JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 11/9/2022
1 Corinthians 6:1–8
New King James Version (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
What should you do when a disagreement escalates between believers? We realize that we are all sinners, and sin can draw a wedge between people. As Christians, we are not spared from these conflicts. But is legal action advisable between two Christians who clash?
In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul addresses some believers in Corinth who were at odds with one another. The situation had become so hostile that they were going to court. Notice Paul’s dismay when he writes, “[D]o you dare to take it before the ungodly?” (v. 1). Paul was not concerned that the Corinthian judges were unjust, but that believers would sue one another before an unrighteous judge and spectators.
It is no wonder Paul was appalled by the idea of Christians suing one another. It goes completely against the gospel message of grace, charity, and forgiveness. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that they were citizens of another world and kingdom (vv. 2–3).
Paul was not against ever taking legal action. In Acts 22:25 and 25:10– 11, he appealed to the Roman courts for his own rights. Likewise, we are grateful for the legal experts who protect believers today. However, Paul thought it reprehensible for one believer to attack another in court. When possible, Christians should seek to settle disputes themselves according to the values, principles, and truths of Scripture.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: JOHN 13:14
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
REFLECT
Paul was not against ever taking legal action. In Acts 22:25 and 25:10– 11, he appealed to the Roman courts for his own rights. Likewise, we are grateful for the legal experts who protect believers today. However, Paul thought it reprehensible for one believer to attack another in court. When possible, Christians should seek to settle disputes themselves according to the values, principles, and truths of Scripture.
++D
JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 11/2/2022
John 13:1–35
New King James Version (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
We don’t exactly know the details, but the Passover meal was in progress and the disciples’ feet were dusty and dirty. Perhaps it was an honest oversight. Or maybe nobody wanted to take on the role of a servant. Regardless, Jesus saw this as a teaching opportunity. With a simple act, He would show His disciples how to love one another. After taking a towel and basin, He began washing every person’s feet (including the feet of Judas!). Then Jesus said something that changed history: “A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34).
But what was “new” about this command? The newness can be discovered in the words “as I have loved you.” This command can be traced back to Leviticus 19:18, “love your neighbor as yourself.” In washing His disciples' feet, Jesus gives us an example to live by. Love is selfless and sacrificial. When we love like Jesus, we expand our faith from merely looking inwardly at our relationship with God to transforming how we treat those around us.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: JOHN 13:14
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
REFLECT
Loving one another as Jesus loved is the identifying mark of all believers (v. 35). Everything else falls under the umbrella of this command. It was, in fact, the love the disciples had for one another that made them stand out in the pagan societies of the first few centuries. For the early Christians, this command was not simply a mere suggestion, it controlled their lives. Loving one another like Jesus is our command as well. Christians today can make an impact in our godless societies by selflessly and humbly loving one another. Following Jesus’ example of service is one of the many ways we can love and transform our communities.
++Love often requires sacrifice. Consider what you may need to sacrifice to serve one another well. Is it your pride? Time? Resources? Wha
JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 10/14/2022
1 Peter 3:1–7
New King James Version (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
In today’s reading, Peter describes how Christian husbands and wives should treat one another. He begins with wives and the purpose of submission (vv. 1–6; Eph. 5:22–24). As with citizens submitting to an unjust emperor, or slaves submitting to harsh masters, Peter had in mind a difficult scenario—believing wives submitting to unbelieving husbands. We should note this is not unconditional, for example, in cases of abuse. We should also note that this does not apply to unmarried couples, since Christians should not be unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14). Peter was addressing couples who were already married when the wife converted to Christianity.
Today’s reading contrasts those who come to God through Jesus Christ with those who draw near under the Law of Moses. In verse 20, we learn that those who heard the Law on Mount Sinai “could not bear what was commanded.” However, verses 22–24 say that those who responded to the gospel have come to the heavenly Jerusalem (not Sinai). There they find the assembly of angels and the church of the firstborn “whose names are written in heaven” (v. 23). They also come to God Himself and to Jesus, their mediator.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: 1 PETER 3:4
4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the [a]incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
REFLECT
The purpose of submission, as we’ve already seen, is witness. The goal is to attract the unbelieving husband to faith in Christ (v. 1), a radical goal. It was unheard of in those days for a wife to follow a different religion from her husband. To hope to win him over was bold indeed! How could she do that? Through purity, reverence, and inner beauty (vv. 2–4). She should follow the example of Sarah and other “holy women of the past” whose submission to their husbands was part of their faith, as opposed to fear (vv. 5–6).
Peter does not forget
JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 9/27/2022
Hebrews 12:14–28
New King James Version (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever been confused about the relationship between God’s grace and our effort in the Christian life? Here is the key: Grace is incompatible with earning, not with effort. Hebrews 12:14 speaks about effort: “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” Being holy is not automatic, but it also does not just mean trying hard. We need the presence of God’s grace.
Today’s reading contrasts those who come to God through Jesus Christ with those who draw near under the Law of Moses. In verse 20, we learn that those who heard the Law on Mount Sinai “could not bear what was commanded.” However, verses 22–24 say that those who responded to the gospel have come to the heavenly Jerusalem (not Sinai). There they find the assembly of angels and the church of the firstborn “whose names are written in heaven” (v. 23). They also come to God Himself and to Jesus, their mediator.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: Hebrews 12:14
14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
REFLECT
By these images, the writer is showing that the Law could only take us so far (to Sinai), but grace which comes to us through Jesus Christ can take us where the Law could not (to God). The Law points us to God, but grace brings us into His presence. The gospel speaks a “better word” that must not be ignored (v. 24). The holiness that the writer urges Christians to practice is energized by grace. It begins with grace and is carried out through grace. Second Peter 3:14 echoes this theme when it tells us to “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” The only way we can be blameless before God is to be found in Christ. Christ is our righteousness.
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JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 8/8/2022
2 Samuel 7:1–17
The Voice (VOICE)
INTRODUCTION
David had reached the pinnacle of his career. Israel was united. David had a new capital city and peace from his enemies (v. 1), so his thoughts turned to what he could do for God. He told the prophet Nathan of his desire to build a temple (v. 2). Nathan immediately gave him a divine building permit without stopping to pray (v. 3). Sometimes what we want to do seems so natural and right that prayer does not seem necessary.
But God came to Nathan that evening with a message for David. He withdrew the building permit. He had not asked for a house. He certainly did not need a leader that he appointed to build him one (v. 7). God reminded David of how He had taken him from a shepherd boy to kingship (v. 8). David had success because of God (v. 9). God made three significant promises to David. First, God would make David’s name great (v. 9). This is language from God’s covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3). God’s promise to Abraham would be fulfilled through David and his descendants.
Second, God would give David a dynasty. His offspring would rule after him and build a temple (2 Sam. 7:13). David’s dynasty would endure forever (v. 16). If a son of David sinned, he would be judged; but God would not reject David’s line. This last promise provided hope for a future Davidic king, the Messiah, a promise fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 1:31–33; Acts 2:30–36; Rom.1:3)
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: PSALM 127:1
1 Unless the Eternal builds the house,
those who labor to raise it will have worked for nothing.
Unless the Eternal stands watch over the city,
those who guard it have wasted their time.
REFLECT
Do your plans sometimes get ahead of God’s will for you? Today, take your plans to God in prayer. Hold them with an open hand and be willing to follow God’s lead.
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JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 6/15/2022
Psalm 103
The Voice (VOICE)
INTRODUCTION
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to complain about your life? The late Andy Rooney from 60 Minutes was a notorious complainer. For example, people say, “Everything you buy today is smaller, more expensive, and not as good as it was yesterday.” While there may be some truth to his observation, as believers we have many more reasons to rejoice than to complain. Psalm 103 is a beautiful reminder of why we should celebrate the great goodness of God and all our second chances.
Psalm 103 is an “inclusio,” meaning it starts and ends with the same phrase, “Praise the LORD, O my soul” (vv. 1, 22). David tells us why the Lord is worthy of praise. For instance, the Lord forgives and heals (v. 3), redeems and crowns (v. 4), and satisfies and renews (v. 5). He cares for the oppressed and seeks their justice (v. 6). David reminds his readers of Yahweh’s grace to their ancestors as they were brought out of Egypt and God made them into a nation (vv. 7–10). Many believe that the God in the Old Testament is an angry, wrathful God, but David reminds us that God is compassionate and loving, like a father to his children (vv. 13–18).
He concludes his psalm by declaring that everyone, everywhere is to praise the Lord for all His works (vv. 19–22). Praising God may seem difficult in a world of complainers but reading through David’s psalm reminds us how grateful we ought to be. Remembering everything God has done and continues to do for us, gives us opportunity after opportunity to praise and serve Him.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: MARK 10:27
Jesus (smiling and shaking His head): 27 For human beings it is impossible, but not for God: God makes everything possible.
REFLECT
Praising God means taking time to reflect on what He has done for His people (v. 3), having a holy fear of Him (v. 17), obeying His commands (v. 18), and being obedient to His will (v. 21). Today, let’s praise Him for who He is and what He has done.
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JEMINISTRIES CHURCH - (LIVE STREAM) - 6/14/2022
Jeremiah 31:34
The Voice (VOICE)
INTRODUCTION
I heard people say, “I’ve sinned so much, could God really forgive me?” You may have asked this question too. Will God forgive the worst of the worst? Yes! No sin is too great for God’s forgiveness.
The Bible shows this is true. There are some awful characters throughout Scripture, but you will be hard-pressed to find anyone more evil than King Manasseh. In our text today, the first nine verses chronicle the wretchedness and carnage performed at the hands of this king. In these few verses we learn that he: (1) desecrated Solomon’s Temple with idols, (2) worshiped pagan gods, (3) murdered his own children as a sacrifice, and (4) led people astray. Clearly, this man was pure evil (vv. 2, 6, 9). Despite the Lord speaking to him, he continually turned a deaf ear (v. 10). He did more to encourage the idolatry that led to the Babylonian invasion and captivity than any other person. His capture by the Assyrians was both brutal and humiliating (v. 11).
Yet even though Manasseh was a horridly evil person, God loved him and gave him a second chance. In an astounding turnabout, Manasseh humbled himself and sought God. Through prayer he confessed his sin (v. 19) and acknowledged that Yahweh was God (v. 13). His genuine repentance was evident because when the Lord helped him return to Jerusalem, he changed his way of life and leadership. He made it clear to all that idolatry was an abomination and he would worship Yahweh as God (vv. 15–17). The short chronicle of Manasseh’s life was included in Scripture, so future generations would know how to recover from the sin that led to their captivity.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: JEREMIAH 31:34
34 No longer will people have to teach each other or encourage their family members and say, “You must know the Eternal.” For all of them will know Me intimately themselves—from the least to the greatest of society. I will be merciful when they fail and forgive their wrongs. I will never
