The Parables by Gary Inrig
“Understanding What Jesus Meant”
The books second chapter, “Loving My Neighbor” is
that parable of the good Samaritan.(Luke10:25-37)
The bible scripture leading into this parable has two
primary questions asked of Jesus by the lawyer;
“ What shall I do to inherit eternal life ?”(Luke10:25)
“and who is my neighbor?”(Luke10:29)
So he (lawyer) answered the first question and said,
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all
your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
(Luke 10:27)
(Deuteronomy 6:5 linked with Leviticus 19:18 stated
in Matthew 22:37-40 again in Luke 10:27.)
And He (Jesus) said to him, “You have answered rightly;
do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:28)
Jesus answered the second question with the Samaritan
Parable and a question; So which of these three do you
think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
(Luke 10:36) And to that question; he (lawyer) answered
said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said
to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
The Samaritan saw the injured person only as a human
in need and felt compassion for human suffering. The
Samaritan cared for the immediate needs and went a
step further and provided for care of someone who
Could not care for himself.
“Your neighbor” is someone; whom you may or may
not know, of your race or not, of your religion or not,
for it is the need of the person which you can meet
that determines who becomes your neighbor.
Our neighbor is that person whom has a need that
we have the resources to meet. The Samaritan did
not go looking for a neighbor, however he did not
turn aside from that person who became his
neighbor, as a person he found in need.
I believe God has made it very clear that only those
that love Him will be accepted in His House. He has
also made it clear that to love Him you must also
love those that He loves.
Eternal life is not earned by works, nor is it by
achievements. Inheritance is a heart relationship with
God. God wants us neighbors to be expressions of
His love in this world.
The evidence of our love for God is our love for those
that God loves. This means We are the neighbors to
all those that God loves. We are the ones to do the
loving thing as those situations are presented.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
The Parables
The Parables : “Understanding What Jesus Meant”
Discovery House, 1991, by Gary Inrig
Christian Spiritual Growth, Recommended by george
A book of a dozen stories to provide answers to many of our
questions and situations. These are the teachings of Jesus,
so we will hear His Words. These Parables of truth call us
to know our God, and see who we really are.
The first chapter is titled,” Knowing My Father”. Have you
ever had the feeling that not every Christian is, “our kind
of person”? Then ponder these three beautiful parables;about
a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.(NKJ, Luke;15:1-32)
We know of the feelings of loosing and finding things cared
about. The greater the value to us results in greater feelings
of either pain or joy.
This first chapter focuses on “Luke 15:11-32” the return of
the prodigal son and the appeal to the older brother. This
appeal to the older brother was intended for the Pharisees.
Luke 15:11 to 27; Tells of the wayward son, welcoming and
rejoicing father, also the respectable older brother‘s anger.
Luke 15:28: Tells us the father came to the older brother and
pleaded with him.
Luke 15:31; ” and he said to him, son you are always with me,
and all that I have is yours.
Luke 15:32; ’ It was right that we should make merry and be
glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was
lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:31&32; Is one statement of gladness and joy both for
the father and for God.
Gary Inrig points out a cliff hanger; “did the older brother
enter and celebrate or not ? ” The Lords story shouts to all
brothers;” come home, come in the house”.
The message set before us; to reject the Fathers gracious
treatment of an unworthy sinner is to deceive ourselves
about our need for grace. As long as we reject the grace
shown to other sinners, then we are standing outside of
our Fathers House.
How well we “know God” is revealed by our feelings for those
that are lost and those that are found.
(if you want the next chapter “Loving My Neighbor” just ask)
Discovery House, 1991, by Gary Inrig
Christian Spiritual Growth, Recommended by george
A book of a dozen stories to provide answers to many of our
questions and situations. These are the teachings of Jesus,
so we will hear His Words. These Parables of truth call us
to know our God, and see who we really are.
The first chapter is titled,” Knowing My Father”. Have you
ever had the feeling that not every Christian is, “our kind
of person”? Then ponder these three beautiful parables;about
a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.(NKJ, Luke;15:1-32)
We know of the feelings of loosing and finding things cared
about. The greater the value to us results in greater feelings
of either pain or joy.
This first chapter focuses on “Luke 15:11-32” the return of
the prodigal son and the appeal to the older brother. This
appeal to the older brother was intended for the Pharisees.
Luke 15:11 to 27; Tells of the wayward son, welcoming and
rejoicing father, also the respectable older brother‘s anger.
Luke 15:28: Tells us the father came to the older brother and
pleaded with him.
Luke 15:31; ” and he said to him, son you are always with me,
and all that I have is yours.
Luke 15:32; ’ It was right that we should make merry and be
glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was
lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:31&32; Is one statement of gladness and joy both for
the father and for God.
Gary Inrig points out a cliff hanger; “did the older brother
enter and celebrate or not ? ” The Lords story shouts to all
brothers;” come home, come in the house”.
The message set before us; to reject the Fathers gracious
treatment of an unworthy sinner is to deceive ourselves
about our need for grace. As long as we reject the grace
shown to other sinners, then we are standing outside of
our Fathers House.
How well we “know God” is revealed by our feelings for those
that are lost and those that are found.
(if you want the next chapter “Loving My Neighbor” just ask)
Friday, March 12, 2010
In His Steps
by Charles M. Sheldon
“What Would Jesus Do ?”
Classic Christian Inspirational Fiction
This story is one of thirty Sermon-Stories written by
Sheldon and was published in 1897.
The story opens with an unemployed tramp looking for
work. He was not a tramp by choice, just another worker
replaced by a machine.
This despondent man is seeking help to locate work from
a pastor of a well-to-do church. All the tramp received
from that pastor was a “hope that he would find a job“.
The following Sunday’s church service begins in song and
then the congregation hears an unplanned guest speaker,
“The Tramp.”
Oh, this Tramp raised a few questions;
What is meant by following Jesus ?
When you sing, “ I’ll go with Him all the way.
“ what do you mean ?
This poor tramp challenges this congregation living their
lives of plenty, while others are going without. He asked
them “ Is this what Jesus would do ?”
The tramp collapsed in front of this congregation and he
dies within a few days . Members of that congregation,
then pledged for one year to do everything in their daily
lives asking the question, “What Would Jesus Do ?”
The Tramps words changed their lives and continue
challenging the lives of those that hear those words.
“What Would Jesus Do ?”
Do You Walk in His Steps ? Do You Walk Your Talk ?
“I pray, that the dust from His sandals will fall upon you.”
By brother george
“What Would Jesus Do ?”
Classic Christian Inspirational Fiction
This story is one of thirty Sermon-Stories written by
Sheldon and was published in 1897.
The story opens with an unemployed tramp looking for
work. He was not a tramp by choice, just another worker
replaced by a machine.
This despondent man is seeking help to locate work from
a pastor of a well-to-do church. All the tramp received
from that pastor was a “hope that he would find a job“.
The following Sunday’s church service begins in song and
then the congregation hears an unplanned guest speaker,
“The Tramp.”
Oh, this Tramp raised a few questions;
What is meant by following Jesus ?
When you sing, “ I’ll go with Him all the way.
“ what do you mean ?
This poor tramp challenges this congregation living their
lives of plenty, while others are going without. He asked
them “ Is this what Jesus would do ?”
The tramp collapsed in front of this congregation and he
dies within a few days . Members of that congregation,
then pledged for one year to do everything in their daily
lives asking the question, “What Would Jesus Do ?”
The Tramps words changed their lives and continue
challenging the lives of those that hear those words.
“What Would Jesus Do ?”
Do You Walk in His Steps ? Do You Walk Your Talk ?
“I pray, that the dust from His sandals will fall upon you.”
By brother george
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY
by Bill Hybels
“ Slowing Down to Be with God “
IVP Books 1988-2008 Christian Life / Prayer
“A Classic on prayer for over twenty years”
.
The Bible being the greatest book ever written; so why all of these
other books filled with scripture, why ? Certainly not for substitu-
tion of the bible, but they do provide clarifications, explanations,
and additional information. A good Christian book supported by
biblical scripture can move you closer to God. This Book, has
many treasures, that will move you closer to God. I am sharing
some of those treasures, that I have found valuable to me.
.
Pastor Bill says, “I still practice maintaining consistent time and
place to pray, organize my prayers as “ ACTS “, and listen for the
Spirits promptings for God's direction and wisdom. Now “ACTS” is
an “acrostic” whose four letters stand for; Adoration, Confession,
Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
.
By praising and worshipping we demonstrate respect to our
heavenly Father. Professing forgiveness of others and confessing
repentance for our errors. Expressing appreciation and gratitude
for those blessings we already received. Supplication, let God
have control of circumstances as He is the only real God. Having
an organized balanced prayer is another step closer to God.
.
Pastor Bill, also keeps a prayer journal and he frequently reviews
past prayers And how they were answered. Writing your prayers
specifically (you can leave out unnecessary detail and redundancy
as He knows your circumstance) The journaling will focus your
mind on God and allow you to examine your life. This will keep
you from inadvertently repeating the same errors. Using “ACTS”
as a pattern will keep your prayers in balance.
.
All I have written so far, Pastor Bill covered just in his “ intro ” to
this book. He also said he believes God has a role for each of us
to play. The needs around us, get off the bench and into the game.
I started my journal following Pastor Bills suggestions.
-Give God the best part of your day (mine is 6 to 7 am)
-Have a meeting place with God away from distractions(my porch)
-Pray earnestly from the heart with a balance prayer. (ACTS)
-Write a page, begin with yesterday to examine your life and pray.
.
Pastor Bill Hybels says,” When you get serious about prayer, then
it is time to make the Decision; “I will learn what disciplines are
necessary to fuel my prayer life, and I will practice these regularly
without fail.” I encourage you to benefit from the treasures to be
found in this classic book on prayer. brother george
“ Slowing Down to Be with God “
IVP Books 1988-2008 Christian Life / Prayer
“A Classic on prayer for over twenty years”
.
The Bible being the greatest book ever written; so why all of these
other books filled with scripture, why ? Certainly not for substitu-
tion of the bible, but they do provide clarifications, explanations,
and additional information. A good Christian book supported by
biblical scripture can move you closer to God. This Book, has
many treasures, that will move you closer to God. I am sharing
some of those treasures, that I have found valuable to me.
.
Pastor Bill says, “I still practice maintaining consistent time and
place to pray, organize my prayers as “ ACTS “, and listen for the
Spirits promptings for God's direction and wisdom. Now “ACTS” is
an “acrostic” whose four letters stand for; Adoration, Confession,
Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
.
By praising and worshipping we demonstrate respect to our
heavenly Father. Professing forgiveness of others and confessing
repentance for our errors. Expressing appreciation and gratitude
for those blessings we already received. Supplication, let God
have control of circumstances as He is the only real God. Having
an organized balanced prayer is another step closer to God.
.
Pastor Bill, also keeps a prayer journal and he frequently reviews
past prayers And how they were answered. Writing your prayers
specifically (you can leave out unnecessary detail and redundancy
as He knows your circumstance) The journaling will focus your
mind on God and allow you to examine your life. This will keep
you from inadvertently repeating the same errors. Using “ACTS”
as a pattern will keep your prayers in balance.
.
All I have written so far, Pastor Bill covered just in his “ intro ” to
this book. He also said he believes God has a role for each of us
to play. The needs around us, get off the bench and into the game.
I started my journal following Pastor Bills suggestions.
-Give God the best part of your day (mine is 6 to 7 am)
-Have a meeting place with God away from distractions(my porch)
-Pray earnestly from the heart with a balance prayer. (ACTS)
-Write a page, begin with yesterday to examine your life and pray.
.
Pastor Bill Hybels says,” When you get serious about prayer, then
it is time to make the Decision; “I will learn what disciplines are
necessary to fuel my prayer life, and I will practice these regularly
without fail.” I encourage you to benefit from the treasures to be
found in this classic book on prayer. brother george
Beyond Jabez
by Bruce Wilkinson
" Expanding Your Borders "
Christian Prayer; Pub. 2005, Multnomah
This author’s skillful writing craftsmanship weaves
Into “ Beyond Jabez ” his successful writings such
as “ The Prayer of Jabez ” and “ The Dream Giver ”.
Wilkinson provides the readers with many examples
throughout this book, of how God answered those
“ People who Prayed ” including the writer himself.
He explains and clarifies misconceptions surrounding
beliefs about God’s Blessings, Boundaries, Powers,
and Protection. Also described and explained by this
author are insights for types of Blessings, Territories,
Miracles, and Protection that God offers.
Wilkinson describes the temptations confronting all of us
and suggests the best way to keep from sinning is to avoid
temptations. Exercise self control over every thought that
you permit your mind to think. God warns us about the
consequences of sin so that we will seek God’s protection
through prayer.
God, ”Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain !”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
This book suggests that we can learn to recognize a
“ Jabez Moment ” just by being constantly alert for
opportunities, through which we can touch a life or
do something for God’s purpose. God’s desire is that
He wants to release His power through us. God wants
you to enjoy His blessings and for you to share those
blessings with other people.
“Every day, pray for and give thanks for God’s protection
and many blessings.”
" Expanding Your Borders "
Christian Prayer; Pub. 2005, Multnomah
This author’s skillful writing craftsmanship weaves
Into “ Beyond Jabez ” his successful writings such
as “ The Prayer of Jabez ” and “ The Dream Giver ”.
Wilkinson provides the readers with many examples
throughout this book, of how God answered those
“ People who Prayed ” including the writer himself.
He explains and clarifies misconceptions surrounding
beliefs about God’s Blessings, Boundaries, Powers,
and Protection. Also described and explained by this
author are insights for types of Blessings, Territories,
Miracles, and Protection that God offers.
Wilkinson describes the temptations confronting all of us
and suggests the best way to keep from sinning is to avoid
temptations. Exercise self control over every thought that
you permit your mind to think. God warns us about the
consequences of sin so that we will seek God’s protection
through prayer.
God, ”Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain !”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
This book suggests that we can learn to recognize a
“ Jabez Moment ” just by being constantly alert for
opportunities, through which we can touch a life or
do something for God’s purpose. God’s desire is that
He wants to release His power through us. God wants
you to enjoy His blessings and for you to share those
blessings with other people.
“Every day, pray for and give thanks for God’s protection
and many blessings.”
Let GOD be GOD
by Ray C. Stedman
(Edited from sermons on the book of Job)
Discovery House Publishers "2007"
The book titled "Let GOD Be GOD" by Ray C. Steadman was based on a
series of sermons he preached on the Book of Job. Ray Stedman offers his
understanding of what he believes God is telling us through the Book of Job.
My interest was captured in chapter ten and held through chapter eleven ,
covering the chapters of "32 through 37" in the Book of Job. This is where
Elihu speaks the “Word” that he believes was given him by the Spirit of God.
Is God speaking to us through the Book of Job and are we hearing God's
words ? Read Elihu's words carefully and consider if you believe God is
answering some of the important questions in our life. Why is God often
silent, when we need Him the most ? What is God's purpose for my pain
and loss ? Why does God allow the innocent to suffer ? Is there a redeemer
and life after death ?
Stedman, points out four important observations;
1) God does not rebuke Elihu,( NKJ; Job 38)
2) God does not condemn Elihu's messages,(NKJ; Job 38)
3) Elihu spoke with courtesy and sensitivity, (for 5 chapters)
4) Elihu claimed to speak from Revelation.( NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
He was convinced Elihu's message expressed the core theme of Job.
The beginning of Job Chap. 32, Elihu is saying that, he speaks according to
the urging of God Himself. Elihu wants only to speak according to the will
of God his maker and what God has taught him. Elihu delivers God's reply
to Job, thus we are hearing God's Word and this is the importance of the
book of Job. (NKJ; "Job (32:8)(32:18)(32:22)(33:4)”
Elihu claims authority, (NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
Elihu addresses God’s silence to Job; God answers, but not according to our
wishes or our time table. Elihu points out another reason for silence is God
does not listen to empty pleas and sometimes we are deaf to His voice,
because we do not want to hear the answer God is giving us.
(NKJ) (Job 35:12-14) Elihu suggests many ways of how God can speak
through; dreams, visions, events, painful circumstances, and suffering.
(NKJ)(Job 33:14-21)(Job 33:29-30)
Elihu (E li hu) states Jobs pain and suffering was not a punishment for hidden
sin. God is speaking through pain to get Jobs attention. Elihu is saying that
God is speaking to sufferers and actually uses our trials of suffering to open
our ears and to listen to what He is saying to us. (NKJ; Job 36:15)
Adversity could be your bridge for that closer relationship with God.
Job believes that there is a redeemer coming to give salvation and afterlife.
“ For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.”
(NKJ: Job 19:25-26) Elihu gives the prophecy of a Mediator, Redeemer,
Savior, Born Again, and the Afterlife. “ If there is a messenger for him,
mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He
is gracious to him, and says deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have
found a ransom; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the
days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall
see His face with joy, He restores to man His righteousness." (NKJ; Job:23-28)
(Edited from sermons on the book of Job)
Discovery House Publishers "2007"
The book titled "Let GOD Be GOD" by Ray C. Steadman was based on a
series of sermons he preached on the Book of Job. Ray Stedman offers his
understanding of what he believes God is telling us through the Book of Job.
My interest was captured in chapter ten and held through chapter eleven ,
covering the chapters of "32 through 37" in the Book of Job. This is where
Elihu speaks the “Word” that he believes was given him by the Spirit of God.
Is God speaking to us through the Book of Job and are we hearing God's
words ? Read Elihu's words carefully and consider if you believe God is
answering some of the important questions in our life. Why is God often
silent, when we need Him the most ? What is God's purpose for my pain
and loss ? Why does God allow the innocent to suffer ? Is there a redeemer
and life after death ?
Stedman, points out four important observations;
1) God does not rebuke Elihu,( NKJ; Job 38)
2) God does not condemn Elihu's messages,(NKJ; Job 38)
3) Elihu spoke with courtesy and sensitivity, (for 5 chapters)
4) Elihu claimed to speak from Revelation.( NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
He was convinced Elihu's message expressed the core theme of Job.
The beginning of Job Chap. 32, Elihu is saying that, he speaks according to
the urging of God Himself. Elihu wants only to speak according to the will
of God his maker and what God has taught him. Elihu delivers God's reply
to Job, thus we are hearing God's Word and this is the importance of the
book of Job. (NKJ; "Job (32:8)(32:18)(32:22)(33:4)”
Elihu claims authority, (NKJ; Job 36:2-4)
Elihu addresses God’s silence to Job; God answers, but not according to our
wishes or our time table. Elihu points out another reason for silence is God
does not listen to empty pleas and sometimes we are deaf to His voice,
because we do not want to hear the answer God is giving us.
(NKJ) (Job 35:12-14) Elihu suggests many ways of how God can speak
through; dreams, visions, events, painful circumstances, and suffering.
(NKJ)(Job 33:14-21)(Job 33:29-30)
Elihu (E li hu) states Jobs pain and suffering was not a punishment for hidden
sin. God is speaking through pain to get Jobs attention. Elihu is saying that
God is speaking to sufferers and actually uses our trials of suffering to open
our ears and to listen to what He is saying to us. (NKJ; Job 36:15)
Adversity could be your bridge for that closer relationship with God.
Job believes that there is a redeemer coming to give salvation and afterlife.
“ For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God.”
(NKJ: Job 19:25-26) Elihu gives the prophecy of a Mediator, Redeemer,
Savior, Born Again, and the Afterlife. “ If there is a messenger for him,
mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness, Then He
is gracious to him, and says deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have
found a ransom; His flesh shall be young like a child’s, He shall return to the
days of his youth. He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall
see His face with joy, He restores to man His righteousness." (NKJ; Job:23-28)
The Prayer of Jabez
by Bruce Wilkinson
Christian Living-Prayer ; ISBN-1-57673-733-0
The cry of " Jabez " " The Bibles Little Big Man "
"So, God granted Jabez what he requested."
“Why did God answer the prayer from Jabez ?
My impression of Jabez, he was an obedient child of God,
as obedience brings blessings. " More than that, blessed are
those who hear the word of God and keep it !"( Luke 11:28)
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. (1 Chron. 4:9)
His mother called his name " Jabez " saying, " Because I bore
him in pain. " Jabez was born into the tribe of Judah and lived
in southern Israel during the time of Judges. In biblical times a
name was often taken as prophecy about that individuals future.
A literal translation of the word " Jabez " could be he has/will
cause pain.
Jabez believed in his God of miracles and he asked for a miracle.
The biblical meaning of " Bless " is the asking of a supernatural
favor that can only come from God. Let us clearly understand,
when we ask for God's blessing we are asking for something, that
can only come from our Lord. Jabez's request for a blessing asked
for nothing more or nothing less than what God had wanted for Jabez.
How did a giant of faith begin his prayer ?
God, ” Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain ! ”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
You can change what happens in your future through the believing of
daily prayers just like the prayer of Jabez. " Ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
( Matt. 7:7 )
We have to present God with our requests. Jabez's simple prayer,
that produces results ! Those that commit to offering prayer on a
daily basis will find themselves blessed by God.
Christian Living-Prayer ; ISBN-1-57673-733-0
The cry of " Jabez " " The Bibles Little Big Man "
"So, God granted Jabez what he requested."
“Why did God answer the prayer from Jabez ?
My impression of Jabez, he was an obedient child of God,
as obedience brings blessings. " More than that, blessed are
those who hear the word of God and keep it !"( Luke 11:28)
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. (1 Chron. 4:9)
His mother called his name " Jabez " saying, " Because I bore
him in pain. " Jabez was born into the tribe of Judah and lived
in southern Israel during the time of Judges. In biblical times a
name was often taken as prophecy about that individuals future.
A literal translation of the word " Jabez " could be he has/will
cause pain.
Jabez believed in his God of miracles and he asked for a miracle.
The biblical meaning of " Bless " is the asking of a supernatural
favor that can only come from God. Let us clearly understand,
when we ask for God's blessing we are asking for something, that
can only come from our Lord. Jabez's request for a blessing asked
for nothing more or nothing less than what God had wanted for Jabez.
How did a giant of faith begin his prayer ?
God, ” Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
And enlarge my territory,
That Your hand would be with me,
And that You would keep me from evil,
That I may not cause pain ! ”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
You can change what happens in your future through the believing of
daily prayers just like the prayer of Jabez. " Ask, and it will be given
to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
( Matt. 7:7 )
We have to present God with our requests. Jabez's simple prayer,
that produces results ! Those that commit to offering prayer on a
daily basis will find themselves blessed by God.
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