Firm Foundation with Bryan Hudson
2014-12
Episodes
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
The Power Of God's Plan
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
Sunday Dec 28, 2014
Masterpiece: a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. An artist's or craftsman's best piece of work.
A masterpiece does not happen by accident. It is not the result of something random. A masterpiece is the result of an inspired plan.
We usually relate a masterpiece to artwork or some other work of an artist, whether literary, or music or architecture. Basically, a masterpiece is anyone’s best work. Not “best” in relation to someone else’s work, but only in relation to your own work.
It has been said that the new birth is greatest miracle that we’ll ever experience. I agree. There is no underestimating the significance of the new birth, especially when you consider the plan of God behind it and the level of power and sacrifice required to make it happen.
Most importantly is the reality that, according to the Apostle Paul, believers in Christ are God’s masterpiece. Everyone has great value and dignity because every person is made in God’s image and likeness. However, the idea of being God’s “workmanship” and “masterpiece” is related to our re-creation or re-birth in Christ.
From the Garden of Eden, to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, to Rahab’s hiding.
I marvel at the few manmade masterpieces I’ve seen in person such as some of the art of Michealanglo, the Hoover Dam, St. Paul’s Cathedral in London (1708). Cecil B. Demil’s “The Ten Commandments” is a masterpiece film. A masterpiece makes you say to yourself, “How did they do that?” People look at the pyramids and think that aliens or some superhumans must has built them because we can imagine people building it.
There is no underestimating what inspired people can do when they have an exceptional plan.
Masterpiece works come from a plan, a lot of work, and a lot of suffering to stay with the plan amid challenges.
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Kingdom Best Practice
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Sunday Dec 21, 2014
Definition of best: Of the highest quality, excellence, or standing: the best work; the best students. most advantageous, suitable, or desirable: the best way, most productive of good : offering or producing the greatest advantage, utility, or satisfaction
Definition of 'Best Practices: A set of guidelines, ethics or ideas that represent the most efficient or prudent course of action. Best practices are often set forth by an authority, such as a governing body or management, depending on the circumstances. While best practices generally dictate the recommended course of action, some situations require that such practices be followed.
All the important professions and careers in our society our guided by best practices. As believers in Christ, how much more should best practices guide our actions?
Kingdom best practices:
1. Following: Proverbs 16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Praying: Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
2. Caring: 1 Corinthians 12:24 But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
3. Serving: Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
4. Giving: Prov. 3:9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase
5. Honoring: Romans 12:9, Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
6. Preaching: Luke 9:6, So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
7. Humility: Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.