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				<title>Forgiveness</title>
				<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm</link>
				<description></description>
				<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
			
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					<title>James 4 and 5</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2099023</link>
					<description>These two chapters highlight how much time and energy we spend trying to get stuff and get ahead. We quarrel and fight, covet and even kill.&amp;nbsp; Even then we don&apos;t get what we desire. God&amp;nbsp;wants us to know Him, to be humble and submissive to Him. Then we can pray in the right way, not asking for things with wrong motive but seeking God&apos;s will for our lives. Let&apos;s look out for each other, too. Do not slander or judge our neighbor. Don&apos;t grumble against each other. Pray for one another, bring back those who have wandered from the truth.&amp;nbsp; Let&apos;s be careful to show love to others at every opportunity.&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[These two chapters highlight how much time and energy we spend trying to get stuff and get ahead. We quarrel and fight, covet and even kill.&nbsp; Even then we don't get what we desire. God&nbsp;wants us to know Him, to be humble and submissive to Him. Then we can pray in the right way, not asking for things with wrong motive but seeking God's will for our lives. <br /><br />Let's look out for each other, too. Do not slander or judge our neighbor. Don't grumble against each other. Pray for one another, bring back those who have wandered from the truth.&nbsp; Let's be careful to show love to others at every opportunity.&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-7887639028007359059?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>James 2 and 3</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2096844</link>
					<description>It&apos;s very much a part of our human nature to take one look at a person and start drawing conclusions based on appearance alone. Unfortunately, this affects the way we relate to that individual oftentimes even before we even meet them! We are warned to not discriminate and becomes judges. God loves everyone, even the ones that we would think are unloveable. We are commanded to do likewise. We are also admonished to look after the needs of others, as that is a reflection of our faith.The tongue again! James gives us such practical teaching on this subject with some great object lessons of ships, fire, horses, etc. Lots of ways to remember the lesson of taming the tongue. I want the wisdom that comes from heaven. The world is full of wisdom that is earthly and God&apos;s blessing is not in it.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[It's very much a part of our human nature to take one look at a person and start drawing conclusions based on appearance alone. Unfortunately, this affects the way we relate to that individual oftentimes even before we even meet them! We are warned to not discriminate and becomes judges. God loves everyone, even the ones that we would think are unloveable. We are commanded to do likewise. We are also admonished to look after the needs of others, as that is a reflection of our faith.<br /><br />The tongue again! James gives us such practical teaching on this subject with some great object lessons of ships, fire, horses, etc. Lots of ways to remember the lesson of taming the tongue. <br /><br />I want the wisdom that comes from heaven. The world is full of wisdom that is earthly and God's blessing is not in it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-2263906611361748070?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>James 1</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2094712</link>
					<description>Trials and joy sure don&apos;t seem like they belong in the same sentence, do they? But joy is less an emotion and more of an attitude.&amp;nbsp; I may not be thankful for the trials I&apos;m going through, but I am thankful for the spiritual growth that I am promised if only I will persevere. And, maybe when I&apos;m on the other side of that trial I will have more grace and wisdom to help someone who is going through their own difficulty.God gave us two ears and one mouth. Think about it. We need to listen more and make sure the words we do speak are pleasing to our Father.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Trials and joy sure don't seem like they belong in the same sentence, do they? But joy is less an emotion and more of an attitude.&nbsp; I may not be thankful for the trials I'm going through, but I am thankful for the spiritual growth that I am promised if only I will persevere. And, maybe when I'm on the other side of that trial I will have more grace and wisdom to help someone who is going through their own difficulty.<br /><br />God gave us two ears and one mouth. Think about it. We need to listen more and make sure the words we do speak are pleasing to our Father.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-1018319501177609933?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 13</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2094713</link>
					<description>I love the imagery in verses 11-14:11&amp;nbsp;The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering,   but the bodies are burned outside the camp.   12&amp;nbsp;And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate   to make the people holy   through his own blood.   13&amp;nbsp;Let us, then, go to him   outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. Under the sacrificial system the blood of the animal was carried into the Most Holy Place and it was poured out as an offering symbolizing the loss of an innocent life to atone for the shortcomings of another. This was unholy man&apos;s response to a holy God. The unholy was made to be holy by bringing it into the Holy Place. But when Jesus gave his life for us, he shed his blood in the most unholy place imaginable. The holy was poured out in an unholy place so unholy people could become holy wherever they were. The unholy thief on the cross was made holy in an unholy place because this was Holy God reaching out to unholy man in his unholiness. That is the relationship we have with Jesus today.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[I love the imagery in verses 11-14:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="text Heb-13-11" id="en-NIV1984-30237"><sup class="versenum">11&nbsp;</sup>The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering,   but the bodies are burned outside the camp.  </span> <span class="text Heb-13-12" id="en-NIV1984-30238"><sup class="versenum">12&nbsp;</sup>And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate   to make the people holy   through his own blood.  </span> <span class="text Heb-13-13" id="en-NIV1984-30239"><sup class="versenum">13&nbsp;</sup>Let us, then, go to him   outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. </span></blockquote>Under the sacrificial system the blood of the animal was carried into the Most Holy Place and it was poured out as an offering symbolizing the loss of an innocent life to atone for the shortcomings of another. This was unholy man's response to a holy God. The unholy was made to be holy by bringing it into the Holy Place. But when Jesus gave his life for us, he shed his blood in the most unholy place imaginable. The holy was poured out in an unholy place so unholy people could become holy wherever they were. The unholy thief on the cross was made holy in an unholy place because this was Holy God reaching out to unholy man in his unholiness. That is the relationship we have with Jesus today.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-8059416200892240513?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 11 &amp; 12</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2091429</link>
					<description>Hebrews 11 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. It is called the &quot;Faith Hall of Fame&quot; by many as it begins at creation and recounts many who lived lives of faith in God. Some of the stories eventually had endings that visibly justified their faith, but many ended their lives still holding to faith even though they never saw the answer they awaited. The writer described those as aliens and strangers on earth. These &quot;citizens of Heaven&quot; see earthly situations with an eternal view. When we are tempted to think that God has failed us or lost interest in our situation, we need to read these chapters over and over. Our life is not sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. It is a preparation for our heavenly eternal home. The struggles we endure are for our eternal benefit. For we are receiving an unshakable kingdom and we must always be thankful and reverent to the God who has prepared all of this for us.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hebrews 11 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. It is called the "Faith Hall of Fame" by many as it begins at creation and recounts many who lived lives of faith in God. Some of the stories eventually had endings that visibly justified their faith, but many ended their lives still holding to faith even though they never saw the answer they awaited. The writer described those as aliens and strangers on earth. These "citizens of Heaven" see earthly situations with an eternal view. When we are tempted to think that God has failed us or lost interest in our situation, we need to read these chapters over and over. Our life is not sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. It is a preparation for our heavenly eternal home. The struggles we endure are for our eternal benefit. For we are receiving an unshakable kingdom and we must always be thankful and reverent to the God who has prepared all of this for us.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-3039555330263939646?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 9 &amp; 10</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2088172</link>
					<description>Jesus, our High Priest, is also the sacrifice for our sins. We go to him and find forgiveness. The message is clear. &quot;Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.&quot; But sometimes we, who know the truth, are tempted to live as though the sacrifice wasn&apos;t good enough for our situation. The enemy of our soul wants us to doubt God&apos;s power, His wisdom, and&amp;nbsp;His love for us. &amp;nbsp;Yet we are encouraged to stay in fellowship with the other believers, and hold onto our hope, because the One who promised is faithful. Even though you are going&amp;nbsp;through a puzzling period or the answer seems&amp;nbsp;slow in coming, your confidence in Jesus will be rewarded.&amp;nbsp;&quot;But we are n ot of those who shrink back and aare desroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.&quot; (10:39)</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Jesus, our High Priest, is also the sacrifice for our sins. We go to him and find forgiveness. The message is clear. "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." But sometimes we, who know the truth, are tempted to live as though the sacrifice wasn't good enough for our situation. The enemy of our soul wants us to doubt God's power, His wisdom, and&nbsp;His love for us. &nbsp;Yet we are encouraged to stay in fellowship with the other believers, and hold onto our hope, because the One who promised is faithful. Even though you are going&nbsp;through a puzzling period or the answer seems&nbsp;slow in coming, your confidence in Jesus will be rewarded.&nbsp;"But we are n ot of those who shrink back and aare desroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." (10:39)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-8410632355498336303?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 17:58:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 7 &amp; 8</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2083518</link>
					<description>I can&apos;t imagine how mind-blowing it had to be for the Jews in the first century. For generations, they had worshiped God in the way handed down to them from Moses. Even though they had many prophecies that served notice of a coming Christ, it was beyond comprehension that he would cause the complete dismantling of everything they knew. The writer of Hebrews defends Jesus by using the scriptures that the Jews were very familiar with and assures them that this new covenant if far superior to what they knew previously. he is our high priest now; the only one we will need. Jesus is the guarantee of this better covenant. And the day will come when it will all be clear and everything will be set to right. Until then we live by the promise of the wonderful covenant of salvation through grace by faith in Jesus.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[I can't imagine how mind-blowing it had to be for the Jews in the first century. For generations, they had worshiped God in the way handed down to them from Moses. Even though they had many prophecies that served notice of a coming Christ, it was beyond comprehension that he would cause the complete dismantling of everything they knew. The writer of Hebrews defends Jesus by using the scriptures that the Jews were very familiar with and assures them that this new covenant if far superior to what they knew previously. he is our high priest now; the only one we will need. Jesus is the guarantee of this better covenant. And the day will come when it will all be clear and everything will be set to right. Until then we live by the promise of the wonderful covenant of salvation through grace by faith in Jesus.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-2090626657350058868?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 5 &amp; 6</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2079580</link>
					<description>We can never get to the bottom of our relationship with God. Many choose to stay at the point of salvation, holding that being forgiven is enough for them. However, it is possible for those who never go &quot;deep&quot;, to lose the intensity of their relationship and even drift back into their old patterns of living. There are many who are long-time Christians who are not mature Christians.Christianity is unique in that&amp;nbsp;salvation can be accepted&amp;nbsp;in faith by someone who knows nothing more than the bare message of the Gospel, but the greatest intellectual minds can spend an entire career studying it and never feeling as though they have scratched the surface of what is there. At the core of the investigation we all&amp;nbsp;find the trustworthiness of Jesus, who cannot lie and who becomes the steadfast anchor of our soul.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[We can never get to the bottom of our relationship with God. Many choose to stay at the point of salvation, holding that being forgiven is enough for them. However, it is possible for those who never go "deep", to lose the intensity of their relationship and even drift back into their old patterns of living. There are many who are long-time Christians who are not mature Christians.<br /><br />Christianity is unique in that&nbsp;salvation can be accepted&nbsp;in faith by someone who knows nothing more than the bare message of the Gospel, but the greatest intellectual minds can spend an entire career studying it and never feeling as though they have scratched the surface of what is there. At the core of the investigation we all&nbsp;find the trustworthiness of Jesus, who cannot lie and who becomes the steadfast anchor of our soul.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-4802537843977328264?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 3 &amp; 4</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2075952</link>
					<description>OK parents, a little test. Which displeases you most? Your child breaking something, or your child breaking something you told him not to touch? Of course it is the disobedience or rebellion that far outweighs a momentary dose of clumsiness. How can disobedience be seen as anything other than a disrespect of your parenthood? It is the same way with God. When we don&apos;t obey His commands we are in effect telling him that we don&apos;t really think that He knows best. Our unbelief is the great sin. It is the root of all the sinful actions we see. We are exhorted not to harden our hearts like the children of Israel did. Their sin was in not believing that God would complete His promise. As a result, they all died in the desert. These were the same people who saw God deliver them from Egypt and part the Red Sea for them, but hardened their hearts when it came time to conquer a few giants.God knows the attitudes of our hearts. Don&apos;t harden your heart against him. Jesus is our High Priest. Go to him with your struggles. When we are in Jesus, we can approach him boldly and find mercy and grace that will help us in our time of need.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[OK parents, a little test. Which displeases you most? Your child breaking something, or your child breaking something you told him not to touch? Of course it is the disobedience or rebellion that far outweighs a momentary dose of clumsiness. How can disobedience be seen as anything other than a disrespect of your parenthood? It is the same way with God. When we don't obey His commands we are in effect telling him that we don't really think that He knows best. Our unbelief is the great sin. It is the root of all the sinful actions we see. We are exhorted not to harden our hearts like the children of Israel did. Their sin was in not believing that God would complete His promise. As a result, they all died in the desert. These were the same people who saw God deliver them from Egypt and part the Red Sea for them, but hardened their hearts when it came time to conquer a few giants.<br /><br />God knows the attitudes of our hearts. Don't harden your heart against him. Jesus is our High Priest. Go to him with your struggles. When we are in Jesus, we can approach him boldly and find mercy and grace that will help us in our time of need.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-6658815816804453179?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Hebrews 1 &amp; 2</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2074227</link>
					<description>The book of Hebrews elevates Jesus beyond any previous person, angel, tradition or idea.&amp;nbsp; &quot;The Son is the radiance of God&apos;s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.&quot; (1:3) When we come to grips with this, we have no excuse to turn him away. &quot;how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?&quot; (2:3)Jesus came and lowered himself so that we could be adopted into his family. His death destroyed the devil, whose chief weapon was death and the fear of death that held us as slaves. Our Savior suffered so that we might live our lives knowing that the price for our sin has been paid by the Son of God. We won&apos;t encounter anything in life that He hasn&apos;t already dealt with. He is our merciful and faithful high priest. How freeing is that?</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[The book of Hebrews elevates Jesus beyond any previous person, angel, tradition or idea.&nbsp; "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (1:3) When we come to grips with this, we have no excuse to turn him away. "how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (2:3)<br /><br />Jesus came and lowered himself so that we could be adopted into his family. His death destroyed the devil, whose chief weapon was death and the fear of death that held us as slaves. Our Savior suffered so that we might live our lives knowing that the price for our sin has been paid by the Son of God. We won't encounter anything in life that He hasn't already dealt with. He is our merciful and faithful high priest. How freeing is that?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-1682533863474698132?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 16:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Titus 3 &amp; Philemon</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2072321</link>
					<description>Paul believes in keeping the main things the plain things and the plain things the main things. Stay with the grace that brought salvation to us through Jesus Christ and live good lives. He wasn&apos;t interested in debating small points of the law because they are a waste of time. Although the training he received earlier in life would have qualified him to be a world class bible debater, he knew that the time spent arguing could not be spent giving the life-giving word of God to a world that needed to hear it.Philemon is a wonderful picture of truth and grace. The truth was that Onesimus had run away from his obligations. He had to return and make things right. But Paul, even while dealing with the truth aspect of the transaction, was seeking grace in the relationship. Drawing on his relationship with both parties, he acknowledges the importance of truth and encourages the undeserved blessing of grace. It is a great example of our grace relationship to Jesus and our relationships with those who need to find grace from us. Without one party being in a weak position, there is no opportunity for grace. We don&apos;t get to see how the story turned out. It is one of those mysteries that will be made clear in Heaven.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Paul believes in keeping the main things the plain things and the plain things the main things. Stay with the grace that brought salvation to us through Jesus Christ and live good lives. He wasn't interested in debating small points of the law because they are a waste of time. Although the training he received earlier in life would have qualified him to be a world class bible debater, he knew that the time spent arguing could not be spent giving the life-giving word of God to a world that needed to hear it.<br /><br />Philemon is a wonderful picture of truth and grace. The truth was that Onesimus had run away from his obligations. He had to return and make things right. But Paul, even while dealing with the truth aspect of the transaction, was seeking grace in the relationship. Drawing on his relationship with both parties, he acknowledges the importance of truth and encourages the undeserved blessing of grace. It is a great example of our grace relationship to Jesus and our relationships with those who need to find grace from us. Without one party being in a weak position, there is no opportunity for grace. We don't get to see how the story turned out. It is one of those mysteries that will be made clear in Heaven.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-3721673909809189003?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>Titus 1 &amp; 2</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2068955</link>
					<description>Integrity looks so boring. It never excites and it never stirs up gossip. Many times people mistake integrity for lack of talent or charisma. For a while, a lack of integrity can bring about excitement and momentum, but eventually the momentum comes crashing down under the weight of scandal. Paul is a plodder. He has the same message year after year. He keeps harping on the same subjects- watch your mouth- work diligently- treat others with honor and respect- stay away from those who will lead you astray- brag on God and don&apos;t worry about your resume. But over the years, he planted churches, trained leaders, discipled believers, and left a legacy we still learn from today. Maybe dull isn&apos;t so bad!&quot;In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.&quot; Titus 2:7-8</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Integrity looks so boring. It never excites and it never stirs up gossip. Many times people mistake integrity for lack of talent or charisma. For a while, a lack of integrity can bring about excitement and momentum, but eventually the momentum comes crashing down under the weight of scandal. Paul is a plodder. He has the same message year after year. He keeps harping on the same subjects- watch your mouth- work diligently- treat others with honor and respect- stay away from those who will lead you astray- brag on God and don't worry about your resume. But over the years, he planted churches, trained leaders, discipled believers, and left a legacy we still learn from today. Maybe dull isn't so bad!<br />"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-3794818052880806140?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>2 Timothy 3 &amp; 4</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2065336</link>
					<description>&quot;having a form of godliness but denying its power.&quot; This is a small phrase with huge implications. The form of godliness is a deception that can be very hard to spot and confront. It appears in the nicest people and can go unnoticed for years, but it is revealed in the time of difficulty. The form of godliness shows itself when things go south. Some said that Paul&apos;s tribulations were proof of his wrong ideas, but Paul knew that under the harsh glare of persecution the truth of his message would be illuminated most brightly. He went so far as to say, &quot;In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,&quot;. But he was willing to put up with anything because he knew the grace that brought about his salvation and he gladly poured himself out to share that message. Some had failed, and some had bailed. But he knew that he had been faithful to preach the Word and God was responsible for the results. He had much to look forward to as his reward for remaining faithful to his call. Imagine that. Getting a reward for doing something he was grateful for the opportunity to do. Isn&apos;t that just like Jesus?</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA["having a form of godliness but denying its power." This is a small phrase with huge implications. The form of godliness is a deception that can be very hard to spot and confront. It appears in the nicest people and can go unnoticed for years, but it is revealed in the time of difficulty. The form of godliness shows itself when things go south. Some said that Paul's tribulations were proof of his wrong ideas, but Paul knew that under the harsh glare of persecution the truth of his message would be illuminated most brightly. He went so far as to say, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,". But he was willing to put up with anything because he knew the grace that brought about his salvation and he gladly poured himself out to share that message. Some had failed, and some had bailed. But he knew that he had been faithful to preach the Word and God was responsible for the results. He had much to look forward to as his reward for remaining faithful to his call. Imagine that. Getting a reward for doing something he was grateful for the opportunity to do. Isn't that just like Jesus?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-2359912032603529950?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>2 Timothy 1 &amp; 2</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2061585</link>
					<description>Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;if we endure, we will also reign with him.If we disown him, he will also disown us,if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)These few verses sum up our relationship with Jesus. If we give up our life, he will give us eternal life. If we will put up with difficulty now, he will make us kings.If we deny him, he will deny us, but if we mess up he will remain faithful because he cannot go against his nature. That is the most one-sided agreement in the history of the world. He pledges to be perfect in his relationship to us, while asking us only to be willing to serve him.Verse 15 makes a very reasonable request in light of what Jesus has committed to us. &quot;Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.&quot;When we understand this relationship, differences of preference or interpretation really aren&apos;t worth getting into a tizzy over. Stay away from the big stuff and ask for grace to help you overcome the other stuff. Augustine said it very well: In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things,&amp;nbsp;charity.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Here is a trustworthy saying: <br />If we died with him, we will also live with him;<br />if we endure, we will also reign with him.<br />If we disown him, he will also disown us,<br />if we are faithless, he will remain faithful,<br />for he cannot disown himself. (2 Timothy 2:11-13)<br /><br />These few verses sum up our relationship with Jesus. If we give up our life, he will give us eternal life. If we will put up with difficulty now, he will make us kings.<br />If we deny him, he will deny us, but if we mess up he will remain faithful because he cannot go against his nature. That is the most one-sided agreement in the history of the world. He pledges to be perfect in his relationship to us, while asking us only to be willing to serve him.<br /><br />Verse 15 makes a very reasonable request in light of what Jesus has committed to us. "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."<br /><br />When we understand this relationship, differences of preference or interpretation really aren't worth getting into a tizzy over. Stay away from the big stuff and ask for grace to help you overcome the other stuff. Augustine said it very well:<span style="font-size: small;"> In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things,&nbsp;charity.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-3367454990454798087?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>1 Timothy 5 &amp; 6</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2057709</link>
					<description>The instructions of chapters 5&amp;amp;6 serve as a reminder that being in the body of Christ is not all about getting your needs met, but that there is a tremendous reciprocal relationship among us all. Young are to respect elders. Elders are to be involved and doing what they can. Families are to care for their own, and help should be given to those in need but not to those who won&apos;t work. Leaders are worthy of honor because of their great responsibility, so the mantle of leadership should not be bestowed too quickly, lest it go to the leader&apos;s head. Respecting leadership isn&apos;t something to honor the leader. When we respect leadership, we honor God. But this honor is not blind. We have a responsibility to discern if the leader is teaching correctly or going off on his own hobby horse. See how it all works together? It just makes so much sense. We really are a body; a family with each member doing his part and God getting the glory. Now if we can just do it.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[The instructions of chapters 5&amp;6 serve as a reminder that being in the body of Christ is not all about getting your needs met, but that there is a tremendous reciprocal relationship among us all. Young are to respect elders. Elders are to be involved and doing what they can. Families are to care for their own, and help should be given to those in need but not to those who won't work. Leaders are worthy of honor because of their great responsibility, so the mantle of leadership should not be bestowed too quickly, lest it go to the leader's head. Respecting leadership isn't something to honor the leader. When we respect leadership, we honor God. But this honor is not blind. We have a responsibility to discern if the leader is teaching correctly or going off on his own hobby horse. See how it all works together? It just makes so much sense. We really are a body; a family with each member doing his part and God getting the glory. Now if we can just do it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-2564001121724172892?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>1 Timothy 3 &amp; 4</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2054862</link>
					<description>Those who are in leadership are to be held to a higher standard because of their greater visibility and level of influence. If someone who attends a church behaves in a foolish or ungodly way, it does damage to their own reputation. But if a pastor or leader in the church does wrong, it brings reproach on the entire Body. We should be wise in elevating someone to leadership and then we must be diligent to pray for those who are in leadership. They will ultimately give an account to God for every deed done or decision made in their role as a leader.These days there are many many voices attempting to pull us in many different directions. Many follow voices which lead them away from the Truth. Paul exhorts us not to be fooled by silly voices that focus on insignificant specifics but fail to acknowledge the broad truth of the gospel. Paul doesn&apos;t let Timothy off the hook for being young, but encourages him to &quot;toil and strive&quot; to be grounded in the truth of the gospel. &quot;Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.&quot; (2:15-16)</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Those who are in leadership are to be held to a higher standard because of their greater visibility and level of influence. If someone who attends a church behaves in a foolish or ungodly way, it does damage to their own reputation. But if a pastor or leader in the church does wrong, it brings reproach on the entire Body. We should be wise in elevating someone to leadership and then we must be diligent to pray for those who are in leadership. They will ultimately give an account to God for every deed done or decision made in their role as a leader.<br /><br />These days there are many many voices attempting to pull us in many different directions. Many follow voices which lead them away from the Truth. Paul exhorts us not to be fooled by silly voices that focus on insignificant specifics but fail to acknowledge the broad truth of the gospel. Paul doesn't let Timothy off the hook for being young, but encourages him to "toil and strive" to be grounded in the truth of the gospel. "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (2:15-16)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-5759930647707570352?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 18:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>1 Timothy 1 &amp; 2</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2054695</link>
					<description>Oh the love that drew salvation&apos;s plan,Oh the grace that brought it down to man,Oh the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!Paul never forgot how he was caught in the grace chase. He understood that there was no reason for God to do anything but punish him. Instead, verse 14 says &quot;that the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.&quot; Even though Paul spoke with great authority and led with great confidence, he considered himself a great sinner who had been rescued by a great Savior.Naturally, he would &quot;desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.&quot; (2:8) When we are in the embrace of grace, what do we have to quarrel about?Mercy there was great and grace was free,Pardon there was multiplied to me!There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary!</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Oh the love that drew salvation's plan,<br />Oh the grace that brought it down to man,<br />Oh the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!<br /><br />Paul never forgot how he was caught in the grace chase. He understood that there was no reason for God to do anything but punish him. Instead, verse 14 says "that the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Even though Paul spoke with great authority and led with great confidence, he considered himself a great sinner who had been rescued by a great Savior.<br /><br />Naturally, he would "desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (2:8) When we are in the embrace of grace, what do we have to quarrel about?<br /><br />Mercy there was great and grace was free,<br />Pardon there was multiplied to me!<br />There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-2923885061554435964?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 18:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>1 Peter 1 &amp; 2</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2052342</link>
					<description>As we read these two books written by Peter it is striking to see the difference of the &quot;ready, shoot, aim&quot; disciple who walked with Jesus. He was always ready with an opinion or an idea. Some of them were good, and some of them earned him a rebuke. But Peter after the Upper Room experience on the day of Pentecost is nothing like Peter after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. These two books are the words of the man Jesus knew was inside of Peter even when he kept his foot in his mouth most of the time. There is a rich and mature understanding of the believer&apos;s relationship with Jesus; both our rights and our responsibilities. No more impulsive, Peter gently but firmly teaches the churches he planted in what is important and eternal.We can take comfort in Peter&apos;s growing maturity and faith. God&apos;s grace is in abundance and mistakes we make along the way do not disqualify us from being used by God. The enemy wants us to believe that because we made a bad choice at some stage in our life, the God has disposed of us and there is nothing for us to do. Peter wanted to be a faithful follower. Sometimes he got in his own way. But the Lord looks on the heart. He knows who we are and how we are. And he knows how he will use us if we don&apos;t give up. He never gives up on us.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[As we read these two books written by Peter it is striking to see the difference of the "ready, shoot, aim" disciple who walked with Jesus. He was always ready with an opinion or an idea. Some of them were good, and some of them earned him a rebuke. But Peter after the Upper Room experience on the day of Pentecost is nothing like Peter after receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. These two books are the words of the man Jesus knew was inside of Peter even when he kept his foot in his mouth most of the time. There is a rich and mature understanding of the believer's relationship with Jesus; both our rights and our responsibilities. No more impulsive, Peter gently but firmly teaches the churches he planted in what is important and eternal.<br /><br />We can take comfort in Peter's growing maturity and faith. God's grace is in abundance and mistakes we make along the way do not disqualify us from being used by God. The enemy wants us to believe that because we made a bad choice at some stage in our life, the God has disposed of us and there is nothing for us to do. Peter wanted to be a faithful follower. Sometimes he got in his own way. But the Lord looks on the heart. He knows who we are and how we are. And he knows how he will use us if we don't give up. He never gives up on us.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-4031395568614722726?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>2 Thessalonians 2 &amp; 3</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2050532</link>
					<description>Paul is a wonderful leader and spiritual father. He loves them by knowing when to encourage, when to praise, when to instruct and when to discipline. He displays each of them in this letter. A leader is not just a cheerleader or a disciplinarian. A leader can tell what his people need and he makes sure they get it. But Paul realizes that as a good leader, he can ask for help from those he leads, and he asks for their prayer support. What a wonderful relationship they have! When the relationship is one of trust, integrity and respect, both the leader and the led recognize their responsibility to each other.That kind of relationship is one worth working for.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Paul is a wonderful leader and spiritual father. He loves them by knowing when to encourage, when to praise, when to instruct and when to discipline. He displays each of them in this letter. A leader is not just a cheerleader or a disciplinarian. A leader can tell what his people need and he makes sure they get it. But Paul realizes that as a good leader, he can ask for help from those he leads, and he asks for their prayer support. What a wonderful relationship they have! When the relationship is one of trust, integrity and respect, both the leader and the led recognize their responsibility to each other.<br /><br />That kind of relationship is one worth working for.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-4856492476183636267?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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					<title>1 Thes. 5 &amp; 2 Thes. 1</title>
					<link>http://livingwaterchurch.tv/articles.cfm?feature=2569688&amp;postid=2047161</link>
					<description>Have you had a time when you or someone else was leaving and as they were getting into the car or leaving to board an airplane you were saying as many things as&amp;nbsp; possible to them because you knew you wouldn&apos;t see them again for a long time? It seems as though this is what Paul does at the end of his first letter. So many things to say. So many encouragements to give. So many instructions to impart. They come rapid fire; one right after another. It doesn&apos;t sound like someone barking a bunch of orders to be followed in his absence. It sounds more like a parent saying good by to an adult child who is moving away or headed to boot camp. At the end he sums it up with a powerful blessing. He prays that the grace of Jesus would be with them. The grace of Jesus pretty well covers every issue.As he opens his second letter, he makes sure that they know that when Christ returns, He will setting things right by punishing the tormentors and giving relief to the tormented. He reminds them that our responsibility is to live Christlike lives. God is the one who makes us worthy of our callings, and His grace is what makes it possible for us to be identified with Jesus. We don&apos;t have to defend God. We just have to live as good ambassadors of His kingdom.</description>
					<content:encoded><![CDATA[Have you had a time when you or someone else was leaving and as they were getting into the car or leaving to board an airplane you were saying as many things as&nbsp; possible to them because you knew you wouldn't see them again for a long time? It seems as though this is what Paul does at the end of his first letter. So many things to say. So many encouragements to give. So many instructions to impart. They come rapid fire; one right after another. It doesn't sound like someone barking a bunch of orders to be followed in his absence. It sounds more like a parent saying good by to an adult child who is moving away or headed to boot camp. At the end he sums it up with a powerful blessing. He prays that the grace of Jesus would be with them. The grace of Jesus pretty well covers every issue.<br /><br />As he opens his second letter, he makes sure that they know that when Christ returns, He will setting things right by punishing the tormentors and giving relief to the tormented. He reminds them that our responsibility is to live Christlike lives. God is the one who makes us worthy of our callings, and His grace is what makes it possible for us to be identified with Jesus. We don't have to defend God. We just have to live as good ambassadors of His kingdom.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2586543566616639488-3487303420728169060?l=livingwaterguthrie.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>]]></content:encoded>
					<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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