GROANINGS!

GROANINGS!

Rom 8:21-23

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

          Recently there is a renewed internet interest in strange groaning sounds or trumpet sounds that have been heard in various parts of the world. The sounds resemble an orchestra tuning up for a concert or the chanting and groaning of a male choir. It is frighteningly strange. Theories range from secret government testing to angelic warfare.

          The Bible mentions the groaning of creation in the above portion. The Greek word is sustenazo which means to moan jointly due to a common calamity; to groan together. When God laid the corner stone of creation, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God (angels) shouted for joy. (Job 38:7) Whether any of these sounds are audible to any but the ears of God can’t be fully known.

          We also groan because we were created in liberty but descended into bondage through Adam’s fall. Our very bodies feel the weight of it. The longer we walk in this life the more we groan to be delivered of it.

          God understands groaning! Jesus groaned when he healed the blind man and at the tomb of His friend Lazarus. He hears the groaning of our spirit when our anguish cannot find words.

Rom 8:26

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Dear Lord, hear the prayers of my lips and of my heart today. Interpret my groaning and plead with the Father for me. AMEN

HOW TO BUILD A BELIEVER!

HOW TO BUILD A BELIEVER!

Matt 28:18 - 20

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. Engage him with the Scriptures!

2 Tim 3:15-17

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Rom 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2. Disciple him one-on-one!

John 1:43

43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

The word “follow” is from a Greek word that means “to be in the same way with me.” It implies a mimicking of the one being followed.

3. Teach him to multiply his life!

2 Tim 2:2

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

“The Scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God, and fit him fully for all branches of his work.” (2 Timothy 3:17) J. B. Phillips Translation

4. Lead him to make Christ the center of his life!

1 Cor 3:10-11

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

At the core of the life of the believer is the art of intimacy with Christ. 

5. Be the kind of person you want your disciple to be!

1 Cor 11:1

11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Dear Lord, let me be the kind of believer that produces a generation after me. AMEN

OVERTAKEN!

OVERTAKEN!

Gal 6:1-2

6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

          The Greek word for “overtaken” is the word prolambano which essentially means “to catch before the ball is thrown!” It means “to eat before others have an opportunity; to cut in line; to surprise.” The idea is that some fault, paraptoma a side-slip or unintentional error, has surprised the Christian in his usually steady walk.

          Dealing with such a person requires one to be “spiritual,” non-carnal; a mind that is in tune with God’s Spirit. The purpose is always restoration katartizo which means to repair or adjust. It may refer to setting a joint or broken bone back in place. It will generally be painful. The spiritual mindset does not slip into the judges robe to condemn but rather he puts on the doctor’s smock to heal. It requires circumspection on the part of the healer.

          Within the community of believers there must be a mutual and beneficial sharing and bearing of burdens – heavy things. It requires us to be watchful and sensitive to those who are dragging a bit under their load. Lend a hand and lift their load. It means that when the load becomes too heavy for us there will be another who comes alongside and lifts our load. So, stumbling along under the burden, we all cross the goal together in victory.

Dear Lord, let me be a burden bearer today. Amen