passion

Synopsis and Homework Week 3

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Our Value System

It’s easy to dispose of a spork. Yes, a spork, the mutant half spoon, half fork you get from many fast food restaurants to eat your meal on the go. The spork only holds value to us for a short time. Once the meal is over, all value the spork once held diminishes to the point that we easily toss it in the trash.

Contemplating the value of plastic utensils is easy; things we hold more precious are difficult. When Scripture requires us not to neglect it, what it’s really saying is re-value what you’ve heard.  The bottom-line of our study in Hebrews through chapter two verse nine is this:

Jesus, the highest value in the universe, has spoken the Gospel to us, the highest value to humanity, and promises us joy, the highest value spiritually. Everything else, no matter how precious and good, pales in comparison.

Every Thanksgiving families verbalize the things for which they are thankful. Often times its things like family, health, home, employment, etc.; all things that are good and given as gifts from God. It’s right to be thankful for such.

However, the question remains, how do we value them?   In the “not neglecting so great a salvation” life, what are the pitfalls of placing the wrong value on the temporary and the eternal?

In Scripture, Jesus’ teaching is more concerned about the good things in life causing us to neglect our great salvation than any of the normal sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll choices we make.

Read Luke 14:15-24 The Parable of the Great Banquet

Focus on the excuses offered for neglecting so great a salvation. (I am saying that each of the invited guests were saying to the banquet host [God], “please excuse me from your banquet [heaven, kingdom], my heart is really elsewhere.”)

Answer these questions:

What are the objects of the excuses offered by the invited guests?

Are these objects generally considered good or evil?

What happened when the invited guests placed a value on land [home], oxen [cars and things with wheels], wife [family] higher than banquet attendance [salvation]?

This Thanksgiving, as you give thanks for precious family, home, and dining room table filled with bounty, never grant these things so much value that you treat so great a salvation like a spork.

Teaching Outline Week 3

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The Joy in Responsibility

(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews) 

Commentary

Inheritance

Hebrews 2:5-9

Outline

 

Hebrews  1:1-14                                              Set the scene painted by chapter one:

The central theme of chapter one…

Jesus is Superior; this Jesus, the “Son of God” is the final Word spoken in these last days.

 

Vs 2:1-4                                                          Therefore, listen!

God has spoken by His Son, listen, listen very carefully.

You’re either listening or drifting…

You either believe or you don’t…

It is suicide to neglect such a great salvation.

God has given us enough to respond. (no excuses)

 

Now pick up in verse 5 this week…

Vs 5                                                                 Look to the future

Who rules the world to come?

Our salvation is an inheritance (1:14)

Our salvation is past, present and future.

Vs 6-8                                                             Man rules the world to come – Psalm 8

This is too exciting to neglect!

Vs 8b                                                               Big problem at present…

Death reigns and man is subjected to it.

Vs 9                                                                 Good News

Jesus conquered death and established a Co-Heir and Co-reign in the world to come.

(Romans 8:17)

LIFE APPLICATION:

Don’t live out your salvation as if only a past event.

Believe (find joy) in your future.

Say to death – Psalm 8 is my destiny!

The future is too great to neglect; just believe!

 

Don’t Neglect Your Joy!

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God is not an ogre. He’s not a tyrant. He’s not egotistical. God gives commands for our good. The authors of the Bible trumpet over and over… He is Steadfast Love and Faithfulness. Every Word of this one and only beautiful Truth is for HIS GLORY. It is His Glory that we crave, even when we don’t realize it. For it is only in His Glory that we can be satisfied. It is only in His Glory we can find Steadfast Love and Faithfulness. It is only in His Glory that we have real and lasting JOY.

As we study Hebrews together remember our first command in chapter 2 verse 1…Listen! Listen to this Jesus tell you how much He loves you. Listen to your only source of joy. God gives commands for our good.

As Americans we must neglect hundreds of people and things each of our waking hours. We have images and data coming at us at the speed of light. We cannot address them all. We must flip by tons of information never giving it a chance to change our lives.

The author of Hebrews asks the question,  “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrew 2:3)

God threatens terrible things if we won’t be filled with joy. So, out of everything you choose to neglect this weekend…

Don’t neglect being loved,

Don’t neglect being forgiven,

Don’t neglect righteousness,

Don’t neglect your Wonderful Father,

Don’t neglect being a Child of Grace.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike

Synopsis and Homework Week 2

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Chapter two opens with the word “Therefore” which is the author’s way of pointing us to the portrait of Christ’s eminence and greatness painted in chapter one and, therefore, we ought to listen to what he says. For the higher a person stands in rank, the greater authority he exerts, and the more he demands the listener’s attention.

Verse one of chapter two does not allow for “fence sitting”. It plainly states we are either listening or drifting. We are listening to the Words of Christ and becoming more like Him, or we are drifting right past this most precious salvation.

Verse three of chapter two asks the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

Read the following commentary;

3a. How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?

The key word in this part of the sentence, which began with the preceding verse, is “salvation.” The term has already been used in 1:14, in which the readers are told that all angels are ministering spirits that serve believers (the heirs of salvation). The value of salvation ought never be underestimated, for its price was the suffering and death of Jesus. He is called the author of salvation who brings many sons to glory (2:10). Therefore, the believer’s salvation is immeasurably great.

As verse 2 states, the message of the Old Testament could not and cannot be violated without suffering the consequences. How much more, then (this verse says), ought we to treasure our salvation. If we ever ignore the message concerning our redemption, it is impossible for us to escape God’s wrath and subsequent punishment. The more precious the gift, the greater the penalty if it is ignored. [1] 

The only way to neglect something or someone is to de-value them in your heart. If you are neglecting your family or your business you are making the bold statement that other people and things are of more value.

What are the results of neglecting a spouse, children, home, business, garden…nothing good!

What then are the results of neglecting Jesus?

Homework:

Read the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

Answer the following two questions:

How are the first two servants like one who is listening to the Word’s of Christ?

 

How is the evil servant like one who is drifting?

[1] Simon J. Kistemaker and William Hendriksen, Exposition of Hebrews, vol. 15, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 58.

Teaching Outline Week 2

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The Joy in Responsibility

(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews) 

Commentary

Listen!

Hebrews 2:1–4

Outline

Vs. Hebrews 1:1-14                                        Set the scene painted by chapter one:

The central theme of chapter one…

Jesus is Superior; this Jesus, the “Son of God” is the final Word spoken in these last days.

Jesus is; Creator, Sustainer, Owner, Ruler and Redeemer of the world.

Jesus is; Eternal, Victorious, Perfect, Awesome God! Jesus is BIG!

Yet…

Jesus died for me, He gave me so great a salvation.

The PARADOX of the Christian Life:

Jesus is EVERYTHING, I am NOTHING.

Jesus wants ME, 1000 times more than I want Him.

 

Vs 2:1                                                              Therefore, listen!

God has spoken by His Son, listen, listen very carefully.

You’re either listening or drifting…

The Bible only offers assurance to those who are vigilant.

There is no such thing as vigilantly earning your salvation.

There is no such thing as drifting along in complete assurance.

Listening = Believe

Drifting = Unbelief

Why do we not listen? (Unbelief)  Hosea 7:13

We make God the way we want Him to be. (Build an idol)

We stay faithful to the false God we create.

Our false God always lets us down.

The final lie – God really doesn’t love me. (I’m off the hook)

 

There is something about you that wants to believe lies.

We want to avoid this reality…

If God has given me everything, He can ask me for anything.

If God is perfect, there is no excuse for sin.

 

LIFE APPLICATION:

Jesus has a fix on reality, you don’t!

For God to cease to love you, He would cease to be God.

Just believe!

 

Teaching Outline Week 1

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The Joy in Responsibility

(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews) 

Commentary

Jesus’ Superiority and His Role as

Savior and High Priest/King

Hebrews 1:1–14

Outline

Vs. 1-4                                                            Introduction:

Possible problem in the church regarding angels

Jesus is Superior

Vs. 5-13                                                          How is Jesus Superior?

                                                                        Vs 5 (Psalm 2:7) (2 Samuel 7:14)

Jesus is the Son of God in a way that no angel ever was or is…

Vs 6 (Deuteronomy 32:43)

Jesus is not an angel; He is worshipped by angels…

Vs 7-9 (Psalm 104:4) (Psalm 45:6-7)

Jesus is not an angel, He is God… (Trinity)

Vs 10-12 (Psalm 102:25-27)

Jesus is not an angel; He is the Eternal Creator of all things…

Vs 13 (Psalm 110:1)

Jesus is not an angel; He is a Reigning, Victorious King!

Vs. 14                                                              So what are angels?

  1. They worship Jesus and do His bidding. (vs 6)
  2. They serve God’s people and help us reach salvation. (vs 14)

LIFE APPLICATION:

So what does this have to do with my joy?

  1. You worship Eternal, Victorious Perfection.
  1. The universe is filled with helpers.

Save the Date

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New Bible Study

Beginning Wednesday, November 6th

11:45 am and 6:00 pm

THE JOY IN RESPONSIBILITY

An in-depth study of the book of HEBREWS

Plan to join us!  If you attend the 11:45 am study bring your lunch; the 6:00 pm study bring your dinner.  Feel free to kill two birds with one stone…. Have you ever felt like the amount of responsibility in life is a heavy burden? Ever wondered how the Bible can ask you to be “joyful in everything”? Lets explore this life changing principle together!

Please call or email and let us know which study you will attend. Call Mike at (602) 321-6695 or email m.jones@patriarchproject.com .

Also: If you can’t join us in person, we will be broadcasting the study via “GoToMeeting”. You can sign in on your pc or mac or call on the phone and listen in…even participate! Call or email for details.

PATRIARCH PROJECT

138 S HAMILTON PLACE, GILBERT, AZ  85233

Directions: Located in Elliot Commerce Park, on Elliot Road between Arizona Ave. and McQueen.

The Man Behind the Curtain

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OZ Pic1 “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain”

Children of all ages quaked as they watched Dorothy; clinging to her friends, tremble down that massive hallway toward the booming voice of a glowing wizard.  We feared we may never breathe again until Toto revealed the secret.  The great and powerful OZ didn’t look so great once we had a peek behind the curtain.

That little man was working like crazy to support the false image of greatness. He frantically pushed buttons and turned wheels to make the sights and sounds that impressed his audience.

The smoke and mirrors and the bold and bombing commands of the wizard did Dorothy and her friends little good. Those things sent them on a frightening journey for a witch’s broom when their only goal was to find their way home.

Now, you would think that the moral of this story is: “Just be yourself.” In fact, Dorothy was told that she possessed the power to get home all along. Click your heels three times, and make a wish and back home again!

It is always a good idea to avoid pretending you’re something that you’re not. However, it’s not a good idea to just be you. After all, if the wizard thought being true to self was a good idea he wouldn’t have been found behind the curtain in the first place.

The Bible says pretending and being oneself are not acceptable to the life of a believer.  Consider the words of the prophet Isaiah.

Say to those who have an anxious heart,

“Be strong; fear not!  Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

       with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

        Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

        then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. 

                                                             Isaiah 35:4-6 (ESV) 

Dorothy was trying to get home. In a wondrous land over the rainbow, Dorothy realized the truth. Home was the place where she is loved. Home was the placed where she serves. Home was the place that gives her purpose. In other words, Dorothy was trying to find joy. 

Dorothy knew her joy would be complete once she found her way home.

Unlike the movie, the Bible teaches that joy can be found only in the God of the Bible.

Dorothy was responsible for all her friends. At times she was called upon to give wisdom to the scarecrow and a heart of courage to the tin man and lion. That’s a heavy load to bear. That’s real responsibility.

As a leader, you are responsible for others. It’s in that responsibility that a profound joy is found but only if you experience it through the truth of the Bible.

Our journey begins Wednesday, November 6th. We will meet at 11:45 am and 6:00 pm. Bring your lunch or dinner.  Join with others as we learn to navigate God’s plan for our lives.

We are here for you Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm. Schedule a time on any of those days, at any hour, to study God’s Word. Create your own small group. Business leaders, bring your employees. Parents, bring your family and your neighbors. We will be happy to customize a time and a study to meet your needs.

You can come to us or we can come to you (via the internet). If you are one of our out-of-state friends or just can’t get everyone to Gilbert at one time, we will be happy to schedule a goToMeeting conference using your pc or mac.

Contact Pastor Mike at (602) 321-6695 or m.jones@patriarchproject.com.