Church Billboards

• "Big Bang theory? You've got to be kidding." - God
• "C'mon over and bring the kids." - God
• "Do you have any idea where you're going?" - God
• "Don't make me come down there." - God
• "Follow me." - God
• "Have you read my #1 best seller?  There's going to be a test." - God
• "I love you and you and you and you and…" - God
• "Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer." - God
• "Let's meet at my house Sunday, before the game." - God
• "Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage." - God
• "My way is the highway." - God
• "Need direction?" - God
• "Tell the kids I love them." - God
• "That "Love They Neighbor" thing... I meant it." - God
• "We need to talk." - God
• "What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand?" - God
• "Will the road you're on get you to my place?" - God
• "You think it's hot here?" - God
• Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em. He'll clean 'em.
• Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
• Come work for the Lord.  The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low.  But the retirement benefits are out of this world.
• Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
• Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
• Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
• God Answers Knee-Mail.
• God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
• God grades on the cross, not the curve.
• God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
• God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
• He who angers you, controls you!
• If God is your Co-pilot, swap seats!
• If you don't like the way you were born, try being born again.
• Memberships available free to everyone under the Son.
• Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
• The Bible is Not Antique, Nor is it Modern, it is Eternal.
• The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
• The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
• Turn Life's Cares into Prayers.
• Want to make God laugh?  Tell him your future plans.
• We don't change the message, the message changes us.
• When you pray, don't give God instructions, just report for duty!

19.08.2011 - Drama-Mama - Set Free

Performed: Friday 19th August 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbvrvrelDUo&feature=share


"But if men are bound in chains, held fast by cords of affliction, he tells them what they have done-- that they have sinned arrogantly. He makes them listen to correction and commands them to repent of their evil. If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge." ~ Job 36:8-12 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

First of all, I want to introduce the roles that are being portrayed here in our first drama act:

Jeremy – Jesus
Patrick – Satan (Pride)
Joel – Greed
Stanley – Envy
Ivana – Anger
Arabelle – Lust
Annette – Gluttony
Wai San – Sloth
Myself – I represent everyone who has suffered under the weight of sins and was set free by the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ

Together, we make up the OCF Melbourne City drama team, which is called “Drama-Mama” according to Jeremy.

Our purpose is to worship God through various means, which include singing, dancing and acting. Anyone can be part of the drama team and everyone who participate in the drama team hold the same responsibility and leadership. There is no supervisor, manager or leader of the drama team besides God.

MAIN

As you probably have noticed, our first drama act is based on the Seven Deadly Sins, which originated from the Catholic Church with Pope St. Gregory the Great and St. John Cassian. However, it is really more of a guide for spiritual progress than a doctrine. Therefore, it is not reserved exclusively for Catholics but applies to all Christians in general.

As a matter of fact, you cannot find a complete list of all the sins in one place in the Bible. The Bible covers all these sins in different books. So the list of the Seven Deadly Sins is really just a condensed version of what the Bible already stated clearly throughout.

So how did people come up with Seven Deadly Sins and not eight or nine? King Solomon stated that the Lord specifically regards “six things that the Lord hateth, and the seventh His soul detesteth”:

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
A false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

The rest of the Seven Deadly Sins is also mentioned in:

Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
And envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Looking at the Seven Deadly Sins, we must not forget that there is another matching list that is the Seven Godly Virtues. Let me introduce you to the sins and virtues in their traditional order:

Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Godly Virtues

Pride - Humility
Greed - Generosity
Envy - Kindness
Anger - Patience
Lust - Chastity
Gluttony - Temperance
Sloth - Diligence

. . .

Pride – is an excessive confidence in an individual's own abilities that interferes with the individual's acknowledgment and understanding of the grace of God.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Humility

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

. . .

Greed – is the overwhelming desire to gain wealth. It places the love of physical objects above the love of people and the love of God.

Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:11
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

. . .

Envy – is a feeling of discontentment created by witnessing or hearing of the advantage, benefit, prosperity, gain, or success of others.

James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Kindness

Act 4:9-10
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed,
Then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

. . .

Anger – is the rejection of love. It occurs when man chooses not to forgive and it leads to fury and sometimes to wrath.

Ephesians 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Patience

Ecclesiastes 7:8
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

. . .

Lust – is an excessive sexual appetite that results in one seeking immediate or ruthless satisfaction. It places the love of other people above the love of God.

Numbers 15:39
You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.

Chastity

Ephesians 5:3
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

. . .

Gluttony – is the excessive desire for food or drink. It can cause direct physical harm to the body, which is supposed to be the temple of God.

Proverbs 23:1-2
When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,
And put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

Temperance

Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

. . .

Sloth – is the procrastination or evading of either physical or spiritual work. It causes man to become complacent and unwilling to carry out the service of God.

Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Diligence

Hebrews 6:11
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.

. . .

Why do we make such a big deal out of the sins and virtues anyway?

James 2:10
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Romans 3:23
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Before knowing God, we experience many temptations. In our walks with God, we experience the heaviest temptations. This is all because the devil tries to pull us away from God.

“Did you know that demons tremble at the name of Jesus? Satan is defeated, this is a visual example of how demons have to flee when you repent and come to Jesus. The Power of God is real!”

CONCLUSION

For this Semester, I just want to ask you:

Do you want to be free?

Strip away everything that is holding you back. Lift all your troubles and worries to the Lord. He came to set the captives free.

Let all Glory be unto God. Amen.

Christ Is Better Than Moses

Preface

Hebrews 3:1 – 4:13

Describe your favorite ways of resting and relaxation. How often do you do this?

Introduction

Having argued for the supremacy of Jesus (who is shown to be superior to the prophets and the angels in the last Bible study), the Spirit-led writer of Hebrews now makes the case for how Christ is better than Moses, the one through whom the first covenant came.

The author will issue a second warning, now against forfeiting the rest offered to us (What was the first warning about?). The importance of rest is then expounded in chapter four.

Questions

1. Why is Moses so esteemed by the Hebrew people? Briefly recall facts about his life.

Read Hebrews 3:1-6

2a. In what way is Christ better than Moses?

b. Why did the writer of Hebrews argue that Jesus is greater than Moses?

Read Hebrews 3:7-19

3a. A warning is given, based on the Old Testament passage in verses 7-11. Who is this warning for?

b. What is the nature of the warning? (What is its severity of the warning? What is the tone of the author? Is it pleading or punitive? What effect does the rhetorical style used have on the feel of the message?)


c. What will be the result of not heeding this warning?

4. We are told to encourage one another to identify with Christ rather than be overcome by unbelief (Hebrews 3:13)

a. How is sin deceitful?


b. How does encouragement help?


c. How can God use you today to encourage another believer?

Read Hebrews 4:1-13

6. Who gets to experience God's rest?

Read Joshua 21:43-45

7a. Describe the kind of rest the people experienced. Of what did this rest consist? Did this rest last?


b. What does this rest mean for us as Christians?


8. Take some time to examine your own heart and life. Have you entered into God's rest through faith, or are you still trying to be saved through your own work and self-effort? What evidence would you give to support your answer?

Read Hebrews 4:12-13

9. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we are instructed to wield. How may we do so in the world of our everyday student lives?

Conclusion

The need for God's rest is urgent. A person should diligently, with intense purpose and concern, secure it. It is not that he can work his way to salvation, but that he should diligently seek to enter God's rest by faith – lest he, like the Israelites in the wilderness, lose the opportunity. God cannot be trifled with. If you are walking by faith today, you can feel sure of your security in the love of God.

Christ Is Better Than Angels

Preface

Hebrews 1:1 – 2:18

Many opinions abound about who Jesus is. List some common ideas about the identity of Jesus that you've heard.

Who do you believe Jesus is? Why?

Introduction

The overarching theme of Hebrews is the supremacy or the preeminence of Christ. He is higher than any Old Testament character. He is superior to any Old Testament institution. He is greater than any Old Testament ritual. He is better than any Old Testament sacrifice. His life, death and resurrection make Him preeminent.

In this Bible Study, the author shows how Jesus Christ is superior to angels, which are held in high regard by the Jews as highest beings next to God.

Questions

Read Hebrews 1 (Refer to Hebrews 1:1-4)

1. Consider the ways Jesus is described here. How would you summarize the ways Jesus is described here in a sentence?

a. What does it mean that God “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son”? (John 1:1-14)

b. What does it mean that Christ has been appointed heir of all things? (Psalm 2:8-9, 89:27, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:15-18)

Refer Hebrews 1:4-14

3a. Discuss why God made angels. What are they for? (Deuteronomy 33:1-1, Psalm 68:17, 97:7, 104:4, Acts 7:38, 53, Galatians 3:19)

b. How does the passage contrast Jesus from the angels?

Read Hebrews 2 (Refer to Hebrews 2:1-4)

4. What warning does the writer issue?

5. What does it mean when it says, 'Jesus was perfected through suffering' (Hebrews 2:10), bearing in mind that He never sinned?

Read Colossians 1:13-20

6. In what ways does this passage echo the themes expressed in Hebrews 1 and 2? What new truths are mentioned?

7. How has your views of Jesus Christ changed as a result of these chapters? Explain.

8. Given the excellency and supremacy of Christ, why do you think human beings still tend to trust other things more?

9. In what areas of your life do you need to recognize that Christ is far better than everyone and everything else you might put your faith and trust in?

Conclusion

Through this Bible study, we have gotten a better understanding of Christ. We learn about His glorious nature and the cause for which He suffered and died on earth, that is, the purification of sins and reconciliation with God.

There is no better promise than that in Jesus Christ. Not only has He atoned for our sins, but He continues to help us in our times of testing. Angels may minister to us as God's servants; Jesus ministers to us as His own kith and kin.

May we truly worship Jesus Christ as the One who humbled Himself, died for our sins, and who is now risen and glorified.

Children's Bible Answers

If you know the Bible - even a little - you'll find this hilarious!

It comes from elementary school. Kids were asked questions about the Old & New Testaments. The following statements about the Bible were written by the children. They have not been retouched or corrected (i.e. incorrect spelling has been left in.)

• In the first book of the bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world, so he took the Sabbath off.
• Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was called Joan of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals come on in pears.
• Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.
• The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with the unsympathetic Genitals.
• Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah.
• Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.
• Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients.
• The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten amendments.
• The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.
• The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.
• Moses died before he ever reaches Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.
• The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him.
• David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought with the Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.
• Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
• When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna Carta.
• When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, the found Jesus in the manager.
• Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.
• St. John the blacksmith dumped water on his head.
• Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before they do one to you. He also explained, a man doth not live by sweat alone.
• It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.
• The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels.
• The epistles were the wives of the apostles.
• One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.
• St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage.
• Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.