Oasis of God

Today’s reading will be from Galatians 5.

Paul is writing to another church that is dealing with a “bad influence.” In this case, someone is telling the church that they have to be circumcised to really be a Christian – and it’s having a detrimental impact on the church. What does Paul have to say about this fellow? If you can, take the time to read this chapter in The Message.

While we would never teach that circumcision is necessary for salvation, do we directly, or indirectly, teach that other things are necessary to really be a Christian?

Read 1 Corinthians 5.

What’s the problem that Paul is addressing in the church at Corinth? While Paul is very concerned about this man’s sin, he seems to be even more concerned with its impact on the church. How come?

We all have different levels of tolerance for being around bad/evil influences. How much can you take? How much should you take?

I’ve often heard young people talking about dating a non-believer and saying that they’ll “change them.” While that may be true, I always ask them about the consequences of the changes that the other person will make in them. Are there currently influences in your life that are hindering your walk with God?

Let’s start off our week by reading Mark 8.

Why did the people go to see Jesus? Why did the Pharisees go to see him? Why did the disciples follow Him? Who does Peter say that He is? (verse 29)

Each of these groups had pieces of the truth – Jesus is a healer, Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus is a great teacher – but they also had misconceptions about Him. Was He going to lead a physical revolt? Was He going to “prove” Himself to them with signs?

Have you ever noticed that a little truth mixed in with lies can be very persuasive – and very dangerous? That’s why Jesus was warning them not to be led astray by false teachings!

Begin to prepare for tomorrow’s message by reading Matthew 16.

Why did Jesus tell them to watch and beware the leaven of the Pharisees? If you were a Jew during Jesus’ time on earth, is it possible that the Pharisees and Sadducees’ actions towards Jesus would have looked sincere? (We really want to believe in you Jesus, just show us a small sign. Surely the Son of God could that?!) Can you see where the same type of thing may have infiltrated the church today?

Tomorrow’s…

Watch and beware!

The book of Romans has something to say about giving thanks to God, too. Let’s finish off our time with ‘giving thanks’ by reading Romans 1.

Look at verse 21 again. Who is Paul talking about? PEOPLE THAT KNOW GOD! What was their problem? We’re told that they didn’t honor Him, they didn’t give thanks to Him, they became futile thinkers, and their foolish hearts were darkened!

Wow, is it possible that their whole slide into foolish started with something as simple as forgetting to give thanks to God for all that He has done?

Let’s see how Paul’s journey to Romeis going by reading Acts 28.

Even though Paul is a prisoner, how does he behave among the people of Malta?(Others would describe Paul as a prisoner, but Paul obviously thinks of himself first and foremost as a Christian!) Do you always think of yourself as a Christian in all situations?

Today’s reading will be 1 Thessalonians 5.

As Paul finished up his first letter to the church at Corinth, he seems to get in a rush to say all of the things that are on his heart and sort of gives them a ‘bucket list’ of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts.’

What does Paul have to say about giving thanks in verse 18? When are we supposed to give thanks? Based on this when should we not give thanks? I think I’m going to need to work on this!

Read Acts 27.

If ever a situation looked bad, this had to be it. Paul is a prisoner on a ship on his way toRomefor his trial; their boat is caught is a violent storm for days on end;  the crew has attempted to abandon the ship; and they’ve lost their lifeboat. In the midst of all of this turmoil, what does Paul do? He hands out bread (not exactly the buffet that we’re used to on our sea cruises!) and gives thanks. What do you think he might have thanked God for?

How does this story end in verse 44? Are you able to give God thanks when things are bad?

Let’s start off our week by reading a familiar story in Daniel 6.

When Daniel learns about the law, what’s the first thing that he does? Would you be giving thanks to God, or would you be pleading for His help because of this ‘persecution?’

How does the situation look for Daniel at the beginning of this story when he is giving thanks to God? How does his situation turn out? Is there a lesson there for us? 

Begin to prepare for tomorrow’s message by reading Mark 6, paying special attention to the feeding of the 5,000.