Philippians 4:1-5 "Taking Out the Trash"

Resound
9/18/11

Bryne Palmer

“Taking out the Trash”

Philippians 4:1-5

    Barbie has reinvented herself over 100 times, she’s gone through a major identity crisis. Sometimes we act like that. We forget who we are in Christ.

1.       Recognize VS 1
He tells us, reminds us of who we are. Recognize what God has done for you. Quit trying to reinvent yourself. Stand firm, don’t forget who you are. You don’t doubt your citizenship if you were born an American or whatever. So why doubt your citizenship in Christ. You even have proof: 1- The Holy Spirit, 2- Christ –Romans 5:8-

2.       Harmonize VS 2-3

In verses 2 & 3 we have a disharmony going on, there was some disagreement. They were called by Paul to harmonize, to be on the same page. To sing the same song even if they are singing different parts. They had this problem and they weren’t addressing it because it didn’t seem like the “Christian” thing to do. –Matthew 18:15-20- So it just kept building up until Paul heard about it while he was in jail. It’s a loving thing to bring up issues instead of just sweeping them under the rug.

3.       Realize VS 4-5

-Philippians 2:17-18- -Philippians 3:1- -Philippians 4:4- Rejoice! When you rejoice especially together, you won’t be focusing on your own problems with each other, Solve the problem by singing the same song, by rejoicing! Knowing that we’re all sinners but we’re all saved by grace. Your own opinions get you nowhere fast, but rejoice that we have Christ! When you approach one another about something, be gentle about it. Christ took out the trash. He’s not asking us to do anything he didn’t do already. We need to take out the trash and do so lovingly.    

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Resound Fridays
September 2, 2011

Bryne Palmer

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

VS. 17 “A New Creation” you change, He makes you new, the old you is no longer. Vs. 18-19 Reconciliation: Being made whole, being brought into Christ’s family. When We are born in this world we are broken but once we accept Christ he reconciles us to Him, He fixes us and makes us whole.
When you become part of His family you find your identity you no longer need to be so whishy washy doing what the world says, you know who you are in Christ and ultimately you need to act like it (it doesn’t happen overnight and you need to be in a constant relationship with him, in His world and talking to Him). You’re taking steps daily.

Philippians 3:8-12 "Take the World"

Christ Community Fellowship
August 28, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“Take the World”

Philippians 3:8-12

1.       What we (he, Paul) lose VS. 8

a)      His Linage

The favorite tribe of Israel was Benjamin (because that was Israel’s favorite son) and Paul was of that tribe.

b)      His Status

As a Pharisee he knew what to do and what not to do and how to “get right” with God. Now Christ has come to fulfill the law, Paul can no longer do anything to make up for his wrongs.  

c)       His Control

All these things we need to let go of also. All these things are rubbish, we need to let go of it. Some things of this world might be good but they are like those little taste test spoons of ice cream, they only have a little to offer, but Jesus is like the big waffle cone filled with yummy ice cream and all the amazing toppings. Why would you only taste test if you could have the whole shebang?

-Isaiah 51:6- -Luke 14:26- -Matthew 16:24-26- What do we have to lose for Jesus? Absolutely everything! But in return we gain Christ!!! We’re found in Him, We’re found to be righteous.

2.       What We Gain VS. 9

We trade our worthlessness and nastiness for his glory and righteousness and resurrection from the dead (VS 11).

3.       What We Go Through VS 10-11 “Fellowship of suffering, being conformed to His death.” You cannot love holiness without hating sing, love life, hate death, love light, hate dark,. See sin put to death, that might even be through suffering. The closer you get to Christ the more you want to see sin put to death even if it calls for suffering.

4.       What We Become VS 12

There is always more to learn about Christ, we are yet to obtain perfection. Righteousness, eternal life etc. is ours we just haven’t grown into it yet. But pursue it till the day we finally do grow into it (when we’ve died and receive eternal life and meet Him).

"Beware of Dog" Philippians 3:1-7

Resound
August 21, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“Beware of Dog”

Philippians 3:1-7

The Pharisees were like old dogs who couldn’t and didn’t want to learn new tricks. Paul used to be one of them. –Romans 8:4- but Paul was an old dog who did learn a new trick.

1)      Beware VS. 1-2

Again Paul is telling then to rejoice because they already know it, it’s a safeguard, an anchor. –James 1:6- If we let our eye wander to things other than Christ we eventually drift over to it and before you know it you’re there. So beware of the people who try to drag you astray.

a)      Dogs

Dogs back then were more like the hyenas from the Lion King. They were dirty, honor-less, disgusting creatures. The dogs he’s referring to here are the Judaizers.

b)      Evil Workers

They try to drag you away

c)       False Circumcision

Circumcision was to be an outward sign that they were Jews (it was primarily the parent’s responsibility to make sure they stayed on the right path). –Deuteronomy 6:16- Jesus wanted it to be an inward thing, circumcise the heart (not the physical heart). But the Judaizers were telling people they had to be outwardly circumcised to be a Christian. But Paul is warning against them and their false teaching. Christ had already come to fulfill the law.
Gentiles were referred to as dogs. Christ has taken us dog as hyenas and brought us in and cleaned us up and made us His. This warning isn’t just for the Philippians it’s for all of us.

2)      Be Blameless VS. 3-6

As believers of Christ we’ve been circumcised in the spirit. –Galatians 5:5-6- All the bad things have been cut away. We have an inward change and it’s the inward change that matters.

Paul’s list of outward things: He’s…

·         Circumcised on the 8^th day (He’s like a pure bread dog)

·         Of the tribe of Benjamin (Israel’s favorite, good tribe)

·         Hebrew of Hebrews (A leader, top dog)

·         AS to the law; a Pharisee (a law settler and contender)

·         As to zeal a persecutor of the Church (part of what the Pharisees did)

·         As to righteousness which is in the law, found blameless (it’s been paid for)

Paul is saying is physical outward things could get you saved he’d be close to perfect, he really followed the law.

3)      Be Loved VS. 7

But he’s willing to trade all of that to follow Christ. It doesn’t matter what I can do, there’s nothing we can do to gain salvation. It’s not about what we can do for Jesus, it’s what He did for us.

Philippians 2:19-30 "Better Than Facebook Friends"

Resound
August 14, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Better Than Facebook Friends

Philippians 2:19-30

-Proverbs 17:17- -Proverbs 18:24- -Proverbs 27:6- If we choose to follow Christ with everything we’ve got, that includes our friends. Friends have a major influence on your life.

1.       Fair-weather Friends Vs. 21

When you wanna know what a good friend looks like Paul will show what a bad friend looks like. Vs. 21 a fair-weather friend only sticks around when times are good. A true friend sticks by always. (Paul was in jail for two years and can speak from experience about friendship)What a good friend doesn’t look like: Me monster, fun in the moment when it’s what they want to do, they don’t care about others. A good friend is someone like Timothy who helps you in your walk. Fair-weather friends will draw you away and make your walk harder.

2.       A Faithful Friend VS 22-27

Surround yourself with these people.

a)      Genuine concern for you

Your wellbeing and your walk with Christ.

b)      Friends will serve with you VS 22

They go through stuff with you.

c)       They have a common goal with you

Your main goal should be Christ. Don’t disown the world but be careful what/who influences you.

d)      They will go the extra mile for you.

They will take time for you, they want to see good things for you.

               We want to influence the world and out worldly friends but we don’t want/need to influence us. The kinds of people Paul had in his life are the kinds of people we should have too.

3.       Fellowship Vs. 28-29

This should be a joyous thing, having a desire for fellowship and these people. Paul’s friendship blueprint is Jesus. 

Mark 8:22-30

Resound
August 12, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Mark 8:22-30

There are two Caesarea’s and this particular town Caesarea Philippi is another paganville town, they worshiped a lot of Greek gods. Who do you think this town thought Jesus was? What do you hear about Jesus from the people you’re around daily? The world says He’s a nice guy, crazy, liar, etc.  But who do you say He is? Who He said He was: the Savior. What different religions say about Jesus: Hindus – everything is God; Islam – Jesus was just a prophet; Buddhists – Jesus and Buddha are the same; Atheists – Jesus was just a crazy man.

Caesarea’s Philippi was just like our world today, they had all kinds of different beliefs, similar to our beliefs today. Who is Jesus? And what does that mean to you?

VS 22-27 They’re in Bethsaida, back in Churchville. He gives this man special attention, HE takes him by the hand and brings him outside the town and gives him special attention. VS 24 maybe He only heals him halfway at first to test his faith, to see is he’d stick around and pursue Him. He does stick around and VS 25 his vision is fully restored.

If you’re searching for Christ your vision is still blurry. Until you believe in Him and trust Him your vision won’t become clear.

Philippians 2:12-18 "Life Application"

Resound
August 7, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Life (App)lication

Philippians 2:12-18

Lemmings (like little hamsters) are known for following the crowd. We’re all lemmings. They are known for running and jumping off cliffs (when trying to migrate somewhere). That’s us,  we’re living in sin, running and jumping off a cliff. –Romans 3:23-

1.       iWork Vs 12-13

He’s encouraging them to continue to obey even though he’s not there with them. Don’t do the things that you do in secret. “Just because I (Paul) am not around doesn’t mean you should act any different.” We should be mindful and do the same, just because God isn’t physically here with us doesn’t mean we should act any different (plus He’s omnipresent so He’s always with you). He’s also telling them to work and grow in their salvation. You don’t have to work for your salvation because it has been given to you as a gift. But you need to work on your salvation with fear and trembling (work on being a better Christian, work with God’s strength).  When you receive salvation it’s like going from Morris Code to an iPhone. You’d spend time figuring out what your new phone would do, do the same thing with your salvation. Fear and trembling – He’s there with you working it out.

2.       iDifferent Vs 14-16

If you claim to be a follower and not a fan, you’re different, so act like it. We’re all lemmings running toward a cliff, PCs with viruses popping up every day, but Christ came to save us, we don’t have to run toward the cliff, we can be a Mac.

How can we be different?

a)      Don’t grumble or dispute

That’s what everyone does; it’s easy to do that, so don’t. Live for the glory of God, be different, turn the other cheek.

b)      Be blameless and innocent

Don’t cause trouble just because, stay out of it. Be above reproach, be different.

c)       Be God’s children

Be different, be a light amongst the dark world.

d)      Hold fast to God’s word

Trends and things change but God and His word is unchangeable. Verse 13 we are called to do this because out God is different. –Isaiah 44:6- -John 1:11-14- Our God wanted to hang out with us, what other God does that? Especially to come from Heaven to earth willingly. Our God is different so be different then everybody else, mirror Him. We are different so act like it.

3.       iRejoice Vs 17-18

People get excited about things of this world (and sometime line up for days for it, like a game or movie), we should have an excitement that is bigger than that!

Ephesians 5:1-7

Resound
July 31, 2011

Chris Williamson

Ephesians 5:1-7

The Bible is a mirror for us. VS 1 We’re supposed to mirror Christ as His children. Just like children in our lives imitate and mirror us, we need to mirror Christ. (A saint in the Bible is a Christian) Imitate in Greek is mimic. Therefore = look back to what was immediately written before that. In this case look back to VS 32. We need to love one another even in forgiveness. Therefore = looking back, it gives the word context. Don’t try and take it out of context, the only way you can really understand it is to read it in it’s context. How do you imitate Christ? You have to learn more about Him and how He lived, thus you must be in the word and study Him and His life. VS 3-4 are the consequences that come if you don’t imitate Christ (VS 1-2). Greed, filthiness, silly talk, immorality is what the Devil wants you to fall for. (There are no wasted words in the Bible, it’s all there for a reason) Filthiness in Greek text means dirty vulgar language. Silly Talk is foolishness, wasted words (something said to make fun but is not funny), not wholesome. In the Greek it’s stupid foolish talking. Coarse Jesting is harsh joking, talking about something with a sexual implication to try and make it funny. There is a serious consequence for not imitating God VS 5

Romans 8:38-39 you can never lose your salvation. Here Paul is referring to a lifestyle of choice, someone who walks like VS 3-4 and is not affected or convicted -2 Corinthians 5:17- -Titus 2:12-

Goodness in Goodness out. Paul’s final warning VS 6: Sons of disobedience, those who live that lifestyle by choice.

Philippians 2:1-11

Resound
July 24, 2010

Bryne Palmer

Philippians 2:1-11

“The Others”

Our culture says to think about yourself, God says to think of others.

1.       Everyone Else VS 1-4

What Paul probably means is “since then” instead of “if.” These are obvious questions. He’s in jail and he’s already happy but he tells them how to make him happier. VS 2, not meaning to be like clones, he’s pointing out that we all came from the same background; sin, and now we have the same goal; God. View others as more important that yourself. This is what we’re called to. Don’t only think about yourself, don’t hoard stuff. Look out for others interests not your own.

2.       Every Attitude VS 5-8

He’s not telling us to do this on our own he tells us who our example already is (Jesus) and to strive to be like Him, plus he’ll be there with us.

7 things Jesus did to humble Himself:

1.       From Heaven to Earth

He came down from His place of glory to this desolate earth.

2.       He Emptied Himself

He was still fully God but He chose to play by our rules. –John 17:5- He emptied Himself of His glory. “…whether playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a lion, Lucy could never decide.” – C.S. Lewis “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”

3.       He Came To Serve

He was a carpenter’s son; he probably built or fixed things for others.

4.       He Was Made in the Likeness of Man

-Isaiah 6:1-7- that’s where He came from, who He is. –Psalm 24- -Job 38-39-

5.       He Humbled Himself

Being humbled and humbling yourself are two different things.

6.       Obedient to Death

-Philippians 2:8- He allowed (decided) something that had zero authority over Him to overtake Him. We don’t have a choice in death but Jesus did.

7.       Obedient to Death on a Cross

-Philippians 2:8- A cross was not a glorious thing, for us nowadays it would be the equivalent of the electric chair (though probably way more painful). He did it for the others, He came and met us. We should do the same, let’s go out and meet others where they’re at.

“If I could be the servant of all, there’d be no further place to fall” – mewithoutyou

3.       Every Knee VS 9 – 11

God exalted Him (Jesus), gave Him the name of all names, will make every knee bow (Jesus = Savior), everyone will bow and confess that He is Lord. Even those in Hell, they’ll confess He’s Lord but it will be agonizing for them because they missed they golden opportunity. Are you going to take the opportunity to confess the truth (Jesus is Lord) now and eventually be with Him or be forced to tell the truth in Hell.   

Paul's Background

Resound
July 17, 2011

Chris Williamson

Paul’s Background

“The greatest Christian who ever lived.” Paul wrote 13 out of the 27 books in the New Testament. Paul didn’t start out as somebody who would make a difference for Christ. -1 Timothy 1:15- Paul identified himself as the worst sinner of all time, and he meant that. Paul was a Jew who later became a Pharisee. He also had Roman citizenship that gave him special privileges that actually ended up assisting him in his ministry at times. But as a Pharisee he was like a bible police, their head is smart but their hearts are dead, he was a legalist.
Paul was born around 2 A.D. so he and Jesus were kind of in the same generation. Paul and Jesus were around the same age (Jesus was born around 0 A.D.).
So what make Paul (his claim) the #1 sinner? He persecuted men, women, and children who were living for Christ. –Galatians 1:13- (He expands upon this). Jesus’ death was around 32, 33 A.D. and Paul, around 36, 37 A.D., was still killing Christians. However at this time he asked for special permission to go out of his way to go to Damascus and capture as many Christians as possible and bring them back to be tortured and killed. From Jerusalem to Damascus was about 135 miles. He was so filled with rage that he was willing to walk on foot 135 miles (and back). But then –Acts 9:3-5- (read the story). It says as he was approaching Damascus, he could have been really close, maybe only 5 miles away. Paul would have been around 35 years old at this time. Now being converted and finally shown the truth he realized that 30 years of his life of learning was wrong. But Paul takes that same work ethic as he had before (striving to kill Christians) and applied it to his new ministry. His new ministry lasted about 30 years until the time he was martyred.
Paul made 3 different journeys during his ministry. On his second journey was when he encountered Philippi. At the church of Antioch was where Christians were first called Christians. Philippi was one of the places where they didn’t have a synagogue so Paul couldn’t go straight to the synagogue as he had in many other places and start to teach (he went straight there because he knew that where a majority of people would be gathered, most of which to hear about Christ). He visited Philippi around 50, 51 A.D. roughly 15 years after he was converted. Philippi was the first church in Europe, the first church in the Roman territory. Philippians was written 62 A.D. The church in Philippi was about 10 years old when he wrote this letter to them. He wrote this in prison, in Rome, and this was his first Roman imprisonment. The second time he was imprisoned in Rome he was executed. He wrote 4 letters in prison. The only time he really had time to write was when he was imprisoned. –Philippians 1:13- Pretorian Guard = about 10,000 men, paid double and even emperors had to make favor with them.
Epaphroditus (Philippi) –Philippians 2:25, 4:18- visited Paul and helped him/supported him in his imprisonment. Philippians is like one really long thank you note full of encouragement. The second time Paul was imprisoned in Rome he was put in the Mamertine prison (very awful prison). Now, there is actually a church on top of the prison. The first time Paul was imprisoned in Rome he was able to rent his own quarters and was chained to a Pretorian Guard. -2 Corinthians 11:24-27- All that Paul has gone through. How can he have so much joy? –Philippians 1:21- 7 of the books he wrote he wrote in prison. Paul surrounded himself with people who encouraged him. Don’t limit God on what He can do in your life.

More on the Mamertine prison: in this prison Paul would have been lowered into a hole in the ground, where there was so sunlight and it was very damp, cold, and probably smelly down there. The ceiling was short, approx. 6ft if I remember correctly, so if you were taller than that you could never stand up straight There was only one flat spot to lay on. If you were lowered into this hole you probably were not coming out. I believe there was one door down there that lead you out to be executed. Many Christians were killed there. There is a plaque on the wall of all the names of Christians who were killed there.  

Prison below, Church above

The only flat spot to lay was the rock in the corner

The hole in the ceiling they were lowered through

the top of the hole that they were lowered through

Mark 8:1-21

Resound
July 14, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Mark 8:1-21

The first time he fed the 5,000 it was by the Sea of Galilee but this time He’s in the Decapolis where all the gentiles are. He came for the Jew first and then the Greek. The significance of the number 7 in VS 5 & 8: to be full and completed, satisfy, plenty, etc. The world was completed in seven days. If authors in the bible go through the trouble of telling you a number then that number means something, pay attention. What is he trying to say? When He is there with them they are complete (and when he later sends the Holy Spirit to them they are complete). That He came to earth to save everyone completely. He came to fill everything. All parts of you. Let Him take control of all of all parts of you to fill you till you’re overflowing (like the 7 remaining baskets). He’s also saying with the left over baskets that He is more than enough. Also He met the Gentiles where they were at, He didn’t wait till they came to Him, He went to them, He went into paganville.

He has no beginning and no end, unlike everything else in the world, books , movies, life, etc..

Philippians 1:21-30 "Catch Phrase"

Resound
July 10, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“Catch Phrase”

Philippians 1:21-30

1.       Catch Phrase VS 21

Paul’s catch phrase is VS 21: “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” –Galatians 2:20- -1 Corinthians 13:2- (talking about going to heaven). Paul’s catch phrase is saying he gets to live a life representing Christ, to be part of His body on earth but when Paul dies he will get to see Christ, face to face, no more looking though a dimly lit mirror -1 Corinthians-. It’s either Jesus or more of Jesus (in heaven). What drives you, what do you live for, what is your catch phrase/tagline?

2.       Confidence VS 24-26

Paul has a confidence that Christ lives in him/us. He’s confident in that he will glorify God, he will preach the gospel and people will come to know Christ. He was so confident in his God. He knew that as long as he was alive Christ would bring people to Himself. Paul knew who he was in Christ. You can’t have a catch phrase/tagline unless you know who you are, who you are in Christ. In our would, our culture, we change with the times and sometimes we allow that to influence our view of Christ (this especially happens during college). But Paul was someone who stands firm, we need to strive to be like him. Stand firm, don’t be wishy washy. He is so confident in Christ that he gave himself one choice: Christ (on earth) or Christ (in heaven). It was kind of hard for him, if he stays for Christ more people come to Christ but if he dies he’d be with God face to face (remember that this was probably one of the last book he wrote, so death was probably on his mind).   

God should be our main focus, if you want something to happen before Christ comes back (like learning to drive, getting married, flying to the moon, etc.) then you love that thing more than God, He’s not your main focus. –Deuteronomy 6:4-5- (Israel’s Catch Phrase).

VS 26 Paul still have this hope (that comes from his confidence) that he might eventually be free. This comes from having his confidence in God not in his surroundings, or else he’d probably have given up. Everything has a purpose and a plan to glorify God. You have a purpose whether you know it or not.

3.       The Calling VS 27-30

He’s encouraging the Church of Philippi (and all believers) to stand firm and live out the gospel. Live like you’re saved! No longer like the life you lived before. To live out the gospel is to stand firm in it to strive to have a better faith. Seek to be like Christ, to be confident in Him and His word. Rely on God and one another and help each other. –John 15:18-21- You can tell a lot about someone by who their enemies are. If your enemies belong to Satan then it proves your faith/foundation. VS 29 “…it has been granted…” granted = gifted, privileged, honored. It’s a gift to suffer in Christ’s name. You can rejoice in that, it proves who you are. If you wanna be like Christ, suffer and become sanctified through it.

Resound’s mission statement/tagline thing J

The Call

Adapted from Roger Fields

I am a minister.

My calling is sure. My challenge is big. My vision is clear. My desire is strong. My influence is eternal. My impact is critical. My values are solid. My faith is tough. My mission is urgent. My purpose is unmistakable. My direction is forward. My heart is genuine. My strength is supernatural. My reward is promised. And my God is real.

In a world of cynicism, I offer hope. In a world of confusion, I offer truth. In a world of immorality, I offer values. In a world of ridicule, I offer affirmation. In a world of division, I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness, I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin, I offer salvation. In a world of hate, I offer God’s love.

I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged or distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature or veneration. I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit or surrender.

I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down.

My calling is to reach those far from God. It is too serious to be lightly, too urgent to be postponed, to vital to be ignored, too relevant to be overlooked, too significant to be trivialized, too eternal to be fleeting and too passionate to be quenched.

I know my mission. I know my challenge. I also know my limitations, my weaknesses, my fears and problems. And I know my God. Let others get the praise. Let the Church get the blessing. Let God get the glory.

I am a minister. This is who I am. This is what I do.

Philippians 1:12-21 “No Matter What”

Resound

July 3, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“No Matter What”

Philippians 1:12-21

-Acts 28:16- Paul wrote this letter while chained to another human being. This is suspected to be the last letter he wrote before he was beheaded. He didn’t die a free man.

1.       Progress VS 12-14

Vs 12 – more than seeing the silver lining, than seeing the glass as half full. He’s been put in prison specifically to reach a people who wouldn’t normally hear the gospel. Those hours when he’s chained to each guard he was probably talking their ear off about Christ. His imprisonment was an encouragement to other believers. If Paul’s in prison and still effectively preaching why can’t I do it in freedom? Paul is seeing his imprisonment as doing nothing but good. He’s seeing the glass as overflowing. Like the story of Joseph, his imprisonment lead to good, saving his family’s life and providing food to the surrounding countries (story in Genesis). Paul is saying it doesn’t matter what’s happening to me, God is being glorified. Sometimes we focus on our circumstances rather than Him and His glory. Focus on the progress that God is making.

2.       Purity VS 15-19

There are people who are preaching Christ but they’re not doing it with the right mentality, they’re doing it to one-up others. It’s their selfish ambition, their motives are not pure. Are yours?

3.       Power VS 18-21

But then he follows up with I don’t care how or why it’s done but that it’s done. (either way Paul wins J). Good motives or bad motives rejoice because His name is being proclaimed. God does good despite us. There is a power to that. Our God is moving! That might be what drives Paul, knowing that ultimately it’s not up to him it’s up to God.

VS 21 – whether in life or death Christ will stand to gain. Sometimes we care more about our social standings and that holds us back from proclaiming Him and we miss an opportunity. But Paul was willing to die for it. Continually pray for this, continually participate. Why not give our #1 and our very best to the Lord? This power that Paul is talking about is yours also.    

1 Peter 2:1-12 "Livin' The Life We're Given"

Resound
July 3, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“Livin’ The Life We’re Given”

1 Peter 2:1-12

Peter here is addressing Christians.

1.       The spiritual house VS 1-5

Peter is telling them that you’re supposed to go for the word but before you do that you must let go of the old ways then go on to the new. When Peter is talking about the spiritual house he is talking about the church. VS 2 We become built into the body.

2.       The Spiritual Foundation Vs 6-8

Being built into His temple we cannot be built on ordinary sand. Our foundation is the rock; it needs to be the rock so that when the storm comes the house doesn’t crumble. That rock, cornerstone is Jesus, the most important rock that could ever exist. Jesus = rock, world = sand. There’s an old story about a man who builds his house upon a rock and a man who built his house upon the sand. When the storms came and it rained down the sand was moved and that man’s house was washed away but the man’s house that was built upon a rock stayed because the rock was a firm, unmovable foundation.

(the following is a quote, though not exact) “You win over people like you win over a dog. You don’t try and take the bone he’s chewing on away, he’ll just growl at you and maybe even bite you. Instead present the dog with a big juicy stake so he’ll release his grip on the bone and come for the stake.” VS 7 The world is offended by Jesus. But all we have to do is present them with the gospel and God will do the rest. Don’t get mad and try and force it on them, it only pushes them further away.

3.       VS 9 & 10

-Galatians 2:20- He no longer sees the person we once were, we don’t have to be our old ugly sinful self anymore. He sees Christ. We were no body (before Christ), but now we’re somebody (after Christ). VS 11-12 Peter urges us to remember who we are. We are God’s people. You know who you are, act like it. Be yourself, be who Christ wants/made you to be.     

John 1:35-51 "First Impressions"

Resound
July 1, 2011

Bryne Palmer

“First Impressions”

John 1:35-51

Two things to notice in this study: Jesus is personal and Jesus is to be followed. In verse 35 it shows a shifting of power. John the Baptist goes from “Jesus is coming” to “Jesus is here.” What are you doing/saying to point to Christ and how often are you doing it? John was always (as recorded in the bible) pointing to Christ. Every time he’s mentioned he points to Christ. (Challenge: every time you receive a complement, give the glory to God.)

Notice how they answer Jesus’ question (why ya following me?) with a question. It’s kind of an awkward first impression. But their question is basically saying John says you’re awesome so we want to be wherever you are. He replies: “Come and you will see.” Jesus is to be followed. He’s telling them, if you really want to know you will follow. He wasn’t just going to tell him where He was going to be so they could leave and join up with Him later.

Another awkward first impression: Peter and Andrew walk up and Jesus sums up the basics of their lives plus on top of that He changes Peter’s name to “rock.” Jesus is personal. But what’s comforting about Him knowing everything about us, sins and all, He still chose to come and die for us. He’s known everything you’ve done yet that didn’t change his mind. He came for every one not just the “good” people. (“There is none who does good, no not one.”)

 Nazareth – sprout or shoot. –Isaiah 11:1- Philip wanted Nathanael to come and experience Jesus, he was excited. Although it becomes yet another awkward first impression. Notice the fig tree. Fig tree – Messiah. He even knows when you’re praying and what you’re asking for. He tells Nathanael basically that he’s only seen the tip of the ice burg, there is way more. 90% of an ice burg is under water. Experience Him, dive into the water and learn more about the ice burg.

Philippians 1:1-11

June 26, 2011
Resound

Bryne Palmer

Philippians 1:1-11

“Play Ball”

Acts 16:11-40 – When this Church was established. When this Church was established there wasn’t a whole lot of Jew/God fearing people there. Lydia was a Greek who chose to believe that the Jew’s God was the one true God. The Church of Philippi started with only two families; Lydia’s and the Roman guard’s.

1.       Participation VS 5

This Church had grown a lot since it was first established. Notice how excited Paul is as he’s writing this letter to this Church. Paul is excited that these people are participating in the gospel. If you aren’t participating you aren’t going to get excited. Don’t sit on the bench, get on the field, in on the game. Remember that as you actively participate God will always be there with you. He won’t leave you to do it on your own. (it’s like a concert, if you know the bands and participate it’s more exciting than if you have no idea who it is, that’s no fun.)

2.       Players VS 7-8

It’s unity. There are others participating in it with you and it forms this unity, this bond with each other. You’re not alone in your trials and victory.

3.       Purpose VS 8-11

To grow in the knowledge, to be sincere and blameless;  to look forward to His return. We need to approve of excellent things and not of bad things. Don’t do things that can harm your witness. Be blameless, above reproach. The big game – Christ’s return. Baseball players work hard and strive to be a part of the big game. We should do the same, looking forward to Christ’s return.  

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 "Strength through Scars"

Resound
June 19, 2011

Bryne Palmer

Strength through Scars

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

-Psalm 121:3-4- We need sleep, God doesn’t. That is only one more thing that proves God’s power that makes us that much more insignificant.

1.       Sarcasm VS 1-5

Paul is talking about himself in 3^rd person here. –Acts 18- (when Saul became Paul). He’s telling them not to boast but there he is boasting sarcastically. The whole point of his sarcasm, how awesome he is, is to prove that the only reason he will boast is because of Jesus Christ, the only reason he is cool is because he met with Christ. Paul is saying we as believers can do amazing things but remember to whom the glory belongs. The only reason he/we are awesome is because of Christ. Every day we have a choice to either glorify ourselves or God.

2.       Shortcomings VS 6-9

His thorn in his side is like a pain that keeps you from doing normal things, but the reason for it is so that he doesn’t glorify himself. We tend to have the mentality of something good happens it’s our fault something bad happens it’s God’s fault. This thorn gets in the way and keeps us from being as strong as we could be on our own. What is your thorn? Whenever something good is taken away, we usually have one of two reactions: anger at God or longing after God, telling him that we are weak in that area. When Paul sight was taken away he could have either been angry at God or leaned on God completely. Where/who do you run to when bad things happen. When we boast we need to boast in our weaknesses and give the glory to God, let God shine through our weaknesses. God moves in us daily.

3.       VS 10

The more we can admit our weaknesses the more God can shine though. Allowing His son to die on the cross seems weak. To die, death seems like giving up, He could have called angels to come and bring Him down from the cross. But in his death that is when God shined the brightest.

We will always have scars from the thorns that have entered our flesh but those scars will remind us how far we’ve come and how we couldn’t have done it without Christ. It’ll remind us how bright He’s shined and still shined. What are your scars? Even little things like your car breaking down or a gf/bf breaking up with you are scars and God will shine bright through them. Share your weaknesses with others and how God has brought you through them.  

1 Peter 1:1-9 Season's Greetings

Resound
June 12, 2011

Bryne Palmer

1 Peter 1:1-9

Season’s Greetings

1.       Priorities VS 1-5

They don’t beat around the bush. They set their priorities straight; this is who you are through Christ. It’s a great greeting introduction. He sets up this letter like this, with encouragement, because they were going through some serious persecution. Peter is trying to make sure that as believers we have our priorities straight. -1 Thessalonians 4:4- He encourages them that even though they’re in a tough situation that they should still stick with it. When we let our situation take over and we focus on that it’s like drowning in 1ft of water. Our God is bigger, we can stand upon Him. As He becomes bigger and bigger in our lives, and we stay focused on him, our problems become smaller and less significant.

2.       Perseverance VS 6 & 7

Peter is telling them to rejoice even in extreme times like that. Shouldn’t we be like that? Even in times of trouble to rejoice in suffering. In all those times we’re tested be aware of your reaction, because if it’s not one of the fruits of the spirit then that’s an area of your life that needs to go through the process of sanctification, like gold through fire. Those Impurities will rise and be skimmed off the top. –Psalm 77- it goes from being scared and troubled to my God is bigger.

3.       The proof of the Prize VS 8-9

He’s reminding them that they haven’t even seen Jesus and yet they still believe, remember the joy that you first had. Sometimes we think we let our circumstances change who God is. But God never changes just because your circumstances do. This is who God is. That joy can never be taken from you.     

Hebrews 13:5-6

Christ Community Fellowship
June 12, 2011

Pastor Bob Brown

God’s Precious Promises

Hebrews 13:5-6

There are over 6,000 promises in the Bible. -2 Corinthians 7:1- Why does God give us so many promises? One of the reasons is so that we may work on perfecting our holiness.

1.       The Concern of the Promises VS 5

…is that something would be avoided so it doesn’t affect your character. Character: manor of behavior in which we indicate to others our manor of life style. The word love here is the same used for the love of silver. It doesn’t always have to be money, it can be power, reputation, a person, whatever it may be that you long after. –Philippians 4:10-13- You are wither one or the other, you are either coveting or you are content. Which are you today?

2.       The Consideration of the Promise VS 5

Coveting automatically means no happiness until you have it and even when you have it you get tired of it and then covet something else. To obtain true happiness and joy you must overcome coveting and enter into contentment by undertaking and standing upon two promises. In the Greek it is written as: “I will never, I will never, I will never deserts you or fail you.” (This is the only time in the Greek where 3 negatives are used.) God really wants us to get something here. He will never let us go or give us. (Think about how much we give up on others.) Forsake: I’ll never leave you in the lurch, never abandon you. He’s promising His presence with us, He’ll always be there with us be He never promised to take away the tough situations. He is standing right there with you. –John 6:35- -James 1-

3.       The Consequences of the Promise VS 6

If you do A He’ll follow through with B, we’ll receive the wonderful consequence of B. The blessing we receive: contentment, living life with confidence.  

Joshua 1:8

Resound
June 5, 2011

Chris Williamson

What God Would Have You Do With Your Time

Joshua 1:8

When you love something or have a passion for something it just kind of flows from you, you want to tell people about it. You can’t help it. This should be how we are about God’s word.
Meditate day and night: constantly thinking about it. It’s always on your mind, you don’t have to try hard to meditate on it it’s just on your mind, it’s natural.
Well what’s in it for us? There is a promise in this verse: He will make your way prosperous. But don’t think that your life will be all good and perfect. God makes another promise; if you follow Him you will go through hard times, persecution. When it says prosperous remember that that is God’s definition of prosperous.  It may mean your prosperous in sharing your faith, playing an instrument, or organization. It may consist of the joy of your salvation. It is not dependent of your surrounding circumstances. The joy of salvation comes from reading the bible.

-2 Timothy 3:16-17- if it’s in the Bible it was put there by God it’s not a mistake. He promises that we will be thoroughly equipped for every good work. His word is for every one of all ages. The Bible is always and will always be relevant.

Practical application for quite times:

1.       Be intentional for the time you set aside

2.       Be still, so you can focus

3.       Be secluded so you’re not distracted

4.       Be silent (eliminate the distractions)

5.       Be diligent (if you wanna be good at something you have to keep doing it, practice)

6.       Submit to God, let Him teach you.

Don’t let a negative attitude dull what you might have learned. Approach it with a positive, accepting attitude.