September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 2007

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=3 height=110 BGCOLOR="#666699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04a00840erlcjm.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 2007</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="New Beginnings Fellowship"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=175 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" background="04411c00egdysm.gif"> <div> <B>Pastors Notes:</B></div> <div> <B>Tim Hall</B></div> <div> <B>Return to-</B></div> <div> <A HREF="pastor.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pastoral Ministry"><U><B>Pastoral Ministry</B></U></A></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="13f4584d0.jpg" border=0 width="88" height="77" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>MP3 Download</B></div> <div> 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HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">September 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 2007</B></div> <div> <A HREF="thetrap01.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 29, August 5, 12 19, 2007"><U>July 29, August 5, 12 & 19, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="truesacrifices.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 1, 8, 15 22, 2007"><U>July 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="fathersday07.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 17, 2007"><U>June 17, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="finalsacrifices.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="June 10 24, 2007"><U>June 10 & 24, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="whichside.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 27, June 3, 2007"><U>May 27, June 3, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mays07.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 20, 2007"><U>May 20, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mothersday2007.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="May 13, 2007"><U>May 13, 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="achieveorreceive.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="April 15, 22 May 6, 2007"><U>April 15, 22 & May 6, 2007</U></A></div> 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HREF="worldvsword.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="10/29, 11/5 19, 12/3/2006"><U>10/29, 11/5 & 19, 12/3/2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="cazarin1112.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="November 12, 2006"><U>November 12, 2006</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=333 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="podcastinfo.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Podcast Info"><U><IMG SRC="123de33e0.gif" border=0 width="227" height="318" ALT="Sundays at New Beginnings" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></U></A> <A NAME="the_trap"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>"The Trap"</B></FONT></div> <div> Tim Hall</div> <bR> <div> <I>Part 5            Part 6</I><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Wingdings 3" ><A HREF="#part_6" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>A</B></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thetrappt5.mp3" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thet"><U><IMG SRC="13f3cf680.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thetrappt6.mp3" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thet"><U><IMG SRC="13f3cf680.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><I>  Part 7</I></FONT><A HREF="#part_7" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>A</B></U></A><B>        </B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><I>Part 8</I></FONT><A HREF="#part_8" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>A</B></U></A><B>      </B><B> </B><FONT SIZE="6" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><I>Part 9</I></FONT><A HREF="#part_9" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>A</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thetrappt7.mp3" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thet"><U><IMG SRC="13f3cf680.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thetrappt8.mp3" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thet"><U><IMG SRC="13f3cf680.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thetrappt9.mp3" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://nbfirving.net/mp3/the%20trap/thet"><U><IMG SRC="13f3cf680.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> <div>    (Right click mp3 logo and "Save Target As" to download).</div> <bR> <div> All Scriptures, The Amplified Bible.</div> <div> <B>Romans 8:14</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There are two Greek words translated “sons” used in the New Testament.  “Teknon” is one who is a son by mere fact of birth.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 8:16</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>John 1:12</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">“Huios” is another Greek word translated “son” because it displays the character of the parent.  Teknon = immature sons.  Huios = mature sons.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 5:44-45</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >44</FONT>But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >45</FONT>To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 PETER 4...</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hebrews 5:8 </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Whenever you are treated unfairly, you have an opportunity to pick up an offense or you have a chance for God to defend you.  Persecution for righteousness sake is when you are treated bad for doing right.  It is an offering to God; rejoice!  For great is your reward in Heaven.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Peter 2:20-23</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >20</FONT>[After all] what kind of glory [is there in it] if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you take it patiently? But if you bear patiently with suffering [which results] when you do right and that is undeserved, it is acceptable and pleasing to God. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >21</FONT>For even to this were you called [it is inseparable from your vocation]. For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >22</FONT>He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >23</FONT>When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but he trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Peter 3:8-9</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT>Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble). 9Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The next time you are being unfairly treated the stage is set for God to bless you, if you handle it correctly.  If not handled correctly, you reap disturbance instead of blessing.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>1 Peter 3:13</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Now who is there to hurt you if you are zealous followers of that which is good?</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>1 peter 4:1</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  SO, SINCE Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Matthew 5:9</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Spiritual growth comes when you encounter offenses, unfair treatment and you choose to obey and follow God's word in the midst of it rather than react and defend yourself and repay evil for evil.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do we stay at a level because we embrace an offense?  The Lord desires us to lean on Him, trust Him and believe He has some opportunities that are coming that He can only trust with the mature.</B></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_trap" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> </I><I> <A NAME="part_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Part 6</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Isaiah 28:16</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes (trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone) will not be ashamed or give way or hasten away [in sudden panic].</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A person that acts hastily is a person that is unstable because his actions are not properly founded.</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 16:13-18</B></FONT> Now when Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >14</FONT>And they answered, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >15</FONT>He said to them, But who do you [yourselves] say that I am? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >16</FONT>Simon Peter replied, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >17</FONT>Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >18</FONT>And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, Citypetra--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Greek word for Peter is “Petros” which means stone or rock.  Simon means “to hear” in the Greek.  Upon this rock (different Greek word) CityPetra, which means “massive rock”; Jesus is saying you are Peter (Petros), a stone, and upon this Petra (massive rock) I will build my church.  The gates of Hell will not prevail against it.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The rock that He was talking about is not just the rock; it is the Lordship of Jesus.  Jesus is the foundation of the church, the cornerstone, and he is the living Word of God.  He is the Word made flesh.  It is not the written word that changes us; what Jesus is saying is the rock that I will build my church on is the REVEALED WORD OF GOD, RHEMA.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Revealed Knowledge is greater than knowledge you see with your senses.  The Revealed Knowledge of God is what will cause you to be stable.  It is a whole lot easier for the enemy to get you off communicated knowledge than it is Revealed Knowledge.  One word of Revealed Knowledge is greater than memorizing a whole book of the Bible.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The hungry and thirsty have the Lords attention.  He that is thirsty, come.  The level of your hunger indicates how healthy you are.  The normal heartbeat for a believer is a hungry heart.  </B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Psalm 36:5-9</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >5</FONT>Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, extend to the skies, and Your faithfulness to the clouds. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >6</FONT>Your righteousness is like the mountains of God, Your judgments are like the great deep. O Lord, You preserve man and beast. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT>They relish and feast on the abundance of Your house; and You cause them to drink of the stream of Your pleasures. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >9</FONT>For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Revelation knowledge abounds when the hungry eat Him and the thirsty drink Him.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Psalm 28:1</B>  UNTO YOU do I cry, O Lord my Rock, be not deaf and silent to me, lest, if You be silent to me, I become like those going down to the pit [the grave].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Are you growing in sensitivity to the Lord?  There may not be a specific word; it may be exchange of love life, be with Him.  Enjoy Him and you will receive direction when you need it.  When you have appetite for God, it creates an atmosphere for Revelation Knowledge to abound in your heart.  Not only will you hear and see God more in the logos, but you will hear and see God more in your every day life.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">You need the revealed word of God to live; it brings stability.  That stability keeps you from being offended.</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mark 4:16, 17</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >16</FONT>And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy;<U> </U><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >17</FONT>And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The people that receive the Revealed Word of God and apply it to their lives will not act hastily.</B></div> <bR> <div> John 5:16<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  For this reason the Jews began to persecute (annoy, torment) Jesus and sought to kill Him, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>John 6:15</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  Then Jesus, knowing that they meant to come and seize Him that they might make Him king, withdrew again to the hillside by Himself alone.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>John 6:47-60</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>47<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, he who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me] has (now possesses) eternal life. </FONT>48<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >I am the Bread of Life [that gives life--the Living Bread]. </FONT>49<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Your forefathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and [yet] they died. </FONT>50<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >[But] this is the Bread that comes down from heaven, so that [any]one may eat of it and never die. </FONT>51<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >I [Myself] am this Living Bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he will live forever; and also the Bread that I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh (body). </FONT>52<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Then the Jews angrily contended with one another, saying, How is He able to give us His flesh to eat? </FONT>53<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >And Jesus said to them, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, you cannot have any life in you unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood [unless you appropriate His life and the saving merit of His blood]. </FONT>54<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has (possesses now) eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day. </FONT>55<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >For My flesh is true and genuine food, and My blood is true and genuine drink. </FONT>56<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood dwells continually in Me, and I [in like manner dwell continually] in him. </FONT>57<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Just as the living Father sent Me and I live by (through, because of) the Father, even so whoever continues to feed on Me [whoever takes Me for his food and is nourished by Me] shall [in his turn] live through and because of Me. </FONT>58<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >This is the Bread that came down from heaven. It is not like the manna which our forefathers ate, and yet died; he who takes this Bread for his food shall live forever. </FONT>59<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >He said these things in a synagogue while He was teaching at Capernaum. </FONT>60<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?]</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>John 6:60-69</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>60<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?] </FONT>61<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining and protesting and grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block and an offense to you? [Does this upset and displease and shock and scandalize you?] </FONT>62<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >What then [will be your reaction] if you should see the Son of Man ascending to [the place] where He was before? </FONT>63<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life. </FONT>64<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >But [still] some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him. </FONT>65<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father. </FONT>66<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. </FONT>67<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?]</FONT>68<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life. </FONT>69<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >And we have learned to believe and trust, and [more] we have come to know [surely] that You are the Holy One of God, the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of the living God.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">What kept them from leaving?  The Revealed Knowledge.  The other disciples stumbled; they were offended, they acted hastily and left.  It had been revealed to Peter who Christ is and this revelation comes out of his mouth.  How can I go anywhere else because you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God?</B></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_trap" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> <A NAME="part_7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Part 7</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Franklin Gothic Demi" >Luke 22:20-32</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT>20<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And in like manner, He took the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament or covenant [ratified] in My blood, which is shed (poured out) for you. </FONT>21<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >But, behold, the hand of him who is now engaged in betraying Me is with Me on the table.</FONT>22<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined and appointed, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed and delivered up! </FONT>23<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And they began to inquire among themselves which of them it was who was about to do this.</FONT>24<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >Now an eager contention arose among them [as to] which of them was considered and reputed to be the greatest. </FONT>25<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >But Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles are deified by them and exercise lordship [ruling as emperor-gods] over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors and well-doers. </FONT>26<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader like one who serves. </FONT>27<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >For who is the greater, the one who reclines at table (the master), or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am in your midst as One Who serves. </FONT>28<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And you are those who have remained [throughout] and persevered with Me in My trials; </FONT>29<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And as My Father has appointed a kingdom and conferred it on Me, so do I confer on you [the privilege and decree], </FONT>30<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >That you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. </FONT>31<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, </FONT>32<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Franklin Gothic Demi" >Hebrews 12:26</FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >26</FONT>Then [at Mount Sinai] His voice shook the earth, but now He has given a promise: Yet once more I will shake and make tremble not only the earth but also the [starry] heavens.</div> <bR> <div> <B>God is in the shaking business.  Shaking does 5 things:</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It brings whatever is being shaken closer to its foundation.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It removes what is dead.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It will harvest what is ripe.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It will awaken.</B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It will unify or mix together so it cannot be separated again.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">BE ALERT: </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Pride attracts the enemy.  Strongholds are thought patterns that act like bricks to develop a fort for the enemy to operate in and out of your life.</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The enemy has asked to sift them as wheat.  The word “sift” is from the Greek word “Siniazo” meaning, to sift or shake by inward agitation to the verge of overthrow.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Lord's prayer was that Peter's faith not fail.  Why?  Jesus knew that at that moment Peter did not have what it takes to strengthen the brethren.  He had revelation knowledge; but his confidence was based off his personality and his soulish strength, not on the Lord.  Jesus said, I will allow you to go through this shaking until the verge of overthrow, to shake out all the dead, the darkness, the selfishness that would keep you from being a strong leader.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Franklin Gothic Demi" >LUKE 1:80</FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >80</FONT>And the little boy grew and became strong in spirit; and he was in the deserts (wilderness) until the day of his appearing to Israel [the commencement of his public ministry].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">John the Baptist was strong in spirit.  When adversity comes, the one strong in spirit will respond in the Lord.  The one strong in soul will respond in a soulish, fleshly and prideful way.  Pressure reveals</B><B> w</B><B>here your strength is.  Jesus said I have prayed for you that your faith does not fail.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Look at the difference between Judas and Simon.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">They are similar in some ways:                 </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> 1.  They both stayed until the end (John 6).  </B></div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> 2.  They both denied Jesus in his toughest hour.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">They had some fundamental differences:  Both men were sorry for what they did; Peter after he denied him and Judas after he betrayed him, but Judas did not have the foundation that Peter had.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Franklin Gothic Demi" >Matthew 27:3-5  </FONT>3<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >When Judas, His betrayer, saw that [Jesus] was condemned, [Judas was afflicted in mind and troubled for his former folly; and] with remorse [with little more than a selfish dread of the consequences] he brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders,</FONT>4<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >Saying, I have sinned in betraying innocent blood. They replied, What is that to us? See to that yourself. </FONT>5<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And casting the pieces of silver [forward] into the [Holy Place of the sanctuary of the] temple, he departed; and he went off and hanged himself.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The very fact that Peter knew who he was, kept him going.  This was his foundation.  David had such a revelation of whom God was and Saul did not.  What is the difference?  Peter was hungry, Judas was not.  Peter was hungry for Him.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Because we know who He is, we know He is trustworthy in spite of man.  When you have that revelation, Jesus said, upon that rock I will build my church.  That rock speaks of stability and he who believes will not act hastily.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Franklin Gothic Demi" >Mark 4:16-17 </FONT>16<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And in the same way the ones sown upon stony ground are those who, when they hear the Word, at once receive and accept and welcome it with joy; </FONT>17<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >And they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away.</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_trap" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> <A NAME="part_8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Part 8</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Peter 2:6-7</B></FONT>   For thus it stands in Scripture: Behold, I am laying in Zion a chosen (honored), precious chief Cornerstone, and he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall never be disappointed or put to shame.  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>To you then who believe (who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him) is the preciousness; but for those who disbelieve [it is true], The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the main Cornerstone,</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Today, in our English language, we have lowered the word “believe” to what it is not.   In the days of Bible writers the word “believe” meant to obey.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">We have misrepresented the word believe to the point that modern gospel presents that if you mentally acknowledge that Jesus was born, lived on Earth, died on a cross and rose again, you are saved.  Demons believe that.  The word “believe” means to obey.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Hebrews 3:12</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  [Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Hebrews 3:15-19</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >15</FONT>Then while it is [still] called Today, if you would hear His voice and when you hear it, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion [in the desert, when the people provoked and irritated and embittered God against them].<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >16</FONT>For who were they who heard and yet were rebellious and provoked [Him]? Was it not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >17</FONT>And with whom was He irritated and provoked and grieved for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dismembered bodies were strewn and left in the desert? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >18</FONT>And to whom did He swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who disobeyed [who had not listened to His word and who refused to be compliant or be persuaded]? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >19</FONT>So we see that they were not able to enter [into His rest], because of their unwillingness to adhere to and trust in and rely on God [unbelief had shut them out].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Verse 19 says they could not enter in because of unbelief.  Unbelief and not obeying are synonyms.  Unbelief means not to obey.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It is not just saying the name of Jesus that gets a person into Heaven, it is a confession of Lordship and giving total allegiance to that makes the divine connection.  According to James, the evidence and living proof that I walk in grace is that I follow Jesus as a way of life.  I obey.  Show me a person that repeatedly and continually rebels and disobeys and I'll show you a person that really does not know God.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Rock of Offense offended people that were not true believers; they weren't obedient.  He was also offending people that had wrong foundations in their life.  Either you will fall on the rock and be broken, or the rock will fall on you and shake everything that can be shaken.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Luke 2:25-30</B></FONT>   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >25</FONT>Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >26</FONT>And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >27</FONT>And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law,<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >28</FONT>[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said, 29And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >30</FONT>For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation,</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Luke 2:33-35</B></FONT>   <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >33</FONT>And His [legal] father and [His] mother were marveling at what was said about Him. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >34</FONT>And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against--<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >35</FONT>And a sword will pierce through your own soul also--that the secret thoughts and purposes of many hearts may be brought out and disclosed.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 15:7-14</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>You pretenders (hypocrites)! Admirably and truly did Isaiah prophesy of you when he said: <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT>These people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts hold off and are far away from Me. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >9</FONT>Uselessly do they worship Me, for they teach as doctrines the commands of men. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >10</FONT>And Jesus called the people to Him and said to them, Listen and grasp and comprehend this: <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >11</FONT>It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him].<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > 12</FONT>Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were displeased and offended and indignant when they heard this saying? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >13</FONT>He answered, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >14</FONT>Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Jesus is saying that God the Father will actually use offense to root people out that really are not planted in His kingdom.  Jesus seemed to consider it status quo that people would be offended and leave because of His words - truth.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Bible calls Jesus the Rock of Offense or Stumbling Stone - Huge Rock.  The American Gospel, in order to gain nickels and noses, has reduced Jesus to a pretty pebble that people can carry if it is convenient.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 13: 54-57</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >54</FONT>And coming to His own country [Nazareth], He taught in their synagogue so that they were amazed with bewildered wonder, and said, Where did this Man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >55</FONT>Is not this the carpenter's Son? Is not His mother called Mary? And are not His brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >56</FONT>And do not all His sisters live here among us? Where then did this Man get all this? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >57</FONT>And they took offense at Him [they were repelled and hindered from acknowledging His authority, and caused to stumble]. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Mark 3:21</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >  And when those who belonged to Him (His kinsmen) heard it, they went out to take Him by force, for they kept saying, He is out of His mind (beside Himself, deranged)!</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Mark 3:31-35</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >31</FONT>Then His mother and His brothers came and, standing outside, they sent word to Him, calling [for] Him.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >32</FONT>And a crowd was sitting around Him, and they said to Him, Your mother and Your brothers and Your sisters are outside asking for You. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >33</FONT>And He replied, Who are My mother and My brothers  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >34</FONT>And looking around on those who sat in a circle about Him, He said, See! Here are My mother and My brothers; 35For whoever does the things God wills is My brother and sister and mother!</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Luke 7:17-23</B></FONT> 1<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>And this report concerning [Jesus] spread through the whole of Judea and all the country round about. <I>[I Kings 17:17-24; II Kings 4:32-37.]</I> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >18</FONT>And John's disciples brought him [who was now in prison] word of all these things. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >19</FONT>And John summoned to him a certain two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, saying, Are You He Who is to come, or shall we [continue to] look for another? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >20</FONT>So the men came to Jesus and said, John the Baptist sent us to You to ask, Are You the One Who is to come, or shall we [continue to] look for another? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >21</FONT>In that very hour Jesus was healing many [people] of sicknesses and distressing bodily plagues and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave [a free, gracious, joy-giving gift of] sight. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >22</FONT>So He replied to them, Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news (the Gospel) preached to them.<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > 23</FONT>And blessed (happy--with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions--and to be envied) is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble [whatever may occur].</div> <div> <A HREF="#the_trap" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I> <A NAME="part_9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></I><I>Part 9</I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 17:24-27</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >24</FONT>When they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the half shekel [the temple tax] went up to Peter and said, Does not your Teacher pay the half shekel? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >25</FONT>He answered, Yes. And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him [about it] first, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly rulers collect duties or tribute--from their own sons or from others not of their own family? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >26</FONT>And when Peter said, From other people not of their own family, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are exempt. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >27</FONT>However, in order not to give offense and cause them to stumble [that is, to cause them to judge unfavorably and unjustly] go down to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find there a shekel. Take it and give it to them to pay the temple tax for Me and for yourself.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Galatians 5:13</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >13</FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Verdana" >For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Don't use your freedom, liberty or privilege to serve yourself but use it to serve one another through love.  Love lays down its life.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7014000000000.gif" HEIGHT="21" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There is freedom in serving; there is bondage in slavery.  A slave is one that has to serve; a servant is one that gets to serve.  Paul makes it clear that we are to use our freedom, liberty and privilege to serve one another though love. </B></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="711" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="346"><div> A Slave</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="346"><div> A Servant</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Has to    </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gets to</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does the minimum required</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does maximum potential</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Goes one mile     </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Gets to go two (enjoys)</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Feels robbed</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Is blessed to give</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Is bound     </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If Free</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fights for His rights   </B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="346"><div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c002a011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Yields his rights</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If you want to be promoted, start serving instead of working.  Bosses are looking for servants not hirelings (slaves).</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>ROMANS 14:1-2</B></FONT>  AS FOR the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions.  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2</FONT>One [man's faith permits him to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to vegetables.</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>mark 7:18-19 </B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >18</FONT>And He said to them, Then are you also unintelligent and dull and without understanding? Do you not discern and see that whatever goes into a man from the outside cannot make him unhallowed or unclean,  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >19</FONT>Since it does not reach and enter his heart but [only his] digestive tract, and so passes on [into the place designed to receive waste]? Thus He was making and declaring all foods [ceremonially] clean [that is, abolishing the ceremonial distinctions of the Levitical Law].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Jesus made it clear that all meats were clean.  He said it is not what goes into a man that defiles him; it is what comes out of a man's mouth that defiles him.  Yet there are, among believers, some that have weak consciences or are weak in faith.  In other words, they just could not put themselves up to eating any meat that they thought had been offered to idols.   Paul is saying, receive a brother that is weak in the faith and do not judge him.  Don't dispute with him, receive him.  A lot of times we like to get into arguments; most of the time that is flesh.  There is a difference between a preference and a conviction.  A conviction, you are willing to die for.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Corinthians 8: 6-7</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >6</FONT>Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist]. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>Nevertheless, not all [believers] possess this knowledge. But some, through being all their lives until now accustomed to [thinking of] idols [as real and living], still consider the food [offered to an idol] as that sacrificed to an [actual] God; and their weak consciences become defiled and injured if they eat [it].</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Some are weak in faith.  Don't argue with them.  Just receive them.  What Paul is dealing with here are believers stronger in their faith that were determined to hang on to their rights to liberty in a selfish way versus serving each other in love.  They were strong in their faith, yet they were selfish, wanting their way versus walking in love and preferring a brother and yielding their rights to liberty.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Romans 14:12-13 AND 15</B></FONT>  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >12</FONT>And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >13</FONT>Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.       <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >15</FONT>But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died!</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7016800000000.gif" HEIGHT="24" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The only time you see Jesus offending is to obey the Father in truth.  Truth does offend people if they don't want to embrace it.  You will never find Jesus offending someone over his own personal rights; that is the difference.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Whenever we insist on hanging on to rights or privileges or freedoms at the expense of offending someone, we cause that brother to sin.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Corinthians 8:8-9</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT>Now food [itself] will not cause our acceptance by God nor commend us to Him. Eating [food offered to idols] gives us no advantage; neither do we come short or become any worse if we do not eat [it]. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >9</FONT>Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or overscrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Corinthians 8:11-12</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>11<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >And so by your enlightenment (your knowledge of spiritual things), this weak man is ruined (is lost and perishes)--the brother for whom Christ (the Messiah) died! </FONT>12<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >And when you sin against your brethren in this way, wounding and damaging their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 18:1-6 </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1</B></FONT>AT THAT time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >2</FONT>And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >3</FONT>And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >4</FONT>Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >5</FONT>And whoever receives and accepts and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >6</FONT>But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><U> </U></FONT>acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea.</div> <bR> <div> <B>1 Corinthians 8:12</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > And when you sin against your brethren in this way, wounding and damaging their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Matthew 18:6-8</B></FONT> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >6</FONT>But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >7</FONT>Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes! <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >8</FONT>And if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble and sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; it is better (more profitable and wholesome) for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into everlasting fire.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">If it causes you to sin, cut it out.  If your liberty or freedom in Christ is causing another brother to sin, cut it out.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It is more beneficial for the Kingdom, at times, for us to yield our rights.  Are you more concerned about loving your brothers or demanding your rights?  It is about love.  IT IS ABOUT loving one another and serving one another.  Is it my freedom, liberty or privilege?  Will it cause some weaker brother to stumble?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Understand you have New Testament rights, freedoms and liberties in Christ, but they are not the priority in this journey.  The priority is to walk in love with one another.  Father is more interested in your love-walk being right than your theology being right.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">My right to have something material is not worth causing someone to stumble.  That is what love does!  It is the law of love:  through love we serve one another.  We prefer one another, we esteem others better than ourselves.  This is the edification test.  Through love, serve one another and do not offend one another by demanding your rights.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Corinthians 10:23-24</B></FONT>, <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >23</FONT>All things are legitimate [permissible--and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >24</FONT>Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].       </div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>1 Corinthians 10:31-33</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>31<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. </FONT>32<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Do not let yourselves be [hindrances by giving] an offense to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God [do not lead others into sin by your mode of life]; </FONT>33<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Just as I myself strive to please [to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires, and interests of others, adapting myself to] all men in everything I do, not aiming at or considering my own profit and advantage, but that of the many in order that they may be saved.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Romans 14:19 </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another.               </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_trap" TITLE="September 2, 9, 16, 23 30 2007"><U><B>Back to Top</B></U></A></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Copyright 2008,  New Beginnings Fellowship, All rights reserved.</div> <div> For site problems contact <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:tschuessler@nbfirving.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:tschuessler@nbfirving.net"><U>web-master</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=37 BGCOLOR="#666699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04500250erlcjm.gif"> <div> <A HREF="thetrap03.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="October 7, 14 21, 2007"><U><IMG SRC="0400e0e0.gif" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="previous" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A>   <A HREF="thetrap01.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="July 29, August 5, 12 19, 2007"><U><IMG SRC="0410e0e0.gif" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="next" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A>        <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">    <A HREF="pastor.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pastoral Ministry"><U><IMG SRC="0430e0e0.gif" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="up" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>