1. Are you currently content in all your circumstances? Do you envy the wicked at times? Why? Share with your group.

2. Why is it that the righteous are the ones who are ultimately blessed. In other words, why is it ultimately better to do good rather than bad? Explain and support with scripture.

3. What does it mean to live in light of eternity? How does one practically do this?

4. “Delight yourself in The Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”. How have you seen this verse to be true in your life?

5. Remember to pray for one another this week.

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
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Episode 19 of Emmaus Essentials – LBC 1689 is up and ready for your consumption. The subject is chapter 11 of the Confession – Of Justification. This is truly a vital doctrine and I would highly encourage you to listen in. Questions considered are: What is justification? How is justification received? What is the basis for our justification? When is a person justified? What is the relationship between justification and sanctification? And, how were those who lived before Christ justified? I hope your are blessed by it!

Pastor Joe

Access on:

emmauscf.org/essentials

iTunes

Posted in News Sermons Confession of Faith Joe Anady
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1. What specific thing does this psalm teach you about God? (For example, look for signs of His character, His attributes, His works, His promises.) Share.

2. How could you use Psalm 42 to minister to a Christian who is experiencing a difficult time? What specific aspects about Psalm 42 should you emphasize? Support and share.

3. Why is it often so difficult to be honest with God in times of difficulty? Or, if it is not difficult for you, why do you think it is difficult for others? Share with your group.

4. How can one “seek God’s face” in times of trouble. I am sure most of us have heard this phase, but what does it mean practically? share and support.

5. What is one area in your life that you could improve in trusting God more with? (finances, family, status, purpose, health) How can your group pray for you this week? Remember: on our own we will fail, but in Christ and through the church, we can succeed.

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
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Publisher’s Synopsis: “Murray systematically explains the two sides of redemption: its accomplishment by Christ and its application to the life of the redeemed. In Part I he considers the necessity, nature, perfection, and extent of the atonement. In Part II Murray offers careful expositions of the scriptural teaching about calling, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.”

Nerd Factor: Medium

Emmaus Staff Comments: I (Joe) have recommended two other books on the Doctrine of Salvation in the past – and I would still recommend them. But I would be amiss if I failed to recommend John Murray’s classic, “Redemption Accomplished and Applied.” I would say that the reading level of this book is a bit higher than the others, but it is certainly worth the investment.

The book is broken in to two parts, as the title suggests. The first section examines the work of Christ and his accomplishment of redemption. The question under consideration is, what did Christ accomplish at his coming – through his life, death and resurrection? The second section of the book examines the application of redemption. The question here is, how is the work that Christ accomplished applied to individuals as they live in human history?

John Murray’s writing style is clear. The categories that he presents are immensely helpful when seeking to understand this often misunderstood doctrine. I do hope that you put this book on your wish list, and that you are strengthened by it in the not to distant future.

Purchase Options: Amazon, Monergism Books

Posted in Books Salvation Joe Anady
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1. Do you have a favorite Psalm? Which one? Why is it your favorite? Share.

2. How are you daily bringing glory to God? How is God being glorified through your life? Remember: it is not boasting if you give all the glory to God.

3. Are there any idols of the heart that have been above the glorification of God in your life? If yes, what needs to change to put Gods glory first again?

4. Are you currently trusting in the Lord for all things? Are you content in your current situations (work, home, health, family)? Great trust displays great faith.

5. Name at least 3 things in your life right now that you can praise God for. (Yes, I know, we should praise God for all things. But you know what I mean.) Share.

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
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1. What is your main motivation for life? Don’t just give a simple and conditioned response. Really think about it and try to put it in one sentence.

2. Do you have any idols that have over taken the reign of Christ in your life? Anything we are not willing to hand fully over to God is a potential idol.

3. Are you being faithful in standing for and sharing Christ outside of church (home, work, school, etc.)? Share.

4. How has pride been a hinderance in your Christian Faith during the last few weeks. Think about some specific examples and share with your group.

5. Paul’s toils and persecution for the Christian faith is an example to us all. How are you living for Christ and furthering His kingdom in all you do? What is your ministry?

Posted in Study Guides Russell Schmidt
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1. What is a biblical method for determining how much one should tithe? Discuss but do not debate. Support with scripture.

2. Tithing is a personal act of worship. One not need share how much they tithe. However, is your heart right in the area of giving or tithing? Or are you struggling with Gods commands in this area and his provision of your life?

3. What valuable concepts has God taught you about finances over the last few years? Share with your group some of the main, important, and practical lessons you have learned.

4. How have you been blessed by some of the ministries of Emmaus over the last year? Share with you group.

5. Parents: how can you effectively teach your children to manage their money in a godly way? Share.

Posted in Study Guides Gospel Community Groups Russell Schmidt
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If you are paying attention, you’ve probably noticed a theme in the catechism questions that we have been memorizing over the past few weeks. All of the questions are centered upon the means of grace.

Q: What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?

A: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are His ordinances, especially the Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and Prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Q: What makes the word effective for salvation?

A: The spirit of God causes the reading and especially the preaching of the word to convince and convert sinners and to build them up in holiness and comfort through faith to salvation.

Q: How is the word to be read and heard in order to become effective for salvation?

A: For the word to become effective for salvation, we must pay careful attention to it, prepare ourselves, and pray for understanding. We must also receive it with faith and love, treasure it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

Q: How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation?

A: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become effectual means of salvation, not from any virtue in them or in him that administers them, but only by the blessing of Christ and the working of His Spirit in them that by faith receive them.

 

Posted in Study Guides Spiritual Growth
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