Week 1: The Gift of Choice

• Too many people are content to simply take whatever happens to them

Genesis 1:26-27 – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”   So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

• We take it for granted, but free will is one of the attributes of God that He placed in man when He created us
• Making good choices is important because our entire life is made up of a series of decisions

Over the next few weeks, we’ll look more in depth at some of these statements:

• The exercise of our free will determines how much light or darkness manifests in the earth
• People have used “God’s sovereignty” as an excuse to remove responsibility from their choices; there are far fewer “victims” in the world than society leads you to believe
• God’s intervention in human affairs depends on our choices
• Some choices have greater consequences than others
• In many situations, more than one decision may be in line with God’s will (assuming they are not sinful)
• Moving from servants to friends changes the dynamic of decision making
• Our choices impact ourselves and the lives of others
• We can set ourselves up to be enabled to habitually make good choices; you don’t have to keep going around the mountain

A “Famous Bad Choice”:

Genesis 2:15-17 – The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;  but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

• Adam & Eve were given the power of choice
• God put the tree there knowing it was a dangerous mix with man’s free will
• God was so unrepentant on free will, that he gave it even though some of our choices lead to pain & death
• God so wanted a people to live in (a glorious bride) that He was willing to give us the ability to make choices that would even affect Him

Genesis 3:6-12 – When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.  Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.  Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”  He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”  And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”  The man said, “The woman you put here with me — she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

• Adam’s bad choice was sinful
  • Choices can be wise, unwise or sinful
  • Stupidity does not necessarily equal sinful
• Adam’s bad choice triggered a whole series of bad choices
• They put their eyes on the fruit instead of the Lord – leaving God out predisposes us to selfish choices
• We try to cover up and rationalize our bad choices; when all else fails, we pass the buck
• We are often dishonest with ourselves about our choices and think that hides them from God
• Their bad choice released sin and death into the world

Good choices produce life in us; bad choices produce death

Week 2: The Intersection of Wills

In many situations, more than one decision may be in line with God’s will (assuming they are not sinful choices)

• God’s will is the best plan for our lives; the more you walk according to it, the better it is
• Even if something is God’s will, you still get to choose whether or not to come into agreement with it
• If we think there is only one “right” choice in any situation, it paralyzes us from ever moving
• However, if the Holy Spirit specifically speaks to do something and we disobey, it makes even “good” choices bad

One reason God gave us free will is because He wants us to have some input into shaping things

• 1 Chron 13:1-2 – …If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God…
• Acts 15:28-29 – …It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us
• The choosing of the deacons in Acts 6 – …choose from among you…
• Gen 2:19 - …whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.

It wouldn’t be freewill and it wouldn’t be a gift if God came back after every decision and “fixed” it

We must define the “will of God” for our lives and then see how our desires/interests fit in with it

1 Cor 2:9-16 – However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit…

• We can know what the will of God is because He has revealed it to us
• As we commune with the Holy Spirit, we find that we can know what God’s will is

There are things that are the will of God for all of us (we need to start by choosing/doing these things):

1. To be spiritually whole (this includes salvation and Holy Spirit baptism)
• John 6:39-40; 2 Peter 3:9; Matthew 18:14; Romans 10:9
• When you get saved or get someone saved, you are doing the will of God
2. To be whole in your soul (this is deliverance in our mind, will and emotions)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4; Romans 6:13; Romans 12:2
• When you get free or you help someone get free, you are doing the will of God
3. To be whole in our bodies (healing)
• Jesus paid for healing through His suffering
• Everywhere He went, He healed people
• When you heal someone, you are doing the will of God
4. To walk in our calling
• 1 Cor 1:1 – Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…
• God’s will for us is to walk in the call of God on our lives
• This often has nothing to do with where we live or work
• Your calling is whatever you have the ability to do that gives you the biggest platform to extend His kingdom
• Matt 10:8 – Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
• When we walk in our calling and manifest the Kingdom, we are doing the will of God

Week 3: Financial Choices

Money itself is not bad; it is simply a tool that God has given us

1 Tim 6:10 – For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

• Making the accumulation of money our goal causes all kinds of other problems
• When you love money, you wander from the faith and put your confidence in your finances

Heb 13:5 – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

• Our contentment is directly tied to His presence with us

Our money literally represents our blood, sweat & tears; our talents, passions & energy

What we choose to invest our money in shows what is important to us

Practical choices about finances include:

• If you have no income, get a job (this is not to demean those who are searching and cannot find employment)
• Don’t spend more than you earn
• Don’t spend money on sinful pursuits
• Don’t rely on someone else (including the government) to do what God has given you the ability to do
• Cultivate a life of generosity

One question that many often greatly wrestle with is what should I give back to God?

• People try to rationalize how much they should give
• Sometimes they just want the Pastor to tell them how much to give
• Those are wrong ways to approach giving

2 Cor 8:1-4 – And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. (emphasis added)

• When have we ever had an attitude to give like that?

The New Testament standard of giving is this:

2 Cor 9:6-7 – Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

• If you find yourself giving reluctantly or begrudgingly, keep your money and ask God to work on your heart of giving

What about tithing?

• At NLF, we practice and encourage tithing, but not as a method to escape from a curse
• Jesus took the curse on our behalf (see Gal 3:10-14)
• Tithing is just one of the many things available to the believer to position us to walk in God’s blessings

——

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen 1:1-2)

Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, 11 for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High. (Ps 107:10-11)

And God said, “Let there be light,”and there was light. (Gen 1:3)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:1-5)

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. (John 1:14)

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa 9:6-7)

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Isa 9:2)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of
your dawn (Isa 60:1-3)

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and
the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Heb 1:1-3a)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

…for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Eph 5:14)

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (1 John 3:8-9)

I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.  I am the bread of life.  Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died.  But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:47-51)

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. (Heb 2:10-11)

It was the third hour when they crucified him.  The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. (Mark 15:25-26)

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)

he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.  All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (Acts 10:42-43)

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Col 2:13-15)

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’”  Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.  Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.  Such a high priest meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens (Heb 7:21-26)

After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. (Heb 1:3b-4)

Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. (Heb 1:8)

As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.  A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. (Dan 7:9-10)

among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (Rev 1:13-16)

Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.  I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Rev 1:17-18)

But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Heb 12:22-24)

The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Rev 11:15)

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:28-29)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev 21:1-4)

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”-which means, “God with us.” (Matt 1:22-23)

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.  The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.  On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. (Rev 21:22-26)

All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.  They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. (Ps 145:10-13)

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Hab 2:14)

Nothing we do comes from a need to earn anything, nor can we earn extra favor by our works; rather, the things that we do should spring from the motivation of God’s love that has been released in our hearts.

Colossians 3:16-24 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.  Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.  Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

• The “word” of Christ is the Greek word “logos”
• Logos is more than words on a page, it is the words, thoughts, actions and ideas behind something
• You could paraphrase it as, “Let the words, thoughts and life of Jesus and His anointing be evident in abundance in your life as you do things for Him”

What should we do?

Acts 10:38 – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 

• We are called to do good
• “Do good” in the Greek is where we get the English word “philanthropic”
• We need to be generous with the riches we have – naturally and spiritually – to bring relief to our fellow man

When should we do something?

1 Chronicles 17:1-3a – After David was settled in his palace, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant of the LORD is under a tent.”  Nathan replied to David, “Whatever you have in mind, do it, for God is with you.”  That night the word of God came to Nathan, saying:  …

• God is always a God of right now
• Sometimes we need to quit “waiting for a word” from God and just start doing something because he is with us
• Procrastinators never take “now” for an answer

For whom should we do good?

Galatians 6:9-10 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

• In a healthy, balanced Christian life, we will minister to those in our daily lives AND serve in our local church
• Not everything that needs to be done is always visible

Why should we do anything?

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

• Jesus did not birth light in our lives for us to be spectators and do nothing
• One of the primary ways God gets glory is through His children doing good deeds
• We prevent God from getting glory if we don’t do something

Action:  Make a choice today to step out and do something you’ve never done before in your personal life and serving in your local church.

As our church prepared to institute communion on a weekly basis, Pastor Chris preached a series on the meaning behind this activity.  The notes from this series are below and the audio messages can be found on the sermon page.

Communion – weekly or otherwise – is not a prerequisite for eternal salvation  (see Romans 10:9)

Week 1: Food is Always a Good Idea

Throughout Scripture, it becomes clear that food is important to God:
- Adam in the garden (Gen 1:29 – God gave Adam all the trees for food)
- Gen 18 – The Lord appeared to Abraham and he made Him something to eat
- Profound miracle of feeding 1 million people a day for 40 years in the desert
- 1 Kings 17 – Elijah was sustatined by food every day (even in a drought)
- Ps 104:27 – all look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
- The wise woman in Pr 31 “provides food for her family”
- One of Jesus’ most famous miracles was multiplication of food
- Matt 25:35 – I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink
- Acts 2:46 – the early church ate together
- Peter with Cornelius – Acts 10:41 – Jesus was seen “by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”
- Rev 19:9 – blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb

Even in the Old Testament, God foreshadowed that there would be “special food” appearing:
- Tree of Life in Genesis – whoever eats it will live forever
- Gen 14:18 – Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High
- Passover
- Bread of presence (showbread)
- Manna

Then, Jesus comes on the scene and has this discussion with them:
John 6:48-59 – I am the bread of life.  Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died.  But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.  This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”   Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”  Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is real food and my  blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.  Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.  This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.”

- This was offensive and unsettling to natural and “religious” minded people
- The religious teachers were thinking “God said the life is in the blood, we can’t do this”
- “Religious” mindsets always focus on negative aspects and consequences
- Grace and mercy always focus on “look how he made a way!”

Sometime after that teaching, Jesus is observing the Passover with his disciples and says the following:

Matt 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  (Luke 22 and 1 Cor 11, include “do this in remembrance of me”)

- The disciples realized this was what He had been talking about – partaking in the benefits of His death and resurrection

Week 2: What Happens? (a.k.a. Bread & Mystery)

Form of Communion:
- Texts indicate that this “remembrance” was done as part of – or in conjunction with – a meal
- In fact, the meal became so extensive that Paul had to bring correction to the church in Corinth
- What you use as elements is not as important as what you believe
- Like anything else in Christianity, it is not a formula.  God may lead it to be somber and reflective.  He may cause it to be full of joy as we approach him as little children and receive His life.
- We will provide the elements as a time of reflection, however, He wants us to remember Him anytime we come together

Views of what happens during communion:
- Transubstantiation – elements literally become the physical body and blood of Jesus (predominately Catholic view)
- Sacramental Union – the body and blood of Christ are present “in, with and under” the bread & wine (primarily Lutherans)
- Spiritual (pneumatic) Presence – Christ is present by the power of the Holy Spirit and received by faith (Reformed & others)
- Symbolic – the elements are merely symbols of what Christ did on the cross (many Protestant denominations)

What did Jesus say about those views?

Matt 26:26-28 – While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins

- Jesus really didn’t comment on any of those “doctrines”
- Why aren’t we comfortable with leaving it in the realm of mystery?
- Mystical = having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence
- The bread and juice are not magical – your faith is what activates and gives substance to communion
- Faith transforms this simple act into receiving the very life of Christ

In Luke 22 and 1 Cor 11, it includes “do this in remembrance of me”

- Same Greek word as used in Hebrews 10:3 when it says ”sacrifices were a remembrance of sins”
- Remembrance = to perpetually give life to something through recollection
- Those animal sacrifices were a big billboard in the spirit-realm proclaiming “SINNER” (i.e., “You can cover it with new clothes or a fresh coat of paint, but you’re still rotten to the core”)
- We were instructed to be “Christ-rememberers” not sin-rememberers
- Every time you partake in communion you perpetuate and give life to the work of Christ within you
- Literally, the cross gave birth to a spiritual reality that could only be experienced completely different than how they had ever known God before
- Partaking in communion in faith is a testament that you are not of this world; that you are in Christ; that you are one with God, even as He and Jesus are one

So what happens?

When you partake of communion, you are internalizing the Word Himself and coming into agreement with God
When we partake of communion, it often tangibly activates the benefits of the cross

1 – Forgiveness of sins
2 – Wholeness (healing of all forms)
3 – Freedom from the curse

See Isaiah 53:4-5, 1 Peter 2:24 & Galatians 3:13-14

Week 3: Worthy Eating

We practice an “open table” at NLF – this means if you are a Christian you are welcome to receive, regardless of your denomination

1 Corinthians 11:27-32 – Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.  For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.  But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.

- This passage was not written to make us afraid
- It is important to be a Christian to partake, simply because without faith, nothing happens
- If you aren’t a Christian, your eternal fate doesn’t get worse because you eat the elements
- This passage has been used to scare people and caused many not to receive communion (e.g., “If you’ve got sin in your life…”), but as mentioned earlier, it is supposed to be Christ-remembrance (good news), not sin-rememberance
- The “examining” of yourself, is supposed to be a reminder of “I am a new creation in Christ, not of this world…”
- According to Vine’s, the phrase “unworthy manner” means treating something as common or natural (vs. supernatural)
- “Unworthy manner” is not a comment on your soul, but what you believe is happening at the table
- Paul brought correction because they were treating it as a natural act and not expecting something supernatural (v. 20 – “it is not the Lord’s supper you eat…”)

If you don’t “recognize the body”:
- You put the judgment on yourself instead of on Christ (where it belongs)
- Anytime we come to judgment without Christ, it’s always a bad thing
- v. 32 – if you judge yourself as “in Christ”, you don’t come under judgment

- If you don’t come in a “worthy manner”, you don’t expect healing, therefore, you stay weak, sick and die
- If we come expecting to partake in the life of the risen Christ, we receive His benefits!

Revival stirs many connotations in people’s minds, yet when it comes, it is often different than the picture we had.

In it’s most basic sense, it means to restore life to something; Webster’s defines it as “renewed attention to or interest in something; a new presentation or publication of something old; the reinforcing of a contract”

A good example of the definition of revival in Scripture is Habbakkuk 3:2 – LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.

God wants revival in the church; so there can be a spiritual awakening in the nation!

How does revival come?
Too many times, we preach “if we would just _______________, God would send revival”
- commit ourselves to more prayer
- have true holiness
- repent for social injustice and evil in our country
- restore Israel
- preach the undiluted Word of God

Just like everything else we receive from God, we can’t “earn” revival. The things on the list above may happen as byproducts of revival, but doing them more does not cause revival.

It’s a simple recipe! There are only 2 ingredients needed for revival:
#1 – God
#2 – You

Is God ready, willing and able?
Do we really believe it?

If one of the ingredients is perfect, then there must be an issue with the other ingredient.

Are we ready, willing and able?

Psalm 115:16 – The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man.
- God so honors the gift He gave us that He doesn’t do anything in the earth unless we ask Him to.

The work of the cross was complete and accomplished all that was required for us to walk in victory. As Christians, heaven was opened over our lives and God is waiting on us to release revival in the earth.

The readings below are taken from the weekly bulletin inserts and will be updated following each Sunday.  As these daily Scripture readings and reflections help us focus on Jesus, enjoy your time with Christ during this wonderful season of celebration!

Week 1:

December 1:  Anticipation         Luke 2:21-40

Read the account of two people who waited every day in the Temple for Jesus’ arrival. Discuss or journal about these two people who were blessed by seeing God’s Savior with their own eyes. How can your life reflect this kind of anticipation?  Think about how you anticipate Christmas. How much of this feeling of excitement is centered on the arrival of Christ?

December 2:  The Announcement     Matthew 1

Read the opening chapter of the New Testament—the account of Joseph, the earthly father God chose for His Son.  Consider how the weight of generations of expectations affected Joseph’s ability to step into such an awesome role. What do you think was going through Joseph’s mind when the angel showed up and told him about Jesus?  How would you have felt?  Have you ever had an experience where God asked you to do something that seemed ridiculous? Make a plan this Christmas season to do something “ridiculous” that you know God wants you to do.

December 3:  Terrified     Luke 2:1-20

Read the account of the shepherds who became witnesses to Jesus’ arrival.  Wonderful and terrifying at the same time! What do you think was going through the shepherd’s minds when the angels appeared?  How would you have felt if you were given this news? Have you had an experience where God interrupted your life with an important message? How was that a combination of terrifying and wonderful? Take time to pray—not to say anything to God, just to listen.

December 4:  Servant of All       Mark 9:33-37

Read Jesus’ remarks to His disciples about being a servant.  In the next 24 hours, live this out by serving someone. Especially think of a way you welcome a little child in Jesus’ name. Why do you think Jesus took a child into His arms for this remark? What does it say about Jesus’ ministry that a little child was already nearby?  As you served someone, who do you think was blessed more? You the server or the people being served?  Let’s take an inventory of how we spend most of our days. Are our lives characterized more by being served or serving? Is it any different during Christmas time?

Week 2:

December 5:  Lights     Matt 4:12-17, Isaiah 9:1-3, Matt 5:14-16

Read these passages about Jesus being the light.  Research the beginnings of the tradition of Christmas lights. Drive around town with a group of friends or family and look at the different expressions of lights.  How is Jesus the light of world? Think about the scientific facts you know about light. In what ways is light the perfect illustration God created from the beginning to illuminate who Jesus is? Why do you think Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world?  How has your life been a light to those around you? Make a point to be light during this season.

December 6: The Gift    Acts 20:35, 1 John 4:10

Read these verses about giving. Go Christmas shopping for someone that is not a part of your immediate family.  What is the real point of giving a gift? How is Jesus the best gift you have ever received? How generous are you with your time, treasures, and talents? Do you live as if it truly is more blessed to give than receive? How can you live this out more fully this Christmas season?  Spend time praying asking God to help you become more generous by better comprehending the gift of love He has given us.

December 7: Decorations    Exodus 25

Read God’s detailed instructions for the decoration of the Tabernacle. Look at your home and examine the Christmas decorations you have. If you haven’t decorated, take this time to decorate to celebrate this important season. Why do you think God was so specific about how to decorate the temple? What significance or symbolism do you think these decorations must have had? Discuss with friends or family the meaning and significance of your existing decorations. How can your decorations speak to the focus you’ve placed on Christ?  Create a new ornament or decoration that can represent how you feel about your relationship with Jesus this year.

December 8: The Least of These    Matthew 25:31-46

Read Jesus’ teaching and think of someone you know of that may fall into the category of “the least of these.” You may have  to think outside your normal circles. Invite them to a meal with you. Learn their story. Pray for them. How would you treat people differently if you really saw Jesus in their face?  Post a sticky note with the person’s name on it somewhere you’ll see it every day.  Begin to pray for them regularly. Be open to how God may ask you to help them further.  How would your life be different if you were purposeful about spending time with those who are struggling?

December 9:  His Names             Isaiah 9:6-7, Rev. 19:1-16, 1 Tim 6:11-16

Read the passages about Jesus’ first coming and His second coming.  Notice how prominent names of Jesus are in these verses. How important is your name to you?  What does each name of Jesus mean to you specifically? Discuss with friends or family about how Jesus expresses Himself in these various ways in your life.  How have you experienced Jesus as a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace? How is He a King of Kings and Lord of Lord? Now read the charge to Timothy about how to live ready to meet our King.

December 10:  Immanuel      Matt 1:22-23, Isaiah 7:10-15, John 1:14

Read the passages about Immanuel. Make a sign that reminds you that God is with you and hang it up somewhere that you see often.  Immanuel means “God with us.” How is Jesus still “God with us” even now that He’s not walking on the earth?  What are some ways you sense God with you?  Think about a time in your life when you felt the closest to Jesus. Make plans to intentionally include Him in something you do today. How important is it to seek to experience that closeness all the time?

December 11:  Snow     Genesis 1, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 51:1-10

Read the account of creation from Genesis. Create a snowman using real snow if we have it, or find a creative way to make a snowman (use cotton balls, wadded up paper, or just draw one).   How is shaping a snowman much like what God does with us — at creation originally, but also in our daily walk with Him?  Tell God how thankful you are that He continually shapes us to look more and more like Jesus.  Remember a time in your life when you knew for sure that God was shaping you to become like Jesus. Read the passages about snow. These passages associate Jesus’ forgiveness with snow. Discuss with someone what it means to be made white as snow.

Week 3:

December 12:  True Love                        Revelation 2:1-5, 1 John 3:1-3

Read the warning against turning from your first love.  Look up the lyrics of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Find at least one other person to sing it with you. Who is your first love?  Think back to how your feelings of love change over time. In what ways can you relate to the church in Ephesus? Write lyrics to your own version of the song as an expression of what you would like to give to Jesus—your true first love. Include in your song the pieces of your life that He wants, the changes He wants you to make, and the things He wants you to take action on. Read the passage from 1 John about his great love for us. What gifts has our True Love already given to you?

December 13: Concert            Psalm 150

Arrange to go watch a Christmas concert or play. Go outside your normal circles and try to attend one at a place or in a part of town you don’t often visit.  What part of the program meant the most to you? What did you learn just from the setting and the people you watched it with?  How is God like a conductor or director? How can you apply the discipline of rehearsal to improve your relationship with God? discuss with someone or journal about a time in your life when you were completely in tune with what God wanted for your life. What are some spiritual disciplines that you would like to rehearse more regularly in your life?

December 14: Christmas Cards         Acts 15:22-31

Most of the New Testament is made up of letters. Buy or make a Christmas card for someone who has really been a blessing to you this year.  Spend some time expressing to them what they mean to you. If a card won’t hold all you need to say, write out a whole letter like the early church did. Think of how meaningful letters like this must have been in the first century. What kind of communication do you most often use to express these kinds of thoughts to those in your life?  Why do you think there is so much power in expressing love to someone?  Jesus wrote a beautiful letter called the Bible expressing His love for us. What has been the most meaningful part of His letter to you?

December 15: Impossible                       Luke 1, Jeremiah 32:17

Read the passage about the arrival of an improbable baby and an impossible baby. God is setting the stage in this dramatic way for the advent of Jesus Christ — who would be characterized by doing the impossible.  Why do you think God delights in doing the impossible?  Is God asking you to believe something that seems impossible right now? Write down something you want to ask Him for this Christmas that seems impossible.  Discuss with friends or family about a time in your life when you had to depend on Jesus to do the impossible. Read the verse about our God of the impossible out loud wherever you are.

December 16:  The Nativity        Matthew 2:1-12

Read about the kings who came to worship Jesus. Look at the pieces of a nativity set and consider how the artist made them to show that the scene is centered on Christ.   What do you think it would have been like to be right in the middle of that? What stance or position would you take in that scene?  The wise men are often shown kneeling.  Try kneeling and expressing to Him right now how much you love Him. How does just being in that position change the position of your heart?  The wise men also worshiped by offering their best gifts. Think of a creative way to give him your best today.

December 17:  Adopt a Family         Galatians 4:1-7

Read the passage about how we have been adopted as children of God.  Many people adopt a family to help during Christmas, but try finding someone who needs a family this Christmas and think about how you can be family to them.  What is the difference between adopting a family to help at Christmas and literally adopting a child into your family?  What does this communicate about God’s commitment to loving us?  What rights and privileges do children of royalty have? What are some ways we don’t fully live as if we were a child of God?

December 18:  Fasting           Isaiah 58, Matthew 6:16-18

Read the passage about fasting. The Christmas season is generally a time of feasting, but try taking at least a day to fast from something.  Why do you think Jesus asked us to fast? What kind of fasting does Isaiah say the Lord requires?  Why do you think it is so difficult for people to make this a habit? How can you incorporate fasting into your regular habits of worship?  Think about your experiences with fasting. What did you learn? How did it change you?

Week 4: 

December 19:   Pray                Luke 11:1-13

Read the passage about Jesus teaching His followers how to pray.  Use the ideas found in the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern to pray today.  What parts of Jesus’ prayer pattern do you most often leave out of the times you pray?  Make it a point to include those aspects in your daily prayer this week. Discuss with friends or family or about a time in your life where God answered an important prayer.  How did this change the way you viewed prayer.

December 20:  The Word            John 1

Read the first chapter of the Apostle John’s account of Jesus’ life.  If you have an Advent wreath spend some time just reflecting and looking at the candlelight.  This chapter is known for being written in almost a mystical style, telling the narrative of how God prepared the world for the arrival of His Word.  What was your favorite part about the chapter? What is significant about understanding that Jesus is The Word and that He has been God since the beginning? ”Follow me” is a statement you find in John 1. What was it like when Jesus asked you to follow Him?

 December 21: The Greatest Story Ever Told                 John 21:25

Christmas is getting closer!  Sometimes, it can be easy to lose focus on Him as the season gets busier.  Read the last verse of the Gospel of John. Gather friends and family to watch the movie classic The Greatest Story Ever Told or some similar story of Jesus’ birth and life.  What is your favorite part about Jesus’ life?  How did the movie help your understanding of Jesus’ life?  Did watching it with others
open up opportunities for good discussion? How has your story become a part of the greatest story? Journal about the role you have played in God’s big story.

December 22:  Joy          Psalm 100

Get a group together and go Christmas caroling.  If you don’t know all the words, print out copies of the lyrics before you go out.   You can go through your neighborhood or revisit one of the people you’ve met this month as you’ve reached out to serve.  What is your favorite Christmas caroling song? Why is it your favorite song? Write down the lyrics to your favorite Christmas carol and think about what the words mean.  Ask God to use this season to help you experience the joy and peace the song communicates in a new way this year.   What is your favorite memory of a Christmas carol?

December 23:  He’s Coming         Matthew 25

Read these parables Jesus told about His return.  What do you think is the main point of the chapter?  You’ve done a lot to get ready for Christmas. What can you do to be ready for the Second Advent?  How are you living in light of the things Jesus spoke about in this chapter? Think about what you want to do to be ready for that day.  Contemplate the difference between waiting around for Him to return and doing something with what we’ve been given.  How would your life be different today if you believed Jesus was arriving? If anything comes to mind that you would do differently, go do it now.

December 24:  So Loved           John 3:16

Christmas Eve is the last day of Advent and one verse sums it up the best. Read John 3:16 from several different translations. Think about making a really huge poster or sign of it like you see at sports events or stadiums to post outside your home.  What reactions do you think it would cause?  Do you feel so loved today?  Say this verse aloud. Memorize it if you haven’t already. What has been your greatest moment of being a Jesus follower?  What has been your worst moment since you met Him?  Reflect on how He loves us in all of those moments! Invite friends and family to come attend our Christmas Eve worship service.

December 25:  He’s Here        Luke 1:26-56, Matt 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-40, Matt 2:1-12

As the shepherds got a glimpse of the angelic hosts, reflect on what must have been going on in Heaven as Jesus was born.  How did this release of heavenly joy transform this realm? Celebrate the King before you open a gift or take a picture.  Does your family have a Christmas tradition?  Rehearse why it is important to your family and how it started.  If you are in town, come celebrate Christmas with your NLF family at church this morning.