Double Whammy!

So your next assignment, is just this: Pray Pray Pray!  ...and read the chapters "Power in Operation" and "Power Hindered" in that order.  As you read them and pray, just share what it is that God has shown you.

Chapter 3 - Witnessing in Power

- Read the intro by Spurgeon - list your favorite phrase of sentence(s) out of there and expound on it.

- In the first few pages Moody discusses that the early church has forgotten the miraculous things surrounding Jesus' birth.  How long does it take you to forget?  Me?..anywhere from 2 days to 1 year.

- Read the sections "Rappings in the Dark" and "Spirits That Peep And Mutter".  Discuss what the "great sin" is. What are some ways we commit this sin in our culture?

- What are the main functions of the Holy Spirit that Moody highlights in this chapter?

Most awesome quote ever!!!  "The world can get on well without you and me, but the world cannot get on without Christ"  Something else that really stood out to me is the concept of being spiritually long and short-sighted at the same time.  I think that applies to me sometimes...especially when I'm not hearing the Spirit.

Power - "In and Upon" Ch. 2

OK. I'll just jump right in.
-According to Moody, a Christian cannot have the Holy Spirit upon them for service because their heart is willed with other things.  What are they?  Can you think of any specific instance of this happening in your life?  (You don't have to share this unless you want to.)

-What are the steps to becoming anointed by the Lord for His service?  Here's some homework for you - determine in your heart to follow these steps until you have the anointing of the Lord overflowing from your life.

-"The Sword of the Lord and Gideon"  What does this statement mean to you?

I am getting so stoked about this book and about the impact it could have on our team!  Can't wait to discuss it this meeting.
Btw, if I understood him right last February, Pastor Juan's denomination doesn't teach a second filling or an overflowing of the Spirit but I don't know if I've ever seen someone more anointed by the Spirit...an obvious by-product of seeking God's face and allowing Him to cleanse you of your flesh like Moody mentioned at the beginning of the chapter.  Any further thoughts?

Power - It's Source Ch. 1

• Was there anything about the Holy Spirit that you didn't know before that you learned from this chapter?  What about anything you disagreed with or made you uncomfortable?
• On page 27 is says, "Human eloquence or persuasiveness of speech are the mere trappings of the dead."  What are ways we might fall into this in our own lives or ministries?
• Read Titus 2:2 along with pages 32 and 33.  What are some other verses you might have that go with this?

We'll use our discussion on this blog to launch our discussion at the meeting this Sunday.  Looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts!

And for your viewing pleasure look at the previous post...

Mexico missions

Here we go!

I am so excited to actually be started in on the book.  The funny part is, if you have done the reading, you won't even be to the first chapter but there is TONS of great stuff just in the preface and introduction.  Hopefully you guys are as blessed as I was by this stuff.
Food for thought:
Preface - The author discusses "zeal without knowledge".  Consider this problem for a moment.  Have you ever had or known someone that had zeal without knowledge?  What were they (or you) like?  How could you fix this problem in your life?  Now, what about the opposite...any thoughts on knowledge without zeal?

Mr. Moody Meets The Master - Think about Mr. Kimball's actions & his insecurities.  How does his actions compare to your own life when you feel that way?
 - Towards the bottom of page 11, the church's statement, "Is not ashamed to be known as a Christian.  Eighteen years old." about D.L. Moody is profound when you compare it to most of today's society.  

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words 

in this adulterous and sinful generation, 

of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes

 in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38

...let me hear your thoughts on this verse and Moody's process of coming into the church.  Also, can think of any other scriptures that might go along these same lines?

Trip Verse

I Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.  (NASB - my favorite translation)


Thoughts?  It doesn't have to be deep.  Maybe the first thing that jumped out at you or a cross reference that applies...or maybe how it will apply to our group as we prepare to go to Mexico...or you as an individual?