E-pistel for February 1, 2013
Posted by: info <info@...>
E-pistle
FreeWay Foundation February 1, 2013
The days of noah
(Matthew 24:37-39; Genesis 6:9)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
Introduction: How was it in the days of Noah?
1. Demonic forces rampant ("Sons of God = fallen, dark angels.)
2. Wickedness = twisted, like wicker; addicted to perversion.
3. Total corruption of society "every . . . only evil continually."
4. Full of violence – cruelty, disregard for life.
Compare with America today.
God put Noah into Faith's Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11:7)
1. By faith, he pleased God, (Hebrews 11:6).
2. Heard God and saw future (Persons who walk and talk with God,
see! Noah walked with God as Enoch, Genesis 6:9).
3. Responded out of reverence (Even though we enjoy intimate
fellowship with God, we must never become over-familiar with
Him! The created man worships the Creator God).
4. Obeyed and built (Vision must result in obedient service).
5. Built ark to save family (We must see beyond today, building
ark-like families to protect future generations yet unborn).
6. "Condemned" – his life showed-up" – contrasted with the
wickedness of his society. (II Peter 2:5)
7. He inherited righteousness. (Compare Genesis 7:1)
Conclusion: Do you want to be respected by your family? Remembered
by your friends? Rewarded by your Father?
Then do as Noah did:
1. Accept God's grace, Genesis 6:8.
2. Walk with God, Genesis 6:9.
3. Listen to God's voice, Genesis 7:1f.
4. Believe God's words, "by faith", Hebrews 11:7.
Such a relationship with God not only provides a safe ark for the family:
the children of such men also themselves hear God's voice. (Genesis 9:8)
speak to me, lord . . . I'm listening
Dr. Curt Scarborough
In August , 1991, I was at Windermere Baptist Assembly where I was debating what the Lord wanted was
asking me to do. I desired to be senior pastor of a church where I could make a great impact on the lives of
America's future movers and shakers! The verse the Holy Spirit quickened to me that day was II Kings 6:6,
"Elisha cut a stick and threw it there, and made the iron (axhead) float."
As I pondered God's will for me, I began to sense in my spirit that He was speaking to me personally.
Now, I had received "words" and "impressions" from the Lord but this was different. The words were vividly
Clear to me:
"Son, you are My stick . . . My purpose for you is to bring axheads to the surface . . ., your shape and
function in My kingdom is unique; be content in the role I have given you to play!"
The boy, Samuel, had a similar experience of hearing God's voice, recorded in I Samuel chapter three.
Samuel's mother had dedicated him for service unto the Lord. He began to serve God in a limited capacity
because of his immaturity. His mentor, Eli, could take Samuel only so far as he, himself, had gone with God.
Samuel had been dedicated to God; had been serving God; had been growing as a servant . . . yet, did not know
the Lord intimately.
Many of us, spiritually speaking, are mere boys like Samuel. We've been dedicated to service; we've
served for some time; we've been growing . . . yet, we've not had an up-close-and-personal encounter with God.
Perhaps we've understood the truths of God's Word, but it has yet to blaze off the page, branding our heart
with a personal word from God.
It may be that the Lord has spoken our name before. Perhaps we mistook the source, or misunderstood
the purpose, or misread the circumstances . . . therefore, we missed God. If this describes your life, please hear
these words of wise counsel:
1. Get alone; in your closet. (Matthew 6:6)
2. Disengage from your normal workload.
3. Rest in the Lord; schedule a "quiet time."
4. Expect to hear from the Lord.
5. Choose in advance to obey what He says.
6. Be teachable; open to His instruction.
7. Listen with faith, believing that He will speak.
What will happen? Note I Samuel 3:10.
1. The Lord will come . . . a personal visitation.
2. The Lord will stand . . . He'll abide near you.
3. The Lord will speak to you personally . . . by name.
4. The Lord will give you a vision of His purpose . . .
the destiny He's planned for you.
Usually, such up-close-and-personal encounters are very private and we are wise not to share details with
others . . . unless the Lord instructs us to pass along a prophetic word as in the case of Samuel and Eli. Even then,
we should be sensitive to His timing.
Such an up-close-and-personal encounter with the Lord seems typical of many of spiritual leaders throughout
Christian history. It may be as simple as Samuel's encounter or as dramatic as Paul's. But in every case, the encounter
is life-changing.
This up-close-and-personal encounter of "hearing God's voice" is not a sign of spiritual maturity. Indeed, it is
Rather a starting place for a new perspective, a growing communion with God. Look at the results of "hearing God's
Voice" recorded in I Samuel 3:19-4:1:
1. Samuel continued to grow . . . so will we.
2. The Lord continued to be with Samuel . . . He promises
to abide with us as well.
3. None of his words fell to the ground, God spoke to
Samuel . . . He will speak to us.
4. God's people recognized Samuel as a God-called leader . . .
may it be so with us.
5. The Lord reappeared again, after many years of spiritual
darkness . . . perhaps through us God will bring renewal.
6. The Lord revealed Himself to Samuel not only through
direct revelation, but also through His written Word.
(A word of caution: personal "words" are secondary in
authority to the Bible, and are totally invalid if they
contradict the teaching or principles of the Bible)
7. The entire nation was affected by one man who heard the
voice of God . . . who will be the one God chooses to
impact lives in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the uttermost
parts of the earth?
As a stick in God's hand, have you seen God's divine purpose fulfilled through your life? Pillsbury College
& Seminary was a fulfillment of God's purpose in my life.
"Don't argue for other people's weaknesses. Don't argue for your own.
When you make a mistake, admit it, correct it, and
learn from it . . . immediately.
--Stephen R. Covey
--
To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: epistle2equip-unsubscribe@welovegod.org