Join Senior Pastor, Bryant McNeal in Bible Study

Join Senior Pastor, Bryant McNeal in Bible Study
Bible Study - Wednesday's @ 7pm

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Book of Romans (Read One Chapter Per Week)

Summary of the Book of Romans


The book of Roman is a masterfully written exposition on grace. This letter to the believers in Rome has changed the hearts of many as they read and understand the wonderful truths nestled inside. Paul wrote this letter to these Christians to explain his revelation of grace.

Romans 1 covers Paul's introduction to the book of Romans as well as building a case against the entire world that we were guilty before God. The reason for writing the book of Romans was to share the gospel and teach that our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ apart from what we can do to earn it.

Romans 2 is written to admonish the Jews that living by the law and circumcision does not make them righteous in God's eyes. This comes as quite a shock, but Paul stresses that living by rules and regulations only brings about judgment and condemnation. Paul concludes that a true Jew is one that has experienced circumcision of the heart by the Spirit of God.

Romans 3 completes the accusation that both the Jews and the Gentiles are guilty before God. Now the prosecution can rest and the defense can begin. Paul switches gears by explaining that the righteousness that the law was powerless to give us, God did by sending Jesus. He maintains that this righteousness comes by faith to all who believe in Christ Jesus apart from the law.

Romans 4 is proof that faith has always been the means for justification. Paul reflects back to the Old Testament patriarchs who were justified by faith, not works, to illustrate his point. Paul uses this illustration to prove that Gentiles were part of this promise given to Abraham. The whole world was blessed through him because he chose to believe God rather than his circumstances and because of this, his faith was credited to him as righteousness.

Romans 5 is powerful and instrumental in understanding that we are completely reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. God did not spare his son, but graciously gave him for us to undo what Adam did in the garden. Death came through one man's sin, but life came more abundantly in every way through the gift of Jesus. Paul stresses that this reconciliation is not something we are waiting for, but in every sense of the word, we are righteous, holy and pure before God.

Romans 6 eloquently teaches that, as born again believers, sin's power over us is broken. Paul maintains that we are freed from sin and made alive to God through Jesus Christ. Our sin nature was crucified with him when we were baptized into his death. Now through Jesus, we have received the gift of God which was eternal life.

Romans 7 shows us the contrast between living bound to the law and living fresh and new by the spirit of God. No longer slaves or in bondage, we are free to belong to another. The struggle with sin may still be evident, but Paul maintains we have no obligation to it. If we live by the Spirit then we will bear fruit according to our new nature.

Romans 8 shows how to live by the Spirit, letting peace rule in our hearts. The Holy Spirit within us testifies that we are children of God. He gives us assurance before God so we are convinced that nothing will ever separate us from His love. This is a passage of hope because we know our future is bright in Christ.

Romans 9 teaches us that it is not natural children that are God's children, but rather children of the promise. The promise comes through faith in Christ not by works of the Law. The Israelites who pursued righteousness by the law did not obtain it. But Gentiles, those who pursued it by faith, obtained their righteousness through Jesus Christ. Chapter 9 is a sobering call that Christ alone saves nothing else is sufficient.

Romans 10 teaches the word of faith. By confessing with our mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and by believing this in our hearts we are saved. Nothing more, nothing less. Christ is the end of the law so we can be justified and made righteous by faith in Jesus alone. Faith comes by hearing this gospel message and responding to it. Paul encourages us that "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 11 discusses that although Israel as a whole rejected Jesus as their Messiah, there is still a remnant chosen by grace. Their dismissal of Jesus has blessed the world because this salvation message was then opened to the Gentiles. However, they have not fallen beyond recovery, in the end Israel will be saved through faith. God's plan includes bestowing mercy upon all mankind.

Romans 12 encourages us to be living sacrifices in view of the mercy we have received in Christ Jesus. We do this through renewing our minds to the truth of God's word, serving and blessing the body of Christ through our gifts and above all by loving and being devoted to one another. Romans 12 is a call to live a life of peace, faithfully serving the Lord in all things and overcoming the evil of the world by the lives we live through Christ Jesus.

Romans 13 is a charge to clothe ourselves with Christ Jesus and live as his children in this present world. We are to submit to authorities and to pay respect where it is due. We are to awake from our slumber and serve the Lord out of love showing that we are included in the light of the gospel.

Romans 14 encourages us to consider everything we do as if we are doing it for the Lord. It is a call to do what leads to peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ. We are not to condemn or look down on those who are weaker in faith, but be fully convinced of what is acceptable in our own minds, for everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Romans 15 stresses unity within the body of believers. We are to take the encouragement from the scriptures and Christ as our example in how we live accepting one another. Paul reminds us that we are competent ministers of the gospel taking in and internalizing the amazing grace that was covered in the previous chapters. Now it is our job to share it with others.

Romans 16 is Paul's final farewell and instruction to the believers in Rome. He is affectionate toward them and gives final coaching to watch out for false doctrine and teachings and those who would cause division among them. He reminds them that Satan will soon be crushed under their feet and that His gospel is able to hold them until the day of Jesus.

As you can see this is an amazing book and will bless all who read, understand and enjoy this wonderful message of Jesus.



Friday, February 10, 2012

18 Biblical Prayer Types

1. Prayer of Praise and Adoration:


Psalms 34:1 -

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

2. Prayer of Penitence:

Acts 8:22 -

“Repent therefore of this thy wickednesse, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiuen thee.”

3. Prayer of Petition:

Mathew 7:7 -

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”

4. Prayer of Thanksgiving:

Colossians 4:2

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

5. Prayer of Intercession:

Romans 8:27 -

“And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the minde of the spirit, because he maketh intercession for the Saints, according to the will of God.”

6. Prayer of Supplication:

Eph. 6:18 -

“Praying alwayes with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseuerance, and supplication for all Saints,”

7. Prayer of Faith:

James 5:15 -

“And the prayer of Faith shall saue the sicke, and the Lord shall raise him vp: and if hee haue committed sinnes, they shall be forgiuen him.”

8. Prayer of Agreement:

Psalms 133:1 -

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

9. Prayer of Submission:

Luke 22:42 -

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

10. Prayer of Salvation:

Philippians 1:19 -

“For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,”

11. Prayer of Mercy:

Psalms 66:20 -

“Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” \

12. Prayer of the Holy Spirit:

Romans 8:26 -

“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.”

13. Prayer of Peace:

Psalms 122:6 -

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.”

14. Prayer of Ignoring Ignorance:

Luke 23:34 -

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
15. Prayer of Wisdom:

Colossians 1:9 -

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;”

16. Prayer of Increasing Faith:

Luke 22:32 -

“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

17. Prayer of Manifestation:

1Samuel 2:1 – (She later conceived a son)

“And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

18. Prayer of Comfort

Psalms 119:76 -

“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”



Friday, January 27, 2012

The Power of Strategic Prayer - Part 1

Bible Study Lesson: Back to the Basics in 2012                                                                                                                                                   
(Feb. 8th)    Senior Pastor Bryant L. McNeal

1.      Elias prayed for rain and more - it came to pass.
“Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  (18.) And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

2.     Forgiveness is first before praying to an all forgiving God who forgave you.  

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

3.     Heaven opens when you pray according to God’s will and purpose.

“Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, “

4.     We must teach prayer because it releases heaven.

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. “
 
5.     We must always pray in the Spirit watching for all saints regarding due season.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

6.     To remain built up in our holy faith we must pray in the Holy Ghost.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,”

7.     When we pray we must do it daily and with desperation toward God.

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”

8.    Praying for leadership is vital for future growth in the Kingdom regarding the 21 century.

“Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:”

9.     Jesus prays for Peter’s faith to not fail.

“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

“21 Things You don’t Do in God’s House” Part 1 & 2

Bible Study Lesson: Back to the Basics in 2012                                                                                              


1. You don’t come without being ready to give thanksgiving, praise and worship to God.


Ps. 100:4 –
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”


2. You don’t come without your Tithe & Offering.


Neh. 10:38 -
“And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.” (Also Consider: Matthew 23:23 & Malachi 3:8)


3. You don’t come without your Bible.

Ps. 119:105 –
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”

4. You don’t come and grieve the Holy Spirit.


Isa. 63:10 -
“But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them.”

5. You don’t come Casting Judgment toward another.


Rom. 3:23 -
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

6. You don’t come with a spirit of Rebellion.


1Sam. 15:23 –
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king."


7. You don’t come having busy feet, walking throughout service looking at your watch or phone waiting for things to end etc.


Ps. 84:10 -
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”


8. You don’t come without a Testimony.


Ps. 78:5 –
 “For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children;”


9. You don’t come falling asleep in service.

Acts 20:9 -
“And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.”


10. You don’t come, leaving with Unforgiveness.

Mt 6:14 -
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”



(Part 2)


11. You don’t come causing division in the church.


Rom. 16:17 –
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

12. You don’t come not yielding to the order of the house being led by the Holy Spirit.


1 Co 14:40 -
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

13. You don’t come without leaving with an understanding of the scriptures written in the Bible.
Pr 4:7 -
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”


14. You don’t come without having a heart of love..


Ga 5:13 –
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.’


15. You don’t come and touch the glory of God under any circumstance.
2 Sam. 6:6-7
“And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. (7) And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”


16. You don’t come without seeking a heart of unity in the church.


Ps 133:1 -
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!


17. You don’t come not being in clergicual/leviticual order as a church.


2 Ch 5:12 -
“Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets” (Read the remaining verses in this chapter)

18. You don’t come listening to a false prophet.


Mt 7:15 -
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”


19. You don’t come not knowing your Bible.


2 Tim 2:15
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”


20. You don’t come with the “I” “ME” Spirit having a mind and behavior of self/selfish-performance.
Ron 7:18 -
“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”



21. You don’t come without being willing to pray.


Luke 18:1 -
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint”

Monday, January 9, 2012

Humble FAST - Jan. 2012

Humble Fast – (Ezra 8:21}


Scriptures of Mediation & Focus

* (Ezra 8:21) “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”

* (Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
* (Psalm 51:10) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
* (Isaiah 26:3) “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in Thee.”
* (John 4:24) “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”