Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 10/21/12

Reasons to Hope

2 Corinthians 4:1 – 5:10

INTRODUCTION: Life is hard. We all face difficulties, defeat, disappointment, disaster, disease and depression. On top of that we have the Devil attack us and we face the looming prospect of death. One could easily despair or give up hope. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5 about the hardships we face in life and the uncertainties that surround our death. Yet he remains hopeful. Twice he says “we do not lose heart” (4:1, 16). Christians have valid reasons to hope in the midst of the hardships of life.  We do not have to lose heart.

WE DO NOT LOSE HEART OVER THE DARKNESS (4:1-6).

We serve God without dishonesty or unethical methods. “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God” (1-2).

We recognize that the devil has deceived people and kept them in spiritual darkness. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (3-4).

We have hope because the light has overcome the darkness! “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (5-6).

WE DO NOT LOSE HEART OVER DIFFICULTIES (4:7-12).

Everyone faces hardships that are overwhelming. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (8-9).

Christians have the presence and the power of Christ within that enables us to conquer life’s difficulties. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us…We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body (7-10).

We do not lose heart because life’s difficulties are God’s opportunities to reveal the life of Jesus Christ in our lives. “For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you” (11-12).

WE DO NOT LOSE HEART OVER DEATH (4:13 – 5:10).

We know that because Jesus Christ has defeated death, God will raise us from the dead. “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself (4:13-14).

We endure temporary troubles because we know we have a future. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (4:16-18).

The Holy Spirit lives in us and guarantees that we have a heavenly home after death. “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (5:1-5).

We serve God in hope because we have faith. “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it” (5:6-9).

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 10/14/12

Living the New Covenant

2 Corinthians 3:4 – 18

INTRODUCTION: Paul tells the Corinthians that God “has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant” (2 Cor. 3:6).  Today we are going to observe the Lord’s Supper. Jesus met with his disciples before his death and “after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’”(Luke 22:20). Paul describes the New Covenant in 2 Corinthians 3:4-18. He contrasts the New Covenant with the Old Covenant and shows why the new one is better than the old one: The letter kills but the Spirit gives life (3:6).

THE OLD COVENANT CANNOT PRODUCE LIFE.

·       The Law of Moses is good and still important. So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good (Romans 7:12).

·       The Law reveals our sin and exposes our inability to obey. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin (Romans 3:20).

·       The Law stirs up the guilt that leads us to harden our hearts.For apart from the law, sin was dead. Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death (Romans 7:8-10).

The Law reveals that I am spiritually dead and in bondage to sin.

THE NEW COVENANT BRINGS LIFE AND FREEDOM.

·       Jesusforgives our sins and sets us free to serve God. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant (Hebrews 9:14-15).

·       Jesusdelivers us from guilt and shame. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

·       Jesus gives us the freedom to live life as God intended. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

Jesus sets me free from the law of sin and death.

CONCLUSION: THE NEW COVENANT IS SUPERIOR TO THE OLD COVENANT.

Old Covenant                         New Covenant

Moses (v. 7)                             Jesus (v. 4)

Letter kills (v. 6)                       Spirit gives life (v. 6)

Written on Stone (v. 7) Written on Heart (Jer. 31:33)

Glorious (v. 9)                          More glorious (v. 9)

Condemns (v. 9)                       Brings righteousness (v. 9)

Fades away (v. 11)                   Glory that lasts (v. 11)

Veils the heart (v. 13-15)          Removes the veil (v. 14-15)

External Law (v. 15)                 Internal Spirit (v. 16-17)

                                                Freedom (v. 17)

                                                Transformation (v. 18)

                                                Ever-increasing glory (v. 18)

2 Corinthians 3:6:

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Do you have the Spirit of Jesus who brings life?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 09/30/12

What Symbol Describes You?

2 Corinthians 2:14 – 3:3

INTRODUCTION: Paul continues to defend himself against those at Corinth who criticize him. He uses two symbols to describe his life and ministry. We use symbols to represent an idea or person or thing. The University of Florida uses an alligator as a symbol. We are known as the Gator Nation. The Cross represents Christianity. Apple uses an apple with a bite out of it to represent Apple products. The symbol immediately identifies the brand, person or idea being represented. Paul uses the symbols of incense and a letter to describe his life. What symbol describes you? Does your life represent Christ?

DO YOU PASS THE SMELL TEST?

*Roman conquerors marched their captives through the capital of the empire and burned sweet-smelling incense in the streets as a sacrifice.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him (2 Cor. 2:14).

*The fragrance of the incense was sweet to the victors but to the prisoners it was the smell of death. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:15-16).

*Our lives are to be a fragrant aroma to God and the sweet presence of Christ to those who are not believers.

PEOPLE ARE READING YOU. WHAT DO THEY SEE?

*Paul’s critics brought letters of recommendation for the leaders of the Corinthian church, but said Paul did not have the proper credentials.  Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

(2 Cor. 2:17 – 3:1).

 *Paul responds that the Corinthian believers are his living letters and his proof that he is a servant of God. You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (2 Cor. 3:2-3).

When you are “known and read by everybody”, do people see Jesus Christ?

Does your life reflect Jesus?

In other words, if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 09/23/12

Discipline and Forgiveness

2 Corinthians 2:4 – 11

INTRODUCTION:The Anabaptist tradition that grew out of the Reformation used the ban or shunning as part of their method of church discipline. Baptists have rarely used the ban in recent years but the Amish and Mennonites still use this practice to reprimand church members who have sinned or gone astray. Two recent TV shows, Amish: Out of Order and Breaking Amish have focused on the ban or shunning of unruly members. Is church discipline an archaic practice that has no place in the modern church? Does the church have the right to challenge someone living in sin? Should the church mess in the personal lives of its people? The New Testament has specific ways of dealing with those who disrupt the fellowship of the church. A healthy church must rid itself of any infections that threaten the body.

SIN WILL INFECT THE CHURCH.

*Corinth had a member who was living with his father’s wife and the church did nothing about it. It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?  (1 Cor. 5:1-2).

*Paul publically rebuked the man on one of his visits, but the man openly defied Paul. For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely (2 Cor. 2:4-5).

SINFULLIFESTYLES MUST BE CHALLENGED.

*Paul later wrote the church to discipline the sinful man. Sin is like yeast in dough. It affects the whole batch. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present,  hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Cor. 5:4-7).

JESUS PROVIDES THE WAY FOR CORRECTION.

*The church has authority to deal with spiritual matters and Jesus promises his presence when the church gathers. I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:18-20).

*Jesus’ steps for reconciliation are as follows (Matthew 18:15-17):

·        Go to the person privately. If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over (15).

·        Take one or two witnesses. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’ (16).

·        Bring it before the whole church. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church (17).

·        Banthem until he or she repents. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector (17).

DISCIPLINE AIMS FOR FORGIVENESS & RESTORATION.

*Discipline encourages the church. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Cor. 7:10). See the entire passage (2 Cor. 7:5-16).

*Paul asks the church to forgive and encourage the sinner who repents. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him (2 Cor. 2:6-7).

*Danger: Lack of discipline and lack of forgiveness give Satan the victory.

The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:10-11).

A healthy church hates the sin but forgives and restores the sinner.

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 09/16/12

The God of ‘Yes’

2 Corinthians 1:12-22

INTRODUCTION: Adoniram Judson had a crisis of belief after the loss of his wife. He wondered if God could be trusted, if God’s promises were true. He questioned God’s integrity. Integrity is vital to relationships. How do I know I can trust you? How can I be sure this product is safe? How do I know if this report is true? We judge the products we use, the news we hear, and the relations we have by the standard of “integrity.” We even have a fable called “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” as an illustration of someone who lost his integrity and suffered for it. People judge you and me by the same standard of integrity. Can you be trusted? Is your word dependable? People judge God by the standard of integrity as well. Can we depend upon God? Are his promises true? Paul states categorically in 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 that all the promises of God in Christ Jesus are “Yes.” You can trust God to do what he says he will do.

PERSONAL INTEGRITY IS IMPORTANT (2 COR. 1:12-18).

*Paul had to defend himself from false accusations. “Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace” (12).

*Paul’s personal integrity was based on his relationship with the faithful God. “Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and ‘No’” (17-18).

Our word should be as true as God’s word.

GOD IS A PROMISE-KEEPER (2 COR. 1:18-20).

*God’s word is trustworthy because God is faithful and true to his promises. “But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and ‘No’. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.” For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (19-20).

Jesus Christ fulfills all God’s promises.

GOD CARRIES OUT HIS PROMISES (2 COR. 1:21-22).

*God works in our lives through faith in Jesus Christ to complete his promises. “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (21-22).

Salvation through Christ activates God’s promises.

GOD GUARANTEES HIS PROMISES (2 COR. 1:22).

*God’s promises have been dependable in the past and we can trust God’s promises in the future. “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come”(22).

God’s guarantee lasts forever.

Questions to consider:

What is my standard of integrity? Is my word true? Can people trust me to keep my promises?

Have I accepted God’s promised gift of salvation through his Son Jesus Christ?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 09/09/12

The God of Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

INTRODUCTION: One of the lesser known books of the Bible is 2 Corinthians. The book may be the fusion of 2 or 3 letters by Paul since it has no distinct construction or time-frame. Many divide the book into letters written during 3 separate journeys by Paul. The book is best approached by topics covered in the letter – suffering, witness, money, church discipline, forgiveness, authority, and reconciliation. In chapter one, Paul encourages the Corinthians in their troubles and suffering: The God of Comfort cares for us and comforts us in our times of trouble. Verses 1-7 consider the problem of pain in our lives.

CHRISTIANS RECOGNIZE THE REALITY OF PAIN.

*Suffering exists. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…”(2 Cor. 1:3-4).

·        Sin entered the world and caused death and suffering. Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—(Romans 5:12).

·        God’screation suffers from the curse of sin. “The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time (Romans 8:21-22).

*Everyone suffers, Christian and non-Christian. “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer”(2 Cor 1:5-6)

·        Christians have hope in times of suffering. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37).

CHRISTIANS KNOW THE RESOURCE FOR COMFORT.

*The God of Comfort cares for us and consoles us in our troubles. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…”(2 Cor. 1:3-4).

·         Jesusidentifies with our pain and took the burden of our sin. “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2).

·        Jesuspromises God’s comfort. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

·        God cares for us like a father for his children. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

·        God’sSpirit comes along side of us to help us. Jesus said,  “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:16)

*God gives to us the ministry of comfort. We are his presence to those who are hurting.  God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Cor. 1:4).

Turn to your neighbor and say, “God cares for you and I care for you too. How may I pray for you?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 09/02/12

Missions

Matthew 28:18-20

INTRODUCTION: Karen and I made our way from Edinburgh to the town of Oban on the west coast of Scotland. There is one train in and out of Oban and you need reservations. We traveled through the Scottish Highlands where my ancestors come from. The land is rugged and transportation is difficult. But it is a beautiful land full of lakes and mountains. We came to the port of Oban where the ferry boat carries you out to the Hebrides islands. We would get no further than Oban. The trains were full on the day we planned to leave since it was a holiday weekend. We had to leave a day early. We did see the boats leave on a regular schedule and were reminded that Christianity began in Scotland by missionary monks who sailed along the coasts and established mission points to spread the Good News. Global missions challenges us to take the Good News wherever we go.  Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, 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).

GLOBAL MISSIONS BEGINS AT HOME.

*We must share the Good News with our community and neighbors.

Jesus said, “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).

*Missions includes leading people to Jesus, baptizing them, and teaching them the way of Jesus (Matt. 28:18-20).

MISSIONS GOES TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW.

*Missions extends beyond our geographical and personal boundaries.

Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations”(28:19).

*We are sent to share the Good News. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (Jn. 20:21).

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL 08/26/12

Hospitality and Community

Romans 12:9-16

INTRODUCTION: Our trip to L’Abri in the Swiss Alps convinced us that hospitality and community are important to the sharing of God’s Word and truth in today’s world. The gospel is not just a presentation of facts but a demonstration of God at work in the lives of his people. L’Abri Fellowship was founded on prayer and continues to be a place where people can find answers to questions and see the Christian life lived out in community. L’Abri means “shelter” in French, a safe place where people can find spiritual help and answers.

Every Christian home and church should be a safe place where seeking people can find help. That means we must “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13).

GOD CALLS US TO THE MINISTRY OF HOSPITALITY.

*Spiritual leaders are to be known for their hospitality. “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable…” (1 Tim. 3:2).

*The church is to be a center of hospitality. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1Peter 4:8-9).

*The home is to be a place of hospitality. The widow is to be “well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds” (1 Timothy 5:10).

*Strangers and Christian workers are to receive special hospitality.

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you…It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth (3 John 5-9).

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:1-2).

HOSPITALITY TAKES PLACE IN COMMUNITY.

*Community is a place we do life together.

The stated purpose of L’Abri is “To show forth by demonstration, in our life and work, the existence of God.”

*Community is a place of fellowship.

*Community is a place of work.

*Community is a place of questions and answers.

Questions to consider:

Is our church community a place of hospitality?

Have we opened our homes to neighbors and guests?

Do we seriously demonstrate, in our life and work, the existence of God?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL  08/19/12

Word and Truth

John 8:31-36

INTRODUCTION: Why would someone risk prison for his beliefs? Bonivard was a man of truth who stood with John Calvin and the Reformers of Geneva against social and spiritual oppression. Truth changes your life. Truth changes the way you live. Truth leads to life change. Truth empowers you to stand against error. The Reformers stood for the Word of God and Truth and changed the world. Jesus tells us the source and power of truth in John 8:31-36.

TRUTH IS A PERSON.

*Jesusembodies truth. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6).

TRUTH IS COMMUNICATED THROUGH THEWORD.

*Jesus is the living Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:1-2, 14).

*Truth has content. Content creates conviction. Jesus’ teaching embodies truth and transforms lives. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

*The battle cry of the Reformers was Sola Scriptura! Truth was in the Word of God, not the church or the Pope or tradition.

TRUTH IS EXPERIENCED IN OBEDIENCE.

*In order to know truth and know freedom, you must put Jesus’ teaching into practice.So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples (8:31Amplified).

*To “abide” in Jesus means we must stay connected to him and draw our nourishment, our life, our sustenance from him. “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:3-5).

TRUTH BRINGS FREEDOM.

*Freedom from what? Freedom from wrong ideas, sin, lies. Truth exposes error and releases us from patterns of living and choices that have hurt us. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

*Jesus forgives our sin and sets us free to live life like God intended.

They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:33-36).

What guides your life? Your own moral code? Your own standards pieced together from the culture around you? Do you live up to your own moral code?

Jesus is God’s full and final revelation and provides not only the way to live in truth but also the forgiveness we seek for our sins and failures. Are you willing to let him be your truth and set you free?

 Gregory C. Magruder  Parkview Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL  08/12/12

Prayer and the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:17

INTRODUCTION:  The Taizé Community is an ecumenical monastic order in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, Burgundy, France. It is composed of about one hundred brothers, from Protestant and Catholic traditions, who originate from about thirty countries across the world. The monastic order has a strong devotion to peace and justice through prayer and meditation. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schutz, a Protestant. The community has become one of the world's most important sites of Christian pilgrimage. Over 100,000 young people from around the world make pilgrimages to Taizé each year for prayer, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. Through the community's ecumenical outlook, they are encouraged to live in the spirit of kindness, simplicity and reconciliation (Wikipedia Encycl.).

Karen and I learned a lot in our short stay at Taize. We were impressed by the large numbers of young people who came to pray. We can only explain this as a work of the Spirit drawing people to prayer, peace and reconciliation. Let me share with you some insights on prayer at Taize.

THE POWER OF PERSONAL PRAYER.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

THE POWER OF FIXED HOUR PRAYER.

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.

23 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. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it (1 Thess. 5:16-24).

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY PRAYER.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 5:18-20).

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should (Eph. 6:18-20).

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Commit to improving your personal prayer life.

Settimes to pray and use form prayers if necessary.

Assemble with others weekly to pray together.