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A Sermon Preached by the University Pastor Acts 9:36-43 36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. Introduction: Today in our text we see a woman of God that became ill and died. Her life as a servant was so powerful God allowed Peter to raise her back from the dead. Secondly we see, that A woman with good works will always leave a lasting impact on the world, her community and her love ones. Thirdly we see that, in this city, God has a church that’s was growing. In this church, there were believers who had a love for service. One such believer was Sister Dorcus. Dorcus lived in Joppa. [a seaport town] It was the “Gateway” of ancient Palestine; the city was built on a rock, high and lifted up. Its harbor was small but beautiful. As with many seaports, people pass through Joppa. Men like Jonah passed thought its ports. It was a city that existed through two covenants, the old and the new. Background: As we discovered on last week, the first century church has been blessed up to this point in History. Their persecution has subsided momentarily. Peace has swept the region. Churches have been planted, leadership has been developed and growth in the kingdom is on the rise. When we come to today’s text we yet again look in the life of the leadership of the early church. Apostle Peter has taken to the road to visit the churches that have been spread abroad. In his ministry travels we see him go down to the coastal cities in the region, and there he stops in to check on the saints that had moved on from Jerusalem and journeyed elsewhere with the gospel. As he travels he does so with the ministry of encouragement for the body of Christ. His first stop was Lydda, where a man named Anaias was paralyzed for 8 years. Peter healed him as the Lord had commanded him, and a revival spread across the region. While He was there in Lydda, some of the believers heard of the miracle he conducted there and beckoned for him to come to Joppa, and help them to recover as well. Joppa and Dorcas 36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. Note: When we arrive at this verse the first thing we see is that God is at work in another City, on the same coast. Joppa has the imprint of God upon her, because a church has been born there. There are people in the region that belong to God, and where God’s people are He can be found in the midst of them. Secondly, this City is a Sea port City; From the ports in Joppa people imported and exported. It was a City of merchandise, business and commerce. It was a busy city and God could use a disciple who was at work for Him in a city that engages in business. (like Dorcas.) The third thing we see is that Dorcas was a disciple. The word disciple means a follower of Jesus. Her life belonged to God, and her actions said so. Both Tabitha and Dorcas mean “gazelle” or “antelope”. Her name describes her physical characteristics. She was beautiful inside and out, graceful and kind, giving and glowing. She was a sister who was abounding in deeds of kindness and charity. The words, “full of good works” means to overflow. Dorcas was a disciple whose ministry overflowed with kindness, charity, compassion and benevolence. In other-words She served continuously. Observation: Dr. A.T Robinson suggest that there is nothing said about a husband for Dorcas and so she was probably unmarried. (even though she was a beautiful sister) She is the second woman mentioned by name after Pentecost (Sapphira the other). God knows all His daughters by name, and She was a person of prominence in the church, who the Lord could use for his honor and glory. The next thing he says is that she clearly did her beautiful deeds by herself. She did not have a Dorcas society, or Dorcas Mission. She was a member in the church who had a ministry in the church to encourage the church. Application: We can learn from Dorcas my brothers and sisters, how we too can make a difference in the church and in the community. As Disciples of Christ we are called to follow the savior. Whatever we see Him doing in scripture we are called to do. God has called each one of us to be a witness for Christ in a world full of poverty and pain. Justice and Dorcas 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Note: When we come to this portion of the text we see that the wages of sin have caught up to the life of the beautiful disciple. Death has touched her because Justice has got to be paid. She was a sinner, and the wages of sin is death. Even after being born again, she must suffer the consequences of sin in her world. Secondly I noticed the following things: The text says that she became sick and after her sickness came death! [Justice has had his way] I noticed that prior to becoming sick; she was working for the Lord. She labored until she died. [Death was the only thing that stopped her ministry] Here I see that even the good workers [for God] have to suffer the effects of sin in a fallen world. She was a good worker, but sin touched her too She was a faithful disciple but Sin touched her too She was a giver and follower of the Lord, but sin touched her too In a fallen world everybody gets sick sometime In a fallen world everybody gets afflicted with something In a fallen world everybody must endure the side effects of a broken cosmos and a weakened human nature “Even the good saints go through it”, even the best believers get to catch illness. Even the solid saint’s get sick and suffer from the pains of death. The third thing I see in this text is that, it was customary to wash the body before it is buried or burned. When they ministered to her they put her in the upper room! Because of her ministry among the saints, even in death they would look up to her. Because of her ministry among the saints, even in death she was held in high esteem. Because of her ministry among the saints, even in death she was loved and respected. Because of her ministry among the saints, when she died the church missed her service, spirit, love and companionship Application: I see a proto-type for women’s ministry right here for NBC. Dorcas was an active witness in the church. This is what we need out of women’s ministry. In spite of her own life, she made herself available to serve others. This is what we need out of women’s ministry. As women in ministry we too can learn from her example. She was loved by all and admired by all. We should strive to have this type of witness in the church. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. Note: Here we see that God has a work for Peter to do and God has a need for Dorcas to suffer so that others can also see his glory! Lydda had experienced revival, because Ananias has been lifted up from his paralysis. After God was working there, He was also preparing to work in Joppa, because there was a need for God in that City too. Joppa needed a demonstration of the Gospel (love and compassion of Jesus Christ, the gospel with signs and wonders. Secondly we see why they [the disciples] called for Peter to come and minister to the daughter of church… Because Ananias was a beautiful leader in the church and he ministered to him, they thought that Dorcas deserved the same kind of ministry visitation from the preacher… Notice this…. Dorcas had a ministry to the bereaved! She was kind to the widows. In their sorrow she was present (A Picture of women’s ministry) In their sorrow she bore their pain. In their suffering she was available to cry with them. In their loneliness she was a willing friend. (A Picture of women’s ministry) Thirdly we see that they had experienced death before and now they had suffered lost again…and because of their pain they cried out to Peter. [Death had taken someone else they loved.] Thirdly I see that they remembered her works, and how she blessed them while she was alive! Each one had in their possession, something that she blessed them with, as a token of her affection for them. [Another picture of women’s ministry] In their grief they were able to show what she did in her ministry They were able to produce evidence that her ministry was making a difference They were able to boast of her works among them in their time of need They showed her works and expressed their gratitude.[All of these are things that reflect the effects of women’s ministry that was done well] Application: When we live our lives caring for hurting people they never forget the impact we have made on them. We should live to serve others just as Dorcas did. In the end people will remember your living and you’re giving. This is biblical discipleship-done well. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. Note: Peer put them out ( they were a distraction to faith) Peter knelt down in humility and called on the LORD. With confidence in God Peter told Tabitha to, Arise! Her eyes opened and she saw Peter the servant of the LORD. She sat up (the picture of attentiveness) He gave her his hand and lifted her up (ministry assistance and encouragement) He called the saints and widows and presented her alive.(This was the ministry of encouragement) The Lord used her life as a witness in the Soul campaign in Joppa, Her life was a miracle and a tool in the hand of the Lord. God wants to use our lives as a witness in the Fresno Soul campaign. If he could resurrect Dorcas unto good works, he can resurrect us also. Conclusion: Many believed in the LORD as a result of the miracle in Joppa. Miracles and signs were given to point people to Jesus. Dorcas was raised for the gospel sake. She would one day die again, but all who lived in Joppa would know there is a God who can raise the dead. His name is Jesus. Maybe you are here today and you are dead to good-works and you would like to be raised up to serve again.[A better witness] God has divinely set this day up for you. Let us pray.

A Sermon Preached by the University Pastor. I Kings 17:8-15 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ ” 15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah. Background: On last night we learned that “The nation of Israel had fallen into sin and idolatry, God sent the prophet Elijah to call it back to the true faith. The prophet announced God’s judgment and exposed the sins of the people. The nation of Israel had fallen into sin and idolatry, God sent the prophet Elijah to call it back to the true faith. The prophet announced God’s judgment and exposed the sins of the people. His ministry was a powerful one and he only operated out of the mandates of God. The King (Ahab) had once worshipped Jehovah the self-existing one. But because of his new wife Jezebel he had turned his heart from the true and living God to Baal worship. Not only did he turn himself away but he led the entire nation of Israel into idolatry. The God of Heaven and Earth was not pleased with Ahab, so he rose up Elijah to come and proclaim judgment upon Ahab, Jezebel and the Nation. Elijah’s ministry was a dangerous one, for anyone opposing the king had a death warrant on their life. Anyone speaking judgment on the nation was hated by all who lived in the nation. This text today will help any believer who is faced with the difficulty of doing what the Lord says to do in a difficult place with difficult people. King (Ahab) had once worshipped Jehovah the self-existing one. But because of his new wife Jezebel he had turned his heart from the true and living God to Baal worship. [He led the entire nation of Israel into idolatry.] The God of Heaven and Earth was not pleased with Ahab, so he rose up Elijah to come and proclaim judgment upon the Nation. This text today will help any believer who is faced with the difficulty of doing what the Lord says to do in a difficult place with difficult people. I. A New Ministry Location 8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” Note: When we arrive at this text we remember that Elijah has just left a dried up brook, where the provisions for ministry have dried up. (vs.7) The drought in Israel has completely swept the land. God had divinely arranged for the Ravens to feed the preacher 2 meals a day. And now He is changing His secret place to a new location. He calls him to go to Zarephath! This word means “refining”; and God was certainly putting his servant through the furnace. The new location would be the second time that God would show himself strong and mighty in the prophets life. This place of refining would be the place where his hope and trust in God would be put on display Refining is a difficult process it calls for some suffering and some difficulty to occur to the thing being reformed, in order for perfection to occur. Observation: Sometime in Ministry we too have to relocate to the Zarephath’s of life; Those places, where ministry can hurt; Tight places, difficult places, hard places where the resources are never what they ought to be. The Zarephaths are those locations where God sets us up to be cared for by those who need “caring for”. People who are broken and need healing, people who are lonely and need comforting, people who appear to have nothing to offer you, and yet God sends us in these places as change agents for a better tomorrow! The second thing I notice in this verse is that the prophet is called to dwell there! “Make it your home. Stay a while, don’t look to go anywhere else, set your mind on being in that place”… [“He can’t commute in and leave, he has to live in this place of refining, because it’s where God is got to get him ready for the next ministry assignment.”] Why? God has somebody in that City that Elijah needs to model what it looks like to trust in God. Zarephath was tough not just for him, but a lonely, poor widow, whose only companion was her son. Zarephath, was hard on families, hard on husbands, hard on sons and hard on mothers. It was a place that had separated families. And now God was sending Elijah (whose name means) “My God is Jehovah.” God had a whole family going through the “pain of refining” and HE was going to use Elijah to walk through it with them! Observation: In the new ministry location, the prophet was going to meet and teach a widow, who didn’t know God like He did. In this new ministry location, the prophet was going to be used by God to elevate the knowledge of the Holy in the region. In this new location, the prophet was going to experience God and join God in what he was doing in the life of the widow and her son. Application: Sometimes God needs us to be available to go into sad places and be instruments of service for the King Sometimes God needs us to take care of others going through refinement…by being present in their time of loneliness and learning Sometimes God wants to show us just how he can provide for us while providing for the one who needs provision. I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” Note: The word of the Lord was that God had commanded Elijah to go because he wanted to use the widow woman to minister to Him. He was going to be refined by her gifts, she was going to be refined by God’s gift, (Elijah) the boy was going to be refined by the mother’s obedience, and God was going to be glorified by what He was doing in the life of all three people. However! Don’t overlook the divine power in this command. The widow woman he will encounter is under “Her own Divine mandate” from God. Her creator has given her an order [Just like the raven, she too has no control over this sovereign mandate of God. God has chosen her out of all others to meet the prophets needs. She has been commanded by God to help his servant II. A New Ministry Level 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” Note: The first thing we see in this verse is … “So he arose!” Here we discover that Elijah’s faith is on display. He leaves the place of Brook Ministry where he has learned to wait on God…and heads for the place of refinement, because of the call of ministry! The second thing I see in this verse is that he is called to do ministry on another level! In Israel he was confronting Kings with Power, prestige and prominence. He was a bearer of bad news. Now he is called to speak to the poor, with no power, no resources, no control over life’s circumstance and he is to ask them to give him the rest of their sustenance that his needs may be met. It would have been easier to preach to Ahab, than to say to a desperate widow give me your last bit of food It would have been easier to say to Ahab it isn’t going to rain, than to say to the widow feed me before you feed your baby! But God had given Him a command! He was under divine orders! He was in the will of the Lord! He was in the season of service and God was trying to refine His faith at the same time as he was going to refine the widow woman! Remember: The Ravens had to bring Him bread and meat 2 times a day. They would also do that before they fed their babies. God was doing the same thing Here… “Feed my servant first, and watch and see wont I provide for you.” This level of ministry would be difficult! Because he had no name, no address, no indicators of who she would be! He would first have to identify who she was. Secondly he would have to see if she had the heart to serve at the command of the Lord. [If he was going to have to dwell there, he had to see if she would be willing to take him in] Note: She is a worker: She is at the gate of the City working…. She is a gatherer… She doesn’t mind getting dirty… She is picking up sticks to make a fire… She is caring for her household… He secondly makes a request! “Can I have some water”… She is also hospitable… She is a servant… She doesn’t mind taking request… She is willing to serve strangers/others… She can be inconvenienced at a moment’s notice… She has no problem being interrupted… She has all of the characteristics of somebody who can be used by God! Note: God had commanded her to feed the prophet, and all of these signs were the indication that she was the one that God was going to use to minister to Elijah! Observation: Here we see that God has directed the steps of the prophet. He has found the servant of the Lord. The final thing he would need to know is if she would be willing to feed Him. Part B. 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 So she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” Note: Here we see a very interesting reply and an opportunity to minister at another level. The woman is asked to bring a piece of bread with her and give to the prophet. (Elijah’s sign that this is the woman that the Lord will use) She only has flour and Oil, enough for one last meal. Note: This was the sign and the opportunity for the woman to join God in doing ministry at another level. She didn’t know what God was doing; she hadn’t discussed His plan with HIM or anyone else. She had no idea that God was getting ready to bless Her, test her, try her and promote Her…She was being invited to experience “the Benefits of Putting God First”! Observation: According to this sister she doesn’t have it to give…She is not saying no to his request, but simply saying I don’t have it, and what I do have I got to go and prepare it for my son , so we can eat and then die. Even in her despair, she is willing to give if she has it! Even in her trouble she is willing to do for others instead of doing for herself. In her last bit of strength and resources she was going to serve her son, and then enter into death. Note: Heaven takes notice of servants like this! God can use somebody who is willing to others in spite of what they are going through! Heaven takes notice of the one whose heart is to bring comfort to others in a time of need, in spite of what they are encountering! She didn’t know it but God was sending Elijah by to bless her! She didn’t know but by being on the heart of God she was getting ready to experience “the Benefits of Putting God First”! “GOD WAS CALLING HER AND ELIJAH TO A NEW MINISTRY LEVEL” III. A New Ministry Mindset 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.’ ” Note: Here we see the prophetic response to the woman’s reply for resources. Don’t be afraid! …The preacher has the task of lifting her mentality about the unknown. She was fearful of her tomorrow and unsure of her future. God had a promise he was going to unleash that she knew nothing about. The challenge was for her to obey the word of the Lord, instead of being imprisoned to the circumstances of her crisis! Example: Her crisis said you can’t make it! Her circumstances said “we aint got it”. Her fear said it’s over and it’s time to die! Her motherly instincts believed that she had done all that she needed to do…. But God had the last word! God had the last act of Grace ready to display on her behalf! God had one more miracle ready to be released in the City of Refinement! He was waiting in the wings for the right time to elevate her with a new ministry mentality! Note: The prophet said “Go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me;” Here we see the indicators for how God refines her in the midst of her painful situation…. Go and serve, but serve somebody other than yourself! Go and serve, but put my servant before your house hold! Go and serve, but, “put his needs before your needs!” Go and serve, but, give …what you got first to the one that I have sent to you! She didn’t see it, but “the Benefits of Putting God First” were about to be on display in her life… Observation: He said make me a sandwich…AND! The And & the But are critical to the divine conversation that’s taken place between Elijah and the Woman! They are supernatural indicators and opportunities to believe God and to Join Him in what He wants to do FOR YOU ON EARTH. These supernatural indicators that show us how God is intimately drawing the woman into the deep realm of FAITH… They are the Conducting factors of the supernatural-symphony of the divine Orchestra of Grace, waiting to perform the melodic sound of miracles being played by the ALL MIGHTY HAND OF GOD IN THE PLACE OF REFINEMENT! “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, BUT make me a small cake from it first, AND bring it to me; AND afterward make some for yourself and your son. Note: If the sister is going to come out of this crisis, she must listen to the word of the Lord. The Prophet has been sent to help her in her journey. As she helps him, God will unleash something in her life that she could never do for herself. Note: It will take faith, to make this sandwich! It’s going to take faith to give up this last bit of flour! It will take faith to pour this last bit of oil It will take faith to give up her last meal so God can reveal himself! Application: If the believer is going to do ministry in a new location this year, and experience God on a new level, they will have to have a new ministry mentality! It will take faith in God, for every area of their lives The new ministry mentality believes whole heartedly in … “the Benefits of Putting God First”! If you put God first you will end up with more than enough If you put God first you will see him work in your despair If you put God first you will open the hand of God to fill your life with testimonies of how he cares for you If you put God first you will bless yourselves, and bless others If you put God fist your faith won’t die If you put God first your ability to see the supernatural will be clearer than those around you If you put God first you will be saving family from starvation, your soul from deprivation, and your mind from depression If you put God first you will encounter the divine symphony of the “and-but and OR’s” He said make me a sandwich…AND go and make yourselves some…

John Frame author of Worship in Spirit and Truth, suggest several important facts about worship. He says that in order for worship to be done in truth we must understand some basic principles; worship is always to be God centered, Gospel centered, with the Trinity in view, Vertical and Horizontal, broad and narrow and pointed toward heaven to give God the praise. I agree with Frame’s perspective about worship, I especially appreciated his chapter on the word and the sacraments. The author believes that Preaching and the reading of the scripture is a major part of the worship experience. This was refreshing to read, as I have been raised in this tradition, but now see various leaders getting away from the gospel message and pursuing music only services and calling it worship.(I never feel as If it has been complete without the reading and or preaching of the word.) I find it quite interesting that Jesus spoke of worship in the New Testament. When encountering a seeker who had a concern for tradition and worship, Jesus explained what true worship was and who it is that is involved in it. The gospel of John records this conversation. In John four and verse twenty Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. Jesus first reveals to this sister that things are getting ready to change on God’s agenda with Worship in the earth. The way worship was accepted in the past will no longer be accepted! (“The hour is coming”) Secondly, men on earth will no longer worship in one location! Worship of the Father is getting ready to go global! The Jews or the Samaritans will not have a patent on where God can be worshipped. The time was now at hand in which the spiritual worship of God was about to be established in the earth, and all the Jewish rites and ceremonies will be entirely abolished. A change was about to come to Old Testament religion and worship would not be the same. Jesus said in verse twenty-two, you worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. The first thing we see here is that Jesus examines her form of religion, and reveals the truth about what she knows and what she doesn’t know. (If it is anyone who knows what God desires in worship it is Jesus.) He was responsible for telling Moses how to construct God centered worship in the Old Testament. It was Jesus that gave the Hebrews guidelines and rites to worship (“Jehovah the self-Living One.”) The Samaritans believed in the same God of the Jews; but they rejected all the prophetical writings, they had an imperfect knowledge of God. They accepted the five books of Moses, but rejected the teachings of the Prophets. They also incorporated the worship of idols with their worship, they had a half breed religion, (“a little of this and a little of that” put all together) to make themselves appear to be true worshippers. In his rebuke, he is reminding her that Salvation is of the Jews, or that God chose to redeem man through using the Jews as the vehicle of God. The Savior of the world had to come through a culture, so God choose Abraham, and the Jewish race to bring the world a Savior. In verse twenty-three Jesus says, but the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. Now that God has chosen to change the location of where worship is he is also going to change who will be able to worship Him. (At first it was a corporate group of people by race that had a specific location set aside for them.) Worship is for all of mankind in all places across the earth. However, man will have to do so inwardly verse outwardly. Jesus calls them “True Worshippers”. In the past they could come and do an outward show of worship, and their hearts were far from God, but now the Spirit of God would come to live in man, and his worship must be done inwardly. “His heart must be right, for God to accept his worship “You cannot hurt your brother, be cruel to the poor, mistreat the widow, rob God and try and worship God in truth. Jesus says in verse twenty-four, God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Here in this verse we get the revealed heart of God. God is first of all Spirit. He is everywhere at all times, so no one location is going to suffice for him. He must be worshipped all over. Jesus here is rebuking this woman because the Jews and Samaritans have tried to make their location the only place for true worship. Jesus has come to make God accessible to all men. He wants corporate worship for all men, that people everywhere, will be able to have access to him.

Relationships Dear Lord, I come to you because I want to be sure that I am keeping company with the right people. God I know that relationships require careful cultivation and attention. Help me to be friendly to others and to welcome them into my world. Help me to shine the light of Jesus to them so that they too can see how happy I am in You. Remind me that sometimes I need to ask forgiveness when I have offended others. Help me to be forgiving when others have offended me. God I want to be a great example of Christianity to everyone I meet. I pray that you will help me never to forget that I must take time to work on relationships … just like a garden, for them to grow I must be devoted to them. Purity in Thought, Word and Deed Dear Precious Father, as I learn to live independently outside of the boundaries that were set for me at home, please help me to make good choices that will keep my thoughts, words and deeds pure. I want to honor You with my choices. As I choose how I spend my time remind me that You are always with me and that my choices should be things that please You. Help me to stay away from the things that will temp me to do the things that I know are not edifying to You. Remind me that it is my choice and that I can talk to You any time that I am having troubling making good choices. Keep me in the company of others that have a good walk with You so that I too can have a good walk. I know you will guide me and for this I am so thankful. I know Your wisdom is pure, help me to desire only Your wisdom. I pray this through Jesus, Amen. Quizzes, Mid-terms and Final Dear God, I have learned so much and right now I just ask that you help me to remember all of those things. Please bring them quickly to mind so that I may successfully pass my tests today. Help also my classmates who are studying for exams, that they might have great success. I know that our success will glorify you Lord because everything that we do should be done as unto You. I pray for peace as I sit for the exams and I know that peace comes only from You. Thank you for listening to my prayer and I pray this in Your Son’s name, Amen. Time Management Heavenly Father I pray that you will give me the guidance that I need to have fun while still maintaining a schedule of proper study and needed rest. Help me to know that sometimes I need to “bow out” of a particular social event in order to meet the needs of academic success. Protect me as I seek your help in scheduling time for everything. I love you Father and pray this in Jesus name, Amen. Instructors and Administrators Dear Lord, I pray for all of my Instructors, Professors and Administrators. As we are told in the Bible, as a student (disciple) our teachers are above us and as we grow and learn we strive to be like our teacher. Please give them the wisdom, strength and courage to be the best instructor and administrator that they can be. Help them to stay healthy as they do well to teach us. Lord, if they do not know you as personal Savior, I pray that they come to know you and in doing so that their instruction and work is glorifying to You. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Praise and Worship Dear Lord, as I continue in this new college life help me never to forget to devote time of praise and worship to You. I know that you are the One who sustains me and the least I can do for everything that You have done for me is to dedicate time to You. Help me to know that renewing my mind in You is a necessary part of my life. Nudge me out of bed on Sunday and if there is a good mid-week service please make it so I can go to that too. Send new friends my way that are like-minded Christians who will attend services with me and hold me accountable when I am absent. I love you Lord and I want to praise and worship You. In Jesus name, Amen

Mt. 8:18-22 18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Introduction: Today we come to understand that being a follower of Jesus will cost you everything! It is no light weight assignment or calling. Just check out his list below and get a better understanding of what the dangers of discipleship really are. “All of the apostles were insulted by the enemies of their Master. They were called to seal their doctrines with their blood and nobly did they bear the trial. Matthew suffered martyrdom by being slain with a sword at a distant city of Ethiopia. Mark expired at Alexandria, after being cruelly dragged through the streets of that city. Luke was hanged upon an olive tree in the classic land of Greece. John was put in a caldron of boiling oil, but escaped death in a miraculous manner, and was afterward banished to Patmos. Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downward. James, the Greater, was beheaded at Jerusalem, James, the Less, was thrown from a lofty pinnacle of the temple, and then beaten to death with a fuller’s club. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Andrew was bound to a cross, whence he preached to his persecutors until he died. Thomas was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel in the East Indies. Jude was shot to death with arrows. Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded. Barnabas of the Gentiles was stoned to death at Salonica. Paul, after various tortures and persecutions, was at length beheaded at Rome by the Emperor Nero. Such was the fate of the apostles, according to traditional statements.” If you want to follow Jesus, this what his followers look like and are called to go through! I. The Masters Answer 18 And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. 19 Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” Note: When we come to this portion of the text we see the following things begin to emerge. Jesus commands the Twelve, to get boats ready to cross to the east side of the Sea of Galilee. Before he can leave, two other people express their desire to follow Jesus across the lake. The first man stands out because he is called a scribe (“teacher of the law”). So far in Matthew scribes, like Pharisees, have been only trouble for Jesus. They ask questions to cause controversy and not unity. In the text today the man addresses Jesus as “teacher” (didaskale), a title given to Christ in Matthew only by those who do not fully believe in him (cf. 12:38; 19:16; 22:16, 24, 36). The title is accurate but not adequate. Note: What we see here is that the scribe professes absolute allegiance, but Jesus realizes that the man doesn’t know what a real commitment would actually involve. So Jesus describes his ministry as something very serious and only those who are serious should take up his call! He says that discipleship is a call to live without security… “Foxes have holes, birds have nest, but the Son of Man (Jesus) has nowhere to lay his head. (And he is not looking for one either) Note: Jesus had a home in Capernaum even if it was a borrowed one, but he was often not there to use it. Application • What a glaring fact about the ministry! • The king of glory didn't have a mansion. • The king of glory didn't have a car. • The king of glory didn't have a spouse. • The king of glory didn't have an income. • The king of glory didn't have a big congregation. • The king of glory didn't have a credit card • The king of glory was broke and unemployed. Note: When he tells the scribe this, the scribe must decide if this is the type of life style that he wants. He must decide if he can give up status, position, shelter, security and power, privilege, income and follow the one who has nothing and nowhere to lay his head! Question: What about you today? Can you and will you follow the Christ who does not guarantee you home security, a job, good health, financial security, special relationships etc? II. The Masters Assignment 21 Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Observation When we come to this portion of the text we see the following answer to a wanna-be disciple. He is a disciple who wants to honor his parents, and put them before following Christ. According to this text, he looks honorable, trust worthy and like a good son. Underneath his statement is another issue. He is stalling from truly giving God his all. His parent is not dead yet. Often times in those days an inheritance came with burying a parent. He was waiting on his money to come in before he could follow Jesus. He just heard him say that he would not have any place to lay his head. This disciple was planning on having a nest egg for the ministry. He didn't really fully trust Jesus plan for provision. Note: Look again at the Masters plan for security. Jesus Plan: No house, no security, no income! This plan was not appealing to followers. So this disciple wants to appear to be interested, and appear to be committed to the movement, but at the same time not willing to commit! He was serious, but not committed! He was waiting for the father to die before he could do ministry. Observation • At a deeper level Jesus’ disciples must recognize that no location on earth affords a true home, or true comforts because earth is not our home. • Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20), and life on earth is lived as “strangers [sojourners, exiles] in the world” (1 Pet 1:1). Pastor Bloomberg says “Jesus cannot promise those who wish to “go on the road” with him any material provisions! “Potential disciples often long for the glory associated with following Jesus and forget the deprivation that may often precede it”. Textual Observation 31 Jesus warned the man that following him would not be easy and might involve a life of deprivation and poverty. • Jesus had recently taught that his Father would care for people better than he did for the birds and the flowers (6:25–34). • Now he taught that those who follow him will have even less than the animals—no place to call home. • While food and clothing are physical necessities for human survival, an established home is not. • However, part of human emotional make-up is a strong drive for the security of a home. Application: The believer and follower of Jesus must know that the earthly rewards for following Jesus are few and far between. There are no earthly promises given to people who follow the Lord, there is no promise to make you rich, comfortable, or exempt from trials and tribulations of life. Illustrations that Matter: If God Could If God can hang the stars on high, Can paint the clouds that drift on by; Can send the sun across the sky, What could He do through you? If He can send a storm through space, And dot with trees the mountain’s face; If He, the sparrow’s way can trace, What could He do through you? If God can do such little things As count our hairs, or birds that sing, Control the universe that swings, What could He do through you? —G. E. Wagoner God Can Do It Longfellow could take a worthless sheet of paper, write a poem on it, and make it worth $6,000—that’s genius. Rockefeller could sign his name to a piece of paper and make it worth a million dollars—that’s capital. Uncle Sam can take gold, stamp an eagle on it, and make it worth $20.00—that’s money. A mechanic can take material that is worth only $5.00 and make it worth $50.00—that’s skill. An artist can take a fifty-cent piece of canvas, paint a picture on it, and make it worth $1,000—that’s art. God can take a worthless, sinful life, wash it in the blood of Christ, put His Spirit in it, and make it a blessing to humanity—that’s salvation. —Christian Digest Questions: 1. What big take away do I have from this lesson? 2. What must I do to keep my life in order as a disciples Jesus Christ? 3. How can I become a disciple that focus on what Jesus focuses on?

DANIEL 1:1-16 Being a godly influence means helping others comprehend who Jesus is, grow in their understanding of the Word, and make God-honoring choices. To be such a person, we must have strong conviction, solid commitment, and steady courage. In order to have a godly impact on others, we must first be convinced that Scripture is true. The Israelite Daniel knew the biblical prohibition against eating meat offered to idols. As a captive in a pagan country, he faced a dilemma. Since his meals were offered first to idols, he had to decide whether to obey the law and risk punishment from men, or adopt Babylonian ways and displease the Lord. What convictions do you have? Do you believe the following? 1. The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God. There are no mistakes in it; "discrepancies" are just things we do not understand yet. (2 Timothy 3:16) 2. God is Three-in-One: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each member is fully divine. (Matthew 28:19) 3. Eternal life is received only through faith in Jesus--there is no other way. (John 14:6) Salvation cannot be earned, even by good works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) 4. Jesus will one day return for those who believe in Him, and He will take them with Him to heaven. (John 14:2-3) But unbelievers will remain under divine wrath. (John 3:36) Daniel believed what the Scriptures said, and God granted him favor. Our Father is also pleased with us when we trust in His Word. How firm are your convictions? -Unknown Author

Written by Os Hillman Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people.... - Haggai 2:2 Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah 60 years after the great temple built by Solomon had been destroyed. The temple lay in ruins, and the Lord spoke to the prophet Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Hag. 1:4) God was calling for a remnant of His people to come out of their comfort zones and restore the glory of God's house. God is doing this same thing today among Christian workplace believers throughout the world. He is rising up a remnant of workplace believers who are being handpicked to use their resources, skills, and experience to affect nations that have not heard the message of Jesus Christ. The only way they can hear is by commerce being brought into their nation through Christian workplace believers, because these are closed regions to normal missionary efforts. "But now be strong, O Zerubbabel," declares the Lord. "Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land," declares the Lord, "and work. For I am with you," declares the Lord Almighty. "This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear" (Haggai 2:4-5). The remnant of workplace believers God is calling today understand that they have to come out of Egypt from their past work life. Egypt signifies the way of the world. It represents sweat and toil. It is the flesh. This new way is exemplified by a pioneer spirit. God knows we need to have courage in order to move in this realm. Also, God assures us that His Spirit is with anyone who seeks to live in the realm of supernatural faith. Are you one of these remnants He has handpicked in these days? Has He called you out of Egypt in order to do extraordinary things in your life for His Kingdom? Ask God to show you how He wants to use you in the workplace this year. Then act and "be strong,

 Pray for Obedience and submission to the word of God  Pray for us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of God’s Holy word  Pray for love to flourish in the University  Pray for the body to be on one accord  Pray for University wide provisions for ministry  Pray for resources to support the University  Pray for evangelism and missions in S.E Fresno  Pray for the peace of God to rein in FPU  Pray for a new hunger for missions and evangelism in the University  Pray for Faculty and Staff members of FPU.  Pray for the Presidential search, the Provost and Vice presidents  Pray for the Board members of the College  Pray that Jesus be lifted High on every University Campus  Pray for the Global Church of Jesus Christ