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Meekness

---- Text: James 4:1-10

I. One of the fruit of the Spirit is meekness - Galatians 5:22-23

A. Few view meekness as a desirable trait

1. Instead, people take assertiveness training

2. We are conditioned to be aggressive, to watch out for our own interests.

B. Rudeness is in, consideration for others seems to be out of fashion

C. Yet we must humble ourselves - Matthew 18:4

II. What is meekness?

A. Meekness is defined as gentleness

1. Yet, it is usually viewed in a negative manner

2. “Humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness”

3. “Compliant: evidencing little spirit or courage; overly submissive or compliant”

B. Vines: “The meaning of prautes is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness, commonly used, suggest weakness and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent, whereas prautes does nothing of the the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than ‘meekness’; ‘gentleness’ has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of mind and heart, and as ‘gentleness’ is appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better than that used in both English Versions. ... Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.”

C. It is related to humility, but it is not the same thing.

1. To be meek, a person must be unconcerned about self . They must have a lack of self-pride

2. This is why the poor and the oppressed are often called meek

a. Isaiah 11:4 - poor related to meek (or afflicted or humble)

b. Proverbs 16:19 - Better to be poor and humble

c. There is no cause for pride in their current position

D. A trait of a Christian - Titus 3:1-2

1. Depending on the translation, it is rendered “gentleness,” “humility,” or “consideration.”

2. How do we show meekness toward all men?

III. Jesus as our example

A. Matthew 11:29-30 - Jesus describes himself as meek and lowly in heart

B. Before his accusers, he was silent - Isaiah 53:7

1. He took his punishment quietly

2. I Peter 2:23 - He did not revile or threaten

C. Jesus’ meekness did not come from cowardliness or a lack of strength; his meekness was due to confidence in the Father’s power.

1. Matthew 26:50-54 - Jesus had but to ask and he could have stopped the violence about to be done to him.

2. But Jesus wasn’t concern about himself, but fulfilling what needed to be done - Philippians 2:4-8

IV. Meek is not weak

A. Meek men are gracious, congenial, easy to get along with, a gentle disposition.

B. Their strength comes from compassion and loving spirit

C. Example: Moses - Numbers 12:3

1. Yet, this man was the leader of the Israelites

2. He stood up to Pharaoh, the leader of the greatest country of the time.

3. He talked with God when all the Israelites trembled at God’s voice.

D. Meekness is a quality of wisdom - James 3:13

1. Too often our educated are filled with pride, overbearing, and condescending in dealing with the less educated.

2. True wisdom doesn’t have to prove their position is superior.

3. True wisdom comes from God, so the wise should simply be confident that the Lord is always right; such leads to a calm, peaceable demeanor - Philippians 1:27-28

V. Why be meek?

A. Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek meekness (most translate it as “humility”).

B. Needed to teach others - II Timothy 2:24-26

1. I Peter 3:15-16 - Defend in meekness and fear

2. Christianity is not spread by force. It is made attractive by gentle confidence.

C. Needed to learn - James 1:21

1. Before we can teach, we must learn

2. We cannot learn with a prideful attitude.

3. Our confidence in God leads to a willingness to listen and apply His teachings.

D. Unity, oneness of spirit, comes from meekness - Ephesians 4:1-3

1. Pride leads to many individuals going their separate ways

2. When a person is not concerned with their own agenda, but confidently follows God’s will, then unity springs forth.

E. A quality needed to forgive others - Colossians 3:12-13

1. Pride interferes with forgiveness because the prideful is focused on their injuries

2. The meek is not concerned about himself, but in improving the lives of others - Galatians 6:1

F. It is valuable - I Peter 3:3-4 - very precious in God’s sight

VI. The impact of meekness

A. It is the soil from which faith springs

1. A self-righteous, haughty, egotistical person has no need of God

2. Until we see our frailty and our inability to save ourselves we will not come to God to learn

B. To the meek, God gladly gives Himself

1. Psalm 34:17-19 - God saves the contrite

2. James 4:6-10 - Humble yourself in the sight of God and he will lift you up

C. The meek are the ones who change the world

1. Matthew 5:5 - the meek inherit the world. After this world dies, the meek inherit the world’s estate.

2. The meek leave an indelible mark on those they meet

a. Not by force, but by their confidence in God – the force of their conviction.

b. It is so different from what men expect, that it causes people to take notice and to say “they have something that I want to have.”

VII. I Timothy 6:11-12

A. Compliance and non-assertiveness does not describe God’s idea of meekness and gentleness.

B. It would be odd to say, “be gentle” and follow it immediately with “fight the good fight”

C. People might oppose us, but they will admire the meek for their quiet confidence in the Truth.

God of Miracles

Hay naku talaga nga nag-imbag ti Apo. I really thank God for protecting us on our trip going home here in La Trinidad (from Barlig) last May 6, 2009. Bale nagrubwat kami ti mga 10am from Lias, Barlig, Mt. Province(my wife's hometown) ket napigsa tudo from Bontoc enggana ti Atok. Isunga inayad ti panag-drive ni bro Mark Cael (husband of my wife's sister) ngamin nagalis ken saan nga unay makita ti kalsada gapu ta foggy. Idi nakadanun kami ti banda Atok ti mga 5pm ket usto nga madanun mi ti straight curve nga sang-at ket saan nga napupuutan, ada ti nagpaspas nga starex nga kasabat mi, ket siguro gapu ta napaspas bassit suna(Starex-gray color) agpataray, naigalis ket binangga na ti drivers side dyay nagluluganan mi nga Suzuki Vitara(red color).

Naimbag launay ti Apo ta awan ti nadisgrasya ken dakami ken ti side ti nakadungpar, nu man pay talaga nga nadale dyay nagluluganan mi.

Idyay nga pasamak ket talaga nga dakkel ti inpa-adal ti Apo kanyak. Uray gayam napinget tayo nga agserserbi ti Apo ngem nu kuna ti apo nga ti pakatayan tayo ket gapu aksidente ket talaga lata nga mapasamak. Isu nga masapul nga nakasagana tayo nga kanayun ta saan tayo nga kontrolado ti pasamak ti biag tayo. Ta nu mapugsat man ti anges tayo ket nakasigurado tayo nga mapan dyay pagaryan ti Apo.

To God be all the Glory!

by: Bro. Malbert

a video clip of the accident

Fireproof's 'Love Dare' Hits #1 on NYT Bestsellers List

The Love Dare, the book that is featured in the movie Fireproof, has climbed to number one on the New York Times Paperback Advice Bestsellers. The book, written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough, is a 40-day journey devised to help strengthen marriages.

In the film, the main character’s father challenges him to try to save his failing marriage by taking “The Love Dare,” spending 40 days loving his wife in very specific ways listed in the book. The effects are so powerful, that moviegoers have been buying the book in record numbers.

“To see Fireproof is to want the book, The Love Dare,” said John Thompson, marketing vice president for B&H Publishing Group. “At the same time, for readers, this powerful little book stands alone in opening new understanding—and new relationships.”

Couple who are putting the principles into practice in their own marriages can now write about their experiences in an online journal at www.ShareTheLoveDare.com.

Netanyahu Faces Pressure to OK Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Capitol Hill Tuesday, where he will likely to face questions about his resistance to a Palestinian state.

On Monday, he met with President Barack Obama for more than two hours.

The two leaders focused on Mideast peace talks, Iran' s nuclear program and the U.S. - Israeli relationship. The meeting between the two leaders went longer than expected. The Iranian issue dominated their talks.

The Israeli prime minister was pleased to hear of Obama's timeline for diplomatic progress.

"By the end of the year, I think we should have some census as to whether these discussions are starting to yield some benefits," Obama said.

Differences

But there were differences when it came to achieving peace between the Israelis and the Palestianians. Obama has called for a two-state solution.

"I believe it is in the interest not only of the Palestinians, but also the Israelis and the United States and the international community to achieve a two state solution," Obama explained.

"I think the terminology will take care of itself if we have the substantive understanding," Netanyahu told reporters. "The Palestinians will have to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. It will have to also enable Israel to have the means to defend itself."

Expansion of Settlements

There was also disagreement over the expansion of Israeli settlements in Judea and Samaria, the biblical heartland of Israel.

"Settlements have to be stopped in order for us to move forward," Obama said. "That's a difficult issue I recognize that, but an important one it has to be addressed."

Netanyahu is also expected push for aid to Israel when he visits Congress Tuesday.

FIREPROOF - Amazing Stories

Click Here for more Amazing Stories!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

DVD Release Party

It’s the night before the DVD release of the No. 1 independent film of the year. The movie’s co-writer/producer has gathered with one of the executive producers, the lead actress, and three other members of the ensemble cast.

But if you’re looking for red carpets, camera crews from “Access Entertainment,” or famous Hollywood landmarks, you’ll be looking for a long time. After all, we’re talking about FIREPROOF here!

To celebrate the release of the movie on DVD, a team from Sherwood traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to meet and interact with nearly 500 fans at a great Christian store. For more than two hours, the team talked with and signed DVDs and books for their newfound friends.

Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, and Jason McLeod meet FIREPROOF fans

“This is a great event,” said Stephen Kendrick, who was joined by Jim McBride, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel, Harris Malcom, and Jason McLeod at Christian Supply. As he welcomed the crowd from the stage, he thanked store owner Chuck Wallington and the Christian Supply staff for hosting the event.

“We aren’t celebrities,” Stephen added. “We came to God with our five loaves and two fish … and God still uses those!”

Stephen Kendrick addresses the crowd at Christian Supply

People began arriving at the store at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 o’clock event. After hearing from the cast, they were able to meet the FIREPROOF team and have pictures taken with them.

Before that, Erin told the crowd how she had given up her job as an actress at Disney to make FIREPROOF … only to be offered her dream job there after filming concluded. “Trust the Lord with your desires and your goals,” she said. “He gave you your passions, desires, and abilities to serve Him.”

Ken told the crowd, “It’s a blessing to be here. God has done some awesome things in my marriage through FIREPROOF.” Harris, like Ken, said he brought no acting experience to his role as Caleb’s father. However, “I did have 30 years experience as a dad. We are thankful for the support of people like you that bought out show times and took your friends to see FIREPROOF.”

Ken, Jason, and Harris Malcom talk with new friends

Jason, who played Eric Harmon in FIREPROOF talked about his first film role: Brock Kelly in Facing the Giants. “Little did I know that God would use that opportunity to change my life. If God can use someone like me, He’ll use anyone.”

It’s a message that FIREPROOF fans in Spartanburg—and around the country—hear loud and clear!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

South Africa Checking In

Stories. Since FIREPROOF opened in theaters last September, we have heard incredible stories from people all across the country whose lives and marriages have been impacted by this movie.

Now, with the DVD being available, we are starting to hear stories from all around the world. Stories like this one from Hanti:

“I’m from a small town, Balfour in South Africa, and my husband and I couldn’t wait for the DVD. After watching it, we decided that it will be great to go through the movie and study guide with our small group at church. Today at work, one of the ladies suddenly spoke to me about the bad state of her marriage (and I hadn’t even told her about the movie yet) and I immediately invited her to join us in our small group. Even my boss now asked where I got the movie from, and where he could buy The Love Dare. I believe that this movie is going to reach thousands of people in South Africa.”

If you have friends in a country outside of the United States, or if you yourself live elsewhere, you can find out more about the international release of FIREPROOF on the DVD website.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Interview with Kirk

You may have seen or heard an interview with castmembers of FIREPROOF in the previous couple of days. The team was busy helping get the word out about the DVD release. Let us know if you saw or read an interview and where you caught it.

Kirk Cameron, who played Caleb Holt, was interviewed on the Moviefone website. Among the things he said was:

“I think the best part about the movie was just the responses from people after seeing it. It wasn’t just, ‘Hey that was cool, that was fun,’ or you know, ‘Good story.’ People were saying things like: ‘You don’t understand. That was exactly like watching my own marriage up on the big screen. That’s what's going on in my house.’ Or, you know: ‘We went out and got The Love Dare and my husband and I have canceled our divorce hearing. We’ ve been married for 30 years, and our marriage is finally getting back on track because of this movie.’ So marriages have been rescued from divorce because of the movie and the book The Love Dare. So that’s the best part.”

You can read the whole interview here.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

January 27 is Here!

The release date for the FIREPROOF DVD has officially arrived! In celebration, we should all take a long lunch break and go to our favorite Christian store to get the Special Collector’s Edition.

On it, you will find the action-packed love story that touched the hearts of more than 4 million moviegoers. You will also find scads of great bonus features: we’re talking Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers, we’re talking the Making of FIREPROOF TV Special, we’re talking FIREGOOFS (outtakes), we’re talking Rescued Scenes, we’re talking the full version of the Wayne on Wayne Mockumentary, we’re talking Firehouse Pranks.

We know what you’re thinking: it can’t get any better than that. But you’d be wrong! That’s right ... the Special Collector’s Edition provides you with bonus Bonus Features! These inclde the FIREPROOF Video Blog, the music video for Casting Crowns’ Slow Fade, and Wayne’s Firehouse Commentary—a great opportunity to see the heart behind the humor of youth pastor Stephen Dervan who plays Wayne Floyd.

So, there you have it. FIREPROOF is available today! Let’s sync up our watches and head over to the store at noon! See you then.

Monday, January 26, 2009

700 Club on Tuesday

Word just into the FIREPROOF Blog world headquarters: our favorite movie will be highlighted tomorrow on The 700 Club. Seen on ABC Family network at 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. (EST), and TBN at 3 p.m. (EST), The 700 Club is also shown on various television channels across the country.

As they like to say in the business: check your local listings ... and then tune in on DVD release day to see FIREPROOF on The 700 Club!
The 700 Club reporting from Albany, Georgia!

Big Celebration!

As the countdown to the release of FIREPROOF nears its exciting zenith (available tomorrow at your favorite store!), you can celebrate tonight with some of the people you know from the movie! Of course, it helps if you are near Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Christian Supply, the largest family-owned Christian store in the country, is hosting a special DVD release party tonight, beginning at 7 p.m. Among the folks from Sherwood expected at the special gathering: Erin Bethea (Catherine), Ken Bevel (Michael), Harris Malcom (Caleb’s Dad), Jason McLeod (Eric), and producer Stephen Kendrick.

At the event, you will be able to purchase the Special Collector’s Edition of the DVD, the new Legacy Edition of The Love Dare, and meet the cast members. You can find directions here ... we hope to see you tonight!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Contests

With FIREPROOF coming to stores on Tuesday, we have heard about sites where you can register to win the DVD!

Our friends over at Christian Music Review are running a contest through Valentine’s Day for your chance to win both the FIREPROOF Special Collector’s Edition DVD and The Love Dare. Jay at CMR.com has been helping spread the word about FIREPROOF since our early screenings last summer, so be sure to check out the site and the contest.

You have until January 27 to enter the Christianity Today Movies contest for your chance for a DVD ... or the big prize: the DVD, The Love Dare, a FIREPROOF poster, and a tee-shirt from Kerusso.

Know of another contest? Fill us in ...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Read All About It

Today’s Wall Street Journal has a story about the Christian film industry, with a strong focus on FIREPROOF. This is how their story begins:

“Through a purely Hollywood lens, ‘Fireproof’ is the most unlikely film success since ‘Rocky.’ It was written by novice screenwriters, cast nearly entirely with amateurs, staffed largely by volunteers, and shot almost all on location. It wrapped for a total outlay of only $500,000. But that’s where God provides a different prism.”

Take a look at the entire story, then let us know what you think ... not only about the story, but also about what you look for in a movie.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

One Week from Today!

FIREPROOF arrives in stores next Tuesday, January 27.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough (and we happen to think it is), we have some more good news: we have relaunched FireprooftheMovie.com for the DVD release. You will find some fun new elements, including Q&A with some of the cast members.

In addition, you can get a first look at FIREPROOF in 60, a fun DVD bonus feature that you have to see to believe! You will also still be able to access the full movie site, look for great resources, and find a link to FireproofMyMarriage.com.

Head over there, take a look around, and let us know what you think.

And by the way, did we mention: FIREPROOF, next Tuesday!

Friday, January 16, 2009

A FIRERPROOF Fanatic!

As we get within a week-and-a-half of the DVD release of FIREPROOF, we thought we would share the story that Clarke posted on the website:

I pre-bought the FIREPROOF DVD back in October during the first week it went on pre-sale at Family Christian Stores. I have seen this movie 10 times in the theater. Yes, 10 times! I love this movie! I got word through a co-worker that FIREPROOF was playing at the $2.50 movie theater now, here in my area. So I am going to see it again tomorrow night, for the 11th time! This movie will change your life forver! Thanks goes to the Kendrick brothers for making such an awesome and POWERFUL movie! Well done!

That, I believe, is a fan!

No. 1 Indie Film of 2008!

You read the headline correctly: FIREPROOF indeed was the top independent film release of 2008. The website Defamer found this to be mind-boggling:

“The year-end tally features FIREPROOF ... atop an impressive pile of awards hopefuls including Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Rachel Getting Married and even The Visitor, whose renown as this year’s preeminent indie sensation nevertheless was good for only $9.4 million since opening last April. FIREPROOF accrued more than three times as much since the end of September, never expanding beyond 905 screens.”

Wasn’t there a movie a couple of years back that wondered what is impossible with God? The answer is nothing!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Good News on TV

Has it been a while since you have seen any good news on TV? Well, that can change this weekend. Christian World News, a weekly newscast from CBN News, will be highlighting the success of FIREPROOF and the story of a church that makes movies when it airs this weekend.

You can see the program on TBN this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). In addition, Christian World News can be seen on a number of other networks and stations. Find out more about the show and where it can be seen.

Then be sure to tune for a little good news!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Two Weeks and Counting!

FIREPROOF arrives in stores two weeks from today, Tuesday, January 27. Needless-to-say, we can’t wait! ... Of course, we’ll have to, but in preparation, we thought we’d give you a glimpse of the bonus features you will find on the FIREPROOF DVD.

• Making of FIREPROOF: TV Special
• Filming a Movie in 30 Days: FIREPROOF Video Blog (exclusive)
• Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers
• Spanish and Portuguese Language Options
• Subtitles in Portuguese, Russian, Korean, and Arabic (exclusive); as well as English, Chinese, French, and Spanish
• Rescued Scenes (scenes deleted from the final version of the film)
  
• Firegoofs (outtakes)
  
• Firehouse Pranks (fun on the set)
  
• Casting Crowns Music Video for “Slow Fade” (exclusive)
• Wayne’s Firehouse Commentary (exclusive)
• Fun with Mr. Rudolph (exclusive)
• Ministry Resources
• And much, much more!
  

The exclusive features are only on the Special Collector’s Edition version, which is available at Christian stores ... beginning in two weeks!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Checking in with Caleb's Dad

With the FIREPROOF DVD arriving in stores on January 27 (two weeks from tomorrow!), we have been checking in with some of the actors that you have gotten to know via the movie.

Harris Malcom plays John Holt, father of Caleb. His wife Phyllis played Caleb’s mom Cheryl in the movie! The couple had a gratifying experience following a recent church service.
“We were worshiping at a church one evening and the pastor recognized us as being present and our parts in the movie. This man came and said, ‘Thank you, my wife and I are back in church because of FIREPROOF.’”

Harris, a long-time pastor, serves churches across southwest Georgia in his role as a Ministry Resource Consultant for the Baptist Convention of the state of Georgia.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Wayne on Wayne on GodTube

When the FIREPROOF Special Collector’s Edition DVD arrives in Christian stores on January 27, it will have some great bonus features (we’ll fill you in on those in the coming days).One feature that’s sure to be a hit is the Wayne on Wayne Mockumentary. That’s right: everyone’s favorite hot-sauce drinking firefighter, Wayne Floyd, talks about his favorite topic: himself! Our friends over at GodTube have a sneak peek at portions of the interview with Wayne.

Take a look and let us know what you think ... and be sure to share the video with your friends!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Telling Your Story

Before FIREPROOF opened in theaters last September, we added a page to FireprooftheMovie.com where you could upload your stories about how the film impacted you.

For the next week, you will also have the opportunity to upload the audio version of your story in an mp3 file for the opportunity to share with radio listeners about how FIREPROOF or The Love Dare have made a difference in your marriage.

Radio networks and local stations around the country are hosting Fireproof My Marriage promotions between the DVD release date of January 27 and Valentine’s Day on February 14. Many of these stations are looking for personal accounts of the impact of the film on moviegoers.

If you can tell your story in 90 seconds or less, please be sure to upload it here. You may just find yourself on the radio talking about FIREPROOF!

Bible Society in visit to China

More than a dozen Bible Society donors travelled to China last week to see first hand how the Chinese Bible is being printed and distributed in the country that boasts one of the world’s fastest growing Christian populations.

The 17 supporters, accompanied by three Bible Society staff, departed from Sydney, Australia, last Thursday for the two-week trip that includes visits to local churches, seminaries and local Bible study groups within rural congregations. Participants will help with the distribution of 10,000 Bibles into Nanjing, Xian, Zhengzhou and Shanghai, China.

“China is experiencing a great freedom of worship,” said Bible Society CEO, Daniel Willis. “With this wonderful change the church is spreading rapidly with the number of Christians in China now estimated to be over 100 million.”

The Bible Society works with Amity Printing Company, China’s only state-approved Christian publisher, to provide Bibles to the Chinese people. Chinese Christians can only legally obtain Bibles printed by Amity and distributed by state-registered churches.

In communist China, Christians are not allowed complete freedom of worship in the sense that they can only legally worship in churches belonging to the government-sanctioned Protestant body, the China Christian Council/Three Self Patriotic Movement (CCC/TSPM), or its Catholic counterpart.

Underground Christians, or those belonging to churches not registered with the government, are frequently harassed, imprisoned and even tortured. The number of underground protestant Christians is estimated to be as high as 100 million.

Despite its shortcomings, China often boasts about its respect for religious freedom – which has improved significantly in the past decade – while denying or playing down violations.

China has been especially proud of its Amity Printing Company, which last year became the world’s largest Bible printing facility after expanding its facility. Amity says that its new facility can print up to 12 million Bibles a year, up from six million the previous year.

“Each Chinese Christian would like to experience the joy, peace and inspiration that owning their own Bible brings – but unfortunately for many, obtaining a Bible is difficult and often out of their reach financially,” said Bible Society CEO Willis.

“Our goal is to break down the barriers of distance and isolation and make Bibles available to our Chinese brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said. “Those on the tour will be able to share in the joy of a fellow Christian receiving a copy of God’s Word for the first time.”

Bible Society, with the approval of the Chinese Government, has been printing and distributing Bibles through Amity Press since 1987. During that period, more than 40 million Bibles have been printed and distributed within China.

The China Bible distribution tour will end on April 30, with the Bible Society planning another similar trip in October.