Sjbjburke's Blog

Example of Sweethearts

Entered into what some might call a ‘Hall of Fame’, but what believer’s call the ‘Hall of Faith’.

Matthew 1:5-6  And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
Matthew 1:16  And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

I.  The Decisions – led to discouragement   Ruth 1:1-22

  A.  The Consequences of the move to Moab – death of husband and sons

  B.  The Conditions of the return to Bethlehem – Ruth insisted on staying with Naomi

  C.  The Curiosity of the people

Ruth 1:19  So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

  D.  The Cry of Naomi

Ruth 1:20-21  And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

Every family has a past and many families have faced great discouragement from time to time.

We learn that we must leave the past in the past.  Now, in your present – you are creating your past.  Learn from it and leave it behind. Concentrate on building your future as the Lord directs.

II. The dedication.  Ruth 2:1-23 

     Ruth trusted in God and she submitted to His Word! She became part of His people!

  A.  She worked the field that was at hand.  2:1-3

  B.  She worked with diligence that gained notice.  2:4-16

    1.  Boaz noticed her presence.  2:4,5

    2.  Boaz noticed her perseverance.  2:6-9

    3.  Boaz noticed her purpose.  2:10-13 To care for Naomi

         Note verse 13: Boaz was a respecter of righteousness, not of persons!

    4.  Boaz noticed her value through her virtue and invested in her.  2:14-17  He went much futher than the law required!

  C.  She worked and shared with Naomi.  2:18-23

III.  The desire.  Ruth 3:1-18

1.  The advice from Naomi.  3:1-5  To be in the place of blessing – to meet a righteous man

  B.  The approach of Ruth.  3:6,7

        Ruth, still yet a stranger (not a Hebrew, but a proselyte Jew) living among the people,              trusted in truth, righteousness, and virtue, and that her actions would not be                               misinterpreted –

Titus 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  C.  The approval of Boaz.  3:8-18

    1.  The proposal.  3:8,9  (From Ruth)

    2.  The privilege.  3:10-13  (belongs to another) 

          Deuteronomy 25:6,7

    3.  The propriety.  3:14-18

      a.  The discreet departure.  3:14

      b.  The disclosure of events.  3:15-18

IV.  The dividends.  Ruth 4:1-22

  A.  Redemption of the land.  4:1-8

  B.  Ruth taken in marriage.  4:9-12

They both had good testimonies and good intentions!   Let us learn from the Lord’s description of their characters

Boaz

Successful

Shy

Shrewd

Sympathetic

• Helped her to provide

Sincere – would accept proposal, but –

Submitted to God’s Word, preferring God’s Word over his own personal desire!

Ruth

Dedicated – to Naomi – accompany and care for her

Diligent – in her work

Docile – means easily taught, accepted God’s Word and His will

Determined – she had faith in God and obeyed Naomi’s counsel and Boaz’s counsel.

Results:  Godly Character leads to the blessings of God and His leadership in the family.  Sweethearts in the Lord bring glory to Him!

Many times, the Lord used good agricultural and construction practices in His Word to illustrate wisdom and Godliness.  Note how He instructed Amos –

Amos 7:7-8  Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:

Also in Jeremiah He reminded us that it is not wise to build on old unstable foundations –

Jeremiah 1:10  See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Peter spoke of Jesus, quoting from the Old Testament –

1 Peter 2:6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

And Paul the Apostle used construction practices in his preaching –

1 Corinthians 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

This morning, we want to see how the Lord used these practices to instruct men in wisdom –

Text: Luke 6:46-49     

I.  The Faithful Man.

Luke 6:46-48  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

  A.  His Plan.  Long term – He planned for the future.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

We will learn more about this statement at the conclusion of the lesson.

Now we need to look at –

  B.  His Preparation

    1.  He searched for the right location. 

    2.  He set out straight lines to follow.

    3.  He settled for nothing less than the solid rock.

         He labored in the unseen things.  He broke up the hard ground and kept digging, persevering until he reached the solid rock.

Are you digging through all of the foundations that you had in this world until you reach Him, the Solid Foundation?

Listen to the Words of the Lord –

Luke 14:26-33  “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. …”

His heart was not in the work!

“….So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

As a believer, is your hope still in your father, your mother, your wife, your children, your brothers, your sisters, or even in yourself?

We do honour and respect them, but we do not worship them or build our lives on them!

No one should come before the Lord!

Once he was on the rock, he began to build upon it, continuing in the work that was not visible to his neighbors.

  C.  His Protection.  He committed himself to the right thing.

2 Timothy 1:12    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

II.  The Foolish Man.

Luke 6:49  But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

  A.  His Plan.  He wanted immediate recognition – a position .

3 John 9     I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

  B.  His Preparation. 

    1.  The land was cheap – dirt or sand   

    2.  The labour was easy.

  C.  His Palace was impressive.   Palace?  Yes, I believe so because he could invest in what people could see because he did not invest in that which people do not see.

Why did Jesus share this account of the two men? 

He wants us to realize that the wise man will invest in Jesus Christ, the Lord of his life.  The foolish man wants to be identified with the Lord, but he will only invest in himself.  He is not willing to give himself to searching out the right place, setting out the right lines, and settling for nothing less than building on the right foundation!

We note that –

  D. His loss was permanent.  “and the ruin of that house was great…”

Remember how Esau sold his birthright for a meal, just one meal! He did not count the birthright as being precious and gave it up for a moment of pleasure. He wanted a blessing given to him.  He did not want to be a blessing by obeying God’s will!  Could he have been forgiven? Yes.

If he had repented, could that which he gave up be restored? No! We live with the consequences of our actions.

Genesis 27:36-38  And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

His tears changed nothing, because his heart was not changed!  He had been building a house on earth, dirt and sand, only caring about the immediate, present satisfaction.

What about us?  To build something that will last!

Are you laboring in the unseen work of God – Devotions, Bible Study, Prayer?

His strength will be with us –

Psalm 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Text:  John 21  The Lesson for Peter – the blessings of the Lord are ahead of us

We will look tonight at Peter and his decisions that affected, not only him, but the other disciples also. Peter, not being sure where he stood in his relationship with the Lord, determined to return to the activities of life he was familiar with – fishing.  He had been successful in his partnership with his brother and been able to support his family.  In all of his life, before meeting the Lord, he had never cowered before men or been completely filled with fear, shame, and overwhelming guilt.  Twice he had met with Jesus since the resurrection and twice the issue was unresolved.  Jesus had spoken to him and neither time had the action of Peter been addressed by the Lord nor by Peter.  He had neither been confronted nor had he approached the Lord and confessed.   Peter was at a crossroads in his life and was unsure what to do.  He decided to try to find peace and satisfaction by returning to that which he had left behind to follow the Lord – “I go a fishing”.

His decision affected other disciples and it some joined with him in going back out onto the lake. 

We do not know whether the night was spent in conversation or silent contemplation.  The only information we have of what transpired in the fishing boat that night is that their toil was fruitless – the nets remained empty. 

As the darkness of the night gave way to the shadowy light of dawn, the ship was about a football field in distance from the shore.  The men heard a voice – a question being asked by one on the shore – “Children, have ye any meat.”  Thus began the restoration of Simon, the son of Jonas, to the Apostle Peter, preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I.  His return to the activity he was so familiar with, fishing on ‘his’ lake.

John 21:3  Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

II.  His reaction to the presence of the Lord.  John 21:7-11

  A.  The Awkward meeting. 

John 21:7-8  Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes.

It seems that he did not know quite what to do.  He responded to the presence of the Lord by immediately going to Him, yet we have no record of any conversation between them.  He may have simply stood in an uncomfortable silence, watching the men bring the boat to the shore.  He would have noticed a fire already prepared with fish roasting and bread nearby. 

  B.  The Accounting of the power and blessings of God.

John 21:9-11  As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

    1.  The work throughout the night brought them no gain.

    2.  The Word of the Lord brought them abundance of fish.

As the men alighted from the boat, Jesus called to them to bring their catch of fish onto the shore, at which instruction Peter went and helped them to secure the miraculous catch of fish.

Again, we have no record of any conversation between the disciples as they secured the net and the fish.  Did they ask Peter “Did He say anything to you”?  Did they ask  “Where did the fire, the fish, and the bread come from”?  We did not see Him when we set out from the shore last night”.

Would they remember the words that had been spoken to them just three years before “..follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”?  It was such a simple thing for the Lord to make them fishers of fish – but in truth, what is more important?

III.  His Response to the questions from the Lord.  John 21:15-17

John 21:15-17  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

The questions were posed in such a way to make Peter consider his love for the Lord. 

  A.  Did he love the Lord more than his old life.  “…more than these” – the fish     and all that they stood for?

  B.  Did he love the Lord than his own comfort – to be a leader (willing to die    for the sheep) – tend my sheep? Did he now know his own heart and instead of making boast of his own courage, he would stand in his love for the Lord?

  C.  Did he love the Lord enough to do whatever he would have to do in the establishment of the Lord’s people in the will and Word of God unto the death?  Peter’s response to this, the Lord’s question the third time brought him to grief.  He knew that the Lord knows all things, that Jesus knew of     Peter’s three denials of the Lord – each denial more intense than the other    until he lost all control.  As Peter was grieved then when he realized what      he had done, he was grieved now as he confessed his whole heart and   mind to the Lord.

The Restoration was complete.  Peter was not perfect, but he was prepared to serve the Lord “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”    He would Feed the Lord’s Sheep!

Do not consider turning back.  The blessings of the Lord are ahead of us!

John Mark – Restoration, from failure to faith.   

I.  His Background.

  A.  His family.

    1.  He was a cousin (nephew) of Barnabas 

Colossians 4:10  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

    2.  He was the son of Mary. 

Acts 12:12  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

      a.  Home in Jerusalem

      b.  Home of wealth.  House large enough to accommodate the

           church.

  B.  His Familiarity with the disciples.  He probably was led to the

        Lord by Peter. 

    1.  Peter was a friend of the family.   

Acts 12:12-17  And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

    2.  Peter was his mentor in the gospel.

1 Peter 5:13  The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

  C.  His Failure.

    1.  He followed the disciples.

Mark 14:51-52  And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him: And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

    2.  He failed the missionaries. 

Acts 13:5  And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Acts 13:13  Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Why?  Jealousy for Barnabas; Fear of affliction; Homesickness?

  D.  His restoration.   (Revival)   

Acts 15:37-41  And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

Colossians 4:10-11  Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

2 Timothy 4:11  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Philemon 23-24  There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Our response should be in accordance with the instruction given by Paul to forgive others –

Colossians 3:12-15  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Paul had forgiven and been forgiven by Mark as we have noted above, but Paul and Barnabas had been restored to good fellowship –

1 Corinthians 9:6  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

The fact that the Corinthians would be familiar with Barnabas and Paul’s likeminded service unto the Lord reveals to us that the missionaries had forgiven one another for the problem in Antioch.

The Lord has offered restoration to all who will confess and turn to Him.

His offer to His nation –

2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

and His offer to His saints –

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The danger would involve disqualification for service, but never loss of salvation.

Subject: Absalom – Personality

Knowing his history, we see that he did not live up to his name – “father of peace”

I.  The Features of his success

  A.  Position

1. Prince, the third child of David, born of Maacah.  2 Samuel 3:3

2 Samuel 3:3  And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

    2.  Land owner and businessman. 

2 Samuel 13:23  And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

    3.  Family man. 

2 Samuel 14:27  And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

  B.  Personality. 

1. Handsome and charismatic.  

2 Samuel 14:25-27  But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight. And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

             Warning –

Proverbs 11:22  As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Francis Bacon: “Beauty is as summer fruits, which are easy to corrupt, and cannot last; and for the most part it makes a dissolute youth…”

    2.  Ambitious and successful.  

2 Samuel 15:1-5  And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

II. The Fascination of the world.

  A.  Had the admiration of the people. 

2 Samuel 15:6  And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

2 Samuel 15:12-13  And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

 B.  Had the sympathy of the people.  Most are drawn in by a tragic story!

    1.  His three sons all died young.  Compare –

2 Samuel 14:27  And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

2 Samuel 18:18  Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.

    2.  His sister had been raped by the oldest brother and justice had not been done.

1. King David did not judge the sin of his son.

2 Samuel 13:19-22  And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

Deuteronomy 22:24  Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

           (incited Absalom)

     b.  Absalom exacted justice when the government would not. 

     c.  Absalom reminded the people of the lack of justice. 

2 Samuel 15:3-4  And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

III. The Failure.

1. He rejected the counsel of God by not confronting his brother. 

         James 4:17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

2 Samuel 13:22  And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

Leviticus 19:17  Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Proverbs 29:24  Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not.

Proverbs 26:23-26  Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

  B.  He rebelled against the Law of God.

    1.  Bearing false witness.  2 Samuel 15:7-12

    2.  Deceived his father.  2 Samuel 13:24,25

  C.  He took that which belongs to God upon himself.

Romans 12:19  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Hebrews 10:30  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

Absalom was adored by the world.  They loved him. They exalted him because of his personality and they excused him because of his tragic situation.  They supported him in doing wrong.  King David could have allieviated the situation by providing justice according to the Law, but his apathy only gave Absalom a reason to act, but not an excuse.  The Lord did not excuse him and he, along with thousands of people paid with their lives.

2 Samuel 18:6-10, 14,15

Today, personality is being exalted over truth.  Are we guilty of excusing and, thereby, support sin.

Romans 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

We were recently asked about when a single woman’s father has died, leaving her without the father’s authority, who does she submit to? I have posted the response that was sent to her and look forward to any comments on this very interesting and necessary study.

I have looked into the Scriptures and have found no doctrine about authority over a single woman when the father has died.  Paul wrote about the single woman in his letter to the Corinthian church in chapter seven.  He was helping them understand the relationships involving both the married and the unmarried.  He wrote about single men that it is good for them if they decide to remain single.  One reason that he gave is because of the difficult circumstances for the believers in this time.  This is found in 7:25,26.  The unmarried man is able to concentrate more on the service of God without being concerned for his family.  7:32,33. 

Paul then wrote to the women, that the single woman is able to concentrate completely on the service of the Lord.  7:34,35.

Paul wrote to both men and women encouraging them that being married is good and being single is good.  One group should not judge the other. 

If a man or a woman is content being single, and then decides to be married, it is a good thing.  It is the decision of the individual as being led by the Lord.

As far as the authority of the father or of the husband over the woman, nothing is said about the single woman if her father is dead.  The single woman is to submit to the Word of God as every believer is required to do.  She is to serve the Lord as she has opportunity in the church.  This being true, she should seek the advice of the pastor.  The pastor is commanded to respect the older and younger women in the church and should give them counsel the same as he would to his own mother or to his own sister. 

1 Timothy 5:1-2  Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

The word ‘intreat’ means that the pastor will come to you and give instruction and counsel from God’s Word.

            First John                      
            Questions for the members of the church to consider and to correct -                        

2:9-11 Were there some that hated the brethren? Refer to John 13:35, 15:17

2:15-19 Were there some that loved the world?

2:18,19 Were there some that departed from the church?

2:22,23 Were there some that denied that Jesus is the Son of God?

2:26 Were there some that tried to lead believers away from the truth? Seduce’

3:3-7 Were there some that argued that sin is acceptable? Refer to Romans 6:1

3:9,10 Were there some that declared they had liberty to sin?

3:12 Were there some that claimed their anger was justified?

3:16-18 Were there some that were self centered personally and materially?

4:1-3 Were there some that claimed revelation that Jesus is not the Only Begotten Son of God?

4:05 Were there some that introduced the wisdom of the world into the church?

4:8-11 Were there some that did not love?

4:14,15 Were there some that denied that Jesus is the Saviour of the World?

4:18 Were there some that controlled the church through fear and manipulation? Refer to Third John 9-11

5:03 Were there some that believed the Lord’s commandments, doctrine, was too strict?

5:17,18 Were there some that claimed that not all unrighteousness is sin? “God understands” or “sometimes it is necessary”
or more commonly “God has promised to forgive me”

Church Planting

Management

Operations Handbook

I.  The goal of the right attitude.

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Mark 10:27 AV)

  A.  To build the strongest church possible in Malaysia.

  B.  To establish as many churches as possible in a worldwide effort.

II.  The goal of the right foundation.

  A.  The Commission is sure.  Matthew 28:18-20

  B.  The foundation is sure.  1 Corinthians 15

III.  The goal of the right results.  1 Thessalonians  (Paul’s letter shows forth the right results)

  A.  Salvation.

  B.  Baptism.

  C.  Teach “All things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

    1.  Should have new coverts or follow-up class.

    2.  Should follow with discipleship class.

IV.  The goal of right stewardship.  1 Corinthians 4:2

The need is to set goals in each area and carefully build toward the overall goal.  The purpose will be to build a solid structure upon the foundation of the church, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This church will endure and consider further growth through the blessing of the Lord.  It is better to build well at first instead of having to tear down and build again.

Remember the importance of understanding priorities in setting and working toward goals.

Cause – Evangelism, soul-winning, visitation.

Effect – Follow-up and new converts Bible classes; worship service, mission (by local cause);              music ministry; church registration; finances; building, etc.

A weak structure will be erected if the cause and the effect are out of sequence!  Take the time necessary to build a solid structure on the Solid Foundation.

V.  The goal of right methods. 

  A.  Follow the governmental rules for the organization of a church.

  B.  Find the right venue for the meetings of the church.

VI.  Ministry Divisions

Evangelism

Education

Administration

Methods of Bible Study

Manners and Customs of Bible Lands

VII.  Occupations.

 A.  The Shepherd and sheep.

    1.  A large number of sheep in this region.  Job 42:12; 1 Kings 8:63

         The most popular kind of sheep is the ‘fat tail’.

    2.  The task of tending the sheep usually fell to the youngest boy or the girls.

        1 Samuel 16:11  

    3.  Equipment used.

      A.  Tunic and camel hair coat.

      B.  Scrip.  A leather pouch.  1 Samuel 17:40; Matthew 10

      C.  Rod.  1 Samuel 17:34-36; Psalm 23:4; Ezekiel 20:37; Leviticus 27:32

           (The sceptre of kings is based on the shepherd’s rod)

      D.  Staff.  Approximately 2 meters long.  Psalm 23:4

      E.  Sling.  Used to control sheep at a distance.  1 Samuel 17:40-49; 25:29

      F.  Flute

    4.  Care for the sheep.

      A.  Pasture must be found.  1 Chronicles 4:39

      B.  Food provided when grass finished.  Isaiah 40:11

      C.  Water.  Psalm 23:2  streams, pools, wells.  Genesis 29:8-10

      D.  Pens

        1).  Temporary

          A).  Made of bushes and thorns.

          C).  Caves

        2).  Permanent places.  John 10:1-3

      E.  Named the sheep.  John 10:3

      F.  They are not driven, but they are led.  John 10:4; Psalm 23:3

           Isaian 40:11; 43:2

      G.  Protection.  1 Samuel 17:34-37

    5.  Gathering sheep.

      A.  Allowed to mix together.  Genesis 29:1-3

      B.  Sheep will follow their shepherd’s voice.  John 10:4,5

      C.  Some used trained dogs.  Job 30”1

      D.  Sheep have a tendency to wander away.  Palm 119:176; Isaiah 53:6; Luke 15:6

    6.  Products of the sheep.

      A.  Wool 

      B.  Skin.  Hebrews 11:37

      C.  Meat

      D.  Milk

      E.  Ram’s horn

      F.  Sacrifice.

  B.  Shepherd and goats.

    1.  Goats are more difficult to hadle than sheep.

      A.  They like rocky slopes of mountains.

      B.  They eat the young leaves of trees.

      C.  Heat does not affect them as it does the sheep.

      D.  Mor vigorous, headstrong, and playful than sheep.

    2.  Goats can mix with herd of sheep, but it is better to separate them at feeding. 

         Matthew 25:32,33

    3.  Goat’s milk is very rich and popular.  Proverbs 27:27

    4.  Only the meat of the young goat is good for eating.  Judges 6:19; Luke 15:29

    5.  The hair is expecially good for making tents.  Exodus 26:7; 35:23

    6.  Sacrifices.  Leviticus 1:10; 16:22