Eastside Baptist Church, Winfield, Alabama

“Why is the church important?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 22, 2013)

“Why is
the church important?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 22, 2013)
 
1.     
The local church is Christ’s institution.
 
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I
will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matt.
16:18, NIV)
 
2.     
Christ gave his life to purchase the church for
himself.
 
25 Husbands, love your
wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26
to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27
and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or
any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:25-27, NIV)
 
3.     
The local church is God’s means of
accomplishing the biblical mission for this age.
 
a. The
great commission is the responsibility of local churches.
 
18 Then Jesus came to them
and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always,
to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20, NIV)
 
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on
you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, NIV)
 
46 He told them, "This
is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third
day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached
in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are
witnesses of these things. (Lk. 24:46-48, NIV)
 
19 Consequently, you are no
longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also
members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (Eph.
2:19-20, NIV)
 
b.The
great commission results in the establishment of more local churches.
 
2 While they were
worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me
Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3
So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent
them off. (Acts 13:2-3, NIV)
 
23 Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,
committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:23, NIV)
 
41 Those who accepted his
message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that
day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
4.     
The local church has been given the
responsibility for proclaiming and upholding the Word of God.
 
14 Although I hope to come
to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am
delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's
household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of
the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
5.     
The local church is essential for Christian
ministry and growth in the Christian life.
 
a. It is
essential for making disciples (Matt 28:18–20) who are being taught everything
that Christ instructed us.
 
b.It is
the incubator for Christian growth, discipleship, and the development of the
fruit of the Spirit.
 
c. It is
one of God’s primary means for spurring us on to faithfulness and perseverance
in the faith.
 
23 Let us hold unswervingly
to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let
us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb.
10:23-25, NIV)
 
15 "If your brother or
sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they
listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not
listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established
by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If they still refuse
to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the
church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything
they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matt.
18:15-20, NIV)
 
6.     
The church was instituted to bring honor and
glory to Jesus Christ and ultimately to God.
 
Colossians 1:18-20   18 And
he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn
from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.  19 For God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in him,  20
and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
 
Ephesians 3:20-21   20 ¶
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,  21 to him be glory in the church
and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
 
Main Idea: The
church is important to Christ; it should be important to his disciples.
 

“A Deeper Devotion” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 22, 2013)

“A Deeper Devotion” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
PM/September 22, 2013)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God himself.

 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul
pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps. 42:1-2, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for God
by spending time in his Word.

 
97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day
long. (Ps. 119:97, NIV) 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter
than honey to my mouth! (Ps. 119:103, NIV)
 
7
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD
are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD
are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring
forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. 10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than
honey, than honey from the honeycomb. (Ps. 19:7-10, NIV)
 
15 "If you love me, keep my commands. (Jn.
14:15, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God by spending more time in prayer.

 
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every
family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out
of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in
your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18
may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this
love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the
fullness of God. (Eph. 3:14-19, NIV)
 

Cultivate an unquenchable desire for
God by spending more time in worship.

 
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul
pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God. When can I go and meet with God? (Ps. 42:1-2, NIV)
 
Main Idea: Greater fruitfulness is inseparably related to
the cultivation of a deeper devotion for God.
 
7
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider
them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not
having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is
through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of
faith. 10 I want to know Christ--yes, to know the power of his
resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his
death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the
dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already
arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus
took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself
yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil.
3:7-14, NIV)
 

Psalm 130 - Cameron Jungles - 9-18-13

[Psalms 130:1 NIV]A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD;[Psalms 130:2 NIV]Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.[Psalms 130:3 NIV]If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?[Psalms 130:4 NIV]But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.[Psalms 130:5 NIV]I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.[Psalms 130:6 NIV]I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.[Psalms 130:7 NIV]Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.[Psalms 130:8 NIV]He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

“The Fruit of Forgiveness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 15, 2013)

“The Fruit of Forgiveness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
PM/September 15, 2013)
 
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along
with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one
another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph.
4:31-32, NIV)
 
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance
against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all
these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you
were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:12-15, NIV)
 
Main Idea: In order to be like Christ we must forgive as
Christ forgives.
 

His forgiveness is not determined by
the worthiness or unworthiness of the recipient.

 
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of
your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's
physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish
and free from accusation-- 23 if you continue in your faith,
established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every
creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (Col.
1:21-23, NIV)
 
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into
the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the
forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14, NIV)
 
8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood,
how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For
if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of
his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his
life! (Rom. 5:8-10, NIV)
 

His forgiveness is not limited by the
severity of the offence.

 
1 Corinthians 6:9-11   9 ¶
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male
prostitutes nor homosexual offenders  10
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will
inherit the kingdom of God.  11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of
our God.
 
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are
forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the one whose sin the
LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Ps. 32:1-2,
NIV)
 

His forgiveness is not limited by the
number of offences.

 
12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my
hidden faults. (Ps. 19:12, NIV)
 
21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I
forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
(Matt. 18:21-22, NIV)
 

His forgiveness does not keep a
remembrance of wrongs committed.

 
Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being,
praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all
his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your
diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with
love and compassion, (Ps. 103:1-4, NIV)
 
8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our
iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so
great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is
from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Ps. 103:8-12,
NIV)
 
33 "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after
that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and
write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34
No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the
LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the
greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more." (Jer. 31:33-34, NIV)
 

His forgiveness always results in a
relationship.

 
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their
sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matt. 6:14-15, NIV)
 
3
So watch yourselves. "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke
them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against
you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,'
you must forgive them." 5 The apostles said to the Lord,
"Increase our faith!" (Lk. 17:3-5, NIV)
 

“What is the Church?” - Cameron Jungles - (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 15, 2013)

“What is the Church?” (Eastside Baptist/Sun
AM/September 15, 2013)
 
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the
head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church
submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up
for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the
word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle
or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Eph. 5:23-27, NIV)
 
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the
beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might
have the supremacy. (Col. 1:18, NIV)
 
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these
instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:14-15, NIV)
 
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to
the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to
prayer. (Acts 2:41-42, NIV)
 
1.     
The church is not...
 
a.  The church is not a building.
b.  The church is not a social club or society.
c.  The church is not a community service or
civic organization.
d.  The church is not a political lobby or
interest group.
e.  The church is not a camp, school, or
publishing house.
f.  The church is not a recovery group.
g.  The church is not a denomination.
h.  The church is not a preacher on television,
radio, or internet.
j.  The church is not a weekly time to hear
singing and preaching.
k. The church is not your family
meeting at home.
l. The church is not a human
invention or idea.
 
2.     
The church is...
 
a. The church is an assembly or
congregation.
b. The universal church is...
 
*  All of the
redeemed, regenerated believers in the Lord Jesus Christ in every age and every
location (in heaven and on earth).
 
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one
body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one
Spirit to drink. (1 Co. 12:13, NIV)
 
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to
one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and
Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:3-6, NIV)
 
And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to
take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your
blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people
and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth." (Rev. 5:9-10, NIV)
 
c. The local church is...
 
*  A geographically
local, chronologically specific manifestation of the body of Christ with:
 
ü  A
regenerate, baptized membership
ü  Biblical
officers of pastors (elders) and deacons
ü  A
commitment to the gospel and sound doctrine
ü  A
mutual cooperation in accomplishing the biblical mission
ü  A
faithfulness to meet at regular times for worship, instruction, fellowship,
ministry, and observance of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper
 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day
approaching. (Heb. 10:23-25, NIV)
 
A local church is a body of true believers in the Lord
Jesus Christ who have been baptized by immersion as a public testimony of faith
and commitment; who are organized with scriptural officers; who share a common
body of truth around which to fellowship; who practice mutual accountability
for godliness; who work together to carry out the Great Commission; and who
meet at regular and stated times for worship, spiritual edification,
fellowship, and the observance of the ordinances of baptism and communion.
 
Main Idea
The church is Christ’s body. He bought it with his own
blood, and he defines what it is and how it should function for his honor and
glory.
 

Psalm 96 - Cameron Jungles - 9-11-13

[Psalms 96:1 NIV]Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.[Psalms 96:2 NIV]Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.[Psalms 96:3 NIV]Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.[Psalms 96:4 NIV]For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.[Psalms 96:5 NIV]For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.[Psalms 96:6 NIV]Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.[Psalms 96:7 NIV]Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.[Psalms 96:8 NIV]Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.[Psalms 96:9 NIV]Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.[Psalms 96:10 NIV]Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.[Psalms 96:11 NIV]Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.[Psalms 96:12 NIV]Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.[Psalms 96:13 NIV]Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

The Fruit of Self-Control - Cameron Jungles - 9-8-2013 PM

“The Fruit of Self-Control” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 8, 2013)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." (Acts 24:25, NIV)5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7, NIV)24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Co. 9:24-27, NIV)8 Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. 9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Co. 7:8-9, NIV)6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest-- 11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. (Prov. 6:6-11, NIV)5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son. (Prov. 10:5, NIV)13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. (Prov. 20:13, NIV)When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. (Prov. 23:1-2, NIV)20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, 21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Prov. 23:20-21, NIV)8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Phil. 4:8, NIV)2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2, NIV)3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Co. 10:3-5, NIV)Main Idea: The Spirit who lives within us gives us the grace to control our emotions, desires, and appetites.Another way of phrasing our main idea tonight is this: Self-control is the Spirit-enabled ability to yes to the things we need to say yes to and no to the things we need to say no to. 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6, NIV)

Lord’s Supper - Cameron Jungles 9-8-2013 AM

Eastside Baptist ChurchLord’s SupperSeptember 8, 2013Main Idea: Communion is a reminder of the fellowship that we have with Christ and with each other as the Body of Christ.I. The imagery of the body describes the relationship the church has with Christ.A. The church is connected with Christ.16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. (1 Co. 10:16-17, NIV)B. Christ is the Lord of the body15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col. 1:15-20, NIV)C. The church is the center of Christ’s activity in this age.11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph. 4:11-16, NIV)II. The imagery of the body describes the relationship the members of the church have with one another.A. The members of the body are interconnected.12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1 Co. 12:12-14, NIV) 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Co. 12:27, NIV)B. The members of the body are mutually dependent.Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:15-2515 Now if the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Co. 12:15-25, NIV)C. The members of the body share unity in fellowship.As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:1-6, NIV)

Malachi - Cameron Jungles - 9-4-2013 PM

Honoring God’s Covenant: The Message of Malachi (Eastside
Baptist/Wed PM/Sept. 4, 2013)
 
Setting and Context
Ø  Malachi,
the prophet
§  “My
Messenger”
§  Ministered
in Jerusalem in post-exilic Judah
§  After
Haggai, Zechariah
Ø  Roughly
515 to 457 B.C.
§  Before
reforms of Ezra (in 457)
Ø  Spiritual
apathy and disobedience to the covenant from apparent unfulfilled promises.
People thought God had forsaken them.
Ø  Message:
God loves his people; he is worthy of honor from his people, expressed in true
worship and obedience to his covenant.
 
Structure & Message
Ø  Malachi
the Prophet (1:1)
Ø  Series
of 6 Disputes (1:2-4:3)
§  Six
disputes revolve around the peoples’ assumption that God did not love them and
their resulting unfaithfulness to the covenant.
Ø  The
Law and the Prophets (Moses and Elijah, 4:4-6)
 
God Loves Israel (1:2-5)
Ø  Though
the people questioned God’s love, God affirms his abiding love and commitment
to his people.
§  Demonstrated
in his electing love of Jacob over Esau and in his judgment on Edom (Esau) in
fulfillment of Obadiah’s message.
 
Unacceptable Worship (1:6-2:9)
Ø  Ironically,
it was Judah who wasn’t loving and honoring God.
Ø  Priests
were dishonoring God by offering blemished animals as sacrifices.
Ø  Demonstrating
disloyalty to their covenant with God.
Ø  Called
to repent and honor God.
 
Unfaithful Spouses (2:10-16)
Ø  Disloyalty
to God’s covenant expressed in their disloyalty to their marriage covenants.
Ø  Guilty
of divorcing Hebrew wives and intermarrying with foreign
women, resulting in idolatry.
Ø  Religious
rituals will not cover up for blatant disobedience.
 
Hypocritical Complaints (2:17-3:5)
Ø  Complaining
about the lack of God’s justice against evil.
Ø  Meanwhile
they were guilty of polluted worship and injustice.
Ø  In
answer to their request, God promises to come in judgment and restore pure
worship and true justice.
 


 
A Call to Return to God (3:6-12)
Ø  “Return
to me, and I will return to you.”
Ø  How
should they repent?
Ø  Stop
robbing God and bring their tithes and offerings to the temple, so that the
Levites and the poor may have their needs met.
 
Illegitimate Complaints (3:13-4:3)
Ø  Their
complaints that God did not love them and that God was not justly punishing the
wicked were illegitimate.
Ø  God
will come in his time and his way and judge the arrogant wicked and will come
as the “sun of righteousness” for his people.
 
Last Words (4:4-6)
Ø  Malachi
points the people back to the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah).
Ø  People
are urged to keep the Torah covenant (Moses), and a second Elijah will come
before the Day of the LORD.
 
Important Themes
Ø  God’s
love for his people is unfailing, even when present circumstances seem like God
is far away.
Ø  God
is worthy of honor and deserves love and loyalty from his people.
Ø  That
love and loyalty should be expressed in:
§  Faithful
obedience to covenant
§  True,
loyal, fervent worship
§  Faithfulness
to marriage vows
§  Love
and justice to neighbors and poor
§  Not
resting on religious ritual
 
“Jesus Lens” and Application
Ø  The
promised Elijah did come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the
way for the coming of the Lord.
Ø  God
demonstrated his love by sending Jesus as the “sun of righteousness” with
healing in his wings for those who trust in him.
Ø  Jesus’
first coming brought healing and salvation, but it will be his second coming
that will bring final justice and the Day of the LORD.
Ø  In
the meantime, we who trust in Christ should honor him with true worship and
love, loyal obedience, and love for our neighbors.

The Fruit of Gentleness - Cameron Jungles - 8-1-2013 PM

“The Fruit of Gentleness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/September 1, 2013) (Message 10)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)1. Humility – not having an overly inflated estimation of yourself or your importance.Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Gal. 6:1-3, NIV)As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1-3, NIV)Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, (Phil. 2:3, NIV)12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Col. 3:12-13, NIV)21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Jas. 1:21, NIV)2. Gentleness – responding with calmness, grace, and patience toward others.What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? (1 Co. 4:21, NIV)By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" toward you when away! 2 I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. (2 Co. 10:1-2, NIV)24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, (2 Tim. 2:24-25, NIV)Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Tit. 3:1-2, NIV)Main Idea: Pride will lead us to mistreat and manipulate others; but humility will cause us to be gentle and respectful toward others.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. (Matt. 5:5, NIV)15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Pet. 3:15-16, NIV). 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30, NIV)

Psalm 19 - Cameron Jungles - 9-1-2013 AM

“God’s World and God’s Word” (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/September 1, 2013)-Psalm 19-1. God reveals his glory and majesty in his world.The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Ps. 19:1, NIV)Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. (Ps. 19:2, NIV)They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. (Ps. 19:3, NIV)Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. (Ps. 19:4, NIV)It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. (Ps. 19:5, NIV)It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. (Ps. 19:6, NIV)2. God reveals his truth and righteousness in his Word.The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Ps. 19:7, NIV)The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8, NIV)The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. (Ps. 19:9, NIV)They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. (Ps. 19:10, NIV)By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Ps. 19:11, NIV)Main IdeaWhen we come to know our glorious and righteous God through his world and his Word, it should lead us to penitent, God-centered worship.But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (Ps. 19:12, NIV)Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. (Ps. 19:13, NIV)May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Ps. 19:14, NIV)Main IdeaWhen we come to know our glorious and righteous God through his world and his Word, it should lead us to penitent, God-centered worship.

Philippians 2 v 1-11 Cameron Jungles - 9-1-2013 AM

Philippians 2:1-111 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father

The Future of God’s House and People: The Message of Zechariah - Cameron Jungles - 8-28-2013

The Future of God’s House and People: The Message of Zechariah(Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 28, 2013)Setting and ContextZechariah the prophet“Yahweh Remembers”Ministered in Jerusalem after the return from exileContemporary of HaggaiPriestNov 520 to Dec 518 B.C.Discouragement from oppositionComplacency of selfishnessTemptation to return to old sins that sent them to exileDaunting task of rebuildingMessage : God has not forsaken his city, temple, or people.Structure & MessageZechariah the Prophet (1:1)Call to Repentance(1:2-6)Don’t be like your ancestors who refused to listen to the prophets.They died and went into exile.Return to the Lord.8 Night Visions (1:7-6:15)1: The Lord is returning to Jerusalem – build his house!2 & 3: God will deal with external opposition, including judgment of Judah’s enemies.4 & 5: God is with Judah’s leadership: Joshua and Zerubbabel.6 & 7: God will deal with internal opposition, including banishing evil from Judah.8: God has provided rest from enemies - build his house!Night visions were given to comfort and encourage God’s people to rebuild his temple; he is with them and has not forsaken them.True Fasting and Future blessing of Jerusalem (7:1-8:23)Fasting without obedience is meaningless.True fasting is accompanied by justice, love, and mercy.Promise of future blessing on God’s holy city of Jerusalem.Zion’s King and Glorious Future for God’s People (9:1-11:17)Judgment on the nationsRestoration of Davidic King and reunification of God’s peopleGod’s true Shepherd King will be rejected by the people (11:7-13).Final Triumph of God’s King (12:1-14:21)Suffering shepherd who is killedIn the end, God’s Kingdom will defeat all foes and will rule the whole world eternally in peace.Important ThemesGod is faithful to his covenant and has not abandoned his people. He restores them by grace.God brings comfort and encouragement to the weary.God values his presence among his people. He will dwell with them and be their God.God calls for his people to repent, be spiritually renewed, and obey his commands.God will judge his (and his peoples’) enemies.God will establish his universal, eternal kingdom of peace through his righteous, suffering Shepherd King.“Jesus Lens” and ApplicationThe temple that Zechariah was encouraging the people to build is fulfilled in a greater way in Jesus, “God with us” (Jn. 1:14)Zechariah’s future Shepherd King who will be rejected but who will ultimately rule is none other than Jesus Christ.Zechariah’s prophecies of the Messiah entail a two stage “coming” – fulfilled in a suffering and reigning Shepherd King.We are called to build God’s house, the church of Jesus.We are called to a life of peace, righteousness, justice, and mercy.

Faithfulness - Cameron Jungles - 8-25-2013

“Faithfulness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 25, 2013)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)1. Faithfulness is defined by God’s dependability and trustworthiness. a. God is faithful.And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, (Exod. 34:6, NIV)Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. (Deut. 7:9, NIV)He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deut. 32:4, NIV)"Now therefore, our God, the great God, mighty and awesome, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes--the hardship that has come on us, on our kings and leaders, on our priests and prophets, on our ancestors and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. 33 In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly. 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our ancestors did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the statutes you warned them to keep. (Neh. 9:32-34, NIV)For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (Ps. 33:4, NIV)5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. (Ps. 36:5, NIV)22 Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22-23, NIV)No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Co. 10:13, NIV)But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thess. 3:3, NIV)If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 Jn. 1:9, NIV)8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Co. 1:8-9, NIV)May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thess. 5:23-24, NIV)being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:6, NIV)b. God is worthy of our faith, because he is faithful. 2. Our faithfulness should be based on our faith in God and modeled after God’s faithful character. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7, NIV)a. We should be faithful/dependable in our obedience to Christ and His Word.This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. (Gen. 6:9, NIV)When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. (Gen. 17:1, NIV)The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' 21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matt. 25:20-21, NIV)Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. (Rev. 2:10, NIV) b. We should be faithful/dependable in our relationships with others."Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. (Matt. 23:23, NIV)i. We should be honest in our speech with one another.ii. We should be dependable in keeping our word and commitments/obligations.As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. (Prov. 10:26, NIV) iii. We should be loyal to our family, church, and friends.Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, (1 Tim. 3:2, NIV)iv. We should be faithful even when it costs us personally.LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; 4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; (Ps. 15:1-4, NIV)Big Idea: As God’s children, we should be faithful in all our commitments and relationships just as our Heavenly Father is faithful.

John 5:31–47- Cameron Jungles- 8-25-2013 AM

“Jesus’ Witnesses” (John 5:31–47) (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 25, 2013)"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. (Jn. 5:31-32, NIV)1. The Witness of John the Baptist"You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. (Jn. 5:33-34, NIV)John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. (Jn. 5:35, NIV)2. The Witness of God the Father"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish--the very works that I am doing--testify that the Father has sent me. (Jn. 5:36, NIV)And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. (Jn. 5:37-38, NIV)3. The Witness of the ScripturesYou study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (Jn. 5:39-40, NIV)"I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. (Jn. 5:41-42, NIV)I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. (Jn. 5:43, NIV)How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (Jn. 5:44, NIV)How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (Jn. 5:44, NIV)4. The Witness of Moses"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. (Jn. 5:45, NIV)If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?" (Jn. 5:46-47, NIV)Main IdeaEvery true witness corroborates Jesus’ testimony that he is in fact the divine, Son of God.ImplicationAll those who belong to God accept the truthfulness of that testimony, believe in God’s Son Jesus Christ, and have eternal life."Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (Jn. 5:24, NIV)

Build God’s House: The Message of Haggai - Cameron Jungles - 8-21-2013

Build God’s House: The Message of Haggai (Eastside Baptist/Wed PM/August 21, 2013)Setting and ContextHaggai – “my feast”Ministered in JerusalemContemporary of Zechariah“The Goad of God”Served in post-exilic Judah520 to 516 B.C.4 Oracles all from 520 B.C.538 B.C. – first Jews return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel.536 – foundation for temple laid, then opposition536-520 – no work on temple520 – Haggai sent by God to spur people to work on templeStructure & MessageThe Call to Rebuild the Temple (1:1-15)The Glory of the 2nd Temple (2:1-9)A Defiled People Purified and Blessed (2:10-19)Message to Zerubbabel (2:20-23)Call to Rebuild Temple (1:1-15)Misplaced Priorities – their houses over God’s House.Curse of Futility – their crops weren’t producing because of their misplaced priorities.Haggai calls them to repent and build – and they obey!Haggai 1:4"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"Haggai 1:6You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."Haggai 1:9"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.Deuteronomy 28:38You will sow much seed in the field but you will harvest little, because locusts will devour it. Deuteronomy 28:39You will plant vineyards and cultivate them but you will not drink the wine or gather the grapes, because worms will eat them. Deuteronomy 28:40You will have olive trees throughout your country but you will not use the oil, because the olives will drop off.Haggai 1:7-8This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. Glory of the 2nd Temple (2:1-9)The temple they were building didn’t look as glorious as the one Solomon built or the one described in Ezekiel 40-43.Yet, God promises that this 2nd temple will be more glorious than the 1st – because God’s Messiah, Jesus, will fulfill it.Haggai 2:3'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? Haggai 2:4But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD. 'Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty. Haggai 2:6"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. (Hag. 2:6, NIV)Haggai 2:7I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, ' says the LORD Almighty. (Hag. 2:7, NIV)Haggai 2:9'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace, ' declares the LORD Almighty."People Purified & Blessed (2:10-19)Two Questions about ceremonial defilement & consecration.Implication is that defilement spreads and affects the whole.The people and land were defiled by their own sin.But God will mercifully purify them and bless them.Haggai 2:19Is there yet any seed left in the barn? Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. "'From this day on I will bless you.'" Message to Zerubbabel (2:20-23)Zerubbabel, an heir of David’s throne but vassal of Persia is promised future glory as God’s “signet ring.” (see Jer. 22:24-25)Has typological implications that will be ultimately fulfilled in the final heir of David, Jesus.Haggai 2:21"Tell Zerubbabel governor of Judah that I am going to shake the heavens and the earth. Haggai 2:22I will overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms. I will overthrow chariots and their drivers; horses and their riders will fall, each by the sword of his brother.Haggai 2:23"'On that day, ' declares the LORD Almighty, 'I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,' declares the LORD, 'and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,' declares the LORD Almighty."Important ThemesGod’s glory and honor are supreme. His glory must not be in competition with our selfish pursuits.God will chastise his own people in order to make them holy and bring himself honor.God kept his promises to his people that he sent into exile. He restored a remnant and blessed them in the land.God takes defiled, unworthy sinners and purifies them and blesses them.The past glories of God’s presence among his covenant people is nothing in comparison to his glorious presence that is still coming in the culmination of all things.“Jesus Lens” and ApplicationGod’s special presence is no longer localized in a Temple building. Jesus has come and is “God with Us.” He is the greater Temple.Now that Jesus has come, God’s Spirit lives in the church, and we are God’s Temple.1 Corinthians 3:9For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:16Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 1 Peter 2:5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. So, today the application of Haggai is to build the church of Jesus Christ, which is not a building, but a community of believers for the glory of God.One day, the full and glorious presence of God will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:1Then 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. Revelation 21:2I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Revelation 21:3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Kindness and Goodness - Cameron Jungles - 8-18-2013 PM

“Kindness and Goodness” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 18, 2013)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)1. God’s disposition of kindness and goodness serves as our model of kindness and goodness.4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Rom. 2:4, NIV)4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Eph. 2:4-7, NIV)8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8-9, NIV)3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Tit. 3:3-7, NIV)Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." (Acts 14:17, NIV)2. We must follow God’s example by being kind and good to others.For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph. 2:10, NIV)12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:12-14, NIV)Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Co. 13:4, NIV)Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph. 4:32, NIV)But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Lk. 6:35-36, NIV)Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal. 6:10, NIV)Main Idea: God’s kindness to us should overflow and should result in our disposition of kindness and acts of goodness to others.

John 5:24–30 - Cameron Jungles 8-18-2013 AM

“Jesus, the Giver of Life” (John 5:24–30) (Eastside Baptist/Sun AM/August 18, 2013)For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. (Jn. 5:21, NIV)Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, (Jn. 5:22, NIV)"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (Jn. 5:24, NIV)The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (Jn. 10:3, NIV)When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (Jn. 10:4, NIV)"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. (Jn. 10:14-15, NIV)I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. (Jn. 10:16, NIV)Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. (Jn. 10:25-26, NIV)My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (Jn. 10:27-28, NIV)My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." (Jn. 10:29-30, NIV)For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. (Jn. 5:21, NIV)Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. (Jn. 5:25, NIV)"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. (Jn. 5:24, NIV)1. In this age, Jesus the Savior raises the spiritually dead.As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, (Eph. 2:1, NIV)in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Eph. 2:2, NIV)All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Eph. 2:3, NIV)But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.(Eph. 2:4-5, NIV)Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." (Jn. 3:3, NIV)Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. (Jn. 3:5, NIV)The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (Jn. 3:8, NIV)For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. (Jn. 5:26-27, NIV)2. In the age to come, Jesus the Judge will raise the physically dead."Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.  (Jn. 5:28-29, NIV)Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. (Dan. 12:2, NIV)Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Dan. 12:3, NIV)By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (Jn. 5:30, NIV)Main IdeaAs the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus has full authority to give life-both now and at the last day.

Justice and Mercy: The Message of Zephaniah - Cameron Jungles - 8-14-2013 PM

Justice and Mercy: The Message of Zephaniah (Eastside
Baptist/Wed PM/August 14, 2013)
Setting and Context
Ø  Zephaniah
– prophet of Judah
§  Lived
in Jerusalem
§  Possibly
of royal descent (1:1)
Ø  Ministered
during reign of King Josiah.
§  640
to 609 B.C.
§  End
of Assyria’s dominance.
Ø  Judah
in apostasy when Josiah becomes king at the age of 8.
Ø  Book
of Law rediscovered in Temple in 18th year of Josiah.
Ø  Zephaniah
possibly prophesied during this early period before Josiah’s reforms.
Structure
Ø  God’s
Judgment of Judah, with Consequent Wailing (1:2-18)
Ø  God’s
Judgment of the Nations (2:1-3:8)
Ø  God’s
Redemption of the Remnant, with Consequent Rejoicing (3:9-21)
Message
Ø  Zephaniah
the Prophet (1:1)
§  A
descendant of a royal, righteous reformer (Hezekiah) who now ministers in the
court of a royal, righteous reformer (Josiah).
Ø  The
Day of the LORD (1:2-18)
§  Announcement
of God’s coming wrath on Jerusalem for its sins (idolatry, injustice,
complacent prosperity).
§  Flood-like
imagery (Gen 6).
§  Total
devastation; wailing in lament; will be inescapable.
Zephaniah 1:14
The great day of the LORD is near-- near and coming quickly.
The cry on the day of the LORD is bitter; the Mighty Warrior shouts his battle
cry.
Zephaniah 1:15
That day will be a day of wrath-- a day of distress and
anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of
clouds and blackness-- 
Ø  God’s
Judgment on the Nations (2:1-3:8)
§  Call
for Judah to repent: protection from God’s wrath.
§  Five
oracles of judgment against five nations (including Judah).
§  Jerusalem’s
refusal to repent.
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what
he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered
on the day of the LORD's anger.
Ø  Restoration
of the Remnant (3:9-20)
§  The
purification of the righteous remnant restored to the land by mercy.
§  Praise
instead of lament.
§  Hints
of salvation extending beyond the borders of Israel.
Zephaniah 3:14
Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and
rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!
Zephaniah 3:15
The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back
your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear
any harm.
Zephaniah 3:16
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear,
Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing."
Important Themes
Ø  God
is just and will not tolerate idolatry, injustice, oppression, deceit, and
pride in wealth.
Ø  God
is jealous and will not be shared with other gods or elements of other religions
(syncretism).
Ø  God’s
justice extends to his covenant people and to all the nations.
Ø  God
is merciful and shows grace to an undeserving, humble remnant and grants them
salvation.
Ø  God’s
mercy to the post-exilic remnant of Judah was just the beginning of the
demonstration of his mercy to the nations.
“Jesus Lens” and Application
Ø  “The
small book of Zephaniah speaks in powerful ways of both God’s judgment on sin
and his gracious act of salvation for the humble and undeserving, thus
anticipating the gospel as expressed in the NT.” – Douglas Stuart
Ø   “The judgment and salvation announced in
Zephaniah foreshadow God’s final act of bringing judgment and salvation at the
return of Jesus Christ.” – Richard Patterson
Ø  As
in 2:1-3, those who repent and place their faith in Christ will be shielded
from God’s wrath.
Ø  Believers
in Christ owe God undivided love and worship.
Ø  Believers
in Christ should not put their trust or their joy in the wealth of this world.
Ø  Believers
in Christ should treat others with love, justice, & mercy.

The Fruit of Patience” Galatians 5:22-23 Cameron Jungles 8-11-2013 PM

“The Fruit of Patience” (Eastside Baptist/Sun PM/August 11, 2013)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23, NIV)1. Our patience must be patterned after the patience of God.And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, (Exod. 34:6, NIV)23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 "At this the servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.' 30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart." (Matt. 18:23-35, NIV)2. Our patience must be displayed in the circumstances of life.but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isa. 40:31, NIV)3. Our patience must be displayed in our relationships with others.a. Patiently bearing the mistreatment of others. 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Pet. 2:23, NIV)17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Rom. 12:17-19, NIV)b. Patiently bearing the provocation of others.8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (Ps. 103:8, NIV)c. Patiently tolerating the shortcomings of others.2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:2-3, NIV)4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Co. 13:4-5, NIV)8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Pet. 4:8, NIV)12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:12-15, NIV)Main Idea: If we are going to be like our patient God, then we must patiently endure the difficult circumstances of life, and we must patiently bear the mistreatment, provocation, and shortcomings of others.