—a man whose very name is associated with trials—God was still “very compassionate and merciful.” Here are four reasons that is the case. First, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Blessed Job God blessed Job with twice as much as he had before, and vindicated him before his family and friends (Job 42:10–11; see chapters 6 and 7). The Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of money and a ring of gold. Job 42:10-11 Second, God's Mercy Was Shown When He Put Restrictions on Satan We might not be comfortable with those restrictions, but they were present nonetheless: Job 1:12—“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’” Job 2:6—“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.’” N

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," writes Solomon in Psalm 127:3. My desire with this sermon is for people to view children as they're described in the Bible, which is to say view children as God views them. https://youtu.be/WhenX1JvKGA "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward," (Psalm 127:3). Children and barrenness are sensitive issues. Table of ContentsLessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardFamily Worship Guide for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardSermon Notes for Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a RewardLesson 1: God commands people to, “Be fruitful and multiply.”Lesson 2: children are (part 1) a gift, reward, and blessing.Lesson 2: children are (part 2) great causes of maturity.Lesson 3: barrenness (part 1) is a theme in Scripture.Lesson 3: barrenness (part 2) shouldn’t be chosen.Lesson 4: apply what God's Word says about children. Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward Lesson 1: God ________________ ____________ to, “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28, 2:18; Pro 14:28). Lesson 2: Children are: (Part I) A ________, ____________, and ________________ (Psa 127:3-5, 128:1-4; Deut 7:13, 28:4). (Part II) __________ ____________ of maturity (Eph 6:4; 1 Tim 2:15). Lesson 3: Barrenness: • (Part I) Is __ __________ ____ Scripture (Gen 11:30, 25:21, 29:31; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:5; Luke 1:7 • (Part II) Shouldn’t ____ ____________. Lesson 4: __________ ________ God’s Word says about children (Pro 14:4). Family Worship Guide for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward Memory Verses: Psalm 127:3 1. Day 1—Read Genesis 1:28 and discuss: Why did God give this command? What benefits are there associated with this command being obeyed/fulfilled? What problems are associated with it being disobeyed? Are we seeing some of those problems today? Day 2—Read Psalms 127 and 128 and discuss: How are children described? How should parents view their children? How should Christians respond when God provides a couple with a child? Day 3—Read Ephesians 6:4 and 1 Timothy 2:15 and discuss: How do children help parents mature spiritually? What does it mean that women “will be saved in childbearing”? Day 4—Read some of the accounts of barren women (Gen 11:30, 25:21, 29:31; Judg 13:2; 1 Sam 1:15, Luke 1:7) and discuss: What are some of the similarities in these accounts? What can we learn from them? How should Christians view barrenness? Why shouldn’t barrenness be chosen? Day 5—Read Pro 14:4 and discuss: What application does this verse have to families? Since families can’t do everything they might want, discuss those activities that are most important and least important to your family. Sermon Notes for Lessons for Children Are a Gift of the LORD; the Fruit of the Womb a Reward I probably don’t have to tell you children are a very sensitive issue in the church for a number of reasons: First, you have some people who haven’t been able to have any children, and they feel judged or misunderstood by others. Second, some people have a lot of children and they feel…judged or misunderstood by others. Finally, you have some people who only have a few children and they feel…judged or misunderstood by others. As we begin let me tell you my desires for this message… First, I want to share what God’s Word says about children… If you have no children, 15 children, or any number in between, by the end of this message I hope you’ll see children as they’re described in God’s Word. And this applies to all of us: Obviously, it applies to people who have children It also applies to people who are younger and will children in the future It applies to people who are older who might not be able to have children anymore, but are in the position to teach younger people about children. My second desire is to hopefully prevent you from having one of the most common regrets as a pastor that I have heard express “I wish we would’ve had more children.” I’ll feel blessed if any of you are prevented from saying as a result of this message! By knowing what God’s Word says about children you can take that into consideration when making decisions, and hopefully avoid any painful regrets in the future. Now let’s look at the second command God gave man. The first command was not to eat from the tree of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The second command is in Genesis 1:28… Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And this brings us to Lesson 1 on your inserts… Lesson 1: God commands people to, “Be fruitful and multiply.” My desire isn’t to condemn anyone… I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad. I don’t have an ax to gr

Unity and holiness are essential to the church for the sanctification of believers and outreach and evangelism to unbelievers. God’s pattern throughout man’s history is to have an inside and outside, including during the Church Age. Holiness creates a boundary so that the church doesn’t resemble the world. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law contained commands that allowed Israel to be holy and set apart from the surrounding nations. In the New Testament, believers are still called to be holy, but holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness, or separation from the world. Unity is essential because unbelievers observe both our love for one another and our conflicts. https://youtu.be/jsodwaBJ0AM Unity and holiness in the church is important for believers' sanctification and evangelism. Holiness means avoiding worldliness. Table of ContentsGod’s pattern is to have an “inside” and an “outside.”Holiness creates the boundary between the inside and outside.Holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness.Those outside observe our (part 1) unity.Those outside observe our (part 2) conflict. God’s pattern is to have an “inside” and an “outside.” If you take an elevated view of Scripture, you’ll see this. I’d say the devil – and the demons w/ him – were the first ones to learn God establishes an inside and outside. Lucifer was inside heaven, but when he sinned he was cast outside…and the third of angels who joined him were as well. Who are the next people to learn there’s an inside and outside? I’ll give you a hint: they’re the first people! Adam and Eve were inside Eden, but they sinned and were put outside. A few chapters later it started raining and what did everyone learn? There’s inside the ark and outside the ark. As you move through the OT, you actually see every historical book deals w/ an “inside” and “outside”: In Exodus, God unleashed the plagues on Egypt, and everyone learned there was: Inside Goshen where the Israelites weren’t affected. Outside Goshen were the Egyptians were affected. Then God delivered Israel from Egypt and it was clear there was inside Egypt and outside Egypt. In Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy there was inside the camp and outside the camp. In Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles there was inside the Promised Land and outside the Promised Land. If we leave the OT and move into the NT, we reach the Gospels and the pattern continues… What did Jesus bring w/ Him when He came from heaven to earth? The Kingdom of God, and there was an inside and outside: Matthew 21:31b Jesus said to [the religious leaders], “The tax collectors and prostitutes go INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU.” Mark 4:11 [Jesus said], “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but FOR THOSE OUTSIDE everything is in parables. Luke 16:16 [Jesus said], “The kingdom of God is preached, and everyone FORCES HIS WAY INTO IT.” You reach Acts, and now there’s inside the church and outside the church: Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom TOWARD OUTSIDERS. 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Walk properly BEFORE OUTSIDERS. When Paul described the qualifications for elders in 1 Tim 3:7 he said [elders] must be well thought of BY OUTSIDERS. 1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? (Paul says we don’t have to worry about judging – or confronting the sin of – those outside the church) Is it not those INSIDE THE CHURCH whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. The pattern even continues for eternity… Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that THEY MAY ENTER THE CITY BY THE GATES. 15 OUTSIDE are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Believers are inside. Unbelievers are outside. Now let me ask you to think about something… In the OT the boundaries were physical. There was physically inside and outside: Eden The ark Goshen The camp in the wilderness The Promised Land But when you reach the NT, there’s no physical boundaries. The church is spiritual. We are the church. The church IS where we go! So let me ask you this… What creates the boundary for us between the inside and outside? The answer brings us to Lesson 2… Holiness creates the boundary between the inside and outside. This is one reason holiness is so important! Without holiness: You can’t tell the difference between the church and the world. The inside looks like the outside. Regarding holiness, I think we often misunderstand what it means… If something is holy we’ll think it’s good or moral or righteous. If something is unholy we’ll think it’s bad or immoral or sinful. But it’s better to think about holiness meaning set apart. For example: When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him he was standing on holy ground: It didn’t mean that ground was more righteous than other ground. It didn’t mean that other was more sinful than the ground he was on. Instead, it m

As Christian parents, we want our children to follow Christ as soon as possible. We must avoid hypocrisy in parenting so our children see the Gospel through us. https://youtu.be/DIXjDe54d0k As Christian parents, we want our children to follow Christ as soon as possible. We must avoid hypocrisy in parenting so our children see the Gospel through us. Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Avoiding Hypocrisy in ParentingSermon Notes for Avoiding Hypocrisy in ParentingLesson 1: Resist temptation so you don’t see your sins in your children.Lesson 2: Don’t let past sins prevent you from disciplining your children.Lesson 3: Avoid hypocrisy in parenting by (Part One) modeling what you want from your children.Lesson 3: Avoid hypocrisy in parenting by (Part Four) telling your children you’re a sinner. Family Worship Guide for Avoiding Hypocrisy in Parenting Day 1—Read 2 Sam 13:21, 38-39, 14:33, 18:5, 1 Kin 1:6 and discuss: What sins did David see in the lives of his sons? In what ways did David’s sons’ sins reveal his sins? What are the dangers associated with viewing our children too sentimentally? Day 2—Read Pro 1:8-9, 3:12, 13:24, 19:18, 22:6 and discuss: Why didn’t David discipline his sons? Why would past sins prevent parents from disciplining their children? What can parents tell themselves when past sins prevent them from disciplining their children? When parents have sin-filled pasts what can they their children to avoid hypocrisy? Day 3—Read Rom 2:1, 20-24, Matt 7:1-5 and discuss: Do you have expectations for your children that you don’t have for yourself? What would your children say in answer to the previous question? Do your children see behaviors from you that you don’t want to see from them? Are you presenting a high view of God in your home, not just from what you profess, but the way you live? Day 4—Read Rom 3:9-23 and discuss: Why should parents share with their children that they’re sinners too? What are the dangers for parents if they don’t share with their children that they’re sinners too? Why is it important for parents to avoid making excuses to their children? What happens if children grow up with parents who regularly shift blame? In what ways can children see Christ through humble, loving parents? Sermon Notes for Avoiding Hypocrisy in Parenting The NT is clear that one of the main purposes of the OT is to provide us w/ examples we can learn from: Romans 15:4 Whatever things were written before [referring to the Old Testament] were written for OUR LEARNING. 1 Corinthians 10:6 These things (referring to the OT) became OUR EXAMPLES… 1 Corinthians 10:11 These things happened to them (the Israelites) AS EXAMPLES, and were written for OUR ADMONITION (or instruction). So I like to use the OT to provide examples when I’m teaching. We’re going to discuss avoiding hypocrisy in parenting, and the OT can lay a foundation for us by looking at David and his relationships w/ his sons. If you have a Bible, please turn to 2 Samuel 13… We don’t have time to read all the verses, so let me briefly explain what took place… David had a son named Amnon, and he lusted after his half-sister Tamar. She resisted him, but he overtook her and had his way w/ her. Look at verse 21 to see how David responded when he heard the news… 2 Samuel 13:21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. David got very angry…but that’s it. He didn’t do anything. Consider this happened to his own daughter, but there’s no record of him punishing Amnon whatsoever. According to God’s Law, David actually should’ve executed him. Here’s what ended up happening… Tamar felt violated and alone. You would expect her to go to her father, David, for help and consolation, but instead she went to live w/ her brother, Absalom. I suspect she knew David wouldn’t do anything. While Tamar was w/ Absalom you can guess how furious he became toward Amnon b/c of what he did to his sister. I’m not making any excuses for Absalom, but b/c David didn’t punish Amnon, Absalom decided to take matters into his own hands. Let me ask you to remember what Absalom did: he got Amnon drunk and then he had him murdered. David learned what happened, so Absalom ran away. Skip to verse 38… 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. 39 And King David longed to go to Absalom. For he had been comforted concerning Amnon, because he was dead. After 3 years the pain of Amnon’s murder subsided and David wanted to be reconciled w/ his son, Absalom. There’s only one problem: guess what David doesn’t want to do? Punish him! David’s indulgent attitude toward Amnon is now being repeated w/ Absalom. Look at 2 Samuel 14:33 to see when David and Absalom are finally reunited… 33 So Joab went to the king (this is David) and told him. And when he (this is David) had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom. This signified David’s reconciliation w/ his son, but

Jonah is a type of Christ. Jesus taught that the Old Testament is about Him (Luke 24:27). Jonah serves as one of the clearest types and shadows of Christ. When Jesus was asked for a sign, He staked His death, burial, and resurrection on the prophet. Additionally, the storm the disciples experienced with Jesus in the boat parallels the storm Jonah experienced when the sailors threw him overboard. Having Jesus in the boat with the disciples didn't stop the storm they experienced any more than a relationship with Jesus stops the storms we experience. Jonah died and calmed the storm so they might live, but only Jesus calms the storm of God's wrath that's against us so we might live eternally. https://youtu.be/WS61ZFGNEfA Jonah is a type of Christ. When Jesus was asked for a sign, He staked His death, burial, and resurrection on the prophet. Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Jonah a Type of ChristSermon Notes for Jonah a Type of ChristLesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part I) left Jewish territory for Gentile territory.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part II) experienced a terrible storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part III) slept during the storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part IV) were woken by sailors.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part V) calmed the storm.Lesson 1: Jesus and Jonah (part VI) were with men who came to fear god.Lesson 2: having Jesus in the boat doesn’t prevent the storms of life.Lesson 3: the storms of life don’t mean Jesus doesn’t care.Lesson 4: Jesus calms the storms in our hearts.Lesson 5: Jonah is a sign because he (part I) “died” and was “buried” for three days and three nights.Lesson 5: Jonah is a sign because he (part II) was resurrected on the third day.Lesson 6: (part I) Jonah laid down his life so others wouldn’t perish…Lesson 6: (part I) Jonah laid down his life so others wouldn’t perish (part II) but only Jesus calms the storm of god’s wrath. Family Worship Guide for Jonah a Type of Christ Day 1: Read Jonah 1 and discuss: In what parts of this chapter is Jesus foreshadowed? How about in the rest of the Old Testament? In other words, what other types and shadows of Christ come to mind, such as Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the manna, bronze serpent, etc.? How is Jesus revealed through these shadows? Day 2: Read James 1:2, Acts 14:22, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Peter 4:12, and John 16:33 and discuss: What do we tend to think we will avoid if we’re obedient? What are the dangers of this false belief? Why are so many Christians surprised by trials? Describe your most recent trial (or current one) and your initial reaction. Was it a surprise? How did/have you respond/ed? Day 3: Read Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26, Proverbs 25:20, and Job 2:13: What is Proverbs 25:20 instructing us to do (and not do)? What did Job’s friends do right, and then do wrong? Think back to a time in your life when you “rejoiced” with someone suffering. What about a time you “wept” with someone suffering? How does Christ allow us to do both? Day 4: Read Mark 4:35-41 and discuss: Why did the disciples need to be rebuked? What had Jesus said would happen (that they should have remembered and counseled themselves with)? Think back to the last time you were experiencing a storm. Consider your words, actions, and reactions; what did they reveal about your faith and trust in God’s Word? What would you do differently now? Day 5: Read Matthew 12:39-40 and Jonah 2 and discuss: How is Jonah a “sign”? Is Jonah dead or alive? What words or phrases are used that lead you to think he is actually dead? What words and phrases describe his “burial”? What about his “resurrection”? Why does he sound dead when he’s alive? How is Jesus the true and greater Jonah? Sermon Notes for Jonah a Type of Christ Let me begin w/ a question… Who is the Old Testament primarily about? Not David Not Abraham Not Moses Jesus! Luke 24:27 Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets (this is a NT way of referring to the OT), [Jesus] expounded to them in all the Scriptures THE THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. Luke 24:44 [Jesus] said, “All things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms CONCERNING ME.” My personal favorite: Hebrews 10:7 Jesus said, “Behold, I have come – in the volume of the book IT IS WRITTEN OF ME.” How is the OT about Jesus? First, there are hundreds of prophecies of Him. Second, there are dramatic types – or shadows – of Him… Hebrews 10:1 [The Old Testament] was only A SHADOW of the good things to come not the realities themselves; the realities are found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 A festival or a new moon or Sabbaths…are A SHADOW of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Shadows are a perfect way to describe the types of Christ in the OT, b/c: Shadows give you an outline of what something looks like w/o completely revealing the object…like Christ wasn’t completely revealed in the OT. When you see a shadow, you know there must be something casting it, or something behind it…and that

The consequences of poor spiritual leadership are shown well through Jacob's decision to settle his family in Shechem. Jacob's family, especially his daughter, Dinah, suffered because of his poor spiritual leadership. He planted his family at Shechem, never considering the terrible spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional consequences. What can men learn from Jacob's mistakes? How can fathers and husbands - as well as sons growing up to be men - do to avoid some of these same mistakes? https://youtu.be/2JI_Xx6BYqs The consequences of poor spiritual leadership are shown well through Jacob's decision to settle his family in Shechem in Genesis 34. Table of ContentsSermon Notes on the Consequences of Poor Spiritual LeadershipLesson 1: sacrifice is no substitute for obedience.Lesson 2: a father’s compromise endangers his family.Lesson 3: the world wants to assimilate our families.Lesson 4: a father’s passivity causes problems.Lesson 5: a father must protect his family .Lesson 6: sin ruins our witness.Lesson 7: (part I) it’s never too late for a father to lead…Lesson 7: (part I) it’s never too late for a father to lead (part II) and when he does, his family often follows. Sermon Notes on the Consequences of Poor Spiritual Leadership This morning’s message focuses on fathers, but I’d say it has application for all of you: If you’re a wife, you need to know what’s expected of your husband so you can help him in his spiritual leadership. If you’re a young man, hopefully you’ll become a father someday, so this has application for you as that day approaches. If you’re a young woman, you’ll probably get married someday, so you need to know what to look for in a husband and father of your children. And if you never marry, you will be in the Church with people who are married and you will have opportunities to encourage others in the one-another’s listed for us in the New Testament. So there’s application for all of us! Let’s begin by looking at Genesis 31:13…the context is God talking to Jacob… Genesis 31:13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’” Jacob fled from his uncle Laban. God met him and told him to return to Bethel where he had his famous dream of the ladder stretching from heaven to earth w/ angels ascending and descending on it. Look at Genesis 33:18 to see if Jacob went to Bethel like God commanded… Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. He settled in Shechem. This isn’t Bethel, is it? Where does it say Shechem is located? In the land of Canaan. Not a good place to be. The people are so evil in a few centuries God is going to call for their extermination. You could read this and say, “Well, he’s just stopping here for a moment and then he’ll be on his way.” Not quite. Look at verse 19… Genesis 33:19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (which means, “God, the God of Israel”). Jacob purchased land and pitched his tent. He wasn’t planning on leaving any time soon. Instead of obeying God, he delayed, and this compromise caused real problems. Notice it says he erected an altar. In the middle of Jacob’s compromise he did something that all of us can fall susceptible to, and this brings us to Lesson 1… Lesson 1: sacrifice is no substitute for obedience. God didn’t want an altar. He wanted Jacob to get to Bethel. There was no amount of altars he could build or sacrifices he could offer that were going to take the place of Jacob obedience. 1 Samuel 15:22 “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. Sacrifices are no substitute for obedience! This has application for all of us… As fathers… There are lots of sacrifices we can make: We can work hard to take care of our families… We can pay our bills on time… We can work hard around the house… But there’s no substitute for obeying the primary commands God’s given us as men: Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. We can’t work hard enough that it can ever take the place of loving our wives. Loving our wives IS the sacrifice God wants. Ephesians 6:4b Fathers…bring [up your children] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. God wants men to teach their children about Him. No matter how hard you work – no matter what sacrifices you make – nothing can take the place of praying with your children and reading the Word w/ them. As mothers, there are lots of sacrifices you can make, but there’s no substitute for obeying the primary commands given to you in Titus 2:4-5… Love your h

King Manasseh, his repentance and forgiveness, is dramatic, because he was one of the evilest men in Scripture. Read, watch, or listen to this message to be encouraged by his example in 2 Chronicles 33. https://youtu.be/boFipYX3MN8 King Manasseh, his repentance and forgiveness, is dramatic, because he was one of the evilest men in Scripture. Read, watch, or listen to this message to be encouraged by his example in 2 Chronicles 33. Table of ContentsLessons for King Manasseh: Repentance and ForgivenessFamily Worship Guide for King Manasseh: Repentance and ForgivenessSermon Notes for Bear Fruit Worthy of RepentanceLesson 1: In affliction you can harden or humble yourself.Lesson 2: Genuine repentance bears fruit.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part I) we might not be able to undo what we did.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part II) for others.Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences (part III) our kids might carry on our sins.Lesson 4: Manasseh shows God’s mercy knows no bounds. Lessons for King Manasseh: Repentance and Forgiveness Lesson 1: In affliction you can harden or humble yourself. Lesson 2: Genuine repentance bears fruit. Lesson 3: Forgiveness doesn’t mean no consequences: (Part I) We might not be able to undo what we did. (Part II) For others. (Part III) Our kids might carry on our sins. Lesson 4: Manasseh shows God’s mercy knows no bounds. Family Worship Guide for King Manasseh: Repentance and Forgiveness Day 1: Read 2 Chronicles 16:7-12 and discuss: How did Asa respond to God in the midst of his affliction? Can you discuss a time you were afflicted and you humbled yourself? What about a time you hardened yourself? What can you do to ensure you humble, versus harden, yourself when suffering? Day 2: Read Matthew 3:8, Luke 3:8; Ephesians 4:22-32; Colossians 3:8-12 and discuss: How do we know if repentance is genuine? Why do many people fail when it comes to repentance/producing lasting change? What is a temptation you struggle with? To develop victory in this area, what do you need to “put on,” or in other words, what fruit needs to be produced in its place? Day 3: Read 2 Chronicles 33:1-21 and discuss: What is forgiveness? What does forgiveness not mean? What consequences were in Manasseh and the Jews’ lives as a result of Manasseh’s sins? Can you think of other people in Scripture who repented, were forgiven, but still suffered consequences? Despite Manasseh’s wickedness, why is the end of his life so encouraging? What does Manasseh teach us about God’s forgiveness and mercy, or another way to say it is: what do we learn about Christ’s sacrifice? Sermon Notes for Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Fruit Worthy of Repentance.” We’re going to look at one of the evilest men who ever lived. I can’t think of anyone, Jew or Gentile, that approached the wickedness Manasseh engaged in throughout his lifetime. Please turn to 2 Chronicles 33:1… 2 Chronicles 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. That's the longest reign of any king in the OT. Just to put this in perspective, Saul, David, and Solomon each reigned 40 yrs. 2 Chronicles 33:2 But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he (Manasseh) rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down; he raised up altars for the Baals, and made wooden images; and he worshiped ALL THE HOST OF HEAVEN and served them. He worshipped everything you could worship EXCEPT God. Now for a moment, let me pause our reading about Manasseh, so I can share something w/ you that will give context for what we just read… Manasseh’s father was Hezekiah. He was one of the greatest reformers in the OT. Let me share a few verses w/ you… 2 Kings 18:4-6 [Hezekiah] REMOVED the high places and BROKE the sacred pillars, CUT DOWN the wooden image and BROKE in pieces the bronze serpent. [There] was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor who were before him. It could just say Hezekiah removed sin from the land, but notice the repetition of verbs: removed, broke, cut down. He attacked sin like it was a cancer. His ruthlessness and severity is a great picture of the ruthlessness and severity we need to demonstrate toward sin. We tend to treat sin too lightly, but God wants us to remove sin from our lives like Hezekiah removed sin in his nation. As you read about many of the kings in the OT, it will say a king was good, but then it will also say, “But the high places remained.” Hezekiah has the unique distinction of being one of the few kings great enough to remove even the high places. It was a tremendous accomplishment. I mention all this, b/c if you look at verse 3 it says [Manasseh] rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down. Manasseh became king and reversed the great things his father did

What does the bible say about giving to the poor? Read or listen to this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn about the scriptures on taking care of the poor. Table of ContentsA Better Approach When Giving to the PoorA Command Versus SuggestionA Good Example to FollowGood Stewards Support Their Church LeadersDistinguishing Between Two GroupsGiving to the Poor Who Are Unable to WorkGiving to the Poor Who Are Unwilling to WorkDetriment One: Wastes MoneyDetriment Two: Hinders RepentanceDetriment Three: Enables Further SinDetriment Four: Prevents ShameKeep Doing Good Growing up, I became friends with a boy my age who lived in a trailer park. As we got to know each other, I noticed his parents were always home. I thought dads woke up and, most days, went to work. Then they came home in the evening. That’s what my dad and the other dads I knew did. I projected that expectation on my friend’s father and was surprised when this wasn’t true. Once, he invited me into his parents’ little trailer, where they played Nintendo. When we left, he said, “That’s what my parents do.” That seemed to be about all they did, along with eating and sleeping. I never even saw them go outside. Because this was before I knew what welfare was, I wondered how they had money for living expenses. There has been much debate about our society's responsibility to the unemployed, uninsured, and uneducated. Many people affected by economic downturns or other unfortunate circumstances desire to work but can’t find employment. On the other side of the spectrum are those who have become generational welfare recipients, preferring to remain on the government dole. How should we, as Christians, respond to these scenarios? A Better Approach When Giving to the Poor Under the Mosaic law, the welfare system in Israel instructed farmers, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:22; See also Leviticus 19:9 and Deuteronomy 24:19). Our government gives people handouts that require little more than standing in line or walking to a mailbox to collect a check. I believe God’s approach was better for two reasons: It provided for the poor by encouraging those capable of being productive to be generous. This stands in contrast to the redistribution of wealth that our nation promotes, taking from those with more to give to those with less. It required effort from the poor. God did not tell farmers to harvest everything and give it to the poor. Instead, He told farmers to leave enough for the poor to gather. Work gives people a sense of purpose, productivity, and dignity, which is why involving the needy in the process benefits them. Ruth showed the beauty of this approach. She asked Naomi, whom she was caring for, “Please let me go to the field, and glean heads of grain after him in whose sight I may find favor” (Ruth 2:2). She could have said, “I’m with my mother-in-law, and we’re both childless widows. We’re weak and vulnerable, so everyone should give to us out of pity.” Instead, she went to the field and gathered an ephah of barley, which is about 26 quarts (Ruth 2:17). Her example is a solid rebuke to those who could contribute to meeting their needs instead of expecting handouts. Knowing who to give to requires balance and wisdom because we aren’t in the Old Testament under God’s welfare system. As true as giving is part of being a good steward, it is equally true that knowing when not to give is also part of being a good steward. A Command Versus Suggestion Scripture provides guidelines on when to give and when not to give. We need the instruction in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, so we will consider this passage carefully. In verse 6, Paul wrote, “We command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.” The strong language “we command” carried Paul’s apostolic authority; therefore, this is a binding order versus a suggestion or recommendation. The Greek word translated as “command” is paraggello, which is a military term meaning “an order handed down from a superior officer.” The same word is used four times in this passage, in verse 4, verse 6, and twice in verse 10 because the church is an army: Second Timothy 2:3-4 says a Christian “must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” Philippians 2:25 and Philemon 1:2 call Epaphroditus and Archippus fellow soldiers. Ephesians 6:11-17 commands Christians to wear armor and carry a sword. If soldiers do not obey orders, the result is disorder. Unfortunately, some of the Thessalonians were “idle” or in “idleness” (verses 7 and 11). The Greek word is ataktos, meaning “out of ranks, often so of soldiers

The Bible verses on giving teach us many critical financial lessons. Read or listen to this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn five of them. Table of ContentsLesson 1: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Macedonians' ExampleLesson 2: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Poor Widow’s ExampleAn Example of Eternal RewardsLesson 3: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give SacrificiallyOur Sacrifice Is WorshipSacrificial Worship with Abraham and IsaacSacrificial Worship with AnimalsSacrificial Worship with DavidGiving Without SacrificeLesson 4: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give According to Your IncomeAmericans Don't Give According to Their IncomeGiving According to Income Was Prefigured in the Old TestamentLesson 5: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Give Regardless of GiftingWhat If We Have a Hard Time Giving? Katie and I were part of a home fellowship early in our marriage. A couple joined the group soon after being released from prison. Even though they hadn’t been Christians for long, their affection for the Lord was evident. They were thankful that He had forgiven them, that He would want a relationship with them after their actions, and that He would allow them to begin new lives in Christ. Because of the decisions that led to their incarcerations and the burned bridges with most—if not all—family members and friends, it wouldn’t be too much to say that our home fellowship was just about all they had. They were part of our group when Katie was pregnant with our first child, Rhea. Everyone was excited for us, but perhaps because this couple had no children or grandchildren, they seemed more excited than anyone else. They desperately wanted to give Rhea a gift when she was born, but as you can guess, they didn’t have much. They settled on a dirty, smelly blanket, which they put in a torn plastic bag. They were smokers, so we had to put the blanket on the sanitary cycle on our washer quite a few times, but we still couldn’t get rid of the smell. While the blanket didn’t cost much and was never helpful, the gift still meant a lot to us. Why? Because they had so little, we knew the sacrifice they had made. Giving is much bigger than the gift. If I can use two analogies, the gift is an iceberg above the water, and below the surface is what went into the gift. The gift is a tree, and the roots in the ground went into the gift. Please remember these illustrations because I will keep referring to them. Everything behind the giving is more important than the gift itself. A great example of this in Scripture is the believers in Macedonia. They gave a gift to the believers in Jerusalem, and so sacrificial was their giving that Paul used their example to challenge the Christians in Corinth. Please keep this in mind: The epistles weren’t written only for the benefit of the church they were addressed to. The book of Romans wasn’t just for the Romans; Ephesians wasn’t just for the Ephesians; Corinthians wasn’t just for the Corinthians. They were written to benefit all believers. So, just as the believers in Macedonia challenged those in Corinth, they should also challenge us. When we examine all that went into the Macedonians’ giving, we learn lessons to apply to our giving. Lesson 1: Bible Verses on Giving Teach Us to Follow the Macedonians' Example Because the New Testament doesn’t command giving a tithe, how do we know how much to give? Although the New Testament doesn’t tell us how much, it does give us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles are found in two chapters: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. If you want to read about Christian giving, go to these chapters. They provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the New Testament. The context for 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 is essential. One of the primary goals of Paul’s third missionary journey was to gather a special offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He wrote to the Corinthians to get them to give to the cause by telling them about the Macedonians. Just as Job is synonymous with suffering and Solomon is synonymous with wisdom, the Macedonians should be synonymous with giving. Paul wrote: We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord (2 Corinthians 8:1-3). The Macedonians gave “in a severe test of affliction.” Macedonia was the northern region of Greece, where the Philippian, Thessalonican, and Berean churches were located. This area had been ravaged by many wars and was still being plundered by Rome even at the time of Paul’s writing. This is a glimpse of the iceberg below the surface or the roots in the ground. During trials, who do we tend to think about? Ourselves. Who do we tend

Based on Ephesians 4:12 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. In seeker sensitive churches the focus is taken off believers and put on unbelievers. This is a reversal of the biblical pattern, and it leaves believers spiritually weak, emaciated, and starving. The focus should be on believers so they can be built up, equipped, sanctified, and strengthened. Then they can perform the work of the ministry, including going out and sharing the gospel with the lost. https://youtu.be/HjKjlt6D1nM Based on Ephesians 4:12 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveFamily Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveSermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveWe don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson one) it typically means pleasing man versus God.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson two) we want unbelievers to be convicted.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson three) we want believers equipped and sanctified. Sermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive We want to equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive because: Lesson 1: it typically means ________________ ______ versus God. Lesson 2: we want unbelievers to ____ __________________ (2 Peter 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16). Lesson 3: we want believers to be ________________ and ____________________ (Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-16). Family Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive Directions: Read 2 Peter 2:8, first Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, Ephesians 4:11-16 and then answer the following questions: Day one: what does seeker sensitive mean? Why would a church want to be seeker sensitive? What seems good about being seeker sensitive? What is wrong with being seeker sensitive? What do churches typically dismiss, or get rid of, when they are seeker sensitive? What might churches embrace when they are seeker sensitive? Day two: how should we treat unbelievers when they come to church? How do we want unbelievers to feel when they come to church? Should we treat longtime believers in the church differently than new attendees? If so, how? How should believers feel in worldly situations? How does the gospel sound to unbelievers? How about to unbelievers? Day three: what is the primary purpose of the Sunday morning worship service? Who (besides God) is it primarily for? What do we want to do with believers in the worship service, and why do we want to do this for them? What is the danger of not doing this? Why is it important for unbelievers that believers be spiritually strong? Sermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive The title of this morning’s sermon is “Equip the Saints Versus Seeker Sensitive.” We are resuming our sermons on the vision of the church. As I told you in my last message this is not primarily about our theology. Instead, I want to define why we do things the way we do. This morning we’re going to be talking about why we want to equip the saints versus being seeker sensitive. The term seeker sensitive is an umbrella term encompassing lots of different churches and lots of different practices. It’s very reasonable that across the spectrum some seeker sensitive churches are doing a better job than others. So my point isn’t that everything I say applies to every seeker sensitive church, but I do think what I’ll say generally applies to churches under this umbrella. The other day I read this quote… “When a church changes biblical truths and standards to match current culture they are no longer following the Bible, they are following the lost.” And I think this describes what happened with seeker sensitive churches and brings us to lesson one… We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson one) it typically means pleasing man versus God. The seeker sensitive movement is about trying to give people what they want versus giving God what he wants. The focus of the seeker church is not Christ-centered, but man-centered. Bob Burney is a pastor, church planter, and radio show host. He described what it was like being trained to be a seeker sensitive church… “The size of the crowd rather than the depth of the heart determined success. If the crowd was large then surely God was blessing the ministry. Churches were built by demographic studies, professional strategists, marketing research, meeting ‘felt needs’ and sermons consistent with these techniques. We were told that preaching was out, relevance was in. Doctrine didn’t matter nearly as much as innovation. If it wasn’t ‘cutting edge’ and consumer friendly it was doomed.

Luke 15:1 says, “Tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to Jesus.” The end of the previous chapter contains the strongest verses in all of Scripture regarding discipleship. Jesus preached them because the crowds were bloated. They were filled with people who weren’t true disciples. Jesus wanted to thin the ranks. The tax collectors and sinners not only remained but drew closer to him. They were tired of their spiritual sickness, and wanted to be made well. Are you spiritually sick? There is a Physician who wants to make you well. Jesus wouldn’t turn away the tax collectors and sinners in his day and he doesn’t turn them away in our day. https://youtu.be/kXvRO7kDmEs Luke 15:1 says, “Tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus.” They were tired of their spiritual sickness, and wanted to be made well. Table of ContentsHoliness Can’t Be TransferredUnholiness Can Be TransferredUnholy People Rub Off on UsHow Do We Keep Unholiness Out Of Our Lives?First, Keep Unholiness Out of Your Life by Evangelizing Versus Compromising.Second, Keep Unholiness Out of Your Life by Pointing Tax Collectors and Sinners to the PhysicianRepentance Is the Physician’s PrescriptionTax Collectors and Sinners Who Know They Are Sick Draw Near to Jesus Jesus was able to deal with tax collectors and sinners while remaining holy. He sets a good example for us, because we should ask how we can be evangelistic and reach out to unholy people without becoming unholy ourselves. Let’s briefly consider verses that reveal that unholy people pose a threat to us. Holiness Can’t Be Transferred Here’s the context. After the Jews returned to the Promised Land following their exile in Babylon, they wrongly believed two things about holiness. First, they believed doing holy things like rebuilding the temple or offering sacrifices made them holy. Second, they believed being in the Holy Land made them holy. They didn’t understand these things wouldn’t make them holy if they were living unholy lives. God sent the prophet Haggai to correct their understanding. Haggai asked the priests two questions about the law, and considering they are the experts in the law, they would know the answers better than anyone else: On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: Ask the priests about the law: ‘If someone carries holy meat in the fold of his garment and touches with his fold bread or stew or wine or oil or any kind of food, does it become holy?’” The priests answered and said, “No.” (Haggai 2:10-12). The first question was essentially, “What happens when something holy touches something unholy? Does what is unholy become holy?” The priests correctly answered, “No.” Healthy people can’t walk through a hospital and touch sick people and make them healthy. We can’t take non-spoiled food and touch spoiled food and make it non-spoiled. Similarly, holy people can’t touch unholy people and make them holy. Holiness isn’t contagious. It doesn’t rub off on others. Unholiness Can Be Transferred The second question: “Then Haggai said, ‘If someone who is unclean by contact with a dead body touches any of these, does it become unclean?’ The priests answered and said, ‘It does become unclean.’” (Haggai 2:13). Unclean is synonymous with unholy, so now Haggai asked, “What happens when something unholy touches something holy? Does whatever is unholy cause whatever is holy to become unholy?” The priests correctly answered, yes. The first question was about whether something holy can touch something unholy and make it holy. This second question is about whether something unholy can touch something holy and make it unholy, and it can! Maybe you’ve heard people say, “We’re going to take this unholy thing from the world— such as this movie, book, or music—and sanctify it or make it holy.” But this isn’t possible. If it’s unholy in the world, it’s unholy in our lives, families, homes, or churches. And if we introduce anything unholy from the world into our lives, families, homes, or churches, it makes our lives, families, homes, or churches unholy: Holiness begins in our minds and works out in our actions. That being true, what we allow to enter our minds is critically important. The television programs we watch, the movies we attend, the books and magazines we read, the music we listen to, and the conversations we have all affect our minds. We need to evaluate the effects of these using Philippians 4:8 as a standard. Are the thoughts stimulated by these true? Are they pure? Lovely? Admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy? Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, page 92 Unholy People Rub Off on Us What about when we are talking not about unholy things, but unholy people, such as tax collectors and sinners? Can they pose a threat to our holiness? Absolutely! This is why 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness w

When we think of types and shadows of Jesus, the Bronze Serpent (John 3:14), manna (John 6:51), rock in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4), or certain individuals like Joseph, Moses, David and Solomon probably come to mind. But Abigail in 1 Samuel 25? Probably not, but she should! Table of contentsBackground for the TypologyExample 1: Abigail rode a donkey on the way to make atonement.Example 2: Abigail sought to bear Nabal’s iniquityExample 3: Abigail saved a foolish manExample 4: Abigail provided an offering for Nabal’s sin Example 5: Abigail declared the king’s house, innocence, and victory over enemiesExample 6: Abigail was accepted as an intercessor Example 7: Abigail turned away wrath Example 8: She established peaceExample 9: Abigail had pleasing characterExample 10: Her actions defeated the “devil”Example 11: Abigail washed servants’ feetExample 12: She was elevated to a position of honor Background for the Typology Let me briefly run through the verses in 1 Samuel 25 to explain the account: Now Samuel died. And all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him in his house at Ramah. David and Abigail Then David rose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. And there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel. The man was very rich; he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. He was shearing his sheep in Carmel. Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. The woman was discerning and beautiful, but the man was harsh and badly behaved; he was a Calebite. 1 Samuel 25:1-3 David and his men are on the run from Saul, and it was common for them to provide for themselves by providing protection. They defended towns, such as Keilah in 1 Samuel 23:1-14, and Nabal’s flocks in this account. David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. I hear that you have shearers. Now your shepherds have been with us, and we did them no harm, and they missed nothing all the time they were in Carmel. Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever you have at hand to your servants and to your son David.’” When David's young men came, they said all this to Nabal in the name of David, and then they waited. 1 Samuel 25:4-9 Since it was such a common practice for wealthy landowners to pay men who guarded their properties, Nabal shouldn’t have been surprised by David’s request. More than likely he even expected it. Nabal answered David's servants, “Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants these days who are breaking away from their masters. 1 Samuel 25:10 Nabal responded with two insults. First, when David went to live with the Philistines to escape Saul, the Philistine leaders said: Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances, ‘Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 1 Samuel 29:5 If the Philistines had heard of David’s exploits, Nabal had too, but he acted like David was a nobody. Nabal's second insult referred to David’s separation from to make him look rebellious. Shall I take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men who come from I do not know where?” 1 Samuel 25:11 An honorable person would’ve been glad to pay David and his men for their services, but Nabal’s response, in particular the repetition of the word my, reveal his selfishness. So David's young men turned away and came back and told him all this. And David said to his men, “Every man strap on his sword!” And every man of them strapped on his sword. David also strapped on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, while two hundred remained with the baggage. 1 Samuel 25:12-13 This is a low point for David. He gave into his flesh and we find out later he wasn’t only going to kill Nabal, but all his men too. But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he railed at them. Yet the men were very good to us, and we suffered no harm, and we did not miss anything when we were in the fields, as long as we went with them. They were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 1 Samuel 25:14-16 We see how well, and honorably, the servants said David and his men protected the animals and servants. Nabal’s servants knew there was no reasoning with him, so they went to his wife, Abigail. Now therefore know this and consider what you should do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his house, and he is such a worthless man that one cannot speak to him.” Then Abigail made haste and took two h