2011-2014 Something for the Refrigerator Compilation

Something for the Refrigerator Compilation 2011-2014

@2015. Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Page 2 of 76

This is a compilation of the Something for the Refrigerator documents that was started in 2011 by Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz as a supplement to the sermon of that particular Sunday. Something for the Refrigerator is intended to be placed on the refrigerator when the parishioner got home so they can read the Sunday Scripture daily and ask themselves the questions and challenges the document contained.

On the reverse side of the document the weekly church calendar was printed as an easy access to the life of the church for the parishioner.

This method allowed for those who wanted to know more about the history and culture of the Bible to have access to such information. For those who didnt want to know, well, they probably disposed of this writing when they left church.

Education is an area the church is lacking in. Rev. Adam Hamilton of Resurrection Church said preachers should educate the people in the pews about the Bible. For so many it is the only time they will be exposed to Bible study. The Something for the Refrigerator augments this by giving more detail to the culture and history of the Bible.

The documents are not in chronical order because of the way they were saved on my PC hard drive. However the document is searchable by date or Scripture. I pray you find these writings of some value.

God bless,

Mike

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SOMETHING FOR THE REFRIGERATOR WEEK STARTING SUNDAY 12/25/11

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. 6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Joh 1:1-14 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Why does this Gospel start with the words in the beginning instead of at the birth of Jesus?

2. What was John the Baptists task according to this passage?

Challenge of the week: Think about the events in your life. Can you see the glory of Christ in it?

Additional information: The wording of John 1:1-2 is quite interesting. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. This seems a bit odd. Was the Word God or not? These two verses go in both directions. The Word was with God always but the Word is also God. Was the author trying to cover the bases here? Those who believed that the Word was God are covered and those who believed that the Word was always present but not necessary fully God are covered. Johns Gospel will dance from time to time around the question of Jesus divinity. In Johns Gospel Jesus himself tells the disciples that He is truly God incarnate. But in the synoptic Gospel Jesus doesnt come out and make that same declaration. Logos Theory is what this section of Johns Gospel is all about. Christian Scholars for years have told us that Johns Gospel was probably written to a gentile community. They created that assessment because of chapter 1. Logos come from Greek and means word. There was a strong believe in the pagan world that the Word of God would one day come to be with us in flesh and blood. However the Essences, Jews who lived around the Dead Sea, also believed that the Word of God would one day become flesh and blood and would be the Messiah God promised the people. This wasnt known until after the discovery and translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls (in 1968). Some scholars have changed their view of Johns Gospel but many still cling onto their original thoughts. Johns Gospel is full of Jewish cultural metaphors. To fully understand the writings you have to understand the cultural background. Therefore, Johns Gospel could not have been written to a pure gentile church or people. There must have been Jewish-Christians available to explain the metaphors.

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38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her. 39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!" 46 And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors." (Luk 1:38-55 NIV) Contemplation questions:

Would you respond positively to whatever God called you to do? Would you risk your life for God?

Challenge of the week:

Sacrifice something for God! Additional information: During Marys time an unmarried young girl becoming pregnant was a ticket to the poor house and a life on the streets. Her family would have disowned her because of the disgrace that would taint the family name. It was also against the Leviticus Laws. So even though the angel Gabriel told Mary about what was to happen Mary had the free will choice to decide to be with the Lord or not. Thank God she chose God. Each of us has the same choice. Are you with God or not? When we choose to go to church instead of work, when we choose church over other events, when we choose church over doing nothing you are choosing God. It is a good sacrifice to give up the ways of the world for God. Jesus smiles every time we do it. When we know we should be acting or doing something for Jesus and we need a little encouragement look to Marys song. Read about the 14 or so year old girl who was a virgin who became pregnant with Gods Son. In the face of death Mary stood up and did exactly what God wanted. I pray that you will always respond to Gods calling with enthusiasm. Merry Christmas

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14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." 18 "I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. 19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD. (Zep 3:14-20 NIV) Contemplation questions:

Try reading this passage as a poor Mexican. What hope does it bring? Challenge of the week:

Ask the Lord to remove any burdens or troubles from your life this week. Additional information: The minor prophet writings were created while Judah was either controlled by Babylonians or Persians. The writings about the Greeks and Romans can be found in the Apocrypha. It is hard to imagine that God would let His people be persecuted. Perhaps we should look at it from Gods point of view.how can we as humans persecute other humans? While in Mexico 12 years ago I got to engage a group of ladies who worked in a Levi pants factory. They felt oppressed because the work conditions were terrible and they got paid next to nothing. But they had no choice because American wanted Levis jeans and they didnt want to pay much for them. Did you ever think about the people who work to put together all the cool stuff that we enjoy today? Since just about everything has a China component, think about how those people are exploited. We like to blame the companies who are trying to make more money by manufacturing overseas. But then we look at our 401K and retirement investment accounts and realize that we want those dividends and those stocks to increase in value because we want a nice easy retirement. Unfortunately you cannot have it both ways. For the workers in the Mexican factory they cant wait for God to intervene. Their government is corrupt and doesnt create laws to protect their workers. Unfortunately some US companies do the same type of exploitation here in the States. So how do we balance a consumer driven economy toward God?

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46 Mary said, "My soul gives glory to the Lord. 47 My spirit delights in God my Savior. 48 He has taken note of me even though I am not important. From now on all people will call me blessed. 49 The Mighty One has done great things for me. His name is holy. 50 He shows his mercy to those who have respect for him, from parent to child down through the years. 51 He has done mighty things with his arm. He has scattered those who are proud in their deepest thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. But he has lifted up people who are not important. 53 He has filled those who are hungry with good things. But he has sent those who are rich away empty. 54 He has helped the people of Israel, who serve him. He has always remembered to be kind 55 to Abraham and his children down through the years. He has done it just as he said to our people of long ago." (Luk 1:46-56 NIRV) Contemplation questions:

1. Of the attributes of God Mary lists which do you most appreciate and why? 2. Are you a humble servant of God? Can you provide an example if asked?


What would your first response be if an angel came before you and gave you a dangerous job to do for God?

Additional information: Thinking about the challenge of the week reminds me about when the Passion of the Christ movie hit the big screen. I was listening to WJTL (Christian radio station out of Lancaster) and they were interviewing people as they left the movie theatre. Through the sobs almost everyone interviewed indicated that they were going out immediately and do something for God. They felt this calling because of the torture that Jesus endured for our freedom and salvation. In some cases this happened. For many when God told them what He wanted them to do they disappeared from the church. Where would we be today if Mary said No God, dont think so. There was a huge risk to carrying a baby before being married. The penalty for adultery was death! Mary did not violate the law but would the people have accepted the virgin birth? I think not. If Mary was divorced by Joseph and not stoned how would she live? Her family would not have taken her back because from their point of view she stained the family honor. She would have become a prostitute. Luckily for us Mary accepted openly the huge task God placed on her. Let us not forget Joseph. He was brave and faithful to his God. How many of us today would accept the angels explanation as to how his virgin wife got pregnant? Seriously, how many of you? Joseph isnt mentioned much after Jesus birth and we tend to forget about him. However, he played and incredibly difficult role and did it well.

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14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." 18 "I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. 19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD. (Zep 3:14-20 NIV) Contemplation questions:

Try reading this passage as a poor Mexican. What hope does it bring? Challenge of the week:

Ask the Lord to remove any burdens or troubles from your life this week. Additional information: The minor prophet writings were created while Judah was either controlled by Babylonians or Persians. The writings about the Greeks and Romans can be found in the Apocrypha. It is hard to imagine that God would let His people be persecuted. Perhaps we should look at it from Gods point of view.how can we as humans persecute other humans? While in Mexico 12 years ago I got to engage a group of ladies who worked in a Levi pants factory. They felt oppressed because the work conditions were terrible and they got paid next to nothing. But they had no choice because American wanted Levis jeans and they didnt want to pay much for them. Did you ever think about the people who work to put together all the cool stuff that we enjoy today? Since just about everything has a China component, think about how those people are exploited. We like to blame the companies who are trying to make more money by manufacturing overseas. But then we look at our 401K and retirement investment accounts and realize that we want those dividends and those stocks to increase in value because we want a nice easy retirement. Unfortunately you cannot have it both ways. For the workers in the Mexican factory they cant wait for God to intervene. Their government is corrupt and doesnt create laws to protect their workers. Unfortunately some US companies do the same type of exploitation here in the States. So how do we balance a consumer driven economy toward God?

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6 There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. (Joh 1:6-8 NIV) 19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was.20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ. " 21 They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 Finally they said, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' " 24 Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" 26 "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (Joh 1:19-28 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Why were the religious leaders so concerned about what John was doing? Today we ignore people like John, dont we?

2. What do you think Johns life goal was? 3. Should Johns goal be one of your goals?


Witness to one person the need to know God through Jesus Christ. Additional information: (from Wikipedia)

Although the term "baptism" is not used to describe the Jewish rituals, the purification rites in Jewish laws and tradition, called "Tvilah", have some similarity to baptism, and the two have been linked. The "Tvilah" is the act of immersion in natural sourced water, called a "Mikvah"[80][81]In the Jewish Bible and other Jewish texts, immersion in water for ritual purification was established for restoration to a condition of "ritual purity" in specific circumstances. For example, Jews who (according to the Law of Moses) became ritually defiled by contact with a corpse had to use the mikvah before being allowed to participate in the Holy Temple. Immersion is required for converts to Judaism as part of their conversion. Immersion in the mikvah represents a change in status in regards to purification, restoration, and qualification for full religious participation in the life of the community, ensuring that the cleansed person will not impose uncleanness on property or its owners (Num. 19 and Babylonian Talmud, TractateChagigah, p. 12). This change of status by the mikvah could be obtained repeatedly, while Christian baptism, like circumcision, is, in the general view of Christians, unique and not repeatable.[82] Even the so-called rebaptism by some Christian denominations is not seen by them as a repetition of an earlier valid baptism and is viewed by them as not itself repeatable.

During the Second Temple period the Greek noun baptismos was used to refer to ritual washing in Hellenistic Judaism.

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NIV Luke 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-- when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all people will see God's salvation.'" (Luk 3:1-6 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Why does Luke mention so many Roman officials? 2. What is so radical about Johns message? Is it radical today?


Is there a clear road for Jesus to travel that leads to your heart? Additional information: As it turns out John the Baptist was using an Isaiah passage in his proclamation. However if you use your NIV or NRSV or even KJV Bible and locate the Isaiah passage it will be similar but not quite an exact match. Lukes Gospel was written using Septuagint passages. The Septuagint was written around 225 BCE and is a translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. Therefore it is a Greek Old Testament. The Greek New Testament refers to passages in the Greek Old Testament. That makes sense. We have to remember that our English Bibles with some exceptions are based on the Hebrew version of the OT and the Greek version of the NT. Therefore there will be some differences. But the essence of the passage, the spirit of the passage, is still the same. Is there something blocking you from truly feeling Gods love and grace? If so what is it? Become self-aware of whats going on inside of you and once you identify the block you need to remove it. That block is preventing you from fully feeling the love of God. The workshop I took in November was about Emotional Intelligence. This introductory workshop concentrated on self-awareness. The workshop turned out to be the most useful one I have taken in a long while. After the initial resistance I took the first steps of self-awareness of emotions. This has been leading to other learning opportunities. I feel a block has been removed and I can feel the love of God and Christ even more. I encourage everyone to become aware of what might stop you from knowing Jesus Christ. He waits knocking at the door of our hearts. Are we going to answer him? Are we going to fully commit to him? Actually you need to ask these question of yourself. Christs love is available through a faithful discipleship. I can think of no better gift on Christmas than knowing Jesus was born to bring the message of loving God and neighbor.

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25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luk 21:25-36 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. How has God protected you in a time of hardship? 2. Does the understand of an end of times have an impact on your attitude toward life?


If you were to meet Jesus face to face today what would you say to him and how will you answer him when he questions your life?

Additional information: God sends us so many warnings and what do we do? Most of the time we simply ignore them. Why? Lets be honest about it, we dont want to do it. Dont feel bad because we are not alone. This attitude has been a part of human history since the beginning. Adam and Eve were told one thing not to do and they just had to see what happened if they did it. Now we suffer along with them. Rick Warren in his book The Purpose Driven Life talks heavily about money and giving to God. He tells us how God uses money as a test. We must give our tithes to God no matter how we are feeling about the church we belong. People like to show their objection to the direction of the church with their tithing envelopes. This is not an acceptable behavior before the Lord. This is just one example of attitudes, behaviors and actions we tend to do that we must not be doing. Each of us will stand before Jesus either upon or death or his return. Last week we read about Jesus telling Pilate the TRUTH. The TRUTH of the Scripture is difficult because it does go against our instincts. However on judgment day it is our actions that will be judged. During this week search your heart for the reasons you do what you do and ask yourself am I following the Word of God?

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NIV Isaiah 64:1 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you! 2 As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! 3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. 5 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? 6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. 7 No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us and made us waste away because of our sins. 8 Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isa 64:1-8 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Have you ever felt that God was not working in your life? Then you realized that He was really there all the time!

2. Why is it so difficult to completely remove sin from within us? 3. Have you ever thought that God doesnt understand what you are going through? How did

you communicate this emotion to God? Challenge of the week:

Ask the Lord to shape you into what He wants you to be. John Foster, in his book Prayer, wrote: prayer changes us. Allow your prayer to change you.

Additional information: It is so difficult for us to understand the disorientation and panic the people of Judea where going through at this time in history. Solomons Temple was destroyed! The people believed that Yahweh (our God) only resided with in the territorial boundaries of Judea and more especially His throne on Earth was constructed by the cheribums wings that pointed toward each other (there were two cheribums on the Ark of the Covenant) which resided in the center of the Temple. How could they possible call upon God? The writings of the time tell us that the people acknowledged it was their sin which caused their situation. God made a covenant with the people on Mount Sinai when they accepted the Law, the Ten Commandments. The treaty said that God would take care of the people as long as the obeyed the laws. Unfortunately as history unfolded the people didnt follow the laws. That was their sin. The same effect occurs today. When we violate Gods law we can feel as alone as the ancient Jews did. God eventually forgave the people and restored them to the land and a new Temple was built. For us we have our Lord Jesus who died for our sins so we dont have to be in exile for 70 years to be forgiven. Wouldnt it be cool if we never had to call upon Jesus for forgiveness because we stopped sinning. I know you are thinking, utopia! I am tooto many temptations in this world, to much evil still exists in the world, how can we protect ourselves? Remember St. Paul told us to pick up the helmet of salvation and the armor of God. These items translate today into one document, the Bible. Always use it to protect yourself from evil and to insure that we can always know of Gods great love and grace.

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NIV 33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" 34 "Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" 35 "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" 36 Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." 37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (Joh 18:33-37 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Peter caved in when asked about his knowledge of Jesus and so did Pilate. Why do we honor Peter and condemn Pilate?

2. Barabbas received his freedom through Jesus sacrifice. How do you feel about Jesus sacrifice for you?

Challenge of the week: Think about the Kingdom of God and what it means to you.

Additional information: The Judeans were looking for a Messiah and King who would push out Rome and restore the Kingdom of David and the throne of David. Why did they react so negatively to Jesus? Why didnt they embrace him after all Jesus had performed so many signs and miracles during His three year ministry with them. Jesus offered to the people a return to the Word of God. The powers in charge spent a great deal of time and energy trying to stop him, not just Judean but Roman also. It is obvious the men in power werent ready to give it up. It is also possible that they didnt believe the Word of God with respect to the return of the Messiah. Since Jesus didnt evict the Romans, which was their interpretation of the prophecies, they couldnt come to grips with a different role for the Messiahs return. The Kingdom of Heaven has a King and his name is Jesus. He is also the King of the Earth and the Universe. He accepts us freely as subjects of His Heavenly Kingdom. As citizens of the Kingdom of God what does our King expect of us? The words of the Gospel and the Christian Scriptures makes it pretty clear what to do. Serve the King! Long live King Jesus.

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14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' 21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 22 "The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' 23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' 24 "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' 26 "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. 28 " 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Mat 25:14-30 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. If Jesus returned today, what would he say about the way youve used what He gave you?

2. What will you do with your God given talents to prepare yourself for Jesus return?

Challenge of the week: Create a list of the talents that God has given you. Then review the list and determine which you have used for God and which you havent. Ask yourself how can I use these other talents for the Kingdom of God?

Additional information: The English word TALENT is used as the translation of a monetary unit. A talent was approximately 75 pounds of either gold or silver. It represented 15 years of labor by the average worker. So one talent was a considerable amount of money. This parable is one of three in chapter 25 which are associated with the Parousia. OK a fancy word for saying the end times or the second coming of Jesus. Acknowledging that all talents come from God is the major theme of this passage. Each of us are given talents. However, it is our decision what to do with them. We have the free will and choice to decide whether or not to use our talents for God. I offer thanksgiving to God that so many of you offer your talents to the work that Jesus places before us. If you havent done this yet or you wish to give more of your talents to the church please come see me!

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NIV Matthew 25:1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 "At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' 7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 9 " 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' 10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 "Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 "But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Mat 25:1-13 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Why is being ready to meet Jesus so important? 2. At the final wedding banquet where will you be standing? 3. Do you relate better to the 5 wise or 5 foolish virgins?


Are you ready for Jesus return? What do you need to do if you knew you would meet Jesus tomorrow? Of course once you figure that out, do it.

Additional information: From the 10/16/2011 publication: spreading the Gospel without words:

To say Merry Christmas whether or not its politically correct Resist gossip & gossiping. Look for & say something good about people Dont give into evil or temptations

The wedding ceremony is the key to understanding this parable. After man gets engaged to a woman he returns to his fathers home and builds a room onto the house for them to live in. When he is within 14 days of coming to get his bride he sends word out to the bride to be prepared. The bride gathers 10 virgins, friends or family members, and they created a lit path from the edge of the town to the brides home so the groom can find the house. Why? Because the groom will come sometime between 6 PM and midnight on one of the 14 days. Since the bride does not know which day the groom will arrive the virgins have to stand vigil until he arrives. Each virgin would bring a lamp and plenty of oil to last the 6 hours (each day). It is anti-cultural that any of the virgins would run out of oil or not bring enough. The virgins would have been awake until after midnight. So there are two major cultural twists in this story. A first century listener would have picked up on these two twists when he/she heard the parable and would have been on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what was going to happen. Do we come before God prepared fully to engage ourselves with what God asks us to give back? The virgins that came prepared will see heaven while the foolish ones who tried to give less will not. God asks us to give a tithe of our resources and our time to Him.

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NIV Ruth 1:1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man's name was Elimelek, his wife's name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. 3 Now Elimelek, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. 6 When Naomi heard in Moab that the LORD had come to the aid of his people by providing food for them, she and her daughters-in-law prepared to return home from there. 7 With her two daughters-in-law she left the place where she had been living and set out on the road that would take them back to the land of Judah. 8 Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back, each of you, to your mother's home. May the LORD show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me. (Rut 1:1-8 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Have you ever felt along? 2. What did you do about it?


Like Ruth have you ever dealt with someone from a different culture or ethnic group? If not consider how you can do this?

Additional information: Think about Naomi in the story of Ruth. Her family moves to Moab because of a famine in Bethlehem (the House of Bread). Her husband and two sons come. While in Moab the boys meet two Moabite women and marry them. Then tragedy strikes and Naomi finds herself alone. She did have the two daughters in law but they were foreigners to Naomi. As far as she could see she was very alone. No support, no money, no place to live. What was she to do? She decides to go back to Bethlehem and perhaps she could get help from her family. Ruth decides that Naomi must not be along so she clings onto Naomi. They return to Bethlehem and as the story goes Ruth marries Boaz and their son Obed has a son named Jesse and Jesses youngest son is King David. Through Ruth gentiles are biologically grafted into the chosen people of salvation. Jesus tells us that salvation is for all. Ruths story tells us the same things.

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Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 "Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.' 8 "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Mat 23:1-12 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. What was the Moses seat? 2. What is the main evil of the Pharisees? 3. Why was Jesus angry?


Have you created any laws that you follow and say they are in alignment with Gods Word when you know they really arent? If so, rid yourself of them?

Additional information:

This picture to the left is the TALLIS. This is a prayer shawl that Jesus and his disciples would have worn all day. In Deuteronomy God said wear the Word of God on the corners of your garments. A tallis is a rectangular piece of cloth that has tzitzit on each corner. They represent the 5 books of Moses. The story of the women with internal

bleeding and seeks out Jesus to touch the fringes of his garment refers to the tzitzit. It was believed that the tzitzit had the power of God when worn by the Messiah.

The other picture (to the right) is the tefillin or phylacteries in English. Each box contains a small scroll with the Deuteronomy passage wear the Word of God on your forehead and forearm. One box is placed on the forehead and held in place by a leather strap. The other one goes on the right forearm and the strap is wrapped around the arm. Jesus refers to the length of the tefillin because in his day the more righteous would extend the straps until they touched the ground. It was believed that your righteousness was outwardly expressed by the length of the tefellin.

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SOMETHING FOR THE REFRIGERATOR Rev. Dr. Michael Koplitz

WEEK STARTING SUNDAY 10/28/12

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means "son of Timaeus"), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mar 10:46-52 NIV) Contemplation questions:

Have you ever been approached by a beggar on the street? If so, how did you react? Do you have the same faith in Jesus as the beggar did?

Challenge of the week: If Jesus came to you and said he would give anything you wish what would it be? Additional information: Spiritual blindness is the main subject of this healing story. When the beggar is cured, by his faith, he gets up and follows Jesus. How many of us truly follow Jesus since the time of our baptism or confirmation in the church? There are a lot of people who call themselves Christians but never participate in worship, fellowship or mission for Christs church. These people are a part of the Spiritually blind group. How easy it is to forget what the true meaning of our baptism. Gods kingdom is so opposite ours. How we react to Gods calling upon our hearts is a test from God for our entry into heaven. Rick Warrens book 40 days of Purpose shows us that everything God gives us or does not give us is a test of faith. While in Nogalas Mexico I watched a lady give away the only thing in her refrigerator, a tomato, to her neighbor. What are you going to eat? I asked. Her answer was God will provide. Thats a sign of true faith. Would you have given away the last item in your refrigerator? Think about it during this week and strengthen your faith in God.

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34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. 43 He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, 44 " 'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet." ' 45 If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" 46 No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on (Mat 22:34-46 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. In Hebrew and Greek there are over a dozen words meaning love. Each word is a different type of love. Do you love people differently?

2. How would you define your love for God? 3. What does it mean to you for your love for God to grow and evolve?


Learn something new about God or Jesus from the Bible. Additional information:

Our love for God is expressed by our faith. How do we express our faith? It is by what we do and say about God. The more you love another person the more you do for that person. The more you care about him or her. The more you wish to be a part of their life and your desire to have that person in your increases.

Is God a part of your life? The more you love God the more you would want God in your life. How do you bring God into your life? One way is to offer yourself as a living sacrifice for Jesus. Paul gives us this formula and in simple terms it means doing as much as is physically and monetarily possible for God. The one area of stewardship that most of us dont think about is the time we give. If you sleep 8 hours a day that leaves 16 hours. Then a tithe of the 16 hours is 1.6 hours per day. Times that by 7 and you get 11.2 hours per week that should be given to the Lord.

Sunday school and worship can take about 3 of those hours. That leaves 8.2 hours. What can you do for God in 8.2 hours per week? A feeding project is being developed which will need our hands even more than our financial support. Be on the lookout for this program. There are people in need in our neighborhood who we can help. If you already give your tithe of time or more than I thank God for you. For those who dont the church has to offer you opportunities and those opportunities will be available in the near future.

I am thankful to God for all our church in ministry, mission and fellowship already. This church is filled with disciples of Jesus Christ!

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Contemplation questions: 1. Did you ever sit back and honestly ask yourself Am I doing this for Christs glory

or mine? 2. Is there something in your life that Jesus can point to on your judgment day and

tell you that you blocked the growth of the Kingdom?

Challenge of the week: Begin the process of transformation or continue the process of transformation from yourself to Christ. Ask yourself will what I say and/or do benefit the Kingdom of God?

Additional information: Why do we have to be an outward thinking church? The simply answer is Jesus said so. Jesus told John and James that we have to be servants more concerned about helping others than helping ourselves. That is why ever committee, team, and event that occurs in the church has to have an evangelism component. We need to examine everything we do to insure the mission is always placed before us. Every church in the Susquehanna Conference at their start was created by a handful of people, probably less than a dozen. Each church grew by spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then we stopped doing this and since 1960 we have been steadily dropping in attendance, membership and certainly influence. We became inwardly focused in the mid-1940s through 1960 because all we had to do was to open the door and the people flowed in. It doesnt work that way anymore, actually it hasnt worked for 50 years. It is time for us to start thinking outwardly. It is time for us to look at the empty pews as a challenge from Jesus to us to fill them! INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH. 90% of church growth occurs because someone asked another person to attend church. Real church growth is when we are making disciples for Jesus Christ. People are always going to move from church to church but the true growth of the Kingdom of God is done by making disciples. That is our mission. That is what Jesus told us to do. MAKE DISCIPLES.

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NIV 1 Thessalonians 2:1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, 7 but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. (1Th 2:1-8 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. How do we deal with the challenge of NOT being able to discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ in public schools, the work place, and other places?

2. Are we willing to take the risk as Paul did? 3. How do you feel about being an APOSTLE of Christ (since we use the word to refer to the

original disciples of Jesus + Paul)? Challenge of the week:

Is there a place where you are not allowed to mention Jesus but could demonstrate the Gospel by your words and actions so that those around can learn about your faith? Then do it!


In the movie Star Wars A New Hope Luke Skywalkers uncle would not allow Ben Kenobe to give him his fathers light saber because Uncle Owen was worried that Luke would follow Ben on some idealistic crusade like Lukes father did. So Ben could not talk about the Force. Eventually an opportunity arose that allowed Ben to tell young Luke all about the ways of the force. Paul experienced a similar situation. The officials did not want him to talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What did they fear? One could also ask if that fear exists today? Is our government afraid of what might happen if the Gospel of Jesus Christ was heard in all parts of the country?

When we look at countries that by law forbid the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can quickly see that they do this because they are afraid. When men and women learn about Gods love and grace and the equality that Jesus fought for they will want the same thing for themselves and their children. They might then revolt against the government!

For us in this country we know of places that we are not allowed to preach the Gospel by Words. St. Ignatius said many years ago, preach the Gospel and if necessary use words. How can we preach the Gospel without words? Something to contemplate during week. Write ideas down on this page and then let Pastor Mike have the ideas and he will compile them and distribute them so all of us can spread the Gospel.

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Hebrews 4:12-16 NIV 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from Gods sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we areyet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach Gods throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Contemplation questions: 1. Why do we need a High Priest? Didnt that need evaporate when the Temple in Jerusalem

was destroyed on 70CE? 2. What do you think about the statement Jesus is our High Priest?


Who is Jesus to you? Additional information: The Word of God is a double edged sword. You dont think about the Scriptures in that way too often. However, it is a double edged sword. There are the wonderful passages about how God loves us and sent Jesus to free us from the torment of sin and damnation but there are also passages that tell us what to avoid so that we dont end up with Satan for eternity. The sad part is that in most US mainline churches the preaching of the commandments of Gods Word are not done because it might upset the people. But to keep the congregation in the dark about Gods Laws and commandments is just as bad. One day each of us will be standing before the Throne of God and we will be asked about our actions, words and attitudes. You wont be able to tell God that you didnt read those parts of the Word or that you simply ignored them so you should be able to be exempt from them. IT DOESNT WORK THAT WAY!!! Whenever I lead a Bible study of Revelation people are surprised to read that Jesus can be our defender or our prosecutor. The Son of God our Savior can actually prosecute us when we reach judgment day. The ANSWER IS YES! Read the Book of the Revelation. It is clearly stated there and that is why most Christian dont like the book and dont want anything to do with it. John Wesley said that when you become a member of the Family of God that you obligate yourself to certain ways to thinking and ways of behavior which are contrary to the culture of the world but are in line with God. READ THE WORD and find out for yourself!

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Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psa 23:1-6 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Do you walk in a dark valley today? (read below before contemplating) 2. Who are the enemies of Jesus Christ today? Can we do anything about them? 3. What would you like to have God place in your cup today so it overflows?


If you have a shadowy valley in your life (a place you would like to get out of or a habit you wish to rid yourself of) pray for Gods help to remove it.


The Shadow of Death is a traditional translation that we received from the King James Version of the Bible. The actual Hebrew reads

(Psa 23:4 WTT)

A word by word transliteration is in the valley, shadow or deep darkness, no fear, evil. So a translation of this verse could read: even when I walk through the darkest valley of evil, I will not be afraid, for you are beside me. This is a completely different reading of verse 4. The word DEATH is not in the sentence. Somewhere along historys path the dark valley became death. What this tells us today is that GODS PROMISES to always be with us as disciples of Jesus Christ in all situations. Even when everything seems dark and we feel alone, we arent alone. God is with us! You may not be able to feel Gods presence with you but God is there. The psalmist knew this. Even during the Babylonian Exile, a very dark valley in Israels history, Yahweh was with them.

It is interesting that in Davids day the shepherd was considered a wonderful metaphor for God. Shepherds had an important place in Israel. Moses tended sheep before God called him to bring the people out of Egypt. David was a shepherd boy who became Israels greatest King. The list goes on. However, by the time of Jesus the shepherd was considered a lowly position. There was no joy in being a lowly shepherd. The economy of Israel had shifted from farming and animal husbandry to olive oil production. The nomadic nature of Israel had changed to large cities and a conformance to the Roman powers. We use the shepherd imagery for Jesus. It is a great metaphor. Just like the cross, in Roman days it was the symbol of death, today it is the symbol of life. The same with the shepherd symbol.

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NIV Psalm 26:1 Of David. Vindicate me, LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD and have not faltered. 2 Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. 5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD, 7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. 9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the LORD. (Psa 26:1-12 NIV) Contemplation questions:

3. Have you ever considered God as a personal or even intimate friend?

Challenge of the week: Start today walking with Jesus next to you. Talk to Jesus about what you are doing during the day; decisions, choices, how to treat others. See how much you become like Jesus by doing this. Additional information: We become like the people we associate with on a very regular basis. If we have Jesus as our friend who we chat with regularly (we call it prayer) then by association we will turn from our prideful and self-centered ways into becoming like Jesus. He only cared about taking care of others. In his day even Jesus constantly showed that he was concerned for others before himself. Foxes and birds have homes but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. The Son of God was more concerned about everyone else even though he had no place to sleep. Jesus gives himself to us and freely does so. What are you doing for Jesus? How are you transforming your behavior and outlook on life and love toward your neighbor to demonstrate your walk with Christ? Many of us dont even think about Jesus during the day. We are wired through our school education to just keep moving forward without pausing. The pause is necessary and quite useful because this is a great time to ask Jesus. The more we are in communion with Jesus the more like him we will become. I pray for all of us to develop that stronger bond with our Lord.

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7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (Mat 7:7-12 NIV) Contemplation questions:

4. What is Jesus stressing about God in this passage? 5. How do we take into account different personality types in verse 12?


If there is someone in your life you have pre-judged go talk to that person one and one and develop your own opinion.


Verse 12 is a rewording of verse 1-5 which was not a part of the reading for this week but is definitely worth looking at. The Golden Rule can be viewed in the sense of justice and judgment. In other words if you are being accused of doing something wrong wouldnt you like the opportunity to clarify your side of the story especially before judgment occurs. Image our legal system if only the prosecutor was permitted to speak? Image a legal system where the defendant is not given the opportunity to offer their side of the story or to question the accusations. You are probably thinking, thats not fair. But dont we do that!

We hear a rumor that is usually 3rd or 4th hand and turn it into the truth even though we havent heard the real story from the accuser or the defendant. Have you ever made a decision about a person before you met them because of what your friend said or guilt by association.

This is what the Gold Rule is saying to us today. If you dont want a person to judge you before you have had a chance to talk to them then dont do it to others. It is a very simple thing to say but a difficult rule to follow.

Also remember that Jesus expects us to forgive. If we dont forgive then we cant be forgiven. Thats in the Lords Prayer and here again, if you want forgiveness you have to give it. The Golden Rule in place!

There are a lot of applications for the Golden Rule, arent there. God bless you this week.

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13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.NIV James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (Jam 3:13-3 NIV) Contemplation questions:

4. Why do we allow conflict in the church? 5. Why cant we let go of our personal agendas, wants and desires?

Challenge of the week: Open your heart to accept everyone. Accept that we are all different. Accept that we all have different ways of expressing our worship to God. Love those who dont agree with your position as Christ loves you. Allow space for new ways of thinking and worshiping. Show LOVE not HATRED; that is what Jesus would do! Additional information: How does God want us to deal with each other in life? The answer is in the Scripture. Therefore several passages are presented below (and one above) for you to see what God and Jesus expects. The church by a 83% to 17% margin voted to move into a new relationship and a way to bring the Gospel into the streets. We need to work together on this adventure instead of the conflict that is being created. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ, not to create a church exclusively for us. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Jos 1:8 NIV) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God1 may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17 NIV) 18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (Lev 19:18 NIV) 15 "If your brother or sister1 sins,2 go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Mat 18:15-17 NIV)

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31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph 4:31-32 NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:13 NIV) 23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Mat 5:23-24 NIV) 19 Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." 21 He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." (Luk 8:19-21 NIV)

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Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phi 2:1-13 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. How would your life change if you were able to fully empty yourself of all the excess baggage you are hanging onto?

2. When showing humility how do we prevent others from taking advantage of us?


Spend 5 minutes in prayer asking Jesus to help empty you of anything that might keep you away from God.


Kenosis means the emptying of the self. We all have baggage from our past that still haunts us today. Have you ever pondered why you might not be as fully engaged in Christs work as you know you should be? What is holding us back? Are there any preconceived notions or falsehoods that block our thinking?

Have you ever made a decision about whether or not to like someone based on their appearance, ethnicity or religion before you actually met the person? From time to time we all do this. So how do we rid ourselves of this

skeletons in our closets? If we follow the way of Kenosis then we can do it! As Jesus emptied himself of his divinity we can learn how to rid ourselves of all the hurts and pains that prevent us from full and complete service to Christ. This passage is the outline of the procedure. The tough part comes when you decide to do this and move forward. It isnt easy. Remember if you want to become Christ like then you have to do this.

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13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.NIV James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (Jam 3:13-3 NIV) Contemplation questions:

6. Why do we allow conflict in the church? 7. Why cant we let go of our personal agendas, wants and desires?

Challenge of the week: Open your heart to accept everyone. Accept that we are all different. Accept that we all have different ways of expressing our worship to God. Love those who dont agree with your position as Christ loves you. Allow space for new ways of thinking and worshiping. Show LOVE not HATRED; that is what Jesus would do! Additional information: How does God want us to deal with each other in life? The answer is in the Scripture. Therefore several passages are presented below (and one above) for you to see what God and Jesus expects. The church by a 83% to 17% margin voted to move into a new relationship and a way to bring the Gospel into the streets. We need to work together on this adventure instead of the conflict that is being created. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ, not to create a church exclusively for us. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Jos 1:8 NIV) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God1 may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Ti 3:16-17 NIV) 18 "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (Lev 19:18 NIV) 15 "If your brother or sister1 sins,2 go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Mat 18:15-17 NIV)

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31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph 4:31-32 NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col 3:13 NIV) 23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Mat 5:23-24 NIV)

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Matthew 20:1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 "About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5 So they went. "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, 'Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' 7 " 'Because no one has hired us,' they answered. "He said to them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard.' 8 "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.' 9 "The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.' 13 "But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Mat 20:1-16 NIV) Contemplation questions:

1. Have you ever felt cheated because you worked longer or harder than a coworker and never received any kind of recognition?

2. If you were the first worker hired how would you feel about being paid an equal amount as the workers that only worked 1 hour at the end of the day? Be honest?

3. Do you think its right that someone can be a sinner their whole life and receive salvation at the end of their lives?

Challenge of the week: Take a look at your relationships and how you treat people. Do you treat some people better or worse than others? Then ask yourself why? How might this relate to the parable? If you dont have this situation in your life then ask yourself are you jealous of someone who has received more than you for doing the same job? If so, how can you rid yourself of this jealousy? Additional information:

A denarius is a small silver coin, about the size of a penny, which was considered the wage for a laborer for one days work. A denarius was just enough money to feed one person. Therefore, families had to get every member working every day. A question arises: what about the Sabbath? Torah law forbids working on the Sabbath. So did the laborer and his family go hungry?

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Is it fair that someone coming to work at the end of the day should receive the same wages as the person who starts in the morning? This parable has been used to talk about Gods grace for many centuries. The Reformation reformers used it heavily. As United Methodists we like Wesleys interpretation that no matter what time in life you come to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior you have the same amount of grace and love showered upon you as others have. So if you grew up in the church being baptized as an infant, attending all Sunday school classes and worships shouldnt you get more in heaven than the death bed confession?

The parable says no. Instead of being jealous we should rejoice over every soul we bring into the love and grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Age doesnt matter. As for the death bed confession God knows what is truly in the heart of the person. They cant fake it and fool God. So dont worry about them. Remember that God expects to see us demonstrate our faith. A death bed confessor doesnt have the time to prove to God that the faith is real.

An interesting book to read is Confessions by Saint Augustine. Augustine was the playboy of the ancient world who came to accept Christ later on in life through his mother who was a Christian. Around 400 CE Augustine, to his surprise, becomes the Bishop of Hippo (in northern Africa) and the most influential theologian in all of Christianity. The doctrine of Original Sin was developed by Augustine. What you will discover in Augustines life is how God forgives everyone, even a sinner like Augustine. Once one confesses and accepts Christ as Savior marvelous things happen. (By the way you will have to go to Amazon.Com to look inside the book.)

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27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah." 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns." 34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life1 will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mar 8:27-1 NIV) Contemplation questions:

Who is Jesus? What does Jesus mean to you?

Challenge of the week: Formulate in your mind or on paper the answer to who is Jesus so that you can tell others about him. Add personal experiences that you have had with Christ. Additional information: So a non-believer stops you on the street and asks tell me about Jesus Christ? are you ready to answer him or her. Why should we stand ready to talk about Jesus? There are millions of people in this world who dont know anything about Jesus or what he stands for. Millions have no clue what goes on in church. At a previous church I asked some young skateboard kids what they thought about church. Their answer was simple: you get married in church and your funeral is in church. There is so much about church nobody knows about. Christians tend to do great things in silence. It is time to toot the Jesus whistle and let everyone know who he is and what he is all about. PASS IT ON is a great hymn because it encourages us to climb to the mountain top and shout PRAISE GOD. So who is Jesus to you? Just responding God isnt going to fly with young people today. Tell them the great things God has done for you (blessings) since you came to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. It isnt hard and actually once you have done this a couple times it will be hard for you to contain the excitement. We are Jesus ambassadors. We must stand ready to talk about and for him.

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21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He g

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