2 Corinthians 13
Other Resources:
Taking our Spiritual Inventory 2 Corinthians 13
Friday, May 30, 2025
Thursday, May 29, 2025
2 Corinthians 12 = May 25
2 Corinthians 12
Psalm 33:16‐21
(NIV): “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes
by his great strength. A horse is a vain
hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who
fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from
death and keep them alive in famine. We
wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in
His holy name.”
One of the greatest vulnerabilities of Christians
today is to approach career, struggles, and objectives out of their own
strength – not relying on or trusting in God as the source of their
success. Trusting God does not relieve
you of the responsibility of doing your best.
Trusting God and doing your best are two different issues. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do
your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not
need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” God calls you to do your best and be capable
in what you are doing, but your underlying position is to be called, led,
equipped, sustained, and empowered by God.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have
been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The
life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and
gave Himself for me.”
As a follower of Christ, you must always remember
that it is not by your power, equipping, and tools that you succeed. True success is found only through the
Lord. Your job is to keep your eyes on
the Lord. No matter how difficult or
impossible the challenge, your hope is in God and not the circumstances. Christ has secured your place for eternity;
your place now is to be used by Him for His purposes. 1 Corinthians
15:57 says, “But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God wants to pour His life into you each
day. Do not be an obstacle for His in‐pouring
by relying on yourself and not Him. It
is in your moments of greatest need that God is closest. Draw into Him and allow Him to pour into you!
2 Corinthians
12:9: “But He [Jesus] said
to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in
weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so
that Christ's power may rest on me.”
1 Samuel 21–24
1 Samuel 21
David and the Holy Bread
David Flees to Gath
1 Samuel 22
David at the Cave of Adullam
Saul Kills the Priests at Nob
1 Samuel 23
David Saves the City of Keilah
Saul Pursues David
1 Samuel 24
David Spares Saul's Life
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
1 Samuel 18-20
1 Samuel 18
David and Jonathan's Friendship
Saul's Jealousy of David
David Marries Michal
1 Samuel 19
Saul Tries to Kill David
1 Samuel 20
Jonathan Warns David
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
1 Samuel 15-17
1 Samuel 15
The Lord Rejects Saul
1 Samuel 16
David Anointed King
David in Saul's Service
1 Samuel 17
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17
Monday, May 26, 2025
2 Corinthians 10 = May 22
2 Corinthians 10
Apostolic Defense (2 Corinthians 10-13)
https://youtu.be/V2hO94gHsoE
Other Resources:
The Meekness of Christ 2 Corinthians 10
Series:
Our Struggle “Engaging in Spiritual Warfare”
We are in a battle. Not a battle of politics or militaries or
nations. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood; it is against the powers
of darkness that confront us daily. You don’t need to feel defeated or
discouraged. God has made a way to redeem your struggle and give you victory!
Title: “The Battle” (2
Corinthians 10:1-5)
Bookmark: Click Here
Opening Thoughts: We are in a war against evil -- a war not distant or removed from our
daily lives. It is being fought on the battleground of our hearts and minds. How
do we engage in this battle and come out on the right side?
v Tension and
Conflict (Feel ready for a fight)
o
Speech: “Once
more unto the breach, dear friends, once more”
§ https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/56972/speech-once-more-unto-the-breach-dear-friends-once-more
In peace there's
nothing so becomes a man
As modest
stillness and humility:
But when the
blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the
action of the tiger;
Stiffen the
sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair
nature with hard-favored rage;
v Ephesians 6:12 NIV - For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms.
o
Your enemy is the
evil one and the powers of this world
o We feel this constant conflict not just “out there” in culture or in our digital newsfeeds but inside the fabric of our own minds and bodies. A kind of inner tug-of-war that is emotionally exhausting and spiritually depleting, a tearing at the fabric of our soul’s peace. – John Mark Comer
o
Deceptive ideas > Disordered
desires > Sinful society
o
Artificial
Intelligence
===============================================================
Text: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Paul’s
Defense of His Ministry
10 By the
humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am
“timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! 2 I
beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be
toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For
though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The
weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,
they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We
demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we
take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And
we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is
complete.
===============================================================
Summarize
the main story:
Describe the events of the story in your own words.
v Review and retell the story.
Reflections
for applications:
v Romans 12:2 NIV - Do not conform to the
pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
v Why all the
warfare language?
v We demolish the strongholds of lies by taking every thought captive
o
Satan’s lies are powerless until you believe them
v This week: Capture
your thoughts
==============================
Digging
Questions:
·
How will you
respond to God’s “In Our Struggle”? What transformative move needs to be made?
·
What do
these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?
·
What is
God calling us (me and you individually) to do?
Take
Away Challenges
·
What
has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to
your life this week?
·
Whom
do you know who needs to hear this?
·
What is
God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or
actions need to be addressed or changed?
Hashtags #Story #God #Spirit #Cornelius
Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/AEHYSC8PRgs
Kevin’s Blog Link to
more resources: Click
here for Kevin’s Blog Notes
Comments
and resources with
some more resources:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+10%3A1-6&version=NIV
1 Samuel 13-14
1 Samuel 13
Saul Fights the Philistines
Saul's Unlawful Sacrifice
1 Samuel 14
Jonathan Defeats the Philistines
Saul's Rash Vow
Friday, May 23, 2025
1 Samuel 9-12
1 Samuel 9
Saul Chosen to Be King
Saul Chosen to Be King
1 Samuel 10
Saul Anointed King
Saul Proclaimed King
1 Samuel 11
Saul Defeats the Ammonites
The Kingdom Is Renewed
1 Samuel 12
Samuel's Farewell Address
Thursday, May 22, 2025
1 Samuel 4-8
1 Samuel 4
The Philistines Capture the Ark
The Death of Eli
1 Samuel 5
The Philistines and the Ark
1 Samuel 6
The Ark Returned to Israel
1 Samuel 7
The Ark Returned to Israel
Samuel Judges Israel
1 Samuel 8
Israel Demands a King
Samuel's Warning Against Kings
The Lord Grants Israel's Request
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
1 Samuel Introduction
1 Samuel Introduction
1 Samuel 1-3
1 Samuel 1
Samuel’s Birth
1 Samuel 2
Hannah Gives Thanks
Samuel Grows Up
1 Samuel 3
God Calls Samuel
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1 = May 16
2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1
The Ministry of Reconciliation 5:11-6:13
The Temple of the Living God 6:14-7:1
Other Resources:
Now is the time to Follow Jesus! 2 Corinthians 6
Defilement of the Flesh and Spirit 2 Corinthians 7
Ruth
Ruth
#Ruth
Monday, May 19, 2025
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 = May 15
2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
The Ministry of Reconciliation
Moving To Maturity - Share Your Faith
Share Your Faith
Share Your Faith
2 Corinthians 5:16-20
He is...
What do we learn about God?
We are ...
What do we learn about people?
I will...
What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage?
How will you apply it to your life this week?
You can...
Who do you know who needs to hear this?
Service
How can we help with a challenge you’re facing?
"A New Start"
Jun 11, 1989
This program originally aired 6/11/1989.
We are pleased to share this Classic well-loved “In Search of the Lord’s Way” from our Brother Mack Lyon. Due to the age of the program, some items offered are no longer available. Transcripts, CDs, DVDs, and Cassette Tapes are not available for Classic programs. The email address mentioned on the Classic episodes is no longer used.
If you would like to contact us you can do so at searchtv@searchtv.org or by calling 1-800-321-8633.
This program is available only through YouTube. If you enjoyed this program please share with your friends and consider subscribing to our channel “SearchTVMinistry”.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
2 Corinthians 4 = May 11
2 Corinthians 4
The Light of the Gospel 1-6
Treasure in Jars of Clay 7-18
2 Corinthians 4:18
Other Resources:
Purpose And Perspective we talk about The Apostle Paul’s life and the importance of living a life that has purpose and perspective. 2 Corinthians 4
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
2 Corinthians 3:7-18 May 10
Other Resources:
Making a Difference! we talk about making a difference, Paul’s Legacy, and how our legacy can be defined by the development of those around us. 2 Corinthians 3
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
2 Corinthians 2:5-3:6 = May 9
#Competence
Other Resources:
Bad Decisions we discuss four things the Bible teaches us that we can do when those around us are making bad decisions. 2 Corinthians 2
Making a Difference! we talk about making a difference, Paul’s Legacy, and how our legacy can be defined by the development of those around us. 2 Corinthians 3
Monday, May 12, 2025
2 Corinthians 1:12-24 = May 8
Other Resources:
Suffering And Comfort we discuss the related subjects of suffering and comfort and how we can experience both in abundance through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1
Bad Decisions we discuss four things the Bible teaches us that we can do when those around us are making bad decisions. 2 Corinthians 2
Friday, May 9, 2025
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 =May 5
Note: Titus is the one who carried the 2 Corinthians letter to Corinth.
Other Resources:
Suffering And Comfort we discuss the related subjects of suffering and comfort and how we can experience both in abundance through Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 1
Judges 3–5
Judges 3 Gentlemen, Start Your Engines (Judges Begin to Rule)
Judges 4 Deborah & Barak
Judges 5 Song of Deborah & Barak
Psalm 34
#Fear
Psalm 34:11 “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you
the fear of the Lord.”
The
Church has done a good job of sharing about Jesus, but not as well on teaching
about the fear of the Lord. A recent
Barna survey found that 86% of youth had a negative perception of Christians. The top two reasons given in the survey are:
(1) Christians are judgmental and (2) Christians are hypocritical. These two areas were major teaching points of
Jesus yet
are two of the biggest stumbling blocks for people coming to Jesus.
In the
Psalm above, the writer (David) is encouraging you to allow him to teach you
the fear of the Lord. Let’s think about
how Jesus would teach you the fear of the Lord?
I believe Jesus would do it by spending time with you. Jesus began His ministry with hundreds, if
not thousands of followers, but whittled them down to 77, then 12, and finally
3 which reflected the increased intensity of teaching, fellowship, and
relationship with His disciples.
Jesus
knew that a changed life comes from a healthy fear of God, and a healthy fear
of God comes out of the intensity of His relationship with His disciples. The same is true for followers of Christ
today. Fear of God is reverence,
respect, and faith that God is God and He “Is”, “Was”, and “Will Always” be
God! Your fear of God will come out of
the intensity of your relationship with Him on a daily basis. If Jesus were to say to me, “Come, my child,
listen to Me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord,” I would envision myself
sitting at His feet listening to His words and stories. Reading His Word, talking to Him, receiving
His Word into your life and allowing it to galvanize your life will cultivate
intimacy with God.
A life
that is touched by God is a life that fears God. A life that fears God is a life that is
experiencing God’s love and grace while growing in appreciation of who He
is. As you read the following
Scriptures, pray for God to open your heart to new levels of intimacy with Him.
Imitate Jesus - Mark 1:35 “Very early
in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went
off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
Priority - Job 23:12 “I have not
departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth
more than my daily bread.”
Hunger for God - Psalm 42:1-2 “As the
deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God.
When can
I go and meet with God?”
Refreshed by God - Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us
in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad
all our days.”
Instructed by God - Isaiah 50:4-5 “The
Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that
sustains the weary. He wakens me morning
by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I
have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.”
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Acts 19:23-41 The Riot in Ephesus = May 4
The Riot in Ephesus
Acts 19:23-41
What can you make by using your own hands?
Hashtags
# the Spirit
#Paul
#Timothy
#Erastus
#Demetrius, a silversmith (craftsmen)
#Artemis
#Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions
#the crowd
#the disciples
#Asiarchs
#Alexander
#town clerk
#proconsuls
#the assembly
#the Way (23)
#gods made with hands are not gods (26)
Acts 19:23-41
What can you make by using your own hands?
#God #People #Time #Place #Obedient faith #Sin #Key Idea
Acts
19:23-41
A Riot at Ephesus
21Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
23About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24For a man named Demetrius, a
silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25These he gathered together, with the workmen in similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that from this business we have our wealth. 26And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all of Asia this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great many people, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. 27And there is danger not only that this trade
of ours may come into disrepute but also that the temple of the great
goddess Artemis may be
counted as nothing, and that she may even be deposed from her magnificence, she whom all Asia and the
world worship.”
28When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into
the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s
companions in travel. 30But when Paul wished to go in
among the crowd, the disciples would not let him. 31And even some of the Asiarchs, who were friends of his, sent to him and were urging him not
to venture into the theater. 32Now some cried out one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know
why they had come together. 33Some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had put forward. And Alexander, motioning with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the crowd. 34But when they recognized
that he was a Jew, for about two hours they all cried out with one
voice, “Great is Artemis of
the Ephesians!”
35And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who
does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great Artemis, and of the sacred stone that
fell from the sky? 36Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. 37For you have brought these men here who are neither sacrilegious
nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges
against one another. 39But if you seek anything further, it shall be settled in the regular
assembly. 40For we really are in danger of being
charged with rioting today, since there is no cause that we can
give to justify this commotion.” 41And when he had said these
things, he dismissed the assembly.
- God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
- We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
- Demetrius’s concern was not really with theology but economics. Explain.
- What threat did Demetrius bring to Paul’s ministry at Ephesus?
- Why were the Ephesian silversmiths against Paul?
- Why would Demetrius rally people against Paul in Acts 19:25-27 (see 17:24-29)? Since this temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, what businesses would Paul be affecting?
- Consider the crowd in Acts 19:32-34. What do they see and hear? Why are they there? Why are the Jews trying to get a speaker to represent them? Why would Alexander be shouted down?
- Do you think economic issues ever drive religion in our times? Can you cite an example?
- Compare the spiritual motives of Paul and Demetrius. How did Paul keep himself free of allowing money to become a central issue?
- Why would Paul want to “appear before the crowd”?
- How do the concerns of the city clerk and Demetrius compare?
- Why do you think the gospel so often conflicts with people’s economic interests? What kind of businesses does it threaten? How should Christians deal with people whose livelihoods are threatened by the gospel?
- In light of this episode and the one in Corinth (18:12-17), explain why Paul and Peter considered it so important that Christians carefully obey the civil laws (Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17).
- I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
- Success, money and independence are some cultural idols. What others come to mind? How has your faith affected your relationship to idols?
- How do people you know attempt to gain health, money, love, success, and security? Are any of these methods similar to magic?
- Could Demetrius have become a Christian and kept his business? Can you think of situations today where someone in a respectable trade would be forced to choose between that trade and Christ? How have your business dealings been affected by your faith?
- Many people, even believers, would find it difficult to do what Paul did. Do you think Paul was happy? Why or why not?
- What began as Artemis worship became Artemis-business. How can Christians fall into the same trap and make Jesus-worship into Jesus-business?
- You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.
PAUL VERSUS THE GODDESS DIANA — In Acts 19:24–28 we read about opposition to the gospel. In the great cosmic conflict for the souls of men, every intrusion of good is met by the fierce resistance of evil. Such was the case in Ephesus. A silversmith named Demetrius, who manufactured small idols of the Greek goddess Artemis, became alarmed by the mass conversion of Ephesians to Christianity.
The Ephesian silversmith incited a riot against Paul at the city's amphitheater for preaching in Ephesus that gods “made with hands” are not really gods (Acts 19:26). Gathering his fellow tradesmen, he convinced them that Paul and his message were a serious threat to their livelihood.
Ephesus had as many as a quarter million inhabitants, making it the largest city in the province of Asia. Its size was reason enough for Paul to found a church in Ephesus, but another significant factor was religion: Ephesus was the cult center for the worship of Artemis or Diana.
Artemis was a very popular Greek goddess. In Greek religion she was the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon, and the daughter of the Greek god Zeus. In Roman religion she was identified as the goddess Diana.
Part of what made Artemis important to Ephesus was her temple. It was the largest temple in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The top of the platform it was built on (that would be the floor of the temple) was 168 feet, 9 inches wide by 365 feet, 9 inches long. The columns were 6 feet in diameter and almost 58 feet tall. By comparison, the floor of the Parthenon at Athens was only about two-thirds the size of the temple at Ephesus, and the Parthenon’s columns were only a little more than 34 feet high.
The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Its size and magnificence made it an attraction for tourists and pilgrims. For Ephesus, it was a place for worship, but also a treasury and a storehouse.
Paul stood up to a sizeable opponent in Diana or Artemis. She had become the guardian deity of Ephesus. She influenced the politics, culture, and economy of the city. The people of Ephesus were prepared to defend Artemis against any who would threaten her, and Paul’s proclamation of God’s good news threatened to destroy the profit of the craftsmen who made silver shrines of the goddess.
At the riot, it took a soothing plea from the mayor to rescue Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions.
Hashtags
# the Spirit
#Paul
#Timothy
#Erastus
#Demetrius, a silversmith (craftsmen)
#Artemis
#Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions
#the crowd
#the disciples
#Asiarchs
#Alexander
#town clerk
#proconsuls
#the assembly
#the Way (23)
#gods made with hands are not gods (26)
#temple
Other Resources:
Getting Involved in our Communities Acts 19
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