Ghost Stories

Pastor Colby Atkins at Elevate Church in Erie, Pa entitled a teaching series on the Holy Spirit Ghost Stories (from the King James Version's translation of the Greek word pneuma as "Holy Ghost" when referring to the Holy Spirit-- for example, "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us" Romans 5:5). Me-- I'm shamelessly posting this catchy title today as a reminder to fellow Christ-followers of the importance of daily dependence on the Holy Spirit. The Christian life is not difficult, it's impossible. It can only be lived as we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

Catch Pastor Colby's message below. Week two here. Week three here. 

 

Last Sunday our middle and high school students wrapped up a series on the Holy Spirit. The Bottom Line: God’s work in us begins by the Spirit, continues by the Spirit, and is completed by the Spirit. I encourage you to seek out spiritual conversations with your teenager. I put some quotes and links to messages that will aid your discussion. You can download the Gospel Project for Student’s One Conversation here. Remember the emphasis should simply be about having a healthy conversation and not on having all the answers.

Sunday nights last year we did a study from Jim Cymbala entitled, When God’s Spirit Moves. I posted the video from lesson one on my blog here.

Francis Chan's excellent message The Holy Spirit's Power and Our Effor (Part 1) here. Part two here. 

Discuss the following quote together. How does this change your understanding of a relationship with Jesus?

“The more I know Christ, the more I love Him. The more I love Him, the more I obey Him. The more I obey Him, the more I become like Him. The more I become like Him, the better I know Him. The better I know Him, I love Him the more. And the more I love Him, I reach a new level of likeness to Him.” –Robert McQuilkin

Conversation Questions: Use these questions to begin thinking through and applying the lessons to your family life--




1. Why is it important for our family to understand the importance of the Holy Spirit’s work?

2. How can our family relationship be strengthened as a result of the Holy Spirit’s work?


3. How does the Holy Spirit’s continued work in us shape our family’s ability to know God?


4. How does the Holy Spirit’s work motivate our family to live on mission?

Mission Week 2013 Kickoff Message from Tom Simcox

Mission Week Kickoff Message

NMBC’s local mission partner, Tom Simcox kicked off Mission Week 2013 with a challenging message from Ezekiel 37:1-10 and Ephesians 2:1-3. The Lord instructs the Prophet Ezekiel to prophesy (preach) to a valley of dead bones, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4) Just like these bones, all of us are spiritually dead apart from Christ. (Ephesians 2:1) We are “made alive together with Christ” when “by grace through faith” we are saved. (Ephesians 1:4,8) Listen to Tom’s message below.

2013 Mission Week- Why Missions?

NMBC's Mission Week kicks off in a couple of days. Over the next week we'll have the opportunity to be challenged by local mission partners: Frank & Melodi Schultz serving with World Impact in Newark, Michael Miller serving with Solutions Pregnancy and Health Center, Harry & Janine Flaherty serving with New Jersey's Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Tom Simcox serving with Friends of Israel, and David Mannon serving with International Students, Inc. at Rutgers University. As well Gary Steidl will share an update about our partnership with Effort Africa.

Why missions? Check out this excellent and challenging message by David Platt at this year's TGC Missions Conference, Why the Great Commission is Great. Enjoy!

Fight for Joy- Live Worthy (Philippians 1:27) Questions for Reflection and Discussion

Dig Deeper

The New Testament epistle Philippians includes many favorite verses such as “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 and “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 2:13 (KJV). For the Apostle Paul the bottom line of his epistle is summed up in verse 1:27 where he begins, “Just one thing…” (Greek, “monon”-- “merely” or “only”). Ever other insight and instruction given in Philippians is designed to reinforce the bottom line that Christians are to “live (their lives) in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

The phrase “Live your life” comes from the Greek word politeuomai meaning “to behave as a citizen” (see mystudybible.com). What additional insights do the following Scriptures provide about our citizenship in heaven?

Ephesians 2:18--

Philippians 3:20--

Hebrews 11:13-16--

1Peter 1:3-4--

What insights do you gain about the Christian’s witness from the following Scriptures?

John 4:29; Acts 22:3--

Acts 8:30-35; 17:1-3, 10-12--

Colossians 4:6--

Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 3:1-2--

Application

How much does the gospel matter to you? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to work “side by side” with fellow Christians so that others hear the gospel?  

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:27a- Just one thing: Live your live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

33 Things that Happen at the Moment of Salvation

In last Sunday's conversation we noted that when Paul spoke of his "deliverance" (Philippians 1:19) he had in mind the "BIG PICTURE" of his salvation-- past, present and future.

Past tense:  Saved from the penalty of sin. (Ephesians 2:8)
Present tense: Saved from the power of sin. (Philippians 2:19)
Future tense: Saved from the presence of sin. (Matthew 10:22)

In Philippians 1:27 Paul writes, " Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." The KJV translates this phrase, "as it becometh the gospel." The root of this word traces back to "the balance of a scale" meaning literally we are to align our character (or conduct) with the weight of our call.

Understanding the benefits that are ours through the gospel is a great motivation for obedience. Theologian Lewis Sperry Chafer outlined 33 "riches of grace" that are "wrought of God... instantaneous... simultaneously given... and are ground on the merit of Christ" the moment of our salvation. 

1)  Forgiven
2)  Child of God
3)  Having access to God
4)  Reconciled
5)  Justified
6)  Place "in Christ" 
7)  Acceptable to God
8)  Heavenly citizenship
9)  Of the family and household of God
10)  An heavenly association
11)  Within the "much more" care of God
12)  Glorified
13)  In the fellowship of the saints
14)  On the rock, Christ Jesus
15)  A part in the eternal plan of God

16)  Redeemed 

17)  A living relationship with God
18)  Free from the law
19)  Adoption
20) Brought near
21)  Delivered from the power of darkness
22)  Entrance into a new kingdom
23)  A gift from God the Father to Christ
24)  Circumcised in Christ
25)  Members of a royal and holy priesthood
26)  A chosen generation, a holy nation, a peculiar people
27)  His inheritance
28)  The inheritance of the saints
29)  Light in the Lord
30)  United to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
31)  Blessed with the first-fruits fo the Spirit
32)  Complete in Him
33)  Possessing every spiritual blessing 

To dig deeper into these works of grace I recommend the devotional written by Dann Spader and published by Sonlife, Thirty-three Things That Happen at the Moment of Salvation. This devotional booklet can be purchased here. 

You can read Lewis Sperry Chafer's commentary on these 33 works of God that happen the moment of salvation here. 

Jefferson Bethke's Video

When Paul writes of his “deliverance” in Philippians 1:19 he used the word “sōtēria” (salvation) meaning to be set free or rescued. On Sunday to emphasize the point that what Paul has in mind here is so much greater than “religion” I used Jefferson Bethke’s video/poem, Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus.

You can watch other Jefferson Bethke You Tube videos here.

You can get a free download of the first chapter of his book Jesus > Religion here.

Fight for Joy: Philippians 1:13-26 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Dig Deeper

In Philippians 1:21 the Apostle Paul declares, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  He lived with the reality that any day might bring him either release from prison (Philippians 1:26) or death as a martyr. Paul, more than most, knew the glories that awaited him with Jesus (Psalm 16:11). As much as he longed to be with his Savior, he wanted to make the most of his life by making much of Jesus. Paul fought for joy through making “Jesus choices.”

“For me to live is Christ”-- What do the following Scriptures reveal about Paul’s desire to live for Christ?

Acts 26:12-18--

Romans 1:13-15; 9:1-5--

1 Corinthians 15:58--

Colossians 4:3-4--

“And to die is gain”-- What do the following Scriptures reveal about Paul’s future hope in Christ?

1 Corinthians 15:50-57--

2 Corinthians 12:2-4--

Titus 2:13--

Application

Read Jesus’ call to discipleship in Mark 8:34-38. In what ways is Jesus calling you to “lose your life”? Practically speaking, what would it look like for you to live day to day with the attitude, “To live is Christ and to die is gain”?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

Philippians 1:21- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. KJV

Trunk N' Treat-- October 30, 2013

On Wednesday night, October 30^th our Family Ministry Team and Mission’s Team is hosting a Trunk N’ Treat from 6:45 to 8:00 pm. Church families and Community Groups will decorate car trunks according to various themes such as a children’s story, a Bible character or sport's team.

Committed Christians have differing opinions about Trick or Treating.  Some dim the house lights and go to bed early pointing out the origins of Halloween and the command of Scripture to “Come out and be separate.”  Others join in fully believing this is an occasion for Christian families to have fun being “in the world” without being “of it.” And still others invite Trick or Treaters including a Gospel track along with a treat so to take advantage of “every opportunity.” (If your family opts for #3, please don't skimp on the treat!) Whatever convictions you have about Trick or Treating, I believe our family experience on the 30^th provides a great opportunity to be both salt and light to our community.

In Matthew 5:13-14 Jesus tells His disciples “You are the salt of the earth… (and) the light of the world.” Salt flavors and preserves. Light reveals truth and points to Jesus. One of the things I enjoy about family

experiences such as Trunk N’ Treat is the creativity. The community is welcome to come to Trunk N’Treat anyway they like (after all, we all come to Jesus “just as we are”). Those decorating trunks will choose creative and fun (nothing scary) themes. These pictures from previous years show the great creativity of our church family.

In addition to great family fun, this event is safe. Families participate and enjoy this experience together! This is true for those who will attend, but it is especially true for those who participate by decorating a trunk. My family has discussed at several recent dinners what our theme will be. We’ve narrowed it down to either Doc McStuffins (a Disney Jr. character) or Yogi Bear (Jellystone Campground) theme.

 

Jesus says we (His disciples) are the light of the world by “let(ting) your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b). Living out joyful Christian community is a great attraction to Jesus. In addition to inviting our community to be a part of our church family for the evening we have a gift of a Young Readers New Testament for every family that attends. Join me in praying that God uses this family experience to show our love for our community and point whole families to Jesus.

Fight for Joy: Philippians 1:12-18 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Dig Deeper

Despite imprisonment, hardships and persecutions Paul rejoices (Philippians 1:18) in the knowledge that the mission to which he has pledged himself, the advancement of the Gospel, is being achieved (Philippians 1:12, 18). Paul viewed his problems as secondary to people hearing the good news about Jesus. Paul in prison became his platform for spreading the gospel among the 9,000 men who comprised the imperial guard (Philippians 1:13).

The spread of the gospel resulting from what was seemingly a bad series of events occurs elsewhere. Compare the advance of the gospel throughout the imperial guard here in Philippians 1:12-14 with the following occurrences in Acts.

Acts 6:7 (Note what occurred previously in Acts 5:17 and following.)--

Acts 8:1-4--

Acts 12:24 (Note what occurred previously in Acts 12:1-23.)--

In his 2^nd letter to Timothy the Apostle Paul wrote “And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained” (2:9, NLT). Read Philippians 1. In what specific ways to you observe the Word of God unchained in Paul’s life and ministry?

Philippians 1:1-8--

Philippians 1:9-11--

Philippians 1:12-18--

Philippians 1:19-26--

Philippians 1:27-30--

Application

Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose” is a great encouragement to Christians, especially during times of hardship. How is your “clarity of purpose” related to recognizing “the good” in your life? What “negative” things in your life could really be “good things” because more people hear about Jesus?

Memorize This

Philippians 1:6-I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. © HCSB

My Hope with Billy Graham Explained

My Hope with Billy Graham Explained from BGEA on Vimeo.

My Hope with Billy Graham is a nationwide media outreach taking place this November. The strategy is to combine the reach and excitement of a nationwide media event with the power of personal relationships. Training for being a My Hope host (called a "Matthew Party") is Sunday, October 20th at 6:00 pm. For additional information visit the display in the Welcome Center or visit MyHopeWithBillyGraham.org.