Scott LaPierre's Blog: Scott LaPierre | Living God's Way | Pastor, Author, and Speaker, page 28

Eulogy for My Father, John LaPierre’s, Celebration of Life

My father, John Arnold LaPierre was born on September 24, 1951, and he passed away on May 2, 2021. This is the eulogy I shared at his Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021. If you'd like to watch the full service, you can do so here.https://youtu.be/ovcfDLdLApAThe eulogy I shared at my father, John Arnold LaPierre's, Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021.Table of ContentsJohn LaPierre's ObituaryNotes for John LaPierre's EulogyFavorite memories about John LaPierreTreehouse and importance of familyWorking hard to care for our familyA faithful, loving husbandThings to give thanks for…Recently repeated many blessings with DadDad was able to pass with dignityWe were given many good years with DadWe were blessed with a wonderful church familyThings I’m thankful I did for John LaPierre…I took CPR trainingI told my dad I loved him many timesI shared the gospel with Dad many timesGospel PresentationJohn LaPierre's ObituaryJohn LaPierre was born in Plattsburgh, New York on September 24, 1951. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the 8th grade and then transferred to Dannemora High School where he graduated June 1969. John was active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and soccer in high school. He attended Cortland State University for three years majoring in physical education. John and Donna were married on February 2, 1974 in Dannemora, New York. John started working for the Department of Corrections in Dannemora in 1973 until May 1979 when he, Donna, and Scott (born in 1978) moved to California. John continued working for the Department of Corrections until retiring in April 2007. John's second son, Jason, was born in 1979. John enjoyed coaching and watching his sons participate in various sports. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family, and then golf during retirement.John became a Christian in 2008 and his son, Scott, baptized him soon after. When Scott took the pastorate of Woodland Christian Church in 2010, John and Donna followed him to Washington, where John also served as a deacon at his son's church. Shortly after John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, it progressed slowly, so he was able to enjoy many years with family and friends. In January of 2017 John was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. He went through 37 radiation treatments which successfully treated the cancer. Even when John couldn't remember the names of his grandchildren they still brought him great joy whenever he saw them. They were certainly the light of his life. John was predeceased by his father, mother, and son, Jason.Notes for John LaPierre's EulogyI thought I would begin by sharing some of my favorite memories about my dad…Favorite memories about John LaPierreTreehouse and importance of familyI spent most of my young life in MacArthur, which is in the mountains of northern California. That’s also where Katie grew up, and where her parents still live. It’s very rural. We couldn’t see any of our neighbors through all the thick trees.One day Dad took Jason and I into the woods behind our house. He said, “This is where I want to build you a treehouse.” It was pretty neat: completely enclosed with a nice roof, a trapdoor to enter it from the bottom after climbing up a ladder, and a sliding window.After Dad finished it he wanted all of us ,Dad, Mom, Jason and Ito spend the night in it. The floor of the treehouse was plywood, and we slept in sleeping bags. This made for a long, uncomfortable night. The treehouse was good size, but with the four of us rolling over and bumping each other, I don’t think we slept very much.But it was a nice, fun time that I still remember.I also mention this memory because it reveals something about Dad that stands out in my mind: he really wanted us to spend time together as a family. I remember growing up knowing family was important,

Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories

My interview for Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories, and Emotional Distance into True Intimacy. Unbreakable Marriage was an online event with Anne Nelson, the founder of Fully Thriving.If you'd like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know.Video of Unbreakable Marriage Interviewhttps://youtu.be/sJfgYEZrmHYScott LaPierre's interview for Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories, and Emotional Distance into True Intimacy.Receive a FREE copy of Pastor Scott LaPierre's book, Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages.View all Pastor Scott's books on his Amazon author page.Visit Scott LaPierre's speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.Unbreakable Marriage Interview TopicsThe Interview covered many topics including:The most common problems I see in marriage counseling, which happen to be related to parenting, finances, and in-lawsHow our marriages are reflections of our relationships with Christ; we treat our spouses the way we do because of our relationships with the Lord. Our marriages are outpourings of that relationshipHow we can strengthen our relationships with Christ, so we have stronger relationships with our spouseHow I keep things in balance; as a pastor, author, speaker, husband, and father of eight with a ninth on the way I must prioritize. I must discern between good and bestHow I handled a crisis in my life when I was overwhelmed and stressed outThe importance of investing in my marriage and spending quality time with my wife, KatieThe biblical basis for a husband making his wife the supreme relationship in this life second only to ChristWhat I do as a father to ensure my children don't become bitter toward the ministry; checking in with them to see how they feel about traveling with me for speaking engagements

Christian Retirement the Right Way

As a Christian retirement might be in your future. You should know there are right and wrong ways to retire. The Parable of the Rich Fool is one of the clearest places in Scripture discussing retirement. In Luke 12:19 the Rich Fool said, “You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”Sadly, the Rich Fool’s words capture what comes to mind for many people when they think of retiring. My hope is to prevent any of us from making the same mistake! Here's Part II: The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21).Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right WayFamily Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right WaySermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right WayLesson 1: this life is about the spiritual versus the physical.Lesson 2: we can be wise in the world’s eyes, but fools to god.Lesson 3: the rich fool retired wrongly.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 1) mentor.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 2) pray.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 3) assist.Sermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right WayLesson 1: This life is about the __________________ versus the ________________ (Luke 12:15 cf. Luke 4:4, 9:23, 25, 12:33-34, Rom 14:17).Lesson 2: We can be ________ in the world’s eyes, but __________ to God (Luke 12:20; 1 Cor 3:18-19).Lesson 3: The Rich Fool ______________ ______________ (Luke 12:19).Lesson 2: Older people can:(Part I) ____________ (1 Tim 5:1-2; Psa 71:18, 78:4).(Part II) ________ (1 Tim 5:3-6; Luke 2:36-37).(Part III) ____________ (1 Tim 5:9-10; Num 8:23-26).Family Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right WayDay 1: Luke 12:15, Luke 4:4, Luke 9:23, Luke 9:25, Luke 12:33, Rom 14:17, and discuss: Why does Jesus teach that we need to beware of covetousness? What is Jesus trying to get us to see about life by lowering our estimation of food and clothing? How should this change our perspective on what life is? What contrast does Paul use to describe what the kingdom of God is and is not?Day 2: Luke 12:16 - 20, and discuss: How can our efforts deceive us into thinking that we are entitled to decide how our assets can be used? What are we often tempted to do by way of giving credit when we are successful? How is wisdom on the world’s standards estimated by God? Why?Day 3: Luke 12:19, 1 Cor 3:18, 1 Tim 5:1, Ps 71:18, 1 Tim 5:1-9, and discuss: How does the world’s mindset of retiring differ than God’s? How does the way we view our resources effect the way we retire? What value does the older generation offer the younger? How can an older saint encourage or invest in a younger believer?Sermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right WayThe title of this morning’s sermon is, “Retiring the Right Way.”We were in a series on covetousness and contentment. Now we’re returning to Luke and I’d like to back up to verse 13 to briefly review and get the context for the parable we’ll be studying…In verses 1-12 Jesus was teaching on some very heavy topics:Being forgiven versus being unforgivenGoing to hell versus going to heavenRight in the middle of this, look at verse 13 to see what happened…Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”The man looks pretty bad b/c he interrupted Jesus AND told Him what to do.Jesus turned this into a teaching moment…look at verse 14…Luke 12:14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15a And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness,It might look like Jesus didn’t help the man, but He did!The man wanted Jesus to help him financially, but Jesus helped him spiritually by revealing the covetousness in his heart.If Jesus gave the man what he wanted, it would’ve hurt him, b/c it would’ve been feeding his covetousness.Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness.” I think we took this warning seriously,

The Need for A Holy Church | Vision Of WCC

The need for a holy church is great, because just like God called Israel to be holy in the Old Testament, He has called the church to be holy in the New Testament: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). We tend to think something is holy if it is moral or righteous, and something is unholy if it immoral or unrighteous, but it’s better to understand holy means separate. For example:When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him he was standing on holy ground, not because the ground was better than other areas of ground, but because it was set apart for God.If there were two identical vessels, but one was used in the temple and one wasn’t, the one in the temple was holy because it’s set apart for God.Israel was holy by keeping ceremonial commands (those dealing with tassels, foods, clothing, farming), and the church is holy by being separate from the world: “Do not be conformed to this world…do not love the world or the things in the world…friendship with the world is enmity with God” (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4).https://youtu.be/05RN--psIgUThe need for a holy church is great, because just like God called Israel to be holy, He has called the church to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Need for A Holy ChurchFamily Worship Guide for The Need for A Holy ChurchSermon Notes for The Need for A Holy ChurchLesson one: God always has an inside and outside.Lesson two: holiness separates the inside from the outside.Lesson three: holiness in the church means avoiding worldliness.Lesson four: seeker sensitive churches blur the line between the inside and outside.Lesson five: draw the line at immorality when being “all things to all people.”Sermon Lessons for The Need for A Holy ChurchLesson one: God always has an ____________ and ______________ (Matthew 21:31, Mark 4:11, Luke 16:16, Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Revelation 22:14).Lesson two: ________________ __________________ the inside from the outside (1 Peter 1:15).Lesson three: holiness in the church means ________________ ______________________ (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, Hebrews 12:14).Lesson four: ____________ __________________ churches blur the line between inside and outside (1 Corinthians 9:19-21, Galatians 5:6, 6:15, Acts 15:5, 16:3, 18:18).Lesson five: draw the line ____ ____________________ when being “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 8:7-12, 9:22).Family Worship Guide for The Need for A Holy ChurchDirections: Read the verses and then answer the following questions:Day one: Matthew 21:31, Mark 4:11, Luke 16:16, Colossians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:12, 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Revelation 22:14. What does it mean that God has always had an inside and an outside? Why do you think this is the case? Can you think of any other examples in the Bible of an inside and outside that were not mentioned in the sermon?Day two: 1 Peter 1:15, Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, Hebrews 12:14). What are some moral commands in the Old Testament? What are some ceremonial commands? What are the differences between them, and why are they so important? What did it look like for Israel to be holy in the Old Testament? What does it look like for the church to be holy in the New Testament? Why is holiness so important for the church?Day three: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Galatians 5:6, 6:15, Acts 15:5, 16:3, 18:18. We appreciate the seeker sensitive churches’ desire to reach the lost, but in what way or ways do they typically err? What does it mean to “be all things to all people”? What does it not mean? How do we know where to draw the line? What are some amoral things Paul did to reach unbelievers? In what way, or ways, is Christ the greatest example of becoming “all things to all people that He might save some”?Sermon Notes for The Need for A Holy Church

Christian Personal Finance Advice from the Bible

Receive Christian personal finance advice from the Bible, so you can develop a scriptural understanding of one of our greatest stewardships. Learn principles for adults to apply to their marriages, and for parents to pass along to their children. I delivered this message at the 2017 Christian Heritage Homeschool Conference.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Christian Personal Finance AdviceFamily Worship Guide for Christian Personal Finance AdviceSermon Notes for Christian Personal Finance AdviceLesson 1: Money is amoral, but our relationship to it is spiritual.Lesson 2: Put off debt, and put on saving.Lesson 3: Put off getting rich quickly, and put on obtaining money “little by little.”Lesson 4: We develop the habit of saving or wasting money.Lesson 5: Most people have a spending problem versus an income problem…Lesson 5: Most people have a spending problem versus an income problem resulting from (part 1) small purchases that add up.Lesson 5: Most people have a spending problem versus an income problem resulting from (part 2) impatienceLesson 5: Most people have a spending problem versus an income problem resulting from (part 3) self-entitlement.Sermon Lessons for Christian Personal Finance AdviceLesson 1: __________ is ____________, but our relationship to it is spiritual.Lesson 2: Put off ________, and put on ____________ (Proverbs 6:8, 13:22, 21:20, 22:7, 30:24; Romans 13:8).Lesson 3: Put off getting ________ ______________, and put on obtaining money “little by little” (Proverbs 10:4, 13:11, 14:23, 28:19-22; Matthew 25:27).Lesson 4: We develop the habit of ____________ OR ______________ money.Lesson 5: Most people have a _______________ problem versus an ____________ problem resulting from:(Part I) __________ __________________ that add up.(Part II) ____________________ (Genesis 27:34; Philippians 3:19; Proverbs 21:5).(Part III) Self-______________________ (Genesis 3:4-5; Luke 9:23; 2 Samuel 13:4).Family Worship Guide for Christian Personal Finance AdviceDay 1—Read 1 Timothy 6:10 and discuss: If our relationship to money is moral, in what ways can money be used morally? In what ways can it be used immorally? What does our use of money reveal about our relationships with God?Day 2—Read Proverbs 6:8, 13:22, 21:20, 22:7, 30:24, Romans 13:8 and discuss: What steps can be taken to pay off debt and avoid it in the future? What would it look like to “put on” saving? What practical steps can be taken?Day 3—Read Proverbs 10:4, 13:11, 14:23, 28:19-22, Matthew 25:27 and discuss: What does God’s Word say about obtaining money quickly versus slowly? How do people try to get rich quickly? What are the dangers to this approach? What are some ways people can save money over time?Day 4—Read Genesis 27:34, Phil 3:19, Hebrews 12:16-17, Proverbs 21:5 and discuss: How does Esau present a sobering warning? What can be learned from Esau and applied to finances? How can you avoid being like – and then later feeling like – Esau?Day 5—Read Genesis 3:4-5, Luke 9:23, 2 Samuel 13:4 and discuss: How did the devil make Eve feel entitled? What makes us feel entitled at times? How can we resist this temptation? In what ways could Jesus have been entitled?Sermon Notes for Christian Personal Finance AdviceMy wife, Katie, and I grew up completely differently. Her father is a farmer who had tens of thousands of dollars coming in and out every month, so it was nothing for him to spend a few hundred dollars here or there. As a result, Katie basically grew up getting whatever she wanted.This made for some problems early in our marriage. I would say finances was easily our biggest conflict.We’ve always been a single-income family. When we got married I was a schoolteacher, and a few years later I became a pastor. Neither profession makes much money, but we’ve still been able to pay off all our debt, including our house and two vehicles.I share this to hopefully encourage you that this is possible…even if you don’t ...

When the Word of the Lord Was Rare

First Samuel 3 verse 1 says, "The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." These words describe the dark days of the judges, which came to an end when God raised up the first prophet, Samuel, to give people the Word of God. Israel was brought out of darkness by the light of God's Word. This delivered Israel from the situation in Judges 2, verse 10 that took them away from God 3.5 centuries earlier: "There arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel."https://youtu.be/Ao-rM2kWBao"The word of the Lord was rare in those days" (1 Samuel 3:1). The dark days of the judges, which ended when God raised up the first prophet.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for When the Word of the Lord Was RareFamily Worship Guide for When the Word of the Lord Was RareSermon Notes for When the Word of the Lord Was RareLesson one: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did (part four) what was right in their own eyes.Lesson two: vision should come from God’s Word.Lesson three: God’s Word restrains sin.Sermon Lessons for When the Word of the Lord Was RareNOTE: parts one through three are from the previous sermon: There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord.Lesson one: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did:(part one) not know the Lord (Judges 2:10a, Jeremiah 9:23-24).(part two) not remember what the Lord has done (Judges 2:10b).(part three) not remain holy (Judges 2:1-2 cf. Judges 1:28-35, 1 John 2:15-16).(part four) what was right in __________ ______ ________ (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25 cf. 1 Samuel 8:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 6:22-23, 15:19, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Proverbs 14:12, 16:25).Lesson two: vision should come from __________ _______ (1 Samuel 3:1, Ezekiel 7:26, Proverbs 29:18).Lesson three: God’s word __________________ ____ (Exodus 32:25, Proverbs 29:18, Amos 8:11-12).Family Worship Guide for When the Word of the Lord Was RareDirections: Read the verses and then answer the following questions:Day one: Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, 21:25 cf. 1 Samuel 8:7, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 6:22-23, 15:19, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Genesis 6:5, 8:21, Proverbs 14:12, 16:25. Why was Joshua’s death such a pivotal moment for the nation of Israel? Who were they supposed to start following at that moment? Who, or what, did they end up following instead? What does the Bible tell us about our hearts?Day two: 1 Samuel 3:1, Ezekiel 7:26, Proverbs 29:18. Samuel is a transitional figure between what two offices? What is the relationship between vision and God’s word? Why were the days of the judges so spiritually dark based on 1 Samuel 3:1? How did God bring the dark days of the judges to an end?Day three: Exodus 32:25, Proverbs 29:18, Amos 8:11-12, Ezekiel 11:19, 18:31, 36:26. How does God’s word restrains us? Aside from the book of judges and the time Moses and Joshua went up on Mount Sinai, can you think of other instances in Israel’s history of them being unrestrained because of the absence of God’s Word and vision? Regarding God’s word, why are we so fortunate today? Our hearts are incurable, or desperately sick, so what is the solution?Sermon Notes for When the Word of the Lord Was RareThe title of this morning’s sermon is, “When the Word of the Lord Was Rare.”Go ahead and open your Bibles to Judges 2 and I will open us in prayer.Last week I shared that we were going to talk about the vision of our church. We haven’t done so for over seven years.We began by considering the dramatic change that takes place between the books of Joshua and Judges:Joshua is largely a book of victoriesJudges is largely a book of defeatsAs much as Joshua is victory, after victory, after victory, Judges is defeat, after defeat, after defeat.We see why this happened in Judges 2:7-12.

There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the Lord | From Victory to Defeat

Judges 2:10 says, "There arose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." This is why the nation of Israel went from victories to defeats. The historical books of the Bible read almost like one book, with each book serving as a chapter of a larger book covering the history of the nation of Israel. But between Joshua and Judges the change is so sharp it could almost seem like we missed something:Joshua is largely a book of victories.Judges is largely a book of defeats. Keeping in mind from 1 Corinthians 10 and Romans 15 that we are supposed to learn from the Old Testament, when we see something this dramatic take place, we should ask why it happened. We are given the answer in Judges 2:7-12.https://youtu.be/rx51zNfVXNQJudges 2:10 says, "There arose another generation who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel." This is why Israel went from victory is in the book of Joshua to defeat in the book of Judges.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordFamily Worship Guide for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordSermon Notes for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordLesson one: the Promised Land is a picture of spiritual rest in Christ.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part one) know the Lord.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part two) remember what the Lord had done.Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not (part three) remain holy.Sermon Lessons for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordLesson one: the Promised Land is a picture of __________________ ________ in Christ (Hebrews 3-4, Joshua 13:1, 21:44, 22:4, Matthew 11:28-29).Lesson two: Israel moved from victory to defeat because they did not:(part one) know ______ ________Judges 2:10a, Jeremiah 9:23-24).(part two) remember what the Lord ______ ________ (Judges 2:10b).(part three) ____________ ________ (Judges 2:1-2 cf. Judges 1:28-35, 1 John 2:15-16).Family Worship Guide for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordDirections: Read the verses and then answer the following questions:Day one: 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11, Romans 15:4, Hebrews 3-4, Joshua 13:1, 21:44, 22:4, Matthew 11:28-29. Why do people have trouble learning from the Old Testament? What can we do when we read the Old Testament to find application from the accounts? How is the Promised Land a picture of our relationships with Christ? Describe the rest the Promised Land offered people of Israel. Describe the rest Christ offers His people.Day two: Judges 2:9-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24. How do the Old Testament historical books read like one book? What two books have a sharp change between them? Describe the change. What does it mean that the new generation did not know the Lord? What does it mean that the new generation did not remember what the Lord had done? What application does this have for us? In other words, how can we ensure that the generation following us knows the Lord, and remembers the things that He has done? Why don’t churches want to simply preach the Word of God?Day three: Judges 1:28-35, 2:1-2, 1 John 2:15-16. What does the word holy mean? How is Israel to remain holy? How did Israel fail to remain holy? What are some practical ways for us to remain holy? Why didn’t the Israelites drive out all the Canaanites living among them? In other words, why did they want to keep them around? Why don’t we drive out all the sin in our lives? In what ways has the world crept into the church? What can we do to prevent this?Sermon Notes for There Arose Another Generation Who Did not Know the LordThe title of this morning’s sermon is, “From Victory to Defeat.”Go ahead and open your Bibles to Joshua 21 and I will open us in prayer.This morning’s sermon has been on my heart for a while.

The Word of God Is Living and Powerful (Hebrews 4:12) - A Glimpse of Jesus' Wisdom Through Solomon

Hebrews 4:12 says, “The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). We receive a wonderful glimpse of his wisdom through Solomon’s.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of god is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament.Receive a FREE copy of Pastor Scott LaPierre’s book,  Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages .View all Pastor Scott’s books on my Amazon author page.Visit Scott LaPierre’s speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulFamily Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulSermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulLesson one: cling to the sword when you need wisdom.Lesson two: the Word is a sword that cuts to the heart.Lesson three: anyone can approach Jesus’ throne.Sermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulLesson 1: Cling to ______ __________ when you need wisdom (1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10).Lesson 2: The Word is a sword that ________ to the __________ (1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5).Lesson 3: Anyone can approach ____________ ______ (1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16).Family Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulDay 1: Read 1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10, and discuss: In what ways does Solomon serve as a type of Christ? How does God’s Word serve as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path? Why do you think the Word is compared with a sword? Can you think of other types or pictures of the Word in Scripture? How can we become proficient with the Word? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5, and discuss: Do you think Hebrews 4:12 is referring to Scripture or Jesus Christ? And why? How was Solomon able to look past the women’s words to their hearts? How can this be applied to our counseling and dealing with people? Day 3: Read 1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16, and discuss: Why did God have harlots, of all people, approach Solomon’s throne? What does this teach us? Why can we have confidence to approach the throne? Why does God make mercy and grace available to us in our time of need? What application should this have for our lives? How is Jesus greater than Solomon?Sermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful

You know I like types, and Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament.

The glory of the kingdom Solomon rules over prefigures or foreshadows the glory of the kingdom that Jesus rules over.

We are going to be in 1 Kings 3, but briefly look at 1 Kings 10:23.

Jesus said the Old Testament is about Him. As we read these three verses look for Jesus in them…

1 Kings 10:23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year.

It looks like the world is worshiping him:

The whole earth seeks his presenceEveryone wants to hear his wisdomAlthough he’s already unimaginable wealthy, people still brings him gifts and offerings

So although the verses are about Solomon, they prefigure Jesus reigning over his kingdom.

Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said…

Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Jesus condemned the generation in His day by pointing out that His wisdom is greater than Solomon’s, so if the Queen of Sheba wanted to listen to Solomon, how much more should they want to listen to Him?

In this morning’s verses in 1 Kings 3 we’ll see a demonstration of Solomon’s wisdom that prefigures the greater wisdom of Christ.

I’ve told you before that trials are tests, and tests are trials. God gives us wisdom so we can navigate trials, or pass the tests we face.

In our last sermon on the first half of 1 Kings 3 we saw Solomon ask for wisdom and receive it. In this morning’s sermon we will see him apply his new wisdom to pass the test he’s facing.

Look with me at 1 Kings 3:16…

1 Kings 3:16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman’s son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king.

They lived in the same brothel with other harlots, became pregnant around the same time, and their lives created messy situations for them…

Without husbands around there were no witnesses to what took place. It was simply one woman’s word against the other which made it seem impossible to resolve. This prevented the situation from being tried in courts the normal way. More than likely this is why it reached Solomon.

So let’s see what Solomon does…

1 Kings 3:23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.”

Although this sounds outrageous to us, there was precedent for something like this in the law…

Exodus 21:35 “When one man’s ox butts another’s, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and share its price, and the dead beast also they shall share…or cut it in half.

So they would hear Solomon and think, “Wow, he’s doing w/ the baby what they would do w/ animals!”

Since this situation seemed unresolvable, Solomon needed wisdom. He set a great example for us when he said, “Bring me a sword.”

And this brings us to Lesson 1…

Lesson one: cling to the sword when you need wisdom.

We’ve talked about types many times before. Typically we’re talking about types of Christ, but there are types of other things as well. For example, leprosy and leaven are types – or pictures – of sin.

There are also types – or pictures – of the Word of God…

Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

A lamp is a picture of the Word.

A sword is probably the most common type – or picture – of the Word…

Ephesians 6:17 The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Jesus strikes down His enemies w/ a sword that proceeds from His mouth, …

Revelation 19:15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron…21 The rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse.

He doesn’t literally have a sword coming out of His mouth, but it’s a picture of the Word of God.

When Solomon needed wisdom he looked for a sword and we should do the same.

We shouldn’t expect God to speak to us audibly like He did w/ people before the Word of God was completed. Instead we should expect God to speak to us – or direct us – through His Word.

Generally when we’re trying to figure out what to do in our lives, if we will spend the necessary time in God’s Word we’ll find the wisdom needed to make the right decision.

Let me give you another illustration I like that I hope you’ll take with you…

When one of David’s Mighty Men when was fighting…

2 Samuel 23:9 Among the three mighty men was Eleazar…He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. 10 He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and HIS HAND CLUNG TO THE SWORD. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day.

God was able to bring about a great victory through Eleazar b/c he clung on to his sword so long his hand stuck to it.

This is a great picture of what our relationships to the Word should be like. We aren’t fighting physical battles, but we are fighting spiritual battles and we should cling to the Word of God like Eleazar clung to his sword.

Eleazar – like the rest of David’s Mighty Men knew how to use their swords – or they wouldn’t have been too mighty.

The same thing can be said of us. We won’t be too mighty if we aren’t skilled w/ our swords.

How do we develop this skill?

It takes things:

First, it takes practice. We must spend time reading and studying our Bibles.Second, it takes experience. They used their swords regularly throughout their lives…and it’s the same w/ us. We need to use our Bibles and apply what we read and study. What good is it to know the Bible if we’re not going to follow it?

Let’s go back to the account with Solomon.

Of course Solomon had no intention of cutting the child in half. He knew the child’s mother would object. And that’s what happened…

1 Kings 3:26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.”

There are some evil people and when they suffer they want others to suffer too. If they lose something they want others to lose the same thing.

This mother lost her child and she wanted the other mother to lose hers.

1 Kings 3:27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

This really makes Solomon look like Jesus who, according to Luke 2:40, was filled with wisdom.

If you write in your Bible circle the words the wisdom of God was in him and write, “1 Corinthians 1:24,” which says Jesus is the wisdom of God.

Let me get you to think about something…

Solomon couldn’t use the women’s words to determine the right thing to do. It was one woman’s words against the other, and they were saying the same thing.

So if he wasn’t going to examine their words what would he examine?

He had to examine their hearts!

This is what he did. After he told the story verse 26 says her heart yearned for her son. He was able to see the heart of this woman for her son.

Briefly look at verse nine. Solomon said he wanted to be able to discern between good and evil, and that’s what his wisdom allowed him to do. He was able to see the good of one mother and the evil of the other.

Solomon asked for a sword and in a sense his story acted like a sword that split these two women and revealed their hearts.

This is very fitting b/c we’re told in the NT that a sword does exactly what Solomon did and exposes the heart.

If you write in your bible you can circle the word sword and write, “Hebrews 4:12-13.”

Then go ahead and turn to these verses. We won’t turn back to 1 Kings 3.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

We could say this is exactly what we saw Solomon do.

Hebrews 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

The main point of these verses is the Word of God is able to look at, or cut to, the heart.

And this brings us to lesson two…

Lesson two: the Word is a sword that cuts to the heart.

Solomon demonstrates a good approach to counseling. Try to look past people’s words to their hearts.

Proverbs 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Solomon was able to do this – he was able to draw out the truth – b/c he was a man of understanding and wisdom.

This is one more way Solomon looks like Jesus. He did w/ these women what Jesus does w/ us.

Before I explain this, let me briefly share something…

I’m always learning new things as I study God’s Word. Even verses  I consider myself familiar with, the more I study them, the more new things I learn.

But it’s not often that I’m studying and am confronted with something that causes me to see a verse – or verses – completely differently.

A few years ago when I studied Hebrews 4:12 this took place. I previously believed the phrase word of God was referring to Scripture and not the personal or divine Word of God, Jesus Christ, which is what most people believe. As I studied the verse I became convinced that it’s about Jesus.

Whenever we come to God’s Word we need to be aware that some of our beliefs could be wrong. None of us are perfect theologians who have it all figured out.

Sometimes we’ll hear things so many times we’ll accept it as fact when it might not be true…which I think is the case w/ this verse.

So I have one request…

Be open to what I share about this verse and consider whether the commonly held vies is wrong.

Here’s why I think it is…

First, notice verse 13 begins with the word And showing it flows from verse 12, or continues the thought from verse 12,and it uses the words Him and His, b/c the author of Hebrews is talking about a Person…versus Scripture itself.

Second, the context – the verses before and after – are about Jesus:

The previous verses are about the greater rest we can have in Christ.Then verse 14 begins with the words 14 Since then we have a great high priest…showing he had been talking about this great high priest in verses 12 and 13…versus Scripture.

Third, the end of verse 13 says naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

This is about us being judged, and we are judged AGAINST scripture, but we aren’t judged BY scripture.

Scripture is the standard by which we’re judged, but we don’t stand before Scripture somedayIt’s not Scripture sitting on the Judgment Seat of Christ or on the Great White Throne.

Instead, everyone is judged by Christ…

John 5:22 the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.

The reason we might struggle w/ this referring to Jesus is we generally think of John 1:1 as the place presenting Jesus as the Word of God…

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

But Hebrews also begins by presenting Jesus as the Word of God…

Hebrews 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Instead of saying spoken to us THROUGH His Son – as though Jesus is the Messenger – it says BY HIS SON, as though Jesus is the message, or the Word of God.

Also, just to let you know there are many commentators that see this referring to Jesus:

John Owen said, “I judge therefore that it is the Person of Christ who is here spoken of. The attributes [in verse 12] properly belong to [Him], and cannot directly be ascribed to [Scripture].”The Moody Bible Commentary says, “This fits the context…as Jesus, the Word, is living, active, sharp, piercing and thus will judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”Lenski said, “The idea that this refers to the Son, the personal Word, as it does in John 1:1 is advocated by some of the Greek and a number of Latin fathers.”Ellicott said, “Outside the writings of [John’s Gospel where the Word of God is a title for Jesus] there is no passage in the New Testament in which the word of God is as clearly invested with personal attributes as here [in Hebrews].”

In other words, there are no places in Scripture that discuss Scripture doing what these verses say. For example…

The end of verse 12 says the Word of God [discerns] the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Who or what does this?

In Revelation 2:23 Jesus said, “I am he who searches mind and heart.”

He does what the verse says.

John 2:24 Jesus…KNEW ALL PEOPLE 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for HE HIMSELF KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.

Jesus looks deeply into all of us to see our hearts.

This is exactly what Solomon did with the two harlots.

Now speaking of the harlots, let me get you to think of something…

I doubt this was the first instance of Solomon using the wisdom God gave him. But we don’t know what other feats of wisdom may have preceded or followed this one. We simply know this is the display of Solomon’s wisdom God wanted to highlight for some reason, which makes it important.

The part that’s surprising – or perhaps even shocking – is that it’s an account involving two harlots.

In 1 Kings 3:12 God said to Solomon none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

Since Solomon is the greatest king in the world – there hadn’t been anyone like him, and there wouldn’t be anyone like him – when two prostitutes approached him he could have told someone below him to settle the issue. In other words, this looked like it’s beneath him.

This shows that Solomon made himself available to everyone, regardless of their status in life. And this is another way Solomon looked like Jesus.

And this brings us to lesson three…

Lesson three: anyone can approach Jesus’ throne.

My suspicion is if this was an account of two wealthy, or powerful, or famous, people approaching Solomon it would communicate something unfortunate: that only certain people can approach the king.

Instead, Solomon looks very much like Jesus in that anyone could approach Him…

Luke 15:1 The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

If people don’t draw near to Christ, it’s not b/c the Son wouldn’t let them approach.

When these women approached Solomon he was able to demonstrate his wisdom.

Jesus is greater than Solomon, so look a few verses later in Hebrews 4:16 to see what we receive when we approach Him …

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

When we approach Jesus we are able to receive two things…

We receive mercy.We find grace.

The way this is worded is very fitting…

Frist, since we’re sinners, mercy is what we need to receive.

Mercy means not receiving the punishment we deserve.Considering all the sins we’ve committed and the punishment we deserve as a result, there’s nothing we could ever need to receive more than mercy!

Second, it says we find grace.

Grace is unmerited favor…Grace is receiving kindness we haven’t earned.

This is why it’s worded so perfectly: since we can’t earn grace all we can do is find it!

Jesus said, referring to himself…

Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Harlots were able to approach Solomon when they needed help; they were able to go to Solomon during their time of need.

Since Jesus is greater than Solomon, how much more confident should we be going to Christ and how much more should we expect to receive from Him.

Christian Marriage Conference Q & A - Northwest Marriage Conference Speakers' Counsel and Advice

This is the Christian marriage conference Q & A (questions and answers) from the 2nd annual Northwest Marriage Conference. The conference is meant to refocus, renew, and restore marriages so they can be biblical and Christ centered.

The NW Marriage Conference is designed to provide couples with tools and information needed to Have a Christlike marriage. This video is of the concluding Christian marriage conference Q & A.Receive a FREE copy of Pastor Scott LaPierre’s book,  Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages .View all Pastor Scott’s books on my Amazon author page.Visit Scott LaPierre’s speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.Christian Marriage Conference Q & A SpeakersAl Ray with Marriage TeamGil and Brenda Stuart with Restored and RemarriedScott and Katie LaPierreMike and Laurie Sheffield from Agape MarriageNorthwest Marriage Conference Description

Couples in all stages of their marriage will have the opportunity to learn tools to help navigate the struggles of marriage and improve their relationships at the NW Marriage Conference.

According to Annette Dexter, event coordinator for the marriage conference, after experiences in her own marriage, she felt called to reach out to Paul Van Sickle, operations and community impact director for WAY-FM, to see if organizing the marriage conference would be possible.

Dexter said that when she proposed the idea to Van Sickle about a year ago, the radio station had been looking for ways to host more events locally. In her own marriage, Dexter said that there had been many ups and downs, and that each marriage has its own problems, struggles and difficulties. Yet Dexter said that she had “found God’s grace and love and forgiveness. And the lessons that we’ve learned are not lessons that are just for us.”

The idea behind the NW Marriage Conference, Dexter said, is to provide information and resources “to get people the tools that they need to thrive in their marriages.”

Van Sickle said that the conference will have information and sessions for marriages that may be on the verge of collapse to provide hope and tools to improve the relationship. He also said that for couples whose marriages are going well, the conference will help them enhance their relationship and be prepared with methods of addressing hardship when the marriage does struggle.

The event is designed to be a day to “refocus, renew and restore marriages,” Van Sickle said.

At the conference, attendees will hear from several keynote speakers, as well as have the opportunity to attend two breakout sessions from a selection of six speakers and topics.

The keynote speakers include Mike and Laurie Sheffield from Agape Marriage, who focus on forming Christ-centered marriage relationships. Pastor and author Scott LaPierre of Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, will discuss biblical marriage and how to reflect a Godly love in marriage. Dr. Steve Stephens, a licensed psychologist and author, will round out the keynote speakers on marriage.

Each of the keynote speakers will also present breakout sessions during the day ranging from such topics as communications, parenting and being a better spouse. Event sponsor Thrivent Financial will host a session about marriage and money, and Marriage Team will host a session about conflict resolution in marriage. Finally, the organization Restored and Remarried will provide a session focusing on successful marriage after a divorce.

Dexter noted that the goal of the conference is to offer something for everyone who attends, regardless of their stage in life or marriage condition. Additionally, many of the presenters offer their own seminars and classes, and will feature booths at the event. Thus, Dexter said that there is opportunity for following up on classes and information after the event is over.

According to Dexter, tools to help marriages through hard times are not always easy to find, or are simply not sought until a marriage is in trouble. Van Sickle agreed, and said that so often a focus is placed on premarital counseling but not on help after marriage. The conference is designed to provide a “safe setting” to learn and get help in marriage, Van Sickle said.

The idea for the NW Marriage Conference first formed in February of 2017, Van Sickle said, and was launched last November. He said that the goal is to make the conference an annual event.

Dexter said that the event is open to all, but is open about the fact that “at the heart of it all, Christ is at the center of everything we do.” She hopes that the conference will “arm married couples in the Pacific Northwest with the tools they need to fight for their marriage at all costs.

Van Sickle explained that “people are going to walk away with the ability to understand themselves better, their spouse better, and the tools they need to reconcile both of those things to then move their relationship forward in a positive direction.”

Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) - Why Is Wisdom So Important?

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” are the wise father’s words to his son in Proverbs 4:7. As it’s written in some other translations, “The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom.” This verse shows, maybe more than anyplace else in the bible, how important it is to get wisdom. But why is that so important? In the sermon Pastor Scott looks at King Solomon as an example of someone who pursued wisdom above all else. When given one of the greatest offers ever made, Solomon chose wisdom above all else, including honor, fame, riches, and the death of his enemies. Let’s learn what wisdom is, how to obtain, and why we should pursue it so diligently.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,” (Proverbs 4:7). This shows how important wisdom is, but why is it so important?Receive a FREE copy of Pastor Scott LaPierre’s book,  Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages .View all Pastor Scott’s books on my Amazon author page.Visit Scott LaPierre’s speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Family Worship Guide for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Sermon Notes for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get WisdomLesson 1: wisdom is discerning what to do.Lesson 2: wisdom is associated with listening.Lesson 3: wisdom is available to the humble.Lesson 4: wisdom is available for serving.Lesson 5: wisdom leads to other blessings.Sermon Lessons for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Lesson 1: Wisdom is discerning ________ ____ ____ (1 Kings 3:9-12). Lesson 2: Wisdom is associated with ___________________ (1 Kings 3:9; Proverbs 1:5, 10:8, 19, 13:3, 17:27-28, 19:20; James 1:19). Lesson 3: Wisdom is available to ______ __________ (1 Kings 3:7). Lesson 4: Wisdom is available for ______________ (James 1:5 cf. James 4:3; 1 Kings 3:7-9). Lesson 5: Wisdom leads to ___________ __________________ (Matthew 6:33; 1 Kings 3:13; Proverbs 3:1-9). Family Worship Guide for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom Day 1: Read 1 Kings 3:5-9, Proverbs 1:5, 10:8, 19, 13:3, 17:27-28, 19:20, and James 1:19, and discuss: What would you say if God made you the same offer he made Solomon? God gave Solomon wisdom and knowledge. What are the differences between them? Why are wisdom and discernment almost synonymous? What does wisdom allow us to discern? Look at verses nine and eleven for the answer. Day 2: Read James 1:5, James 4:3, and 1 Kings 3:7-9, and discuss: Why is wisdom associated with listening? Or in other words, why do wise people listen so well? Why is talking too much a sign of foolishness? Share about a time you talked too much, and the way you should have listened better. What is needed to listen better? Day 3: Read Matthew 6:33; 1 Kings 3:13; Proverbs 3:1-9, and discuss: Why is humility needed to obtain wisdom? Why did Solomon ask for wisdom, and what application does this have for us? What is the relationship between 1 Kings 3:13 and Matthew 6:33? What does it mean that that proverbs are generalities versus guarantees? How can it cause problems to misunderstand this?Sermon Notes for Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom

The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Wisdom Is the Principal Thing Therefore Get Wisdom…”

Please open your Bibles to 1 Kings 3.

Let me begin by reminding you of something I’ve shared w/ you before that’s worth repeating…

The Old Testament gives us examples:

Romans 15:4 Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction1 Corinthians 10:6 These things [in the OT] took place as examples for us…11 These things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction.

You’ve heard this before, right?