Equipped Workshop hosted by Lehman Avenue church of Christ

Study of Works: ”Unity in a Divided World” by Bart Warren

April 23, 2023 - Equipped Day 4
6:00PM Keynote Auditorium Speaker
 
Bart Warren provides the last lesson for the Equipped Workshop.
Notes:
"Unity in a Divided Word"
James 1:12, 2:5, 2:8 - UnityLove God
Love Others
James 2:9 - Partiality is a sin. No favoritism! Don't put one person down while holding someone up. Everyone you meet is a person made in the image of God.
James 4:11 - Don't talk evil of people.
James 5:9 - Don't grumble and complain about others.
James 3:16 - Don't be jealous.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and forgiving as Ive been forgiven.
Love rightly ordered.
Romans 12:10 - Let Love be genuine.
We shouldn't fail to love what should be loved.
2 Thes 2:10 - They refused to love the truth.
True unity is enjoyed whe we love the Lord and others properly.
Unifying love is sacrificial - Ephesians 5:25; 1 Cor 13:4
Love forgives and moves on.
Forgiveness is sacrificial.
Take the path of unity, not division.
Unifying love offers security - Ephesians 5:26-27; 1 Cor. 13:7; 1 Peter 3:7
Unifying love is founded on truth - 1 Cor. 13:6
How much do you have to hate someone, that if you believe there is a hell, no to tell them about it?
Romans 1:26-27 - We cannot redefine love - what the Lord has set parameters for already.
Love does not equal acceptance - 1 Cor. 13:6
Love rejoices in truth - James 2:8; Matt 7:12
Duration 31:24

Study of Works: ”1st Century Faith In a 21st Century World” by Dean Miller

April 23, 2023 - Equipped Day 4
10:30 AM Keynote Auditorium Speaker
Dean Miller provides another wonderful lesson for the last day of the Equipped Workshop.
 
Notes:
"Living A First Century Faith in a Twenty First Century World"
Faith is meant to be lived - 2 Cor 5:7; 1 John 5:19; 1 Peter 5
The book of James is about living one's faith
The gospel of common sense
Practical Christianity
What Christian Living is all abut
Right religion / real faith
James 4:6-10; 1:21-27
Psalm 27:4 - How close are you to the Lord?
David wanted more than anything to be with / see the Lord.
"What we desire is what we seek in life."
However close we are to God is how close we have chosen to be.
Wisdom is when we see something the way God sees it.
Helping hurting people - passionately pursuing Christ
Passion for God
Compassion for People
 
Duration 33:26

For Ladies: ”Finding Freedom From Your Past” by Brittani Kemp

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
1:30 PM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Brittani Kemp  kicks off the afternoon ladies sessions with a great lesson on being redeemed.
 
Finding Freedom From Our Past - Lessons from RahabJoshua 2Her past is always attached to her name but her legacy is much greater than her initial history. (genealogy of Christ, Hebrews)
Great FaithShe showed her faith by her actions
Like Rahab we’ve all done things we’re not proud of.
5 Ways We Can Overcome Our Past
Repent - (Manasseh) 2Chron 33, Matt 1:10, prodigal son, Godly sorrow vs worldly sorrow 2 Cor 7:10
Forgive yourself - 1 Tim 1: 13-16. An example is Paul who had a great deal in his past to overcome. Forgive yourself because God already has.
 Own up to your mistakes, let go of the denial
Think on things above! You can’t forgive yourself if you continue to focus on earthly things Phil 4:8
Pray - Matt 1:28-30
Talk about it with your sisters in Christ 2Cor 4:1-5
Receive God’s Forgiveness - Heb 8:12, 1John 1:7
Don’t develop a “Jonah spirit”! Wrap your mind around “why he would forgive someone like you” – because he loves you!
James 1:17 God is mercy and love. He does not hold grudges. Ex 34:6-7, Rom 8:32
Stay busy for God
Don’t squander your talents the Lord has given you
Invest in others
Prov 17:17, 18-24 - stay close to others
Serve others Mark 10:45
What is a task you excel at? What are you good at? What are your strengths? What do you enjoy doing? Implement those things for God
Focus on the glorious future - Always thank God for where you’ve been , where you are, and where you are going. 2Cor 4:17.
Whatever you’re going through is manageable and it’s temporary. Rom 8:18 - He knew he had something to look forward to. In order to focus on what was to comePaul had to let go of his past.
Phil 1:21
1Cor 6:9-11Rahab the harlot received a new title – Rahab the Redeemed
 
Duration 41:59

For Ladies: ”Words to Live (or Die) By” by Emily Hatfield

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
3:30PM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Emily Hatfield closes out the ladies session for the Equipped workshop. 
 
Notes:
Words To Live Or Die ByJames 3:2There is work to be done when it comes to the tongue. Does what you say (or type) matter? The condition of your heart is reflected in every word you use.Is your heart in line with Jesus?Out of the abundance of the heart a man speaks.Your words are a stewardshipProverbs 18:21Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.That “fruit” can be life or death!Whose Team Are You On? Team Death or Team Life
Team Death
Prov 18:20
Has what came out of your mouth ever made you feel good? Have you ever had to “get something off your chest”?
Prov 18:14
How does someone’s spirit usually get crushed? Usually by something that is said.
Prov 18:13
Have you ever been listening to someone but formulating a comeback/defense before they’ve even finished speaking?
Prov 18:8
GOSSIP - it tastes good and feels good and women struggle with this
Prov 18:7
“Ruin” - terror, breaking down, destruction. You can do all the righteous things you want but if you can’t control your tongue you are in for spiritual ruin.
Prov 18:6
You can mouth off enough to get smacked. Social media is the new boxing ring!
Prov 18:2
Ladies tend to have lots of feelings - don’t let them run away with your mouth!
You reap what you say. Examples of the unwise and self focused - Prov 27;2 - Haman, the right fool. Have you ever spoke before thinking it thru?
Rash words
Think and pray before you speak.
Ridiculing words
The other “thief on the cross” - Don’t tear each other down
Deceitful words
Examples are Saphira and her lie, Rebecca also lied
Words also have consequences–
Prejudiced words
Zaresh (Haman’s wife)
Faithless words
The spies who come back and say we can’t and don’t trust God’s words
Bitter words
Michael (David’s wife)
Exasperated words
Anger/explosive words are examples of exasperated words
Loveless words
Delinquent words
Num 14 - after the fact/missed opportunities
Team LIfe
John 1:1-11
The Word has given us life
Ps 34:11-15
If we want life we will seek/pursue peace. Peace can be made or broken by our words
Tests for your words
“The James Test” 3:17-18 - Do you words bless the one you are speaking to
“Philippians Test” 4:8
“Proverbs Test” - do your words spread knowledge, make the hearer glad
Tips for Tongues
Apologizing when you weren’t wrong ISN’T wrong
Saying hard things doesn’t have to be rude (Aquila/Priscilla) gently approached Apollos
Just because you feel it doesn’t mean you have to say it Prov 29:11
Just because your feelings get hurt doesn’t mean you have to blab about it.
Prov 31:26 - There are some things about the Prov 31 lady you may never be, but there are some things about her you HAVE to be.
When good things happen praise God
Pray Before You Say
Matt 12: 36-37
James 1:26
Prov 13:3
Ps 141: 3
Ps 19:14
 
 
Duration 51:10

Study of James: ”Godward Guidance” by Bud Woodall

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
2:30PM Auditorium Speaker
 
Bud Woodall continues the study of James. 
Notes:
God hears our prayers.
Psalm 4:1; 17:1; 61:1; 88:13; 102:1; 143:1
James 5:13-16 - We need to pray
It is vital to us
James 1:1-11, 12-18, 19-27 - Faith works at all times!
James 5:13 - James tells us of the need for prayer.
Pray when suffering and also when we are cheerful.
My life is in the hands of God - He is in control
Psalm 61:1; Matt 7:7; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7
James 5:13-16 - There is power in prayer.
2 Cor 12:7; Psalm 46:1
Prayer brings us to the reality that we rely on God - Psalm 46:1
 
Duration 34:35

Study of James: ”The War Within” by Dale Pollard

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
9:00AM Keynote Auditorium Speaker
 
Dale Pollard kicks of first Study of James section for day 3.
 
Notes:
"The War Within" - James 4:1-10
Their misery was from selfishness.
As often ours is.
It's tempting to point to someone else as the problem.
Verse 2 - Murder and envy are side by side here. Acts 17:5
If we left feeling empty maybe our cravings aren't healthy - (verse 2)
What you fill your heart with will eventually come out.
What do I want and why do I want it?
Ex 20:5 - What does God want? He wants US.
How do we overcome our misery? - James 2:7-10
6 Step Fight to Greatness
1. Give yourself to God. Voluntarily submission to God.
2. Stand against the devil. - Romans 13:2
3. Draw yourself near to God.
Remove sinful habits.
God forgives.
4. Cleanse. Flee from defilement.
5. Lament; Mourn; Weep. - Matt 26:75
See things the way God sees them.
6. Humble yourself. Modest view of self.
Lose within; Lose without.
Win within; Win without.
Slides:
The War Within
Where is this coming from?
Why is this happening?
What can we do?
Five step fight to greatness
Lose within, lose without. Win within, win without.
 
Duration 26:54

Study of Works: ”Living for Jesus Until the End” by Jerry Carmichael

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
8:00AM Keynote Auditorium Speaker 
 
Jerry Carmichael kicks off day 3 of the Equipped.
 
Notes:
"Living for Jesus Until the End"
Phil 3:12; 2 Peter 2:2; John 15:1-6
Rev 2:10 - "Be faithful even when faced with death." (often misquoted)
From the book of James
Be a persevering Christian - James 1:2
enduring, continuing - no matter what.
We don't learn perseverance without trials and temptations.
Be a practicing Christian - James 2:17
Not bragging. But James says- watch what I do and I'll show you my faith. "True faith is a working faith"
Talk to people about Jesus!
Be polite Christians - James 3:5-6
Great hindrance of Christians - misuse of the tongue.
Conflicts rarely arise if we bride our tongues.
Be praying Christians - James 4:1-2.
You must have a healthy prayer life with the Creator of all the earth.
What an incredible privilege to be able to pray to Him and He hears.
Pray you way through the church directory
Pray with your family.
Pray for elders, elderly members, government, young families, youth, military....
Be prioritized Christians - James 5:1-6
Serving and loving God should be our priority.
James 5:9 - Have compassion for the and the erring, and those with physical illness.
Confess sins and pray for one another.
The first and the last words Jesus said to Peter - "Follow Me" - John 20:30
Serve Jesus while you can because a time will come when you aren't able to do as much, but keep serving until the end.
The Christian walk is a
Walk
Fight
War
other action words.
Follow while you have time.
 
Duration 39:58
 

For Parents: ”Preparing Our Kids for Adulthood” by Mike Vestal

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
11:00 AM MPR 2 Speaker 
 
Mike Vestal provides a great lesson for parents on raising children.
 
Notes:
Preparing Our Children For AdulthoodIntroduction:Psalm 127: 1, 3-5Deut 6: 4-12 - Good parents hear the Lord, love the Lord and let their children see this. Teachyour children diligently. Remember the Lord faithfully. Don’t forget to see and point out Hisblessings.Prov 24:3-4Prov 22:6Prov 13:222Kings 20:15-18You can’t be perfect but you can be faithful. Here are 14 characteristics from James that Godlyparents will stress with their kids:1. James 1:1 - Remember who they are and whose they are. Remember who God is. Have aloving view of the church.2. James 1: 2-12 Help them when they go thru trials to trust God, to rejoice and learn toendure.3. James 1: 13-18 - Help your children know how to properly respond to temptation. God’s willis good, ALWAYS good and is light – follow it.4. James 1:19 -21 - Help them to realize there’s a time to be quick and to be slow and to putaway and to receive. Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, put away sin andreceive grace.5. James 1:22-27 Help your children to love and learn to the apply God’s Word6. James 2:1-13 Help them not to quickly and wrongly judge others7. James 2:14-26 Help them to see that show-n-tell is more than just a game. Some peoplewho tell little show a lot. Faith that loves God and expresses itself in a wide variety ofways.8. James 3:1-12 Help your children to understand the weight of their words.9. James 3:13-18 Help them to be more than “bright”, help them to be wise. See the wisdomof God.10. James 4:1-12 Help them to know that pride and selfishness always leads to quarrels andwars. Humility and trustworthiness will lead to righteousness.11. James 4:13-17 Error of presumption — making plans must never leave God out of thepicture.12. James 5: 1-12 Teach them that God WILL judge the wicked.13. James 5:9 Teach them not to grumble or complain (Phil 2:14)14. James 5:13-20 Teach them the value and place of the community of believers, God’speople should be known for prayer, praise, concern for one another, for their confessionof sin, and for bringing back the wanderer.
 
Duration 40:43

For Ladies: ”Launching Out Into The Deep” by Cherie Vestal

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
10:00AM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Cherie Vestal kicks off the ladies sessions for Equipped Workshop on day 3.
 
Notes:
Launching Out Into The Deep - Diving Into the Word
James mentions the Word in several places
James 1:18, 19, 21, 22, 23-25 
2:12 - blessed by hearing 
1: 18 - 27 holistic
:8-9 royal law 
2:1-13, 3:1-12 consistent
Seven ways to grow in your Bible Knowledge – Taking a Voyage
 Motivation - Why do you want Bible Knowledge
Heart check - sometimes we study as if there will be a Heavenly test someday. Beware of knowledge for the sake of knowledge. 1 Cor 8:1, 1 Cor 13:1
Paul - to know Christ - Phil 3:10
Jesus - Matt 7:21, Matt 11:28-30 - a relationship with Him
Holy Spirit - renewing of your mind, transformation - Rom 12:2 - Don’t just accumulate knowledge/facts, but change.
Jesus will judge by how we live not by what we can quote
Peter - be ready to give an answer. 1 Pet 3:15 
Does your motive for study line up
A Vessel - A venue for uninterrupted time with God
You need the right vessel
Acts 6 - devote yourself to the Word and to prayer
Create a plan for consistency, snatches of time here and there are not enough. 
What does your venue look like? It can change with what season of life you are in. Young mothers for example will have a very different “venue” than older empty nesters.
Equipment
The Bible - there are several translations available
BibleHub is an electronic resource
Other tools to consider include notebook, pencils, pens, consulting tools such as a Bible dictionary and commentaries (Remember MEN created these so read with discernment and use them last — find your own discoveries first)
Itinerary - Your study plan can be varied, above all pace yourself
What book/books will you study? 
Will you read Gen - Rev? Or some other reading plan? 
How much time will you spend daily?
Will you do devotional study, word study, character study, read chronologically?
Journaling 
Bible Marking Study (Come Fill Your Cup has many Bible Marking lessons from Kathy Pollard)
Filter study - you can go through a book of the Bible with a “word filter”. For example a filtered study of the word Jesus in the book of Acts. 
Interaction - Sailing out on your voyage (Consider Philippians 4:4)
Context - in Ch 3 Paul’s been encouraging the Philippians to stay focused on their Eternal focus. 
Write out the passage leaving space above and between for notes
What does the passage say to you? 
Where is God in the passage? Look for what God “is” “has” or “does” - you might have to look a verse before or after the one you are focusing on. 
Underline what people are doing positively or should be doing. (You could mark negatives with a caution sign triangle)
Mark absolutes in a special way (words like “all”, “any”, “never”, etc) 
Examination - What does it mean 
Utilize other translations and cross references to help you understand the passage.
Your Experience - Evaluate and journal your thoughts as you meditate on what you’ve studied and journal how you can apply it.
Write out a prayer on what you found/discovered in the passage you studied and ask for wisdom.
You might also sing a song or hymn that is applicable to your study.
 
Duration 41:10

For Ladies: ”The Life and Lessons from Elijah’s Nemesis: Jezebel” - Carla Moore

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
3:30PM MPR 4 Speaker
Carla Moore continues the ladies sessions with a great lesson from Jezebel.
 
Notes:
The Life and Lessons of Elijah’s Nemesis - JezebelMost memorable lessons come from women we DON’T want to be like. Jezebel is one of those women.What can we learn from Jezebel? Her story is found in 1st and 2nd Kings(1st Kings 16, 18, 19, and 21 and 2nd Kings)1. Jezebel had a heart full of idolatry. She brought Baal worship to Israel2. Self worship - she got what she wanted and got rid of what she didn’t3. Her heart was full of deceit - she concealed and misrepresented the truth4. Her heart was proud and unrepentant. She had no remorse for the evil things she did.Jezebel’s legacy was nothing but tragedy and wreckage full of strife and poison. Her family was a mess.Proverbs 6:16-19 describes a person like JezebelWhat about me?Hopefully you don’t see any resemblance between yourself and Jezebel.1.You, like Jezebel, have influence. Use it for GOOD.2. Negative thinking can be contagious. If you are negative all the time you can change.3. Think about any misplaced priorities - what do people see you spending your time doing.4. Lack of spirituality can influence others and can be contagious in your family.5. Your influence has a long shelf life extending for many generations.Jezebel’s traits can all potentially be present in our lives. We may not kill someone but we can assassinate a person’s character with gossip for example.What kind of legacy will you leave?What kind of spiritual impression do you leave?If the answer to these questions is negative YOU CAN CHANGEMake a list of the “things” you want to leave behind - spiritual blessing for your family forexample
 
Duration 42:15