The Sermon from the Boat

                         

'The Sermon from The Boat.'

Matthew 13:1-52. 

a) Matthew 13:1-2. To enable Himself to teach the large crowd, Jesus got into a small boat just off the shore. 
b) Matthew 13:3-8. The story with a meaning of the Sower and the seed.
c) Matthew 13:9. Jesus wanted the crowd to understand this story with a meaning. 
d) Matthew 13:10-13. Jesus explained to His Disciples why He was telling stories with a meaning. 
e) Matthew 13:14-15. This kind of Teaching was a Prophecy of Isaiah being fulfilled. 
f) Matthew 13:16-17. The Blessing on the Disciples. 
g) Matthew 13:18-23. Jesus gave a practical exposition of the story with a meaning. 
h) Matthew 13:24-30. Another story with a meaning. 
i) Matthew 13:31-32. A further story with a meaning. 
j) Matthew 13:33. A final story with a meaning. 
k) Matthew 13:34-35. Jesus further explained that these stories He was telling were a fulfilment of prophecy, not merely trying to make people understand. 
l) Matthew 13:36-52. Jesus moved from the boat into the house to give private teaching to His Disciples. 

(Through this QT, The Sermon in The Boat, I learn there are two major sectors of Biblical Teaching: Firstly, to those people who have yet received Christ - He did not give them a concert - He Taught Them. Secondly, to the Disciples, He also taught them and clearly explained to them the Word of God.

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'Give the Land A Rest.'
Leviticus 25:3-5. 
a) 25:3. For six years sowing seeds and producing harvests. 
b) 25:4. The seventh year gives complete rest to the land.
c) 25:5. The seventh year gives complete rest and do not even go to the land and do any work on it. 
d) Matthew 12:1-12; Luke 6:5. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath.
e) Mark 6:2. The Sabbath was a time for: -
                        1. Worship.
                        2. Acts 13:42-44. Teaching - even to the Gentiles.
                        3. Learning. 
                        4. Acts 16:13. Friendship and personal evangelism. 

(Through this Second one, I get a further understanding of Missions, especially after considering the stories that Jesus told. Often, Churches encourage Missionaries to take a Sabbatical every seven years. This is good counsel. However, it seems very beneficial for churches to take a Sabbatical from Missions every seven years, too. It does not mean that the churches should stop supporting missions; of course, that should continue. It means the churches should stop planning Missions for a year. Do not ignore missions, rather spend much time in purifying, searching and contemplative prayer, preparing for Mission in the following six years, that is to glorify God truly.
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Chris.

Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath. This gives me very much pleasure and joy to read and think about. A Sabbath is not meant to be a time of lazing around doing nothing. A Sabbath is not meant to be a time to neglect the Worship of God. A Sabbath is not a legalistic religious ritual that is imposed on adherents of Christianity. A Sabbath is not meant to be a time of working hard on something different. A Sabbath is for Jesus Christ the Lord, time to be with Him, to learn from Him, to love Him, to prepare ourselves for the next steps that He may be commissioning us with. A time for worship. A time of healing relationships, especially family ones. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath.

(Copied and Typed by Priscilla)

Our Heavenly Father

‘Our Heavenly Father.’

a) Matthew 5:16. As we let our light shine before people with our good deeds they will Praise our Father in Heaven.

b) Ephesians 1:5. We are predestined to be adopted as His Children.

c) Matthew 5:44-46. Will give us confidence in His Fatherhood as we love our enemies and pray for the people who may persecute us.

d) Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:15. When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.

f) Matthew 6:1. Our acts of Righteousness should be done unto Him.

h) Matthew 7:11. Will give good Gifts to those people who ask Him.

i) Luke 12:32. Is pleased to give us the Kingdom.

j) Matthew 6:8. Knows what we need before we ask Him.

k) Luke 11:13. Will give the Holy Spirit to those people who ask Him.

l) Luke 10:19-20. His Spirit will speak through us when we need Him to.

m) Matthew 18:14. Is not willing that any of the little ones be lost.

n) Luke 6:36. Wants us to be Merciful in the same way that He is.

(This QT has me in awe of My Heavenly Father)

‘A Healthy Church.’

a) Ephesians 4:16. The whole Body will be healthy and growing when each part does its special work and helps the others grow.

b) 2 Corinthians 2:9. The Church should take responsibility for its own health.

c) James 3:18. We can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if we do the hard work of getting along with each other.

d) Acts 2:42. Together:-

1-   Studies Bible.

2-   Fellowships.

3-   Has common meal and Holy Communion.

4-   Prays.

e) Acts 2:43. Is living in the Fear of the Lord.

f) Acts 2:44. Is in Unity.

g) Acts 2:45-46. Has:-

1-   Generosity.

2-   United purpose.

3-   Gladness.

4-   Simplicity.

h) Acts 2:47. Is constantly Praising God and in favour with all the people.

(This Second one teaches me about A Healthy Church)

Chris.

A healthy and robust community or family Church does not just “happen”. It is the Believers’ responsibility to make it so. God’s Plan is that every Church that is opened in His Will and for His Glory should be a healthy Church. If we open a Church for other motives it will never be healthy. Time does not heal. 

Copied and typed by Priscilla 

The Holy Spirit Brings Life

'The Holy Spirit Brings Life.' 

a) Isaiah 44:3. Poured out on the next generation.

b) Genesis 1:2. At the time of Creation.

c) Exodus 31:3. And skill.

d) Isaiah 11:2. Giving Strength.

e) Isaiah 32:15. Creating Harvest.

f) Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18. Anointing to do the Will of God.

g) Ezekiel 37:14. Within us.

h) Romans 9:1. Giving a pure conscience.

i) Romans 15:13. Giving abundant Hope.

j) Romans 15:16. As a Sanctifier.

k) Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 2:4. Ministering in His Power.   

l) Romans 15:30. Creating Love.

m) 1 Corinthians 2:12. So we can know the things freely Given to us by God.

n) 1 Corinthians 2:13. Through Teaching.

o) 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. Through distributing His Gifts.

p) Revelation 2:7. Through speaking to the Churches.

(Through this QT I know that The Holy Spirit Brings Life)

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'Believe.'

a) John 7:38. And be filled with the Holy Spirit as a River of life and healing flowing out from us to touch and bless other people.

b) Psalm 119:66. In the Lord's Commandments.

c) Matthew 9:28. In the Ability of Jesus Christ.

d) Mark 1:15. In the Gospel.

e) Mark 5:36. And overcome fear.

f) Mark 11:24. That we receive the answer from God for the things we pray about.

g) John 1:12; 20:31; 1 John 3:23. In the Name of the Lord Jesus.

h) John 9:38. Comes before Worship.

i) John 11:26. In Christ and have Eternal Life.

j) John 12:36. In the Light.

k) John 14:1. And overcome a troubled heart.   

l) Acts 8:37. With all our heart.

m) Acts 15:11. That we are saved through the Grace of the Lord Jesus.

n) Romans 4:24. In Him Who R  aised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

o) 1 Corinthians 1:21. The Message preached.

p) Ephesians 1:19. And know what is the Greatness of His Power towards us.

q) 1 Thessalonians 2:13. The Word of God.

r) 1 Timothy 4:3. And enjoy your food.

s) Hebrews 11:6. That God is and that He is a Rewarder of those who seek Him.

t) 1 Peter 1:8. In God and love Him, then great Joy will be in our hearts.

(Through this Meditation I confess that I Believe)

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Chris.

In the Gospel Message is the complete answer for all of our lives and life problems. We find Christ is and as the Center of the Gospel. He is Able to do far more than we even ask or think. His Ability is huge, gigantic and enormous. Let us remember the full extent of the Gospel Message:- i) Christ Crucified. ii) Christ Resurrected. iii) Christ Ascended. iv) Christ now at the Father's Right Hand Interceeding for us. v) Christ the coming King with all His Angels in Glory. The complete answer for all of our lives and life problems is found in this Gospel  Message.

New Life in Every Way

'The Will To Praise God.'

Psalm 108:1-3.

a) Psalm 108:1. With a fixed heart.

b) Psalm 108:1. With song.

c) Psalm 108:2. With alertness.

d) Psalm 108:2. With music.

e) Psalm 108:2. Early in the morning.

f) Psalm 108:3. In the congregation.

g) Psalm 108:3. In the Nations.

(This QT encourages me to have The Will To Praise God)

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'New Life In Every Way.'

a) Deuteronomy 28:18. In the Old Testament Law, no New Life could mean a part of a curse.

b) 1 Samuel 1:5-6. Humanly loved, but no New Life.

c) Deuteronomy 8:1. Obedience to the Word of the Lord brings New Life.

d) Genesis 41:52; 1 Samuel 1:7; Revelation 12:11. New Life, even in the land of our affliction.

e) Deuteronomy 16:13-15. New Life in fellowship, rejoicing before the Lord.

f) 1 Samuel 1:8. Sometimes New Life is not understood by our own family.

g) Hebrews 11:1. Our Faith has an important part in receiving New Life.

h) 1 Peter 5:7. Giving all our burdens to the Lord, so that we can receive New Life.

i) John 15:2. The pruning of Heavenly Father, that we might produce more New Life.

j) John 15:4-5. Co-Abiding with Christ that we might produce New Life.

k) John 15:8. Our producing New Life glorifies Father God.

l) John 15:16. We are chosen and appointed to go and have enduring New Life.

m) Zechariah 14:6; Acts 1:8. We cannot produce New Life with own energy, we have to trust in the Holy Spirit's work.

n) Luke 1:35-37. The distinct possibility of New Life - with God all things are possible.

o) 1 Samuel 1:17-20. God makes New Life possible peacefully as an answer to Prayer.

(This Second one creates Faith in my heart - New Life In Every Way)

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Chris.

Burdens only hinder us in our Life as True Believers and in our walk with God. He wants us to be free from burdens. Burdens can hinder us in the race that God has for us to run. Jesus actually invites us to give all our burdens to Him. We are told in the Scripture to cast all of our burdens to the Lord, in other words, we need to strip off our burdens by Faith and surrender them to Him.

(Copied and Typed by Priscilla)

'The God of Mercy'

'The God Of Mercy.'

a) Psalm 59v10. Goes before us.

b) Psalm 59v17. Shows us Steadfast Love.

c) 2 Corinthians 1v3. Is the Father of Mercies.

d) Ephesians 2v4. Is Rich in Mercy.

(This QT helps me trust The God Of Mercy)

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'Ministers Of Christ.'

a) 2 Corinthians 11v23. Sometimes face persecution.

b) 2 Corinthians 3v6. Need to be competent.

c) 2 Corinthians 6v4. Should commend themselves in every way.

d) 1 Corinthians 3v5. Help other people to become believers.

e) 1 Corinthians 4v1. Are Stewards of God's Mysteries.

f) 1 Thessalonians 3v2. They:-

i) Proclaim the Gospel of Christ.

ii) Strengthen Believers.

iii) Encourage believers for the sake of their Faith.

g) 1 Timothy 4v6. They:-

i) Instruct the Brothers and Sisters.

ii) Need to be nourished on the Words of the Faith.

iii) Need themselves to follow sound teaching.

(This Meditation shows me more about the life and ministry of Ministers Of Christ)

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Chris.

Let us help other people to become Believers.

(Copied by Priscilla)

 

The Lord Gives Us

 

'The Lord Gives Us.'

a) Psalm 60v11. Help from trouble.

b) Deuteronomy 1v25. A Good Land.

c) Deuteronomy 26v3. A Country.

d) Joshua 5v6. A Land that flows with milk and honey.

e) Joshua 17v4. An Inheritance.

f) Joshua 21v2. Cities and Suburbs to dwell in.

g) Ezra 9v9. A Reviving.

h) Matthew 6v11. Our Daily Bread.

i) Romans 8v32. All things.

(This QT shows me The Lord Gives Us many things, how generous He is!)

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'Things We Need To Do Hastily.'

a) Joshua 4v10. Enter our Inheritance.

b) Exodus 12v39. Get out of the Egypt world system.

c) Psalm 119v60. Keep the Lord's Commandments.

d) 2 Corinthians 6v2. Receive the Lord's Salvation.

e) Hebrews 3vv7-8. Keep a soft heart.

(Through this Meditation I realise that there are Things We Need To Do Hastily)

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Chris.

God Is Giving Us A Good Land.

(Copied by Priscilla)

The Grace of God

 

'The Grace Of God.'
a) Galatians 2:21; Hebrews 12:15. Is not to be rejected.
b) Ezra 7:28. Through it we can have the favor of our Leaders.
c) Acts 13:43; Romans 5:2; 1 Peter 5:12. Keep living in it.
d) Acts 14:26. Cares for our ministry.
e) Acts 20:24. Is Good News.
f) Acts 20:32; Colossians 1:6. Is a Message that is able to build us up and give to us the Blessings that God has for all His People.
g) Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 1:4. Is a free gift.
h) Romans 5:17. Is abundant.
i) Romans 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Timothy 6:21. Should be with us.  
j) 1 Corinthians 15:10. Makes us who we are in Christ.
k) 2 Corinthians 1:12. Has power.
l) 2 Corinthians 4:15. Can reach people.
m) 2 Corinthians 9:14. Is extraordinary.
n) Ephesians 1:7. Is great.
o) Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11. Gives us Salvation through Faith.
p) Hebrews 13:9. Is a source of inner strength.
(This QT makes me very grateful for The Grace Of God)
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'My Mind.'
a) 1 Corinthians 2:2; Daniel 2:5. I can take authority over.
b) Job 33:2. We should be ready to say what is on it.
c) Psalm 45:1. Can be filled with beautiful words.
d) Psalm 51:6. Can be filled with God's Wisdom in answer to our prayer.
e) Psalm 139:23. God Knows it.
f) 1 Corinthians 14:15. Is used to pray and to sing praise songs.
(This Second one is very comforting to My Mind)
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Chris.
The sense of God being with us is a necessary experience for every True Believer. If we do not have the confidence of God being with us, we will always have some kind of instability in our daily life. The Bible asks us that, if God is for us, who can be against us? The Bible also tells us that God is able to keep us from falling. The Bible tells us that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. The Bible tells us that God is with us always. Let us have confidence that God is with us today.

(Typed by Priscilla)