First Friday in Phoenix, AZ

My experience at First Friday. I started out by reading 1 Timothy 1 with the text as follows:

Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

Warnings against False Teachings
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Dont let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations,[a] which dont help people live a life of faith in God.[b]
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they dont know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders,[c] liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.

Pauls Gratitude for Gods Mercy
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

Timothys Responsibility
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lords battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

I read part of Romans 3 and 4. Romans 4: 1-7

The Faith of Abraham
Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not Gods way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.[k]
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

7 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• First
• Friday
• Phoenix
• AZ
• Public
• Scripture
• Reading
• April
• 2009

[Ev3rChAnGiNg19]

freedom of religion choice must kill you

[G0ThPaNDa]

fuck you bible thumper

[kewzee]

trying to convert the heathens at first friday eh? try the drunk old man behind ya...looks like he needs the good word

[mahmymy]

oh jesus christ get to the point all right.

[SamanthaDumbBlonde]

A Men

[ninjajerk]

1:18 hahahahahaha

[poncho19000]

aunque paresca ridiculo en phoenix la gente necesita de la palabra de dios mi mejor amigo es dios.. my best friend is god

[TwatDidYouSay]

More like HILARIOUS!

Bible thumpers annoy the SHIT out of me.

[DDandSAB]

omg me and my friend were there!! but why was she reading the bible...

[jscornerstone]

1:18....immature.