Equipped Workshop hosted by Lehman Avenue church of Christ

For Leaders: ”Words of Life for Leaders” by Daniel Stearsman

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
3:30PM MPR 2 Speaker 
 
Daniel Stearsman looks at what it means to be a leader for God. 
 
Slides:
Words of Life for Leaders
Service - (James 1:1, 22; 2:17)
Unflappable - (James 1:2-3, 12-13)
Motivational Listener - (James 1:19, 22-23)
Accountable Loving Merciful - (James 5:16, 19-20; 1:25; 2:12)
Attentive to Toxic Tendencies - (James 1:2-4, 14, 27)
Fearless to Worldliness - (James 4:4)
Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church
Christianity is Shallow
Overprotective
Simplistic / Judgemental towards Sex
Antagonistic to Science
Unfriendly to Doubters
Wrestle with Christianity being Exclusive
 
Duration 39:39
 

Study of James: ”Speech That Honors God” by Caden Hammer

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
1:10PM Keynote Auditorium Speaker
 
Caden Hammer restarts the Equipped Workshop after lunch on Day 3. Caden looks at how to tame our tongue and honor God with our speech.
 
Notes:
Provided encouraging words
Speak words of love and comfort
Speak from a place of restraint and patience
 
Duration 12:06

Study of James: ”Praying Like Elijah” by Neal Pollard

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
3:30PM Auditorium Speaker
 
Neal Pollard discusses the prayers of Elijah and shows how we can pray with the same conviction and faith.
 
Slides:
Praying Like Elijah - (James 5:17-18)
Petitions....
Prayer Motifs in James
How Can we pray like Elijah?
Elijah raising the widow's son - Be Human (17)
Be fervent (17)
Colton
Be Faithful (18)
Developing greater faithfulness in prayer
Pray with a pen and paper
Build a Prayer closet
Be a better bible student
Discipline your to Enjoy Prayer
"My God is Jehovah"
 
Duration 39:26

Study of James: ”God’s Rescue Mission” by Hiram Kemp

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
6:30PM Keynote Auditorium Speaker
 
Hiram Kemp discusses what we should do when someone we know falls away from their walk with God.
 
Slides:
God's Rescue Mission - James 5:19-20
Accepting the harsh reality - James 5:19
Acknowledge your responsibility - James 5:19
Realize the importance of the assignment - James 5:20
Receive the wayward properly - James 5:20
Rolling up our sleeves and getting busy
What to do when a person falls away
Ask why they left
Eat with them
Warn them
Pray
Go to them
Write them
Do your part and wait
Duration 38:56

Study of Works: ”Serving in a World of Selfishness” by Kirk Brothers

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
7:15PM Keynote Auditorium Speaker 
 
Kirk Brothers closes out day 3 off the Equipped Workshop. 
 
Slides:
Slide of current news stories
Serving in a World of Selfishness - Philippians 2
Prison Break
Writing from a prison in Rome to Philippi where he had also been in prison
He was released from prison in Philippi
He had converted a jailer in Philippi
He was writing to tell them how to break out of prison without leaving the cell
Theme: "Attitude Determines Altitude" (cf. Phil. 4:4)
Ch. 1: Paul's Attitude
Ch. 2: Christ's Attitude
Ch. 3: Wrong Attitude
Ch. 4: Attitude Adjustment
Oneness of Mind
Phillipians 2:1 - Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose, but also for the interests of others.
Oneness of Mind
Encouragement in Christ -> same mind
Consolation of Love -> same love
Fellowship of Spirit -> united in spirit
Affection & Compassion -> one purpose
Philippians 2:2-4 - 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, bu with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2-8 - 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be gasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Savior's Mind: Humiliation
"Attitude" - "to think, form or hold an opinion, disposition"
To be one we must be humble
To be humble we need to learn to think like Jesus
John 13:15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you."
Philippians 2:5-6  5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be gasped,
John 1:1-3
Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3
John 17:5
Philippians 2:5-8 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
What did He give up?
Divinity?
Matthew 1:23
John 8:58
John 20:28
Gave up
privilege
power
place
Not position, divine person-hood
Emptied self by becoming human
Philippians 2:5-8 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Often interchangeable, but seem to be contrasted here:
Morphe (form, v6-7) - Essential nature, that does not change
Schema (appearance, v8) - Outward appearance that can change
His internal essence and nature was/is divine. 
His outward appearance changed & he became human. 
Though divine, he became fully human and experienced life as a human being
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Acts 17:30 "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, 31 because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." 
Heb 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Heb 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Phil 2:7-8  7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
[3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;]
Majestic Mountain View
Picture of a Cross
Picture of a paper saying "I want to be a garbage man"
Phil 2:9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NASU“Right Hand of God” (Mark 16:19)
Change of Mind
Phil 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
“Work Out” – “Accomplish, Bring to completion”
Jesus worked to save by humble obedience
The Father is at work (energeo) in us
Therefore, we need to “go to work” and put our faith into action by humble obedience
What does working out your salvation look like?
Phil 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 
“Without grumbling or disputing”
Blameless: “no cause or ground of complaint”
Innocent: “unmixed”
Above Reproach: “without blame, fault, ridicule or disgrace” 
“among whom you appear as lights in the world” 
The Savior's Mind
Be him to be one, be one to be him
Then we shine as lights in a dark world
Photo of Captain Emil Kapaun
Do I have the attitude of Christ?
Have I emptied myself?
Does my service add to the light or does my selfishness add to the dark?
Duration 42:03
 

For Youth: ”Help Me Study” by Hiram Kemp

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
11:00AM MPR 4 Speaker 
 
Hiram Kemp discusses how to better study the bible. So many times we set ourselves up to fail, Hiram shows a method for us to follow which will lead to success in our study of the bible.
 
Slides:
Help Me Study
Acknowledge Our Need - (Matthew 4:4)
Picture of Michael Jordan
Avoid Enemies of Study - (1 Peter 5:8)
7 Heart Postures to approach the bible
Approach the bible prayerfully - (Psalm 119:18)
Approach the bible humbly - (1 Peter 5:6)
Approach the bible studiously - (2 Peter 1:10)
Approach the bible obediently - (John 14:15)
Approach the bible joyfully - (Psalm 119:97)
Approach the bible expectantly - (Isaiah 55:10-11)
Approach the bible Christocentrically - (John 5:39)
Avenues to Explore - (1 Timothy 4:13)
Things to Keep in mind as you study
Look for Jesus every time - (Luke 24:44; John 5:39)
Read entire books - (Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27)
Learn the story - (Ephesians 3:3-5)
Read from a good translation - ESV, NIV, NKJV, NLT
Ask good questions - (Luke 10:26)
NT Books to learn first - Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter
OT Books to learn first - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, 1-2 Kings, Proverbs, Psalms
A Resolve - (Psalm 119:15-16)
Appreciate the bible - (Psalm 18:30)
Accepting ownership - (James 4:8)
 
Duration 36:55
 
 
 

For Preachers: ”The Sermon on the Mount & James” by Doug Burleson

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Day 3
9:00AM MPR 2 Speaker 
Doug Burleson looks at the similarities of the teachings from the book of James and Jesus' sermon on the mount.
 
Slides:
Parallels Between James and the Sermon on the Mount
Why doesn't James spend more time making the clear connection between himself and his older brother
Sayings > Stories
Not limited to Matthew
Not limited to Sermon on Mount (Matthew 24:27 and James 5:9)
"James depends more than any other NT author on the teaching of Jesus... The author of the letter seems to have been so soaked in the atmosphere and specifics of Jesus' teaching that he can reflect them almost unconsciously" - Douglas Moo, The Letter of James, Pillar NT Commentary, 7
How does James allude to the teaching of Jesus in the book of James?
Direct Statements (not quotes) -
James 1:5; 2:8; 11; 4:11-12; 5:9; 12
Being Hearers and Doers -
James 2:14-26
The Beatitudes -
James 2:5, 13; 3:18; 4:8
Nine Themes of practical living
Direct Statements
Ask and it will be given - James 1:5 & Matthew 7:7
Love your neighbor - James 2:8 & Matthew 5:43; 7:12
Do not murder, commit adultery - James 2:11 (Exodus 20:13-14) & Matthew 5:21,27
Do not make unfair judgments - James 4:11-12; 5:9 & Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37
Do not make oaths - James 5:12 & Matthew 5:33-36
James 5:12 -  But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you my not fall under judgment.
Matthew 5:34-35 - But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
For total OT quotations in James
James 2:8 - Leviticus 19:18 (Matt. 5:43; 7:12)
James 2:11 - Exodus 20:13-14 (Deut. 5:17-18) and Matthew 5:21, 27
James 2:23 - Genesis 15:6
James 4:6 - Isaiah 54:7
Being Hearers and Doers
Compare James 2:14-26 with Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46
Faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26)
The wise man is like the one who hears Jesus' words and acts on them. The foolish man hears and doesn't act (Matt. 7:24-27).
Why honor Jesus with our words and not do what He says? (Luke 6:46; 11:28)
The Beatitudes
The poor in spirit (Luke 6:20) - James 2:5 & Matt. 5:3
The merciful - James 2:13 & Matt. 5:7
The peacemakers - James 3:18 & Matt. 5:9
The pure in heart - James 4:8 & Matt. 5:8
Nine themes for living
Enduring Trails - (1:2-4; Matt. 5:10-12, 48; Luke 6:23)
Judging (2:1-13; Matt. 5:3-7, 19-22; 7:1-5; Luke 6:20)
Listening (1:19-27; Matt 5:22; 7:21-27; Luke 6:46-49)
Patience (5:7-11; Matt. 5:11-12; 7:1; Luke 6:22-23)
Prayer (5:13-18; Matt. 6:12-15; 7:7-11)
Use of Riches (1:9-11; Matt. 6:19-21)
The tongue (3:1-12; Matt. 7:16; Luke 6:44-45)
Wealth (5:1-6; Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 6:24-25; 12:33)
Wisdom (3:13-18; Matt. 5:5-9)
Should we be surprised at the consistency of GOD's WORD?
The book of James is well-connected to the rest of scripture, but especially the teachings of Jesus.
Two of the OT passages quoted in James are also quoted in the sermon on the mount.
What are the implications for inspiration and the nature of the truthfulness of GOD's WORD?
 
Duration 41:45

For Youth: ”Help Me Serve” by Tyler Alverson

April 22, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 3
10:00AM MPR 2 Speaker 
 
Tyler Averson challenges us to change our views on helping others. Looking at the book of James, Tyler shows how we should think about and approach helping others.
 
Slides:
It's all about me
Help Me Serve (James 1-2)
1 Corinthians 9:19 - For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to server, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Help Me Serve
Ask God for Wisdom - (1:5-8)
Illustration of  a hot Burner on a stove
If mama ain't happy Ain't nobody happy
Illustration of cheating on a test
Imitate God's Giving - (1:17)
Be doers of the WORD - (1:22)
Help the helpless - (1:27)
"God helps those who help themselves"
Refuse to show partiality - (2:1)
Love your neighbor as yourself - (2:8)
Leviticus 19:18 - You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Matthew 22:39 - And a second is like it: You shall love  your neighbor as yourself.
Live in view of judgment - (2:12)
The Sheep and the Goats - Matthew 25:31-46
Show Mercy - (2:13)
Show your faith by your works - (2:18)
Duration 33:09

For Preachers: ”How to Illustrate Your Lessons Like James” - Neal Pollard

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Workshop Day 2
2:30PM MPR 2 Speaker 
 
Neal Pollard  provides a lesson to teachers, speakers and preachers on the use of illustrations.
 
Slides:
Illustrating the lesson (James)
Beware of Illustrations:
For the sake of the story
Too numerously supplied
Trying to hide poor content
Detracting from the truth
What can we learn about illustrations from James?
Use what people know
1:6
1:10-11
1:23-24
1:26; 3:3
3:4
3:5
Illustrate with vivid imagery
chapter 3
5:3
Bible Characters
Abraham
Rahab
Job
Elijah
Look for threads in the book
Judgment
Brethren
Faith
Works
Use illustrations to convict
Double-minded man
Friendship with world
Unbridled tongue
Favoritism
Where do you get illustrations?
Scripture
History
Nature
Poetry
Church bulletins
Biographies / Autobiographies
Personal Experience
Media
How do we us illustrations effectively?
Make them interesting
Make them lasting
Make them learning tools
Make them understandable
Make them supportive
Make them truthful
Make them realistic
Make them assorted
Make them tasteful
Make them illuminating
Make them opportunistic
Make them necessary
James
Genuine Religion
Genuine Faith
Genuine Wisdom
 
Duration 39:55
 

For Ladies: ”Making Your Home a Slice of Heaven” by Katrina Stearsman

April 21, 2023 - Equipped Day 2
11:00AM MPR 4 Speaker
Katrina Stearsman kicks off the Ladies sessions of the Equipped Workshop. Katrina examines how to make your home heavenly.
 
Notes:
MAKING YOUR HOME A SLICE OF HEAVEN
Our home can reflect our goal of a real heavenly home.  Phil 3:20
Factors to consider in the influence of your home
Priorities
Where we’re headed
Who we want to bring with us
 Who are we influencing – our families and those we extend hospitality to
Who are we influencing
Family – those we are around the most
We can influence our family for good or for bad
Build them up as your first mission
Calm Parenting – by Kirk Martin
Avoid situations like “the cobbler’s children have no shoes”. Don’t neglect your own
while focusing on others.
Guests – those we extend hospitality to in our homes.
1Pet 4:9
Far too many don’t make hospitality a habit or we do and grumble about it.
Be hospitable to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Transparency allows for needs to be met.
1Pet 4:8
Love and hospitality go hand in hand
Real life hospitality gives a glimpse of Heaven
John 14: 2-3 We can prepare our homes in a way that points others to Heaven
Acts 7:48-49
Ps 127:1
Interior Design to Make Your Home a Slice of Heaven
Your home should have Heavenly inhabitants Col 3:1
God – Know Him to show Him
Spend time in study of the Word to know God
1 John 5:3, John 17:3, Prov 31:26
Know your impact as a spouse and as a parent, child, etc
You are a present day Loise and Eunice
Know your impact as host in your home (how you present yourself) Luke 10 Mary and Martha
Communicate to and thru Him
2Chron 6:21, continually indwelling together
Rev 7:9
Heavenly Attributes
Your home should be a rewarding place to be
Made possible by God’s sacrifice
Extend similar spaces in your home where love and grace abound
James 1:17, 2:13
Prov 24: 3-4 – Treasures in your home should radiate the treasures of God, what you gain from study
Don’t let clutter in your home clutter your mind!!
Your home should be a place of perpetual fellowship
Rev 21:3
Shine Heaven by having others in your home
Your home should be a place of joy and blissful rest Rev 14:13
Create a peaceful restful CLEAN space
Exemplify the peace that comes from Christ. There is a present rest extended by Jesus.
Matt 11:28-30
Absent Attributes – THOSE ATTRIBUTES TO AVOID IN YOUR HOME
Unrighteousness
1Cor 6:9, Gal 5 (works of the flesh)
No secret spaces
1Cor 15:33
Partiality
Don’t limit the boundaries of who is included based on current shape of their soul
Suffering
Can’t keep out but don’t be the source
Can use to lead others to God Rom 8:18
Ps 27:10
                    
Duration 38:11