Author: Larry Soape

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 6:5-13 (day four)

The word ‘hallowed’ is not a word we use very often.  The dictionary definition for it is “holy and consecrated’.  When Jesus gave us instructions on how to pray, this is the first phrase of His example.  Hallowed gives us insight into the character of God.  When we understand that the very nature of God is holiness and how wide-reaching this description truly is, all the rest of this “Lord’s Prayer” makes sense.

The infinite holiness of God is really beyond our full comprehension.  Our finite minds cannot take in all the aspects of infinity.  Stop and reflect on how an understanding of God’s character can impact what we do as a church.  We are Better Together, and when we portray an accurate picture of God to the world around us, He is glorified.  A unified picture is multiplied when we walk together, serving our hallowed God.  How will serving a holy God impact a lost world?

Re:Verse passage – 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 (day four)

These verses are a favorite proof-text for health and wealth preachers.  “If you give abundantly to our church, God will give abundantly to you!”  Wrong.  It is as if God is obligated to give you a lot if you give the church a lot.  The only ones who get wealthy with this kind of theology is the preacher giving the message!

God wants us to be generous and cheerful givers.  Notice in verse 10, God gives on both sides of the equation.   God supplies the seed and then, when we sow it, He brings a bountiful harvest.  From God’s supply, others are blessed.  It is never about personal enrichment, it is about producing thanksgiving to God.  For God, it is always about the heart…what is the motivation of the heart?  Ananias and Sapphira gave a nice gift to the church, but out of a deceitful heart.  (Acts 5)  Give out of a grateful heart of thanksgiving!

Re:Verse passage – Acts 2:42-47 (day four)

Multitudes were added to the church!  Before that growth took place though, the Holy Spirit did a mighty work in the hearts of the believers.  Much preparation was made before growth took place.  First, the believers were listening to the teachings of the apostles.  They were seeking personal, spiritual growth (aka maturity) on a daily basis.  They also spent time in fellowship and eating together as a church.  Time spent together creates an opportunity to practice the character of Christ as well as to be held accountable for living a Christ-like life.  The final church community activity they joined in was prayer.  Listening and communicating with God to know His mind and will.

Without the preparation in the Spirit that the early church participated in, the addition of new members (aka church growth) would never have taken place.  Have you desired growth to take place in your church?  Have you been willing to put in the time for your personal maturity to prepare for this revival?  Or maybe you have asked God to grow the church, but have neglected your own Spiritual growth.  Ask God to mature your faith and He will take care of the rest!

Re:Verse passage – 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (day four)

What a concise, complete description of the purpose or work of Scripture!  Scripture is not an end to itself, it leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  It accomplishes four tasks in the lives of believers…teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.  What a gift we have in the inspired Word of God!

Looking for direction in life?  Looking for a course change…or preparation for things to come?  God has provided for you, long before you were even aware of your need.  From the beginning of time, God has proclaimed His message of forgiveness and salvation by faith.  His inspired Word has pointed the way.  Men have sought to discount the value of the Word…they have tried to discredit the truth of the Word…they have labored to dishonor God, the Author…all without success.  God’s Word will endure forever.  Make it a part of your daily life and you will always be equipped for every good work!

Re:Verse passage – Romans 8:15-17, Ephesians 5:22-32 (day four)

When Paul wrote these words about the sacredness of marriage and the relationship of Christ and the Church, they were somewhat radical and counter to the prevailing culture.  They were not new though.  Paul references back to the beginning of time in Genesis 2 as to the relationship within the marriage.  The Greek, Roman, and pagan cultures had cheapened the view of the marriage relationship.  Now, centuries later, the biblical standard for marriage is becoming a radical change from the modern, post-evangelical culture.  Once again, the marriage relationship, as established by God, is being over-shadowed by the non-biblical cheapening of the relationship between a man and a woman.

Why is this a dangerous trend?  The marriage relationship is a picture of the body of the Church and the person of Jesus Christ.  To abandon the biblical relationship of marriage is to paint a false picture of our relationship with Christ.  As believers…as the church…we must give a clear, accurate picture of God’s love and plan for man.  The world needs the truth!

Re:Verse passage – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27  (day four)

There is no better picture of the body of Christ than Paul’s description here in Corinthians.  Set in context, Paul is answering some of the problems and conflicts in the Corinthian church with a description of how the healthy church is supposed to look like and act like.  As we embark on this new study of Better Together, we are trying to paint an accurate picture of how we function as a New Testament church and how we can best accomplish God’s mission for our church.

When we have completed this study, each member should not only know that God’s assignment is best carried out in community with one another, but also what being a member of First Baptist Church San Antonio means in belief and actions.  We need each other…we need each other pulling in the same direction and not just everyone doing their own thing.  We are seeking God’s blueprint in Scripture and dedicating ourselves to being obedient to His Word.  Will you join us?  We are better together!