God’s plan in the family is under great attack today in the world. Along with that, God’s order concerning man and woman are equally under attack. When families depart from God’s original plan, the end result is failure in so many ways. God is the One who designed the family, and if we want to achieve God’s result then we must understand His design and order our family accordingly. With the pressures that are all around us to change as a result of our shifting culture, this is not easy. Today we go back to look at God’s plan that we may see more clearly how to walk in truth for His purpose and glory.

• God instituted the family
  • He created man and woman
  • He stated the purpose of the family
  • He gave husband and wife each their roles in the family
• Men and women are different
  • Physically
  • In their natural capabilities and instincts
  • In their God given roles in the family
• Husbands
  • Are responsible as “head” or for leadership
  • Loving as Christ does the church (Eph. 5:25)
  • Laying down his life (not living for self)
  • Lifting his wife up as one with him
  • Modeling our heavenly Father (example)
• Wives are responsible as a “helper” (Gen. 2:18)
  • Taken from the side of the man (heart)
  • In submission as church is to Christ (Eph. 5:24)
  • Lifting her husband up by honor and respect (Eph. 5:33)
• God sees the husband and wife as one
  • The woman was taken from the man
  • The man and woman are united in relationship
  • True oneness is only possible in the life of God

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Christianity can be complicated. How many Bible Schools are there that seek to teach the proper doctrines, yet there are many differences that divide and often in a very deep way. Why is that? Is there an answer? Is unity in Christ Jesus possible? Jesus prayed that we may be one, even as the Father and He were one. Yet if we look around us at the general world of Christianity, oneness does not seem to be the characteristic. If it is, it is often on the surface level. The oneness of the Father and Son is not superficial. They are one in life, in very essence. Today I want to share some simple encouragement with us that I trust will be of help in our walk with Jesus.

• Be faithful to your relationship with Jesus in the truth that He has made real to you.
• Be faithful to the brothers and sisters God has put in your life
• Be content with the “ones and twos”. God will take care of the multitudes
• All truth is important when God brings it to you (don’t evade)
• There will be opposition
• There will be failure (not all will go on with Jesus)
• There will be cost that will require sacrifice
• There will be emotionally challenging times
• Truth does take time to assimilate and walk in
• God is in charge
• It is a spiritual battle
• We must avail of spiritual weapons
• Focus on knowing God—That will overflow in our whole life
• There will be times of failure in our lives—get up and keep going
• The battle was won at Calvary. Our victory is to stand in His victory
• Our passion is to know Him (Phil 3)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

In our world today, there is a great religious system called Christianity. It varies in many details, but the one common feature is Christ. However the big question is what is the place of Christ? Is He only a historical figure, or is He given His place as Lord of Lords? Religion is one of the enemy’s greatest tools today, and Christian religion is probably the most dangerous because it is so close to the truth. It is based on the Bible and embraces so many things that are very good. Yet at the core of so much that goes in the name of Christianity, there is serious error and mixture that leads men astray. It leaves them with a form of godliness, but not in union with God. Today we want to try to show the difference, not just to be critical, but to avoid the snare of the enemy and be found in union with Christ both now and for eternity. (Philippians chapter 3)

• Religion
• • A system of doctrines, practices, and rules of personal conduct
  • Christian religion, the above based on the Bible
• Christ
• • A historical figure, a great teacher
  • The incarnation of God (Son of God)
  • The glorified Lord, reigning at the right hand of God
• The Bible is a record of the expanding revelation of Christ
• God’s purpose is now that Christ would be revealed in each person (Gal. 1:15-16)
• True Christianity is Christ revealed in a collective gathering of believers
• The Cross is the basis of everything God is doing today
• God’s ultimate goal is that God may “be all” “in all” (I Cor. 15:20-28)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Paul admonishes us in one place to put on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the wiles (or schemes) of the devil. What are those schemes? Do we know? Are we aware of his crafty and deceptive ways?  In warfare, military men study the enemy to know his tactics. Business men study their competition so they can know how to compete more effectively. God does not want us to be ignorant of our enemy’s ways either. We should not become “devil conscience” where we see a devil under every rock and behind every tree, but as wise stewards of the grace of God, we do need to know how the enemy is working against God and His purpose that we may not be taken unawares but rather stand unmoved in the full provision of God. (Eph. 6:10-20)

• The devil is the enemy of God and seeks to destroy (John 10:10)
• He is a murderer, a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44)
• He seeks to sow discord, bring division, and confusion  (James 3:13-15)
• His angels are angels of light and ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14)
• He is religious and promotes religious activity filled with compromise
• He is deceptive, mixing truth with error (2 John 7, Matt. 24:24)
• He counterfeits the Holy Spirit as much as possible (I John 4:1)
• His access to men is to the soul (lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life, I John 2:16)
• His power over death was broken at Calvary (Heb. 2:14)
• He has supernatural power, but not greater than Christ (Col. 1:13)
• He performs lying wonders (2 Thes. 2:9-10, Matt. 24:24)
• Our only power against Him is to stand in the victory of Christ  (I Cor. 15:57)
• The warfare is spiritual and requires spiritual weapons (2 Cor. 10:4)
• The full armor of God is collective (Eph. 6:10-20)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his days for not discerning properly. Paul encouraged the Philippian church to abound in discernment. How do we discern what is of God and what is not? How do we properly discern without becoming critical? To properly discern a situation that is confronting us and still maintain a proper attitude is challenging. Some have resolved the issue by taking the position of “judge not.” Others have erred to the other side by becoming very critical and judgmental of situations and people that leaves them isolated and useless as a channel of God’s grace and love. We must not go to either side in this matter, but rather allow God to give us His discernment, seeking to move in wisdom and love towards every person and situation we face. (Matt. 6:3, Luke 12:56, Phil. 1:9, Heb. 5:14)

• Love is the foundation
• Spiritual issues are spiritually discerned
• Godly care for each person is essential
• Wisdom given by the Holy Spirit is our provision
• Outwards signs reveal inward heart conditions
• The plan and purpose of God is always in view
• A quiet heart with no self-interest is a key factor
• Recognizing the wiles of the devil comes with maturity
• Input from mature brothers and sisters is a channel of grace
• Obedience in the face of opposition is an expression of grace
• Peace comes as we leave each person in the hands of God
• God is the final judge in all things

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

We know that God is Spirit, and those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth. We are also are to be led by the Spirit. How can our spiritual sensitivity be increased so that we can be sure we are truly knowing God in the spirit? It seems at times that so much comes at us that brings confusion so we hardly know which way to turn. How do we know that we are really sensing God in the spirit? Are there some basic principles that can help us? This arises not only in our daily lives, but also in spiritual gifts, ministry, and host of related areas. I believe that there are some guidelines in scripture that can help us.

• God is Spirit
• Man is body, soul, and spirit (I Thes. 5:23)
• Man connects with God in his spirit (I Cor. 2:10-12, 6:17)
• Three possible sources of spiritual movement (God, Satan, man)
• Significant areas to consider
• • Seeking God only by our mind (reasoning)
  • A defiled spirit (2 Cor. 7:1)
  • A motive to be somebody “special” in spirituals (Phil. 2:3)
  • A troubled heart, unrest (Isaiah 30:15)
  • Undisciplined desires (James 1:14,15)
  • Undisciplined emotions (2 Peter 1:5-9)
• Consider the outcome of the leading
• • The Spirit leads in the purpose of God
  • The Spirit leads in unity (with God and one another)
  • The Spirit exalts Jesus Christ
  • The Spirit is the Spirit of truth
  • The Spirit is the Spirit of love
• Praying in the Spirit (Jude 20)

Some good ministry concerning man as body, soul, and spirit

http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/what_is_man.html

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Are you being tested? Does God test His children? If so, why does He test us and how? So often when we face trials and testing we lose sight of what God is doing, what He is after in our lives. God is working for eternity, and so often we are just looking at temporal things. But we are told that one day everything that we see around us will be burned up, and only what is of God will last. Today we review some accounts in the scriptures where men were being tested by God, asking God for light on our own pathway that we may see clearly what God wants to teach us in our own testing.

• Christ is our example (Mat. 4:1-10, Heb. 2:17-18, 4:15-16, 5:8-9)
• God is not afraid to test what He has built in us
• Testing reveals who we are:
• • What we have learned
  • Weakness where we need to be strengthened
• Tests reveal hidden things
• • Hidden motives (pride, independence)
  • Un-crucified flesh (self)
• Consider Abraham, the father of faith
• Consider Israel (Deut. 8:2, Ex. 16:4)
• Tests reveal if we are living by the faith of God or not (Heb. 12:2)
• God’s testing gives opportunity for Him to be glorified in and through our lives
• We are told to welcome tests (James 1:3-8)

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

What is the way of life? How do we experience the fullness of God’s life in our daily lives? God’s way is the Cross of Christ. But that is not just what happened 2000 years ago. That is the foundation, but we need to know the application in our lives today.  When we think about the Cross, I think most of us just try to think back to what happened 2000 years ago. We try to envision the suffering of Jesus for our sin and also how His suffering opened the way for our sin to be forgiven. But while all of that is good and right, the Cross and what God did there also has real application in our daily lives. Today we explore that subject further.

• The Cross is the foundation of everything God is doing today
• The Cross is the way we partake of the life of God
• The principle of the Cross applies to every aspect of our life
• God is the One who will apply the Cross in the circumstances of our life
• The Cross is the way we experience the fullness of God’s life
• Our place is to:
• • Agree with God in that which He has brought judgment
  • Believe Him to take us through situations that are beyond us
  • Obey when He sheds light on our pathway
• The power of an endless (resurrection life) is our experience (life out of death)

Some excellent ministry on this subject:

http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/cross_and_the_way_of_life_the.html

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

Before a baby is born, all focus is on the birth date. But after the birthday, the attention shifts to growing up. It is the same in the spiritual. Our spiritual birthday is a wonderful day, but now we need to grow up. What is God’s way for this to take place? Growth (both physical and spiritual) takes time and effort. God has given us very clear instructions on how this is to take place. The majority of the New Testament is focused on this subject. In order to be successful, we must follow God’s way and not create our own way. He is perfect and has designed the perfect way for us to grow up and become full-grown mature sons and daughters, able to bear further responsibility in His kingdom both now and for eternity.  Today we look again at God’s plan and ways for our spiritual growth.

• Christ
• • He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)
  • It is Christ formed in us that is our hope of glory (Col. 1:27)
• Family of God (provision)
• • The presence of God (2 Cor. 6:17-18)
  • God’s provision of grace-elders, ministers, each member (Eph. 4:7)
  • Fellowship (Eph. 3:9)
• Essential elements to benefit
• • Life (I Peter 2:5)
  • Right relationships with God and one another (Eph. 4:25-32)
  • Teachable spirit (2 Tim. 2:1-2)
  • Obedience to God when light comes (James 1:21-25)
• The goal
• • Christ formed in us (Gal. 4:19)
  • Changed into His likeness-maturity (2 Cor. 3:18)
  • A body to do His will (Heb. 10:5-7)
  • God all in all (I Cor. 15:28)

 Some additional resources regarding God’s plan in His family:

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/growing-up-together-into-christ/

 http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/the-family-of-god/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]

How do we work through conflicts? It seems that life is full of them. They can be conflicts in personalities, doctrines, family relationships, work relationships, with the world and with brothers and sisters in the Lord? Is it possible to dwell in peace with all men? If so how? Sometimes it seems like the conflicts come at us so fast we don’t know which way to turn. We don’t even understand how we got into the conflict. Yet God has called us to live at peace with all men as much as it lies with us. Today we want to look briefly at this subject asking God to shed light on our pathway that will allow us to know His grace and be at peace with all men.

• Conflicts because of sin
• • Self-interests are the root of most conflicts (James 3:13-4:6)
  • Self is only dealt with at Calvary (crucified with Christ, Gal. 2:20)
  • When we are dead we cannot be touched
• Conflicts because of personalities
• • Each person is unique
  • Love adjusts to another person (Eph. 4:25-31)
• Conflicts in living together
• • Close living brings out differences in many ways
  • Walking in God’s order is essential to peace
• Conflicts because of ideology
• • Unity is first in life (Eph. 4:3)
  • Unity in understanding takes time (Eph. 4:13)
• Conflicts in laboring together with others
• • God has given different grace to each one (Eph.  4:7)
  • To labor together takes submitting to one another as unto the Lord
• We are called to pursue peace with all men as much as possible (Rom. 12:18, Heb. 12:14)

Some good ministry on the practical working of the Cross of Christ in our daily lives

http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/cross_and_the_way_of_life_the.html

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]