Bible Study May 7

May 7, 2023

Two very similar passages from two different books are our reading for today: from 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17.

2 Samuel 7 –

David was enjoying a time of rest and a dream was born. The context of his dream was peace, the concern was a place for the Lord to be worshipped. Nathan responded to David’s question out of turn before he received a revelation from the Lord and his first answer turned out to be inconsistent with God’s will.

David’s desire to build a house was not the call David had on his life, he was called to be a warrior not a temple builder. His idea was noble but God did not need a building to be worshipped in as other gods of the day. God wanted to raise up a spiritual kingdom among the people. Rather than allowing David to build Him a house the Lord told David He would build a hose for David that would last forever.  

God did not want a permanent temple until the people conquered the Promised Land. David prayed for God’s reputation to be praised for all generations through His work in the nation of Israel.

1 Chronicles 17 –

Ancient kings in this part of the world often built great monuments to their deities. David’s desire was to honor who had appointed him ruler over His people and made…a name for this former shepherd. God’s promise to David was that his descendants would be on the throne forever.

David’s humble response (Who am I) vastly different from that of his arrogant predecessor, Saul. God called David “a man after His own heart.”

Bible Study May 6

May 6, 2023

Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, and 132 are todays readings.

Psalm 89 –

There are three keys terms we see repeated in this Psalm: covenant, my servant, and throne. God’s promises to David are guaranteed. Once God gifts a person, He will not remove that gift. The joyful sound refers to the sound of God’s people. Jesus fulfills the promises of David’s covenant in His everlasting throne.  The discipline of God seemed to endure forever.

Psalm 96 –

God’s greatness will one day be declared in all nations. The gospel will be known among all peoples. Families are literally tribes. The psalmist invites Gentiles to submit to God and become worshippers.

Psalm 100 –

Worship is characterized by an exuberance to God with their praise – a joyful shout. Worship should never be passive. The word mercy is associated with redemption in Jesus. His truth endures to all generations means He will always be with His people.

Psalm 101 –

David hints at the grand design of his kingdom by mentioning the city of the Lord.  The goal here is to reveal the king’s loyalty to God. Possibly it might have been used at his coronation.

Psalm 105 –

The psalmist seeks to excite the people’s gratitude by recalling God’s goodness to them in earlier times. The covenant is promised as Israel’s inheritance. My anointed and my prophets refer to the patriarchs. After calling God’s people to praise and thank Him he gives them the reason for obeying; that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws.

Psalm 132 –

Like every king before the King of kings has a footstool – the temple in Jerusalem. The heavens are His throne. The words the Lord  has sworn recall David’s covenant issued in 2 Samuel 7:8-16. Jesus is the anointed who ultimately fulfills these promises (Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30).

Bible Study May 5

May 5, 2023

Today we have the joy of reading a variety Psalms including 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, and 68.

Psalm 1 –

The word “blessed” means “happy” or “inward joy is theirs.” The Psalmist paints a picture of a pull toward evil. The counsel of the ungodly refers to advice given to people to do evil. To stand in judgement of God is a desired outcome here, a symbol of divine approval. “The righteous carves His name upon the rock, but the wicked writes His remembrance in the wind.” The righteous man plows the earth and sows which shall never be harvested until he reaches eternity.

Psalm 2 –

Plot communicates the activities of a people who complain and are discontent. God laughs at the very of people who think they can oppose Him. Rod of iron is the scepter that represents kingship, iron being a symbol of strength. The phrase dash them to pieces like a potters vessel illustrates the strength of the king over the nations.

Psalm 15 –

Tabernacle and holy hill are interchangeable terms that designate the dwelling of God. Abide refers to a temporary condition; dwell is a permanent position. Those who live according to the verses found here shall never be moved. Backbite is a word for slander, which means ‘to wander about the tongue.”

The Israelites were prohibited from charging interest on a loan and bribery was considered to pervert justice.

Psalm 22 –

The psalmist felt frustrated from God’s lack of response to his cries, Jesus quoted these words as He hung on the cross. David considers himself a worm expressing his feeling of worthlessness.  Apparently, his enemies were so certain he would die they were already dividing his clothing among themselves. “I shall not want” literally means “I shall not lack.” God’s loving care and protective care is eternal.

Psalm 23 –

What a great Psalm when we consider all is says and how it ministers to us. David recognized how much God watched over him when he said, “The Lord is my shepherd.” The psalm is a picture of complete rest and peacefulness.  Humanity needs soul restoration because of carelessness, difficult circumstances, secret sin, and the world’s influence. Once we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have spiritual privileges.

David looks beyond the pasture of the future as we should to dwelling place of the Lord forever.

Psalm 24 –

God is overall because He created all, in the eyes of God the only acceptable worship is that from people who have clean hands and a pure heart. Lifting up the gates refers to raising the do the glorious God could pass through.

Psalm 47 –

The root word for gone up is exalted in verse nine.  The people of God will shout in triumph on the when the rightful King of the earth reigns.

Psalm 68 –

This psalm echoes the Song of Deborah in Judges 5. Verse 18 is quoted somewhat the same way in Ephesians 4:8-11 to describe how the exalted Chrsit distributed gifts to believers after His ascension. Here the focus is on God the conqueror, while Paul’s shares the benefits of Christ’s victory.

Sunday at Asbury

SUNDAY AT ASBURY UMC

This Sunday we are looking at “The Purpose of the Church” from Acts 2:40-47 and additional reading from Acts 1:4-8 & 2:1-13.

Last Sunday it was stated the church has a three-fold purpose:

•        the exaltation of God,

•        the edification of the saints, and

•        the evangelization of the world.

This week we are taking a look at an area the church should be involved in and a group that needs God’s care and concern. The theme of the message came from an idea our pastor had from a Beatles song. Join us Sunday to see which song and how it applies to us today as a church in our world.

We are located at 2704 South Highway W in Foley, MO. you can find us on Facebook at 9:00 AM Sunday morning.  I often think we have three addresses, our physical one, our website (asburyumcfoley.org), and our Facebook page.  

Bible Study May 4

May 4, 2023

Our reading today takes us to a couple of Old Testament books 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. In 2 Samuel we are reading chapter 5 verses 11 to 25 and chapter six verses 1 to 23 and in 1 Chronicles chapters 13 to 16.

2 Samuel 5:11 – 25 –

King Hiram was the first international king to recognize David as the leader of Israel. Tyre was dependent on Israel for food. The Philistines had become concerned that David’s reign was extending beyond Judah. When David was hiding from Saul he may have been in these regions before.

As he Philistines prepared for war David sought the Lord’s guidance and God gave him the go ahead to attack the Philistines that He would deliver them into David’s’ hands. God’s way was the only way he could secure victory. The Philistines carries their gods into battle only to have them burnt by David after his defeat of the Philistines.

2 Samuel 6:1-23 –

After defeating the Philistines recently on two occasions David’s plan is to restore the ark of the covenant to a place of prominence in Israel. The ark needed to be returned to Israel since it was the central point of worship for them. The ark had been separated from Israel for fifty years. David disobeyed God on the proper way to transport the ark. He prepared a new cart to move it on but God had instructed them to move it by the rings placed on it with poles through the rings carried by certain chosen men. This is the way the Philistines moved the ark when they had it David was following the ways of the world not the ways of God.

As the ark starts to fall one of the men guiding it reaches out to steady which displeases God and He strikes him dead on the spot. David should have used this opportunity to repent for doing what he had done by moving the ark the way he commanded but rather he became angry and let fear direct his actions.

According to the parallel language in 1 Chronicles David is back in fellowship with the Lord – the ark is being transported as it should be. When they returned with the ark David is full of joy that he is found dancing and they are playing music in celebration of the event.

His wife, Michal, sees him celebrating and has contempt for his actions. She confronts David with her concerns and he responds why he was acting this way. As a result of her contempt she remains childless all her life.

Becoming a Welcoming Church – Chapter 5

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

GREETERS, WELCOME CENTERS, AND THE WELCOMING CHURCH – CHAPTER 5

WHY DO WE EVEN NEED GREETERS?

“We therefore need greeters for three reasons:”

  1. It’s a focused ministry. We need people in ministry whose sole focus at the moment is greeting people.  We need members who understand greeters do more than merely saluting people upon their arrival: we need them praying for the encounters they have each week.
  2. It moves people to strategic locations. A greeter is a leader in ministry.
  3. It commits volunteers to specific times.

STRATEGIC LOCATIONS FOR GREETERS

  1. The parking lot. Parking lot greeters are essential, their role may be to simply wave and smile.
  2. The entrance.
  3. The roaming greeter.
  4. The worship center greeters. We heard it said often “guests feel uncomfortable once they enter the worship center.” Typically no one sits with them, no one speaks them anymore.

COMMON MISTAKES OF GREETERS

You can learn from this book mistakes other churches made in greeting ministries.

  1. Holy Huddles – members only talking to each other,
  2. Arriving too late, leaving to early. Greeters should delay entering the worship center in order to greet late arrivers and then be available for greeting them on the way out.
  3. Failing to introduce yourself. Call them by name but be sure it is their name.

THE WELCOME CENTER

Every church should have a welcome center. No exceptions. None. The welcome center serves many purposes but should always be viewed rom the perspective of a guest.

  1. It can be simple,
  2. It should be manned when guests are present,
  3. It should have information about the church,
  4. It should have gifts, when a person takes home a gift, he or she is more likely to return.
  5. It should have pens,
  6. It may have treats, Rainer says if he gets chocolate from a church he is going back,
  7. No welcome center is complete without a “lot” of coffee.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION FACTOR

Greeters and welcome centers send a clear message to guests, “we are expecting you.” They are critical to a first-time visitor.

Greeters and welcome centers, however, say even more. They don’t just say. “We’re expecting you,” they say, “We want you here.” And a guest who feels wanted and welcomed is a guest who will likely return. It is really that important.

POINTS TO PONDER

  1. On a scale of one to ten how would you grade our welcoming teams ministry?
  2. Are there any changes you would make?
  3. In the early church culture, it was common to greet one another with a ‘holy kiss’ such as is portrayed in 1 Thessalonians 5:26. “Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.” (NLT). Why do you think the Bible exhorts us to greet all people.
  4. Pretend you are a guest at your church for the first time is the signage adequate for you find your way around?
  5. What do you see as the importance of greeters?

Bible Study May 3

May 3, 2023

Today we are reading Psalms 106 – 107.  Both of the psalms are Psalms of praised.

Psalm 106 –

There is joy in the forgiveness of Israel’s sin as recorded in this Psalm. The crossing of the Red Sea is recounted. Israel tested God with selfish desires and cravings. He gave them what they wanted but their craving ended in sickness. Their impatience led to a premature death. We also see the episode of the golden calf reproduced here as in Exodus 32.

No matter all the things Israel did in opposition to God, He never left them. We see a picture of a long-suffering God which is evident in the Psalm.

Psalm 107 –

Psalm 107 is one of deliverance we find in verses 1, 8, 15, 21, and 31. After the Assyrian and Babylonian captivity the Israelites were widely scattered. Thank offerings were a kind of peace offering that an Israelites could offer in gratitude. He recuses the poor from trouble sounds similar to that of marry in Luke 1:51 – 53.

Bible Study May 2

May 2, 2023

Today we have a very short reading from Psalm 133, a Psalm of unity and praise.

Psalm 133 –

God delights when His people live in unity things that are lovely, pleasant, harmonious are all things God loves in the body. Here we see David using similes to express the joy of brothers actually sitting together in harmony. Priests were anointed with oil when they took the office as a priest this served as an indication that God was blessing them.

Becoming a Welcoming Church Chapter 4

This book is written by Thom Rainer entitled “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” As with the last book I will be adding a chapter a day for us to consider. I am in no way saying our church or your church if you are reading this is not welcoming – just something to think about. I am capitalizing the chapter sections.

SAFE CHURCH – CLEAN CHURCH – CHAPTER 4

The author begins by sharing an illustration from the first church he pastored. “The first Sunday I was serving as pastor, I asked one of the members a pretty basic question, Where is the restroom? He did not answer. So I asked again. He looked down at the floor and this time responded meekly, ‘We don’t have one.’

“Second, how does a church function without a restroom? I decided to ask the same member another question. “What do you tell guests where the restroom is? I asked. He responded, “We don’t have of those.”

That’s a terrible commentary on a church – no guests.

ARE YOU PREPARED

They obviously expected no guests he writes. I imagine we would agree if they had a guest, they were unprepared for them. He says many churches he visited were cluttered, dirty, and unsafe. Sometimes we can become so familiar with our surroundings we miss the obvious.

THE SAFE CHURCH

Here he simply asks questions such as are rugs and mats in good shape, are fire extinguishers visible, any frayed electrical cords, things along those lines that keep us safe.

THE SAFE CHURCH AND THE CHILDREN

“While many boomer kids were free to roam their neighborhoods and ride their bikes to school and the movies, the iGen kids are supervised at almost every moment. Their millennial parents, for the most part, do not want them out of their sight.

He suggests a comment on the church website explaining how we protect children at church.

THE SLOPPY CHURCH

Here are some of the most repeated comments from first time church guests:

  • Clutter, I felt like the place was a storage house for everything members didn’t want or forgot.
  • Scarcity of garbage cans, I had an empty coffee cup I took home because there was no place to dispose of it.
  • Odors, “There was s a weird musty smell.
  • Unstocked restrooms, “I checked the stalls there was no toilet paper in any of them.”
  • Paper signage, just tacky.
  • Out of date information, was two months old.
  • Dirty carpet,
  • Faded paint,
  • Torn and dirty pew cushions.

WHAT SAFE AND CLEAN CHURCHES DO

“As a prefatory note, I see no relationship in the size of a church and the safety and cleanliness of church facilities.” His thoughts follow:

  • They see the issue from a gospel perspective. Many visitors are not followers of Christ they want to see a demonstration of care.
  • They find champions, a person who is both passionate and accountable to ministry.
  • They focus on three distinct areas: cleanliness, safety, and security.
  • They have regularly scheduled check-ups in all three areas.
  • They listen to a secret guest.

If you have guests that do not return – there is a reason.

POINTS TO PONDER

  1. If you were tor ate the cleanliness of our church on a scale of 1 to 10, with q0 the highest, how would you rate it? If not a 10, what would you do differently?
  2. How can cleanliness and safety be a gospel issue?
  3. What do you think millennial parents think of a church facility when they bring their children to church? What do you think the results are or would be?
  4. Has your church had a thorough safety inspection?
  5. Look at this verse in Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not the people. How do you relate this verse to the above notes?

Bible Study May 1

May 1, 2023

We start May off with ten verses from 2 Samuel which are also captured in 1 Chronicles in our reading for today.

1 Chronicles 10 –

The focus abruptly shifts from the history of Israel to their exile in Babylon (586 BC) and then goes back to the reign of King Saul. Little is known about Saul here most likely people knew all they wanted to know and now David was more popular. We know Saul’s three sons were killed one lived he was Esh-Baal whom Abner later made king. He was not even mentioned, David was the one to take over Israel.

Saul sought out a medium to give him guidance which was forbidden by God – Saul was simply unfaithful. God judged Saul who took his own life after a battle. Saul’s life depicts a person who does not take God’s word seriously.

Chapter 11 –  

David was the king of the southern territory for seven years before becoming king over all the territory. Davis had a great following and at times men would pledge their support for David. Three men mentioned in verses ten and eleven who fought for and with David during his time of hiding from Saul. No matter how great the soldiers were it was God who brought them the victory. This story of these three men indicate who people supported each other and their loyalty.

Chapter 12 –

A complete account of David at Ziklag can be found in 1 Samuel 27. While David was hiding from Saul, he had a following that was capable of being great warriors with bow, an arrow, and a sling. The sling was a shallow pouch with two cords attached to it when filled with stones was a deadly weapon.

People were drawn to David, even the Gadites followed him while eh was running from Saul and fought with him they were trained in mountain warfare. As you read verses 3 – 38 you will see the widespread support that David had. In the day of the Old Testament the Spirit spoke to and through God’s chosen. We see that again at Pentecost. We see in verse 39 there was a feast at David’s coronation something we see at the end times when evil is conquered.