Studies, Topical Studies

Topical Study on Worship

by timnLeave a Comment on Topical Study on Worship

Biblical worship begins in the heart with an awareness of God’s greatness, producing reverence toward God and motivating sacrificial service in the worshipper’s life. The basic idea in both the Old and New Testaments is bowing in reverence. Bowing may or may not be reflected in physical posture, but it is certainly a spiritual disposition before the presence of the Lord, informed and guided by the Holy Spirit working in the heart of the worshipper. Central to this awareness of God’s greatness is the person and work of Jesus Christ—Who accomplished God’s plan of salvation by dying on the cross for our sins, proved He is worth of praise by resurrecting from the grave, and brings glory to the Godhead by manifesting His unfailing love and life-changing presence in the worshipper’s life. Finally, worship is not a passive activity for spectators, but a recurring sacrifice of service rendered by the lives of participants. On the whole, then, Biblical worship might be summarized in this way:

Worship is the Christian’s reverent response toward God
for who He is and what He has done for us—
in, through, and to the glory of the Son,
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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Topical Study on Worship

Studies, Word Studies

Word Study on Partiality Gk #4382

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The English word “partiality” from the Greek term προσωπολημψία refers to unjust favoritism based on external appearances or circumstances. God does not judge humankind on the basis of such externals. These include religious or ethnic heritage (Rom 2:11), social status (Eph 6:9, Col 3:25), and wealth (Jas 2:1). God judges the condition of the human heart according to His perfect standard of holiness, by which every human falls far short of God’s standard (c.f., Rom 3:23). Discriminatory treatment toward others on the basis of external circumstances is out of step with the character of God. God creates every person with unique physical traits, natural abilities, and spiritual gifts; as such, every believer’s role within their local church will vary according to the spiritual call God has placed upon each individual’s life (Eph 2:10) and that person’s willingness to pursue such a call as evidenced by a pattern of growth toward Christian maturity (e.g., Heb 5:12-14). However, it is clear that, for Christians, any distinctions between persons should never be based on external circumstances, but only according to God’s gifting and the individual’s willingness to surrender to God’s will for their lives.

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Word Study on Partiality Gk #4382

Studies, Word Studies

Word Study on Wrath Gk #3709

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In the New Testament, the English word “wrath” from the Greek term ὀργήν may originate with humans or God. Human wrath is vengeful and always denounced. God’s wrath, however, is always God’s just response against sinfulness. God’s wrath is both present and future—present in that it rests on those who have not believed in Christ (e.g., John 3:36), and future as a promise for those who die in their unbelief (e.g., Rom 2:5). Of the two Greek terms for wrath, ὀργήν at times suggests the premeditated intent of the heart, but not always. Regardless, Christians should not conduct their lives in patterns of wrath against others, but rather, seek peace, even with their enemies, praying for their persecutors (Matt 5:44) and leaving all forms of righteous vengeance to God (Rom 12:17-19).

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Word Study on Wrath Gk #3709

Studies, Word Studies

Word Study on Perfect Gk #5046

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The English word “patience” from the Greek term τέλειος has the idea of fullness of completeness. Something that is τέλειος is fully accomplished and lacks nothing. Old Testament sacrifices were without blemish. Old Testament saints were blameless. However, God is the standard of τέλειος. Christians are to look to Christ as our example of full spiritual maturity. So, when the Bible uses the word τέλειος for Christians, it means being wholly surrendered—heart, mind, and strength—in every aspect of life to the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Spirit transforms us by renewing our minds to discern God’s will (Rom 12:2) and continually leading us in living out the fullest expression of the law of liberty by conducting our lives in personal purity and sacrificial love toward others (Jas 1:25-27).

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Word Study on Perfect Gk #5046

Studies, Word Studies

Word Study on Patience Gk #5281

by timnLeave a Comment on Word Study on Patience Gk #5281

The English word “patience” from the Greek ὑπομονή has the idea of staying, remaining, or abiding under a burden or situation. It describes the Christian’s inner disposition to hold fast to faith through various trials. Patience is a necessary part of the fruit-bearing process in the Christian life (Luke 8:15). Its source and sustainer are God (Rom 8:25), beginning with a focus on God’s promise of eternal hope for the Christian (Rom 2:7), growing through trials (Rom 5:3-4), being evidence of the surety of the promise of eternal life (Heb 10:36), and manifesting as a habitual character trait of the maturing Christian (Jas 1:3-4, 2. Pet 1:5-7). Thus, patience strengthens the Christian’s faith, evidences their inner maturity, and produces spiritual fruit in their life for the Kingdom to the glory of God.

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Word Study on Patience Gk #5281

KidsMin

Seven I Ams of Jesus Memory Game

by timnLeave a Comment on Seven I Ams of Jesus Memory Game

seven-i-ams-memory-game

This is a simple game I made to wrap up our lesson series to help our kids review the Seven I Am statements Jesus said. It consists of two sets of pictures and titles (14 pairs) with a game title card and a directions card. The directions are pretty self-explanatory and most kids already know how to play memory. Just explain that you have to match one picture with its corresponding title.

Also, you don’t have to be super crafty to make this! For super-easy printing and cutting, the template is designed to work with Avery business card paper (template 8871), which means you don’t even have to cut it out! Or, to make the cards more durable, print the template on cardstock, laminate them with a thermal laminator, and cut along the border with a paper trimmer or a straight edge and rotary cutter (this is how I did our set).

Download the totally-free printable template here: Seven I AMs Memory Game