Epistle for February 6, 2004

#1 · February 6, 2004, 3:17 pm

Quote from Forum Archives on February 6, 2004, 3:17 pm
Posted by: info <info@...>

E-pistle

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

Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation February 6, 2004

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

This first quarter of 2004, I shall be sharing with you my "Personal & Practical" notes and applications on Genesis 13-24
and Matthew 1-13. (I used the first 12 chapters of Genesis in the "E-pistle" during December, 2001.) I plan to
continue these book studies in the Old and New Testaments for the next several months.
In This Issue:
Genesis 18:1-33
Matthew 6:1-34
Tuition Increase
Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
(Genesis 18:1-33)
I. Concentration: on the highlights of this chapter
1. Abraham and Sarah entertained three travelers, vv. 1-8.
2. The Lord promised that Sarah would bear a son, but she laughed scornfully and
was rebuked by Him, vv. 9-15.
3. The Lord told Abraham of the pending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, vv. 16-21.
4. Abraham "bargained," asking God to have mercy on these wicked cities, for the sake of
those few citizens who were righteous, vv. 22-23.
II. Meditation: on the truths revealed through these events
1. The three travelers were the LORD (a pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ) and
TWO ANGELS, 18:1; 13, 17-23; 19:1, 16.
2. Sarah's laugh was made in derision and faithlessness, and the Lord said: "Is anything too
hard? . . . At the appointed time (you) shall bear a son," v. 14. Earlier Abraham's laugh
(Genesis 17:17) was an expression of amazement and joy of the good news of God's promised heir.
3. The Lord always reveals what He is about to bring to pass, to at least one of His faithful, spiritually
perceptive people, v. 17; Amos 3:7.
4. Continuing intercessory prayer for the lives of endangered persons is patiently heard by the Lord,
Who is willing to extend His mercy and grace for the sake of only a few believers.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these events
1. The Lord appears to, and has intimate fellowship with, those persons who invite Him into their
lives and homes, Revelation 3:20.
2. God knows our hearts; we cannot deceive Him with our lies or half-truths . . . He sternly
confronts us about our sin!
3. God wants His people to know what He is doing and why . . . so He reveals His will and
purpose to His faithful messengers (prophets).
4. The Lord is willing to remove or delay His punishment upon a city full of wicked persons, on the
basis of a few righteous ones, and in response to the intercessory prayer of only one concerned,
compassionate soul.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Daily and continuously welcome the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ into my life, in sweet
communion and intimate fellowship.
2. Believe God's promises to me personally; with integrity, rejoice in His almighty power.
3. Listen for God's revelation to my heart and mind, to my soul and spirit; receive His enlightening
word with discerning faith.
4. Engage in intercessory prayer, asking God's mercy and grace upon my city, as well as upon
my state, nation, and the world.

Don't Worry About It!
(Matthew 6:1-34)

I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus taught His disciples how to give, vv. 1-4.
2. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, vv. 5-15.
3. Jesus taught His disciples how to fast, vv. 16-18.
4. Jesus taught His disciples about storing up treasures in heaven,
undivided loyalty to God, the sinfulness of worry, and the necessity
of establishing proper spiritual priorities, vv. 19-34.

II. Meditation: on why Christians should not worry
"Worry" translates a Greek word meaning "to divide into parts." It suggests
a distraction, a preoccupation with things . . . which causes anxiety, stress,
uneasiness, and pressure. The word "worry" is used 5 times in this passage
(vv. 25, 27, 28, 31, & 34).
1. Worry is not necessary (26, 28-30).
2. Worry is not productive (27).
3. Worry is not having faith in God (30).
4. Worry is not Christian, but pagan (32).

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me," (John 14:1)

III. Revelation: on what believers should do
1. Rather than worry, believers should seek God's kingdom rule first, 33.
2. Rather than worry, believers should seek God's righteousness first, 33.
3. When believers prioritize spiritual things, God promises to take care of ALL
their physical needs. (Philippians 4:19)
4. Since worry is unnecessary, unproductive, "un-faithness," and un-Christian,
believers need to eliminate it from their lives.

IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Focus my attention upon God's kingdom . . . His rule and will in this world
and in my life. I must find, follow, and fulfill His destiny for me.
2. Commit myself to being in right relationship and fellowship with God and
with my fellow human beings.
3. Relax in secure faith, knowing that God cares and provides for me.
4. See that worry is a serious sin against God, because it sacrifices today's
peace and joy for tomorrow's troubles and dangers, 34.

Earn Your M.A. or Ph.D. at Pillsbury Institute;
Become a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor

M.A. in Christian Counseling Psychology (40 credits - $750 down)
Ph.D. in Christian Counseling Psychology (54 credits - $810 down)

Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity, St. Louis, offers pastoral counseling training at only $90 per credit hour. National Christian Counselors Association distance learning format allows completion within 12-16 months. Program includes basic and advanced curriculum, clinical supervision, practicums, thesis, NCCA licensure and board certification in your choice of eight counseling specializations.

For additional information, visit www.pillsburyinstitute.org or phone toll-free: 1-888-737-3392.

Tuition Fees for 2004

The Board of Directors of the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity has established the following tuition rates, effective January 1, 2004:
Undergraduate tuition: $60 per credit hour
Graduate-level tuition: $90 per credit hour

Ph.D. in Christian Counseling Psychology (54 credit hours) - $4,860
$810 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 27 months
M.A. in Christian Counseling Psychology (40 credit hours) - $3,600
$750 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 19 months
Psy.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling (42 credit hours) - $3,780
$780 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 20 months (SECOND DOCTORATE ONLY)
D.Min. in Biblical Counseling or Spiritual Mentoring (48 credit hours) - $4,320
$720 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 24 months
M.Min. in Biblical Counseling or Spiritual Mentoring (32 credit hours) - $2,880
$630 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 15 months
Bachelor of Biblical Counseling or Biblical Studies (final year: 32 credit hours) - $1,920
$570 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 9 months

Iron-clad Money-back Guarantee

* $50 registration fee will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted as a student.
* Initial payment will be refunded - no questions asked - if the student decides to
withdraw for any reason within 30 days of registration.
* $50 graduation fee will be waived for students who complete their regular tuition
payments ahead of schedule.
NOTICE: Entering students who submit a registration form for a degree program will have 60 days in which to complete the process, including the payment of the initial fee. After 60 days, the entering student who has not completed the process will be placed on inactive status, the registration form will become invalid, and the $50 registration fee will be forfeited.
These tuition fee increases are the first to be implemented since the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity was founded in 1992. However, the costs still remain substantially lower than all other comparable distance learning graduate schools because Pillsbury Institute is owned, controlled, and operated by the FreeWay Foundation.
The FreeWay Foundation is a non-profit ministry which provides "practical teaching and training for successful living." The Foundation pays the salaries and benefits of Pillsbury Institute's administration, staff, and faculty members. The Institute is housed at no charge in FreeWay Foundation's spacious modern building on a beautiful 2-acre campus in northwest St. Louis County. Since the overhead costs of the school are minimal, these substantial savings are passed along to the students in the form of lower tuition rates.

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

"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me!"
Noel Coward
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by: info <info@...>

E-pistle

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

Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation February 6, 2004

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

This first quarter of 2004, I shall be sharing with you my "Personal & Practical" notes and applications on Genesis 13-24
and Matthew 1-13. (I used the first 12 chapters of Genesis in the "E-pistle" during December, 2001.) I plan to
continue these book studies in the Old and New Testaments for the next several months.
In This Issue:
Genesis 18:1-33
Matthew 6:1-34
Tuition Increase
Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
(Genesis 18:1-33)
I. Concentration: on the highlights of this chapter
1. Abraham and Sarah entertained three travelers, vv. 1-8.
2. The Lord promised that Sarah would bear a son, but she laughed scornfully and
was rebuked by Him, vv. 9-15.
3. The Lord told Abraham of the pending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, vv. 16-21.
4. Abraham "bargained," asking God to have mercy on these wicked cities, for the sake of
those few citizens who were righteous, vv. 22-23.
II. Meditation: on the truths revealed through these events
1. The three travelers were the LORD (a pre-incarnation appearance of Jesus Christ) and
TWO ANGELS, 18:1; 13, 17-23; 19:1, 16.
2. Sarah's laugh was made in derision and faithlessness, and the Lord said: "Is anything too
hard? . . . At the appointed time (you) shall bear a son," v. 14. Earlier Abraham's laugh
(Genesis 17:17) was an expression of amazement and joy of the good news of God's promised heir.
3. The Lord always reveals what He is about to bring to pass, to at least one of His faithful, spiritually
perceptive people, v. 17; Amos 3:7.
4. Continuing intercessory prayer for the lives of endangered persons is patiently heard by the Lord,
Who is willing to extend His mercy and grace for the sake of only a few believers.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications of these events
1. The Lord appears to, and has intimate fellowship with, those persons who invite Him into their
lives and homes, Revelation 3:20.
2. God knows our hearts; we cannot deceive Him with our lies or half-truths . . . He sternly
confronts us about our sin!
3. God wants His people to know what He is doing and why . . . so He reveals His will and
purpose to His faithful messengers (prophets).
4. The Lord is willing to remove or delay His punishment upon a city full of wicked persons, on the
basis of a few righteous ones, and in response to the intercessory prayer of only one concerned,
compassionate soul.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Daily and continuously welcome the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ into my life, in sweet
communion and intimate fellowship.
2. Believe God's promises to me personally; with integrity, rejoice in His almighty power.
3. Listen for God's revelation to my heart and mind, to my soul and spirit; receive His enlightening
word with discerning faith.
4. Engage in intercessory prayer, asking God's mercy and grace upon my city, as well as upon
my state, nation, and the world.

Don't Worry About It!
(Matthew 6:1-34)

I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Jesus taught His disciples how to give, vv. 1-4.
2. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, vv. 5-15.
3. Jesus taught His disciples how to fast, vv. 16-18.
4. Jesus taught His disciples about storing up treasures in heaven,
undivided loyalty to God, the sinfulness of worry, and the necessity
of establishing proper spiritual priorities, vv. 19-34.

II. Meditation: on why Christians should not worry
"Worry" translates a Greek word meaning "to divide into parts." It suggests
a distraction, a preoccupation with things . . . which causes anxiety, stress,
uneasiness, and pressure. The word "worry" is used 5 times in this passage
(vv. 25, 27, 28, 31, & 34).
1. Worry is not necessary (26, 28-30).
2. Worry is not productive (27).
3. Worry is not having faith in God (30).
4. Worry is not Christian, but pagan (32).

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me," (John 14:1)

III. Revelation: on what believers should do
1. Rather than worry, believers should seek God's kingdom rule first, 33.
2. Rather than worry, believers should seek God's righteousness first, 33.
3. When believers prioritize spiritual things, God promises to take care of ALL
their physical needs. (Philippians 4:19)
4. Since worry is unnecessary, unproductive, "un-faithness," and un-Christian,
believers need to eliminate it from their lives.

IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Focus my attention upon God's kingdom . . . His rule and will in this world
and in my life. I must find, follow, and fulfill His destiny for me.
2. Commit myself to being in right relationship and fellowship with God and
with my fellow human beings.
3. Relax in secure faith, knowing that God cares and provides for me.
4. See that worry is a serious sin against God, because it sacrifices today's
peace and joy for tomorrow's troubles and dangers, 34.

Earn Your M.A. or Ph.D. at Pillsbury Institute;
Become a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor

M.A. in Christian Counseling Psychology (40 credits - $750 down)
Ph.D. in Christian Counseling Psychology (54 credits - $810 down)

Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity, St. Louis, offers pastoral counseling training at only $90 per credit hour. National Christian Counselors Association distance learning format allows completion within 12-16 months. Program includes basic and advanced curriculum, clinical supervision, practicums, thesis, NCCA licensure and board certification in your choice of eight counseling specializations.

For additional information, visit http://www.pillsburyinstitute.org or phone toll-free: 1-888-737-3392.

Tuition Fees for 2004

The Board of Directors of the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity has established the following tuition rates, effective January 1, 2004:
Undergraduate tuition: $60 per credit hour
Graduate-level tuition: $90 per credit hour

Ph.D. in Christian Counseling Psychology (54 credit hours) - $4,860
$810 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 27 months
M.A. in Christian Counseling Psychology (40 credit hours) - $3,600
$750 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 19 months
Psy.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling (42 credit hours) - $3,780
$780 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 20 months (SECOND DOCTORATE ONLY)
D.Min. in Biblical Counseling or Spiritual Mentoring (48 credit hours) - $4,320
$720 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 24 months
M.Min. in Biblical Counseling or Spiritual Mentoring (32 credit hours) - $2,880
$630 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 15 months
Bachelor of Biblical Counseling or Biblical Studies (final year: 32 credit hours) - $1,920
$570 initial payment plus $150 monthly for 9 months

Iron-clad Money-back Guarantee

* $50 registration fee will be refunded if the applicant is not accepted as a student.
* Initial payment will be refunded - no questions asked - if the student decides to
withdraw for any reason within 30 days of registration.
* $50 graduation fee will be waived for students who complete their regular tuition
payments ahead of schedule.
NOTICE: Entering students who submit a registration form for a degree program will have 60 days in which to complete the process, including the payment of the initial fee. After 60 days, the entering student who has not completed the process will be placed on inactive status, the registration form will become invalid, and the $50 registration fee will be forfeited.
These tuition fee increases are the first to be implemented since the Pillsbury Institute of Applied Christianity was founded in 1992. However, the costs still remain substantially lower than all other comparable distance learning graduate schools because Pillsbury Institute is owned, controlled, and operated by the FreeWay Foundation.
The FreeWay Foundation is a non-profit ministry which provides "practical teaching and training for successful living." The Foundation pays the salaries and benefits of Pillsbury Institute's administration, staff, and faculty members. The Institute is housed at no charge in FreeWay Foundation's spacious modern building on a beautiful 2-acre campus in northwest St. Louis County. Since the overhead costs of the school are minimal, these substantial savings are passed along to the students in the form of lower tuition rates.

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

"I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me!"
Noel Coward
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------