Tag Archives: Bible study

Pastor Wrinkles: On Being A Sacred Space

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When Israel came out of Egypt,
    Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,
2 Judah became God’s sanctuary,
    Israel his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled,
    the Jordan turned back;
4 the mountains leaped like rams,
    the hills like lambs.

5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?
    Why, Jordan, did you turn back?
6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,
    you hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,
    at the presence of the God of Jacob,
8 who turned the rock into a pool,
    the hard rock into springs of water. Psalm 114 NIV

            Israel was destined for greatness from the birth of its Patriarch Abraham. Technically the nation’s destiny was probably written generations before when the great great and so forth grandfather of Abraham won a blessing from God after the flood (see Ge. 9). But Israel did not begin walking in the power of that destiny until after it left Egypt.  According to Psalm 114:1, it wasn’t until the Jews departed from their slavery in Egypt that God began to “Sanctuary” Himself in them. With the Exodus God made the people of Israel His sacred space, His dwelling place and that’s when oceans began to open before them and mountains began to burst into flame around them.

        What God wrote about nations four thousand years ago He is speaking to you today. He longs to make you His sanctuary… His sacred space… His dwelling place. He longs to open up the oceans closed before you and to set the mountains of your life ablaze with His holy fire; But He cannot do that until you choose to leave your personal Egypt. Is your life lacking the power or the presence of God? It could be because you’ve chosen to trade God in for the safety of Egypt. Maybe Egypt stands for a relationship you have chosen over God. Maybe it s stands for a job. Maybe it stands for a dream house or a dream vacation that you have focused too much on. It could be anything that is keeping you from walking towards the promise of God.

      Here’s the thing Egypt always looks like a safer more comfortable choice than becoming God’s sanctuary…His sacred space. In fact Egypt is sure to keep you comfortable. It will probably comfort you to death as it separates you from God. Walking out of Egypt into God’s holy plans for your life is edgier, seems more risky, more scary, but in the end it is much more satisfying than settling for slavery. Allow  me to encourage you today to come out of Egypt and to become God’s sacred space!

Pastor Wrinkles: House On Fire Pt. 15

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

 

 

Well, here we are for another segment of our study through the book of Acts! We just finished our first review; So if you have fallen behind now is the perfect time to jump on board. If you would like to go back and review the lessons from previous posts you can do that here:     http://wp.me/P39vIx-Gh

Do not, however, feel obligated to do so. It is possible to just pick up from this point and join in the conversation!

Now on to the study:

Acts Chapter 6:1-7

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews[a] among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip,Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7NIV

Please explain In your own words what you see  happening in these verses:

Quick note:Many priests  get saved. That is significant because  In Acts Chapter 5 we have a lack of leadership because of the events with Ananias and Sapphirra. That lack is largely dealt with here in acts 6

What do you think causes so many priests to become convinced that Jesus is the Way?

Heaven Pt. 130: Life Preserver

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“You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you. Neh. 9:6 NLT

     In my worship leading I often exhort the people of my congregation to worship God because “He is worthy to be praised!” He is by virtue of who He is worthy of our praise. He deserves to be praised because He is God first last and always. Aside from that though He is worthy to be praised because of what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.

He is worthy to be praised because He is the Creator of everything. He is the Divine Artist who imagined the Crab Nebula and the Rings of Saturn. He is the Engineer who planned the Himalayas and the Grand Canyon. He is the Genius who engineered DNA and free will cramming both into a fistful of earth dust to make the first man. He is the Prophet who foresaw the fall of man into sin and chose to become the Architect of Salvation by hanging Himself on a cross rather than scrapping the whole plan for something else.He has become man’s life preserver!  If that doesn’t make Him worthy I don’t know what will! The angels of Heaven stand amazed at this God of mercy and compassion. How can we do any less? He is worthy to be praised!

Pastor Wrinkles House On Fire Pt. 14

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

In all my classes I like to stop  to take an opportunity for participants to rehearse some of the things they have learned during the course of study. So let me ask you today, what have you learned so far from our study together in the Book of Acts? If you need a refresher on what we have been talking about go to the House On Fire Page     http://wp.me/P39vIx-Gh

Here are five things I have learned:

1. Jesus taught many things to his disciples after the resurrection. For me the most important thing he taught…the thing I really need to stay focused on is… our supernatural power to share the gospel message. (from meditating on lesson 1)

2. While I look forward to the second coming of Jesus many of my loved ones consider it a very scary thing. I have to be wise in my sharing of this information with them.( from meditations on lesson 2)

3. The Word and the Holy Spirit work together to bring rich experience into my life. Therefore, the quality of the time I spend studying the Word of God and communing with the Spirit in prayer directly influences my experience with God.  ( from meditations of lesson 4)
 
4  That fellowship is a specific calling of the Holy Spirit in my life and that I must be diligent and intentional about this because my personality lends itself more to task than relationship. (from meditations on lesson 6)
 
5.  That it is very easy for me to get sidetracked from the work of the gospel by my desire to understand the times and seasons. Understanding the prophecies should propel me to a greater urgency to share the gospel but my love of learning and knowing could easily distract me from that more important purpose. (from meditations on lesson 9)
 
Now share with me five of your insights from these discussions.
 
 

Heaven Pt. 129: Dream A Little Dream With Me

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I started writing the “Heaven” posts on my previous blog in December of 2011. My goal was to look at every verse in the Bible that used the word Heaven and to bring forth a commentary on the place where God’s throne resides. In the last two years we have made much of Heaven together, dear readers. I have to admit, it is not just Heaven I understand a bit better through these meditations, but the God of Heaven as well. If you would like to read past “Heaven” posts you can find them under the Heaven page by clicking on the Pastor Wrinkles/Heaven icon above.

Mel 5

Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” Neh. 2:20

I first thought about beginning a blog back in 2009 as I was considering the empty nest that was about to become my home. With the kids moving on I thought it would probably be a perfect time to revisit my dreams of writing. And what better to write about than something I was experiencing? As I prayed about it I quickly got the title, “Reinventing the We’ll”. I felt like my dreams were right on track; Then I started sharing my vision with others. Responses varied somewhere between a  luke warm “What a pleasant idea.” and “Why on Earth would anyone want to do something like that?”

I quickly learned the golden rule of all dream walkers: All God dreams come complete with built-in detractors. It seems that every time  a man or a woman endeavors to walk in God’s blessing nay-sayers immediately arrive on the scene to stir up trouble and doubt.

Nehemiah didn’t even get the rebuilding  of Jerusalem off the ground before the “You can’t do that crowd” showed up and started picketing the project.

I wonder if Nehemiah anticipated the confrontation. He certainly had an answer ready for his antagonists. He didn’t rely on his own authority. He didn’t  turn to the governor or the High Priest of Israel for support. He didn’t even come at Sanballat or Tobiah in the name of the King of Persia who had granted him the authority for the project. Nehemiah went right to the top and claimed his authority from the Lord of lords…the King of kings… the God of Heaven saying,  “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.” 

I know that all of us would wish that our dreams could come to pass without struggles but I think there is something of God in the dramatic nature of walking in our dreams. Somewhere in the battle to realize our heart purposes we are changed and in that process we become worthy to carry the precious products of our God-given desires.

Today you may be facing “dream detractors”. Don’t be shocked. Don’t be afraid. Such challenges are absolutely normal.

One last thing, don’t be too aggravated with your detractors. They do not have the benefit of dreaming your dreams. That is a special gift from God given only to you. How could they be excited about your vision? They have never seen it.

Pastor Wrinkles: House On Fire Pt. 13

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

Our study through the Book Of Acts is going strong. I am truly enjoying the on-line discussions I have been able to have with many of you. If you have missed any of our chats you can catch up and take part by going to my House on Fire Page here http://wp.me/P39vIx-Gh

Now on to today’s topic.

After the episode with Ananias and Sapphira persecution breaks out against the Apostles:

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priestswere at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestorsraised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things,and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:17-42 NIV

It is important to note that up until this point the Apostles have been dealing primarily with the rulers of the temple, the Sadducees. But in verse 33 as the anger of the Jewish leadership rises the Pharisees begin to get involved.

Gamaliel, a Pharisee,  was like a Supreme court Justice. Perhaps he wielded even a bit more authority than our current justices through popular influence. We know from the history books that Gamaliel led one of Israel’s most influential schools in Judea and in fact he was Paul the Apostle’s mentor.

Why do you think Gamaliel gives the counsel he gives in this passage? If you had been in his position what would your advice to the council have been?

Pastor Wrinkles: The Chapter Charts Pt. 172

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

According to my records we have not worked together on a chapter chart since July 19th! It has been a busy summer. Still I had best get a move on with these posts or we will never make our way through the Bible.

The chapter charts are a Bible study technique wherein two chapters of the Bible are dissected. Three themes are drawn out of each chapter and distilled into titles for a blog post or sermon. I would love to have you join in on the fun. All you have to do is read the chapter in question and come up with three ideas you could turn into titles of a blog. Try it and write your own chapter chart post and link it to the comment section here!

If you would like to check out some other chart posts go to Lillie-Puts chart page at   http://wp.me/P39vIx-fo

Today we start the book of 1 Chronicles.

Here is what I see in toady’s chapters:

1 Chronicles chapter 1 sermon topics/ titles:

1.Hero Or Hitler? 1 Chron. 1:10

2.  Born Divided: 1 Chron. 1:19

3. My Three “Sons”: A Study Of Abrahamic Birth Lines: 1 Chron. 1:27-54

1 Chronicles chapter 2 sermon topics/titles:

1. “Wealth” (Bath Shua) Begets Wickedness: 1 Chron. 2:3

2.  Sin and Sovereign From the Same Line: 1 Chron. 2:7-15

3.  A Twisted Lineage Of Greatness: 1 Chron. 2:  4-55

I would love to see what blog ideas you come up with from the genealogies (hint: use google search to research the meanings of some of the names of the people or the cities) 🙂

Pastor Wrinkles: House On Fire Pt. 12

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

Our study through the Book Of Acts is going strong. I am truly enjoying the on-line discussions I have been able to have with many of you. If you have missed any of the chats you can catch up and take part by going to my House on Fire Page here http://wp.me/P39vIx-Gh

Now on to today’s topic.

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. Acts 5:12-14

After the trouble with Ananias and Sapphira  growth  continued in the church. But there was a great reluctance to join the  leadership of the church.

In order for the church to grow the leadership must grow and this is going to be a problem for the church later on.

Today’s questions:

Why do you suppose people were afraid top join the leadership?

Do you see any of the same attitudes in people today?

What can be done to help overcome these attitudes?

 

Pastor Wrinikles: House On Fire Pt. 11

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The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

The Word of God is a bridge that connects Earth with Heaven and Heaven with Earth.- Joseph Elon Lillie

Our study through the Book Of Acts is going strong. I am truly enjoying the on-line discussions I have been able to have with many of you. If you have missed any of the chats you can catch up and take part by going to my House on Fire Page here http://wp.me/P39vIx-Gh

Now on to today’s topic.

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. Acts 5:1-11

 

You must know that the  enemy is never silent when God begins to work. The church always has to be vigilant that the Devil will try to come in. If we submit ourselves to God and resist the Devil he will flee but this calls for us to guard our ways daily.

 

What are some ways you guard your faith?

Heaven Pt. 128

Posted on by under Pastor Wrinkles

I started writing the “Heaven” posts on my previous blog in December of 2011. My goal was to look at every verse in the Bible that used the word Heaven and to bring forth a commentary on the place where God’s throne resides. In the last two years we have made much of Heaven together, dear readers. I have to admit it is not just Heaven I understand a bit better through these meditations but the God of Heaven as well. If you would like to read past “Heaven” posts you can find them under the Heaven page by clicking on the Pastor Wrinkles icon above.


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The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” Neh. 2:4,5

As I started writing this morning I did what I usually do. I sat down at my computer looked at the next item on my list to write about and began ploughing into the subject. Then I read this Scripture and had to stop. I  realized I was doing things backwards. You see, after my pattern, I make my plans, set them in motion and then I ask God to bless them.

As I read this morning I realized that is not what Nehemiah did. He was burdened with a God idea but when his opportunity came He didn’t just charge ahead in his own strength trying to accomplish the things of God . He first sent out an appeal for blessing from the God of Heaven. It may not have been anything more than a breath prayer but it was enough to cause Him to be cast upon the mercies of God for His future rather than upon his own weak arm of flesh.

It’s a lesson I have learned before and forgotten, apparently. We cannot work first and then pray. We must pray first and then work.  This latter method is the key to gaining the Lord’s favor before we launch and therefore His direction and success in the project. The former is a chasing after wind and a sure method of ending up with only scatter shot victory.

Tell me about a time you sought the Lord before a project and He directed you to success.