Epistle for October 24, 2003

#1 · October 24, 2003, 11:09 am

Quote from Forum Archives on October 24, 2003, 11:09 am
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E-pistle

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Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation October 24,2003

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This fourth quarter of 2003, I shall be sharing with you my "Personal & Practical" notes and applications
on two important books in the Bible. From the Old Testament, we'll be studying all 14 chapters
of Hosea, and from the New Testament, we'll be studying all 13 chapters of II Corinthians
In This Issue:
Hosea 4:1-19
Ii Corinthians 4:1-18
"Mentoring"
Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge
(Hosea 4:1-19)

I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Hosea stated the Lord's charges against Israel, prophesying that lying, stealing,
murder, and adultery destroy not only the people, but they also harm the
wildlife and environment of the land, vv. 1-3.
2. Hosea condemned false prophets and impure priests, who had led the nation into
sin and who had failed to reveal God's word, will, and ways to the people; therefore,
both clergy and laypersons would be punished for their disobedience, vv. 4-10.
3. Hosea preached against the idolatry of Israel: the immorality, the drunkenness,
and the occult practices which have put them into bondage, and which surely
will bring divine punishment, vv. 11-14.
4. Hosea warned Judah (the southern kingdom) not to follow Israel (the northern kingdom)
into sin and destruction; Israel is portrayed as a stubborn calf and a lost lamb wandering
in the wilderness; Hosea stated that "Ephraim (Israel) is joined to idols, let him alone" (v. 17)
. . . the nation has passed the point of no return, vv. 15-19.
II. Meditation: on some key verses in this chapter
1. "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land," v. 1.
2. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," v. 6.
3. "Like people, like priest," v. 9.
4. "Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart," v. 11.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications in this chapter
"Knowledge of God" (v. 1) means more than intellectual understanding
of who God is; it refers to an intimate, spiritual relationship and fellowship with Him.
1. Such "lack of knowledge" (spiritual relationship) produces a life without basic ethics
and morality, resulting in the violation of God's commandments concerning the treatment
of other persons.
2. "Lack of knowledge" destroys individuals, families, and nations.
3. The "ordinary person in the pew," as a general rule, will not develop above the spiritual
maturity level of their leaders (prophets or priests).
4. Practicing sexual immorality and consuming alcoholic beverages can lead to addiction;
any object or practice can become an idol and "enslave the heart" . . . bring a
person under bondage and oppressions.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Cultivate a spiritual intimacy with God: an "abiding" in Christ.
2. Live a life characterized by Biblical ethics and Godly morality.
3. Guard carefully my influence as a Christian leader.
4. Avoid all forms of idolatry; rather, allow Christ to rule in my heart.

Down But Not Out!
(II Corinthians 4:1-18)

I. Concentration: on the "light" (v. 6)
1. "The light" (compare Genesis 1:3) = brings HOPE (" light at the
end of the tunnel") . . . faith plus anticipation: belief plus possibility.
2. "Of the knowledge" = INSIGHT ("see the light") . . . illumination,
wisdom, understanding.
3. "Of the glory of God" = GUIDANCE ("throw light upon") . . .
discovery, revelation.
4. "In the face of Jesus Christ" = WARMTH ("light up") . . . ignite,
cheer, joy, excitement.
When we look into the face of Jesus (II Corinthians 3:18), we see
the glory (brilliant splendor) of God, and we begin to attain spiritual
knowledge through intimate experience with Him, which gives us light:
hope, insight, guidance, and warmth.

II. Meditation and Revelation:
1. God's light shines in our hearts through the "clay pot" . . . the treasure
radiates from our earthly bodies, vv. 6-7. (The Dead Sea scrolls found at
Qumron illustrate God's "light" contained in clay vessels.
2. Through Christ, we can endure and withstand all problems, vv. 8-10:
(1) Emotional - pressured, but not crushed.
(2) Mental - perplexed, but not in despair.
(3) Spiritual - persecuted, but not forsaken.
(4) Physical - "punched," but not destroyed.
These qualities were found in Jesus' life; as we endure the same trials,
His life is manifested in us.
3. We do not lose heart (vv. 1, 16), even though the outward man is perishing,
because the inner man is being renewed day by day.
4. The renewed life (radiant, overcoming, victorious) has a totally different perspective:
(1) Affliction is light, not unbearable.
(2) Affliction is temporary, not eternal.
(3) Bad things, through God's power, will bring good results, Romans 8:28.
(4) Spiritual vision is sharpened, enabling a believer to see heavenly, eternal things.

III. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Allow my light (Christ in me) to shine brightly, Matthew 5:16.
2. Faithfully endure persecution and suffering as a witness to Christ . . . so His life
can be seen in me.
3. Daily spend quality time with God so I may be spiritually renewed.
4. Perceive and focus on the glorious, eternal realities . . . with spiritual vision that
"sees beyond sight."

Spiritual Mentoring by Private Tutoring

Dr. Curt Scarborough, president and founder of Pillsbury Institute, is available to mentor a limited number of mid-career Christian ministers on a one-on-one basis. He will personally tutor mature graduate-level students one day per month . . . any day of the week except Sunday.

Here's how this Spiritual Mentoring programs works:
1. A minister enrolls in the Spiritual Mentoring track, agreeing to spend a
minimum of 10 house a week in disciplined private devotions under the
guidance of Dr. Curt Scarborough.
2. The goal is to develop personal and practical notes on selected portions
of Scripture within one year (on all 260 chapters in the New Testament,
for example). The mentoring partner will write on at least five chapters
each week, focusing on a few chosen verses in each chapter and using
a suggested simple outline:
(1) Concentration
(2) Meditation
(3) Revelation
(4) Applications
3. Every four to six weeks, the mentoring partner will meet with Dr. Scarborough
personally (or by telephone or computer) to review the work, to compare spiritual
insights, to discuss revealed truths, and to sharpen each other's ministry skills.
(See Romans 1:11-12). At each monthly meeting, the previous month's work will
be reviewed and discussed, new assignments will be made, and the next
appointment will be scheduled.
4. At the end of one year, the mentoring partner in this example would have produced
a 260 page personal and practical devotional commentary on the entire New
Testament . . . to use in his preaching and teaching, to publish as a book, to
preserve and pass along to his family, and to serve as a resource for mentoring others.

Degrees Available at Pillsbury Institute

Associate of Applied Christianity in Biblical Studies
Associate of Applied Christianity in Biblical Counseling

Bachelor of Applied Christianity in Biblical Studies
Bachelor of Applied Christianity in Biblical Counseling

Master of Ministry in Spiritual Mentoring
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Psychology

Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Mentoring
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling Psychology
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Christian Counseling

For more information visit out web-site at
www.pillsburyinstitute.org
or call Dr. Scarborough toll-free at
1-888-737-3392

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

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything
that counts can be counted!" Albert Einstein
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by: info <info@...>

E-pistle

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

Dr. Curt Scarborough, President FreeWay Foundation October 24,2003

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

This fourth quarter of 2003, I shall be sharing with you my "Personal & Practical" notes and applications
on two important books in the Bible. From the Old Testament, we'll be studying all 14 chapters
of Hosea, and from the New Testament, we'll be studying all 13 chapters of II Corinthians
In This Issue:
Hosea 4:1-19
Ii Corinthians 4:1-18
"Mentoring"
Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge
(Hosea 4:1-19)

I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Hosea stated the Lord's charges against Israel, prophesying that lying, stealing,
murder, and adultery destroy not only the people, but they also harm the
wildlife and environment of the land, vv. 1-3.
2. Hosea condemned false prophets and impure priests, who had led the nation into
sin and who had failed to reveal God's word, will, and ways to the people; therefore,
both clergy and laypersons would be punished for their disobedience, vv. 4-10.
3. Hosea preached against the idolatry of Israel: the immorality, the drunkenness,
and the occult practices which have put them into bondage, and which surely
will bring divine punishment, vv. 11-14.
4. Hosea warned Judah (the southern kingdom) not to follow Israel (the northern kingdom)
into sin and destruction; Israel is portrayed as a stubborn calf and a lost lamb wandering
in the wilderness; Hosea stated that "Ephraim (Israel) is joined to idols, let him alone" (v. 17)
. . . the nation has passed the point of no return, vv. 15-19.
II. Meditation: on some key verses in this chapter
1. "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land," v. 1.
2. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," v. 6.
3. "Like people, like priest," v. 9.
4. "Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart," v. 11.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications in this chapter
"Knowledge of God" (v. 1) means more than intellectual understanding
of who God is; it refers to an intimate, spiritual relationship and fellowship with Him.
1. Such "lack of knowledge" (spiritual relationship) produces a life without basic ethics
and morality, resulting in the violation of God's commandments concerning the treatment
of other persons.
2. "Lack of knowledge" destroys individuals, families, and nations.
3. The "ordinary person in the pew," as a general rule, will not develop above the spiritual
maturity level of their leaders (prophets or priests).
4. Practicing sexual immorality and consuming alcoholic beverages can lead to addiction;
any object or practice can become an idol and "enslave the heart" . . . bring a
person under bondage and oppressions.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Cultivate a spiritual intimacy with God: an "abiding" in Christ.
2. Live a life characterized by Biblical ethics and Godly morality.
3. Guard carefully my influence as a Christian leader.
4. Avoid all forms of idolatry; rather, allow Christ to rule in my heart.

Down But Not Out!
(II Corinthians 4:1-18)

I. Concentration: on the "light" (v. 6)
1. "The light" (compare Genesis 1:3) = brings HOPE (" light at the
end of the tunnel") . . . faith plus anticipation: belief plus possibility.
2. "Of the knowledge" = INSIGHT ("see the light") . . . illumination,
wisdom, understanding.
3. "Of the glory of God" = GUIDANCE ("throw light upon") . . .
discovery, revelation.
4. "In the face of Jesus Christ" = WARMTH ("light up") . . . ignite,
cheer, joy, excitement.
When we look into the face of Jesus (II Corinthians 3:18), we see
the glory (brilliant splendor) of God, and we begin to attain spiritual
knowledge through intimate experience with Him, which gives us light:
hope, insight, guidance, and warmth.

II. Meditation and Revelation:
1. God's light shines in our hearts through the "clay pot" . . . the treasure
radiates from our earthly bodies, vv. 6-7. (The Dead Sea scrolls found at
Qumron illustrate God's "light" contained in clay vessels.
2. Through Christ, we can endure and withstand all problems, vv. 8-10:
(1) Emotional - pressured, but not crushed.
(2) Mental - perplexed, but not in despair.
(3) Spiritual - persecuted, but not forsaken.
(4) Physical - "punched," but not destroyed.
These qualities were found in Jesus' life; as we endure the same trials,
His life is manifested in us.
3. We do not lose heart (vv. 1, 16), even though the outward man is perishing,
because the inner man is being renewed day by day.
4. The renewed life (radiant, overcoming, victorious) has a totally different perspective:
(1) Affliction is light, not unbearable.
(2) Affliction is temporary, not eternal.
(3) Bad things, through God's power, will bring good results, Romans 8:28.
(4) Spiritual vision is sharpened, enabling a believer to see heavenly, eternal things.

III. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Allow my light (Christ in me) to shine brightly, Matthew 5:16.
2. Faithfully endure persecution and suffering as a witness to Christ . . . so His life
can be seen in me.
3. Daily spend quality time with God so I may be spiritually renewed.
4. Perceive and focus on the glorious, eternal realities . . . with spiritual vision that
"sees beyond sight."

Spiritual Mentoring by Private Tutoring

Dr. Curt Scarborough, president and founder of Pillsbury Institute, is available to mentor a limited number of mid-career Christian ministers on a one-on-one basis. He will personally tutor mature graduate-level students one day per month . . . any day of the week except Sunday.

Here's how this Spiritual Mentoring programs works:
1. A minister enrolls in the Spiritual Mentoring track, agreeing to spend a
minimum of 10 house a week in disciplined private devotions under the
guidance of Dr. Curt Scarborough.
2. The goal is to develop personal and practical notes on selected portions
of Scripture within one year (on all 260 chapters in the New Testament,
for example). The mentoring partner will write on at least five chapters
each week, focusing on a few chosen verses in each chapter and using
a suggested simple outline:
(1) Concentration
(2) Meditation
(3) Revelation
(4) Applications
3. Every four to six weeks, the mentoring partner will meet with Dr. Scarborough
personally (or by telephone or computer) to review the work, to compare spiritual
insights, to discuss revealed truths, and to sharpen each other's ministry skills.
(See Romans 1:11-12). At each monthly meeting, the previous month's work will
be reviewed and discussed, new assignments will be made, and the next
appointment will be scheduled.
4. At the end of one year, the mentoring partner in this example would have produced
a 260 page personal and practical devotional commentary on the entire New
Testament . . . to use in his preaching and teaching, to publish as a book, to
preserve and pass along to his family, and to serve as a resource for mentoring others.

Degrees Available at Pillsbury Institute

Associate of Applied Christianity in Biblical Studies
Associate of Applied Christianity in Biblical Counseling

Bachelor of Applied Christianity in Biblical Studies
Bachelor of Applied Christianity in Biblical Counseling

Master of Ministry in Spiritual Mentoring
Master of Arts in Christian Counseling Psychology

Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Mentoring
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Counseling Psychology
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Christian Counseling

For more information visit out web-site at
http://www.pillsburyinstitute.org
or call Dr. Scarborough toll-free at
1-888-737-3392

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

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything
that counts can be counted!" Albert Einstein
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------