Beauty For Ashes - Women's Retreat - April 17-19

Signup here.

Weekend Wrap

Weekend Wrap 4.6.09 from Nate Holdridge on Vimeo.

Rebels: A Description - Jude 11-16

Introduction

This past Sunday at Calvary Monterey we studied Jude 11-16 - Rebels: A Description.  The apostates Jude had in mind had removed themselves from the place of God’s love, so Jude sets out to describe their attributes.  These attributes instruct us in a two-fold manner.

Signs to watch out for in others.

Sins to watch out for in ourselves.

Jude mentions at least 9 attributes of these men in this passage.  Our desire is to be the absolute opposite so that we can, with effectiveness, remain where God’s love is.

Scriptural Examples (Jude 11)

Jude’s first method in describing these men is to point out three scriptural examples.  He had already done this (Jude 5-7), but those were examples of judgment.  Jude’s point there was that these men would be judged.  His point here is that they had committed sins similiar to this group of three Old Testament characters.

Cain

Cain was many things.  He murdered and hated.  He was a jealous man.  He refused to come to God by faith, but by works, making him very prideful.  While the rebels may have been guilty of every attribute, I believe Jude’s focus was on the hatred and murderous spirit found within Cain.  We must be loving, rather than hateful.

Balaam

Balaam was a man of incredible spiritual potential.  He spoke some of the most amazing Old Testament blessings and prophecies, but had to ultimately be killed by the Israelites for his sin (Numbers 31:8).  He perverted his religion for cash.  God was not good enough for this man.  We must be satisfied with God, rather than greedy and discontent.

Korah

Korah was a rebellious Levite who despised Aaron’s household for their position as the line of the high priests.  He wasn’t happy with his role as a tabernacle worker, he instead wanted the title of “priest” and Moses knew it (Numbers 16:10).  He led a rebellion and ended up swallowed into the earth.  It’s the pits not to accept your domain.  We must accept God’s call for our lives, rather than strive for what it not ours to have.

Natural Examples (Jude 12-13)

Jude then abandons his method of triad after triad and runs down a long list of attributes these men possess.  In artistic fashion, he uses nature to drive home his point.

Hidden Reefs: Like hidden rocks under the surface, these men were an unseen danger to the church.  Far from selfless, these men were selfish.

Waterless Clouds: Like dissapointing clouds with no water, these men looked promising but were empty.  Far from genuine, these men were hypocritical.

Fruitless/Rootless Trees: Like dead trees, these men had no root and no ability to bear any real fruit.  Far from fruitful, these men were dead.

Raging Waves: Like wild waves, these men were all-natural and wild - sensual in every way.  Far from spiritual, these men were all-natural and fleshy.

Shooting Stars: Like brilliant shooting stars, these men had a moment of glory but not real lasting or enduring purpose or glory.  Far from eternal in purpose, these men were a mere flash in the pan.

Prophetic Examples (14-16)

Enoch had spoken of these men ages ago.  His main description of these men?  Ungodly.  There was a lack of reverence or fear of God in these men.  They lived and behaved as if they weren’t under His watchful eye.  They despised Him and His correction, even speaking harsh things against Him (Jude 15-16).  Full rebels in every way.

In review, let us be the opposite of these men:

- Loving.

- Satisfied with God.

- Content with God’s plan.

- Selfless.

- Genuine.

- Rooted/Fruitful.

- Spiritual/Spirit-led.

- Eternal in purpose.

- Godly.

By God’s grace. 

Agape!

2:42

Church was a ton of fun today. We had a great time in worship, the word, communion, service, and fellowship. The highlight, however, had to be the 2:42 event following the morning services. The water
baptism for new believers was sweet, the weather was perfect, and the barbeque chicken was epic. Special thanks to Pastor Mike, the Bridge men, and the volunteers who made the meal possible. God is so good to us you guys!

- Nate
PS. Stole this pic from an Andrew Vogel mobile upload. Very nice.

Notes - Rebels::Declared - Jude 1-10

Introduction

• Jude: quite possibly the least studied book in the New Testament, but a power packed guide on rebellion.
  
• Jesus, Peter, and Paul all warned of apostasy - abandonment of scriptural faith.
• Jude saw apostasy (rebellion).
• Jude's mission: Enable us to contend for the faith in the face of rebellion.
• Jude 1-10 - Rebels: A Declaration.
• Jude 11-16 - Rebels: A Description.
• Jude 17-25 - Rebels: A Defense.

Rebel Focus (1-4)
Jude’s Intro (1-2)

• Self Description (1A)
• 1. Jude: Jesus’ half-brother.  
• 1. A bondservant of Jesus Christ: Rather than claim brotherhood, he chooses to claim servanthood.  
• The blood that cleansed him vs. The blood within him.   
• Saint Depiction (1B)
  
• 1. To those: No geographic location - a general open letter to saints.  
• 1. Called / Sanctified / Preserved: Jude’s first cluster of three (2, 4, 5-7, 11).
• Great description of God’s work in a believer’s life.
• Holy Spirit - Called.
• Father - Sanctified.
• Jesus - Preserved.
• Sweet Multiplication (2)
• 2. Multiplied: A beautiful blessing - not only addition.
  

Jude’s Topic (3)

• 3. Was - common salvation / Necessary - contend earnestly: This was the letter that refused to remain unwritten.
• 3. Contend earnestly: To struggle, contend with an adversary, wrestle, agonize continually.
• Christians are to be engaged in a continual agonizing struggle for the faith.
• 3. The faith: Only one, not “your faith” - something worth fighting for.
• 3. The faith: Not your own agenda.
• 3. Once for all: It was fully delivered at Jude’s day.  Fight for the word, not traditions.

Jude’s Logic (4)

• 4. Certain men: Jude will describe the rebels first.  
• 4. Unnoticed: They might look and sound spiritual.  
• These men are described in three specific ways.
• Ungodly men: They are destitute of reverential awe towards God (Strong’s).  
• Turn / grace / into lewdness: They make the gospel message a license for immorality.  
• Deny: They deny God the Father and God the Son.

Rebel Future (5-7)

• 5. Remind you: Jude will use three OT illustrations to remind these believers.
• Each example identifies a different group with a different punishment.
  

• 5. Having saved the people: The group.
• 5. Those who did not believe: The sin.
• 5. Destroyed: The judgment.
  

• 6. The angels: The group.
• 6. Did not keep their proper domain: The sin.
• 6. Reserved in everlasting chains: The judgment.

• 7. Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them: The group.
• 7. Given themselves over to sexual immorality: The sin.
• 7. Vengeance of eternal fire: The judgment.
  

Rebel Fiber (8-10)

• They Are Like The Exemplified (8)
• 8. These dreamers: Out of touch with reality.
•  They Are Unlike The Archangel (9)
• 9. Michael the archangel: Jude magnifies the sin of speaking evil of authorities/dignitaries.
• Michael - pure, holy.
• Satan - sinful, unholy.
• Michael wouldn’t speak out against Satan, who is obviously in error.
• They Are Like Brute Beasts (10)
• 10. Speak evil of whatever they do not know: Abusively of what they do not understand (NIV).  
• Diotrephes: who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us (3 Jn 9).
• Heb 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
• Heb 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give an account.

Closing

• Put your dukes up.
• Realize the preciousness of the faith.
• Be godly.
• Believe God.
• Remain in your sphere.
  

Bric-A-Brac :: March 30

Just as the bric-a-brac section at the Salvation Army Store is filled with miscellaneous odds and ends, so are my bric-a-brac video updates filled with the odds and ends of Calvary Monterey.  Random updates, praise reports, prayer requests, general heart sharing, and vision for the ministry of Calvary.  Enjoy!


Bric-A-Brac - March 30 from Nate Holdridge on Vimeo.

Parenting 101

...was awesome. Junie was sniffly, so Christina and I participated from the Video Sanctuary. If you missed it, don't worry, we'll get the teachings online and in the bookstore soon.

Parenting 101 - Saturday

From 9-12 on Saturday, Pastor Geoff and Denise Buck will teach a free workshop on parenting. This workshop will feature practical wisdom and tips for parents of every demographic, so whether you are a brand new parent or find yourself parenting your adult children, Geoff and Denise will have much wisdom to offer from God's Word. I affectionately refer to Geoff as GB-Wan Kenobe as he possesses the same type of wisdom and the similar cool-natured demeanor as the fictional Obi-Wan Kenobe character.  Denise is also very wise and knowledgeable, but I hesitate to lock her into a Star Wars characterization at this point.  Suffice it to say, I highly recommend your attendance.  Christina and I plan on being there.  Blessings!

To register your children for free childcare, click here.

Jude - Contend Against The Rebels!

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 - Declaration Of The Rebels - Jude 1:1-10
SUNDAY, APRIL 5 - Description Of The Rebels - Jude 1:11-16
SUNDAY, APRIL 19 - Defense Against The Rebels - Jude 1:17-25

Our Current Life - 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

The following are bullet points from the past Sunday morning.  I hope they can somehow aid you as you study God's Word...

Introduction

- Our 28th study in 1 Corinthians, the longest of Paul’s epistles.
Verse 1. Now concerning: Just as Jesus came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, so Paul comes out of the clouds of the resurrection down into every day life.
-Last week: Our Future Bodies.
-This week: Our Current Life.
-God cares about our finances, plans, relationships, attitudes, and church.


The Collections (16:1-4)

The Collection (1-4)
1. Now concerning: Paul has one last issue to answer the Corinthian church on.
1. The collection: For the saints in Jerusalem (3).
* Paul spoke of financial gifts for the church in Jerusalem quite often.
- Romans: Macedonia and Achaia (Rom 15:26).
- Corinthians: Macedonia (2 Cor 8-9).
- Apostles in Jerusalem: Remember the poor (Gal 2:10).
* The Jerusalem church was a needy fellowship.
- They cared for a large amount of widows (Acts 6).
- They suffered through a famine (Acts 11:27-30).
- They endured much persecution (Acts 7).
- They attempted strict communal living (Acts 2).
1. Concerning the collection: Paul lists a few guidelines for their financial giving. Here they are:
- Universal (verse 1) - All of the churches are expected to be generous and giving churches.
- Weekly (2) - Weekly/Regular. Sunday worship.
- Personal (2) - Not just a corporate thing, but a personal thing.
- Predetermined (2) - Planned, systematic, not haphazard.
- Proportional (2) - They gave as they were paid. They gave in accordance with their pay.
- Without Pressure (2) - Paul knew that his presence could create an unfavorable and awkward pressure.
- With Accountability (3-4) - Accountability in finance. Paul established travel teams in order to avoid this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us, providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Cor 8:20-21).


The Itineraries (16:5-12)

Paul’s Plan (5-9)
5. Now: Paul will get into his travel plans, plus the travel plans of Timothy and Apollos.
5. Macedonia: Philippian church.
6. That you may send me: He may not have had 100% financing for his mission - faith.
7. On the way / stay a while: He didn’t need to stay at the Philippian church very long, but the Corinthians needed some serious attention.
7. If the LORD permits:
* Paul was a man on the move.
- This chapter: come, send, go, pass through, remain, on the way, stay, tarry, waiting.
- Paul was a man who gave God room.
- He had plans, but he submitted to God’s direction.
- A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps (Pv 16:9).
- If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that (Jas 4:15).
* Be flexible.
9. Effective door / Many adversaries: In Ephesus. God’s opportunity = Satan’s opposition.

Timothy’s Plan (10-11)
10. If Timothy comes: The lion to Paul’s lamb, Timothy was Paul’s young sidekick in ministry.
* Timothy struggled with fear.
- He was fearful (2 Tim 1).
- He was sickly (1 Tim 5:23).
- He was young (1 Tim 4:12).
* Paul wanted the Corinthians to make way for Timothy.
- 10. Without fear: Support.
- 10. He does the work of the Lord: Recognition.
- 11. Let no one despise him: Respect (1 Tim 4:12 - let no one despise your youth).
- 11. Send him: Payment.
- 11. In peace: No argument.

Apollos’ Plan (12)
12. Apollos: He was one of the leaders of the Corinthian church, having spent a large portion of his ministry there. He was an impressive man and great teacher (Acts 18).


The Salutations (16:13-24)

Goodbye Exhortation (13-18)
Stand (13-14)
13. Watch / Stand fast / Be brave / Be strong: Be a man.
14. With love: The two-fold character of the Christian. Bold and brave, but also loving and tender.
Submit (15-16)
15. Devoted themselves: Addicted themselves - KJV.
16. Submit to such: Follow men like this - observe their walks and follow their lead!
Respect (17-18)
17. Glad about the coming of: These three men delivered the Corinthian letter to Paul. They would also deliver Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
18. Acknowledge: In addition to submit (16). Literally - recognize and know.
- Heb 13:7 - Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
- Heb 13:17 - Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Goodbye List (19-21)
- Ephesian Churches (19)
- Aquila and Priscilla (19)
- House Church (19)
- Ministry Workers (20)
- Each Other (20)
- Paul (21)


Closing (16:22-23)

Goodbye Blessing (22-23)
24. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus: After a letter filled with stern rebukes and corrections, Paul reemphasizes his love for the Corinthian church - the love of Christ Jesus.
As we close this letter I would reaffirm my love for Calvary Monterey.

Weekend Wrap

Weekend Wrap / 3.22.09 from Nate Holdridge on Vimeo.

ISI / Missions Luncheon

Put it on your calendar. After morning services on Sunday, March 29 we will hold a Missions Lunch with the International Students Inc. Ministry highlighting some of the things God is doing this year. ISI is an incredible ministry led by dedicated people, so I am sure it will be a great lunch.

Here is a information slide show ISI sent me...check it out.