In the following 11 examples, we see three common things:
1. A need existing then and now
2. Jesus met the need with a miracle then
3. We meet that need in a more ordinary method now
Need # 1 - Paying Taxes
Jesus / Then - Coin in mouth of fish (Mt 17.24-27)
Believers / Now - Work, payment, stewardship (Mt 22.16-22, Rom 13.1-7)
Many Evangelicals see 3 Meanings of “God’s Will” in Scripture
1. Sovereign Will – God’s secret plan that determines all that happens in the universe.
Daniel 4. 35. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
Proverbs 21.1. The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
Evidences of a New Believer
1. Signs of a new life in Christ are seen in his* life (2 Corinthians 5.17).(* These evidences are to be seen in the lives of both men and women.)
2. He has a favorable attitude toward Jesus as Lord and Savior (John 1.49-51, 5.24).
3. He has an unfavorable attitude toward sin (Luke 19.8, 1 Thessalonians 1.9,10).
1. Do I really know God’s Son, the Lord Jesus, as Savior?
2. Am I growing in my relationship with Him? What are the evidences of this knowledge and growth?
3. Do I know there is no limit to His love for me? Or do I doubt whether He even cares?
4. Do I question God’s wisdom? Or do I have confidence to rest in His sovereign plan?
I want to share some ideas about “theology” and song selection. My ideal is that our songs are balanced between declaration and devotion.
Devotion is our repentance, adoration, commitment, praise, exaltation of Him.
Declaration is teaching the facts of the Gospel. Who is God, and What has He done? “Great is thy Faithfulness” declares what He has done and is doing in terms of faithful provision. “You’re my friend and you are my brother, even though you are a King” is a great declaration line.
1. Confession: Christ has Died
2. Celebration: Christ is Risen
3. Commission: Christ will Come Again
The Church of Jesus has been remembering Him in the Lord’s Supper/Eucharist/Communion for nearly two thousand years. There are many traditions and rituals that have developed among the global church.