Groups
shared with...
Author
Andy Hubert
child of God / husband / father / creator of Biblearc / teacher / programmer
User since 2008
Andy's proficiency badges
Andy's published pages
What's the difference?
Romans 3:21-26
Love is our supreme obligation.
Romans 12-15
All religions of rule-following, including looking to God's law for hope, are but the same weak and worthless worldliness.
Galatians 4:8-11
Love means building others. Building others requires understanding, intentionality and orderliness.
1 Corinthians 14
Words are cheap. Finding someone who faithfully lives out his words is something else altogether!
Proverbs 20
Which part of a conversation do you most enjoy———the part where you listen and learn, or the part where you say what you think?
Proverbs 18:2
If you ever don't know what to do, James makes it simple...pray!
James 5:13-18
The whole world is “Live. Die. Repeat.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
“We can never know who God is or even if he exists.” He has told us who he is and you know it is true by the way it pierces your heart.
Romans 10:5-13
Parables of guilt and grace from the story of David, Bathsheba and Uriah.
2 Samuel 11:1-12:25
Can you find the gospel in Genesis 3:20-24?
Genesis 3:20-24
“Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.'” Have you done your homework?
Hosea 6:4-11
The book of Hebrews speaks of six foundational elements to faith in Christ. Do you know them?
Hebrews 5:11-6:3
A believer knows, receives, follows and trusts Jesus.
Mark 8:27-38
Settle the gospel once and for all, so that you can begin to eternally explore its glory.
Hebrews 5:11-6:3
Why are God's rules not like a prison?
Galatians 3:23-26
Can you teach the foundations of faith in Jesus?
Hebrews 5:11-6:3
If Jesus had not become weak, then while Jesus would himself still be perfect, he would not be the perfect Savior.
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
The one who brings us to the throne of God's grace himself sits on the same throne.
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
We stay Christians when we keep coming to Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
With God's people / wandering alone / brought back by a brother / saved from Hell
James 5:19-20
If you ever don't know what to do, James makes it simple. But you need to follow the directions!
James 5:13-18
Confidence in the shelter of God's Son is the condition for salvation.
Hebrews 3:1-4:13
How compassionate is God to show us his purposes! We are not at all in the dark as we await the King of Glory.
James 5:7-12
USE your money now for justice and mercy, lest the “security” of your savings become your refuge... and demise.
James 5:1-6
The I AM gives out grace and mercy on the basis of sovereign freedom alone.
Romans 9:14-18
Jesus: the sovereign, victorious Savior-King.
Hebrews 1:1-4
Open your eyes to the broadcast of God's glory in the lives of ALL those around you!
Romans 9:14-18
Why is it that those who believe in predestination and those who believe in future promises for Israel are so often not the same people?
Romans 9
When we unjustly speak against others, we are acting like God. (And that's bad!)
James 4:11-12
Bible stories teach theology.
Romans 9:6-13
God's timing is not only perfect, it is revelatory.
Romans 9:6-13
How does a man/woman of faith responds to apparent contradictions in the Bible?
Romans 9:1-5
Do you know how to biblically recognize privilege in your life?
Romans 9:4-5
“But he gives more grace.” The sweetness of these words is beyond words.
James 4:1-10
Christians are those who love God. Christians are those who love one another. Christians are those who love the lost.
Romans 9:1-3
Fruitfulness lies at the center of what it means to be a Christian.
John 15:1-17
Those with true wisdom don't talk about it; they show it.
James 3:13-18
Would you “waste” your life with me?
Mark 14:3-9
God’s kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness; a reality that remains firm in the New Covenant.
Matthew 5:17-20
The danger in teaching is found in the fact that it employs a powerful area of our lives with which we all struggle.
James 3:1-5
“Whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.”
2 Peter 2:17-22
We are counted righteous by faith-revealing works, since only a faith that works counts for anything.
James 2:14-26
God forbid that the Church draw people the way politicians do.
2 Peter 2:17-22
What does Jesus mean when he says, "your faith has made you well?"
Mark 10:46-52
Jonah did not love mercy though he happily received it. He simply loved himself.
James 2:1-13
What does it actually mean to worship the Lord?
Psalm 130:1-5
Jesus' great disciples are those who are servants of all, because Jesus is the ultimate servant in the gospel.
Mark 10:35-45
"Better is the little that the righteous has"--it is enough to be abundant in generosity.
Psalms 37:25-26
If we gain a view of the day to come, we will lose the turmoil in our hearts today.
Psalms 37:12-13
Believers are living stones; non-believers trip over the keystone.
1 Peter 2:4-8
"The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord."
Psalms 37:39
The Lord declares to his Son, the once-dead-king, "Rise up, O God; judge the earth. For you shall inherit the nations!"
Psalms 82:1-8
We shall have no fear in stumbling if we are holding God's hand.
Psalms 37:23-24
Be dumbfounded for the glory of God!
Romans 8:31-39
Threats may in fact win the day, but not the third.
Romans 8:31-39
Hate everything that revolves around you. Willingly walk the road of suffering. Renounce all that you possess.
Luke 14:25-33
Jesus' disciples hate what revolves around them.
Luke 14:25-33
No one coerced Jesus to bear the cross on our behalf.
Mark 10:17-52
Beware of your tongue.
James 3:5-12
There are only two alternatives—either Jesus is not good because he is not God, or he is good and likewise he is God.
Mark 10:17-22
We were lowly in our sin; he became lowly to wash away that sin. He shall return in glory as our great God; we shall reflect that glory as those belonging to him.
Titus 2:11-15
Do you struggle with fear in evangelism? God's cure will surprise you.
Philippians 1:12-14
What is the purpose of prayer? Why ought we to ask God for things? One answer is that prayer is meant to prove me.
John 15:7-8
Take joy, O kings, in trembling before God by turning to his Son for refuge.
Psalms 2
God's love for us Romans 5:1-5 Justification, peace with God and access to grace come via  fait...
Faith and love because of hope
Arc.
Colossians 1:9-12
Main point summary. Arc.
Colossians 1:3-8
Outline of Colossians I.
Colossians summary
Phrase.
Matthew 13:44
Arc.
Acts 7:2-53
Main point summary. Arc.
Acts 17:22-31
Bracket.
1 Peter 2:1-3
Bracket.
Daniel 4:1-37
Arc.
Daniel 4:1-37
Bracket.
Mark 8:34-38
Arc.
Mark 8:34-38
Arc.
Romans 8:9-11
Arc.
Romans 8:9-11
Wed 9am discussion group.
1 John 4:7-12
Arc.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Arc.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Arc.
Genesis 3:20-24
Central Idea Be warned that judgment is coming Benjamin (and Judah)! The Lord himself will rot you a...
Torn that You May Seek
Arc.
Hosea 5:8-15
Central Idea O Israel (and Judah), let us turn back to the Lord and seek to know him, for he is fait...
Let Us Return to the Lord!
Arc.
Hosea 6:1-3
Bracket.
John 15:12-17
Main point [Jesus:] Love one another like I have loved you by setting my course to die for you as my...
Love one another like I love
Arc.
John 15:12-17
Bracket.
John 14:25-31
Bracket.
John 14:18-24
Main point Rejoice and believe since I have told you that I am going to the Father and leaving you my peace via the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice and Believe at What I Have Told You
Arc.
John 14:25-31
Main point [Jesus:] I will come to you and this is how--you will see me after death, find new life b...
How Jesus Comes to Us
Arc.
John 14:18-24
Bracket.
John 14:15-17
Bracket.
John 14:12-14
Bracket.
John 14:1-7
Bracket.
John 14:8-11
Arc.
Romans 1:8-17
Main point To those who love me , the Father will give the Spirit, who you know in knowing me.
The Spirit of truth coming...whom you know
Arc.
John 14:15-17
Main point You will do great works via prayer in my name [and so assure you hearts that you know God...
The middle purpose
Arc.
John 14:12-14
Main point Jesus: It is absurd to ask to see God after being with me, since seeing me is seeing the Father.
Dayenu to be with Jesus
Arc.
John 14:8-11
Main point summary. Discourse.
Acts 2:14-41
Bracket.
John 14:1-7
Main point Trust God by trusting me, for I am going to prepare for you to come and you know the way to God because you know me.
Trust God with peace, for you know me
Arc.
John 14:1-7
Diagram.
Colossians 4:2-6
Holy, blameless and above reproach.
Colossians 1:22
Diagram.
Colossians 3:18-4:1
Diagram.
Colossians 3:5-17
Diagram.
Colossians 3:1-4
Diagram.
Colossians 2:16-23
Arc.
Romans 16:25-27
Bracket.
Matthew 5:17-20
Diagram.
Colossians 2:6-15
Diagram.
Colossians 1:24-2:5
Bracket.
Acts 1:1-11
Diagram.
Colossians 1:21-23
Diagram.
Colossians 1:9-20
דיאגרמה.
Colossians 1:3-8
Bracket.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Diagram.
Colossians 1:1-2
Bracket.
John 12:44-50
Bracket.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Diagram.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Diagram.
2 Timothy 2:7
Diagram.
Romans 8:28
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Diagram.
Hebrews 1:1-4
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Diagram.
1 Peter 1:17-19
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
Diagram.
Ephesians 3:7-12
Shown to whom? "Everyone" Demonic rulers and authorities, and perhaps angelic rulers as well.
Displaying God's wisdom
Diagram.
Romans 16:25-27
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 2:9-16
Reference Sheet
John 1:1
Diagram.
Galatians 5:22-23
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Diagram.
Romans 8:28
Diagram.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Diagram.
John 14:1
Diagram.
Ephesians 2:4-7
Diagram.
James 1:19-20
Diagram.
John 3:31
Diagram.
1 John 1:9
Diagram.
1 Peter 1:13
מושא משנה.
John 14:26
קולוסים א22.
Colossians 1:22
רומים ה1-2.
Romans 5:1-2
יוחנן א1.
John 1:1
יוחנן ג16.
John 3:16
מפה של רכיבי דיאגרמה.
Genesis 1:1
Diagram.
Romans 1:16-17
Diagram.
1 John 3:1-3
Your Plans and the Will of God Definitions Revealed will of God = What God clearly reveals to us fro...
התוכניות שלך ורצון האלוהים
Creation God works (i.
עבודה - A biblical theology of work
Diagram.
Ephesians 1:15-23
Diagram (with Seth).
Ephesians 1:3-14
Diagram.
Ephesians 1:1-2
Two People That Do Not Exist There is a single, surprisingly simple biblical truth that answers two ...
United to Jesus, let us live to God
Main idea : United with Jesus in death and resurrection, let us present ourselves to God and righteousness.
Romans 6:1-14
Q:  What is the  "hope of glory" ? A: "Messiah in you" according to Col 1:27.
Romans 5:1-11
"because all sinned" (vs 12) - does this mean that all sinned in Adam or that all have sinned indivi...
Romans 5:12-100
Main Idea : Nothing of righteousness was gained by Abraham according to the flesh; therefore, t...
Romans 4:11-12
Exegetical Idea : John calls those born of God to aspire to LOVE -- something motivated and defined ...
1 John 4:7-12
Central Idea Those united to Christ by faith need no longer fear condemnation, because their sin has...
Romans 8:1-8
Central Idea Because of Messiah's shocking love, work-out your salvation in joyful awe.
Philippians 2:12-13
Jesus doesn't "believe in you," but this is good news! Central Idea We do not need Jesus to "believe...
John 2:23-25
Why does the snake receive a specific curse being this book is not for him?! The reason, I think, is...
Genesis 3:14-19
C
2 Peter 1:5-11
Vs 17 is the main point.
John 5:1-18
God is righteous!! And his heart and plan overflow to be a righteous, righteous-maker of sinners.
Romans 3:21-26
“Either this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” (John Bunyan)
Psalms 1
For the main points of the narrative, relating them in a Progression seemed to be most helpful.
Luke 2:8-20
view all (185 total)
God's Special Callings
The Bible does not teach us to fast or stay up late for the purpose of seeking a special calling from God.
Audio from the author
#callings
#ifTheLordWills
#GodsPlan
Published September 26th, 2016
Author
Share / Groups / About Author
The Bible on Special Callings
Main point summary
Arc of James 4:13-17
The Bible on Special Callings
You might be surprised to find that nowhere do the scriptures instruct us to set aside time to seek a special calling from God. Nor will you find examples of biblical characters so doing. I had not always understood this. It has been my practice in the past to periodically set aside a half day for prayer and fasting as I come to a new season. I ask God to show me what to do or where to go, and then open up the Bible and wait for a “sense” of his direction. But not anymore. For, simply put, the idea is not biblical. But isn’t this what we find Jesus doing in Mark 1:35-38? Isn’t this what the church is doing in Acts 13:2-3? So I thought, but then I read a little closer. Yes, Jesus woke up early to pray. And yes, he knew it was time to continue on to the next town when his disciples found him. But what makes us assume that Jesus woke up early in order to seek such direction? Eisegesis might lead me to this conclusion, but exegesis will not. As for Acts, the Spirit speaks to the church “while they were worshipping the Lord and fasting.” It was not while they were seeking direction, but while they were worshipping—that is, seeking God’s face. And those are not the same thing. As the book of Acts then follows Paul and Barnabas after they are sent out, we would do well to take note of their custom in decision-making. They pass from city to city without mention of special direction from God and then return to Antioch. After returning, Paul simply proposes to Barnabas to go back and visit the churches they planted, again without special direction from God to do so. As he goes (without Barnabas), we then do read of the Spirit directing. First He “forbids” Paul from speaking the word in Asia. Then the Spirit does not allow them to go to Bithynia. Finally, Paul has a vision at night which he interprets to be God’s call to preach in Macedonia. (Acts 13:13, 14:24, 15:36, 16:6-10) Now observe the following: (1) Paul was free to make big decisions without special guidance from God. (2) The Spirit does not speak to Paul in response to him asking for a special calling, and in fact he never asks. (3) The Spirit never guides Paul in the same fashion. But wait, are we not to go to God for wisdom?! Yes, but this is totally different. A special calling says, “Go there” or “Do that.” Wisdom says, “Here is how to think and live.” See for yourself in James. In 1:4 we discover that God calls us to steadfastness that we might be “lacking in nothing.” Immediately following in 1:5 we read that God will give us wisdom if we lack it. What’s the point? God does not mean for us to ask, “Should I go left or right?” when we meet life’s crossroads. For that would not remove any lack in my character as it is relevant only for the moment. Rather God invites us to ask, “Please teach me how to live,” in order to fill us with wisdom. (See also James 3:13-18 for James’ definition of wisdom.) Please do not misunderstand. We must “acknowledge [God] in all [our] ways.” We must “present [our] bodies as living sacrifices.” We live understanding that we belong to God, but that does not mean that God directs us with “left” and “right” commands. Rather, we “discern by testing what is the will of God” as he “make[s] straight [our] paths.” (Prov 3:5-6, Rom 12:1-2. Note also that in Isaiah 30:21, God is confirming the way of holiness, not giving person-specific guidance.) Perhaps a final passage to note on this subject is James 4:13-17. There James rebukes the person who arrogantly makes plans without thought to the Lord, or his own frailty. Notice James’ instruction to this person. He does not say, “Instead you ought to set aside time to pray and fast for direction.” Why? Because that was not the planner’s problem. The problem was that his heart did not realize that his plans will only be established “if the Lord wills.” And then comes perhaps the most insightful verse for our subject. “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Do you know the holiness which God calls us all to pursue? To not run after it is sin. Do you know of the Great Commission? To not participate in it is sin. Do you have a special, personal calling from God? To ignore it is also sin. (Like Jonah, for example.) For God does indeed give special callings! The point of this article is not to deny that. The point being made is that you need not seek one. For God knows where to find you and he knows how to talk! How absurd it would be to think that God has a special calling for your life, or special direction for you in this season, which he is eager to tell you, but cannot because you have not set aside a day to fast and pray in order to ask him! Conclusion You are free! Go to the ends of the earth, pour yourself out for a gospel ambition, give your life away to serve. Through it all God will teach you how to make decisions (wisdom) and he will guide you through his providence. “If the Lord wills,” he will establish your plan. If not, he will close the door. And he may at times speak a special calling into your life. But do not stay up late coveting a special calling that you feel you must have. Rather wake up early to seek God’s face, and stay up late to do his work.
notes
Main point summary
Those who arrogantly boast in tomorrow ought to recognize their dependence upon God's plan, and therefore live the life they know God has called them to.
Arc of James 4:13-17
editing
NT
James 4:13-17
esv
Come now, you who say,
“Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town
and spend a year there
and trade
and make a profit”—
actionpurpose
actionmanner
progression
ideaexplanation
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.
concessive
What is your life?
For you are a mist
that appears for a little time
and then vanishes.
questionanswer
ground
Instead you ought to say,
“If the Lord wills,
we will live
and do this or that.”
series
conditional
negativepositive
As it is, you boast in your arrogance.
All such boasting is evil.
So whoever knows the right thing to do
and fails to do it,
for him it is sin.
inference
discourse
Comments
Mussie Temnewo
Andy, God is so great & caring that He speaks to us through his words using men and woman like you. Grace and Peace!
Nohea
My wife and I had a discussion about this last night. Thanks!
Adnan
This is very helpful.
Jeannie Koh
Thank you. What a relief from a false burden.
Andy Hubert
Praise God. I am so encouraged that this has served you.
Disclaimer: The opinions and conclusions expressed on this page are those of the author and may or may not accord with the positions of Biblearc or Bethlehem College & Seminary.