Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #25 Be Hospitable Towards One Another (I Peter 4:9) PART 2

I Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

2. The Way To Do It (I Peter 4:9b) “...without grudging.”
​When you have the opportunity to show Christian hospitality, make sure you don’t show attitude. A wife invited some people to dinner. As they all sat down to eat, the wife turned to their six year old daughter and said, “Honey, would you like to say the blessing?” The six year old girl said, “Mama, I wouldn’t know what to say.” The mother replied, “Just say what you hear mommy say.” The daughter bowed her head and said, “Dear Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?” We are commanded to be hospitable and to do it without grumbling. Adrian Rogers said, “I believe that there are two dangerous things: One is truthless love, and the other is loveless truth.” In showing hospitality there will be times that it will be inconvenient, it will take sacrifice, it will take patience, it will always take the love of Jesus. The practice of hospitality in Biblical times, was supported by the thought that the host themselves might some day be the stranger, and by the possibility that the stranger was divinely sent. We all have the opportunity of being hospitable. Therefore, when given the opportunity to show kindness to others, we should expect they respond by saying, “I appreciate your hospitality”. Hospitality is a marvelous means towards encouragement and edification.

I’m aware that not all visitors will come back, but why do visitors return for the second or third time? It’s because our church welcomes visitors, loves the church visitor, serves the first time church guest, works at including them in the body of Christ and help them to grow.
FBC recognizes the core values of church hospitality:
1. We know that visitors are a gift from God.
2. We have the privilege of influencing their journey to faith.
3. We are ready to lead them to Christ.
4. We help them find a place to serve.

In the six years I’ve pastored FBC, I’ve never heard of a visitor complain a member has made the guest uncomfortable. They might be offended by preaching Jesus Christ, but that is different from the offense of a church members. Hospitality was an absolute essential for the early church, and it is absolutely essential within the church today. Why? For love, care, ministry and close fellowship. It is almost impossible to maintain a loving and caring church and a flourishing ministry unless believers are fellowshipping together in their homes. Too often, when we entertain, the focus is on the place, not the people. Hospitality focuses on people, so the cleanliness of the home and the food are not the primary concern. Don’t wait until your house is clean enough and you have a well-prepared meal to show hospitality! This week, invite someone into your home, not to entertain them but to show hospitality. A spontaneous invitation to a messy house is a million times better than an invitation perpetually delayed. Everyone, not just friends or relatives, should be greeted with kind words and a warm handshake or holy hug. Hospitality is not the same as entertaining. God wants us to be fond (love, caring, warm, affectionate) of guests. All of us know how it feels to be out of place when we are visiting away from home. We make others feel at home when they are visiting our church, work, or home. Hospitality is making others feel like welcomed guests and not like intruders. People can tell if you are glad to have them.

1. Open my eyes that they may see the deepest needs of people.
2. Move my hands that they may feed the hungry.
3. Touch my heart that it may bring warmth to the despairing.
4. Teach me the generosity that welcomes strangers.
5. Let me share my possessions to clothe the naked.
6. Give me the care that strengthens the sick.


Points to Ponder:

• Hospitality is a wonderful opportunity to encourage others in the Lord!
• Think of some ways you can show hospitality to another.
• Even if you are the visitor of the host, you are there to serve, not to be served.
• In these last days we ought to surround ourselves with God's people.

Questions to Consider:

• Who can you take out for a meal or just for coffee?
• Would friends classify you as a hospitable person?
• What makes you hospitable?
• When was the last time you were hospitable to someone outside your immediate family or local church?
• How did you show hospitality?

Prayer, Father in Heaven, although I fall short many times in showing hospitality like I should, my desire and Your desire to use me never ceases. Touch my heart that I may serve others with care. Help me to know the deepest needs of people and comfort strangers who are weary. As You have generously invested in me, use me to cheerfully serve others that I may be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #25 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #26 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #25 Be Hospitable Towards One Another (I Peter 4:9) PART 1

I Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

I. What To Do (I Peter 4:9a) “Use hospitality one to another...”
Peter urges believers to have a positive attitude toward hospitality, one that flows from the fervent love and prayerful hope described in I Peter 4:7-8. I Peter 4:7-8, “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” We have a serious call to prayer, and we have a superior call to passion. If we have fully put forth love for our brothers (I Peter 4:8); we will practice hospitality toward them (I Peter 4:9). The word “hospitality” is used four times in the Scripture. Twice it is used referring to the practice of a Christian. Romans 12:13, “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” I Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Twice it is used concerning the prerequisite of a pastor. I Timothy 3:2, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” Titus 1:8, “But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate...”

Hospitable means to show acts of kindness. Hospitality is the act or practice of receiving and entertaining strangers or guests without reward. It carries the idea of the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. The writer of Hebrews encouraged us to be hospitable. He reminded us that there maybe a time that we may unknowingly entertain angels. Hebrews tells us that “some have entertained angels unawares” because of being hospitable (Hebrews 13:2). Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Abraham was hospitable to three strangers and discovered that he entertained the LORD and two angels (Genesis 18). God told Israel, “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19).

Peter tells the church to demonstrate their fervent love for one another by what they do. This is not a suggestion from the Word of God! This is a command to the people of God. We are to be hospitable to one another. Hospitality is a virtue that is commanded and commended throughout the Scripture. Love is demanded of us, and love is to be demonstrated by us. One of the most important fundamentals of being a Christian is being involved in a ministry serving others. You don’t have to be called to preach to be involved in a ministry serving others. God wants us to use our abilities and gifts to bless and encourage others. He wants us to reach people for Christ with the Gospel. We are to be ministry minded people. Understand that the Lord has placed you in a place or position at work, school, home, or your neighborhood, to touch the lives of others and point them to the Lord Jesus Christ. If you grasp this truth, it will change your life because it will change the way you view life and those around you. You can have a ministry with your family, friends, fellow workers, and neighbors.

Hospitality played a vital role in the spread of the Gospel. Without hospitality the early church could not have existed. In Peter’s day, Christians were persecuted throughout the Roman empire. Many Christians had to flee their homes to go to other areas that were safer. In their travels, they needed places to stay. The traveling missionaries who spread the good news of the Gospel also had to find somewhere to lodge. Because the inns were dangerous and provided abundant sexual temptations, traveling Christians and missionaries avoided them. They sought lodging with friends, relatives, acquaintances, or friends of friends. Many of them stayed in the homes of other believers, which was a huge blessing. Preachers, over the centuries, have relied on the hospitality of believers while traveling from town to town to minister to people. Hospitality was needed not only for traveling believers, but it was also needed so that churches could be established. There were no church buildings for almost 200 years. Local churches were forced to meet in the homes of those believers who had larger rooms and were willing to let their homes be used for worship services. For example, Aquila and Priscilla made their home available for church services. I Corinthians 16:19, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” Romans 16:5a, “Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”

Prayer, Father in Heaven, although I fall short many times in showing hospitality like I should my desire and Your desire to use me never ceases. Touch my heart that I may serve others with care. Help me to know the deepest needs of people and comfort strangers who are weary. As You have generously invested in me, use me to cheerfully serve others that I may be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #25 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #25 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #24 Compassion One of Another (I Peter 3:8) PART 2

I Peter 3:8, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

I. Charity (I Peter 3:8c)
I Peter 3:8c, “…love as brethren...”
The words “love as brethren” simply mean ‘loving brethren’ or ‘brotherly love.’ As believers, we manifest the love of Christ by demonstrating brotherly love for one another. Love is an action word. Jesus Christ put principle into picture. Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” When we look to and we see Christ, we see true and pure love. Christ compels us to go beyond the knowledge of love and to demonstrate our love in our dealings with others. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Jesus gave love a new standard. Grace always carries a greater responsibility than law. The law said, “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18). The command to love one another was new in the sense that Jesus gave it a new standard. No longer do we love each other as we love ourselves, but Jesus commanded us to, “love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Jesus Christ loved us all the way to the cross. John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.“ It is one thing to say I love you, but it is quite another to show it. God not only said, “I love you,” He demonstrated His love for us. Jesus left us with the responsibility to love one another the same way. Jesus also said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). In our love for one another the world should see God's love for them. Our love for each other is evidence that we are His disciples.

II. Caring (I Peter 3:8d)
I Peter 3:8d, “...be pitiful...”
Peter says be pitiful. The word "pity" means to be tenderhearted; to be sensitive and affectionate toward the needs of others; to be moved with tender feelings over the pain and sufferings of others. The word pitiful carries the idea of being "good heartedness, full of pity, tenderhearted." The idea is that our heart is to be soft, sensitive and sympathetic toward the needs of others. The same word is used twelve times in the Gospels to describe the response of Christ to the suffering and heartache caused by sin. Believers must have pity for one another. We live in a world that desperately needs pity, a world of extreme suffering. So many suffer and continue to suffer without ever having their needs met. The means and resources to meet their needs exist, but so many within the world have become hardened to the sufferings of others. They bank, hoard, and build up asset after asset instead of sacrificing and reaching out to meet the needs of the world. But this is not to be true of the believer. Believers are to have pity upon the sufferings of others. Believers are to feel pity to the point that they are moved to act, moved to sacrifice and to reach out and meet the needs of the suffering. Again, note how pity leaves no room for selfishness. Pity demands that a person deny himself and help others in their desperate needs and sufferings. Note also how pity draws people together. Helping and ministering to one another binds and knits people together. Having pity (feeling) for one another and sacrificing and reaching out to help one another, unites people together. A great bond is created between the believer and those to whom he ministers.

III. Courteous (I Peter 3:8e)
I Peter 3:8e, “...be courteous.”
Peter instructs us to be courteous. We are to be courteous. The essence of courtesy is kindness and reverence toward others. This word carries the idea of being "humble minded; to be lowly in mind." Being humble means having an honest estimation of oneself before God. It is the opposite of pride. It means to offer oneself as lowly and submissive; to walk in a spirit of lowliness; to present oneself as lowly; to be of low degree and low rank; not to be highminded, proud, haughty, arrogant, or assertive. When we are humble, we realize that we all came out of the same pit and are saved by the same grace. Right thinking about what we are will produce a right relationship with others. Each of these five points deals with the greater matter of doing right by, to, and for others. It is living unto righteousness. A humble person may have a high position, power, prosperity, prominence, and much more; but he or she will carry himself or herself in a spirit of lowliness and submission. He denies himself for the sake of Christ and in order to help others. Men have always looked upon humility as a flaw or weakness. A humble man is often looked upon as a coward, a cringing, contemptible type of person, because most men fear humility. They feel humility is a sign of weakness and will make them the object of contempt and abuse and cause them to be shunned and overlooked. Because of all this, the unregenerated or carnal person ignores and shuns the teaching of Christ on humility.

Point to Ponder:

1. We should seek to live in harmony with one another.
2. We should be sympathetic.
3. We should respond by loving one another as family.
4. We should respond to one another with compassion.
5. We should respond to one another with humility.

Questions to Consider:
1. How is God calling you to help the church have harmony or the same mind?
2. Who is God calling you to show sympathy to in the body of Christ?
3. In what ways is God calling you to practice brotherly love to those in the church?
4. How is God calling you to show compassion in the church?
5. Which attitude is God calling you to work on most? How will you seek to improve it?

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #24 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #25 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #24 Compassion One of Another (I Peter 3:8) PART 1

I Peter 3:8, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.”

The Scriptures call for us to have the heart and mind of Christ. Peter calls for us to come to the right attitude about ourselves and others. He admonishes the church to conduct themselves in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to grow up in Christ and go on to maturity in Him. Without a doubt, the process of spiritual growth is a long and often painful one. On the journey to maturity, we all spill our milk, say things we shouldn’t, and fail to act like Christians. Sometimes we complain or act out in frustration. There are times we have the knowledge, but we don’t have the will to do what’s right.

Peter is not telling the church to get along with everybody in the world, but the body of Christ. Peter gives the church a challenge for every Christian to be connected to one another in the Word, work, and will of the Lord. If we are going to do the work of the Lord in the power of the Lord, then we must be unified in our purpose, passion, and pursuit for the Lord Jesus.

Five thoughts are advanced regarding Christian living.

I. Concord (I Peter 3:8a,)
I Peter 3:8a, “…be ye all of one mind…” Peter says, we are to be “all of one mind”. This is a call for unity and harmony among the brethren. The idea is of unity of thought, or concord rather than discord. The word means to be likeminded; to be of the same mind. To be of one mind is to think alike. As believers, we must keep our minds on the same things. Thinking determines direction. Proverbs 23:7, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Our actions are the fruit of our thinking. In Philippians, Paul gives us the key to being like-minded. Philippians 3:5, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”

We have the mind of Christ to:
1) Discern the will of God.
2) Declare the Word of God.
3) Demonstrate the works of God in this world.

We are called as Christians to be of one mind in our principles, purpose, and passion for Christ (Romans 15:5-6). As believers, we must focus our minds upon Jesus Christ and His Great Commission. One of the reasons our church continues in harmony and unity is because we stay in the Scriptures and develop the mind of Christ. The early church operated in harmony. The phrase one accord is used several times to speak of their unity (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 46; 4:24, 31-37; 5:12; 8:6; 15:25). Psalm 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

1) We must keep our minds upon becoming just like Jesus, being conformed to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:29, II Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 3:10)

2) We must keep our minds upon living holy, righteous, and pure lives. (Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Peter 1:15-16; II Peter 3:11-12)

3) We must keep our minds upon growing spiritually. (Galatians 5:22-23)

4) We must keep our minds upon carrying out the ministry and Commission of Christ. (Matthew 28:20; Luke 19:10; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; II Corinthians 5:20; II Timothy 2:2)

II. Compassion (I Peter 3:8b)
I Peter 3:8b, “…having compassion one of another…” Believers must have compassion for one another. The word compassion means sympathy; to actually feel with others. Compassion carries the idea "feeling with or having the same feelings." We get our word sympathy from it. Unity cannot exist unless believers feel compassion and sympathy for one another. Believers cannot be selfish and rude; cannot be seeking attention and seeking to get their own way if they are to be unified. Unity demands sympathy; unity demands that believers feel for one another—that they feel deeply, so deeply that they actually experience what other believers experience: pain, hurt, abuse, suffering, joy, and rejoicing.

Compassion is suffering with another. We often take our words sympathy, pity, or mercy to mean compassion. Compassion is the key to “…making a difference” (Jude 22). In the New Testament, Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes. What we see ought to move our hearts. Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded with love and sorrow. The love of God in us will move us to compassion when we see the needs of others (I John 3:17).

Bible examples of compassion would include Jesus Christ, the father of the prodigal son, and the Good Samaritan.
Having compassion one for another is seen by what we do. Compassion often results in forgiveness, a helping hand, or giving what we have to meet the need of others. C. H. Spurgeon said, “There is very sweet grace called sympathy which is seldom found in persons who have no troubles.” It is not simply feeling pity, but identifying with the hurts and heartaches of others (Romans 12:15; 15:1; Galatians 6:2).

It means to feel for others so much that...

1. one suffers with those who suffer.
2. one weeps with those who weep.
3. one rejoices when others are honored.
4. one grieves with the sorrows of others.
5. one understands the pressure that a leader is under when he has to lead.
6. one hurts with those who are criticized and attacked.

Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #24 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #24 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #23 ~ Pray One For Another (James 5:16) PART 3

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Prayer is communication with the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, who loves us and invites us into His presence to receive grace. Pastors today are under a lot of pressure to build their churches through “proven” church growth methods. Thousands of pastors flock to seminars to learn how to attract seekers and build a “successful” church. E. M. Bounds, “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. Prayer can do anything that God can do.”

1. Confidence:
Knowing that our prayers touch the heart of our loving Father in Heaven and that He can meet any need, we should be confident that He will hear and answer when we cry out to Him. When a person is living for Jesus that person is able to sense the heart and will of Jesus and thus prays according to the will of God. When we pray according to the will of God, we will see great things happen for God’s glory. We are to consecrate ourselves in prayer as we pray for forgiveness and as we pray with fervency. James teaches us that when a righteous child of God prays fervently it accomplishes much.

Back in 2004, my wife and I helped start a Christian school. One morning in 2004, we had gotten off to a late start. We knew we were going to leave our house later than normal, but it didn’t prevent us from praying before we left. Praying before we travel is something we have always done and still continue to do today. We did make one change that morning. Normally, I drive to school, but on that day, I had not prepared my morning devotion for the school, so I had asked Joy to do the driving so that I could work on my devotion. I asked Joy to pray. She happily agreed. Her prayer went something like this: “Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day and the opportunity to serve you. Help Torey to complete his devotion for the students. Help us be a blessing and a godly example to the kids and help to arrive safe and not to get stopped at any traffic lights in Jesus name AMEN.” At that time, she really had my attention. How could she expect us to make it there without getting stopped at any red lights? Getting caught at red lights on the way to school was a guarantee. To travel this distance on morning traffic without getting stopped at a red light would be a miracle. The distance was 21 miles with 33 traffic lights. It was the equivalence of traveling on Highway 98 from Panama City to Panama City Beach without getting stopped at the lights. Where we currently serve there are no traffic lights in our city. We only have one traffic light in our entire county. When Joy began driving, the traffic light at Custer and State Line turned green before we reached the light. We also made it through the traffic light at Dorchester. I had hopes for Joy, but we always got caught at the intersection of Highway 51 and Highway 302. I must tell you how surprised I was that we made it through the light. Now we are on Goodman Road, also know as Highway 302. I like to call it the Goodman Road 500! Goodman Road during morning traffic is like a speedway. Everything was going just as Joy prayed and she always stopped to get her morning coffee, so why not now? She turned into the convenience store and minutes later walked out with her coffee. But now we were approaching five traffic light in less that half a mile. We would be approaching the overpass of Interstate 55 (I-55). When she made it through these five lights, I decided to stop writing and start paying attention to this prayer being answered. As we continued to school, she never, not once, was stopped at any of these 21 lights. When we arrived at school that morning, we arrived earlier that we have ever arrived before. In case you’re wondering what the devotion topic was that morning...it was on prayer. I was so excited and encouraged to explain how the Lord worked answered Joy’s specific prayer that morning. I pray this morning’s devotion was a blessing to you on the power of prayer. And how God really wants to answer your prayers. Have faith believing He will answer your prayers.

PRAYER: Father, I praise You that I can at anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance come to You in prayer. My desire is to keep walking continually with You, so that my prayer may be the natural expression of my life with You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Thank you for reading PART 3 of Biblical Building Block #23 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #24 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #23 ~ Pray One For Another (James 5:16) PART 2

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Not only are we to confess our trespasses to one another, but we are also to pray for one another. It is hard to be mad at some one you are genuinely praying for. We are to pray for each other’s best. We are to pray that one another would grow in their Christian life and be obedient to the Lord Jesus. We are to pray that one another would have strength and wisdom to face the uncertainties of the day. We are to pray that each of us would be restored.

1. Commitment (James 5:16): “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James pronounces the profound promise, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. He emphasizes the need for upright living and an unhindered fellowship with God. Our hearts must be pure before the Lord if we desire to have our petitions granted. Effectual fervent has the sense of being ‘energized.’ What James is driving at is that effective prayer is fervent and from the heart. When a man will pour out his heart in prayer, God tends to hear the same. A believer whose life is a holy life, whose life is consumed with the desire to love and serve God, who walks with and lives for God, will have power in prayer. Prayer is a relationship of how a child of God goes to the throne of grace based on the relationship HE has freely given us to seek HIS help which He has promised to give.

James then refers to a “righteous man.” He no doubt intends one righteous in his position in Christ (justified). But he also likely refers to one righteous in his living, who is pleasing to God. I John 3:22, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” When such a Christian, one righteous not only in their position, but also in their person, comes to God in fervent energized prayer, that prayer will avail much. The word availeth means to be ‘strong.’ In other words, prayer that is SO strong it accomplishes what was intended. This speaks of "strength, ability, and power." It reveals these prayers have value. We have heard this statement, “those who are able to get a hold of heaven”. That is what James is referring to. He speaks of the ability to pray in power and receive the blessing of God. We need those who can avail much in prayer!

Ten Hindrances To Prayer (R.A. Torrey).
(1) Selfish purposes (James 4:3).
(2) Iniquities (Isaiah 59:1,2; Psalm 139:23,24; 66:18).
(3) Idols in the heart (Ezekiel 14:3). These can be friends, pleasures, habits, hobbies, sports, possessions, business, reputation, money, anything that comes before God.
(4) Ignoring the needs of others (Proverbs 21:13).
(5) Disobedience to God's Word (I John 3:22; Proverbs 28:9).
(6) Not forgiving others (Mark 11:25).
(7) Strained relationships between husband and wife (I Peter 3:7).
(8) Unbelief (James 1:5-7; Hebrews 11:6).
(9) Not abiding in Christ (John 15:7).
(10) Not abiding in Truth (Psalm 145:18).

2. Challenge:
This is one of the greatest benefits of being part of the body of Christ. We have all faced situations when prayer was desperately needed. Isn't it comforting to know that we have others who are willing to intercede for us and with us when burdens arise in our lives? We must keep our lives free of sin so we can pray when the need arises. Sin stands as a barrier to communion with God. Sin in the church hinders prayer and holds back God’s healing power from being demonstrated among his people. It’s been said, "You can do a lot of things with sin in your life, but prayer is not one of them!" According to Hebrews 11:25, sin is pleasurable for a season. Whenever prayer is not a real experience on the part of the believer, that believer lives a barren, fruitless, helpless life. Prayer is absolutely essential in church. It is important to God therefore it should be important to us and practiced by us. Whenever a church neglects prayer, that church ceases to move under the power of God. Leonard Ravenhill, “The church has many organizers, but few agonizers; many who pay, but few who pray; many resters, but few wrestlers; many who are enterprising, but few that are interceding. The secret of praying is praying in secret. A worldly Christian will stop praying and a praying Christian will stop worldliness. Tithes may build a church, but tears will give it life. That is the difference between the modern church and the early church. In the matter of effective praying, never have so many left so much to so few. Brethren, let us pray.”

Points to Ponder:
God wants us to come to him with passion (Hebrews 4:16).
Prayer is the most precious treasure Jesus has given to us.
By prayer we are consecrated for the battles that we face, consecrated in the burdens we bear.

Questions to Consider:
Do you pray with fervency?
Do you have a place that you go to spend time with God?
Do you consistently and persistently approach the throne of grace?

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #23 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 3 of Biblical Building Block #23 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #23 ~ Pray One For Another (James 5:16) PART 1

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Prayer allows us to get God involved and only then can we see the miraculous take place. Too often we trust what we can do and only look to God when there is no other hope. We must realize that all our efforts are vain from an eternal perspective unless we pray. We need God’s wisdom for what to do, we need God’s power for the strength to do it and we need God’s blessing for it to be fruit for his honor and glory.

One of the great tragedies of modern-day Christianity is that we simply do not pray as we should. The Lord has placed all of the power and resources of Heaven at our disposal to do His work, yet we “...have not, because ye ask not.” Prayer should be as natural to the child of God as breathing is to the human body, because prayer is the believer’s spiritual breath. The reason so many believers are always spiritually tired and weary is they have been holding their spiritual breath. The Christian who says, "I simply can't find time for prayer," is like the person who says, "I just can't find time to breathe." If we refuse to pray regularly…we will spiritually suffocate.

Oswald Chambers, “We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense.” Bill Watkins, founder of Watkins Motor Lines in Lakeland, Florida, was stewing one evening over a particularly tough problem in his trucking business. His sister asked him if he had prayed about the matter. “Yes, of course” he responded, “Whenever I can find time.” She gave him a long stare; he responded quickly, “The Lord can hear me just as well when I’m running.” Her reply, “Yes, but can you hear him?” We should pray for God’s wisdom on what we should do and wait for His response.

How Should We Pray?
(1) Through Jesus Christ (Romans 1:8; John 14:6; 15:16; 16:24; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 10:19-22).
(2) Regularly (Romans 1:9; Danial 6:10).
(3) Persistently (Romans 1:9; Luke 18:1-7).
(4) Making mention of many petitions (Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9; I Thessalonians 1:2; II Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4).
(5) Submissive to God's will (Romans 1:10; II Corinthians 12:7-10).

What Should We Pray For?
(1) For civil government (I Timothy 2:2).
(2) For men to be saved (I Timothy 2:3-4).
(3) For Christians (Ephesians 6:18).
(4) For Christian workers (Ephesians 6:19).
(5) For daily needs (Matthew 6:11).
(6) For sicknesses and other problems (II Corinthians 12:7-8; James 5:14).
(7) For wisdom (James 1:5).
(8) For strength and mercy (Hebrews 4:16).
(9) For all things (Philippians 4:6-7).

1. Comfort: It’s comforting to know that we have others who are willing to intercede for us and with us when burdens arise in our lives. For me this is one of the greatest benefits of being part of the body of Christ. We have all faced situations when prayer was desperately needed. A young pastor recently graduated from seminary went to a small village to be their pastor. He arrived a week before he was to preach his first sermon and he was visibly nervous. One of the men from the church family visited him and said, “Pastor, you need to know that as the smoke rises from the chimney’s of the village each morning, so do the prayers of the people rise for their pastor!”

2. Cooperation (James 5:16): “...and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.”
God hears our prayers for others.

• It was Abraham’s prayer that spared Lot.
• It was Moses’ pray that saved Aaron from being killed by God.
• It was Samuel’s prayer that delivered Israel.
• It was Elisha’s prayer that restored the Shunnamite’s son.

James confirms the need and benefit of intercessory prayer. We are instructed to pray for one another, taking the needs and requests of another before God with them and for them. Witness some of the great prayers in the Old Testament: Daniel 9:18-19; II Chronicles 20:12; I Samuel 1:10-11. In each case, there was a fervent, almost desperate tone. In each case, one praying poured out his or her heart to God begging Him to intercede. A little boy wanted a brother or sister to play with so, being in a Christian family, he decided to pray for it. He continued in his prayer for several weeks but seeing no sign that his request was being granted, he soon quit praying about it. Several months later his mother gave birth to twins. His comment was, “I’m glad I quit praying about it when I did.” If you are seeking to follow God with your whole heart, you can confidently claim His promise for answered prayer. Hudson Taylor said, “The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity. If we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God’s standing challenge,

Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #23 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #23 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
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Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #25 Confess Your Faults One to Another (James 5:16) -PART 2

James 5:16, Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

NOTICE: "Confess your faults." Sin must be confessed before it is forgiven. Does this mean that believers are to go around confessing all their sins in all their intimacies and ugliness? No! This is not what this passage is talking about. As Christians, we are not required to confess our sins to every Christian, but we should confess to those whom we have trespassed. It is referring to certain types of sins or to certain times when we are to confess our sins. The faults were either unintentional errors or willful transgressions against another person. After we acknowledge and confess our sins to God, we should go to the one we have sinned against and acknowledge and confess it to them.

Some never confess it at all, but others may indiscreetly share things in public that should never be shared.
We should confess our sin...

1. When the sin has been a wrong or injustice done against someone else.
2. When we have misled or lied to someone.
3. When we have offended someone or caused someone to stumble and sin.
4. When restitution should be made.

I. Forgiveness:
We are to confess our sins and clear our conscience. The word "confess" means "to agree with; to see your sin as God sees it and not to make excuses for it." This means we are to agree with God about our sins. This means we are to continually or habitually do this in our lives. When we see our sin as God sees it then we will get it right. In order to do this we need a clear view of Jesus and a clear view of ourselves which is vital. Job 42:5-6, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” This was spoken from one of the godliest men you will find in the Word of God. It’s important that we come into God’s presence on a daily basis or else we will never be the Christian God wants us to be. Before there can be healing, their must be confession and repentance. David said in Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” We are to confess our faults or slips. It is the same word used in Galatians 6:1, “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.” When a person clears their conscience and seeks forgiveness from others, you take your confession as far as the ripple goes.

a. Private:
If someone’s offenses are private with one person, confess it privately. If one’s sin hurt specific individuals, they are to confess it to those people and ask their forgiveness. If there are several people involved, then you get right with those people.

b. Publicly:
If one has publicly committed some sin where everyone knows about them, then public forgiveness is required. Generally, the confession should be as public as the sin. If one’s sin has affected the entire church, then by the pastor’s side an appropriate time and place confession is made before the church. Get your life right with God first, and then get it right with others. Acts 24:16, “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” I Timothy 1:5, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned...” I Peter 3:16, “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”

II. Fervency:
We need to pray with an urgent desire and not be apathetic in our approach. God wants us to come to Him with passion. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” God encourages us to pray and lets us know that he wants to answer and do great things in our life. Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” God not only can answer our prayers, but do far more than we expect. Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” We need to be bold in our praying.

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #22 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #23 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #25 Confess Your Faults One to Another (James 5:16) -PART 1

James 5:16, “Confess your faults ome to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

1. The Examination:
The context of our text is speaking of one who is sick and afflicted. The Bible is speaking of confession here in the context of the passage that is concerning the believer who was sick physically and had things in their life they needed to get right spiritually. When a person gets sick, especially when it is serious, they need to seek the Lord to see if there is any sin in our life that we have not gotten right. This requires being honest with yourself before God. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This is a humbling experience, but it is necessary that we take the time to do this. You cannot hide it from God and the sooner you deal with it the better.

2. The Exhortation:
The exhortation is for the believer to get things right with the Lord. Until we are willing to face that we need help, no one can do anything for us. The one who is sick needs to request the godly pastor to come visit them. The reason is because they desire for God to work in their life spiritually and physically. Proverbs 28:9, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

3. The Expectation:
The expectation is for God to answer the prayer according to His will. There is no doubt that God wants every Christian to be right with Him. When we confess our sins to Him, He will hear us and cleanse us every time. I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When it comes to our physical burdens God may lift them, lighten them or leave them. In each case, He will supply us with His grace and help us to move forward with our life. We need to trust God and realize that He knows what is best for our life.

Confessing your faults one to another does several things:
1) It makes you right with God.
2) It allows God to heal you.
3) It reconciles the offended person.
4) It clears your conscience of the offense.
5) It takes away the barrier to answered prayer.

Suffering and sickness do not necessarily result from sin. Job, for instance, was afflicted though he didn’t sin (Job 1). Jesus made it clear that a person can be stricken with an illness or condition that has no connection to wrongdoing (John 9:1-3). On the other hand, a sinful lifestyle can result in weakness and suffering. Notice: Why we should confess our faults to one another? So that we can pray for one another. Sin in the church hinders prayer and holds back God’s healing power from being demonstrated among His people. To have conflict and bitterness with another will short circuit one’s prayer life. James touches upon the matter of first confessing our offences to those involved and seeking their forgiveness. To confess our faults to each other refers to resolving conflicts between each other. Jesus clearly taught the same in Matthew 18:19, 35. Our hearts must be free of sin and in complete agreement with the Holy Spirit if we expect to be effective when we pray. If you will deal with your sin, you will see God work in your life. Part of the physical and spiritual healing is confessing our faults to one another. In order to get our prayers answered, we are to confess your faults one to another. This passage in no way justifies the practice of Catholicism’s position on confessing your sins to one of their priests. I Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” As believers we have direct access to God.

Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #22 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #22 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”

Biblical Building Block #21 Exhort One Another (Hebrews 10:25) PART 2

Hebrews 10:25, Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I. Let Us Challenge and Compel Others
1. An Exhorting Assembly - Hebrews 10:25c, “...but exhorting one another...”
The word exhorting comes from the Greek "parakaleo" which means "to call a person to your side; to comfort, console, challenge, admonish, strengthen, instruct, or encourage someone." “Exhort” means to call near, or call for, invite. It carries the idea of admonishing, walking along side of someone and encouraging them. Many Christians have fallen away because of a lack of encouragement. The local assembly is the best place to get encouragement from one another. We are created to fellowship. We need one another. Christian companionship and Biblical instruction will provide the necessary encouragement to help each of us hold firmly to faith in Christ. It is the plan and expectation of Christ that believers grow in community with each other as we grow deeper in our relationship with Him. Time together with other Christians will be a blessing to God as we worship Him, a blessing to us through our deepened friendships and continued instruction and a blessing to the world because we will be better encouraged and equipped to spread Christ’s message among them.
Seven Ways We Can Exhort One Another.
1) With Our Tongue (Proverbs 12:25; 15:23; 16:24)
2) With Our Talents (Philippians 4:10-23)
3) With Our Time (II Timothy 2:2)
4) With Our Tenderness (John 13:35)
5) With Our Tenacity (Galatians 6:1)
6) With the Truths of Scripture (Romans 15:4)
7) With Trust in the Lord (Exodus 14:13; Proverbs 3:5-6)

II. The Incentive - Hebrews 10:25d, “...and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
1. An Excited Assembly. Life was difficult for the believer in that day, and the writer knew it was only going to get worse. We know that men will be lovers of their own selves more than lovers of God (II Timothy 3). As we draw nigh to the coming of the Lord, we know that things will only wax worse and worse (Matthew 24:14). We know there will be a great falling away (II Timothy 3:13). As these perilous times come, we need the support and encouragement of one another. The world isn't going to provide Biblical instruction or spiritual guidance. You will not find the help you need in the world. As our society continues to deteriorate, we need one another. We need all the Biblical instruction we can get. We need all that the church offers! I Corinthians 1:8, “Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:2, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” What day? The day of the Lord's return. The term “the day” refers to “the return of Jesus Christ for His people”. His return is immediately upon us. We are to challenge one another as the return of Christ approaches. Jesus could come today. We should all be looking for His coming and be ready. Therefore, we need to challenge and encourage one another. God's people are to be ready and engaged in His work as they anticipate the return of Christ.

G. Campbell Morgan said, "I never lay my head upon the pillow without thinking that maybe before the morning breaks, the final morning may have dawned. I never begin my work in the morning without thinking that perhaps He may interrupt my work and begin His own." II Thessalonians 2:1, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” The believer's duty is to live at all times the way he would want his Saviour to find him living at the rapture. R. A. Torrey said, "The imminent return of our Lord is the greatest Bible argument for a pure, unselfish, devoted, unworldly, active life of service."
The imminent return of Jesus Christ
1) Prompts the believer to live a holy life.
2) Promotes the purity and separation of the Church from the world.

Points to Ponder:
If not, I urge you to come and seek the Lord in order to fulfill your potential.
You will never be satisfied unless you are striving to be all you can be for the glory of God.
He will guide you in a spiritual inventory of your life.

Questions to Consider:
Has the Lord spoken to your heart through the Word?
Are you fulfilling your potential for the Lord?
Are you doing all you could and should before Him?

Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #21 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for Biblical Building Block #22 of this series.

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
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