LHIM Weekly Bible Teaching

Psalm 73:25-28 This is the worshipful heart of a psalmist who sees God as his ultimate desire, his portion, the one in whom he takes refuge. Overwhelmed with the joy and satisfaction of knowing and communing with God, he seeks to tell of God’s works. That’s worship. 1. Singing: Psalm 100:1-2; Isaiah 12:5-6; Colossians 3:16 Scripture repeatedly tells us to make a joyful noise to Yahweh, to sing praises to God, and to sing spiritual songs to him. Even if you aren’t a good singer, sing anyhow. It’s not about you; it’s about him. 2. Praying: Psalm 145:1-9; Acts 2:4, 11; 1 Corinthians 14:2 Worshiping God through our prayers is telling him who he is and what he’s done. Whether we pray with our understanding or in an unknown tongue, praising God through prayer is a major part of our weekly worship service. 3. Giving: Deuteronomy 12:6-7; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41-44 Financial giving is an act of worship too, when done with a willing heart, happy to give back in recognition of God’s blessings in your life. The amount isn’t the focus, but the heart of dedication to God. 4. Serving: 1 Peter 4:10-11 There are many opportunities to serve in our weekly gathering. When done to God, even the most mundane acts of service are worship. When done in a begrudging way, even the costliest acts of service are canceled out in God’s eyes. Let’s serve God with zeal and gratitude!The post Practical Christianity 5: Weekly Worship first appeared on Living Hope.

The Bible gives more attention to the final week of Jesus’ life than to any other period. Reading of His suffering and crucifixion is difficult because of our love for Him; yet God desires that we both understand and feel the depth of the sacrifice made for our redemption. This teaching offers a brief glimpse into those remarkable days. Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19 Olivet Discourse – Matthew 24-25; Mark 13; Luke 21 Judas Agrees to Betray – Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6 Last Supper – Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:7-38; John 13-17 Jesus Prays – Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 22:39-46 Arrested in Garden – Matthew 26:47-57; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:2-12 Before Annas – John 18:13-24 Before Caiaphas – Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:55-72; Luke 22:54-65; John 18:24-27 Before Pilate – Matthew 27:2; Mark 15:1; Luke 23:1-7 Before Herod – Luke 23:7-12 Before Pilate – Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:2-15; Luke 23:13-25; John 18:33-19:16 Soldiers Tortured – Matthew 27:26-31; Mark 15:15-20 Led Out to Be Crucified – Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-32; John 19:16-17 It Is Finished – Luke 23:46; John 19:30The post The Triumphal Entry first appeared on Living Hope.

God is merciful in His character. He supremely demonstrated His mercy in what His Son did for humanity on the cross. As a result, we should show mercy to others. Still, we need wisdom to know when to show mercy and when not to. Exo 34:6. God is merciful and gracious in His character. These attributes often occur together throughout the Old Testament. See 2 Chron 30:9; Neh 9:17, 31; Psalms 86:15; 103:8; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5; 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jon 4:2. Rom 5:8; Eph 2:3-5. The cross supremely demonstrates God’s mercy through Christ’s example. Luke 6:31-38; Mat 7:1-2. Jesus teaches us that we should show mercy to others rather than judgement. By the strictness with which we judge and condemn others, we will be judged as well.   1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-25, 28-35; 3:11-14. Showing mercy isn’t always the right course of action. When Eli found out his sons were committing terrible acts, he confronted them but did not ensure they stopped their deplorable behavior. In this case, Eli’s mercy resulted in catastrophe for his family and Israel. James 2:13. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Victor Hugo illustrated the redemptive power of mercy in his novel, Les Misérables, in the bishop’s mercy shown to Jean Valjean. The post Mercy first appeared on Living Hope.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]The post Giving first appeared on Living Hope.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”] No one is totally free.  We all give up certain freedoms for others.  For example, we give up our freedom to eat dessert so we can live longer and feel better.  We give up our freedom to stay at home so we can make money and do something productive.  We give up our freedom to say what we really think so we still have friends. Freedom from the Law Galatians 4:21–5:1   Because of what Christ has done, we who belong to him are no longer enslaved to the Law of Moses.  Though God has set us free, we can submit again to the yoke of slavery. 2 Corinthians 3:12–17   Christ has unveiled a new reading of the Old Testament, giving us a new perspective and a new clarity.  Furthermore, God’s spirit has now taken the place of the external laws that God had given His people. Freedom from Corruption 2 Peter 2:18–22   Whatever overcomes you is your master.  Are you enslaved to sinful impulses?  If you are free from doing what’s right, you’re enslaved to hedonistic whims (flesh).  If you are free from the corruption of flesh, you’re enslaved to following Christ. Romans 8:19–23   Ultimately, God will set our whole world free from its slavery to futility.  In fact, creation itself is groaning in anticipation of our freedom when God will likewise set us free in resurrection from our bondage to corruption. How To Use Your Freedom Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16   Don’t use your freedom for your flesh; instead, serve others in love.  Do you want real freedom?  Put yourself second.  Confess Jesus as Lord.  Become Christ’s servant, and you’ll find true freedom.The post Freedom in Christ first appeared on Living Hope.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]The post Resilience first appeared on Living Hope.