Comments for Grace in the West http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org The teaching ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento - a fresh perspective on God\'s Word of grace and hope. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:46:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 Comment on The Armor of God: Prayer Holds It All Together by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/201#comment-4772 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:41:55 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=201#comment-4772 The Full Armor of God – Prayer Holds It All Together (Ephesians 6:18-20) 1.If you checked out your Sword of the Spirit, in what condition did you find it? Share any action you may have decided to take once you determined its condition. 2.“Prayer holds it all together.” We often think of prayer as concentrated time on our knees, and if we don’t do that, anything else doesn’t count. Look at: Ephesians 6:18 1 Thessalonians 5:17 1 Timothy 2:8 Philippians 4:6-7 What do these verses say about the time to pray and the place to pray? 3.Prayer can be a complex topic – sometimes when we pray, an answer comes quickly; sometimes not until later; sometimes – it looks like not at all. For as elated as we can become for those wonderful times when a clear answer has come on time, there are also times of deep discouragement when we wonder if God even hears us. I’ve heard it said that God has one of three answers to our prayers: Yes, no, and wait. We wonder if there’s a formula, a “right” way to pray, and if a particular method of praying particularly moves God’s heart. Discuss struggles you’ve had in your prayer life. 4.David has some incredibly honest conversations with God in the Psalms. They run from high to low, from rock-solid certainty about God’s nature to utter desperation that God cannot hear him. In many instances he pulls himself together by calling to mind the attributes He knows about God. (Psalm 13, Psalm 31:9-22). How is this practice of David’s a good model for us in our desperate times? What does praising God as part of our prayer do for our state of mind? 5.Psalm 139 is eloquent in David’s understanding of God’s unceasing care over him, as well as an understanding of the word of God. Deborah said today that prayer, combined with knowledge of scripture, gives God a way to speak to us in language we can understand. In putting on the whole armor of God, contemplating the significance of each piece and how to use it in battle, then adding talking to God and letting His word speak to us – what does this do for our confidence in calling upon Him throughout our day in all circumstances? 6.Nothing is too big or too small to talk over with God. Having those conversations with Him is something Jesus not only encouraged, but modeled. “The Lord’s Prayer” runs the gamut of all things, great and small, that can be brought before God. Go over this prayer and list them out. 7.Review the whole armor of God, each piece, what it does, and as you put it on, what your part is in using it. Have you been putting your armor on? The Full Armor of God – Prayer Holds It All Together (Ephesians 6:18-20)

1.If you checked out your Sword of the Spirit, in what condition did you find it? Share any action you may have decided to take once you determined its condition.

2.“Prayer holds it all together.” We often think of prayer as concentrated time on our knees, and if we don’t do that, anything else doesn’t count. Look at:

Ephesians 6:18
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Timothy 2:8
Philippians 4:6-7

What do these verses say about the time to pray and the place to pray?

3.Prayer can be a complex topic – sometimes when we pray, an answer comes quickly; sometimes not until later; sometimes – it looks like not at all. For as elated as we can become for those wonderful times when a clear answer has come on time, there are also times of deep discouragement when we wonder if God even hears us. I’ve heard it said that God has one of three answers to our prayers: Yes, no, and wait. We wonder if there’s a formula, a “right” way to pray, and if a particular method of praying particularly moves God’s heart. Discuss struggles you’ve had in your prayer life.

4.David has some incredibly honest conversations with God in the Psalms. They run from high to low, from rock-solid certainty about God’s nature to utter desperation that God cannot hear him. In many instances he pulls himself together by calling to mind the attributes He knows about God. (Psalm 13, Psalm 31:9-22). How is this practice of David’s a good model for us in our desperate times? What does praising God as part of our prayer do for our state of mind?

5.Psalm 139 is eloquent in David’s understanding of God’s unceasing care over him, as well as an understanding of the word of God. Deborah said today that prayer, combined with knowledge of scripture, gives God a way to speak to us in language we can understand. In putting on the whole armor of God, contemplating the significance of each piece and how to use it in battle, then adding talking to God and letting His word speak to us – what does this do for our confidence in calling upon Him throughout our day in all circumstances?

6.Nothing is too big or too small to talk over with God. Having those conversations with Him is something Jesus not only encouraged, but modeled. “The Lord’s Prayer” runs the gamut of all things, great and small, that can be brought before God. Go over this prayer and list them out.

7.Review the whole armor of God, each piece, what it does, and as you put it on, what your part is in using it. Have you been putting your armor on?

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/198#comment-4769 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:02:18 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=198#comment-4769 The Armor of God – The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a) 1. I don’t know about you, but last week I took note of what goes on in my head, and expended a lot of effort “casting down imaginations” and other “high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.” I needed a butterfly net to bring every thought captive, not to mention raising my shield of faith by calling to mind what I believe. Did you think about what you think about, and if so, what did you notice? Did you consciously take action against marauding thoughts trying to steal your peace? 2. Being conscious of our thought lives highlights how fierce the battle is for our minds. We were reminded of that again this Sunday when the Helmet of Salvation was explained to us. The more we study the armor of God, the more we understand the importance of knowing what we believe and the scriptures that back up our faith. That’s a brain function; hence, a helmet is an integral part of protection. Recap your understanding of the role of the Helmet of Salvation. 3. The “Salvation” part of our helmet is so good, it deserves reinforcement. Review these verses and pick out the components of salvation: Ephesians 1:4-7 Ephesians 2:5-6 Ephesians 2:8 Ephesians 3:12 1 John 5:11-13 4. If we possess these truths given to us concretely in God’s word, how do we use them when the enemy sows temptation, discouragement and doubt? 5. Share a time when your peace was restored because you used scripture to combat oppressive thoughts. If we know this tactic but rarely use it, what happens? 6. We’ve all had times when circumstances are overwhelming. At those times, the last thing we feel like doing is fighting. If someone asks me, “Do you have your armor on,” my answer is often “no.” There’s knowing about it, and there’s the choice of putting it on. We’re more inclined to put it on if we understand its function and value. How important is it to understand about each piece of armor, and how important is it to be fully dressed for battle? 7. Review whose strength we’re wearing when we put on our armor (this should make us all more courageous!) 8. This week, be conscious about protecting your head with God’s solid promises about salvation, and put on your helmet! Let the reality of salvation sink in deeply, and apply those truths to challenges you encounter. The Armor of God – The Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17a)

1. I don’t know about you, but last week I took note of what goes on in my head, and expended a lot of effort “casting down imaginations” and other “high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.” I needed a butterfly net to bring every thought captive, not to mention raising my shield of faith by calling to mind what I believe. Did you think about what you think about, and if so, what did you notice? Did you consciously take action against marauding thoughts trying to steal your peace?

2. Being conscious of our thought lives highlights how fierce the battle is for our minds. We were reminded of that again this Sunday when the Helmet of Salvation was explained to us. The more we study the armor of God, the more we understand the importance of knowing what we believe and the scriptures that back up our faith. That’s a brain function; hence, a helmet is an integral part of protection. Recap your understanding of the role of the Helmet of Salvation.

3. The “Salvation” part of our helmet is so good, it deserves reinforcement. Review these verses and pick out the components of salvation:
Ephesians 1:4-7
Ephesians 2:5-6
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 3:12
1 John 5:11-13

4. If we possess these truths given to us concretely in God’s word, how do we use them when the enemy sows temptation, discouragement and doubt?

5. Share a time when your peace was restored because you used scripture to combat oppressive thoughts. If we know this tactic but rarely use it, what happens?

6. We’ve all had times when circumstances are overwhelming. At those times, the last thing we feel like doing is fighting. If someone asks me, “Do you have your armor on,” my answer is often “no.” There’s knowing about it, and there’s the choice of putting it on. We’re more inclined to put it on if we understand its function and value. How important is it to understand about each piece of armor, and how important is it to be fully dressed for battle?

7. Review whose strength we’re wearing when we put on our armor (this should make us all more courageous!)

8. This week, be conscious about protecting your head with God’s solid promises about salvation, and put on your helmet! Let the reality of salvation sink in deeply, and apply those truths to challenges you encounter.

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: The Shield of Faith by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/197#comment-4757 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:04:08 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=197#comment-4757 The Armor of God – The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16) 1. If you tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s activity around you last week, what did you notice? 2. This week Pastor Steve not only described, but showed us a picture of what a shield looks like in Roman battle armor. It covers from head to toe. Although it is a defensive piece designed to “quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” our use of it is not to passively hide behind it and wait for incoming artillery to stop. The NASB version of Ephesians 6:16 says, “…taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” What are some ways we would take up our shield of faith? 3. We’ve talked about our belt of truth, our breastplate of righteousness, and our good news shoes, plus the power of the Holy Spirit. In taking up our shield of faith, what strengths do our belt, breastplate, shoes and Holy Spirit bring to our ability to take up our shield of faith? 4. Our minds are the enemy’s primary battleground. We want to be in control, but we rarely are, and our imaginations create negative scenarios that discourage us or fill us with fear. I sometimes think the enemy knows what to whisper into my ear to set my imagination off on a tangent of distress. A powerful passage to commit to memory is 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 for those times when our minds are racing faster than we can remember to say “WHOA!” Look up those verses. How do they fit in with taking up our shield of faith? 5. There’s ability to take up our shields; and then there’s willingness to take it up. What’s a good strategy if our willingness has been pummeled by battle fatigue? 6. As we raise our shield of faith, are we demonstrating we have faith in faith, or faith in “the One who”? What’s the difference between the two? 7. As we raise our shield of faith, we create a dwelling place. Review the incredible promises in Psalm 91. 8. My favorite version of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is, “For the weapons of our warfare are not made of flesh; but they are mighty in God’s power to the tearing down of strongholds – casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This week, as we take up our shield of faith, let’s consciously cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Catch ourselves imagining; and catch the enemy exalting his lies against the knowledge of God. Shields up! The Armor of God – The Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

1. If you tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s activity around you last week, what did you notice?

2. This week Pastor Steve not only described, but showed us a picture of what a shield looks like in Roman battle armor. It covers from head to toe. Although it is a defensive piece designed to “quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” our use of it is not to passively hide behind it and wait for incoming artillery to stop. The NASB version of Ephesians 6:16 says, “…taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” What are some ways we would take up our shield of faith?

3. We’ve talked about our belt of truth, our breastplate of righteousness, and our good news shoes, plus the power of the Holy Spirit. In taking up our shield of faith, what strengths do our belt, breastplate, shoes and Holy Spirit bring to our ability to take up our shield of faith?

4. Our minds are the enemy’s primary battleground. We want to be in control, but we rarely are, and our imaginations create negative scenarios that discourage us or fill us with fear. I sometimes think the enemy knows what to whisper into my ear to set my imagination off on a tangent of distress. A powerful passage to commit to memory is 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 for those times when our minds are racing faster than we can remember to say “WHOA!” Look up those verses. How do they fit in with taking up our shield of faith?

5. There’s ability to take up our shields; and then there’s willingness to take it up. What’s a good strategy if our willingness has been pummeled by battle fatigue?

6. As we raise our shield of faith, are we demonstrating we have faith in faith, or faith in “the One who”? What’s the difference between the two?

7. As we raise our shield of faith, we create a dwelling place. Review the incredible promises in Psalm 91.

8. My favorite version of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is, “For the weapons of our warfare are not made of flesh; but they are mighty in God’s power to the tearing down of strongholds – casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This week, as we take up our shield of faith, let’s consciously cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Catch ourselves imagining; and catch the enemy exalting his lies against the knowledge of God. Shields up!

]]> Comment on The Power of God: Pentecost! by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/192#comment-4749 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:51:26 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=192#comment-4749 The Power of God – Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21)   1.If you had an opportunity to share your good news last week, relate what happened.   2.The story of Pentecost is mind-boggling.  We take for granted that it happened, but if we can imagine that scene and ourselves in it – it was the fire ignited to spread the gospel around the globe, something we’re still doing to this day, along with experiencing our Helper, “the power from on high,” in ways we don’t always notice.   One of the ways the Holy Spirit whispers to us is when we’re thinking about something we believe is our own thought, and then within a short period of time, that very issue comes up – in something we’re reading, in a conversation, in a sermon, or whatever.  At those times we are startled by the “coincidence”, but in reality, it’s the Holy Spirit highlighting something He wants us to particularly note.  This Sunday morning while sitting in church before the service started, I was feeling anxious about some things that happened during the week.  I thought, “On some level I feel that if I don’t take care of this, neither will God – it’s up to me.”  And then came our Prayer of Confession, which echoed my thoughts exactly, almost word for word.  “O God, even Christians often face life as if we were alone.  We believe that we stand or fall by our own efforts, and that causes us undue anxiety…”  Here it was in black and white.  Coincidence?  I know it wasn’t, and I also know to pay attention to what just happened, and not let the enemy take any more ground as I take every thought captive and tell myself the truth.    Share a “coincidence” that alerted you (and reminded you) that the Holy Spirit is active in your life.   3.In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” (Emphasis mine)   As we study about the whole armor of God, what does the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives add to our understanding of the nature of what we’re putting on?   4.In Luke 4:18, Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 aloud in the synagogue, then says, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21).  Review what he read to them, and note the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life.    5.As Christians, we are called to do the very same things outlined in Isaiah 61:1-2, and if we are faithful to deliver our “good news” with the assistance of our Helper, there’s even more accomplished – read through to Isaiah 61:3.  Name some ways our Father accomplishes these things by the work of the Holy Spirit through us.   6.If you’ve thought that the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life is “maybe for others, but not for me,” see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.  A seal signifies a contract.  How does this affect your confidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in you and for you?   7.Review: Luke 11: 9-13 John 16:7-14 Galations 5:16-25   8.This week, be particularly aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity around you.  If you ask God to make you aware, He most certainly will answer that request.  “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31). The Power of God – Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21)
 
1.If you had an opportunity to share your good news last week, relate what happened.
 
2.The story of Pentecost is mind-boggling.  We take for granted that it happened, but if we can imagine that scene and ourselves in it – it was the fire ignited to spread the gospel around the globe, something we’re still doing to this day, along with experiencing our Helper, “the power from on high,” in ways we don’t always notice.
 
One of the ways the Holy Spirit whispers to us is when we’re thinking about something we believe is our own thought, and then within a short period of time, that very issue comes up – in something we’re reading, in a conversation, in a sermon, or whatever.  At those times we are startled by the “coincidence”, but in reality, it’s the Holy Spirit highlighting something He wants us to particularly note.  This Sunday morning while sitting in church before the service started, I was feeling anxious about some things that happened during the week.  I thought, “On some level I feel that if I don’t take care of this, neither will God – it’s up to me.”  And then came our Prayer of Confession, which echoed my thoughts exactly, almost word for word.  “O God, even Christians often face life as if we were alone.  We believe that we stand or fall by our own efforts, and that causes us undue anxiety…”  Here it was in black and white.  Coincidence?  I know it wasn’t, and I also know to pay attention to what just happened, and not let the enemy take any more ground as I take every thought captive and tell myself the truth. 
 
Share a “coincidence” that alerted you (and reminded you) that the Holy Spirit is active in your life.
 
3.In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.” (Emphasis mine)
 
As we study about the whole armor of God, what does the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives add to our understanding of the nature of what we’re putting on?
 
4.In Luke 4:18, Jesus reads Isaiah 61:1-2 aloud in the synagogue, then says, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:21).  Review what he read to them, and note the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life. 
 
5.As Christians, we are called to do the very same things outlined in Isaiah 61:1-2, and if we are faithful to deliver our “good news” with the assistance of our Helper, there’s even more accomplished – read through to Isaiah 61:3.  Name some ways our Father accomplishes these things by the work of the Holy Spirit through us.
 
6.If you’ve thought that the Holy Spirit’s activity in your life is “maybe for others, but not for me,” see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.  A seal signifies a contract.  How does this affect your confidence that the Holy Spirit is at work in you and for you?
 
7.Review:
Luke 11: 9-13
John 16:7-14
Galations 5:16-25
 
8.This week, be particularly aware of the Holy Spirit’s activity around you.  If you ask God to make you aware, He most certainly will answer that request.  “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31).

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: Good Shoes, Good News! by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/190#comment-4735 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 26 May 2009 02:22:41 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=190#comment-4735 The Armor of God – “Good Shoes, Good News” (Ephesians 6:12-15) 1. Did the enemy accuse you last week? How did the “breastplate of righteousness” protect you / deflect the accusations? 2. This week we look at the footwear of the whole armor of God. Pastor Steve cited two versions of the scripture about our footwear. Both translations are correct. The New Revised Standard Version says, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” This version mentions that we have a part in being ready, the result being that peace goes out to others from us as we share our good news (the gospel). The New International Version says, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This is good news that has already brought peace to us and, and that peace keeps us in a state of readiness to share our good news with others. It’s a subtle difference in translation, but both versions get us to the same place – ready. Discuss the subtle differences in translations and how thoroughly God has seen fit to cover us. 3. What difference does peace make in our individual lives? In our family life? At work? In our city? In our nation? In our world? 4. Right now, in May of 2009, would you say peace is common, or a scarce commodity? 5. Who do these scriptures identify as the source of our peace? Micah 5:2-5 Isaiah 9:6 Luke 2:13, 14 John 14:27 6. If we believe that peace is a precious gift (our “good news”), and it could make all the difference in the lives of people who are in turmoil, how willing are we to share it? 7. See 2 Peter 1:2-8 – how do these verses apply to, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim…”? 8. Look at our key verse in the Amplified version of the Bible: “And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.” In Sunday’s Bible reading, the word “stand” appears 3 times. The Amplified version exhorts us to have firm-footed stability. Sturdy footwear is mandated for firm-footed stability, yet “peace” is often viewed as something only the timid value, those who wish to evade conflict. What are the characteristics of true peace that brings strength and protection vs. avoidant “peace” that merely appeases? Is it possible to confront evil from a stance of peace? How so? 9. This week, notice if you are (a) standing firmly grounded in the peace that is yours by virtue of the good news you have received of Christ; and (b) if you are ready and willing to extend that same peace to others in the form of the good news of the gospel. Review Isaiah 52:7, and be encouraged that the sound of your footsteps might be the most welcome sound in someone’s life this week. The Armor of God – “Good Shoes, Good News” (Ephesians 6:12-15)

1. Did the enemy accuse you last week? How did the “breastplate of righteousness” protect you / deflect the accusations?

2. This week we look at the footwear of the whole armor of God. Pastor Steve cited two versions of the scripture about our footwear. Both translations are correct. The New Revised Standard Version says, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” This version mentions that we have a part in being ready, the result being that peace goes out to others from us as we share our good news (the gospel). The New International Version says, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This is good news that has already brought peace to us and, and that peace keeps us in a state of readiness to share our good news with others.

It’s a subtle difference in translation, but both versions get us to the same place – ready. Discuss the subtle differences in translations and how thoroughly God has seen fit to cover us.

3. What difference does peace make in our individual lives? In our family life? At work? In our city? In our nation? In our world?

4. Right now, in May of 2009, would you say peace is common, or a scarce commodity?

5. Who do these scriptures identify as the source of our peace?
Micah 5:2-5
Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:13, 14
John 14:27

6. If we believe that peace is a precious gift (our “good news”), and it could make all the difference in the lives of people who are in turmoil, how willing are we to share it?

7. See 2 Peter 1:2-8 – how do these verses apply to, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim…”?

8. Look at our key verse in the Amplified version of the Bible: “And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.” In Sunday’s Bible reading, the word “stand” appears 3 times. The Amplified version exhorts us to have firm-footed stability. Sturdy footwear is mandated for firm-footed stability, yet “peace” is often viewed as something only the timid value, those who wish to evade conflict. What are the characteristics of true peace that brings strength and protection vs. avoidant “peace” that merely appeases? Is it possible to confront evil from a stance of peace? How so?

9. This week, notice if you are (a) standing firmly grounded in the peace that is yours by virtue of the good news you have received of Christ; and (b) if you are ready and willing to extend that same peace to others in the form of the good news of the gospel. Review Isaiah 52:7, and be encouraged that the sound of your footsteps might be the most welcome sound in someone’s life this week.

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: Protected by the Breastplate of Righteousness by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/186#comment-4734 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Mon, 18 May 2009 05:07:13 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=186#comment-4734 The Armor of God – The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) 1.Share how you did last week with living out of your core of God’s truth and strength (the belt of truth). How did applying that strength impact you? 2.This week we look at the Breastplate of Righteousness, another piece of the “whole armor of God” we are admonished to wear. Paul just says to put it on, but he doesn’t make any comments about it. He must have assumed the Jewish Christians to whom he was writing were familiar with what he was talking about. Read Isaiah 59:1-15 and note: a.The condition of the people at the time Isaiah is writing; b.Any similarities to the conditions that surround us right now in May of 2009 c.Continue reading Isaiah 59, 15-17. In the second half of verse 15, there is a turn of events. What is it? d.There is a rescue – who is this prophecy about? e.What is He wearing? 3.Isaiah 59:16 says, “…His righteousness upheld Him.” There is no other righteousness that upholds God besides His own righteousness! a.The “Breastplate of Righteousness” in Ephesians 6:14 is cross-referenced to this passage in Isaiah. It is an integral piece of the whole armor of God that we are to put on. If in the Old Testament, Isaiah wrote that God was upheld by His own righteousness, what does that say about the strength of that very same righteousness – His righteousness – that we New Testament Christians are told to put on as part of the whole armor of God? b.How does His righteousness – our assurance of right standing with God – protect us as we go about our day? 4.How do we take hold of His righteousness? 5.This week, consciously wear your breastplate of righteousness, and when the enemy accuses you, remind him of Whose righteousness you are wearing. The Armor of God – The Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

1.Share how you did last week with living out of your core of God’s truth and strength (the belt of truth). How did applying that strength impact you?

2.This week we look at the Breastplate of Righteousness, another piece of the “whole armor of God” we are admonished to wear. Paul just says to put it on, but he doesn’t make any comments about it. He must have assumed the Jewish Christians to whom he was writing were familiar with what he was talking about. Read Isaiah 59:1-15 and note:

a.The condition of the people at the time Isaiah is writing;
b.Any similarities to the conditions that surround us right now in May of 2009
c.Continue reading Isaiah 59, 15-17. In the second half of verse 15, there is a turn of events. What is it?
d.There is a rescue – who is this prophecy about?
e.What is He wearing?

3.Isaiah 59:16 says, “…His righteousness upheld Him.” There is no other righteousness that upholds God besides His own righteousness!

a.The “Breastplate of Righteousness” in Ephesians 6:14 is cross-referenced to this passage in Isaiah. It is an integral piece of the whole armor of God that we are to put on. If in the Old Testament, Isaiah wrote that God was upheld by His own righteousness, what does that say about the strength of that very same righteousness – His righteousness – that we New Testament Christians are told to put on as part of the whole armor of God?
b.How does His righteousness – our assurance of right standing with God – protect us as we go about our day?

4.How do we take hold of His righteousness?

5.This week, consciously wear your breastplate of righteousness, and when the enemy accuses you, remind him of Whose righteousness you are wearing.

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: The Belt of Truth by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/183#comment-4732 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 12 May 2009 17:08:56 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=183#comment-4732 The Armor of God – The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14) 1.Share how you did last week with reminding yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood. If you remembered to do those two things, in what way(s) did it make a difference in your interactions with people? 2.Pastor Steve explained on Sunday morning that “the belt” of armor isn’t like our belts that hold up pants or accessorize what we’re wearing. In battle armor, it was a leather “apron” that hung down to the warriors’ thighs to protect them from arrow pierces. It also pressed their abdominal and lower back muscles into a strong, solid “core”. Core strength in our physical bodies is key to keeping us steady, balanced, and agile. How would this translate into the spiritual realm with the belt of truth buckled around our waists? 3.If it’s God’s truth that’s buckled around our waists, and His truth is the source of our strength, do we take any part in understanding His truth? 4.What is our part? 5.Review Ephesians 6:10. There’s a clarion call to readiness in this verse – notice it doesn’t say, “Get strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” What does it say? What’s the difference in readiness between “get” and “be”? 6.Compare this to 2 Timothy 4:2 – is this “get ready”, or “be ready”? 7.On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being lowest), how do you rate your current state of readiness? Your current core strength? 8.Pastor Steve encouraged us to speak the truth in love, live the truth, and allow truth to protect us. During this week, note if consciously living out of your core of God’s truth and strength impacts your reaction to circumstances, and/or the actual circumstances. The Armor of God – The Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)

1.Share how you did last week with reminding yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood. If you remembered to do those two things, in what way(s) did it make a difference in your interactions with people?

2.Pastor Steve explained on Sunday morning that “the belt” of armor isn’t like our belts that hold up pants or accessorize what we’re wearing. In battle armor, it was a leather “apron” that hung down to the warriors’ thighs to protect them from arrow pierces. It also pressed their abdominal and lower back muscles into a strong, solid “core”. Core strength in our physical bodies is key to keeping us steady, balanced, and agile. How would this translate into the spiritual realm with the belt of truth buckled around our waists?

3.If it’s God’s truth that’s buckled around our waists, and His truth is the source of our strength, do we take any part in understanding His truth?

4.What is our part?

5.Review Ephesians 6:10. There’s a clarion call to readiness in this verse – notice it doesn’t say, “Get strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” What does it say? What’s the difference in readiness between “get” and “be”?

6.Compare this to 2 Timothy 4:2 – is this “get ready”, or “be ready”?

7.On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being lowest), how do you rate your current state of readiness? Your current core strength?

8.Pastor Steve encouraged us to speak the truth in love, live the truth, and allow truth to protect us. During this week, note if consciously living out of your core of God’s truth and strength impacts your reaction to circumstances, and/or the actual circumstances.

]]> Comment on Love the Shepherd, Love the Sheep by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/176#comment-4731 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 12 May 2009 01:23:00 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=176#comment-4731 Nice preaching, Dan! Nice preaching, Dan!

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: Where’s the Battle? by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/181#comment-4730 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 05 May 2009 05:54:45 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=181#comment-4730 To try a small group or check out an online discussion forum please contact Steven and Alisha David at stevenalishadavid@gmail.com. To try a small group or check out an online discussion forum please contact Steven and Alisha David at stevenalishadavid@gmail.com.

]]> Comment on The Armor of God: Where’s the Battle? by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/181#comment-4729 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 05 May 2009 05:50:40 +0000 http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/?p=181#comment-4729 Where’s the Battle? (Ephesians 6:10-13) 1.With the downturn of the global economy, controversy in the political scene, a swine flu outbreak, and all the news that seems to be only bad news – what are you doing to take a break from the tensions that surround you? 2.Have you noticed if people seem less patient with each other? Give an example. 3.In the challenges of everyday life, Paul admonishes us to “…be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). Then he tells us the first step, “Get dressed,” (Eph. 6:11) so that we’ll be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Take a look at other “get dressed” verses: Romans 13:12 Romans 13:14 Galatians 3:27 In all the verses, what is the similar element of the clothing we are admonished to put on? 4.We consciously clothe our physical bodies each morning to get ready for the day. We dress appropriately for whatever it is we’re going to do. If we consciously clothe our spiritual selves each morning, would it make a difference in our readiness to handle whatever crosses our path during the day? How so? 5.Ephesians 6:11 and 12 tell us to put on the whole armor of God because we face a struggle. How would being aware that our struggle isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces, change the way you react to those who provoke you? 6.What will you do this week to remind yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood? Where’s the Battle? (Ephesians 6:10-13)

1.With the downturn of the global economy, controversy in the political scene, a swine flu outbreak, and all the news that seems to be only bad news – what are you doing to take a break from the tensions that surround you?

2.Have you noticed if people seem less patient with each other? Give an example.

3.In the challenges of everyday life, Paul admonishes us to “…be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). Then he tells us the first step, “Get dressed,” (Eph. 6:11) so that we’ll be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Take a look at other “get dressed” verses:
Romans 13:12
Romans 13:14
Galatians 3:27

In all the verses, what is the similar element of the clothing we are admonished to put on?

4.We consciously clothe our physical bodies each morning to get ready for the day. We dress appropriately for whatever it is we’re going to do.
If we consciously clothe our spiritual selves each morning, would it make a difference in our readiness to handle whatever crosses our path during the day? How so?

5.Ephesians 6:11 and 12 tell us to put on the whole armor of God because we face a struggle. How would being aware that our struggle isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces, change the way you react to those who provoke you?

6.What will you do this week to remind yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood?

]]> Comment on Special Edition by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/102#comment-4728 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:59:46 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/?p=102#comment-4728 Is that Dave Dove I hear singing his heart out? Those were the days... Is that Dave Dove I hear singing his heart out?
Those were the days…

]]> Comment on Called Out: Should I Listen to Them or to God? by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/111#comment-4686 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:49:02 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/?p=111#comment-4686 Speaking of what they think and say... Gossip is a serious issue, especially in the body of Christ because it affects the ability to accept and love one another. And Love is the bond that holds together the body of Christ. www.wordscanheal.org I found this website today as I was looking for a way out of imagining what others might think. It showed me the affects of careless words and challenged me to make a pledge against them. Judgement may be the root. If I can give over the power of judgement to our Savior, than the a burden is lifted... "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version) "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version) Bless you Brothers and Sisters, Ali David Speaking of what they think and say…

Gossip is a serious issue, especially in the body of Christ because it affects the ability to accept and love one another. And Love is the bond that holds together the body of Christ.

http://www.wordscanheal.org

I found this website today as I was looking for a way out of imagining what others might think. It showed me the affects of careless words and challenged me to make a pledge against them.

Judgement may be the root. If I can give over the power of judgement to our Savior, than the a burden is lifted…

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Bless you Brothers and Sisters,
Ali David

]]> Comment on Draw Near to God and God Will Draw Near to You by Trinity Blog :: Is life getting you down? You’re not alone! http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/54#comment-4674 Trinity Blog :: Is life getting you down? You’re not alone! Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:22:36 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/54#comment-4674 [...] It is possible to handle everything because God gives us strength. God will not let us down! If you’re having trouble feeling that right now, my prescription would first be prayer – just time spent talking to God – and then “Worship + 2” (see the post on that). “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you” (from James 4:8 - You can hear my audio message on that passage that talks about how to let go and seek God at www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/54) [...] [...] It is possible to handle everything because God gives us strength. God will not let us down! If you’re having trouble feeling that right now, my prescription would first be prayer – just time spent talking to God – and then “Worship + 2” (see the post on that). “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you” (from James 4:8 - You can hear my audio message on that passage that talks about how to let go and seek God at http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/54) [...]

]]> Comment on God and Sex by Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » God works through difficult stuff http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/94#comment-4671 Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » God works through difficult stuff Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:35:43 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/?p=94#comment-4671 [...] If you have a half hour free, you can listen at http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/94 [...] [...] If you have a half hour free, you can listen at http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/94 [...]

]]> Comment on How much does God protect us? by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/68#comment-3427 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Thu, 22 Nov 2007 09:04:32 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/68#comment-3427 Hey, cool! That looks like a nice example of God's provision to me. -Pastor Steve Hey, cool! That looks like a nice example of God’s provision to me.

-Pastor Steve

]]> Comment on How much does God protect us? by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/68#comment-3175 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:44:53 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/68#comment-3175 I came across Luke 12 in sleeplessness 2 am Sunday morning. It was pretty shocking to come across the same verses in the bulletin Sunday morning. Wierd. I came across Luke 12 in sleeplessness 2 am Sunday morning. It was pretty shocking to come across the same verses in the bulletin Sunday morning. Wierd.

]]> Comment on To Love as God Loves by Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/49#comment-1381 Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:20:35 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/49#comment-1381 Beautiful. Beautiful.

]]> Comment on Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: The World’s Worst Military Strategy by Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » Your Church Can Podcast - Part 2: Creating Your MP3 File http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/24#comment-9 Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » Your Church Can Podcast - Part 2: Creating Your MP3 File Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:58:06 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/24#comment-9 [...] You can just post your MP3 file as is if you like. I wanted mine to sound s bit more professional than that so I bought a cheapo computer microphone from Radio Shack and had my wife Eleanor record introduction and sign-off messages. You can hear our current introduction and sign-off here if you like (they’re in WAV format). You can hear a finished product at www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/24.  Others use something more elaborate. If you have someone excited about the podcast ministry, they could do what Peace Presbyterian Church (another church in Sacramento Presbytery) does. Listen here to a sample here. This requires someone to record an introduction each week. Very cool, but it has to be a labor of love. [...] [...] You can just post your MP3 file as is if you like. I wanted mine to sound s bit more professional than that so I bought a cheapo computer microphone from Radio Shack and had my wife Eleanor record introduction and sign-off messages. You can hear our current introduction and sign-off here if you like (they’re in WAV format). You can hear a finished product at http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/24.  Others use something more elaborate. If you have someone excited about the podcast ministry, they could do what Peace Presbyterian Church (another church in Sacramento Presbytery) does. Listen here to a sample here. This requires someone to record an introduction each week. Very cool, but it has to be a labor of love. [...]

]]> Comment on Jesus Has Come: Recognizing Him by Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » Your Church Can Podcast - Part 1: Recording your audio http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/15#comment-2 Undercover Pastor » Blog Archive » Your Church Can Podcast - Part 1: Recording your audio Mon, 15 Jan 2007 04:57:07 +0000 http://www.trinitywestsac.org/podcast/archives/15#comment-2 [...] There are two other popular ways to do this. Some churches use an MP3 recorder. You plug this baby into the audio output form your sound system and just start and stop it at the right times to get the audio you need. You can do it with a separate microphone, but you’ll catch a lot more coughing. (Laughter is nice, though!) Check out the December 31st episode of Grace in the West and compare it to another episode to see the difference. (By the way, this would be an excellent time to subscribe to Grace in the West in Apple’s iTunes. ) [...] [...] There are two other popular ways to do this. Some churches use an MP3 recorder. You plug this baby into the audio output form your sound system and just start and stop it at the right times to get the audio you need. You can do it with a separate microphone, but you’ll catch a lot more coughing. (Laughter is nice, though!) Check out the December 31st episode of Grace in the West and compare it to another episode to see the difference. (By the way, this would be an excellent time to subscribe to Grace in the West in Apple’s iTunes. ) [...]

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