LHIM Everything

LHIM Everything

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LHIM Everything episodes

  • Taking Advantage of the Holidays

    Matthew 10:5-7, 16-18 Jesus knows his followers are “sheep in the midst of wolves.” He knows people will persecute them and scourge them.
    Matthew 10:19-20 However, in their time of need, God will help them know what to say and do.
    Matthew 10:21-22 In addition to persecution from strangers, one’s own family members will hate them and even seek to put them to death—all because of Jesus’ name.
    Matthew 10:23 His advice when persecution comes is to run on to the next city and keep sharing the message.
    Matthew 10:24-25 They are going to call them names! They are not better than he, are they?
    Matthew 10:26-33 Even though others will mock and persecute them, this is not an adequate reason for paralyzing fear.
    Acts 4:1-13, 17-21; 5:17-42 After repeated arrests and a flogging, Peter continued preaching publicly.
    Acts 8:1-5 When the religious leaders stoned Stephen and a great persecution broke out, Philip went to Samaria and shared the gospel there with a hostile audience.
    2 Corinthians 11:24-27; 4:8-18 Though he suffered constant criticism, repeated beatings, and incessant imprisonments, Paul would not quit starting new churches.

    The likelihood of suffering this kind of physical violence is much lower in our context. Even so, we still struggle to step out in faith. We need to break out of our comfortable, insulated lives. The holiday season provides plenty of opportunities if you have eyes to see.

    – Volunteer somewhere
    – Help someone in need
    – Invite a neighbor over for dinner
    – Go Christmas caroling
    – Bring a coworker to our holiday party (Dec 11th at 6:30pm)
    – Ask a friend if they want to read the Bible one to one

    The post Taking Advantage of the Holidays first appeared on Living Hope.
    50 min
  • Ephesians Reasons for Thankfulness

    1:1 – The faithful ones in Christ Jesus are saints; holy ones.
    2 – Grace is God’s favor. We have peace with God and, therefore, peace within our souls. Romans 8:5-9 – when we are hostile with God, we have hostility within us.
    2:14-17; 4:3; 6:15 – We can have peace with our fellow man even if he wants war.
    1:3 – Jesus has a God and Father; he is not his own God. [vs. 17] We are blessed with every spiritual blessing.
    4 – Many are called, but only the faithful ones are chosen.
    5 – The kindness of God allows us to be His children.
    6 – God has freely bestowed His grace upon us so we should praise Him.
    7 – The price has been paid to free us from sin. We are forgiven. Colossians 1:12-14
    9 – We have been blessed to know and live what has never been known before.
    14 – With all the many blessings that are ours now, the greatest is yet to come.
    2:1- 7 – From dead in trespasses and sins to seated in the heavenly places by grace, we have so much to be thankful for.
    12 – It is vital for us not to forget where we came from so we stay moving in the right direction with the right attitude.
    13 – We are brought near by the blood of Christ.
    14-17 – Christ is our peace and has given us peace. We are no longer excluded but intimately included into the family of God.
    22 – Each of us is part of the habitation of God. His abode is no longer the Temple in Jerusalem or any church building, rather in each and all of us.
    3:1-12 – The mystery hidden from the ages is now revealed, and we are part of God’s eternal purpose.

    The post Ephesians Reasons for Thankfulness first appeared on Living Hope.
    39 min
  • Penitential Psalm

    Psalm 32:1 and 2 – One chief characteristic of Hebrew poetry is repetition. Repetition serves the important purpose of reinforcing the message by stating a similar or identical for in different ways.

    Simply stated, in the least common denominator, sin is disobedience. Forgiveness is freely and graciously given regardless of whether it is for transgression, sin or iniquity.

    3 and 4 – Metaphorical language magnifying the depth and intensity of his despair, hopelessness and the meaninglessness of life apart from the grace of God.
    5 – Three simple steps to receive forgiveness 1) acknowledge the sin, 2) stop hiding it, and 3) confess it.
    Psalm 139:23 and 24 – Rigorous honesty with ourselves is necessary, or he will continue in life,
    afflicted with sin and its consequences. The temptation to hide and not deal with sin is common however, we must not succumb to it.
    32:6 – The time of repentance is always now! Many records in the scriptures indicate that the time of repentance can run out for people like in the day of Noah.
    32:7 – Life is sweet for the penitent sinner.
    32: 8-10– If we allow God to instruct, teach, and guide us we will have the wisdom to live godly lives.
    32:11 – Be glad in the Lord and rejoice.
    Psalm 38:1 – David knew that God would be dust and rebuking him in anger and disciplining him.
    2-4 – God's rebuke penetrated deep into his being. Not all sickness and unrest are due to sin; however, health and peace can indeed be influenced by sin.
    5 and 6 – David did not have an “oops, I sinned” attitude; rather, he deeply sorrow all day long because of his sin.
    7-10 – When we enjoy fellowship with God, our hearts are filled with joy, peace, and love. On the other hand, this quietness of heart is sin’s result.
    11-14 – He received no help from friends or family.
    15 -21 – Sin, Satan, is as a roaring lion or a ravenous wolf, we will be devoured without the help of God.
    Psalm 51

    The post Penitential Psalm first appeared on Living Hope.
    40 min
  • Our Compassionate Father

    Psalms 145:8-9; 103:8 – “Compassion” and “mercy” are used interchangeably in both the Old and New Testaments.

    Compassion is sympathetic consciousness of others distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

    Isaiah 30:18 – Yahweh longs to be gracious to you.
    Micah 7:18 – God delighted in mercy (compassion).
    2 Chronicles 16:9 – Eyes of Yahweh move to and fro.
    Exodus 34:6 – Compassion is the first trait God wants us to understand about Him.
    Deuteronomy 4:31; Nehemiah 9:17, 31; Psalms 78:38; 103:8; 111:4; 112:4; 116:5
    Matthew 9:10-13; 12:1-7 – Jesus knew that God desired compassion rather than sacrifice and lived his life accordingly.
    Hebrews 2:17 and 18; 4:14-16; 13:8 – Jesus remains compassionate.
    Matthew 5:7; Colossians 3:12 – We are to be like God and Jesus by having compassion for our fellow man.

    The post Our Compassionate Father first appeared on Living Hope.
    39 min
  • Talking to Dead People

    God’s Laws about Talking to the Dead
    Leviticus 19:31 Do not turn to mediums or necromancers.
    Deuteronomy 18:9-12 Don’t get involved with divination, fortune telling, omens, sorcery, charmers, mediums, necromancers, or those who inquire of the dead.
    Talking to the Dead Offends God
    Leviticus 20:6 God will set His face against mediums and necromancers.
    Leviticus 20:27 In the same chapter, God commands the death penalty for them.
    Isaiah 8:19 Why inquire from those who chirp and mutter instead of God?
    The Dead Are Asleep
    Ecclesiastes 9:5 “…the dead know nothing.”
    Psalm 6:5 “For in death there is no remembrance of you”
    Psalm 13:3 “…light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death.”
    Psalm 115:17 “The dead do not praise the LORD”
    John 3:13 “No one has ascended into heaven”
    Acts 2:34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens”
    Acts 7:59-60 “…as they were stoning Stephen, he called out…and when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
    The Witch of Endor
    1 Samuel 28:1-25; 31:2-6 Did the medium really call up Samuel from the dead?
    – No: she faked the whole thing OR an unclean spirit spoke through her OR God gave her a vision.
    – Yes: she had the power to wake up the dead OR demons have the power to wake up the dead OR God enabled the seance actually to work.

    Regardless of what happened here, God’s commands still stand. He takes offense when His people go to other sources than Him for help.

    1 Chronicles 10:13 “So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance.”

    Other examples include the fortune-teller girl at Philippi (Acts 16:16-18) and Simon the magician (Acts 8:9-11).

    The post Talking to Dead People first appeared on Living Hope.
    47 min
  • Conclusion of Romans

    Romans 16:17 – Paul warns them as he does in every epistle regarding those within the church that cause divisions over wrong doctrine. 2 Thes. 3:6; 1 Timothy 1:3; 3:6; 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:14; 2 John 1:10; and Matthew 7:15

    “Hindrances” is from the Greek word skandalon, a stick or bait in a trap (Romans 14:13).

    18 – Philippians 3:18 and 19; 1 Timothy 6:3-5 They may talk about the Lord, but they do not serve him; rather, they serve their own appetites.
    20 – The God of peace – 15:33; Phil. 4:9; 1 Thes. 5:23 God is concerned to preserve harmony among His people and protect them from divisive influences.

    Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil [1 John 3:8]; however, he still is at work until the Lord returns.

    Genesis 3:15 The devil’s destiny foretold
    Matthew 8:28 and 29 They knew their end, so they desired to destroy Jesus.
    Revelation 12:1-17 A vision that gives an overview of history past and future.
    Revelation 20:1-15 The devil’s future
    2 Corinthians 11:1-15 Eve was told lies about God’s words just as we are today because there is a devil.
    Ephesians 6:10-18 The spiritual warfare is real requiring our constant vigilance. The spiritual forces are patient and will wait until you let down your armor.
    Romans 16:20 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; 1 Thes. 5:28; 2 Thes. 3:18; and Revelation 22:21

    The post Conclusion of Romans first appeared on Living Hope.
    48 min
  • Not Self-Pleasers

    Romans 15:1 – The standard of our conduct is not our own happiness or gratification, but the welfare of others.
    Philippians 2:3-7; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24; 9:19-23; 13:5; Romans 14:1; and Galatians 6:1-2 – Lovingly serving others is not optional behavior if we want to walk with God.
    3 – Psalm 69:1-21 is about the Messiah. He continued in sacrificial love even though he was rejected by those he served. He sought Yahweh’s help.
    4 – This verse can be viewed as a parenthesis. The Old Testament is the underpinning of the New and provides necessary information regarding the doctrine of Christianity. Quoting Palm 69 and others that followed prove the statement.
    5 – Verse 5 relates back to 3 by quoting Psalm 69. We learn how Jesus persevered and find encouragement therein. We must be able to bear reproaches if we are to have unity. We must not forget the lessons of Romans that preceded (like the ungodly nature of man explained in chapters 1-3 and the fight that all of us have set forth in chapters 5-8).
    6 – The quintessential to Christianity is that we together glorify God.
    7 – “Therefore” relates back to all that proceeded, receive one another with open arms. Welcome one another with kindness, as Christ also received you with open arms, welcoming you to the glory of God.

    We are clearly commanded not to have a hypocritical, judgmental attitude or an attitude of superiority over a brother.

    9 – Paul continues to address the severe problem that plagued the early church and ultimately destroyed it – that is the loving acceptance of the Gentiles by the Jews and eventually the Jews by the Gentiles.
    Ephesians 2:11-22 confronts the Gentiles like Romans did the Jews.
    Romans 15:9 – Psalm 18:49
    10 – Deuteronomy 32:43
    11 – Psalm 117:1
    12 – Isaiah 11:10 and 11
    13 – 14:17 – If this was their reality, there would be no strife and contention.
    14 – Paul shows why he wrote the epistle and states his confidence in them. He expresses his deep interest in their welfare, though he had never seen them.
    24 – Paul does not say that his principle object was to visit the church at Rome, much as he desired that, but rather to stop in on his way to accomplish his greater purpose, to preach the gospel in regions where Christ was not named.
    25 – Acts 19 and 20
    26 – 1 Corinthians 8 and 9

    The post Not Self-Pleasers first appeared on Living Hope.
    39 min
  • Do Not Judge One Another

    Romans 14:1 – “Accept one weak in faith. Do not pass judgment on his opinions.”
    (NRS Version) “Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.”
    (NJB Version) “Give a welcome to anyone whose faith is not strong, but do not get into arguments about doubtful points.”
    Romans 14:2-3 The specific example here is first dietary – what a person eats.
    Romans 14:4 – Do you judge another man’s servant? We are all servants of our Lord Jesus. It is not our responsibility to be the policeman of the church, pointing out everyone’s faults. Jesus lived above all this, not living in judgment and not condoning sinners. He lived by the law of love (Luke 7:36-50).
    Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus taught not to judge one another. You need to take the log out of your own eye so you can see the speck in your brother’s.
    Romans 14:5-6 – The things we do, should be for the Lord.
    Romans 14:7-9 – Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. All men have sinned. All need a Savior.
    Romans 14:10 – Why judge your brother or regard your brother with contempt. Do not speak against one another.
    James 4:11-12 – If you don’t have something good to say about a brother, don’t speak.
    Romans 14:10-12 – We will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Take care of your own stuff.
    Romans 14:13-23
    Don’t judge each other. Rather, don’t put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.
    James 2:1-13
    Be impartial in judgment. Do not be a respecter of persons. Act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. – Judgment will be merciless to the one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
    1 Corinthians 8:7-13 – Paul understood his liberty in Christ Jesus. However, if something he allowed in his life would cause his brother to stumble, he was willing to set aside his liberty for his brother’s sake.
    Romans 14:17-19 – “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. …Pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”

    The post Do Not Judge One Another first appeared on Living Hope.
    46 min
  • I Owe You

    https://vimeo.com/141329147

    Romans 13:1 – In order to stay constantly living for God, we must have the right mindset and proper behavior in relationship to the kingdoms of this world.

    Subjection is very common. Wives to husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24), children to parents (Ephesians 6:1-3), servants to masters [employees to employers] (Ephesians 6:5-8), younger to elders (1 Peter 5:5), and believers to church elders (Hebrews 13:17).

    Husbands tell wives to worship. Parents tell children to steal. Employer tells employees to lie. Church leadership tells people to have sex. Government tells clerk about marriage licenses to homosexuals.

    Daniel 3:18; Daniel 6:10; Acts 4:18-20; 5:29
    Deuteronomy 13:4 Submission in human relationships is commanded, but never when it breaks God’s commandments. We must obey God rather than man.
    Romans 13:2 If we do not submit to the laws of the government, we will be judged by those laws. By no means is God saying to us that worldly governments are holy or that their reign is equitable, fair, and right. Governments are a temporary necessity in this present evil age to maintain a semblance of order until God’s perfect Kingdom comes.

    The main danger was that the early Christians would err in refusing submission, even when it was proper, rather than in undue conformity to idolatrous rites and ceremonies.

    Daniel 2:21; 4:17, 26, 34, 35 By God’s permission or appointment, those in office obtain their power. God often claims and asserts that He sets up one and puts down another.
    Romans 13:5 – The word “minister” could also be translated “servant” as it often is in other translations. Kings, presidents, governors are God’s servants just as Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus were. They were not serving us because they understood God’s Word and believed it, but because God is almighty and the supreme ruler of the earth.
    7 – Mark 12:15-17; Matthew 17:24-27
    8 – God does not want us to owe anyone because indebtedness may place us in a compromising position to be controlled or influenced by someone other than Him.
    Genesis 14:21-24 Abraham refused to be indebted to the king of Sodom when he was offered great wealth. Nor would he accept the land to bury Sarah without paying, so he remained free from obligation to anyone other than God
    1 John 3:16; 4:11 – We all love because God loved us, and He commands us to love others.
    Romans 13:12 – We are to maintain an awareness of the urgency of our times. Each day, we are one day closer to his return or our death, whichever comes first.
    Ephesians 5:14-16 – We cannot afford to fall into a lackadaisical slumber and squander the time we could have with God.
    Romans 13:14

    The post I Owe You first appeared on Living Hope.
    45 min

About LHIM Everything

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A weekly podcast featuring the engaging and life-changing Bible teachings of Sean Finnegan and the team at Living Hope International Ministries.