God’s Work Prevails Despite Satan’s Devious Tactics — Neh. 6
Posted by Paul Apple in Christian on January 31, 2010
There are certain attitudes that can paralyze us and prevent us from accomplishing the work of God. Probably the biggest is Fear – fear of failure; fear of some type of opposition; fear of inadequacy; fear of what other people will think about what we are doing … Coupled closely with fear is Discouragement – losing heart and wanting to quit the fight. Satan works overtime to create these attitudes of fear and discouragement – maybe you had to fight off these paralyzing attitudes this past week. Satan uses Deception to try to get us to disbelieve God’s promises and God’s resources and believe certain lies instead. He employs a number of devious tactics to promote Fear and Discouragement.
Nehemiah had to lead the people through these challenges in order to reach his goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.
I. (:1-9) FIGHT OFF DISCOURAGEMENT –
II. (:10-14) FIGHT OFF DECEPTION –
III. (:15-19) FINISH THE WORK –
5 Enemy Tactics sprinkled through this section; all oriented around promoting Fear, Discouragement, Deception – Key is sticking to the task at hand and being strengthened by God to complete His Work
Looking to make an easy $4M?
Posted by Paul Apple in Education on January 29, 2010
Check out this project at FSU designed “to improve our understanding of free will in three spheres: science (especially neuroscience and social psychology); philosophy; and theology.” I would love to pick up some of this loose change from the John Templeton Foundation … but it does not look like they are soliciting much biblical input. Look at how the money is being allocated:
Advertising of grant programs in three areas: science of free will ($2.8 million); conceptual underpinnings of free will, round 1 ($165,000); and theology of free will, round 1 ($132,000).
I imagine that even the theological component (defined as input from traditional theology) will be largely philosophical rather than biblical exegesis. Maybe God would prefer that we give more than a passing interest to His opinion on this topic.
Example of Sacrificial Ministry — Part 2 — Neh 5:16-19
Posted by Paul Apple in Christian on January 24, 2010
Last week we looked at verses 14-15 and the first of the four commitments that every spiritual leader must make:
I. (:14-15) LETTING GO OF RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES —
MODELING SERVANT LEADERSHIP
A. Good Example: Mindset of Foregoing Legitimate Privileges
B. Bad Example: Mindset of Forced Rule and Feathering One’s Own Nest
C. Fundamental Motivation: Mindset of Fear of the Lord
This week we will be looking at the remaining three commitments.
