"IMITATING GOD"

One of my favorite pics of Tara

Relate: 

I remember as a young boy wanting to be Zoro or the Lone Ranger-- all decked out in cowboy regalia! I would assume that I am not alone. Many of us as children probably dreamed of being some super star or hero. But now that we are adults, who do we imitate?

Do we still try to imitate Hollywood celebrities, movie heros or sports stars?  After reflecting on some of the lifestyles of these personalities, I can tell you that there’s not too many worth imitating. 

So who do we look to as our role model? I choose to look to Jesus, the man who walked on this earth as God man, yet never sinned.

Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:1 “Be imitators of God ...”  To be honest with you, this is tremendously hard for me to do. But, it does not dismiss me from trying. As a Christian, I have a brand new identity: I am a child of God. And as a child of light, I ought to walk and live as light and not darkness.

I hope you enjoy this weeks study! I look forward to seeing you at 10:00am on Sunday.

Read: Ephesians 5:1-11

Recite: Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be imitators of God therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love.  Just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
 
Research:
 
(v. 1-2) Just as children imitate their parents, we should follow God’s example. His great love for us led him to sacrifice himself so that we might live. Our love for others should be of the same kind– a love that goes beyond just affection to self-sacrificing service.
 
(v. 3) Sexual immorality includes ANY kind of sexual perversion. Sexual immorality was tolerated in the pagan Roman society (see Romans 1:24-32), but it should not exist in the Christian community. Neither should there be any type of impurity. As in 4:19, “impurity” is aligned with a lifestyle bent on fulfilling every indulgence, so the focus in this verse is probably on sexual indulgence.
Greed refers to an inordinate desire for anything–wanting something so much that one sacrifices everything to get it. Again, this verse implies focusing primarily on sexual immorality and indulgence–the greed to have what one should not have. Such desires are idolatrous.
 
These sins have no place among God’s people because we have been called to be holy. God’s people should exhibit his attributes. These activities are the opposite of what God desires from his people.
 
(v. 4) Obscene stories and coarse jokes are so common that we begin to become desensitized. Paul cautions, however, that improper language should have no place in the Christian’s conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. How can we praise God and remind others of his goodness when we are speaking coarsely?
 
(v. 5-7) Paul is not forbidding all contact with unbelievers. Jesus taught his followers to befriend sinners and lead them to him (Luke 5:30-32). Instead, Paul is speaking against condoning the lifestyle of people who make excuses for bad behavior and recommend its practice to others–whether they are in the church or outside of it. Such people can quickly pollute the church and endanger its unity and purpose. We must befriend unbelievers if we are to lead them to Christ, but we must be wary of those who are viciously evil, immoral, or opposed to all that Christianity stands for. Such people are more likely to influence us for evil than we are likely to influence them for good!
 
(v. 8 & 9) There can be no clearer distinction between the new life and the old life than to compare them to light and darkness. Light and darkness cannot coexist, so a life redeemed by the blood of Christ and brought into the light of his truth must not continue in the darkness of a sinful lifestyle. Paul had already described unbelievers as “full of darkness” due to ignorance, hard-heartedness, and lack of sensitivity (4:18-19). This darkness is part of every believer’s past; all Christians were once full of darkness. But when they heard the gospel message and received salvation through Jesus Christ, they became full of light from the Lord. Christians are not merely “enlightened” to God’s truth; they are also filled with light and their behavior should show it, reflecting the light of his holiness and truth. The natural outcome of such a lifestyle–good and right and true are the opposites of the characteristics described in 4:25-29 and 5:3-5. In other words, believers who live in God’s light are above reproach morally, spiritually, and ethically.
 
(v. 10) Every believer is responsible to find out what is pleasing to the Lord–how he or she ought to live full of the light. Thus, each person must study God’s word, pray, and seek counsel in order to find out how God would have him or her act in every situation. This “finding out” naturally goes with “living out” because the knowledge must be put into practical use–doing what God calls us to do in every situation every day.
 
(v. 11) Light and darkness cannot coexist, so children of the light (5:8) must take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness. Believers must separate themselves from sin, having no part of it. This does not mean that believers must be separate from unbelievers, but they must “take no part” in their sinful actions. It is important to avoid activities that result in sin, but we must go even further. Paul instructs believers to rebuke and expose these deeds because silence may be interpreted as approval. Just as light shines into darkness and exposes what is hidden, so the light of Christ, through a believer, should shine into the darkness of sin and expose it for what it is. God needs people who will take an active and vocal stand against sin and permissiveness in ALL it’s forms (see Leviticus 19:17). Christians MUST lovingly speak out for what is true and right and holy.
 
Relax: As a child, who did you imitate? Why?
 
Reflect: What specific behaviors does Paul say Christians should not do? List them.
 
Respond: In what ways are Christians tempted to let down their guard around other Christians concerning questionable behavior? Why? Do you struggle with any of the behaviors you listed? Why? How can you have victory over them?
 
Request:  Where and in what way can you be light in a dark world?
 

"EXPERIENCE AN EXTREME MAKEOVER THIS EASTER"

Happy Easter!

Relate: 
I was surfing the web looking at “Expensive Makeovers” and this is what I came across, “There are no ugly women, only those who can't afford an expensive makeover.” That struck me funny at first, but the reality of that, is not funny at all. People will pay whatever it takes to get a makeover.

People will go to extremes in attempt to change what they think needs changing.

How many of us have bought things to make our outward appearance better. Shake weights, sauna wraps, ab crunchers, and don’t forget those hair removal gadgets, that sit in a corner of the closet gathering dust.

I remember an individual coming up to me and showing me some really nice pictures. I glanced at them and complemented the person showing them to me and then made a fatal question. “Who is it?” Little did I know that it was them and that they had just had a photo shoot at “Glamour Shots”. I was so embarrassed, but honestly, the pictures looked so good that I didn’t recognize them as the person I was talking to.
I know that everyone has at least one area of their life that they would love to makeover. Maybe it’s an anger issue , a pet sin, a habit, or lack of patience. What do you want to makeover? What do you want to do over in your life?

Easter is all about makeovers. God took the worst possible situation – the death of His Son – turned it around, used it for good and changed the world. Easter changed history. Every time you write a date, the focal point is Jesus Christ. Every time you write A.D. or B.C. this event split history. It’s the most important event of history. More than that it is still changing individual lives like mine, like yours, today.


Read: Romans 5:6-11 and Luke 5:32

Recite: “If we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of His Son, now just think how our lives will expand and deepen by means of His resurrection life!” (Romans 5:10 [Msg.]

Research:

v. 6 We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Some one had to come and rescue us. Not only did Christ come at a good time in history; He came at exactly the right time - according to God’s own schedule. God controls all history, He controlled the timing, methods, and results of Jesus’ death.

v. 8 “While we were yet sinners” - these are amazing words. God sent Jesus Christ to die for us., not because we were good enough, but because He loved us. Whenever you feel uncertain about God’s love for you, remember that He loved you even before you turned to Him. If God loved you when you were a rebel, He can surely strengthen you, now that you love Him in return.

vv. 9 & 10 The love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saves you and is available to you in your daily life. Be assured that, having begun a life with Christ, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day, for help to meet every challenge or trial. You can pray for God’s power and love as you need it.

v. 11 God is holy, and He will not be associated with sin. All people are sinful and so they are separated from God. In addition, all sin deserves punishment. Instead of punishing us with the death we deserve, Christ took our sins upon Himself and took our punishment by dying on the cross. And He rose again on the third day. Now we can “rejoice in God.” Through faith in Christ’s work, we become close to God (reconciled) rather than being enemies and outcasts. That is what Easter is all about.
 
Reflect:

• What super-hero do you relate to or would like to be?

Respond:

• Have you known someone who has donated an organ? Who? How did you feel about it?
• Who would you give an organ to, if needed? Why? Would you die for them?
• What does reconciliation mean. Why is it important?
• How does Easter/the resurrection connect to this passage?

Request:

• What incident in your life can you look back on and see the truth of v. 11? 

Some excerpts from : “Life Application Bible”, NIV,  Zondervan

"A BROTHER FROM A DIFFERENT FATHER"

Not This Kind Of Change

Relate: No body likes change! However, change is inevitable except from a vending machine. There’s some truth to that isn’t there? Life can sometimes be so frustrating. We look at what’s happening in our world, changes in the economy, changes in technology etc. and it’s frustrating. Things are changing so fast that sometimes we can’t seem to keep up with it.

Then we look at ourselves. (Pause) Do we change as fast as we’d like inside? I don’t. Isn’t it funny how things are changing so fast outside but we look inside ourselves and we’re not changing as fast as we’d like as believers. We’d all like to spiritually grow a little bit faster, wouldn’t we?

If you think you’re the only one that’s struggling with the same sin year after year, you’re not alone. We all struggle with this. We don’t change as fast as we’d like to. If you think you’re the only one struggling with the same issue and you just can’t seem to get over it, you’re not.  We all struggle with the same issues, sometimes for a lifetime. You may feel like, “I’m hoping for the millionth time for growth and change in the same areas of my life.”
This week I’m going to be sharing about how that change can begin to happen and how you can begin to cooperate with God in a way that dramatically morphs the level of change in your life. It’s not going to bring immediate perfection, but you will be pleased to see that God is changing you.  Your habits, the way you think and your lifestyles are changing. There’s some principles you need to get a hold of, to deploy change in your life and yet sometimes we don’t talk about them enough.

Come Sunday and hear the rest of this challenge!


Read: Ephesians 4:17-32

Recite: “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles (non-christians) do ...” (Eph. 17:1)

Research:
 
(v. 17) Living “in the futility of their thinking” refers to the natural tendency of human beings to think their way away from God. Intellectual pride, rationalizations, and excuses all keep people from God. Don’t be surprised if people can’t grasp the gospel. The gospel will seem foolish to those who forsake faith and rely on their own understanding.

(v. 17-24) People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live. We are to live as children of light (5:8). Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were followers of Christ. Living the Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don’t automatically think all good thoughts and express all the right attitudes when we become new people in Christ. But if we keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time. As you look back over last year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Although change may be slow, it comes as you trust God to change you. For further study read: Rom. 6:8; 8:9; Gal. 5:16-26; Col. 3:3-8.

(v. 25) Lying to each other disrupts unity by creating conflicts and destroying trust. It tears down relationships and leads to open warfare in a church.

(v. 26-27) The Bible doesn’t tell us that we shouldn’t feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us.

(v. 28-31) We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us.

(v. 32) This is Christ’s law of forgiveness as taught in the Gospels. We also see it in the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:4). God does not forgive us because we forgive others, but solely because of his great mercy. As we come to understand His mercy, however, we will want to be like Him. Having received forgiveness, we will pass it on to others.

Reflect:

• What is the best piece of clothing you’ve ever had?

Respond:

• What does it mean to “put off your old self” and to “put on the new self”?
• How do you usually deal with anger? What do you learn about anger in vv. 26-27?
• What grade would you give yourself in putting v. 29 into practice?
• What positive attitudes should we cultivate found in v.v. 31-32? How have your attitudes, actions and thoughts changed since giving your life to Christ?

Request:

• Of all the commands here, which seems to be a major command God is challenging you with in your life? Talk to God about it.

Some excerpts from : “Life Application Bible”, NIV, Zondervan

"The Mark Of A Great Church" Unity!

Vero, Rick & Nathan teaching kids

Relate: One of the most wonderful things that we can enjoy while on this earth is our family and friends. But, there is nothing worse than having relational issues with your own biological family, friends, co-workers and church family!

For the past three years, I have tried to work past relational issues within my extended family and it has not been easy! There is not a week that goes by that I don’t pray, asking God to give me the words or actions it’ll take to bring unity back into our family. Honestly, I really don’t see things getting any better, short of a God-intervening miracle!
Just recently, Gayla came into my office in tears. I stopped what I was doing and asked her to please share with me what was troubling her. She pushed her way through the tears, gained her composure and shared that she was taken back by how mean people could be. Once again this “mean spirited” person had deeply wounded Gayla and her brother while they were actually there helping this person!

The reality is that scripture is being fulfilled: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, 
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law ...” (Matthew 10: 34, 35)

I don’t like what this says, but I do know that anytime you take a stand for what is right and true, you will more than likely find yourself in disunity and conflict! However, most disunity and conflict are not typically caused by -taking a stand for right, but because of selfish reasons! Satan enjoys seeing us at odds because he knows, “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” (Luke 11:17)

Read: Ephesians 4:1-16

Recite: “3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”  (Ephesians 4:3-5)

Research:

(vv. 1-2) God has chose us to be Christ’s representatives on earth. In light of this truth, Paul challenges us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received - the awesome privilege of being called Christ’s very own. This includes being humble, gentle, patient, understanding, and peaceful.

(v. 2) No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth, so we must accept and lover other Christians in spite of their faults. When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle.

(v. 3) To build unity is one of the Holy Spirit’s important roles. He leads, but we have to be willing to be led and to do our part to keep the peace. We do that by focusing on God, not on ourselves.

(vv. 4-7) All believers in Christ belong to one body; all are untied under one head, Christ Himself. Each believer has God-given abilities that can strengthen the whole body. Your special ability may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God’s service.

(v. 8) In Psalm 68:18, God is pictured as a conquerer marching to the gates and taking tribute for the fallen city. Paul uses that picture t teach that Christ, in His crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over Satan. When Christ ascended to heave, He gave gifts to the church, some of which discusses in this passage.

(v. 9) The lower earthly regions may be (1) the earth itself (2) the grave or (3) Hades. However we understand that Christ is Lord of the whole universe, past, present and future. Nothing or no one is hidden from Him. The Lord of all came to earth and faced death to rescue all people. No one is beyond His reach.

(vv. 11-12) Our oneness in Christ does not destroy our individuality. The Holy Spirit has given each Christian special gifts for building up the church. Now that we have these gifts, it is crucial to use them.

(vv. 14-16) Christ is the truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit who guides the church is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Satan, by contrast, is the father of lies (John 8:44). As followers of Christ, we must be committed to the truth. This means both that our words should be honest and our actions should reflect Christ’s integrity. Speaking the truth in love is not always easy, convenient, or pleasant, but it is necessary if the church is going to do Christ’s work in the world.

Reflect:

• Would you consider yourself easy to get along with? Why or why not?
• Is there someone whose personality really annoys you? Why?

Respond:

• How well are you doing at being Christ representative? What needs improving?
• Are you spiritually mature, exercising the “fruit of the Spirit? Share an example?

Request:

• Ask God to reveal where and how you should use your unique gifts to contribute to the unity, strength and health of the body of believers.

Some excerpts from : “Life Application Bible”, NIV,  Zondervan

*Pictures are of our Costa Rica mission trip in 2008.

Sierra Vista brothers helping Sam DiPace

“EMPOWERING YOUR PRAYER LIFE”

Hindu Worship Service In Nepal

Relate:
One of the things that I enjoy most in life is doing mission work for the Lord with my wife, Gayla. It’s amazing how much you learn about yourself when working with people who are so different than you are.

My life is so much richer because of the international friendships that we have developed through the years.

For instance, our Jordanian friend, Belal, educated me on the fact that his religion requires him to pray 5 times a day while Kneeling  on a small rug, bowing towards Mecca. Thanks for the prayer rug, Belal.

Jit With His Sister Sita In Katmandu

Our Nepalese son and friend, Jit, taught me that his former religion encouraged him to pray to any of their 330 million gods while burning incense in a little home altar called a “puja”. Jit, our dear brother in Christ, we are so glad that you came to know the one true God!

On the campus of NMSU, we’ve recently  met Om, who helped us understand that his religion does not necessarily believe in prayer. Instead, they are taught to look within themselves for the answers of life and eternity.

Then, we have our precious Egyptian friends, Mauhfouz and his wife, Mariam, who are truly committed to their religion, to the one true God and to prayer. Thank you for your example of what it is to be a person of prayer and for our friendship! 

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

Research: Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians

Pastors Wife Ministering

(vv. 14-15) The family of God includes all who have believed in him in the past, all who presently believe, and all who will believe in the future. We are all a family because we have the same Father. He is the source of all creation, the rightful owner of everything. God promises his love and power to his family, the church (3:16-21). If we want to receive God’s blessings, it is important that we stay in contact with other believers in the body of Christ. Those who isolate themselves from God’s family and try to go it alone cut themselves off from God’s power.

(vv. 17-19) God’s love is total and complete says Paul. It reaches every corner of our experience. It is wide–it covers the breadth of our own experience, and it reaches out to the whole world. God’s love is long–it continues the length of our lives. It is high–it rises to the heights of our celebration and elation. His love is deep–it reaches to the depths of discouragement, despair, and even death. When you feel shut out or isolated, remember that you can never be lost to God’s love. For another prayer about God’s immeasurable and inexhaustible love, see Paul’s words in Romans 8:38, 39.

(v. 19) This “fullness” is fully expressed only in Christ (Colossians 2:9, 10). In union with Christ and through his empowering Spirit, we are complete. We have all the fullness of God available to us. But we must appropriate that fullness through faith and through prayer as we daily live for him. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is also for you. You can ask the Holy Spirit to fill every aspect of your life to the fullest.

(vv. 20-21) This doxology– a prayer of praise to God–ends Part 1 of Ephesians. In the first section, Paul described the timeless role of the church. In Part 2 (chapters 4-6), he explains how church members should live in order to bring about the unity God wants. As in most of his books, Paul first lays a solid doctrinal foundation and then makes practical applications of the truths he has presented.

Reflect:

• How do you picture God?

Respond: 

• What does it mean to you to have God’s “Spirit in your inner being” (v. 16)?
• When have you felt overwhelmed by the love of God?
• What stands out to you in Paul’s doxology prayer? Why? (vv. 14-21)
• How would a person who does not share your belief system or your world view, describe your prayer life? Why?

Request:

• If a person only knew rejection and pain in their relationships, how can this person come to understand the love of God in a personal way? How can you help? 

Some excerpts from “Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan