Homiletics 8:1-40

Acts 8 : 1-40

Content:

1. Persecution scatters believers as Saul begins destroying the church . 1-3
2. Scattered believers preach word, Phillip draws crowd in Samaria town. 4-8
3. Simon the sorcerer has great following in Samaria amazing with his magic. 9-11
4. Simon believed Phillip , was baptized and began following him. 12-13
5. Peter and John come to Samaria praying for Holy Spirit to come upon the believers. 14-17
6. Simon offers money for the power of laying hands he sees of Peter and John. 18-19
7. Peter rebukes him and calls him to repentance 20-23
8. Simon ask for prayer fearing Peter's words. 24
9. Peter and John return to Jerusalem preaching on the way. 25
10. Phillip follows divine direction to desert road where he encounters influential Ethiopian Eunuch reading Isaiah. 26-29
11. Phillip ask if he understands Isaiah passage reading. 30
12. Man invites Phillip to explain the prophecy of the lamb to slaughter. 31-34
13. Phillip used passage to share gospel of Jesus. 35
14. Eunuch ask to be baptized 36-38
15. Spirit takes Phillip and he reappears in Azotus preaching all way to Caesarea.

Divisions:

1. Persecution scatters church to preach gospel in other places. 1-8
2. Simon the Sorcerer offers money for Holy Spirit power and is called to repentance by Peter. 9-25
3. Phillip follows divine guidance and is available to share gospel with Ethiopian Eunuch. 26-40

Subject Sentence:

• As Persecuted church scatters, Peter rebukes Sorcerer and Phillip teaches Ethiopian..

Aim: 

• TCMT (to cause me to) follow Holy Spirit's leading, making the most of every opportunity to speak the truth regarding repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Application

1. Do I see persecution and opposition as road blocks or as an opportunity to spread Jesus? What current opposition might I embrace as an opportunity to share gospel.
2. Where is God asking me to speak truth about motives even if it is to myself?
3. Am I entuned to Holy Spirits leading and willing to follow? Am I looking for people who need to hear the gospel message and ready to share it?

Why I didn't post this past Tuesday again

After taking advantage of my last Monday off for the summer, I returned to school early Tuesday morning to get ready for Thursday's open house and a new batch of 3 year old's coming in this coming Monday.  This was all in the midst of herding the kids who have been with me all summer.  Needless to say its been a busy week.  I am excited about the upcoming year as my co-leader is a former Pre-K teacher form FBDS Mrs. Lisa Sage.  She also taught Public school, is a former florist, and humble servant of God.  I have always admired and enjoyed her so am excited to work with her in the mornings.  I also met the new cuties coming into my room.  Quite a few are siblings or cousins of children I have taught previously.  One is the child of a former running buddy.  However it is always a bit shocking to the system because a year makes such a difference when you are three and four years old. I always forget how much the kids I have just had have matured until the new ones come in and they are so little and needy.  None the less I am looking forward to our new year.

Why I didn't post this past Tuesday...

 Pete the Cat and I joined some very cool people on a little beach trip to Savannah and the area earlier in the week.

       

Homiletics

 Acts 7:1-60

Content:

1.  Sanhedrin ask if Stephen's accusation against Moses are true. v 1
2. Stephen begins with reciting call of Abraham by God and God's promises to him. v 2-5
3. He recounts God's promises of deliverance for the nation, giving history of Isaac to Joseph. v6-10
4. Stephen recounts God's fulfillment of deliverance through Joseph. 11-16
5. Stephen tells that as it looked like God's promises to Abe was fulfilled, persecution in Egypt began. v 17-19
6. Stephen recounts life of Moses and God's call to him to deliver his people. v 20-34
7. Moses, rejected by his people led them out of slavery. v 35-36
8. Moses promised a prophet to follow. v 37-38
9. Stephen recounts peoples rejection of God and Moses and the worship of the calf. 39-43
10. Stephen recounts the people having testimony with hem in dessert , David and Solomon's reign and building of the Tabernacle. v 44-47
11. Stephen quotes scripture declaring God does not dwell in a house. 48-50
12. Stephen points finger at Sanhedrian that they like their forefathers are rejecting Holy Spirit, the Christ and the Law. v 51-53
13. Angry the crowd charges Stephen stoning him as he declares seeing heaven with Jesus at right hand of God. v 54-58
14. Stephen prays "receives my spirit," and forgive them before he dies. v 59-60

Divisions:

1. In Stephens response to Sanhedrin, he recounts God's call, promises and preservation of his people Israel. vs 1-34
2. Stephen recounts history of Israel's rejection of God including this very Sanhedrin's rejection of the Jesus the Christ. 35-53
3. Angry crowd stones Stephen who declares vision of Glory of God as he dies. 54-60

Subject Sentence:

• Stephen recounts Israel's history revealing her rebellion and is killed

Aim: TCMT speak truth, trusting God's eternal deliverance in spite of persecution.

   ( alternative : 1) TCMTK  Rebellious people will reject God's messengers of truth.

                            

Application:

1. Do I know God's word so that I may share God's truth with others?
2. Am I willing to reveal other's sin at the cost of rejection? Who do I need to speak truth to even if it means rejection and persecution. 
3. Who do I need to forgive for their rejection of me because I obediently spoke truth?

Principles from the lesson: 

Speaking the truth of God does not endear you to a rebellious people.

Rejecting God's messengers of truth is ultimately a rejection of God.

This lesson was very personal this week as I dealt with an issue at work.  I kept thinking the negative and accusatory response I received meant I must have done something wrong in how I addressed it.  And thought there could be elements of that, I realized that the pushback really was a rebellion against the truth that I spoke.  It helped me.  And encouraged me to continue to stand for truth and and not be afraid to speak for fear of rejection or persecution.

chia seeds anyone???

Okay, so this is Tuesday's post on a Saturday

If you have spent much time with me, you know that over the past 10 years I have been on several diets in search of optimal health.  I deal with a skin issue that is related to inflammation and possible autoimmunity.  I worked with a Naturopath several years ago and with food changes, hormone replacements, and other practices, the skin disorder went into total remission.  After that, I let my eating habits be less restricted.  Even though I saw indications of the skin patches returning about a year ago, I focused more on the hormone part, believing this had been the key factor and was wishy washy about my diet.  When I was given the coolest vegetarian cookbook in January, I decided that a Flexitarian lifestyle was the one I really embraced.  I was eating lots of legumes, whole grains, and some dairy leaving the meat at the grocery store.  I limited my meat to mostly when I was not at home.  I was eating homemade granola daily with nut milk or yogurt and fruit and LOVING it.  I loved the food of a more vegetarian lifestyle as well as the impact on the environment and the lower cost at the grocery store.

HOWEVER, Indications are that my particular body is not quite as in favor of this style of eating.  I began to deal with increased fatigue and mood issues. But the deal breaker was a development of upwards to 100 granuloma patches on my skin (Sarcoid). After consulting with my beloved Naturopath/ Dietician guru, it was decided that it is highly likely embracing the vegetarian life style full of legumes, gluten, nuts, eggs, seeds, and dairy could be a major player.  So here I am back to cutting out these beloved favorite foods focusing on specific oils (coconut, olive and avocado), meat, fruits and vegetables (minus the nightshades.) Currently I am in the restrictive elimination face where much is removed from my diet with the intention of adding them back in individually to see what seem to be trigger foods.  

Although I miss my ice cream, granola, chickpeas, cheese and grain dishes, the lack of these foods is not the hardest part.  The hardest part is that I am "that woman."  The woman I first learned about when the movie When Harry Met Sally came out.  I am High Maintenance. I have constantly fought to not be her.  I want to be the easy going, go with the flow, whatever works for everyone else, girl.  Once again I am the chick who is limited as to what restaurants work for eating out, is asking you for ingredient list when you offer her food, and orders a menu item with multiple alterations.  I am embarrassed by it.  But I choose it because I am a believer in food having an impact on my body and it's ability to thrive well.  I am willing to make the sacrifices (even of my pride) to be at my best so I can do the things I believed I am called to do.  And I won't lie, trying to heal my "spots" without medication is the big motivator!  In addition to the food I am really trying to improve my sleeping habits, drink less tea/coffee and more water, and get in daily walking. I do believe these all have impact as well yet doing these things do not come without a cost of other things.  It is a balancing act.

As I moved towards the Vegetarian style of eating I stocked my pantry with whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Thus I find many of these items are no longer part of my diet.  I am back to stocking a coconut overload (milk, oil , shreds, Mana, flour) in my pantry.  So if anyone is in need of some whole wheat flour, lentils or chia seeds, let me know.

Homiletics Acts 6:1-15

 Acts 6:1-15

Content:

1.  Controversy between Grecian and Hebraic Jews on equal care of widows. 1
2. The twelve decide to appoint seven to specifically care for physical needs so they focus on teaching. 2-4
3. The group choose Stephen, full of faith and Holy Spirit as well as 6 others. 5
4. Apostles prayed over and laid hands on the seven. 6
5. The gospel spread, many priest became believers. 7
6. Stephen full of grace and power did great things. 8
7. Opposition rose up from religious leaders yet their arguments could not stand up to the Holy Spirit in Stephen. 9-10
8. They persuaded men to make accusations of blasphemy against Stephen. 11
9. Stirring up crowd, they seized Stephen and brought him to Sanhedrin. 12
10. False witness testify against him. 13-14
11. Expectant eyes on Stephen see face of an angel. 15

Divisions:

1. Stephen full of grace and holy spirit chosen to serve among the believers. 1-7
2. Stephens service to God and holy wisdom leads to persecution. 8-15

Subject Sentence:

• Stephen, full of Holy Spirit, serves church and faces opposition.

Aim:

• TCMT seek to live by Holy Spirit and His wisdom and grace, knowing opposition will come.

Application:

1. What has God called me to in service to him by serving others?  Am I first following after Jesus so that I am filled with his grace and wisdom as I serve others?
2. What am I afraid to do because of other's reactions? 

 

Homiletics 4:32- 5:42

 I decided to pick up a few verses from 4 to complete the picture I saw. Basically this is Chapter 5

Acts 4:32- 4:42

Content:

1. Believers shared possessions with one another 4:32-35
2. Barnabus sold a field giving proceeds to the apostles 4:36-37
3. Peter calls out Ananias for deceptive offering and falls dead. 5:1-6
4. Wife Sapphira also deceptive and too falls dead, causing holy fear among believers. 7-11
5. The apostles performed miracles, healing all who came and many believed. 12-16
6. Jealous Sadducees arrest apostles, angel release them and sends them to continue preaching, 17-20
7. Sanhedrin baffled when locked prison is empty of apostles. 21-24
8. captain finds them at temple, bringing them back before Sanhedrin without force so not to anger the people. 25-26
9. Sanhedrin question apostles. 27-28
10. Peter and apostles say they must obey God rather than man, declaring the gospel of Jesus. 29-32
11. furious Sanhedrin wants to kill them but respected Gamaliel removes apostles to address the Sanhedrin. 33-34
12. Gamaliel encourages them to be cautious if these apostles followed a man it will dissipate, if God then they are fighting God to no avail. 35-39
13. Convinced, Sanhedrin has apostles flogged and threatened them not to speak in Jesus name sending them on their way. 40
14. Apostles rejoicing for being counted worthy of suffering for name of Jesus and persist in proclaiming the Gospel. 41-42

Divisions:

1. Ananias and Sapphira's deception for self glorification leads to death. 4:32-5:11
2. Apostles performance of miracles and wonders draw following as well as persecution. 5:12-17
3. Sanhedrin persecute Apostles yet they continue to obey God, preaching the Gospel of Jesus. 5:18-32
4. Gamaliel convinces Sanhedrin not to kill Apostles and they continue spreading the Gospel of Jesus . 5:33-42

Subject Sentence:

    Apostles experience persecution and deliverance as they boldly declare Gospel.

Aim: TCMT focus on spreading the good news of Jesus' salvation rather than on self efforts for my own self glorification.

Alternative Aim - TCMTK (to cause me to know) that living and speaking gospel truth will bring experiences of both man's persecution and God's deliverance.

Application: (primarily focusing on first Aim)

1. What do I spend time on that is primarily is for self glorification ? What death do I experience from it?
2. How am I or do I need to be declaring simple gospel truth in my words and action? what jealousy or persecution might I experience as a result.
3. To who and perhaps how is God sending me to declare the gospel message? In what way might God be asking me to obey him over men?
4. What situation of gospel sharing is God calling me to? How might the knowledge that God can not stop his message encourage me in face of opposition?

The application consist of questions that challenge one's thinking or situation per lessons revealed in the passage.  It is a regular occurrence to find them hitting very close to where I am at the moment. Currently I have been wrestling with filling overloaded and stretch.  I repeatedly ask him what am I to be doing and what am I not.  This idea of self glorification leading to death hit a chord.  And the following verses that knowing and declaring the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ is to be the primary goal - whatever I may do or whatever situation I am in, has been helpful in helping me sift through that question.  

Test

SO setting up the new system for my blog to go out into the email world has taxed me.  So just running a check to see if it is going to do what I want.  For your enjoyment I will some pictures of cuteness from a recent visit with some favorite people.

Homiletics Acts 4

 Acts 4:1-37

Content:

1. The powers that be disturbed by apostles teaching Jesus and his resurrection. 1-2
2. Peter and John put in jail yet many believe in Jesus. 3-4
3. the rulers question their authority and power to heal. 5-7
4. Peter concisely and clearly responds, Jesus who you killed is means for salvation. 8-12
5. Rulers astounded at uneducated men's courage, noting they'd been with Jesus. 13-14
6. Rulers ask what can we do - can't deny the miracle but don't want "this" spreading. 15-17
7. Rulers demand "no Jesus stuff" and Peter and John say "not happening." 18-20
8. Rulers let them go with threats but no real punishment. 21-22
9. John and Peter return to believers, praising and praying with scripture. 23-26
10. They acknowledge God's sovereignty. 27-28
11. They pray for boldness and miracles29-30
12. Holy Spirit filled, the spoke word of God boldly. 31
13. All believers united sharing what they had, taking care of one another's needs. 32-35
14. Joseph (Barnabus) sold a field giving proceeds to the apostles. 36-37

Divisions:

1. Peter and John cause disturbance among Jewish leaders due to miracles thus spend time in jail. 1-22
2. Peter and John praise God, praying for boldness. 23-31
3. Believers are united and generous towards one another. 32-37

Subject Sentence: (couldn't decide. So sharing all three I came up with)

• Peter and John opposed for miracle but respond boldly unshaken.
• Peter and John jailed yet respond boldly unshaken empowered by HolySpirit. (I like to count Holy Spirit as one one word even sometimes simply using HS.  I know its not grammatically correct,)
• Rulers imprison Peter and John,  yet they are boldly unshaken. 

Aim: once again sharing two aims I came up with

TCMT (to cause me to) not be afraid to cause a disturbance by speaking truth about Jesus, trusting the Holy Spirit to empower me with boldness.

 TCMT to respond to the difficulties resulting from commitment to Jesus with praise, prayer and community.

Application (using the second aim)

1. What disturbance to others or perhaps in my own life may I be causing as a result of obedience to Jesus and his teaching? 
2. What would it look like in my live to respond to the difficulties with praise of God, refocus on Jesus and prayer for boldness.
3. What does community with believers for mutual encouragement and strengthening look like in my life? Is there something I need to give away or receive?