Fear and evil seem to go together it seems. Here’s Solomon’s take on it.
Proverbs 28:
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.
3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
7 The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor, but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 If one is burdened with the blood of another, he will be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.
18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
19 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favour than he who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is a companion to a man who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Things to think about…
1. May the church not flee from the gospel, but as the righteous in Christ be bold as a lion, Prov 28:1. When Christians shrink back from the only message that can save, our society loses its way.
2. Have a look at Prov 28:2. When we have a large government this is not a blessing – too many rulers. We know some nations have trouble because there are many tribal groups causing division. Such is the case in the church where there are many leaders with no clear leader or direction. A wise leader will promote truth, unity, and grace in the church.
3. Prov 28 speaks a lot about rulers and integrity. The church should lead the community and the nation morally. We have seen the Catholic Church and leaders within Christianity come under condemnation in Australia because of moral failure. Pray for Christ’s church to take the mantle to lead society to the moral and spiritual high ground.
4. Another reminder not to do things by yourself – get the opinion of some wise people before you make a move Prov 28:26.
5. Prosperity is not evil when the one prospering is honouring the Lord with the truth and a faithful witness. We find the reap/sow law right throughout the scriptures. Pray that the righteous arise and that the wicked may flee, Prov 28:28.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “a healthy heart and mind” – Reading Phil 4:1-9
1. If you could describe what would make you perfectly content in this life, what would it be?
2. Euodia and Syntyche were having a disagreement. Paul asks that they “agree in the Lord”. What does this mean do you think? Discuss how this should apply in every church.
3. Read vs 8 and 9 again. How do you, or would you apply these things into your life? What are the distractions or limitations to making it happen?
4. The promise when we do is that the God of peace will be with us. Sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action, reap a habit, sow a habit, reap a character, sow a character, reap a destiny.
Prayer Points
1. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
2. Doug and Joanne Horne as they prepare for the Celebration of Life service for Doug’s father.
3. Ministry leaders within the church.
4. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Quite a few young people and visitors on Sunday
2. Give thanks for Sam and Krystal Beatty – a wedding that honoured Christ, was a real joy to be part of.
3. Many returning back to full health.
4. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Beatty boys and Rosie Dunn looking after Kidz at Church, Maddie doing the words and maintaining her cool with the pastor’s dodgy slides. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
