Epistle for April 12, 2002

#1 · April 11, 2002, 3:00 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on April 11, 2002, 3:00 pm
Posted by: freewayfoundation <freewayfoundation@...>

e-pistle

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation April 12, 2002

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this Issue:
Sermon: Exodus 3
Bible Study: Colossians 2:13-15
Depression Revisited
"Personal & Practical"

I WANT TO BE LIKE A BURNING BUSH

"Stop the car!" my wife shouted, and I obediently crammed on the brakes. What happened? Did we leave the kids at the rest area . . . again? Had I run over her pet polecat? Questions tumbled around in my mind like sweat sox in a dryer.

"Over there," she said as she unfurled her Kokak. "I want to take a picture of that beautiful flowering tree." To me, it was just an ordinary, run-of-the-mill purple bush. But to her, it was a thing of beauty to be immortalized forever in her photo album.

That bush kinda shook my day! (Not to mention the poor guy tailgating me!) But my shock didn't even compare with the effect that a bush had on Moses one day as he tended the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. In fact, Moses' bush experience changed his life and the entire course of history.

What Was So Special About That Bush?

1. As we read Exodus 3, we note that Moses was shepherding the sheep on the
"back side of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mount of God," (v. 1). At the
close of the passage (v. 12), the prophesy and promise was given that Moses
would return with the freed Israelites to "serve God on this mountain." This was
Sinai, the most important mountain in Hebrew history. The bush was special
because it was planted on the mountain of God.
2. The bush also was special because the Angel of the Lord was in the midst
of it (v. 2). This, of course, is a reference to the Pre-incarnate Christ, the Lord Jesus.
3. The most remarkable thing about the bush was that it burned without burning
up, (v. 2). Moses was a 40-year veteran of the nomadic life, but he had never
seen anything burn without being consumed. Acts 7:31 says that he "marveled"
at this most unusual sight.
4. The bush was special because of the results it produced. It caused Moses to
stop what he was doing, turn aside, and draw near, (v. 3).

Where Can I Find Holy Ground?

1. Holy ground is that place where I hear God's voice speaking my name personally.
He spoke, "Moses, Moses." (v. 4) What poignancy! God didn't repeat the name
because Moses hadn't heard it the first time. The emphasis here is on the personal
call . . . unmistakable, because it's spoken twice.
We see this tender pattern often. Note how God dealt with "Abraham, Abraham"
(Genesis 22:11) . . . with "Simon, Simon" (Luke 22:31) . . . and with "Saul, Saul,"
(Acts 9:4).
2. Holy ground also is that place where I transact spiritual business with God. It's where
I respond to His clear speaking of my name and confirm my committment to follow His
plan and purpose for my life.
3. Holy ground is the place where I discover God's character and heart. Moses learned
about God's seeing and hearing His people in bondage, and His compassion for them.
The revelation of God's person and the experiencing of His presence indeed is "holy ground."
4. Finally, holy ground is the place where God reveals His purpose and promise to me.
It's the place where He sets me on the road of fulfilling His destiny for me and through me.

Why Should I Take Off My Shoes?

1. Wherever I meet God is "holy gound," and I need to remove my shoes because that
place is a pure, sinless environment and the soles of my shoes are dirty. Not
only is this a sign of reverence, it is a sign acknowledging that I've walked through some
pretty filthy areas on my way into God's presence.
2. John 13 gives me another reason to take off my shoes. It's an act of repentance,
which is the necessary prerequisite to the cleansing I may receive from the
hands of Jesus as He washes my feet (I John 1:9).
3. Another instructive hint can be found in Ruth 4:6, 7. Removing shoes means that I
know I can't be the Redeemer. It signifies that I relinquish all my rights to
another person . . . who takes my place in that role.
4. Last, taking off my shoes signifies that I am going to be walking differently from
now on. Moses, without sandals in that hard and rocky terrain, was forced to place
his feet more slowly, more carefully. The point is clear: taking off my shoes means that
my walk cannot and will not be the same as before.
By the way, I'm not going to leave holy ground wearing my old, worn-out shoes. I'm
getting a brand new pair! (See Luke 15:22 and Ephesians 6:15.)

I'd Like To Be A Burning Bush Because . . .

Here are four reasons I want to be like a burning bush. They relate to those four factors which made that burning bush so special to Moses:

1. I want to be planted and bloom on God's mountain . . . where He chooses.
2. I want to be filled with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. I want to burn brightly, but not to "burn out."
4. I want to cause people to turn aside, to draw near, and to experience God.

"LORD, PLANT ME, FILL ME, ILLUMINATE ME,
AND USE ME. AMEN."

Christ Made Us Alive Together with Him
(Colossians 2:13-15)

I. Concentration: on the text

"You, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He
has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having
wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was
contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Having disarmed principalities and power, He made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them in it."

II. Meditation: on Christ's finished work ("having . . . ")

1. Having forgiven you all trespasses, v. 13.
2. Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements (signed confession
of indebtedness; I.O.U.) that was contrary to us, v. 14.
3. Having nailed it to the cross. . . He has taken it out of the way, v. 14.
("It" means the indictment)
4. Having disarmed principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12), He made
a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it, v. 15.

III. Revelation: on the benefits we receive through the cross of Christ

1. Forgiveness of sin.
2. Cancellation of debt.
3. Death of the old life; birth of a new life.
4. Victorious power to conquer evil spiritual forces.

IV. Applications: Daily I need to go to the the cross . . .

1. In repentance and confession, asking God to forgive all my sins.
2. Receiving from God a "clean slate" . . . cleansing (I John 1:9) . . . another
chance . . .a fresh start.
3. Putting to death my old, sinful, carnal nature (Galatians 2:20) . . . allowing
Christ to live in me (Colossians 3:4).
4. Exercising spiritual power over Satanic, demonic forces. (See Romans 8:37;
I Corinthians 15:57; and I John 5:4.)

PRAYER: Lord, today I confess and repent of my sins, asking You for forgiveness and cleansing.
Nail my sinful nature to the cross, empowering me, through Christ's life, to live
victoriously also. Amen.

Depression Revisited
by: Dr. Bruce Morrison

Depression is at epidemic proportions in the United States with one of every 18 adults, some 10 million Americans, suffering from some identifiable level of depression. And the trend seems to indicate that this number will grow. The economic impact of depression is estimated to be in excess of $16 billion a year. The fast pace of our society coupled with the disintegration of traditional values is foundational to the problem of depression. Today we find life to be unstable (job security, divorce, loss of friendships, etc.) and we discover that we seem to have less control over what happens to us and that points us toward depression. Depression is no respecter of age, culture, or economic status. It is a reality that all of us face. When we looked at the topic of depression in the past we took a quick "tour" of depression theory and identified some practical resources for the Pastoral Counseling. I would like to look at specific resources and a rather unique perspective on depression now.

Dr. Archibald D. Hart's book Dark Clouds, Silver Linings (1993) is written to help individuals cope with depression from a Christian persepctive. He has divided the book into three sections, each with several chapters. Throughout the book, he deals with the intensified topics by asking questions and then answering them in detail. In Section 1, Dr. Hart identifies the nature and symptoms of depression and identifies specific characteristics based on gender. He also identifies the specific characteristics of depresison associated with children and adolescents. This information is very useful for the Pastoral Counselor as he works with his congregation and community.

In Section 2, Dr. Hart deals with the healing process. He discusses, in depth, how to effectively cope with depression. He discusses the aspects of self-management of depression as well as the professional treatment of depression. These chapters give valuable insight into the healing process and discusses the process from a practical perspective. The first question asked in this section is "Is there some formula I can follow to overcome depression?" After stating the fact that there is no easy prescription, Dr. Hart then discusses the different possibilities available and the details involved in each one.

In Section 3, three well known "real life" figures discuss their personal battles with depression. The three personalities (Joni Eareckson Tada, Florence Littauer, and Ben Patterson) tell their stories in "first person" style and each identify what worked for them as they struggled with depression. Each story gives encouragement and practical insights into the healing process.

I strongly recommend this book for your personal library. The insights and practical advice will strengthen your ability to deal with depression in the individuals you see as a Pastoral Counselor and the personal stories in Section 3 can be used to encourage others to successfully fight back. The importance of the Christian perspective can not be overstated. You will be glad you took the time to read "Dark Clouds, Silver Linings" by Dr. Archibald D. Hart published by Focus on the Family Publishing in 1993.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wit and Wisecraks from Mark Twain: "One mustn't criticise other people on grounds where he
can't stand perpendicular himself."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Personal & Practical"
Bible Study on Software

Dr. Curt Scarborough, out of his background and experience of almost a half-century of Christian ministry, has written a complete 5-volume set of Bible studies entitled "Personal & Practical" which will be available soon on CD. This new software package includes a chapter-by-chapter study on every book in the Old and New Testament.
Personal & Practical: The 5 Books of Law
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 187 chapters of Genesis through Deuteronomy
Personal & Practical: The 12 Books of History
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 249 chapters of Joshua through Esther
Personal & Practical: The 5 Books of Poetry
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 243 chapters of Job through Song of Solomon
Personal & Practical: The 17 Books of Prophecy
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 250 chapters of Isaiah through Malachi
Personal & Practical: The 27 Books of the New Testament
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 260 chapters of Matthew through Revelation

"Personal & Practical" is a result of at least four hours of daily study and writing over a period of more than three years . . . a total of 5,000 plus hours of study and meditation. It is easily adaptable for private devotional use, aimed toward personal spiritual growth. Although it is designed to build discipline in personal study, it also provides practical, easy-to-understand Christian principles for teaching within a Bible class or prayer service.

"Personal & Practical" contains one full page of outline/study notes for each of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible. It is presented in a sentence format, with references, and is suitable for expository teaching. Intensely practical, each study in the series contains four main headings: concentration, meditation, revelation, and application.

The study, which allows for systematic through-the-Bible teaching, comes packaged on a single compact disk, designed for the easy duplication of study notes to be distributed to Bible class members or to the congregation. It contains enough useable material for two expository sermons or Bible teaching sessions per week for more than 11 years!

The five "Personal & Practical" books serve as the main texts for the Spiritual Mentoring track of the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity, founded by Dr. Scarborough in 1992. It introduces serious students of the Scriptures to his innovative MERE Bible study system, a new revelatory method which emphasizes meditating upon God's word and opening to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, I John 2:20, 27.
Special Introductory Pre-release Offer
$39.95 including postage, shipping and handling costs
Save $10.00 off the regular price of $49.95
Offer good through July 31, 2002
Planned release date for the CD - September 1, 2002
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money will be refunded!
Mail check or money order to:
FreeWay Foundation
3426 Bridgeland Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
For a sample "Personal & Practical" Bible study, visit our website at:
www.freewayfoundation.org

Posted by: freewayfoundation <freewayfoundation@...>

e-pistle

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation April 12, 2002

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this Issue:
Sermon: Exodus 3
Bible Study: Colossians 2:13-15
Depression Revisited
"Personal & Practical"

I WANT TO BE LIKE A BURNING BUSH

"Stop the car!" my wife shouted, and I obediently crammed on the brakes. What happened? Did we leave the kids at the rest area . . . again? Had I run over her pet polecat? Questions tumbled around in my mind like sweat sox in a dryer.

"Over there," she said as she unfurled her Kokak. "I want to take a picture of that beautiful flowering tree." To me, it was just an ordinary, run-of-the-mill purple bush. But to her, it was a thing of beauty to be immortalized forever in her photo album.

That bush kinda shook my day! (Not to mention the poor guy tailgating me!) But my shock didn't even compare with the effect that a bush had on Moses one day as he tended the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. In fact, Moses' bush experience changed his life and the entire course of history.

What Was So Special About That Bush?

1. As we read Exodus 3, we note that Moses was shepherding the sheep on the
"back side of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mount of God," (v. 1). At the
close of the passage (v. 12), the prophesy and promise was given that Moses
would return with the freed Israelites to "serve God on this mountain." This was
Sinai, the most important mountain in Hebrew history. The bush was special
because it was planted on the mountain of God.
2. The bush also was special because the Angel of the Lord was in the midst
of it (v. 2). This, of course, is a reference to the Pre-incarnate Christ, the Lord Jesus.
3. The most remarkable thing about the bush was that it burned without burning
up, (v. 2). Moses was a 40-year veteran of the nomadic life, but he had never
seen anything burn without being consumed. Acts 7:31 says that he "marveled"
at this most unusual sight.
4. The bush was special because of the results it produced. It caused Moses to
stop what he was doing, turn aside, and draw near, (v. 3).

Where Can I Find Holy Ground?

1. Holy ground is that place where I hear God's voice speaking my name personally.
He spoke, "Moses, Moses." (v. 4) What poignancy! God didn't repeat the name
because Moses hadn't heard it the first time. The emphasis here is on the personal
call . . . unmistakable, because it's spoken twice.
We see this tender pattern often. Note how God dealt with "Abraham, Abraham"
(Genesis 22:11) . . . with "Simon, Simon" (Luke 22:31) . . . and with "Saul, Saul,"
(Acts 9:4).
2. Holy ground also is that place where I transact spiritual business with God. It's where
I respond to His clear speaking of my name and confirm my committment to follow His
plan and purpose for my life.
3. Holy ground is the place where I discover God's character and heart. Moses learned
about God's seeing and hearing His people in bondage, and His compassion for them.
The revelation of God's person and the experiencing of His presence indeed is "holy ground."
4. Finally, holy ground is the place where God reveals His purpose and promise to me.
It's the place where He sets me on the road of fulfilling His destiny for me and through me.

Why Should I Take Off My Shoes?

1. Wherever I meet God is "holy gound," and I need to remove my shoes because that
place is a pure, sinless environment and the soles of my shoes are dirty. Not
only is this a sign of reverence, it is a sign acknowledging that I've walked through some
pretty filthy areas on my way into God's presence.
2. John 13 gives me another reason to take off my shoes. It's an act of repentance,
which is the necessary prerequisite to the cleansing I may receive from the
hands of Jesus as He washes my feet (I John 1:9).
3. Another instructive hint can be found in Ruth 4:6, 7. Removing shoes means that I
know I can't be the Redeemer. It signifies that I relinquish all my rights to
another person . . . who takes my place in that role.
4. Last, taking off my shoes signifies that I am going to be walking differently from
now on. Moses, without sandals in that hard and rocky terrain, was forced to place
his feet more slowly, more carefully. The point is clear: taking off my shoes means that
my walk cannot and will not be the same as before.
By the way, I'm not going to leave holy ground wearing my old, worn-out shoes. I'm
getting a brand new pair! (See Luke 15:22 and Ephesians 6:15.)

I'd Like To Be A Burning Bush Because . . .

Here are four reasons I want to be like a burning bush. They relate to those four factors which made that burning bush so special to Moses:

1. I want to be planted and bloom on God's mountain . . . where He chooses.
2. I want to be filled with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. I want to burn brightly, but not to "burn out."
4. I want to cause people to turn aside, to draw near, and to experience God.

"LORD, PLANT ME, FILL ME, ILLUMINATE ME,
AND USE ME. AMEN."

Christ Made Us Alive Together with Him
(Colossians 2:13-15)

I. Concentration: on the text

"You, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He
has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having
wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was
contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Having disarmed principalities and power, He made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them in it."

II. Meditation: on Christ's finished work ("having . . . ")

1. Having forgiven you all trespasses, v. 13.
2. Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements (signed confession
of indebtedness; I.O.U.) that was contrary to us, v. 14.
3. Having nailed it to the cross. . . He has taken it out of the way, v. 14.
("It" means the indictment)
4. Having disarmed principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12), He made
a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it, v. 15.

III. Revelation: on the benefits we receive through the cross of Christ

1. Forgiveness of sin.
2. Cancellation of debt.
3. Death of the old life; birth of a new life.
4. Victorious power to conquer evil spiritual forces.

IV. Applications: Daily I need to go to the the cross . . .

1. In repentance and confession, asking God to forgive all my sins.
2. Receiving from God a "clean slate" . . . cleansing (I John 1:9) . . . another
chance . . .a fresh start.
3. Putting to death my old, sinful, carnal nature (Galatians 2:20) . . . allowing
Christ to live in me (Colossians 3:4).
4. Exercising spiritual power over Satanic, demonic forces. (See Romans 8:37;
I Corinthians 15:57; and I John 5:4.)

PRAYER: Lord, today I confess and repent of my sins, asking You for forgiveness and cleansing.
Nail my sinful nature to the cross, empowering me, through Christ's life, to live
victoriously also. Amen.

Depression Revisited
by: Dr. Bruce Morrison

Depression is at epidemic proportions in the United States with one of every 18 adults, some 10 million Americans, suffering from some identifiable level of depression. And the trend seems to indicate that this number will grow. The economic impact of depression is estimated to be in excess of $16 billion a year. The fast pace of our society coupled with the disintegration of traditional values is foundational to the problem of depression. Today we find life to be unstable (job security, divorce, loss of friendships, etc.) and we discover that we seem to have less control over what happens to us and that points us toward depression. Depression is no respecter of age, culture, or economic status. It is a reality that all of us face. When we looked at the topic of depression in the past we took a quick "tour" of depression theory and identified some practical resources for the Pastoral Counseling. I would like to look at specific resources and a rather unique perspective on depression now.

Dr. Archibald D. Hart's book Dark Clouds, Silver Linings (1993) is written to help individuals cope with depression from a Christian persepctive. He has divided the book into three sections, each with several chapters. Throughout the book, he deals with the intensified topics by asking questions and then answering them in detail. In Section 1, Dr. Hart identifies the nature and symptoms of depression and identifies specific characteristics based on gender. He also identifies the specific characteristics of depresison associated with children and adolescents. This information is very useful for the Pastoral Counselor as he works with his congregation and community.

In Section 2, Dr. Hart deals with the healing process. He discusses, in depth, how to effectively cope with depression. He discusses the aspects of self-management of depression as well as the professional treatment of depression. These chapters give valuable insight into the healing process and discusses the process from a practical perspective. The first question asked in this section is "Is there some formula I can follow to overcome depression?" After stating the fact that there is no easy prescription, Dr. Hart then discusses the different possibilities available and the details involved in each one.

In Section 3, three well known "real life" figures discuss their personal battles with depression. The three personalities (Joni Eareckson Tada, Florence Littauer, and Ben Patterson) tell their stories in "first person" style and each identify what worked for them as they struggled with depression. Each story gives encouragement and practical insights into the healing process.

I strongly recommend this book for your personal library. The insights and practical advice will strengthen your ability to deal with depression in the individuals you see as a Pastoral Counselor and the personal stories in Section 3 can be used to encourage others to successfully fight back. The importance of the Christian perspective can not be overstated. You will be glad you took the time to read "Dark Clouds, Silver Linings" by Dr. Archibald D. Hart published by Focus on the Family Publishing in 1993.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wit and Wisecraks from Mark Twain: "One mustn't criticise other people on grounds where he
can't stand perpendicular himself."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Personal & Practical"
Bible Study on Software

Dr. Curt Scarborough, out of his background and experience of almost a half-century of Christian ministry, has written a complete 5-volume set of Bible studies entitled "Personal & Practical" which will be available soon on CD. This new software package includes a chapter-by-chapter study on every book in the Old and New Testament.
Personal & Practical: The 5 Books of Law
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 187 chapters of Genesis through Deuteronomy
Personal & Practical: The 12 Books of History
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 249 chapters of Joshua through Esther
Personal & Practical: The 5 Books of Poetry
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 243 chapters of Job through Song of Solomon
Personal & Practical: The 17 Books of Prophecy
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 250 chapters of Isaiah through Malachi
Personal & Practical: The 27 Books of the New Testament
Preaching and teaching notes and outlines on
all 260 chapters of Matthew through Revelation

"Personal & Practical" is a result of at least four hours of daily study and writing over a period of more than three years . . . a total of 5,000 plus hours of study and meditation. It is easily adaptable for private devotional use, aimed toward personal spiritual growth. Although it is designed to build discipline in personal study, it also provides practical, easy-to-understand Christian principles for teaching within a Bible class or prayer service.

"Personal & Practical" contains one full page of outline/study notes for each of the 1,189 chapters in the Bible. It is presented in a sentence format, with references, and is suitable for expository teaching. Intensely practical, each study in the series contains four main headings: concentration, meditation, revelation, and application.

The study, which allows for systematic through-the-Bible teaching, comes packaged on a single compact disk, designed for the easy duplication of study notes to be distributed to Bible class members or to the congregation. It contains enough useable material for two expository sermons or Bible teaching sessions per week for more than 11 years!

The five "Personal & Practical" books serve as the main texts for the Spiritual Mentoring track of the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity, founded by Dr. Scarborough in 1992. It introduces serious students of the Scriptures to his innovative MERE Bible study system, a new revelatory method which emphasizes meditating upon God's word and opening to the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, I John 2:20, 27.
Special Introductory Pre-release Offer
$39.95 including postage, shipping and handling costs
Save $10.00 off the regular price of $49.95
Offer good through July 31, 2002
Planned release date for the CD - September 1, 2002
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money will be refunded!
Mail check or money order to:
FreeWay Foundation
3426 Bridgeland Drive
Bridgeton, MO 63044
For a sample "Personal & Practical" Bible study, visit our website at:
http://www.freewayfoundation.org