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Sunday, September 18, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Biblical Finances - 09/18/2022

Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 09/18/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: Biblical Finances Podcast

Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube: Biblical Finances on YouTube

Biblical Finances

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jn. 10:10

The abuse of money, or what the Bible calls “increase” (which can be translated revenue) has caused untold havoc in our fallen world. Empires, nations, communities, families, and individual lives suffer under the weight of ignorance and disobedience.

Money and finances is the number one topic of the Biblical narrative. There are 500 verses on prayer, fewer than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,300 verses on money and possessions, Fifteen percent of everything Jesus said had to do with it.

It is important to begin by saying that God is indifferent regarding money. Some of His greatest agents, like Abraham, Job and Solomon had great wealth, while others like Gideon, Amos, and John the Baptist seemed to have meager means. Jesus Himself had, “no place to lay His head” Mt. 8:20. The condition of the heart, and the approach to gain is far more important in God’s economy.

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Tim. 6:10

Tithe is a good place to start!

At Rock Solid Church we have always taught that tithing is to demonstrate our victory over greed. It’s more for us than it is for God. He owns everything. Essentially it means a tenth. It is the OT principle that acknowledges God supplies our needs. See Deu. 26

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Pray - 09/11/2022

Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 08/17/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: Pray - Podcast

Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube: "Pray" - Video on YouTube

Pray!

“I love the LORD because He hears

My voice and my prayer for mercy.

Because He bends down to listen.

I will pray as long as I have breath! Ps. 116:1,2 NLT

We should begin by considering what a supreme privilege it is to enter into conversation with the Creator of all things. We have unbridled, twenty-four, seven access to the throne of grace. “He never slumbers or sleeps” Ps. 121:4

We are actually invited:

“’Come, let us reason together,’ Says the LORD” Isa. 1:18

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” Mt. 11:28

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!”’ Rev. 22:17

In its most basic form, prayer is dialogue with God. It’s difficult for us to process that because it’s not as if we are telling Him anything that He doesn’t already know. In earthly dialogue, we love to tell people things that they don’t know. This often stimulates dialogue.

There are methods of prayer; manners in which we engage with God.

Prayer of adoration, or worship; Acts 13:2,3

Prayer of intercession; I Tim. 2:1, Heb. 7:25, all of Jn. 17

Prayer of thanksgiving; Ps. 75, 107, 136

Prayer of agreement; Acts 2:42, Mt. 18:19

Prayer of faith; Ja. 5:15

Prayer of request, or supplication; Phil. 4:6, Eph. 6:18

Prayer of decree or declaration; I Kg. 18:37, Lk. 9:54

Praying in the Spirit; Jde. 1:20, Rom. 8:26,27

In these examples we speak to God. How does He respond to us?

Heb. 1:1,2, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in the time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…”

God speaks to us by His word, which is sufficient to cover any and every aspect of life. We will find, in God’s word, principles to apply to all our questions of life. This is the logos.

Example: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. I Cor. 10:31; Rm.11:36; Ps. 73:25-28. From the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Sometimes, for specific situations we may need a direct word. This can come in the form of a “rhema” word, which is translated “utterance.” It may come via a prophecy, or in a vision, or by a voice.

Relationships are formed by and through dialogue. When parties retreat into silence is when relationships break down. This retreat can take various forms. It could include surrounding ones self with only like minded people who agree with you whether right or wrong. It could also include engaging in mindless activities that are easy and gratifying.

Dialogue with God is always going to challenge us toward repentance. We must come to the conversation with humility, determined to hear what He has to say. Job 21:22 says, “Can anyone teach God knowledge…?” Notice how Adam and Eve retreat from God’s presence when their sin becomes an issue.

Prior to that event they were having dialogue with Satan. We must be very cautious with whom we agree with! Satan is defeated, and has no voice in the world, now, except the one we give him.

“Let us exalt His name together.” Ps. 34:3

Acts. 13:2,3; “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands o them, they sent them away.”

I Tim. 2:1, “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.”

Heb. 7:25, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

Ps. 75, “We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.”

Ps. 107, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,

Whom he has redeemed for the hand of the enemy.”

Ps. 136, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.”

Acts. 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers.”

Mt. 18:19, “Again I say to you that if tow of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Ja. 5:15, “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

Phil. 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let you requests be made known to God,”

Eph. 6:18, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”

Supplication: “deesis” Strong’s G1162; a petition:- prayer, request.

I Kg. 18:37, “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”

Lk. 9:54, “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fore to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’”

Jd. 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord, Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

Rom. 8:26,27; “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. How He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because Hi makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

I Cor. 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Rom. 11:36, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

-----Join us for another Bible Study Next Week -------

Join our “Victory over the Darkness”, “The Bondage Breaker”, "Freedom in Christ" series of Discipleship Classes via the mt4christ247 podcast!

at https://mt4christ247.podbean.com, You can also find it on Apple podcasts

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mt4christ247s-podcast/id1551615154). The mt4christ247 podcast is also available on Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartradio, and Audible.com.

These teachings are also available on the MT4Christ247 You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxjSNstREpuGWuL0bF3U7w/featured

Email me at mt4christ247@gmail.com to receive the class materials, share your progress, and to be encouraged.

Encouragement for the Path of Christian Discipleship

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - What is Sin? - 09/04/2022

Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 08/17/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: What is Sin? Podcast

Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube:

What is Sin?

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23

Well, that doesn’t really tell us what sin is but it should spark our interest to find out.

I wish the answer was easy, like – this is sin, don’t do it, you’re all set.

The believer should know what sin is so that we don’t dabble or compromise, but also to sharpen our apologetic. Inevitably someone will ask us...”So you think it’s a sin to_______?

Our response to this question should be informed and engaging.

Examples of variations:

The Eastern Orthodox understanding of sin is, “a distortion of the Image.” That would be the image of God that we are created in, Gen. 1:26. As much as I like this definition, an obvious problem should be evident; is the image slightly distorted or seriously distorted?

The Roman Church focuses on, violating the law of God. Roman culture was built around the law. This is why we see so much legal language seep into Western Protestantism. Similar problem is that one may have badly violated the law, or not so badly. This notion leads the Catholic Church’s practice of categorizing sin.

The Calvinist perspective is that sin is high treason against God, which dovetails with the doctrine of total depravity. This, I believe, draws from the Biblical accounting, and leaves no wiggle room. See Jas. 2:10-13 This view emphasizes the desperate need for a savior. “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Eph. 2:1. Only God (He) can accomplish this.

Paul gives the broadest definition, Rom. 14:23, “...for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Ouch!

Jesus taught that sin is an issue of the heart. Mt. 5:27-28

Where does this come from? Original sin has set us on a bad trajectory from birth. Fixation upon self, the flesh, and our feelings captivates our souls. This is why the understanding is toward a “bondage” to sin, Rom. 7:14. Also see the rest of Eph. 2:1-9, where we read “But God”

The first cause that we find back in Gen. 3 is a failure to trust God. This is something we must understand about our struggle with sin.

Great faith takes God at His word and trust in His goodness.

Sin is an expression of our failure to trust God:

I stole because I didn’t trust that God would supply my needs

I lied because I didn’t believe that all things work together for good…

I murdered because I didn’t understand that, “vengeance is Mine”

I covet because I disagree that God is sufficient.

I blaspheme because I “feel” that God has lied.

Understanding sin as a violation of trust matters because when trust is violated relationship is compromised. It’s personal! See Ps. 51.4

But God is determined to restore relationship with the objects of His love. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2

Waiting patiently for us!

When engaging with unbelievers on the sin question it seems reasonable to ask them if they know what sin is.

It might be well to ask how they determine right from wrong.

It could lead to demonstrating that their relationship with God is violated.

They may wish to have it restored.

-----Join us for another Bible Study Next Week -------

Join our “Victory over the Darkness”, “The Bondage Breaker”, "Freedom in Christ" series of Discipleship Classes via the mt4christ247 podcast!

at https://mt4christ247.podbean.com, You can also find it on Apple podcasts

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mt4christ247s-podcast/id1551615154). The mt4christ247 podcast is also available on Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartradio, and Audible.com.

These teachings are also available on the MT4Christ247 You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxjSNstREpuGWuL0bF3U7w/featured

Email me at mt4christ247@gmail.com to receive the class materials, share your progress, and to be encouraged.

Encouragement for the Path of Christian Discipleship

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Mount of Olives - 08/28/2022

Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 08/28/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: Mount Of Olives Podcast

Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube: Mpount of Olives Video

The Mount of Olives

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God.” II Cor. 1:21

The Mount of Olives is just east of the Old City of Jerusalem and separated from it by the Kidron Valley. It is a multi-summit limestone ridge. The peak usually regarded as the Mount of Olives proper is the southern summit which rises to 2,652 ft. above sea level.

This is a popular setting for the Biblical narrative. The first mention is in II Sam. 15:30, “So David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.”

Jesus frequented the Mount of Olives. Following a hot exchange with he Pharisees, in Jn. 7, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives to pray. Jn. 8;1, Two days before His crucifixion Jesus delivered His so-called Olivet Discourse (Mt. 24,25; Mk13; Lk 21). The traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane is on the western slope. Finally, Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12)

At His second coming, “And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the ount of Olives shall be split in two.” Zec. 14:4

On the Mount of Olives grow Olive trees (imagine that) along with almond and fig trees.

Olives are an important fruit in God’s economy.

Oil derived from olives was used to light the lamps in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. The ten virgins in Jesus parable took olive oil to light their lamps. Mt. 25:1-13. Thus oil is considered a type of the Holy Spirit.

Most importantly olive oil is used in the anointing oil along with myrrh, cinnamon, cane and cassia. Ex. 30:22-32. It was used to anoint the tabernacle, the utensils, the priest, and later the kings of Israel.

The title of “Christ” is the Greek form of “Messiah” which means “Anointed One”...happens to be a masculine noun

The only place this is used in the OT is in the Book of Daniel’s Messianic prophecy. Dan. 9:20-27

Where does God’s anointing rest now??? In heaven???

Today’s verse, II Cor. 1:21 informs us that we are God’s anointed

With the anointing comes an authority:

Mk. 1:22 says, “And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as on having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Rom. 13:2 says, “For there is no authority except from God.”

II Cor. 13:10 Paul explains his authority, “...according to the authority which the Lord has given me…”

With the anointing comes a promise:

God made a covenant promise with Aaron and the kings of Israel who were anointed, to establish them. See II Chr. 1:9.

In our verse just above II Cor. 1:21, we see, “For the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” II Cor. 1:20

With the anointing comes a seal:

Since we have seen that the oil is a type of the Holy Spirit, it indicates to us that the baptism of the HS is liken to the pouring of oil in the OT. The anointing oil.

Eph. 1:3, “...having believed, you wee sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” Also see II Cor. 1:22

-----Join us for another Bible Study Next Week -------

Join our “Victory over the Darkness”, “The Bondage Breaker”, "Freedom in Christ" series of Discipleship Classes via the mt4christ247 podcast!

at https://mt4christ247.podbean.com, You can also find it on Apple podcasts

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mt4christ247s-podcast/id1551615154). The mt4christ247 podcast is also available on Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartradio, and Audible.com.

These teachings are also available on the MT4Christ247 You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxjSNstREpuGWuL0bF3U7w/featured

Email me at mt4christ247@gmail.com to receive the class materials, share your progress, and to be encouraged.

Encouragement for the Path of Christian Discipleship

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - The Spirit and the Bride Say, Come - 08/21/2022

Today's Bible Study, Authored by Arthur Cincotti. 08/21/2022

Listen to our Bible Study Discussion at: The Spirit and the Bride, Come Podcast

Or watch the Video Zoom Session of our Study on YouTube: Zoom Video

The Spirit and the Bride Say, Come

“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.” II Cor. 4:3

● Last week we examined the use of a veil in Scripture, to separate parties that should be walking in intimacy. We saw how the first use of the word, in Gen. 24:65, occurred at the occasion of the first nuptial recorded, between Isaac and Rebekah.

● We also considered Moses use of a veil (Ex. 34:29-35) where he used it to cover his face, which shone from being in the presence of God, when he met with the children of Israel; but (v.34) “whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out”

● In today’s opening verse, Paul the usage of veil, now as a metaphor describing how the gospel appears to unbelievers, a point we touched on briefly.

Perhaps the problem with our presentation of the gospel is that we are emphasizing the minor points and neglecting the major.

We emphasize:

Come to Jesus and all you sins will be forgiven. Acts 5:31

This is a good thing, but is it the best?

We can have fellowship with God. I Jn. 5:20, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with His Son.” NLT….Is that it?

We have blessings because of this fellowship.

We are “more than conquerors” Rom. 8:37

“mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” II Co. 10:4

We are “made whole” Jn. 5:9… I like all this!!!

We are called to a union with Christ far beyond our imagination, even though we see glimpses of it in the Scripture; we are His bride.

When Suzanna and I attended a Family Life marriage conference back in Nov. of 2019, the opening speaker said that the purpose of marriage is to gain “oneness”. We are always, either moving toward oneness or moving toward separation.

There are only two institutions established by God in Scripture.

1) marriage 2) the church

The Biblical narrative begins with a marriage Gen. 2:23 and ends with a marriage Rev. 21:2

In Jn. 2:1-11 is the account of Jesus first miracle at wedding feast.

In Eph. 5:32, Paul says, “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Chris t and the church.”

In Jn. 17:21, Jesus Priestly prayer, “that they all may be one, as You Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us…”

And Mat. 22:1-14, The Parable of the Wedding Feast

This all may seem a little creepy to our feeble understanding; being the bride of Christ.

We can understand blessing, and prosperity, and healing and power.

But the wedding motif is all over the pages of Scripture.

Some say that God left one bride at the altar; Israel, and now the church stands with veiled face at the last hour… Not to sure about that??? Replacement theology. Not edifying.

The simple truth is that the invitation has gone out for all to come; and it’s a beautiful calling that gives Christ glory and gives us the satisfaction of the desire of our hearts. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” I Cor. 2:9

-----Join us for another Bible Study Next Week -------

Join our “Victory over the Darkness”, “The Bondage Breaker”, "Freedom in Christ" series of Discipleship Classes via the mt4christ247 podcast!

at https://mt4christ247.podbean.com, You can also find it on Apple podcasts

(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mt4christ247s-podcast/id1551615154). The mt4christ247 podcast is also available on Google Podcasts, Amazon Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartradio, and Audible.com.

These teachings are also available on the MT4Christ247 You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTxjSNstREpuGWuL0bF3U7w/featured

Email me at mt4christ247@gmail.com to receive the class materials, share your progress, and to be encouraged.

Encouragement for the Path of Christian Discipleship

Labels

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Biblical Finances - 09/18/2022

Sunday, September 11, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Pray - 09/11/2022

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - What is Sin? - 09/04/2022

Sunday, August 28, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - Mount of Olives - 08/28/2022

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Bible Study with the Cincotti's - The Spirit and the Bride Say, Come - 08/21/2022