http://cbctoday.com/wp CBC Audio Mon, 12 May 2008 01:14:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en © advisor@cbctoday.com () advisor@cbctoday.com() Christian Teaching 1440 CBC Audio advisor@cbctoday.com No no http://cbctoday.com/wp/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg http://cbctoday.com/wp 144 144 http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 01:12:52 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=15 http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-4/feed/ 34:16 HOW TO BE RICH - 4 "How to Be Rich in Faith" nbsp; Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be ... HOW TO BE RICH - 4 "How to Be Rich in Faith" nbsp; Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?nbsp; James 2:5 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.nbsp; Romans 10:12 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!nbsp; How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!nbsp; Romans 11:33 nbsp;Being rich in faith is experiencing God. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Experiencing God is knowing Him and learning to trust Him with our lives.nbsp; It is understanding that God truly does love us and has created us with a purpose.nbsp;nbsp; It is yielding to Him not just day to day, but moment to moment.nbsp; It is surrendering our plans and ambitions to Him and seeing Him make something beautiful out of our lives. nbsp;Being rich in faith does not make us exempt from problems. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Contrary to what many think, experiencing a close walk with God doesn't mean all of our problems will fade away.nbsp; Problems are part of life, however, a believer has a personal relationship with the One who has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.nbsp; That means He will be with us no matter problem may come our way. nbsp;Being rich in faith does not mean we never struggle. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Let's be honest.nbsp; There are no perfect Christians.nbsp; We don't always react the way we should when we are put to the test.nbsp; Sometimes our faith falters, but the object of our faith is the same yesterday, today, and forever.nbsp; One day a man brought his demon possessed son to Jesus to be healed.nbsp; His situation seemed hopeless for even Jesus' disciples couldn't help.nbsp; Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."nbsp; Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"nbsp; Mark 9:23-24 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The Bible is not a book of unproven theories.nbsp; It is not about superhuman men and women who live in some type of fantasy world. The Bible records the stories of real men and women who experienced real lives filled with real problems and heartaches yet continued to experience real faith. nbsp; 1.nbsp; YOU ARE RICH IN FAITH WHEN YOU CAN PRAISE GOD IN THE MIDST OF PAIN AND SORROW. nbsp; Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.nbsp; And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there.nbsp; The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."nbsp; Job 1:20-21 nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is a weak faith which does not hold up when the storms arise.nbsp; On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."nbsp; Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.nbsp; And other little boats were also with Him.nbsp; And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.nbsp; But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.nbsp; And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"nbsp; Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!"nbsp; And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.nbsp; But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful?nbsp; How is it that you have no faith?"nbsp; Mark 4:35-40 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is as we endure the storms and witness the power of God that our faith grows and matures. nbsp; 2.nbsp; YOU ARE RICH IN FAITH WHEN YOU CAN TRUST GOD EVEN WHEN YOU CAN NO... How,to,be,Rich advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-3/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-3/#comments Sun, 04 May 2008 20:30:22 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-3/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-3/feed/ 31:59 HOW TO BE RICH - 3 "Stewardship" Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in ... HOW TO BE RICH - 3 "Stewardship" Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight." says the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 You will hear a lot about how to get rich - most of which is bogus - but you will rarely hear how to be rich. Whether you feel rich or not, you are probably quite rich by comparison to the rest of the world. Remember, a yearly income of $45 K puts you in the top 1% of the worldrsquo;s wage earners. However, even if you are really struggling in todayrsquo;s economy, we are still a very blessed people. To tell the truth, it is going to be pretty difficult to convince the average wage earner even in our very blessed nation that he or she is rich. With the prices at the gas pump skyrocketing, home heating costs hitting all time highs, food prices soaring, and wages not increasing anywhere near the extra costs, everybody is feeling the financial pressure. The exciting thing in all of this is that Godrsquo;s people are going to have the opportunity to see the hand of God upon their lives in a way they probably never have experienced before. We will also have the added privilege of being a blessing to others as we share the blessings of God. But if there ever was a time Godrsquo;s people needed to understand biblical stewardship, it is today. Remember the Scripture has a great deal to say about money. While our blessings include far more than just money or even other material things, money still occupies a big part of our lives. The Scripture warns us about the misuse of money and the danger of the love of money, but it does not teach that we are necessarily more spiritual if we live in poverty. It is important to understand the attitude and relationship we should have towards money and other material things. 1. UNDERSTANDING OWNERSHIP The earth is the LORDrsquo;S and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. Psalm 24:1 We often fret about what we own or do not own, but the truth is, we donrsquo;t own anything. It all belongs to God. One of the first things we need to understand in order to have the right attitude towards things is everything belongs to God. According to the psalmist, even those who live on the earth belong to God. We are His creation, but if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we are twice His. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are Godrsquo;s. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 We were created to glorify God. When we live lives out of His will, we will never experience the joy and fulfillment God has intended for us. For example, one who does not follow Christ may experience temporary happiness, but will never have a true lasting joy. True Christian joy is a lasting, deep seated peace that goes beyond our understanding. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Since everything in this universe belongs to God, everything we have is His also. These things are on loan from God. We are managers, not owners. God blesses us with material things that we may enjoy as we use them for His glory. #160; 2. RELINGUISHING CONTROL Our problem is that we donrsquo;t seem to understand what it is to manage something or to be a steward. A steward in the ancient world was a servant who managed his masterrsquo;s goods. A wealthy master would give a trusted servant the responsibility of ... How,to,be,Rich advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-3-pastor-seth/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-3-pastor-seth/#comments Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:36:36 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-3-pastor-seth/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-3-pastor-seth/feed/ 32:54 Hope 3 - Pastor Seth CBC Audio Hope advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-2/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-2/#comments Sun, 20 Apr 2008 22:55:57 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-2/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-2/feed/ 42:30 Hope 2 CBC Audio Hope advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-guest-speaker-pastor-courtland-halloway/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-guest-speaker-pastor-courtland-halloway/#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:42:21 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/hope-guest-speaker-pastor-courtland-halloway/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/hope/hope-guest-speaker-pastor-courtland-halloway/feed/ 33:21 Hope - Guest Speaker - Pastor Courtland Halloway CBC Audio Hope advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-2/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-2/#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:10:43 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-2/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-2/feed/ 41:48 HOW TO BE RICH - 2 "The Deceitfulness of Riches" Now godliness with contentment is great gain.nbsp; For we brought nothing into this world, and it is ... HOW TO BE RICH - 2 "The Deceitfulness of Riches" Now godliness with contentment is great gain.nbsp; For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.nbsp; And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.nbsp; But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.nbsp; For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.nbsp; 1 Timothy 6:6-10 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; As we discovered last week, most, if not all of us, would be considered rich in comparison to the world as a whole.nbsp; An income of $37,000 would place an individual in the top 4% of all the world's wage earners.nbsp; To own a car, a television, a cell phone, etc. is what only the rich do according to most of the world's population.nbsp; To be able to eat out at a restaurant, even if it is McDonald's, is a luxury that a vast majority in the world today will never experience.nbsp; Most would consider it a luxury to just have enough to eat every day. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; While most of us don't feel rich, and are not considered rich in our culture, we still fall into this category in comparison with the rest of the world. nbsp;Remember, the Scripture has been written to the entire world.nbsp; Therefore, when we see passages addressed to the rich, we would do well to pay attention.nbsp; For example last week we dealt with this passage. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.nbsp; 1 Timothy 6:17 I WILL NOT TRUST IN RICHES BUT IN HIM WHO RICHLY PROVIDES. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; We can use our material blessings to honor and serve God, or we can allow them to distract us and keep us too busy to have time for God.nbsp; This one area affects our lives far more than most of us realize.nbsp; That is, no doubt, why God has spoken so much about money or material things in His word.nbsp; Money, however, is also one of the major tools Satan uses to either keep people from coming to Christ or keep Christians so pre-occupied that they are ineffective in their witness.nbsp; If we could only sit down and interview that deceiver... Video - Craig and Satan nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Satan wants you to worship money.nbsp; Money will be the major competition for your heart.nbsp; However, most of us are convinced that we don't have a problem with money.nbsp; We recognize that others do, but we simply don't have that problem.nbsp; But you may be a lover of money ... 1.nbsp; IF YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Isn't amazing that many of us are convinced that our problems would all be solved if we just made more money.nbsp; While it is true that one of the leading causes of divorce concerns finances, just having more income rarely helps the situation.nbsp; Financial pressures can affect so many areas of our lives, but our greatest need is usually learning how to handle the money we already earn. He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver... Ecclesiastes 5:10 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; We are spiritual beings, and you cannot satisfy a spiritual need with a material object.nbsp; It is simply impossible.nbsp; It is like trying to drink seawater to quench your thirst.nbsp; Instead of quenching your thirst, it will make it worse and actually lead to dehydration.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Have you ever noticed that when many are going through an emotional crisis, they will go on spending sprees?nbsp; Sometimes the crisis is precipit... How,to,be,Rich advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-1/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-1/#comments Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:54:21 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/how-to-be-rich-1/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/how-to-be-rich/how-to-be-rich-1/feed/ 45:21 HOW TO BE RICH - 1 1 Timothy 6:17-19 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; This series of messages is not on "How to Get Rich," but rather, "How to Be Rich" ... HOW TO BE RICH - 1 1 Timothy 6:17-19 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; This series of messages is not on "How to Get Rich," but rather, "How to Be Rich" in a way which honors God.nbsp; Have you ever noticed that most rich people either will not admit that they are rich or don't even seem to know it.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; If you were to ask someone whom you regard as rich if they were rich they would probably say "no" for they know someone who is richer than they are.nbsp; So - what is rich?nbsp; A Gallop Poll revealed some interesting results.nbsp; People who earned $30K per year were interviewed and asked how much money someone would have to make before they considered them rich.nbsp; The average answer was $74K.nbsp; The same question was asked of those making $50K per year.nbsp; Their answer was $100K.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Some of the top wage earners in the U.S. were asked how much they thought someone had to have in the bank before they could be considered rich.nbsp; The answer was $5 million.nbsp;nbsp; The truth is what it takes to make us feel like we are rich changes the more we get.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; While we may not feel rich, most of us are rich and should use our resources to serve God.nbsp; To be rich is to have more than the mere essentials of food, clothing, and shelter.nbsp; In today's terminology, it means to have discretionary dollars.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Think of what the rest of the world regards as rich.nbsp; For example, most people in the world could consider anyone who owns a car as being very rich.nbsp; This makes sense when you realize that only 3% of the world's population actually own an automobile.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; [Throw out 2 $1 bills]nbsp; Three billion people will work all day to earn that amount of money. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The median income, figured in 2005, for families in Orange County [NY] was $60,365.nbsp; The median income of the chief wage earner wasnbsp; $42,363.nbsp; Of course with the cost of living in this area anbsp; family may not have a lot left over after paying the monthly bills.nbsp; However, compared to the rest of the world, anyone making $37K per year would be in the top 4% of wage earners.nbsp; Anyone making over $45K would be in the top 1%.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Should we feel guilty because we have so much?nbsp; Most of us don't have to worry about having food, or a roof over our heads.nbsp; In fact we park our cars in little houses which are much nicer and larger than entire families live in across the world.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Have you ever noticed that financial blessings are the only ones we apologize for.nbsp; We feel guilty when we should feel grateful for God's blessings.nbsp; When God blesses us with more than we need, we should give Him the glory and use what He has given us to honor Him. Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.nbsp; Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Whether we feel rich or not, compared to the rest of the world most of us are classified as the rich.nbsp; Therefore we should carefully heed the Scripture addressed to the rich. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Our spiritual condition is not determined by our lack or abundance of wealth.nbsp; However, if we are going to t... How,to,be,Rich advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-4-the-ultimate/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-4-the-ultimate/#comments Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:36:47 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/uncategorized/failure-part-4-the-ultimate/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-4-the-ultimate/feed/ 43:14 GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE The Ultimate "Failure" #160; Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who ... GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE The Ultimate "Failure" #160; Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself!nbsp; If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."nbsp; Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save.nbsp; If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.nbsp; He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, "I am the son of God."nbsp; Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.nbsp; Matthew 27:38-44 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; We all experience failure to some degree in our lives.nbsp; And even when we may feel we've got it made, our lives and our fortunes can be turned upside down over night.nbsp; Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.nbsp; Isaiah 40:30nbsp;nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; We fail because of our own weaknesses and mistakes.nbsp; We become overconfident and self-sure often becoming blinded to our own short-comings until we find ourselves in the middle of a mess of our own making.nbsp; We then become discouraged and disheartened and give up when we need to press on.nbsp; But God has something better in mind for His children.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Our greatest failure is our falling short of the righteousness of God.nbsp; The result of such failure is not simply embarrassment or discouragement but eternal separation from God.nbsp; It was our failure, our sin, that caused Jesus to be identified as one of the greatest failures ever when He died on the cross. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 2 Corinthians 5:21 1.nbsp; OUR FAILURES AND THE CROSS nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Although the crucifixion took place nearly two thousand years ago, all of us were represented by the crowd surrounding the cross.nbsp; Notice those mentioned in our text.nbsp; Where you there? ? The wicked who knew better nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The robbers or thieves mentioned were more than just petty thieves or even common robbers.nbsp; In many cases, the Romans would execute patriots who would plunder them to help secure the freedom of their country.nbsp; However, these men do not appear to be patriots but rather cruel bandits who were as great a threat to their own countrymen as to the Romans. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; They probably were Jewish or at least lived in the Jewish society of Palestine.nbsp; Consequently they would have known about a coming Jewish Messiah.nbsp; They also probably knew something about this Jesus of Nazareth including the fact that He claimed to be the Messiah. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Why did they seem to hate Jesus so?nbsp; He certainly had done them no harm.nbsp; Yet, even though they were also being crucified, they joined in on the cruel mocking.nbsp; Like many today, the lives of the two thieves revolved around material possessions and fleshly satisfaction.nbsp; They had no concern for the things of God and were using their dying breath to vent their pent-up anger on the only one who could give them hope. ? The fickle crowd nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The ones which the Scripture describes as "those who passed by" were mostly Jewish pilgrims who had come to celebrate the Passover.nbsp; Thousands and thousands of people would make the journey to Jerusalem duri... Failure advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-3-peter/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-3-peter/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:22:04 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-3-peter/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-3-peter/feed/ 52:57 GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE "Peter - The Character Failure" #160; Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard.nbsp; And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also ... GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE "Peter - The Character Failure" #160; Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard.nbsp; And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee."nbsp; But he denied it before then all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying."nbsp; And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth."nbsp; But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!"nbsp; And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you."nbsp; Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!"nbsp; Immediately a rooster crowed.nbsp; And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him.nbsp; "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.nbsp; Matthew 26:69-75 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Every Christian will at times come before the Lord overwhelmed and broken by the awareness of his sinfulness.nbsp; To never experience such a thing indicates that we are very cold spiritually or not a Christian at all.nbsp; One thing that will shatter our confidence more than anything else is when we realize that we have deniednbsp; nbsp;our Lord either by what we have said or what we have not said.nbsp; To recognize that we have failed the Lord who has done so much for us should break our hearts. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; However, neither Peter's or our denials are merely the spontaneous responses to an unexpected pressure.nbsp; Peter had already laid the groundwork for defection before he entered the courtyard of Caiaphas just as we do in our lives. ? Self-confidence nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; When Jesus told His disciples that they would all forsake Him that night, Peter responded... ...even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.nbsp; Matthew 26:33 nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Peter felt that he was devoted to Jesus.nbsp; He considered himself incapable of disloyalty.nbsp; He was sure that he had reached a place of spiritual maturity and had grown in his faith as to be invulnerable to giving in to such temptations.nbsp; ? Prayerlessness nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; When Jesus took Peter, James, and John farther into the garden, He left them to pray while He went on alone to pray.nbsp; When He came back, they were asleep. Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping and said to Peter.nbsp; What?nbsp; Could you not watch with Me one hour?nbsp; Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.nbsp; The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.nbsp; Matthew 26:40-41 ? Impulsiveness nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; When the soldiers came for Jesus in the garden, Peter did not seem to see a need to ask for Jesus' advice or help but took matters into his own hands.nbsp; He drew his sword and whacked off the ear of the slave of the high priest.nbsp; However, Jesus had repeatedly taught the disciples that it was the Father's plan for Him to suffer, die, and be raised.nbsp; Peter ignored the words Jesus had spoken and took it upon himself to solve the problem.nbsp; How often do we do the same thing by ignoring God's Word and trying to solve our problems through our own wisdom. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Peter was not a new believer.nbsp; He had been following Jesus for over three years at this point and had sat at the feet of the greatest teacher in all history for his instruction.nbsp; His education was far beyond what any Bible college or seminary can offer today.nbsp; When the soldiers came for Jesus, he was ready to defend Him, probably with a strategy in mind even if it was seriously flawed.nbsp; But when a young girl approached him in... Failure advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-2-david/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-2-david/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:08:53 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=4 http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-2-david/feed/ 42:57 GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE - 2 "David - the Moral Failure" #160; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; One of the best known characters of the Bible, whose name is mentioned throughout ... GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE - 2 "David - the Moral Failure" #160; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; One of the best known characters of the Bible, whose name is mentioned throughout much of the Old Testament and New Testament as well, is the shepherd king, King David.nbsp; Most of us first became acquainted with his exploits by hearing the story about that shepherd boy who dared to fight a nine foot giant named Goliath.nbsp; It is an inspiring story about how a young sheep herder faced off with one of the most menacing enemy soldiers of all time when no one else in Israel had the courage to stand up to the blaspheming monstrosity.nbsp; It would make a great movie, but Hollywood would find some way to mess it up. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; The sad thing is that when people think of King David they usually think of two events in his life - his confrontation with Goliath where he experienced a thrilling victory and his consorting with Bathsheba where he fell in dismal failure.nbsp; While David perhaps thought he got away with his sin of adultery and then conspiracy to commit murder,nbsp;nbsp; it soon became painfully clear that he did not.nbsp; David failed big time.nbsp; Satan could not defeat David on the battlefield with Goliath, but he could bring him down on the battlefield of David's mind with the giant of lust. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; It is interesting to note that while David failed miserably, God still classifies him as a man after his own heart. David's sin was grievous, yet he responded humbly with a contrite spirit when he was confronted because of his sin.nbsp; The truth is if a man of God like David fell, none of us can claim to be immune from temptation. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.nbsp; 1 Corinthians 10:12 1.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; THE DECEITFULNESS nbsp;OF SIN nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; From the beginning of his career as a soldier in his battle with Goliath, David had been a fearless and faithful warrior.nbsp; Throughout the years the jealous King Saul had sought his life, David retained his integrity and his valor.nbsp; When he eventually became king, he led his struggling nation to victory after victory through the heat of battle.nbsp; Israel would expand its borders and its influence to become one of the truly great nations during his reign.nbsp; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; However, after he had tasted a measure of success, we find David staying home while his army went out to battle.nbsp; The story of his devastating sin is found in 2 Samuel 11,12.nbsp; As we read this account several things become apparent. ? David became comfortable. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; He no longer was facing a nine foot giant while he only had five stones in his pocket and a shepherd's sling in his hand.nbsp; At this point in his life he is no longer depending on God but instead relying on his past accomplishments.nbsp; It will never happen to me!nbsp; ? David became over confident. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Confidence is good if it is focused on God.nbsp; However, self-confidence can be devastating.nbsp; After all he was the king.nbsp; He didn't have to answer to anyone for his actions!nbsp; That was what kings did - pretty much anything they wanted to do.nbsp; I can get by with it!nbsp; ? David became careless. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Bathsheba should not have been bathing in plain view of David's palace.nbsp; Her involvement in the whole affair is questionable at best.nbsp; However, David should not have been looking!nbsp; I couldn't help it! nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; He should have heeded the advice of Job. I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look up... Failure advisor@cbctoday.com no No http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-1-moses/ http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-1-moses/#comments Mon, 17 Mar 2008 03:05:33 +0000 admin http://cbctoday.com/wp/?p=3 http://cbctoday.com/wp/failure/failure-part-1-moses/feed/ 42:36 GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE "The Personal Failure" #160; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; He was well educated, in fact, he had studied at some of the finest universities in the world.nbsp; ... GREAT FAILURES OF THE BIBLE "The Personal Failure" #160; nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; He was well educated, in fact, he had studied at some of the finest universities in the world.nbsp; His potential was almost limitless, however, at the age of forty he suddenly found himself homeless and destitute.nbsp; After living for some time on the street he was eventually able to acquire a job which at least provided him and his family a living even if it was a very menial occupation and one which he was able to have only because he was working for his father-in-law. As far as the world was concerned he was a total wash-out.nbsp; His education and special talents had been completely wasted.nbsp; At the age of eighty it seemed that he had accomplished nothing.nbsp; But his story wasn't over yet.nbsp; He would go on to become one of the greatest figures in all history.nbsp; He would lead his nation to victory in spite of overwhelming odds.nbsp; His dismal personal failure actually became a spring board into greatness. His story is found in the book of Exodus. Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian.nbsp; And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and come to Horeb, the mountain of God.nbsp; And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush.nbsp; So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.nbsp; Then Moses said, "I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn."nbsp; So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!"nbsp; And he said, "Here I am."nbsp; Exodus 3:1-4 It was at this point that God told Moses He had heard the cry of the Israelites in their slavery in Egypt and that He was sending Him to deliver them. Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, lsquo;The LORD has not appeared to you.' "nbsp; So the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"nbsp; He said, "A rod."nbsp; And He said, "Cast it on the ground."nbsp; So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.nbsp; Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail" (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."nbsp; Exodus 4:1-5 Although God also gave him the sign of the leprous hand as a sign that He had sent him, it is the rod which will continue to play a prominent role throughout the rest of Moses' life. And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.nbsp; ... and he returned to the land of Egypt.nbsp; And Moses took the rod of God in his hand.nbsp; Exodus 4:17,20 Think about that rod or staff for a moment.nbsp; The rod identified who Moses was.nbsp; He was a shepherd.nbsp; That was his life.nbsp; Today a doctor may be identified with his stethoscope, a carpenter with his hammer, a soldier with his rifle, etc; but the rod of Moses told everyone he was a shepherd.nbsp; That's who he was. But to Moses the rod also represented something else.nbsp; Here, on the back side of the desert, is one of the best educated and gifted men alive yet he spends his life doing the lowly task of herding sheep.nbsp; In that sense the rod represented his failure. Today God is still asking the question, "What is that is your hand?"nbsp; Each of us have a "rod" of some type.nbsp; That rod is who we are, our hopes and ambitions, our talents and our strengths, but also our weaknesses and our failures.nbsp; The difference between success and failure in God's eyes is determined by what we do with the rod. 1.nbsp; SURRENDER THE ROD. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; ... Cast it ... Failure advisor@cbctoday.com no No