Stewardship of Time

In Ephesians 5:15-17 we are instructed, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-- not as unwise people but as wise-- making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

As followers of Jesus we know that everything we have, including our time, is a gift from God and that we are called to be faithful stewards of all we have been given.

Check out this message I gave in 2008 on what it means to be a wise steward of time.

Beth Moore Women's Study Begins January 16th

Women, you are invited to a Beth Moore Bible Study Monday nights beginning January 16th. James, Jesus' own brother started out as a skeptic. Come see how his encounter with the resurrected Savior changed this unbeliever into a courageous disciple with Beth Moore's 8-week session study, James: Mercy Triumphs. Along the way, learn how you can put your own faith into practice. For more visit www.nmbchurch.org.

The Older Brother (Luke 15:25-32) Questions for Discussion and Reflection

In Luke 15:29 the older brother declares to his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.”(ESV) Evaluate this older brother’s claim with Romans 1:22-23.

Read Luke 15:1-2. Who was present when Jesus told these three parables? Who would have naturally identified with the younger (prodigal) brother? Who would have naturally identified with the older brother?

Read Luke 18:18-23. Compare the prayer of the Pharisee in this parable with the attitude of the older brother in Luke 15. What similarities are there between this Pharisee’s view of God and the older brother’s view of his father?

What message do the following Scriptures have for the self-righteous?

Matthew 9:13—

Mark 2:17—

Luke 5:32—

John 9:39—

What is the Father’s heart toward the older brother? (Luke 15:28, 31)

Fulfillment of Micah 5:2

Consider this.

The prophet Micah, writing between 740 - 686 B.C. declares, "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler of Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2, ESV) When Mary and Joseph learned that she was "with child" they were living in Nazareth, 80 miles from Bethlehem.(Luke 1:26)Just how was it that Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem so that this ancient prophecy might be fulfilled?

Listen to this 12 minute video by Andy Stanley as he examines the historical significance of Luke's pronouncement, "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus taht all the world should be registered." (Luke 2:1, ESV)

Enjoy.

More thoughts on the Prodigal's older brother

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith By Timothy Keller

This morning we considered briefly the older brother in Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Not everyone rejoices when a sinner repents. Tim Keller's book, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith explains what the origional hearers of this parable understood Jesus to be teaching and why they grumbled at Jesus' message (Luke 15:2). I stronly recommend this book.

For a better understanding of the older brother's need to "repent and return" to the father, listen to Pastor Mark Clark's message:

The Prodigal God from Mark Clark on Vimeo.

I'll Be Home For Christmas Part 3 Questions for Reflection and Discussion

John 7:5 reports of Jesus, “For not even his brothers believed him.” Jesus was for a time rejected by members of His own family. What encouragement does Jesus’ response in Matthew 12:46-50offer someone who has been rejected by his or her family for following Christ? (See also Luke 8:19-21 and Mark 3:31-35.)

Read Matthew 10:37-39. What priority should loyalty to Jesus take for the disciple?

How does Matthew 10:37-39 help you interpret and apply Jesus’ instruction in Luke 14:25-27?

What encouragement or instruction do the following scriptures give the Christian who desires to show Christ to his or her unbelieving family?

Genesis 7:1—

2 Samuel 6:11—

Psalm 78:1-8—

Jeremiah 35:18-19—

Acts 16:34—

1 Corinthians 1:16—

1 Timothy 5:8—

Ephesians 6:1-4—

1 Peter 3:1-2—

1 Peter 3:7—

Celebrate Christmas at NMBC!

In John 1:45 Philip after meeting Jesus went and told his friend Nathanael, "We have found Him whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth." Nathanael skeptical, asked, “”Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip simply replied, “Come and see.” (John 1:46) Our responsibility is to invite and point to Jesus. Jesus takes care of the rest.

Prayerfully consider who you will invite to join you this Christmas Eve at either 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM. Need some encouragement? Check out this humorous video:

Register Today for The Love and Respect Video Conference, 1/6-7/2012

Register today for the Love and Respect Marriage Video Conference January 6-7, 2012 at New Monmmouth Baptist Church. December 26th is the deadline to receive the early registration discount.

Register online at http://loveandrespect.com/events/details/980.

Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs present the Love & Respect Marriage Conference - a dynamic, high energy, practical seminar designed to help couples and singles achieve the relationship of their dreams. Based on Ephesians 5:33 and the three groundbreaking principles taught in Dr. Eggerichs’ best seller Love and Respect, Emerson and Sarah bring a message that imparts revolutionary insights on how to achieve a brand-new level of intimacy and friendship.

Couples learn to:
1. Cage the Crazy Cycle
2. Fuel the Energizing Cycle
3. Reap the Rewarded Cycle

Luke 15:20-24: The Prodigal Son Returns

Luke 15:20-24, "So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I'm no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father told his slaves, 'Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let's celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' So they began to celebrate." (HCSB)

Jesus told this parable to explain God's heart toward the sinner who repents and turns to Him. Luke 15:7, "I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance."


God initiates.
Genesis 3:21, “The LORD God made clothing out of skins for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.

God quickens.
Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,” (KJV)

God reconciles.
Colossians 1:21, And you were once alienated and hostile in mind because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him —

Our response:

Repent. “I’ll get up, go to my father…”
Matthew 3:8, “Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.”

Confess. “Father I have sinned against Heaven…”
1 John 1:9, “Therefore if we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us…”

Rest. “Bring out the best robe and put it on him…”
Colossians 1:22b, “to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.”

I'll Be Home for Christmas Week Two-- Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Lesson Two in the study Gospel-Centered Life asks, “Do you picture God as disappointed? Angry? Indifferent? Does His face say, “Get your act together!” or “If only you could do a little more for me!” Consider this reply, “If you imagined God as anything but overjoyed with you, you have fallen into a performance mindset. Because the gospel truth is: In Christ, God is deeply satisfied with you.” (whm.org/gcl)

Read Luke 15:17-19. How was the prodigal son prepared to be received by his father?

Read Luke 15:20-24. How did the father receive back his son?

Compare this father’s response with Luke 15:7, and 10. What assurance does this offer the sinner who repents and turns to Christ?

Read Isaiah 59:2 and Ephesians 2:1-3. How do these scriptures describe our relation to God without Christ?

Read Colossians 1:21-22 and Ephesians 2:4-10. How does God see you in Christ?

Colossians 1:22 declares that in Christ, the Christian is presented before God as “holy, faultless, and blameless.” How should this reality affect your everyday life?

We Fight-- Saturday, December 10th @ 8:00 AM

As men, each of us have a number of titles/roles, “husband”, “employee”, “dad”, “supervisor”, “student”… By far, the most important title we have, and the one that most accurately defines our identity as followers of Jesus is “son.” Romans 8:14 declares, “All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.”

Consider this question, “, “Do you picture God as disappointed? Angry? Indifferent? Does His face say, “Get your act together!” or “If only you could do a little more for me? If you imagined God as anything but overjoyed with you, you have fallen into a performance mindset. Because the gospel truth is: In Christ, God is deeply satisfied with you.” (whm.org/gcl)

Not so sure? Check out Colossians 1:22, “But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.” Before God, and in Christ, you ARE holy, faultless, and blameless before Him.

If we’re going to fight for our holiness, our families and our church it is imperative that we be clear on our identity. This Saturday, December 10th at 8:00 AM we’ll take a closer look at our identity as sons of God through Christ. We're studying lesson two of Gospel-Centered Life: Shrinking the Cross. To review the first lesson watch this message based on the first lesson of GCL from City Church.

Starting With The Gospel [01.24.2010] from The City Church [Fort Worth] on Vimeo.

Love and Respect Video Marriage Conference, Jan. 6-7, 2012

Start the New Year off focusing on your marriage! Register by December 26th and receive a $5/discount per person. Gift cards for the conference are available at the display by the Welcome Table. Register online at www.loveandrespect.com.

I'll Be Home For Christmas-- Week 1 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Read Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; and Romans 1:18-23. How has humanity rejected God as Source and Provider? In what ways does mankind act as sole master and judge of his own destiny? According to Romans 1:28-32, what are the consequences? (See also Genesis 3:8-24)

When he decided to return to his father the disposition of the prodigal son is described as “he came to himself” (Luke 15:17, ESV). Bible teacher R.C. Sproul comments on this verse, “He came to himself, but not by himself.” The theological term for coming to one’s self (or senses) is “regeneration.” What insights to the following scriptures provide as to how this happens?

Romans 3:10-18—

2 Corinthians 4:4-6—

Hebrews 11:6—

1 John 1:8-10—

Ephesians 2:4-10—

Titus 3:5—

Just as the prodigal son’s longing “to eat his fill from the carob pods” ultimately led him to return home, God uses our longings to point us to Christ. What promise does Jesus make in John 7:37-38?

Men's Gathering 12.10.11

12.10.11
Word.
Breakfast.
Prayer.
Worship.
We're fighting for our holiness, families and church.

The stakes are high. Joshua challenged the men of his day, "Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15, ESV)

As we prepare to gather next week check out this message from Pastor Andy O'Rourke, "Fighting for the Next Generation" given at the 2010 Fight Club Men's Conference.