Blain's Notes in Preparation for the Fall Festival of Marriage

Next weekend, we embark on our journey to the Fall Festival of Marriage at the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center.  This is the 4th time for Lori and me, so we're excited to be "tour guides" for several of our close friends who are first-timers joining us this year.  I am documenting some important points in this blog to help make your first FFoM a great one!

Here's a link to the schedule... http://www.lifeway.com/ev/ev_occ_details/0,2223,O%3D2311,00.html

Here's more about the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center... http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/

Here's the address: LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center, 1 Ridgecrest Drive, Ridgecrest, NC 28770

... and phone: 828-669-8022

Here are some points from us based on our prior years' experiences...

# Before you leave, pray for safe travels as well as protection from the enemy who will most certainly want to come along and get between you and your spouse on this sacred weekend away. Lori and I have had some of our biggest arguments on the way to Ridgecrest. In the name of Jesus, banish Satan and all spiritual warfare from this vacation. I'm very serious.

# On a more positive note... Invite Jesus along with you to bless this time together and your marriage. Pray for harmony and growth in your relationship with one another and with God.

# In summary, there are 14 workshop topics spread out among 6 workshop sessions over the weekend (2 Friday, 3 Saturday, 1 Sunday). (The topics are described in the schedule at the link above).

# When you arrive and check-in you will get a room assignment and a detailed schedule that tells what is offered when and where.

# The rooms there are OK, but don't be expecting a 5 star Marriott or Hilton (or 4 star).  It's unlikely we will all be in the same building - but that's OK - each couple will be in their own room - ALONE.

# The more popular workshop topics are offered several times, but you will want to plan out your time so you can get into the topics you want. Sometimes there is standing room only. I suggest you print out the topic list, and discuss those on the ride up to Ridgecrest. (Again, don't forget to pray!!!)

# It is OK to split up and go to different topics, but certainly there are some you want to attend together.

# Registration starts at noon, but you can register whenever you arrive. We typically have left home in the afternoon and have skipped the Friday sessions. Since this is the first time for all of you, you may want to try to catch at least one Friday session.

# You definitely want to arrive in time for the evening's General Session (7pm-9pm) which is when you will hear from the keynote speaker - Gary Chapman.

# On Saturday, there are 3 sessions and then the afternoon is free. During the free time, they offer a hay ride, which costs some money, but is fun. Space is limited, so decide before Saturday afternoon if you're going to do that. Another option during free time, is to go to Black Mountain (3-5 miles away) which is a quaint little town featuring some shopping and ice cream.

# Another Saturday option is to go into Asheville (10-12 miles) for dinner... We used to go to Don Pablo's but they are now closed. There are several restaurants along Tunnel Rd such as Outback, Olive Garden, Carrabba's, and of course, McDonald's.

# We need to make sure to get back Saturday for the 7-9pm General Session.

# On Sunday, there is another workshop session, and General Session, with the conference concluding at noon. We usually try to get a group picture right before or after that Sunday General Session.

# There is a Lifeway bookstore on campus that has some books, shirts, and other stuff you would find at Lifeway.
# One other thing you might want to make time for is a walk up to the cross. It's a really great way to have some quiet time on the mountain.
# Also suggest you bring your Bible, journal, pen, and appropriate mountain clothes.

# As far as hanging out... This is a marriage conference, so priority #1 is spending time with your spouse and God. However, we can hang out as a group some as well... in the General Sessions, if you want to hang out, let's meet on the right side of the sound booth in the auditorium. There is also some time in the evenings after the sessions when we can enjoy some coffee, desserts, or board games. Or, go back to your rooms for... whatever. (There are no TVs)

Well that's about all I can think of...

Blain and Lori (your cruise directors)

Temptation of Jesus #3 (Matthew 4:8-10, Deuteronomy 6:13)

Temptation #3: Worship me (Satan) and I’ll give you the world. In other words…

• Taking a shortcut to fulfill a God-given purpose, or 
• Doing the right thing at the wrong time or the wrong way

Think About This

1. What are some goals you believe God has led you to in your life?
2. What are ways you can speed up the process to accomplish those goals?

Discussion

1. Read about Jesus’ mission being foretold to Mary in Luke 1:32-33
2. From this passage, what do you learn about what Jesus’ ultimate mission/goal was?
3. What else do you know about Jesus’ mission?

Read about Jesus’ 3rd temptation in Matthew 4:8-11, and the reference to his response in Deuteronomy 6:13

1. What strategies did Satan use when he was tempting Jesus?
2. What did Satan promise Jesus and was that something Jesus even wanted?
3. What gain could Jesus possibly have if he would have accepted the temptation?
4. What pain might Jesus possibly have avoided if he would have accepted the temptation?
5. What area in our human nature does this type of temptation appeal to?
6. What are some things in our life that sometimes become “gods” that we worship or serve?
7. What happened after the devil left Jesus? What does this tell you about God?

Read about the history of the “authority over the world” concept…

1. Read Genesis 1:26-30. Who does God give authority over the world?
2. Read an alternate perspective of the temptation in Luke 4:4-7. How is it that the devil can give away the authority? How did he get it?
3. Read Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan and to disobey God, what did this do with regard to their authority over the earth?
4. Read Mark 8:31-36. In what ways is this a déjà vu moment for Jesus?
5. Read Matthew 28:1-10, and 28:18. How did Jesus get the authority back?

As this chart from NIV Life Application Study Bible shows, temptation is often the combination of a real need and a possible doubt that creates an inappropriate desire:

Using the chart above, which of Jesus’ temptations are most similar to these “modern” temptations?

1. Cheating on your taxes to save a few bucks.
2. Taking that big promotion even if it means sacrificing family time.
3. Going out to lunch with an opposite sex co-worker who makes you feel good about yourself.
4. Overeating
5. Peer pressure to get drunk because others are doing it.
6. Peer pressure to get baptized because others are doing it.
7. Getting the kids involved in a lot of sports and activities.
8. Compare yourself with others and judge others
9. Let loose your tongue with anger
10. Taking a “step out in faith” even though you really haven’t consulted or heard from God on the matter 
11. Getting into an argument with your spouse on the way to church.
12. Moms who try to do-it-all
13. Deciding not to speak up when your faith is being offended
14. Listening in on an offensive joke.
15. Lust or interest in someone other than your spouse.
16. Serving at church or in the community for the attention it will bring you.
17. Refusing to admit you might be wrong.
18. Give up when hard times come.
19. Seek material things to bring happiness.
20. What’s your temptation?

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. In the moment of temptation, you will discover who you really are and whose you really are.
2. Don’t compromise what’s important for what’s immediate.
3. The issue is not whether Jesus can take a shortcut to achieve his God-given goal, but can he trust God.
4. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
5. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. In order to do the will of God do I have to compromise the values & principles of God to get there?
2. Note well…
• The only thing Jesus wanted more than to accomplish his mission was unbroken fellowship with the Father. What he got in the end: BOTH
• When we want the kingdoms of the earth and sacrifice unbroken fellowship with the Father to get it, what do we get in the end: NEITHER
3. The next time you are tempted, will you trust God in and through those details about your life that God is very interested in?
4. If the devil had 3 shots at you, what three temptations would he use?
5. What is it you want so bad, that you would sacrifice your principles or conscious?

In Summary… Hebrews 4:12-16

12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Serendipity Study Bible for Groups.
4. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.
5. “Who’s Running Things Here on Planet Earth – Because He’s Making a Mess of It.”
6. “Jesus Tempted by Sight”
7. Guided Study: Luke 4:1-13. The Discipleship Ministry
8. Guided Study: The Second Temptation. The Discipleship Ministry
9. “Authority of the Believer – Part 3”

Temptation of Jesus #2 (Matthew 4:5-7, Deut. 6:16, Exodus 15, 17, Numbers 13-14)

Link to text: Matthew 4:5-7, Deut. 6:16, Exodus 15, 17, Numbers 13-14

Temptation #2: Throw yourself down from the temple – the angels will save you. In other words…
· Using God to accomplish your own ends, or
· Temptation to manipulate, rather than cooperate with, God
“It is also written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
-- Matthew 4:7

Think About This

1. What are some times when you were counting on God to do something for you and he came through? … didn’t come through?
2. Were there differences in the circumstances of each?

Discussion

Recap

1. Have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was tempted? Why do you think God would allow Jesus to go into a situation where he knew he’d be tempted? How does knowing that he was tempted make you feel? (read Hebrews 4:14-16)
2. Do you think that you are tempted in ways that Jesus wasn’t? Explain why or why not? (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10)

Read about Jesus’ 2nd temptation in Matthew 4:5-7, and the reference to his response in Deuteronomy 6:16

1. What strategies did Satan use when he was tempting Jesus?
2. What gain could Jesus possibly have if he would have accepted the temptation?
3. Read the original passage Satan quoted in Psalm 91:11-12. Did God imply or say that anyone, or Jesus, should risk their life in order to engage God?
4. What strategies does Satan use to tempt us?
5. What strategies did Jesus use to fight temptation? What strategies/weapons can we use to fight temptation?

For context regarding the command in Deuteronomy 6:16, read the following passages to understand God’s faithfulness in the first few months of the Exodus:

Passage	Where	What
Exodus 15:19-21	Red Sea	Saving water
Exodus 15:22-26	Marah	Bitter water
Exodus 15:27	Elim	Springs of water
Exodus 16	Desert of Sin	Bread (Temptation #1)
Exodus 17:1-7	Massah	Rock water

1. How is jumping off the temple like grumbling for water?
2. Explore the parallels between the Israelites’ time in the wilderness with Jesus’ time in the wilderness. How had God blessed each in the past? What had he promised each in the future? What were each dealing with in the present?
3. How do you think the Israelites felt when they escaped through the dry ground of the Red Sea? If you would have experienced what they experienced, how long would that have affected you?
4. Contrast the peoples’ communication to Moses in 15:24 and Moses’ communication to God in 15:25.
5. What do you think the people felt in 15:27? What type of land typically would support 70 palm trees?
6. Why were the people moving from place to place? (17:1)
7. Again, contrast the peoples’ communication to Moses in 17:2-3 and Moses’ communication to God in 17:4.
8. When the people quarreled with Moses, who were they indirectly quarreling with?
9. Are the complaints of the Israelites valid? What is another way they could express their need or frustration?
10. Was thirst their only problem? What was the deeper object lesson? How well do you suppose they learned this lesson?
11. What do these passages teach about the authority of Moses and God?
12. In this case (and many others), the people tested God, and God came through for them. What does this tell you about God?

Read about spying on the Promised Land in Numbers 13:1-2, 13:21-22 and Numbers 14

1. What did the spies find on their adventure? (13:21-22, 27-28)
2. Contrast the 2 perspectives of the report from Caleb (13:30) and the others (13:31-33)
3. What words of motivation did Joshua and Caleb deliver to the Israelites? (14:6-9) What was their response? (14:10)
4. What was God’s response to Moses? (14:11-12) … and Moses’ response to God? (14:13-19)
5. And, in conclusion, what did God decide to do that would impact the Israelites for the next 38 years? (14:21-35) (see below for the 10 failures referenced in 14:22)
6. How do you think Moses felt after reaching the edge of Canaan (the Promised Land) and then the Lord laid down the law and told them to turn around and return to the desert towards the Red Sea – the beginning of their journey? (14:15)
7. What was the response of the Israelites when Moses gave them the bad news? (14:39-40)
8. What did the Israelites decide to do and what were they presuming God would do for them? Did they really have a change of heart? (14:44)
9. What happened? (14:45) In this case (and many others), the people tested God. But this time, God was silent. What does this tell you about God?
10. What are ways that we test God? Ie. We presume upon his grace; we make plans ourselves then invite God to help make the plans work.

Consider the following diagrams. Which one is a pattern of cooperating with God? With manipulating or testing God?



Ten failures referenced in Numbers 14:22

1. lacking trust crossing Red Sea (Ex 14:11-12)
2. complaining about bitter water at Marah (Ex 15:24)
3. complaining in Desert of Sin (Ex 16:3)
4. collecting more than daily quota of manna (Ex 16:20)
5. collecting manna on Sabbath (Ex 16:27-29)
6. complaining about lack of water at Massah (Ex 17:2-3)
7. engaging in idolatry of golden calf (Ex 32:7-10)
8. complaining at Taberah (Num 11:1-2)
9. more complaining over lack of delicious food (Num 11:4)
10. failing to trust God an enter Promised Land (Num 14:1-4)

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. Obedience = If I trust God, I will ______________ .
2. Presumption/Testing = If God will do _____________, then I will trust him.
3. The issue is not whether Jesus has faith to risk his life to prove God will save him, but can he trust God.
4. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
5. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. What strategies/weapons can we use to fight temptation?
2. Look to your own past and future and think how God has blessed you, or what he has promised.
3. How will you “let go and let God” the next time you “thirst”?
4. Are your prayers indicative of manipulation of, or cooperation with, God?

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Serendipity Study Bible for Groups.
4. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.
5. Ron Julian, “Testing God,” Gutenberg College McKenzie Study Center.

Temptation of Jesus #1 (Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8, Exodus 16)

Link to Text:  Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8, Exodus 16


Temptation #1: Tell these stones to become bread. In other words…  
- Meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way.

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
     -- Matthew 4:4

Think About This

• What is your favorite dish? If you ate your favorite dish every day, at what point would you get tired of having the same thing.

Discussion

     Exodus 16

1. What was the prior 400 years like for the Israelites? What was their understanding of God, and their faith? How were they provided for?
2. How long were the Israelites in the desert before they complained about the lack of food? What was God’s response?
3. Why did God want to test them, and how did he craft the “rules” about receiving the manna? How would this serve as a test?
4. What happened when people gathered too much or too little manna? What happened when people tried to save manna to the next day? What happened when people looked for manna on the 7th day?
5. Consider the thought of eating the same meal every day for breakfast (bread) and dinner (quail) for 40 years. How would you feel initially? After a few weeks? After a few months? After a few years?
6. What 2 things did the Israelites learn about the provision of the manna and quail?
   1. physical, about the provision: __________
   2. spiritual, about God: __________
7. Who placed the physical need for food in humans?
8. How would you balance the feelings of thankfulness with feelings of boredom or discontent with the same menu every day?    

     Deuteronomy 8

1. In Deuteronomy 8:2-3, what are all the verbs the Lord does “to” the Israelites?
2. What else went well in the desert regarding the provision from God (v4)?
3. How is Moses comparing the deprivation of the wilderness to the abundance of the impending Promised Land? How is the wilderness described in v15? How is the Promised Land described in 7-9?
4. Why is it important that they obey and follow the Lord in the hard times in the wilderness? How does that translate into the future times when there will be abundance?
5. Physically, man could live by bread alone, couldn’t he?
6. Why did God want to test the Israelites (v16)? What good would that do them?
7. In applying this to our lives, what can we replace the word “bread” with in the statement “Man does not live by ______ alone.” In other words…
1. What is something we desire, want, need, that may become a temptation? Example: Man does not live by “owning my own house” alone. Man does not live by “having fun at Spring Break” alone, etc.
2. How are some ways we are tempted to meet these needs?
3. What are some ways you have experienced God’s provision in an area of temptation? 

     Matthew 4:1-4

1. What happened immediately before Jesus was tempted (Matthew 3)? How is that significant as compared to “when” we are sometimes tempted?
2. What was Jesus’ physical condition when he experienced the first temptation? How does that to compare to the same for us?
3. What would be the long term impacts if Jesus had accepted the temptation? To Jesus? To God? To the world?
4. What are the long term impacts when we are tempted? To us? To our family? To our future? To our faith?

Bottom Line Point(s):

1. The issue is not whether Jesus is hungry and can turn stone into bread, but can he trust God.
2. Giving in to temptation is not just about “the moment”… There are usually long term impacts to future, family, and faith.
3. Others?

How can you apply what you’ve learned here?

1. What’s your bread?

Bibliography

1. Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
2. ESV Study Bible.
3. Andy Stanley, “Pause” series.

Some Promises of God

There are many promises of God in the Bible... Here are some...

1. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
2. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
3. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
4. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
5. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.. Mark 16:16
6. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
7. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
8. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
9. Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalms 55:22
10. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of GOD. Ephesians 2:8
11. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
12. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
13. Christ accepts us : Revelation 3:20; John 6:37
14. God gives eternal life : John 5:24; John 10:28
15. God forgives us : 1 John 1:7-9; Isaiah 1:18
16. God is faithful to us : Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10
17. God comforts us : Psalm 23
18. Christ is always with us : Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5,6
19. God protects us from harm : Psalm 91; Psalm 121
20. God gives us courage : Hebrews 13:5,6; Ephesians 6:10-18
21. God gives us wisdom : James 1:5
22. God gives us the strength to refuse temptation : 1 Corinthians 10:6-13; James 1:12-16
23. God answers prayer : John 15:7
24. God gives peace of mind : Philippians 4:6,7
25. God guides us : Psalm 32:8,9 --- --- (thanx to Carol Semmelman)
26. God relieves us from suffering : 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
27. God gives us rest : Matthew 11:28,29

Holiness (aka sanctification)

Thaw

1. What has most stuck with you from Sunday?
2. What was your impression of the word “holiness”?
3. What challenged your previous way of thinking?

Notes

(from Sunday)

• Leviticus – aimed at former slaves coming out of Egypt
• Israelite people set apart – didn’t even know it
• Holiness: Set apart for a special function
• Don’t act like a slave anymore
• Everything we do reflects our position & view of God
• We are distinct from God but walking statues of God – represent Him, like a billboard, movie trailer
• What else is holy: 7th day, dirt, Israelites – look the same but set apart
• Profane = outside the temple
• Gravitational pull of slavery pulling us outside the temple
• Holiness is not the goal but the pathway
• Will our identity be marked by our outward appearance, or behavior, our image management, or will we actually believe what God says about us – will be embrace the life he has for us and take on his identity?
• The opposite of holiness is not unholiness or immorality, but slavery

(from Tuesday)

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
Justification: God gives us right legal standing before him

Sanctification: A progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.

Justification

• Legal standing
• Once and for all time
• Entirely God’s work
• Perfect in this life
• The same in all Christians

Sanctification

• Internal condition
• Continuous throughout life
• We cooperate
• Not perfect in this life
• Greater in some than in others

Read

• Leviticus 18:1-5
• Leviticus 22:31-33
• Ezekiel 37:21-28
• Ephesians 4:11-24
• Romans 12
• John 8:31-36
• Romans 6

Discuss

1. What motivates you to live a “good” life?
2. In what ways do people become “slaves to sin,” and how can a person escape this bondage?
3. What does it mean to be “dead to sin?”
4. If Christians are “dead to sin” why do they still sin?
5. What pattern of sin should we observe throughout the life of a Christian?
6. What does it mean to practice the teaching in v 11-13?
7. What’s the result of slavery to sin?
8. What is the benefit of slavery to God and its result?
9. What are the obstacles to embracing freedom?
10. How do you feel about being a slave to God? Consider the 1 Corinthians verse above.
11. What is the appeal of life (or parts of life) lived "outside the temple" (profanely, or Pro Fanus)
12. Why is this often easier to see in others than in the self?
13. What changes of thought are required going forward?
14. What changes of behavior/attitude seem necessary at this point?
15. What does discipleship, or real, Biblical sainthood, cost?
16. What does the opposite (slavery) cost?
17. In what ways are our hands “equally skilled?” God’s hands?

Reflect

1. What decisions are individuals making based on Christ's invitation for exodus from that which enslaves?

Equally Skilled by Jon Foreman

How miserable I am
I feel like a fruit-picker who arrived here
After the harvest
There's nothing here at all
Nothing at all here that could placate my hunger
The godly people are all gone
There's not one honest soul left alive
Here on the planet
We're all murderers and thieves
Setting traps here for even our brothers

And both of our hands are equally skilled
At doing evil, equally skilled
At bribing the judges, equally skilled
At perverting justice
Both of our hands
Both of our hands

The day of justice comes
And is even now swiftly arriving
Don't trust anyone at all
Not your best friend or even your wife
For the son hates the father
The daughter despises even her mother
Look, your enemies arrive
Right in the room of your very household

And both of their hands are equally skilled
At doing evil, equally skilled
At bribing the judges, equally skilled
At perverting justice
Both of their hands
Both of their hands

No, don't gloat over me
Though I fall, though I fall
I will rise again
Though I sit here in darkness
The Lord, the Lord alone
He will be my light
I will be patient as the Lord
Punishes me for the wrongs I've done
Against Him
After that, He'll take my case
Bringing me to light and the justice
For all I have suffered

And both of His hands
Are equally skilled
At ruining evil, equally skilled
At judging the judges, equally skilled
Administering justice
Both of His hands

Both of His hands
Are equally skilled
At showing me mercy, equally skilled
At loving the loveless, equally skilled
Administering justice
Both of His hands
Both of His hands


Bibliography

1. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"
2. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”
3. Grudem, Systematic Theology.
4. Crosspointe Life Group Leaders notes

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