Bible Study Ideas – Page 4 – Serminutes

From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color – Favor with God AND Man

September 21, 2011July 20, 2018R. Mangold

colorcoats

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. (Passage Link: Genesis 37:3-4)

Young, ambitious, and perhaps overzealous, Joseph soon learned that despite favor with his father, he would have to learn to harness his newly found gifts and couple them with humility.

At some point, our gifts will make a place for us; in fact, it will likely gain us audience with kings. But, there is no circumventing God’s process and plan. Given a preview of things to come in his life, Joseph surely must have thought this was going to take shape quickly, when in reality…it was going to take decades to fully come to fruition.

The other aspect of our gifts and skills according to Proverbs 22:29, not only will our skills allows us to stand before kings, we will not stand before “mean men!” Joseph’s brothers were not warm to the idea of their brother being their leader and were more than mean – they were bitter.

Even Jesus, God wrapped in flesh, followed the proper channels, Luke 2:52 teaches us, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

In short, you may well have the calling, the gifting, and the talent, but without the favor of God and man, you’ll run into angry men long before you ever appear before kings.

More on the Coats of Joseph’s Life – “From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color”

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students! Visit our ABOUT PAGE for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rev. RD Mangold

From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color

September 19, 2011July 20, 2018R. Mangold

colorcoats

Now the love which Israel had for Joseph was greater than his love for all his other children, because he got him when he was an old man: and he had a long coat made for him. (Passage Link: Genesis 37:3)

Less a statement of fashion and more a statement of love, Joseph’s highly prized and colorful coat brought with it privilege but at a great price. From the moment Joseph donned his new coat his life was swirled with controversy. Yes, this coveted coat signified favor, but Joseph would soon learn not everyone views you through the loving eyes of the Father. Some view your calling through blinders of jealousy and envy; others through competition and rivalry.

Thinking no ill would come of showing them his new coat, Joseph would unknowingly instigate a devious plot by his older brothers to sell him into slavery and to convince their father Joseph had fallen prey to the vicious attack of an animal.

We enjoy the moments of basking in God’s good graces; when He showers His love and favor bountifully on us, as we should. Yet this favor is NOT to be used as a “cloak” of maliciousness. God setting you aside for His purpose is not intended to draw attention to you as much as it is to bring Him Supreme Glory. The “Thunder” Brothers, James and John, were seeking the position of “right and left” but neglected to take a peek at the price tag. Jesus warned them that to be granted such privilege would require them to be willing to “be baptized with the baptism” that He would endure (Passage Link: Mark 10:37-40).

You will note as we take this journey through Joseph’s life there is always an exchange of coats, and with each coat comes a new level of favor, growth, and glory for this beloved “Dreamer of Dreams.”

More on the Coats of Joseph’s Life – “From a Coat of Many Colors to Many Coats of Color”

Truth without Charity? Not a Chance!

September 16, 2011July 20, 2018R. Mangold

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (Passage Link: I Corinthians 13: 1-3)

Many of us are so good at being religious that we spend more time polishing our crown and our religious attitude than we do actually evangelizing the lost. We are never called to be religious just simply servants. He set the greatest example in the upper room the night of his betrayal when he washed the feet of the disciples. He said, but he that is greatest among shall be your servant.

We are to love one another and remember all the while that it was God who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son to die for it. We can’t be religious and not have love; otherwise everything we do is in vain.

If you want to add more depth to your spirit try loving people’s souls as much as you do your own. Try loving their heart as much as you do your own. Share with them the only true love there is to be had and that’s the love Jesus has for them. Don’t be judgmental of people, killing them, making them despise anything with a religious label on it. We are living in a very difficult day where many religious groups are labeled as HATERS. We supposedly hate gays, drug abusers, prostitutes, and every person that hasn’t got a religious background like us. We don’t hate them we hate the sin and the effects it has on mankind. Where’s your compassion tonight, where’s the mercy you so willingly accept from the Lord, where’s the love and charity that will take your walk with God from being like tinkling brass and a sounding cymbal to something far deeper and more powerful?

Is it possible to have truth without charity? God says NO!

When Silence Isn't Golden

September 14, 2011July 20, 2018R. Mangold

How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (Passage Link: Psalm 13:1)

There are many things to be said for silence. It has been said that “silence is golden.” Phrases like “getting the silent treatment” bring a smile to our face when we put it in terms of a wife having a fight with her husband.

But when you are facing a real life dilemma, an overwhelming trial or test, silence is no laughing matter. Silence can be destructive for some spiritually. It can cause you to fret and stew; to imagine God does not love you or care about you, but oh how wrong you are!

Mary and Martha surely knew had He shown up, Jesus absolutely could have healed Lazarus’ preventing his death, but they would never have witnessed one of Jesus’ greatest miracles and foreshadowing of things to come…A RESURRECTION!

Your answer will never be too late. God’s silence will not last forever. He hears your every prayer. No prayer or praise goes unnoticed, no tear falls without God taking note. Weeping may endure for the night but joy cometh in the morning.

Jesus isn’t ignoring your situation. He’s not ignoring your cries for help, in fact, your silence is about to be broken. Your answer is on the way. And the miracle that will unfold will far surpass any answer or manifestation of God’s power you thought possible – Exceeding, abundantly, above all you could ask or think!

Praying Confidently

September 12, 2011July 20, 2018R. Mangold

Many of us lose confidence in prayer because we don’t recognize the answer. We ask for strength; God gives us difficulties which make us strong. God sends problems, the solutions of which develop wisdom. We plead for prosperity; God give us a brain and brawn to work. We plead for courage; God give us danger to overcome. We ask for favors; God give us opportunities. So often we reject the very things God send to develop and strengthen us. – Author Unknown

We lose confidence in prayer also when we lose focus on what true prayer is all about! Prayer is as much about speaking to God as it is about listening. Like any conversation, a good one includes an exchange where both parties are seeking both to be understood and to understand. A successful prayer life doesn’t include one that simply involves petitions, lists of grievances, or even a laundry list of “needs.” Rather, a healthy prayer life includes one where you simply avail yourself in submission to God and His Supreme authority! A time where we await instructions as much as we seek God’s favor and intervention; A time of praise and thanksgiving; A time to simply connect with your Creator.

Take a few moments to reflect upon your prayer life and ensure it contains the essential two-way communication that is vital to the success of any thriving relationship – earthly and eternal!

Passionate About His People

September 9, 2011July 23, 2018R. Mangold

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Passage Link: Psalms 139:2-3)

God’s more than interested in you; He’s passionate about your relationship with Him. In fact there’s no separating you from His Love. (Passage Link: Romans 8:37-39)

David said, “though I make my bed in hell, you [Lord] are with me.” (Passage Link: Psalms 139:7-9)

God’s passion for his people is vividly portrayed in Solomon’s Book of Songs, a book often relegated to irrelevance by some due to it “romantic” nature. This is an injustice to both the reader and God’s Word! You should want to know how loving and affectionate God is toward you! It’s sung with such poetic elegance, “My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” (Passage Link: Song of Solomon 2:16)

You are after all the crowning achievement of God’s Creation…made in HIS image! What an incredible revelation it should be to know that when you look in the mirror, you’re looking at the meticulous detail and sheer craftsmanship of Jehovah! (Passage Link: Genesis 1:26-28)

When did God start loving you, one might ask? There is no answer for this question, because this question has no point of reference…you see, there was NEVER a point at which God did NOT love you. He’s always loved you. Everything God has ever done, or ever will do, is motivated by HIS neverending love for you.

John “The Beloved” said it like this, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” (Passage Link: I John 4:16)

So by virtue of HIS Eternal Nature – GOD IS LOVE!

Glory be to God for the incredible depths and lengths He has gone to save us and prove His love toward us!

Making More Out of Our Children

September 7, 2011July 23, 2018R. Mangold

MakingChildren While Woodrow Wilson was president of Princeton University (1902-1910), he is reported to have made this speech to a group of parents. (Source Link: Holman Old Testament Commentary)

I get many letters from you parents about your children. You want to know why we people up here in Princeton can’t make more out of them and do more for them. Let me tell you the reason we can’t. It may shock you just a little, but I am not trying to be rude. The reason is that they are your sons, reared in your homes, blood of your blood, bone of your bone. They have absorbed the ideals of your homes. You have formed and fashioned them. They are your sons. In those malleable, moldable years of their lives you have forever left your imprint upon them.

Our 28^th President of the United States seems to have struck a nerve and verbalized what every good Sunday School teacher, preacher, and pastor has been saying for years – We can only do so much in the time we’re given at church. As parents we could unrealistically expect our pastors and teachers to miraculously do in a couple of hours a week, what we fail to do with the remainder of our time with our children.

Training up a child in the way he should go takes a commitment. Trainers must train themselves as well. If we’re inadequately training ourselves to be good Christians, how could we even think we’re equipped to train our children. The best way to train them? By example. Children will follow our lead…good or bad. Make each moment count with them and don’t expect your pastor to do it in just one or two services a week. The investment your make in your child doesn’t impact just them, but generations to come; for the promise is unto you AND your children.

Related Topics

Children – Loving, Parenting, and Cultivating Them for Success

Settling Too Soon

September 5, 2011July 23, 2018R. Mangold

And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. ²³But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. ²⁴Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth. Numbers 32:22 – 24

The closer Israel got to The Promised Land, the more appealing the land looked, in fact Reuben and Gad decided they had found their place and wanted to settle before reaching their promised destination.

This infuriated Moses and the Lord. To settle too soon would mean the Israelites would be shorthanded in the last legs of their journey toward promise. Moses went as far as to say, “be sure, your sin will find you out!” Eventually Reuben and Gad agreed to continue to support their brethren in the conquest of Canaan.

God has great things in store for His people, but we must shake the urge to settle too soon. If we’re content with carnal, temporal, or earthly pleasures, and decide to forego God’s Eternal Promise, it is akin to sin, as Moses said, “be sure, it will find you out”. It will manifest in your lack of commitment, your earthly appetites and affections, your pursuits of wealth, worldly acclaim, and social acceptance.

Love not this world and all it affords – Jesus said He went away to prepare a place for you, and the greatest reward of all, won’t be the streets of gold, the walls of jasper, and the pearly gates, it is being in the presence of the Master for Eternity!

Don't Wait Till Morning to Get Your Joy

September 2, 2011July 23, 2018R. Mangold

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5

A couple of preachers were banished to prison for preaching this gospel message of Christ crucified, raising again on the 3^rd Day, and then ascending back up into Heaven.

They were bound and thrown into a dungeon for preaching that Christ shed His innocent blood for the sin of mankind. For preaching that you must be baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit!

But as they sat shackled in the stocks, Paul and Silas weren’t about to wait until the morning for their JOY!

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. (Acts 16:25-26)

At the darkest point of the night…
At the lowest point of the ministry…
In the worst of conditions…

These courageous preachers forgot about their shackles, and their hopeless situation. After all, God wasn’t any less deserving of praise.

Like Paul and Silas, don’t wait for the morning to start praising and thanking God!

Don’t wait until the doors of your prison open before you praise and worship God!

Don’t wait until the morning to start getting your JOY!

Starting praising God in your “night season” until your prison doors open.

Start praising God until your JOY comes.

How Badly Does God Hate Sin?

August 31, 2011R. Mangold

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Passage Link: Romans 12:19)

For Christians perhaps one of the most difficult things to reconcile with non-believers is God’s heavy hand of judgment which is so graphically displayed throughout the Old Testament. After all, just by virtue of HIS definition, God stated in Malachi 3:6, “I am the LORD, I change not.” Even in the New Testament James 1:17 describes God as, “the Father of lights in whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Historically God has used different means and methods for dealing with humanity, but be it known God’s loathing and intolerance of Sin will never change. It is after all the element that set in motion the separation from HIS Creation. And since its inception, God, has worked toward eradicating both Sin and its effects, reconciling the world unto Himself. If you ever for one moment wonder how God feels about Sin, read the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John detailing the brutality with which Christ was crucified; beating, scourging, bloodshed, nails piercing His hands and feet, the Crown of Thorns, and the splintered and rough-sawn cross on which Christ hanged!

God took vengeance upon Sin and its source that fateful day at Calvary. No slap on the wrist, no probation, no parole, no warning, God with extreme prejudice took “away the sin of the world” by the sinless, blameless blood of His only begotten Son Jesus!

How badly does God hate sin? God hates sin as much as He loves you and me; He went to the extreme of robing Himself in flesh and laying down His life for His friends, repaying the debt He did NOT owe (Passage Link: John 15:12-14).

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