| GMTB Seminar |
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Click here to download a printable brochure (7MB File) “How to live a God glorifying, soul-satisfying life on the foundational truth of God’s Book.” "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt 7:24-27 The Purpose of the GTMB Seminar: The seminar is designed to show how God speaks through his written Word, bringing glory to his name and joy to his people. It attempts to lay down a theological foundation for building one’s life on the commandments and promises of God. It contrasts man’s ways with God’s ways of dealing with life’s struggles. Then, in clear and practical ways, it attempts to show how God’s Word is sufficient in areas that have been claimed to be the exclusive domain of the secular experts. When the seminar is completed, it is our prayer that a new joy and confidence will sweep over the hearts and minds of God’s people as they see the riches of Christ that are available to his people. Scheduling GMTB Seminars: The seminar can be given in a weekend or a week long seminar. Different subjects can also be taught during regularly scheduled services, at the discretion of the church leadership. We go wherever we are invited. We consider it a privilege to declare the glory of God through the application of God’s Word. If you would be interested in sponsoring a GMTB seminar, contact us at our website or call us at 417 724-0027. GMTB Testimonials: Below you will read what some of our sponsoring missionary leaders are saying about the ministry of GMTB in their place of ministry: Martin, Charlotte, & Anna Jacobson: Directors of Instituto Biblico Patagonico, Patagonia, Argentina: "There is a wonderful "rising tide" of God's Word in all that we do here and in the hearts and lives of our students, teachers, staff, and in our own lives. And, you have had a very critical role in that happening! The way you treasure God's Word is contagious! Also, you do a great job on the newsletters -- they are "chock full" of God's Word!" Ron Sommers: Lead Pastor, International Christian Center; Nairobi, Kenya "I know of no other single event in the life of ICC that had such far reaching implications for our church in spiritual growth, leadership development, and harvest. The Word changed our people, gave them confidence to lead, and as a result, the church was equipped to do effective ministry that has literally brought thousands to Christ." Gilbert Contreras: Missionary to University Students, LaPlata, Argentina "Just one note of testimony from one of my students I talked to yesterday. She said she is memorizing three Psalms. She has never memorized anything. She later said it was do to the impact of your seminar had on her life…to be in the Word and to put the Word of God into her memory." An Outline of the Give Me That Book Seminar “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Ps 50:15 SESSION ONE: DELIGHTING IN GOD’S BOOK This session introduces the seminar by asking why the Psalmist goes expectantly to the Word out of delight, while too often we go turn to the Word reluctantly out of duty. We find that true joy awaits the disciple who loves the Word because he hears Christ speaking there, revealing that the Bible is... Purposeful: In the Book man will discover God’s purpose for his creation and his people. We are created to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Powerful: God speaks through his Word to transform dead rebels into living servants of God. God, speaking through his Word, glorifies himself by transforming rebels into worshippers. Personal: God desires to bring us to himself a holy friendship with him. The Book is not just paper and propositions but Christ himself speaking to our hearts by the Holy Spirit in order that we might become his friends. Practical: God’s Word addresses us in every area of our lives: spiritual, physical, mental, social, moral and emotional. Enabled to by God’s grace to be victorious and joyful in every circumstance, we glorify Jesus Christ to the world. To know Jesus and to show Jesus is what we were created for. That is where true satisfaction is found. The Bible gives us the details on how we can experience that joy unspeakable that is full of glory. SESSION TWO: THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S BOOK. This session attempts to lay down the foundation for a full trust and confidence in God’s written Word. Key doctrines are taught and illustrated to show how we can confidently and powerfully trust the authority of God’s written Word. JESUS’ EXAMPLE: Jesus wielded the Word in the dessert and defeated the Devil’s scheme. We can and must do the same. Revelation: Christianity is a revealed religion. God has spoken through general revelation and through special revelation to reveal his glorious purposes. God speaks most powerfully and personally in His written Word. God is speaking today in his Book. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Ps 19:1 “As God’s act, revelation is the personal self-disclosure whereby He brings us actively and experimentally to know Him as our own God and Savior. As God’s gift, revelation is the knowledge about Himself which He gives us as a means to this end.” —J. I. Packer Inspiration: God wrote a book and established truth in a concrete, unchanging form. Because every word, sentence and paragraph is inspired by God, we seek to know his will and ways in the Bible. When we know God’s Word and obey God’s Word, we will be able to handle anything that the Enemy would throw at us. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 “To them, [the Puritans] Scripture was more than a fallible and sometimes fallacious human witness to revelation which is all that some moderns allow it to be; it was revelation itself, the living word of the living God, divine testimony to God’s own redemptive acts and plans, written by the Holy Ghost through human agents in order to give the church of every age clear instruction on all matters of faith and life that could possibly be.” J. I. Packer Illumination: Because our eyes are darkened and our hearts are hardened we need the Spirit of God to enable us to see the wonderful things in his law. So, prayer for revelation and wisdom is a constant companion of biblical living. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Cor 2:12 “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C. S, Lewis Interpretation: The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit but it is written by men. Thus, we are called to study it as we would any other book. There are rules of interpretation that must be followed to keep in harmony both the divine nature and human nature of the Bible. This chapter sets down those rules that enable us to find and understand the truth that God reveals in his Word. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 To the Puritan, the Bible was the most precious possession the world affords. His deepest conviction was that a reverence for God means a reverence for Scripture, and serving God means obeying Scripture. To his mind therefore, no greater insult could be offered to the Creator than to neglect his written word; and conversely, there could be no truer act of homage to him than to prize it and pour over it, and then to live out and give out its teaching. Intense veneration for the Scripture, as the living word of the living God, and a devoted concern to know and do all that it prescribes, was the Puritan hallmark. J. I. Packard Incarnation: In the Scriptures Christ comes to us by His Spirit. We abide in him as his words rule our lives. We incarnate Jesus on earth when he lives through us as we trust and obey his commandments. This chapter shows that Jesus is the goal and joy of all biblical truth and practice. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 “Keep still Jesus Christ in your eye, in the perusal of Scriptures, as the end, scope and substance thereof: what are the whole of Scriptures, but as it were the spiritual swaddling clothes of the holy child Jesus?” Isaac Owens SESSION THREE: THE EXCELLENCY OF GOD’S BOOK. The purpose of this session is to show how we can discover and enjoy the treasure God has hidden in the pages of the Scripture. By devotion and discipline we devour every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and become victorious soldiers in the battle for Christ and his glory. Would it not be an encouragement to a subject, to hear his prince say to him, You will honor and please me very much, if you will go to yonder mine of gold, and dig as much gold for yourself as you can carry away? So, for God to say, Go to the ordinances, get as much grace as you can, dig out as much salvation as you can; and the more happiness you have, the more I shall count myself glorified.— Thomas Watson Delighting in God’s Word Prayer and the Word are the two tracks that bring us to God’s storehouse of treasure. God opens our minds so that we can understand him and opens our hearts so that we enjoy him. The more we taste of him the more we want of him. “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” Ps 119:16 Meditating on God’s Word In the scriptures, constant meditation upon God’s Word is presented as the key to fruitful and joyful living. That is why memorization of God’s Word is so important. In this session we will show how the memorization of Scripture becomes a mighty weapon for joy. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Ps 1:1-2 Studying God’s Word Christians should be the world’s best thinkers because their God is the Mind of the universe. We are called to think God’s thoughts after him. That means that we must devote ourselves to serious study of God and his Book. Here we attempt show why and how we must become students of God’s Word if we are to know him and please him and proclaim him rightly. “If the Bible is indeed God’s Word written, we should spare no pains and grudge no effort to discover what he has said [and says] in Scripture.” J. I. Packer Fighting with God’s Word We are in a battle for faith and joy. God has given us the weapon of the Word to enable us to beat back the lies and schemes of the Enemy. Here we show how to defeat the lies of the devil with the truth of God’s Word. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, 1 Peter 5:8-9 SESSION FOUR: THE SUPERIORITY OF GOD’S BOOK The purpose of this session is to show the radical difference that exists between secular psychology’s theories and the Bible’s truth. Questions such as ‘what is man,” “what is the cause of his problems”, and “how do you solve those problems,” are answered in radically different ways. The chapter will conclude with a step by step, Biblical approach to solving the problems men face. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Heb 4:12-13 God’s Truth verses man’s theories: A chart reveals the humanistic assumptions of the major school’s of psychology and contrasts those with the Biblical model. Instinctual [Freud], Behavioral [Skinner], Positive Potential [Rogers], and Spiritual [Animist] are contrasted with God’s Way: Heart transformation. How we define man; how we define the cause of the problem; will define how we will attempt to solve the problems and what the goal of problem solving is. Man’s theories and methods glorify man. We will try to show how God uses problems to bring him glory and his people joy. “When God from heaven gave the Word; His Word was all-sufficient; It needs no words I may have heard; To add to or be in it. So I will take God’s Book and read; To learn what God desires; The Bible gives the strength I need; to do what God requires.” James Boice A Biblical plan for problem solving: 1] Perspective: It is of first importance to see man, his purpose, his problems, his needs and his solutions to his problems from God’s point of view. Romans 8:28-29 2] Promise: Every person in the midst of great pressure needs to have hope. Our hope is found in the promises that are found in God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 10:13 3] Process: In order for man to be victorious he needs to take action. The Bible describes this process of transformation as putting off sin and putting on righteousness. Ephesians 4:17-23 4] Practice: To overcome the old ways of thinking, speaking and acting, we need to establish a deliberate and disciplined plan to enable new habits of living so that we will be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Hebrews 12:11 SESSION FIVE: THE PRACTICALITY OF GOD’S BOOK Purpose: This session takes specific problems and demonstrates how each can be addressed in a biblical way that pleases God and glorifies his name. In the last fifty years the church has moved away from a full reliance upon the power that is in the Word of God. In its place we have incorporated theories and methodologies that directly conflict with the principles found in God’s Word. This session attempts to show how each of these problems areas can be defeated by trusting and obeying in God’s commandments and promises. “Would you feel more loved by God is he made much of you, or if he liberated you from the bondage of self regard, at a great cost to himself, so that you might enjoy making much of him forever.” John Piper Self-Concept: Who are we? What is our purpose? What is our problem? What is our salvation? How do we change? How do we find ultimate Joy? Biblical Love: What is biblical love? What does it look like? What is its source? What is its strength? What is its result? 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Anger and Bitterness: What is anger? What does it look like? Is it ever righteous? Where does it come from? What is its danger? How is it overcome? Ephesians 4:26 Forgiveness and reconciliation: What is forgiveness? What does it look like? What happens when we don’t forgive? What happens when we do forgive? What are the steps to reconciliation? How do we start over? Ephesians 4:31 Depression: What is depression? What are its causes? What are its dangers? Is it physical? Is it spiritual? Should we take medications? How do we overcome depression? 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Anxiety and Fear: What is anxiety? What are the causes? What are the cures? What steps can we take to be at peace? Philippians 4:4-8 Marriage: What is the grand purpose of marriage? What is the promise of marriage? What is the husband’s role? What is the wife’s role? What steps can we take to protect our joy and honor God? Ephesians 5:21-33 SESSION SIX: THE COMMUNITY AND GOD'S WORD. Purpose: In this session we will try to show how God has determined that the growth of the believer and the application of God's truth be applied within the community of faith. Instruction: Because the family has been built upon the words of Scripture; and because they have within then the same Spirit; and because they have the same goal, to honor Jesus Christ; they are best prepared to speak truth that disciples need to hear. "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Eph 4:15 Encouragement: It is the truth that we find in the Word that gives us the strength to go on in the midst of life's troubles. And, it is the believer who has heard, obeyed and tested that truth that is able to counsel with a wisdom that overcomes the lies that seeks to destroy our souls. "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Confrontation: When strugglers need to hear hard truth, it is the family member who loves God and His Word that is most qualified to speak truth in love. "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2 Dicipline: When a member of the church is caught up in sin, it is the Church that has both the authority and the motivation to confront and restore the fallen brother with gentleness. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently." Galatians 6:1 Prayer: It is the members of God's family that are able to believe and pray for the struggler so that God works in their life in powerful and personal ways. "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith." 2 Thes. 1:11 Restoration: It is the Body of Christ that has the commitment and the wisdom to come and stay alongside until the counselee finds complete victory and restoration. SESSION SIX: CONCLUSION: THE VERACITY OF GOD’S BOOK "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-12:1 Seven principles of a God glorifying, soul satisfying Life: [Adapted from J. I. Packer’s “A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life.”] 1. A God centeredness that is central to the discipline of self-denial. 2. Insistence upon the primacy of the mind, and on the impossibility of obeying biblical truth that one has not yet understood. 3. The demand for humility, patience, and steadiness at all time, and for acknowledgement that the Holy Spirit’s main ministry is not to give thrills but to create Christ like character. 4. The recognition that feelings go up and down, and that God frequently tries us by leading us through waters of emotional flatness. 5. The singling out of worship as life’s primary activity. 6. The stress on our need of regular self-examination by Scripture, in terms of Psalm 139:23-24. 7. The realization that sanctified suffering bulks large in God’s plan for his children to grow in grace. |