Anxious

Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak at Carmen's class on the Life of Christ. I enjoy studying the Bible and going to the root words. I am one of those people who constantly tweak and the presentation is never good enough. Of course, I ask myself, "what does 'good' enough really mean?"

If I believe that it is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that transforms lives then it is not a matter of 'good' or 'bad' because God is at work. I am there to proclaim, to herald that Gospel.

There is an element of respect for time. So, I agonize over the time frame by which I am allotted to herald. I over-prepare because it is easier to take information out then to add it in after the fact. In my preparation, I do not put in jokes or examples yet examples come out and depending on the subject matter there could be appealing commentary.

I was thinking about this anxious and agonizing process. It is probably human nature that or at least I know my personality is wanting everything thing to be done perfectly. I understand that the work that we do because the people are the church not the building is an act of worship to God.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6,7"

In light of Philippians, Paul is saying to be anxious about nothing. He is imperatively saying be anxious about nothing. He is encouraging his brothers and sisters who are his joy and crown.

Paul setup this verse in verse 5.

"Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]." - Philippians 4:5 (Amplified)

I can't help not but to obey and not be anxious considering that as we are lights in the world. Let all men know, perceive, and recognize your unselfishness, your consideraness, and another word used is gentleness.

I love those words because it involves the fruit of the Spirit. And I end with Galatians 5:22-24

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Powerpoint For Engage 2-18-10

Also, Here is the .pdf link.
Bible Document

Balance

When I do something, I do it with all of my heart. I am a natural zealous person for topics of that keep my attention. Not that I need much to keep me occupied but the principle stands true that when I am captivated I am full on passionate. I had some great advice given recently. I will summarize in my own words. I am the kind of person that wants to dive in and look into the Greek and Hebrew. Just going deep. I want so desperately for all those in my influence to go deep.

Yes, going deep is vital and exhorting our brothers and sisters in the faith to run that marathon is vital. It is also vital understand those under your care.

It is a balance of presenting the Word of God exegetically while not presenting the Scriptures in a way that can not be replicated/duplicated to instill confidence in the believer. Now, I understand that God is sovereign, eternal, everywhere and everything is in His grasp by a spoken word.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Jesus came full of grace and truth. That literal perfect balance.

When given the opportunity to speak, I am aware that "yes" the Gospel is Good News and it is hard.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

I herald with the passion God has given and pray that He instills a confidence to stand firm on the Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1,2

This Is The Post I Made On The Trinity

ENGAGE!: Conversation with Victor / Update #3 / Follow-up