We do not live by the world’s standards.  So, to the world, we may appear to be odd, but we are uniquely God’s.  He has always intended for his people to be different from the world in which they live.  Jesus says that we are “salt and light.”  Paul said that we shine like stars in the universe.

One of the great stories that illustrates, “Daring to be Different,” is that of the young man Daniel.  Daniel and his friends found themselves in Babylonian captivity.  They had choices as how they would act in a difficult setting.  Daniel made up his mind to honor God with his life.  He took all of the risks associated with being different, including putting his life on the line.

Every day we have opportunities to stand up and stand out for God.  Let’s Dare to Be Different!  Let’s honor him who blesses us.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A dentist in the National Guard sued the US Government when they called him up to serve during Desert Storm.  His reasons were: 

• He might be killed
• He would lose business if the war escalated

When asked why he joined the Guard he gave three reasons.  First, he liked to play soldier.  Second, he (and his wife) liked his uniform.  Third, he liked the benefits.

Does the dentist sound familiar?  Many Christians like to play “Weekend Warrior” on Sunday, but don’t want to fight the good fight daily (2 Timothy 4:7).  Many Christians want to wear the look of Christianity without paying the price of discipleship (Galatians 3:27).  Many Christians want the crown (the benefits) without the cross (Luke 9:23).

We are a volunteer army.  We serve under the Supreme Commander.  Where is He leading us?  Are we willing to follow?  Will we pay the price?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Obama is not THE Anti-Christ. He, however, is one of many that have come along through the years. He and his followers are in opposition to what Christian churches SAY they are about. Obama-ites embrace the murder of partially born infants; the right of Gays to marry; and other “basic” beliefs that the Bible opposes.

How long before post-birth infants will be sacrificed to Molech? How long before those handicapped people who are a burden on society will be put out of our misery? How long before churches will be silenced legally from teaching the values of the scriptures in the land of free speech?

It is my humble opinion that we are headed for pain as a nation. Hear the words of 1 Samuel 12:13-15, ” Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you asked for; see, the LORD has set a king over you.  If you fear the LORD and serve and obey him and do not rebel against his commands, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God-good!  But if you do not obey the LORD, and if you rebel against his commands, his hand will be against you, as it was against your fathers.”

It sounds like Israel got what they asked for. We know that later they regretted getting their way. We know they went through great trials because they refused to hear God (”hear” means not only listening to his words but obeying them). They embraced foreign gods — sometimes in addition to YHWH. As a result they found themselves in dark circumstances.

America was founded upon the desire to worship the living God in freedom. It was not started so people could get rich.  People did not flock to our shores to establish an empire to rule the world. People came for freedom. They came for the freedom to worship; the freedom to speak; the freedom to write; the freedom to become who God made them.

Tyrants through the years have tried to take that freedom. Even the glorified Abraham Lincoln bypassed the Constitution and shut down newspapers who did not support his points of view. No doubt it will be tried again.

Obama and his masses will soon be in power. They will attempt to cram down the throats of America their evil agendas. They will oppose the Bible. They will oppose Jesus and be “Ant-Christ.” But there is always hope.

This scenario is exactly the world in which the church began. We have seen it before. The Caesars of old had no regard for God. They had no regard for life. They had no regard for morality. It was said of Julius Caesar that he was “every woman’s man and every man’s woman.” That was and this is the world to which Jesus came. There is hope.

When Americans feel the pinch, and we will, churches can provide the direction people will be craving. Christ once came back out of the depths of our sins. He will come again.

My appeal to Christians is from Ephesians 6:10 — “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” We will be persecuted. Stand strong. We will be opposed. Rest in HIS power. They day will come when the church will once again flourish. The day will come when Americans will remember their roots. We cannot let them be cut off or pulled up.

In the pagan first century God’s kingdom spread throughout the Roman empire and beyond. Rome feared those disciples of Jesus — not because of their military might; not because of their wealth; not because of their educational systems. They feared them because of their numbers and their faith. In the midst of persecution, at risk for their lives, thousands became followers of the Son of God. Thousands denounced Caesar as a god. Thousands upheld the true God.

I had a conversation with Dr. Greg Frizzell of the Oklahoma Baptist Convention yesterday. He told me that 10% of India now claims to be Christian (of various denominations). That is 100 million people! More than that, that 10% has not only decided to follow Jesus but the vast majority of them are willing to die for their faith.

Dr. Frizzell also told me about Chinese Christians. The church in China is pretty much underground because of persecutions. Yet, those Christians have a burden for the lukewarm church in America and are sending missionaries to help us rekindle the fire of God in our lives.

Revival (maybe resurrection) is coming to our churches! Be ready. Be strong.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I watched America vote in an unworthy President. He is a pseudo Christian. He is a Marxist at his core and will no doubt bring about change. This change will not be to the liking of Americans once it has been revealed, but it will be too late. The government will become Big Brother. We will join in the quest for a one world government - officially. We will lose our freedoms one by one. Like sheep being led to slaughter Americans will not open their mouths.

The principles on which our country flourished are gone. Who was it that said that America was great because America was good; when America stops being good she will stop being great? The acceptance of partial-birth abortion, if nothing else, shows that we have stopped being good - as a nation. God puts before us two paths - life and death and urges us to choose life. Obama, the Democrats (in general), and the spoiled rotten, self-centered, immoral Americans choose the death of the innocents over life. With the choice of life and death also comes the promise of blessing and cursing. Life (God’s ways) brings blessing; death brings the curse. Get ready to endure the punishment for our sins.

This morning I wondered what our founding fathers would have thought of the election. At first I thought the typical things - “They are rolling over in their graves, etc.” Then I thought a little more. I doubt they would be surprised at what happened the last few weeks. They were BRILLIANT men. They were vastly superior to the minds that are currently running our country. They knew that when a republic learns to vote itself money it will die. They knew that politics is a corrupt business and that power corrupts the otherwise good intentions of people. It was Thomas Jefferson who advocated a revolution every hundred years or so. We are behind schedule on that one.

I imagine our forefathers knew this would happen. They knew the struggle between “states rights” and a strong centralized government. Both have good points but a Federal government that imposes its power on its people was not the intention of the Fathers. In fact, it is my humble opinion that the founders did not want an overpowering central government. They had come out of a tyrannical empire with centralized power in its king. They did not want to establish another empire. They wanted a country where FREEDOM reigned, not a king or president. They were wiser, smarter, sacrificial, and far better people than we are today.

Before the American Civil War (the War of Rebellion - that revolution Jefferson spoke of; or War of Northern Aggression, depending on your perspective) the United States was spoken of in the plural. “The United States are. . . ” After the War, it was spoken of in the singular, “The United States is. . . . ” Like it or not, the founders saw America as a confederation of small countries with a loose Federal control. The STATE was the powerful agency of rule. When men joined the military prior to 1861 they took an oath of allegiance to their state first, then to the US. That is why Robert E. Lee was in such turmoil over his decision whether or not to accept the command of the Federal Army. I think he loved the US but his first loyalty was to Virginia - according to his oath. He was an honorable man and stood by his word, even though he had great angst about it.

What has transpired in this country is a tragedy. The America we pledged our allegiance to is gone with the wind. Obama may have been right to not salute the flag or pledge his allegiance because his allegiance is not with America, the great country of long ago. His allegiance is elsewhere. His allegiance is to a form of government that the founders would oppose.

Fly your flag at half staff, America has died.

Thank you for enduring my ramblings — it is a sad, sad day.

Normally, when covenants were made, both parties kept a copy. When God made a covenant with Israel, he gave Moses both tablets of the Ten Commandments. He showed his faith in the Hebrews by giving them the copies.

Does it shock you to think that the God of heaven has faith - us? With all of our “warts” and wants, God has given to us great treasures (Matthew 13:44; 2 Corinthians 4:7). He has entrusted us with:

• The Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20)
• His word (Romans 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15)
• Forgiveness (John 20:23)
• Each other’s souls - Hebrews 13:17
• And more

God believes in YOU and ME! He believes that we will do right things. He believes we will be his people in the world in which we live. Sometimes we disappoint him but he keeps on believing that we will be lights and salt.

We understand why we need to believe God. We NEED his direction. When he leads, we must follow. However, it is quite another thing to see how much God believes in US. How does it feel to join the ranks of the great heroes of the Bible whom God trusted with resources and people to accomplish his will?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

That principle holds true in many situations.  Elders; Deacons; Teachers; HOME Group Leaders (etc.) need to take this to heart. As they lead groups, teach lessons, shepherd, and serve, they must not neglect themselves.  One of the best things church leaders can do for the church is to maintain a strong relationship with God.  The stronger they are, the more able they will be to lead and help others, especially in times of need.

Church Leaders, regardless of your capacity, let me encourage you to take the time to study God’s word - just for you.  Take the time to pray, not only for your others’ needs, but for yours as well.  Take time to practice spiritual disciplines.  Take the time to worship in spirit and truth.  You will be glad you did and so will your Church Family!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

When Jesus called his disciples, he used the plural, “you all” follow me (Matthew 4:19)( Southern people have no difficulty grasping this). Not only did he call them in the plural, he sent them in the plural. “Go ye” in Matthew 28:18 (KJV) means “you ALL go.” Paul refers to the church as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). He emphasizes that we are together that temple.

Over and over the Bible reminds us of our need for others. We need to give and receive encouragement. We need to give and receive support. We need to pray for others and have others pray for us. We need to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual song. These things cannot occur in isolation. Even in the beginning Adam felt the need for human companionship.

While we have individual responsibilities in following God, we have collective ones, too. Each of us has a responsibility to be living parts of God’s house (1 Peter 2:5). As God’s house (family) we are obliged to be a light to our world - together. WE are to embrace GOD’S mission - together.

Who is building you up? With whom are you serving? Who are you encouraging? It takes a community to raise a child of God.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The Bible teaches a different purpose for our lives. The apostle Paul teaches us to consider others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). In Christ, our roles become that of helping others “look good” and succeed, rather than trying to use them for our own advantage.

Reciprocity occurs in the actions of our lives. When we help others, others help us. When we treat others better than ourselves, they will likewise treat us in a similar way. The result is, we have helped them become better and they have helped us. It becomes win-win.

How’s your ego? Are you trying to look better by putting others down? Or, are you trying to BE better by lifting others up?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

I recently read that in 1992, as the campaigns heated up, the Associated Press took a poll among Americans.  They asked, “To which candidate are you most strongly committed?” The results were:

• 34% of Perot supporters were strongly committed to him
• 30% of Bush supporters were strongly committed to him
• 25% of Clinton supporters were strongly committed to him (so much for polls)

But here is the kicker - at that same time the pollsters found that 65% of Americans were strongly committed to their brand of deodorant!

In 1862 President Lincoln’s popularity waned. He was the focus of criticism in the North. Many had feelings of despair. Unable to stand the controversies any longer a Preacher named Joseph Gilmore wrote a poem entitled “He Leadeth Me” to express his faith in GOD, not politicians. Later music was put to the poem and is still in our song books today.

Regardless of which person is our President; regardless of which brands we prefer; God deserves our ultimate loyalty. Daily we live out a commitment to the one who loved us beyond our comprehension. You won’t get that from a politician. You won’t get that from the business world.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Share your responses to one of the following:

• Tell of a time you experienced a meaningful worship service. What made it that way?
•  Special effects
•  A change from the norm
•  My situation
•  Other

• The last time you were called into the “Boss’ Office,” how did you feel? What happened?

Study

• Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and discuss the following:
• What picture of God do you get from this passage?
• Why do you think Isaiah mentions the death of Uzziah?
  
• It was a time reference
• Uzziah was god-like to the nation
• Uzziah was a powerful political leader
• Other

• How do you think Isaiah first saw himself in this experience? At the end? Why the change?
• What was Isaiah willing to do for God? Why?

Apply

• What experiences have you had where you could say, “My eyes have seen the king!”?

• A near-death experience
• A dream
• When I was in trouble
•  In a worship service
• In a personal “Quiet Time”
•  In a class
• Other:

• Which of the following is most difficult for you to say, “Here am I send me!”?

• To tell others about Jesus
• Lead a HOME Group
• Teach Children
• Teach Adults
• Visit Prisons/Jails
• Visit Hospitals/Nursing Homes
• Making ethical decisions at work
• Doing benevolence
• Open your home to others
• Befriend a lonely person/new member
• Foreign Missions
• Other

• Which of the following would help you most in your worship experiences

• A daily “Quiet Time” with God
• Purchasing worship CDs or DVDs
• Memorize Songs
• Memorize scripture
• Focus on one attribute of God each week (Holiness/Grace/ etc.)
• Ask God to search your heart
• Be a TRUE disciple by obediently say “Yes” to God in every area of your life

The Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan are living waters. They “receive” water and they “send” it out. The water moves from one location to the next, all the way to the “Dead Sea.”

The Dead Sea receives water but keeps it for itself. Over time it has become a huge mineral-laden, stagnant body of water that lives up to its name.

It occurs to me that we need to drink of the true living water. That water is from Jesus (John 4.10-14; 7.37-39). After drinking that water, it keeps moving as we share it with others.

It is easy to make Christianity all about ME and what I get. It is another to make it about what I can give - both to God and others. On the one hand we are in danger of becoming like the Dead Sea; on the other, we have the privilege of sharing life through Jesus and his Spirit.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please discuss one of the following with the Group:

• Tell about a time that you realized you are not totally independent.
• Barnabas (Acts 9.26-27) seems to be a “trusting” person; Thomas (John 20.24-28) seems to be more cautious. With whom do you identify more? Why?

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 and discuss the following:

• In light of the “Tongues Speakers vs. Prophets” controversy, why do you think Paul chooses eyes, hands, feet, and head to illustrate his point?
• How do you think Paul deals with the issues of Pride and low self-esteem here?
• Why do you think:

          The weaker are indispensable?

          The less honorable receive special honor?

          The unpresentable are treated with special modesty?

          The presentable are not given special treatment?

• When the church body functions properly, how can we feel good when others are honored? How can we feel bad when others hurt?

Apply

• When do you struggle with:

          Jealousy of other Christians?

          Condescending to others?

          Ignoring others in their successes or pain?

• What do you need to improve your outlook?
• How can you “celebrate the weaknesses” of others? YOUR weaknesses?
• Where do you think YOU fit in the body of Christ? How can you help others to fit in?

At first, Jesus appears to ignore them by writing in the dirt. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8.7).  They all leave so that the woman has no accusers. Jesus assured her, “Neither do I condemn you.”

I had always assumed that Jesus was making a point about their hypocrisy; and loving the sinner without loving sin. These are true. He also takes the Law literally. To condemn someone there had to be two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6).  All of her accusers left — according to the Law, Jesus could not condemn her alone. So he upholds the Law, saves a sinner, and silences his critics all at the same time.

Some questions to answer: What are my motives regarding others? How well do I know God’s word? How concerned am I for those walking out of step with God? Am I walking with God?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please discuss your response to one of the following:

• What was your first job?
• What is one unusual talent or feature you have (e.g., touching your tongue to your nose, double-jointed elbows, etc.?)

Study

Read the 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 and discuss the following:

• What do you think is going on in Corinth that would make Paul write on this subject?
• How is the unity of diverse gifts a reflection of God?
• Why do you think God has created the church body - with its parts - as he has? Why is each part so important to the whole?
• How do you think our personalities fit into the picture?
• What do you think is the overall purpose of the diversity of gifts?

Apply

• Which gifts listed here would you say are “YOU”?
• How satisfied are you with the gifts God has given you?
• What would improve your satisfaction level?
• How do you feel towards those who are gifted differently than yourself? How do you work with them?
• What things do you keep in mind as you fill your role in the church’s mission?

“The use of the Bible is so universal and its importance so great that your committee . . . recommends that Congress will order the Committee of Commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the different parts of the States of the Union.”

On November 1, 1777 Congress issued the colonies our First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving to God in regard to our victory over the British at Saratoga. Isn’t it ironic that our country was founded upon biblical principles by Bible-literate men and the Book is rejected today? Isn’t it ironic in light of today’s stances that the leaders of our fledgling nation not only felt the need to read the Bible but used government monies to provide it to Americans?

Do you think there is any connection to our reliance on God’s word and our blessings as a nation? Obviously! “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33.12).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The Bible calls us to be like Jesus, and the most remarkable thing about Jesus is that he is so often serving (Matthew 20:28).  So, like Jesus, I need to give (Acts 20:35); I need to be humble (1 Peter 5:5-6); I need to wash feet (John 13), and serve in all of the other ways that we see Jesus serve.

However, serving is not the whole story about Jesus — the Bible also shows him receiving.  Jesus accepted the anointing and foot washing of a sinful woman (Luke 7).  In John 12 he received a meal service from Martha and the anointing of the pure nard by Mary.

Oddly, many Christians find it easier to serve than to receive. If we are to be like Jesus, we must be both a humble giver and a gracious receiver.

How did Jesus do this?  First, he kept his ego in check.  It did not offend or thrill him to serve or be served.  We are subject to the temptation to think we are more than what we are, but Jesus knew exactly who he was.

Second, he knew something we often forget:  that to receive another’s gift gives opportunity for their faith, hope, and love to grow as they exercise their spiritual gifts.  To reject another’s gift is to stunt their growth.  If giving is to be a blessing, it requires a gracious receiver.

God both gives and receives. He expects the same from us.  If we keep our egos in check and our hearts focused on benefiting others through the receiving, we become more like him.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A Small Group Lesson:

Open:

Finish this sentence:

• On the way to this meeting, I was feeling ___________.
• One real strength I have is _____________________.
• One area of my life in which I’m proud of myself is___________.
• A talent or skill I have is ____________________________.
• An adult who had an impact on me as a teen was_________.

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 12.1-13 and share your thoughts in the following:

• What is the context of these verses? Why do you think Paul emphasizes the one body to the Corinthians?
• What do you think is the significance of being baptized (immersed) into the body of Jesus? What do you see as key lessons from baptism?
• What is significant about Christians having the shared experience of baptism?
• What role do you think the Spirit plays?
• What role does baptism play in our relationship to God? To other Christians?
• How do you see people as gifts to the body?

Apply:

• Why is it important for us to grasp the concept of the unity of the body of Christ?
• What things were you saying to the world by your baptism? Do you think you are trying to live up to those statements?
• In light of the gift descriptions in 1 Corinthians 12, where do you see yourself?
• How does being baptized into the body release your potential in serving Jesus?

The same is true about a lot of things in life. How often do we complain about things that we have little or no control over? Generally, the best we can do is make adjustments.

The Bible makes it clear that we have little control over most things. The world is a bad place and getting worse. We would like to change it but it does not want to change. What do we do? The best I can figure is that, just like with the weather, we make adjustments on a personal level.

The Bible reminds us that we change ourselves and then help others change. The following list reminds us that we can only make changes within ourselves. We can:

• Consider ourselves dead to sin - Romans 6:11
• Present ourselves to God - Romans 6:13
• Devote ourselves to prayer - 1 Corinthians 7:5
• Examine and test ourselves - 2 Corinthians 13:5
• Clothe Ourselves in Christ - Galatians 3:27
• Have the mind of Christ - Philippians 2:5
• Rid ourselves of sinfulness - Colossians 3:8

I would like it if I could wave my “magic wand” and have YOU do the above things, but I cannot. I can only do them myself and encourage you. The interesting thing that happens however is that as each one of us becomes more Christ-like; the world becomes a better place.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

We might change the setting but the point is still applicable. How many times do we read the Bible and when we come across something tolerable, we will do it; yet, if we find something that puts us out of our comfort zone, we go “around the barn” to find a way NOT to do it? Then we cry, “Grace! Grace!”

When Thomas finally saw the resurrected Lord, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28. Do you think Thomas spoke those words casually? Do you think he was saying, “You are my Lord and God as long as your words please me.”? No, most likely, Thomas reverently said that he recognized that Jesus was exactly who he claimed to be; and with that he would do whatever Jesus wanted.

Legend has it that Thomas was run through with a spear as a martyr for Jesus. That is not the end of a man who would take Jesus casually. It is not the end of a man who spent his life doubting the reality of God or his son. It is not the end of a man who would expect to do as he pleased so that “grace would cover it.” This was the end of a man who sold out to Jesus - come what may.

Jesus is not our Lord and God if we are still in charge. We do not get to pick and choose. We are the servants. He is the Master.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

A reporter once asked Samuel Morse, “In inventing the telegraph, did you ever come to a place where you did not know what to do?” Morse replied, “Yes.  I asked God for knowledge. That is why I never felt that I deserved the honor I have received for inventing the telegraph. I have made a valuable application of electrical power, but it was all through God’s help. It was not because I was superior to other scientists. When the Lord wanted to bestow this gift on mankind, he had to use someone.  I am just grateful he chose to reveal it through me.”

It is no wonder that the first telegraph message Samuel Morse sent, ‘What hath God wrought?’

How do we view our prayers? What great things are we asking from God? How do we honor him?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

  Open

***Please share your ideas about the following:

Think about a recent commercials or advertisements. Which was:

• Most appealing to you?
• The worst or most obnoxious to you?
• The most outrageous to you?
• Normal to you?

What do you think our culture is communicating by the things we advertise? By the contents (clothing used; products displayed; etc.) of the advertisements?

***Leaders - to enhance this exercise, you may want to have newspaper or magazine ads available for your group to look through.

Study

Please read 1 Timothy 2:8-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-5 and discuss the following:

• What do you think is the relationship of the “holy hands” and prayers?
• How do you think outward appearances match inward characteristics (see also Mark 7:20-23)?
• Why do you think God does not give us a “uniform” as some religious groups have but gives us leeway in how we dress ourselves?
• Where does “culture” end and God’s will begin?
• Why is it so important that we display spiritual qualities as though we are “wearing” them (see Colossians 3:12-14)?

Apply

• What helps you keep the value of people in perspective? How do you KNOW that the man in fine attire is no more valuable to God than the man in “regular” clothes? How does this impact your treatment of them?
• How can you keep from judging others by appearances?
• What can you do to clothe yourself with Christ and his qualities? What kind of impact will that have on those around you?

Recently, I read about the Nicene Creed of 325 AD. The Roman Emperor, Constantine, had converted to Christianity following a military victory that he attributed to Jesus. He legalized Christianity and wanted to unite factions through a standardized creed. He ordered a council to meet and agree on key doctrines.

If you read the tenets of the Creed, you will see its influence on some of our modern beliefs. The Trinitarian view of God came from this meeting. In addition, one baptism for the forgiveness of sin; the universal church; the resurrection; and our concept of eternal life are found in it.

One of the men who helped formalize the Nicene Creed was a church leader from the area where Jesus had exorcised the demoniac in Mark 5:1-20. This unlikely preacher, in an unlikely location paved the way for a strong church to exist. You  never know the extent of your influence when you tell people what the Lord has done for you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

One Sabbath, Jesus and his disciples went to his hometown synagogue. Here he teaches and is met with doubt. Because of the peoples’ lack of faith, he does not perform many miracles in his town. These people should have known him. They should have known him not only from the scriptures but also from his time he had spent with them Yet, these people doubted him to the point that he was “amazed” at their unbelief (Mark 6.6).

On the one hand we have a “believing unbeliever”. On the other hand, we have “unbelieving believers.” With whom do we identify more? Are we like the Jews who should have known better and practiced faith in the presence of the Messiah? Or, are we more like the Roman who exercised the level of faith he had? He could not quote great portions of the Torah. He was an outsider, yet he believed.

Would Jesus say that our faith - or that lack of faith amazes him? Even faith the size of a mustard seed can be productive when it is exercised. God has promised, believe and do.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

The same can be true today. People enter the church for many reasons. Some feel the weight of their sins and their need for forgiveness. Some want an easier road in life and believe that if they follow God, they will have comfort. Some see the church as a place of power. “If I can be a church leader, people will respect me and I can be in a position of authority,” they think.

The rule of God is his kingdom and it takes many forms. Regardless of the form, if we decide to submit ourselves to his kingdom rule, we need to understand that it is different than anything else on earth. Paul wrote:

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14:17-18)

The kingdom of God is not about the ways of the world. It is supernatural in its scope. It is about spiritual issues, not earthly ones. Therefore, politcs do not belong in the kingdom. Power through intimidation does not belong in the kingdom. Deception does not belong in the kingdom. Personal gain does not belong in the kingdom. The things that we normally see in the word have no place in God’s work. It is different, it is of the Spirit.

The kingdom of God is:

• A place of obedience to God - Matthew 5:19

• A place of exceptional righteousness — Matthew 5:20

• A place of gentleness and humility — Matthew 11:28-30; 18:4

• A Place of Mercy — Matthew 18:23ff

• A place of Service — Matthew20:25-27

Do you want to be part of God’s kingdom? Realize that it is a different place than what you are used to. Sometimes it makes no “earthly sense” and must be approached by faith.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

We tend to see the “Law of Moses” as the “Restrictions of Moses” and the “Law of Christ” as a set of his restrictions. What if the Bible translators had opted to translate “law” as “instruction”? We would have the “Instruction of Moses” and the “Instruction of Christ.” Rather than a feeling of constraint, the instructions would give us a positive sense of freedom and growth.

Certainly within the instructions there are directives that we are to keep. There are consequences when we do not. God’s intention, however, is not to use his “instructions” to see how many times he can trip us up. He is not out to find an excuse to keep us out of heaven. He wants to be our “Father” now and forever and he has gone beyond the “second mile” to make it possible.

In addition to the gift of his Son, he has given us instructions (law) so that we can be the people he expects us to be. His “Instruction Manual” helps us create an intimate relationship with God. It guides our lives so that we produce the fruit of the Spirit. It helps us see people the way God does.

Let’s resolve to keep the instructions. Let’s follow the way of Christ. Let’s be his people.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

While there are supernatural creatures among us, we could also simply translate the same word as “messenger.” “Evangelist” contains “angel” at its core. We know this is a person who is a messenger of the good news.

The devil also has his messengers. Some are invisible to our eyes, some are not. Many are in human form, proclaiming the message of the Evil One. They declare things like abortion on demand; that homosexuality and bestiality as acceptable lifestyles; racism; and a host of other deceptions that come from the “Liar and the Father of Lies.”

The Bible reveals their end. It is to be part of the eternal death that has been prepared for the Devil and his messengers. This place is not limited to the unseen winged creatures that have devoted themselves to God’s adversary. It includes people who deliberately or unwittingly have dedicated themselves to the ungodly cause.

We may find some comfort in the fact that justice will be done to the “Hitlers” and “Charles Mansons” of society. But, I am convinced that it breaks the heart of God to see the people he created reject him and turn to the Deceiver. That is one reason our task as “angels” of the good news is so important.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please discuss one of the following:

If I was on the TV show, Survivor, I would:

• Display blatant Christian behavior at all costs
• Blend in with the crowd
• Lie, cheat, or steal to win the $1,000,000
• “Be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove.”

When I play Monopoly I (circle 2)

• Get in fights
• Give up before the game is over
• Forget about being kind and generous
• Feel sorry for the ones who are losing and help them out
• Hang in until the bitter end
• Cheat
• Get bored (I hate games)

Study

Please read Ephesians 4:17-32 and discuss the following:

• What do you think controls the behavior of the non-believers? (see vv. 17-19)
• What role does “truth” play in our understanding of Jesus? How do you think that truth is to come out in our words and actions? (vv. 25-28)
• What impact does the heart have on our actions?
• How does Jesus affect the way we deal with: Anger? Honest work? Our words? Our relationship with the Holy Spirit?
• How do you think we benefit ourselves when we get rid of sinful behavior and embrace godly living? How does it impact others?
• What do you think is the power of forgiveness?

Apply

Discuss one or two of the following with the group:

• What “blocks” exist in your life (what keeps you from being all you know to be)?
• In what ways are you inefficient? Ineffective?
• What is one quality you have that is not usually seen by others?
• With whom would you like to get along better?
• How can this group assist you in these things?

Scott, as other preachers of the day, held “protracted meetings” (or Gospel Meetings). He would go to schoolyards and tell the children about the “Five Steps of Salvation” using the fingers on his hand. Then he sent them home to tell their parents. As a result of this simple memory technique, many people changed from their previous denominational allegiances to unite as “Christians only.”

Scott’s five steps were:

• Faith
• Repentance
• Baptism
• Remission of Sins
• Holy Spirit & Eternal Life

Over Time, these steps have changed to:

• Hear (Rom. 10:14-17)
• Believe (Mark 16:16)
• Repent (Acts 2:38)
• Confess (Matt. 10:32-33)
• Be Baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21)
  And some like to add…
• Live faithfully until death

One way to look at the steps is to see them as our efforts to earn or gain salvation and appease an angry God. Another way is to see the steps as the process by which God saves us and creates a loving relationship with us through Jesus. One puts the emphasis on US, the other on God.

Remember - The “Steps” are not an end in themselves. They are the beginning of our relationship with God. He does not plan for us to go through the “steps” and just endure life until we get to heaven. He intends that we have abundant life now as well as forever.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Spectrum Lines

Pinpoint where you see yourself on these Spectrum Lines and explain one or two to the group.

Talker____________________________________________________Listener

Thinker___________________________________________________Doer

Leader____________________________________________________Follower

Rabbit____________________________________________________Turtle

Adenturer__________________________________________________Nester

Pitcher____________________________________________________Catcher

Study

Read James 2:14-26 and discuss your answers to the following:

• 1. How do you see the relationship of faith and works? When are works important and when are they unimportant?
• 2. What experiences have you had/seen with benevolent cases? How have you felt dealing with them? Why do you think benevolence is so difficult?
• 3. How do James’ three examples display faith?
•      a. Demons
•      b. Abraham
•      c. Rahab
• 4. What applications do you see to the body without the spirit and faith without works?

Apply

• 1. How would you rate your faith - Living or Dead? How do you know?
• 2. How can you strengthen your faith? How can this group help you?
• 3. On the line below write down the name of the person(s) you will encourage with a phone call this week:

I Will Call ____________________________________________________

The current generation has been called the “Me Generation.” Some have criticized this age group for acting like everything revolves around them. They have been perceived as being very self-serving.

As I read the Bible, that description fits EVERY generation. From ancient times until today it seems that we have been obsessed with ourselves. Our actions have shown that we are all about gratifying the “lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.”

How often we resist our place in our relationship to God. We seem to easily forget that we are the servants and he is the King (Matthew 25:31-46). We forget our place with others. Remember Paul’s words in Philippians 2?

³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Please share from the following:

1. What I need more than anything else from this Group is someone:

•  To talk to
• To belong to
• To support me
• To affirm me
• To share my concerns
• To stir up my dreams
• Other ____________________

2. What scares me about being in a close Christian community is that they might:

• Find me out
• Not accept me after they find out about me
• Expect something out of me if they accept me
• Not be my kind of people
• Upset my lifestyle
• Let me down

Study

Read Ezekiel 33:30-32 and discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the prophets had such a hard time getting people to believe their messages?

2. Why did the people “go through the motions” of listening to Ezekiel? What kept them from following through with their commitments to God? How do you see this today?

3. Why do you think we lose a sense of urgency about our relationship with God?

4. Why is it important that we not only KNOW what God says/wants, but that we put it into practice?

5. How does the “greatest command” (Deuteronomy 6.4-5) and the “second greatest command” (Leviticus 19.18) sum up our need to HEAR and DO?

Apply

1. When do you think that we are serious about spreading the kingdom of God? How can we tell if we are NOT serious about it? When are times you personally have been serious about it? When have you not been serious?
2. How does Christian community help you to keep on track with God?
3. What do you think are the stumbling blocks to having the kind of community of believers that we see among the early disciples (Acts 2, etc.)?

•  We don’t know each other
• We don’t know each other’s needs
• We don’t take time for one another
• We have more pressing issues
• We don’t feel urgency
• What spiritual things do you know but aren’t doing? How can this Group help you?

In 1787, William Bligh led the H.M.S. Bounty to the South Pacific. He appointed Christian Fletcher to his second in command. The crew spent six months in Tahiti, living life to the fullest in the newly discovered paradise.

On April 28, 1789, Mr. Christian staged the famous mutiny. He and his fellow mutineers set Captain Bligh and loyal crew members adrift in a small lifeboat. The mutineers immediately began quarreling among themselves.

Christian led the crew back to Tahiti. There they left some of the mutineers and kidnapped women and slaves. They sailed a thousand miles to the uninhabited Pitcairn Island. There the group imploded. They learned to make alcohol from a local plant and lived lives of debauchery. Drunkenness, disease, and murder took the lives of all of the men but one — John Adams (AKA, Alexander Smith).

An amazing thing happened. Smith discovered the ship’s Bible. He began reading it and then began teaching its principles to the women, children, and slaves. The message of Christ transformed their lives. Twenty years later, when the crew of the Topaz disembarked on the island, they found a small, happy, Christian society which was free from crime, disease, murder, and even mutiny.

The power to change did not come through a self-help seminar. It came by the word of God. Maybe we make things too complicated. My dad used to say, “When all else fails, read the instructions.” Maybe we just need to read and follow the instruction manual.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

That attitude of independence also spills over into our spiritual lives. We tend to be independent and self-directing. We resist direction from leaders and often resent our preachers and teachers when they tell us what to do. After all, they are just people like me, what do they think they are doing?

I recently read a statement that has given me pause. “God does not create us for INDEPENDENCE, he creates us for INTERDEPENDENCE.” What a powerful reminder of God’s intentions and our needs!

Think of the various Bible scenarios where “people need people.” In the creation God gave Adam a helpmeet named “Eve.” He needed the interaction and encouragement of a person as well as God.

Roll the tape forward to the book of Acts after the church was formed. Even the great Apostle Paul would feel the need for interdependence. He encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, was struck blind, and was told to go into the city. There he encountered Ananias and received his sight as well as his baptism. Later, he would need Barnabas to help and direct him. Even later he would need some of the other disciples’ help to survive and continue his preaching ministry all the way to Rome.

Paul certainly needed help from other disciples. Yet, there is something that God puts in us that also shows our need to be helpers. Paul was trained under the Jewish Rabbi, Gamaliel. He becomes a rabbi himself. As a follower of Jesus, Paul takes his rabbinical training and applies it to the church. He trains disciples like the other rabbis did - just like Rabbi Jesus did. One of those disciples was the outcast, Timothy. Paul took him in and trained him to follow Jesus. He later becomes the lead Minister at Ephesus. He learned his lessons well.

We could go on and on with examples. Jesus had his twelve who had one another and then later their own disciples to train. All through the New Testament we read the “one another” passages and are reminded of how interwoven we must be. We are not independent, we are interdependent.

Somewhere I heard or read that the average person will know fifty people by sight and name. If our church is about fifty, we can know everyone and feel connected. The average church in America is somewhere around 100, twice the number we are able to know on average. Bible classes and small groups then become a crucial part of the interdependence we need. Large church services foster the “independent spirit” where we stand alone, unrecognized and uninvolved in the lives of others.

In the smaller settings we become aware of others. We recognize their needs and serve them. They recognize our needs and serve us. In all of this, we continually point one another to Jesus. We are interdependent, not independent!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

This weed looks exactly like wheat - until the grain is formed. Then it is clear that it is not wheat. Its fruit reveals what it is (see also Matthew 7:15-20).

Jesus said that the world is the field. God’s people, along with idolaters live and grow together in the world. We may be similar in appearance but, once again, our fruit reveals the truth about us.

It is not enough to look right. It is not enough to act right. It is not even enough to know the right. We have to be right (through Jesus, of course). The fruit we bear reveals the God (or god) we serve.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the son insults his father, receives his inheritance, and goes to the “far country” and wastes what he has. The boy’s father watched and longed for his return. One day, the boy “wakes up” to the realization of how stupid he had been. With a penitent heart, he rises up to return to his father and beg his forgiveness. The father ran out to greet him, took him home, and started a great celebration.

It occurs to me that Jesus also went into another “far country.” No, he did not insult his Father and demand his inheritance. Rather, he went with pure motives. Instead of wasting what he had been given, we went to reclaim what was originally his.

In a way, our world is the far country. All manner of evil abounds here. All manner of wastefulness abides here. The Father sent his Son to reclaim our wasted lives. He longs to see us return; to run out to meet us; and start the grand celebration. In turn, God sends his son’s disciples into this “far country” to initiate the process for others.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

What a great privilege to walk by faith in a God who cares so much for us!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

It is interesting how we tend to fail to learn from the past. We tend to repeat even the most basic things as we see in the account in Genesis 3. We fail to take personal responsibility when we make wrong choices. We want to blame others for our sins and mistakes. We shy away from accountability, yet that is what we need to help our spiritual walk.

I hope this lesson is useful to you.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

• When you were a child, what games did you enjoy playing? (Monopoly; Hide ‘n Seek; etc.)
• If you could capture a special moment from the last week which one would you frame? Why?

Study

Read Genesis 3.1-13 and discuss the following:

• What do you think the serpent’s role is in this story?
• Who do you think is really at fault in this story?
  •   Adam
  •   Eve
  •   Serpent
  •   God
  •   A Combination
• Why do you think Adam and Eve were so quick to “pass the buck”? Why do we?
• What role does choice play in this story? Why does God restrict their choices with the one tree?
• Why do you think they hid from God?
• Why did God judge them so harshly?

Apply

• Where are you most vulnerable to the serpent? When has he caused you to doubt God’s words? <”Did God really say __________?”
• What do you tend to do when you see your own sins?
  • Beat myself up
  • Shrug it off
  • Blame someone else
  • Ignore it and hope it goes away
  • Deal with it in a healthy way
• In what ways do you need to take responsibility for yourself?
• What can this group do to help you be accountable?

What does this say about him? One thing is that he came to reclaim people. His love knows no barriers.

That is a great comfort to us. While Jesus hates sin, he always loves the sinner. He is ready to make things right for us. The question is, are we?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene